Cherish the Call

Is Condemnation Tagging Along in Your Walk With the Spirit?

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 12:10:00 +0000

Condemnation. It is something we gave up when we began this walk in the Spirit. The thing we surrendered in exchange for peace and freedom from sin and guilt.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." -Romans 8:1, KJV

Condemnation. It is something that the Blood-washed mama reaches to pick up again. As though it is a habit so ingrained that years of walking with the Savior cannot keep it from treading on the tender places of your heart.

No? Tell me the last time it whispered in the darkness as you laid your exhausted head on the pillow. Did you reject it? Or did you pause in your Spirit-walk to lament the dishes that didn't get washed, the phone calls that didn't get made, the game that you didn't play with your children, the diet you failed to follow and the Pinterest-depicted homes that look nothing like yours?

Why can we walk in the Spirit and forgive our neighbor but fail so hopelessly to forgive ourselves? Why can we accept the grace that erases the shame of our past but fail to carry that grace into our present? How can we stand redeemed before the Savior but bow in self-deprecation before the woman wearing a dress with single digits on its tag?

Condemnation. It slinks beside us in our Spirit-walk. Always threatening. Always present. Whispers of the Law we gave up for Love, stealing from our peace.

We gave up hatred for self-loathing. We turned our back on lust, yet we desire the approval of our broken sisters more than the approval of our Broken Savior. We surrendered cheating others in order to cheat ourselves of His acceptance.

Because we are accepted.....we are righteous. Not in a painted way where our sin hides behind an imagined cloak. As if the omniscient God can overlook something that broke His heart and the Body of His Son! No, we are accepted because we walk with Him and He lives within us and all is forgiven and our present is saturated with the Presence of One Who writes His Law on our hearts. Because sin is gone and with it condemnation!

Condemnation. It is false. It is Satan's ruse to keep us in the ways of our past even though we walk righteous, clean, pure with the Spirit. He cannot draw our eyes to sin because we have given it up. He can instead draw our eyes to others and our supposed inadequacies.. Is it time we give those up as well?

I came across this verse in my reading this morning:

"For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou (surround) him as with a shield."
- Psalm 5:12, KJV (clarifying word added)

Did you see that word favor? Jesus not only loves you: the righteous, the saved. He is pleased with You! He is not condemning you because He sees your heart. He sees your motive to please Him, and He reciprocates with His smile of approval.

But my favorite part? He takes His favor and surrounds you with it. Surrounds your vulnerable heart because the barbs of disapproval will come. From others. From yourself. From your perceptions, real or imagined, of what others think of you.

Condemnation. When we walk in the Spirit, it cannot touch us. He is pleased with us....not our performance or our position or our Pinterest boards. No, we have His favor.....and we are wrapped in it!

The barbs of "less than" and "not enough"? They bounce off the shield. And we just keep walking, reflecting His smile of approval because all other is deflected by our ever-present shield...our ever-present Savior.

Christmas Giving!

noreply@blogger.com (The LaVans) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:51:00 +0000

Here we are full swing into the Holiday Season. Maybe some of you are "plan ahead geniuses" who started your Christmas shopping right after Christmas was over last year and are all done. However, probably most of us are still in the process of buying the perfect gifts for our friends and loved ones. For most of us, things are probably a little tighter financially this year but we still want something nice to give. Here are a few great gift ideas that won't leave you destitute at the end of the Season... :0)

Once again, I went to the source of all good ideas... Pinterest! There, I found some cute and practical "Do It Yourself" Christmas gifts to share with you!

First, you make (or buy if your not into sewing) a cutesy apron and roll it up and place inside a Mason Jar. Wrap with a pretty bow, include a recipe on the gift tag, and you have a wonderful gift!

Next, is my personal favorite. Nothing quite says "personalized" like a photo. For this gift, you'll need your favorite photo of your family printed on vellum, a glass vase, some mod podge, and a votive candle. For all the instructions visit this site at A Family Affair.

Last, but not least...a candy dish/ votive candle holder. You hand paint it so it has a personal touch. You can do it as pictured, or paint it to coordinate with the decor of the individual. Place candy inside, or a votive candle, and you have a personalized gift!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas with your loved ones!

Joanna LaVan

One Family's Journey in Celebrating Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:00:00 +0000

How should a Christian family celebrate Christmas? Or should they? In our day and age those have come to be million-dollar questions :-) Our journey has been a long one, from which we have learned much, and I would like to share it with you :-)

My husband grew up Amish, they really didn't celebrate Christmas, just took a day off work and ate a big dinner :-) I was raised a Christian home, but it was not always so. My parents were both saved when I was a young child, my mother earlier on, my dad when I was about 10.

By the time I was 12, our Christmas celebration had become Christ-centered :-) We would talk about how the components of a typical American Christmas represented Christ. An evergreen tree for the everlasting life He gave us, white lights for the stars in the sky when He was born, gifts for others to represent the gifts given by the Magi. It was beautiful, but we were still doing just what everyone else was.

When I was in my teens, we briefly considered not celebrating Christmas at all, drawn by the claim that December 25th is actually a pagan holiday, and not the date of His birth. After much prayer, we concluded that it didn't matter when we celebrated, but it would be wrong to NOT celebrate the greatest moment in the history of the world. We don't know when He was born, so why not celebrate it in December? It's just as good as July :-) What matters is not when, but what and how we celebrate.

We hit a new obstacle when we found this passage in Jeremiah 10:2-3:

"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."

Whoa! That sure sounded like the modern American Christmas tree, didn't it? We ditched ours. Instead, we decorated a window with lights, and set up a table under it with a nativity scene, cross, and a treasure chest and two bottles to represent gold, francincense and myrrh. Over the years, we have gotten our hands on the real stuff, and set that out every year with the rest of the display. Later, reading the passage above in context, we found that it is speaking of the construction of a wooden idol, carved ("the work of the hands of the workman") and decorated, not a Christmas tree.

Evergreens have been a symbol of Christ ever since a missionary to Germania challenged their god Thor by chopping down the "thunder oak". They expected him to drop dead, but when the tree fell instead, he used it to show that their god was not real, and then told them of the sacrifice Christ had made for them. When the oak fell the only tree left standing around it was a small fir. Our missionary pointed it out to them as a symbol of Christ, ever-living, and taking the place of Thor and his "thunder oak".

The first to bring a fir tree inside and decorate it for Christmas was actually Martin Luther. He was so struck by the picture of a fir in the woods, with the stars shining behind it, that he brought one inside and loaded it with candles, as a reminder of the light and life brought to a dark and deadened world by the coming of Christ. Wow! Makes me want to have a Christmas tree again :-)

Since we've had our own children, we have started using an advent calendar. Not those junky cardboard things with chocolate Santas every day, but a homemade hanging pocket calendar. We stretch the Christmas story out over the whole month, reading a bit each day, and having activities to go along with each passage. We used to start with the prophesies, and then work our way through to His coming :-)

The last two years we've used Ann Voskamp's version of the Jesse_Tree as a guideline. We had a Jesse Tree ornament swap last year with several other families. We read about someone in the story of Christ, then hang the matching ornament in the window. We start at the bottom, with Adam, working our way through Noah, Rahab, Ruth, Jesse, David, and all the others, and finishing with the crowning glory of His-story, the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. It's a beautiful walk through the Bible, and the children get to see how God used everyone in it to bring about His plan for us :-) Even the littlest ones learn so much!

No matter how or when you celebrate Christmas, Celebrate! Make it a time to glorify Christ! He is the greatest thing that ever happened to this world, dare we ignore His coming? Dare we let the world take over the most precious of holy-days? Make memories, and make them all about Him, all about what He has done, all about the Gift we didn't deserve.

Finally, a Christmas blessing we received ten years ago as newlyweds:

May yours be the joy of the angels,
proclaiming that first Christmas day.
May yours be the faith of the wise men,
as they journeyed to where Jesus lay.
May yours be the awe of the shepherds,
as they followed a voice from above.
May yours be the blessing of Christmas,
and always the gift of His love!
Only by His merciful grace.

-Marion Yoder

Where I Was in October

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 19:23:00 +0000

I know I was a little quiet here on the blog last month. The reason is I was writing a series on my personal blog. I wrote about Blending Work, School and Home for 31 days straight....a new record for me. If you would like to read more about it, a complete list of the 31 posts is here. I would love to have you stop by!

Life Beautiful Magazine Free Issue

noreply@blogger.com (The LaVans) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 17:16:00 +0000

Do you enjoy looking through magazines for decorating ideas, but hate all the added "junk" you have to flip past first? I know I do. So when I found this Christian based magazine that shares decorating, cooking and life tips I was thrilled! The articles they produce cover various subjects such as: Family, Finances, Decorating, Cooking, Media and Faith. If you would like to receive a copy of this magazine, we are happy to announce we can GIVE AWAY one free issue to one of our faithful blog family members! That means, one of YOU! In order to enter to win, just leave a comment on this post. We will draw the winner on Saturday at midnight!

Welcome Fall!

noreply@blogger.com (The LaVans) — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 16:59:00 +0000

My porch seems to be a relatively safe place for decor...

Fall... When I think of this beautiful season, my mind envisions steaming cups of Apple Cider, crackling campfires, hay rides, pumpkins, and scenery bursting with color ... I LOVE fall! I used to decorate pretty extensively in my house for my favorite season. However, since a precious little girl was sent to our Home, I've taken a different approach to my decorating style. Oh I still decorate... but things get placed on a higher level than before. (Although recently I'm discovering that approach may not be working out quite as well as I thought... hmmm... maybe I can just place my decor on top of the fridge?) Oh how much excitement children bring to a home!!

I think I'd rather have her over decorations any day...

So, due to my lack of fall decorations INSIDE my house... my wonderful sister-in-law bailed me out and allowed me to photograph her lovely home for this post. I have noticed that one of the popular items used for indoor fall decor (as well as outside sometimes) is a lantern. It is a wonderful way to add warmth and light to your decorations without having an open flame.

Table centerpieces have also gone by the wayside at my house lately... seems the challenge of climbing the chairs to get onto the table top has been conquered quite well by a certain little lady in our house. Thus, we go to Aunt Elizabeth's house once again for help in this area. She artistically placed various items to create a lovely centerpiece. I particularly love the use of the wooden words. A nice reminder of the truly important things in life.

I believe, that among other things, the way you decorate reflects the stage of life you are in right now. For me right now that means less decorations and more toys and books. However, for you that may mean lovely pieces scattered artfully around your Home. We all are at different stages of life, and we all have different tastes. Wherever you are right now on that scale, enjoy it. I have learned that time passes too quickly, and too often we fail to enjoy the season we are currently in. So if your a Mama right now wishing you could have your "pretties" back out... just wait...that day will come, and you'll miss these days I guarantee it.... For those of you who HAVE your "pretties" out... you don't know what excitement your missing!! :0) But enjoy it...

Happy Fall!!

Joanna LaVan

Pumpkin Project

noreply@blogger.com (SJW) — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 20:57:00 +0000

I absolutely love fall! The scents, the colors, the flavors, the décor, the weather...yup! I love it all! And since I happen to think I'm not the only one who enjoys the season, I thought I'd share with you a quick and easy craft idea. I found this project works great for group gatherings where there are a variety of women with different tastes and levels of creative abilities. These adorable pumpkins can be customized to fit any household! An added plus is that the cost of the project is minimal!

Let's get started with the details:

Step one: Cut a fabric circle about 20-22" in diameter.

Step two: Place a roll of toilet paper in the center of the wrong side of the fabric.

Step three: Surround the TP roll with a goodly amount of pillow stuffing/batting.

Step four: Tuck the edges of the fabric into the center of the TP roll, trying to keep it fairly even all the way around.

Step five: Use a couple of cinnamon sticks to anchor the fabric in place. Hot glue can also be used to keep the pieces firmly anchored.

Step six: Tie some raffia around the cinnamon sticks then decorate to taste with silk fall leaves, berries, etc. to complete the look.

Well, what do you think? We have several around our house!

May your fall be full of wonderful memory-making moments, crunchy walks through the leaves, cups of steaming cider, pumpkins, apples, and most of all, an abundance of thankfulness!

God's faithfulness is worthy of our heartfelt thanks no matter what our situation or circumstances! I heard a speaker recently who stated that, "Praise is being thankful for what God has done. Worship addresses the immutable characteristics of God no matter what is going on in your life."

Let's worship with our whole hearts all throughout this beautiful season!!!

Blessings on all who read this post,

Inviting You to Join Me for October

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 10:20:00 +0000

I would love to have you join me for my first-ever contribution to the 31 Days of Blogging, brainchild of the Nester. I will be posting every day for the month of October on my personal blog. My topic is 31 Days of Blending Work, School and Home. I'd love to have you join me here.

The First Lesson We Homeschooling Moms Need to Learn This Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 01:33:00 +0000

It is one of those mornings. It is the fourth week in, and the routine hasn't quite caught up with me yet. When I glance at the kitchen clock, I see that breakfast should have happened a half hour ago. Baking soda.....baking soda....I scrounge in the back of the pantry scanning for the orange box.

"Mom?"

"Mmm...hm?"

I see my eight-year-old in my peripheral vision. He has that look in his eyes. The one that tells me he has more on his mind than the usual, "What's for breakfast?"

First Day of School sans the Cute Signs

I stir waffle batter with one hand and pour milk for my two-year-old while trying to get a head start on the dishes. The clock ticks mercilessly.

Visions of the mama I know who starts school promptly at 8:00 A.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance and probably some Shakespeare flash through my mind. But I have an agreement with myself not to compare.....focus.....focus. Measure waffle batter into the iron, wash a few bowls hurriedly....focus....

"Mom? What do you do at college besides play football?" So much for the homeschooled child with a well-rounded education.

Nature Study in the Back Yard

While taking the butter and syrup out of the fridge, I attempt to explain that football is, in fact, a part of college education to which relatively few attain. He doesn't look disappointed as much as surprised. He wants to know why else anyone would go to college. The look of disappointment flashes when I mention math as part of the equation.

I'm momentarily distracted by a burning smell and remember the last waffle I put in. I evaluate the blackened quotient and decide it might still entice my two-year-old, so I put it on the serving platter.

Fire Safety Requirement? Check!

"Mom?" He's not finished. The look is still there. "What is high school?" Another monologue that I will definitely record as part of my 900 hours this year, thank you very much.

I pull a waffle out with a less blackened perimeter and hand a stack of plates to my eleven-year-old and a pile of forks to my five-year-old. Breakfast prep....er, home ec class is almost over.

"Are you going to homeschool us in high school?" Visions flash again. This time it's the childless dental hygienist who has more education than I have affirming, "I could never homeschool." If my mouth hadn't been full of instruments and toothpaste, I might have blurted what came to my mind, "But you make a living putting your hands in people's mouths?"

See....I don't homeschool either. Only kidding....sort of.

Focus....focus....he's looking at me expectantly. "As long as God and circumstances allow, yes, I will homeschool you in high school." I finalize the conversation and the breakfast prep and start herding everyone to the table.

Then, he's at my elbow again. "But Mom?" I look down while balancing a serving dish and the warmed syrup. "You know that's the same thing, don't you? God and circumstances. Circumstances can't happen unless He lets them."

I feel chastened. This I know, but I have just spent the better part of the morning lamenting my late start and the fact that the cereal was gone.

Circumstances.....

circumstances that cause us to start school late...

circumstances that cause tears to well in the late night hours....

circumstances that cause the biggest tantrums to occur when Daddy is off at work...

circumstances that seem unfair and surreal...

circumstances that leave me stranded without a car on the first week of co-op and.....

circumstances that make me question why I'm even here trying to play teacher and cook and mommy all at once.

Those things I've been complaining about and comparing about.....those circumstances are "the same thing".....the same thing as.....God.

I finally smile down at him and look fully into his grayish-green eyes this time. "Yep, as long as God allows, I will homeschool you."

Home. School. One and the same.

He grins back and grabs his football. Within two minutes, his deep reasoning turns to an irrational tackle too close to the living room lamp.

I stack the dishes and pull out the school books. And I catch just a glimpse of His smile as I glance down at the cover. Yes, they are the same. All that happens, He allows. For the first time today, I truly focus.

5 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read

noreply@blogger.com (Judy Hoch) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I believe that a love of reading is one of the very best gifts a parent can give to a child. Reading is the key that opens the door to lifelong learning. Sadly many children are not developing a love of reading, and that lack can affect them throughout their entire lifetime.

Here are five ways to encourage a love of reading in your child:

1. Read aloud to your child regularly.

One of the greatest things that you can do to encourage your child to love reading is to read aloud to him. From the time your infant can sit up on your lap, he will enjoy the sound of your voice while you "read" to him and point out the colorful pictures.

As your little one grows, make it a high priority to read aloud daily. Set aside time once or twice a day to read as many books as you have time for. Make reading the activity that your child looks forward to the most!

Even when your children are tweens and teens, many of them will still enjoy read-aloud time. Our family has enjoyed many great chapter books together even as our children entered their teen years.

2. Be sure your child sees you enjoying books.

Children learn best by example. When they see you spending time with a good book, they are more likely to be interested in reading themselves.

Share your enjoyment of reading by briefly discussing the story line of your book--whether historical fiction, biography, or classic literature--and allowing them to ask questions or make comments.You may find that your older children will be interested in reading the same book that you are reading, even if it is more advanced reading material than what they typically read.

3. Surround your child with captivating literature.

Be sure there are always plenty of high-quality books in the house. Visit the library and allow your child to choose some books to read. Place a few good books on the coffee table or the couch and see if your child will be interested enough to pick them up.

If you have a Kindle, your child can find dozens of "old-fashioned" books to read for free. Help him choose a few new books to try!

4. Set aside time for reading.

When you child complains of being bored, don't always hand him an electronic gadget or a new toy. Suggest a book instead!

Some families require a certain amount of reading time each day. This may be a way to incorporate more reading time for a reluctant reader. Why not set aside half an hour or so each evening as "family reading time"?

5. Give books as gifts.

Most children in our country already have plenty of toys, games, and electronics. Encourage more reading by giving books as Christmas, birthday, or "just-because" gifts.

It might be fun to introduce your child to a particular series that you enjoyed at that same age. Then for each special occasion, you could gift your child with another book or two from the series. Imagine how much fun it could be to share your love of a favorite book with your child!

How do you encourage your children to read? What books have they especially enjoyed?

"Hi, My Name Is Jessica, and I'm a Time Waster."

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Geise) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 03:32:00 +0000

It was time for action. Something had to be done. Now.

I had thought about it long and hard. I had contemplated what needed to be done; dreaded it, avoided it, procrastinated, and finally resigned myself to it.

The decision was difficult. Hours of work had gone into this! I had carefully planned and plotted, had done my very best to do well on my little "project". It was so hard to let go of it! Before I could change my mind, and with great resolve and incredible courage, I did it.

I tapped the "delete" button.

In one second, my beloved game was gone.

My family teased me. My husband, after finding out that I had deleted the game that I held so dear, warned the children to take it easy on me. (In other words, don't mess with Mama. She's having a rough time.) Yes, I've exaggerated, but really, even though I joke about it, it's actually sad that I allowed a silly, pointless game to take up so much of my time. Makes me blush.

Now, before you laugh at the ridiculousness of my "dilemma", think about it for a minute. What little time waster do you love a little too much? A game? Books that aren't exactly beneficial? Movies? Facebook? I don't think I'm alone here. ;)

(Photo copyright by Moyan Brenn)

We all know how precious our time is. We've all had those moments when the brevity of life sort of hits us in the face like a bucket of cold water, and we have made up our minds and written New Year's resolutions over and over again that we will stop wasting time. And, once again, we have forgotten those resolutions and slipped back into old habits. After all, life is stressful and losing oneself in a novel, game, movie, (insert your favorite time waster here) helps to relieve the stress...but not for long. And, usually, it makes the stress worse because it's been coupled with guilt, which produces crabbiness, which produces even more stress..... You know the routine.

So, I guess this is a confession of just one of my many faults as well as a reminder to put aside whatever it is that "eats" your time and replace it with things of lasting value.

Just do it. Take a deep breath, grit your teeth, and click that delete button.

You won't regret it. I know I don't. ;)

Interview with Kristina Clemens and a Modest Clothing Resource for You!

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

I'm excited to introduce a new resource for beautiful, modest clothing to you! I heard Kristina Clemens speak at a retreat last year, and she has some great things to say about God-honoring dress for women.

Kristina may do a guest post for us soon, but for now I wanted to share an interview about her new book. This book will appeal to all who love modest clothing, but especially to those that enjoy doing the work to create or remake your own beautiful clothes.

1. What was the inspiration for the Chic Girl's Guide?

When writing the The Chic Girl's Guide my focus was to inspire readers on how to adjust hemlines, play with sleeve additions and add height to necklines in novel ways. The projects in the book were designed to help readers create garments that have a flattering fit, feminine detailing, and are utterly unique—designer duds at Target prices, as I like to say. I wanted the book projects to prove you can beautify and make store-bought clothes more modest without looking gimmicky.

2. How is your book different from other craft books?

When I pitched the idea to a publisher I was really adamant that the tone of the book be end-product driven, with final pictures to be completely styled in a way that inspires readers to see that wearable Do-It-Yourself style is the goal and the tutorial steps are simply how you get there.

3. Which comes first, faith or fashion?

For me, faith determines my fashion. I'm always approaching clothing--DIY as well as personal style—from the framework of my faith. If I put fashion first it's very easy to think "Well, God requires this, but culture only offers this, so I can't be held responsible for how I clothe myself within the framework of my faith". I feel I'm responsible to dress by a standard that is higher than what is culturally or socially acceptable, so if a garment can't be made to work within the framework of how I want to present myself in public, I don't even consider it.

4. What are 3 valuable lessons you've learned on the journey from personal blogging to book author?

--Don't dilute your image and point of view.

--Constantly re-evaluate your approach and adjust to make it more excellent.

--Have fun and create!

5. What’s one habit that has changed your craft for the better?

Blogging. Being responsible to my readers to present tutorials in an attractive and understandable way has been both challenging and rewarding. It forces me to deconstruct clothing and analyze how to reconstruct a garment in a step-by-step process that is clear to novice sewers and inspiring to advanced stitchers.

What made you want to write a DIY style book?

While the process of writing a book is hard and frustrating (especially when you want to do it well), the idea of putting your work into the public arena is a super exciting opportunity. Writing a DIY style book seems a great fit since it's a natural extension of my DIY sewing blog, Kristina J.

The Chic Girl's Guide to a One-of-a-Kind Wardrobe is currently available for a discounted pre-order price on Amazon.

The Anniversary That Wasn't Supposed to Happen

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Sixteen years. That's how long it's been since he quietly eased into my life, and he's been there ever since.

Back then, they said we couldn't make it.

"Too young."

"Two firstborns can't get married."

"You're throwing your lives away."

But he's not the kind of guy that listens to "can't". He responds to jeers of "Easy out!" by hitting the ball out of the park. When life knocks him to the ground, he springs up with fists flying. When boulders block the path he's taking, he turns them into stepping stones.

Tell him he can't do something, and he'll die trying.

Fourteen years. That's how long it's been since we ignored the unsolicited advice of many and hearkened to the counsel of the precious few that loved us best. When the Author of Love itself inscribed it into our hearts in indelible ink alongside, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."

The ink hasn't blurred. It hasn't faded. Its scrawl has remained constant through multiple washings of tears and numerous incinerating trials.

We've laughed and wept together. We've buried loved ones and birthed four. We've fallen in the dust, and together we've dusted ourselves off and kept going. We've enjoyed successes, and we've grieved failures. We've held hands on rose-strewn pathways, and we've held each other through the darkest storms.

And, a long time ago, we stopped listening to "can't". When you tell us we can't do something, we'll die trying.

Because the Author's footnote says, "'Til death do us part."

Teaching Small People About Tiny People

noreply@blogger.com (SJW) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:38:00 +0000

Our church recently completed a unique drive. It's called the "baby bottle campaign" and its purpose is to raise funds for our state's right to life organization. The baby bottles are passed out to church families on Mother's Day, filled with change (or "soft money"), and then collected on Father's Day - drawing attention to the fact that both a mother and a father are involved in creating a child's life...and that both are invaluable in making a child's life complete. The campaign is unique and keeps the right to life issue in the forefront of people's minds.

I receive a "mom-tips/devotional" via email from MomLife Today (a division of FamilyLife Today) and this past week one posting included some creative and sweet ways to introduce or reestablish the value of an unborn baby's life to our children. I loved some of these ideas and thought you all might as well. These ideas could also easily be incorporated into a Sunday School or children's church setting. Click here to read the article in its entirety, then if you would like to, feel free to share here on this posting ideas of activities you have used with your children to reinforce this concept that is so vitally important in our world today!

Thank you to all who take the time to read this blog regularly and especially to those who take time to let us know you are out there! May God bless you as you continue your ministries for the Kingdom and as you enjoy these hectic summer months with your families!

Remembering the tiniest ones,

Guest Post: Redefining Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 29 May 2013 09:00:00 +0000

It can be quite a challenge for a newly married woman to come to an
understanding of what romance means. Her mind is frequently full of fairy tales with a
handsome prince who can do no wrong. She cultivates visions of romantic dates,
beautiful bouquets of flowers, and a happily ever after.

Yet, very few men can live up to such a romantic vision. Even so, each man and
every husband has certain ways he demonstrates his love to his wife. The challenging
task before every wife is to learn what romance means to her husband. Rather than
holding her husband up to an ideal that he can’t meet, a wife needs to redefine romance
so that she appreciates what her husband does for her.

Release Your Husband From Your Expectations
Your husband loves you, but he demonstrates love differently than you do. It’s
easy to think of all the ways you want your husband to romance you, but your husband
may not be accustomed to those ways of being romantic. When your husband doesn’t
meet your romantic expectations, it is easy to become bitter. But this only hurts you and
your marriage.

Release your husband from your expectations. Acknowledge that romance
doesn’t have to be demonstrated in the way you want it to be. There are many different
ways to demonstrate romantic love to a spouse.

Recognizing His Cues
Learn to read your husband. Some men may give off subtle (or not-so-subtle)
clues as to when they think they are being romantic. Perhaps your husband smiles at
you a certain way when he’s demonstrating his life. Recognize that smile. Acknowledge
that when your husband smiles at you in that particular way, he’s being romantic in his
own way.

Watch your husband. Notice the small tasks he does to make your life easier.
Don’t overlook even small things your husband does. If he washes the dishes, learn to
view this as an expression of his love. If he watches the children one evening so you
can relax, thank him.

Do what it takes to learn how your husband demonstrates romance. Don’t wait
for your husband to become like a fairy-tale prince. Learn to feel loved by the way your
husband loves you.

Melinda and Carrie are 25-year-old twin sisters who have similar passions in life. They both have a passion for encouraging women to embrace godly womanhood in whatever stage of life they are in through their blog at www.wholesomewomanhood.com.

Book Review and Giveaway: Freefall to Fly

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:01:00 +0000

A story. It was Jesus' means of conveying truths to us, and it is still one of the most captivating way to portray ideas. When meaning is grainy and fuzzy, a real-life illustration can bring it into sharp focus.

For Rebekah Lyons, the story she tells is of a personal nature. It is the story of her deepest fear and her highest flight. No matter what our location or circumstance, we can relate with her intense struggle as a mom transplanted from suburbia to the big city.

Searching for meaning can be elusive outside the call and will of God. Rebekah speaks to following God's call when it is difficult and crying out to Him for strength when we have none left.

I expected this book to be a bit "weighty" and difficult to read, but once I began it was hard to put it down. I cried during several parts as I related to, not the exact circumstances of Mrs. Lyons' life, but the emotion behind them.

Even though I appreciated the premise of Rebekah Lyons' story and her heart for women, I recommend the book with caution. I've seen too many women rush off to "embrace their calling" and leave their husbands, children and homes in the dust. I don't think this is the author's intention for her readers, but I would urge you read this book carefully and prayerfully.

If you would like to read the true story of a woman embracing her fear, her pain and her calling, leave a comment below. I will choose one reader who comments below to receive my review copy, graciously provided to me free of charge by the team at Handle Bar Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

The giveaway will end Saturday, May 25 at 12 midnight ET. I will announce the winner the following week.

Be Blessed!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from Handle Bar Publishing for my review. All opinions are mine. Post may contain affiliate links.

When You Are Done With Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:06:00 +0000

Ministry. It's a comfortable word. It appeals to the Christian mama's sense of self-worth much in the way the word productivity speaks to the mama that is going places in her career or trying to keep a clean home. We seek for it, and if we don't have a ministry, we feel like we are useless to the Lord.

Sometimes we convince ourselves to settle right where we are and relax in the ministry we already have: the elderly neighbor, the little ones that call us Mom, the hard-working man we married, the neighborhood children with no one to look after them. That is fulfilling, meaningful servant hood with eternal purpose.

It is also hard. Yes, I said it. Ministry is not always fun. It only rarely brings affirmation and pats on the back. Real ministry isn't really about shaking hands with clamoring fans and receiving awards. Sometimes the thought snakes through my mind, "Is it really worth it?"

My mind has been on Jonah lately. Reticent and rebellious, his ministry didn't get off to a good start. Although he finally obeyed God after a bit of a detour, it really didn't finish well, either. He ended up pouting under a withering plant while revival broke out in Nineveh.

Idealistic visions of cuddling babies and tossing the softball with a teenager turn to sleepless nights and volleying sarcasm. The women's Bible study you begin turns into a study of the lives of others, and the cookies you lovingly baked are returned because they aren't 100% organic. Affirmations become accusations, and your very best appears to be lacking in the opinions of those for whom are spending your life.

I confess I have asked God, "Why?" "Why did you trust me with these kids, these friends, these responsibilities? I'm a total failure at ministering to them and working for You."

That's my Jonah posture. The sniveling, self-centered kind of ministry that is all about me and immediate results. However, I can't expect an eternal and transcendent God to be interested in a microwaveable ministry. He's observing over 6,000 years of history and endless years into the future. When I cry, "Nothing's happening!", He's smiling and saying, "But you don't see what I see."

Though comforting, that thought isn't always enough to make me put on my happy face. The really hard times come. It's my attitude that matters most. Instead of a pouting Jonah, I want to assume the posture of our precious Lord.

What ministry is more fulfilling and meaningful than the Cross? It is, or should be, the essence of all other ministry. Yet, in my mind, I kneel beside Him as He drops sweat tinged with blood. Alone, on the verge of one of the most horrible deaths known to man, with full knowledge of what His suffering would be. He doesn't ask why. He knows why. He only asks, "If it be possible, let this cup pass. But, nevertheless, Thy. Will. Be. Done."

Yes, it's about Him. About His purpose. But my favorite part? The angel.

At the nod of the Omnipotent God, he rushes to His side. Does the angel take away the pain? No, His pain is only just beginning. Does he ease His suffering, whisper encouragement? No, no words are spoken. I'm not even sure that he touched Him. His sole purpose in visiting the Savior of the world on the eve of His death is to give Him strength.

Strength. When my ministry is lagging and I want nothing more than to sit under the plant and scowl at Nineveh, God sends strength. He holds out His Hand and says, "Get up, Child! You are influencing Eternity. Now get back out there because it's not about you."

Ministry. It's a word that has nothing to do with my self-worth. Not even close.

When Life Hurts

noreply@blogger.com (SJW) — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:49:00 +0000

Today I would like to share something close to my heart. I pray it can be of some benefit to you just as it has been to me.

I believe I can safely assume that many of the readers of this blog have dealt with some pretty deep pain and sorrow. You have walked through some deep valleys and been lead down some agonizingly dark paths. Recently I read some very unique thoughts on this subject and I would like to share them with you in hopes that you will discover in them the encouragement I have found.

I, like so many others, have questioned why God would allow the heavy burden of cancer and amputation to fall into my husband’s life. He is so good and upright. He has lived a Godly and fully submissive life. He doesn’t deserve such a trial!

I have wanted so much to say it’s not fair.

Then other times I remember other Godly men and women who have also been allowed to face suffering or hardship, and I say, well, why NOT us? We haven’t anything on those folks. Why should God spare us when He asked them to deal with such tragedy?

The “why” questions of life very rarely get answers.

But I read this recently and if you’ll hang on tight with me, I think you’ll find it interesting. It is from Ann Voskamp’s book entitled One Thousand Gifts. I’m not very far into it, but it is fascinating!

This is in response to a situation where the author’s husband’s brother and sister-in-law lost two baby boys to the same genetic disease within two years’ time…one of them at 4 months and one at 5 months of age.

At one point the author says to her brother-in-law, “If it were up to me…I’d write this story differently.”

She then tells us “I regret the words as soon as they leave me. They seem so un-Christian, so unaccepting—so No, God! I wish I could take them back, comb out their tangled madness, dress them in their calm Sunday best. But there they are…raw and real…”

Then the brother-in-law explains the perspective he maintains. “I don’t know why that all happened…But do I have to? Who knows? I don’t mention it often, but sometimes I think of that story in the Old Testament…when God gave King Hezekiah fifteen more years of life…Because he prayed for it…But if Hezekiah had died when God first intended, Manasseh would never have been born. And what does the Bible say about Manasseh? Something to the effect that Manasseh had led the Israelites to do even more evil than all the heathen nations around Israel. Think of all the evil that could have been avoided if Hezekiah had died earlier, before Manasseh was born. I am not saying anything, either way, about anything…Just that maybe…maybe you don’t want to change the story, because you don’t know what a different ending holds.”

“Maybe,” he says, “I guess…it’s accepting there are things we simply don’t understand. But He does.”

Wow. Gulp. That’s a beautiful picture of belief in an all-wise, all-knowing, loving God…of confidence that He truly doesknow what is best for each of us!

That’s my anchor in the storm. Knowing that I may never understand but HE does. And I can trust Him.

Do this with me, won’t you? Picture in your mind’s eye this scenario...you are facing a large black sheet of paper, behind which is a beautiful lamp glowing with soft light. If this piece of black paper can represent for a moment our life’s backdrop, then it might also be that punching a hole in that paper could represent a loss…a tragedy of some sort that rips deep into our souls. As you mentally punch holes and make rips in the paper to represent the deep and painful losses you have faced, let me share with you another word picture Ann paints in her book:

“I wonder too…if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see.

“To see through to God.

“That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.

“Maybe so.”

Can you see it??? Can you see the light shining so brightly through the ripped and jagged places in our lives?? Have you seen God work in or around you through your tragic moments? Have you seen God’s grace and power and experienced His precious peace in time of deep trial? Does this change your perspective on those very trials?

May we see our holes as “seeing-through-to-God-places” and may our anchors hold fast to Jesus, the only Rock worthy of our trust...

May God bless, keep, and encourage each one of you!

“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”

(Lamentations 3:22-26)

Learning to rest in God's wisdom and love,

Guest Post: Super Mom by Sara Smith

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:37:00 +0000

When Jen asked if I would write a guest blog, I scrambled for ideas on what I should write about. Should I write about working and raising children, beginning a business in hopes of being able to stay home with my children, going back and forth about homeschooling, etc. Then, through the events of this past week, the Lord laid it upon my heart to write about something I struggle with daily. I call it my Super Mom Complex.

“Well, aren’t you just Super Mom.” It’s a phrase I hear once in a while, sometimes in a mean way, and sometimes as a compliment. Both grate on me. When I hear this comment, on the inside I’m thinking “Well, if you only knew what didn’t get done”, “Heaven forbid they see what my house really looks like any other day of the week”, or even worse, “Can’t they see how hard I work to do this?”

This past week was a hard and eye opening week for me. My daughter’s birthday fell during the week, so we made it a point to do something special on that day just for her. Then, because she was getting so much attention, I felt the need to get something for our son as well. We then threw her a party on the weekend for family and friends (which required driving 6 hours to pick up and return family who really wanted to be there) followed by baking treats for her to take to preschool on her next school day.

I know that list is probably normal routine for many families, but between my husband and myself, there are two full-time jobs, one part-time businesses to run, church commitments, running one child to speech therapy and preschool and the never ending everyday household chores. Did I mention I’m also nearly six months pregnant? Then it came. The dreaded “You are such a Super Mom, you deserve an award!” I smiled and said thank you, but my heart did not agree.

We all have hectic lives full of kids, projects, jobs, commitments and more. On the outside it appeared that I did wonderful things for my children this week, but the inside was bitter, resentful, and downright discouraged. I was short with my children, fought with my husband, and didn’t even once pour out my soul to my Heavenly Father.

For some reason we as women (I don’t think this is just for moms) think we can do it all, that we have to do it all. The truth, if we are living fully for Christ, is that we cannot master a thousand things for our Lord. I am a creative person and I love to make art. However, I know at this point in my life I am not going to be the next great discovered artist that will have their own wing in the Louvre. One day, in the future maybe I’ll achieve that, but mastering it now would take away from the things the Lord wants me to do.

The hardest part for me is when it concerns my children. I want to be their end all and be all. But, what service am I giving them to always rely on me and not on Christ? What service am I giving them to live in a heated environment where Mom and Dad are at odds with each other? What service am I giving them to go without something needed so Mommy can impress the company with her microscopically cleaned floors? What service am I giving my unborn child to run myself ragged to please others instead of focusing on creating a healthy and nurturing environment for him?

It all comes down to are we giving our best to the things the Lord has led us to do? If not, are we really doing the things we’ve been called to do or are we doing the things we think we need to do? If we are doing the things we’ve been called to, what is standing in our way of doing them to His glory? Spring cleaning isn’t just for the tangible accumulating clutter in our lives, it is absolutely necessary for our spiritual clutter as well.

Bio: Sara Smith

My oft neglected blog has the tagline God, family, home: Super crafty momma diva striving to be the best Godly momma and wife I can be. In a nutshell, that is me!

I currently work at a local university, teach part-time at a local Christian school, run a business (check it out - saraelizabeth.scentsy.us) and am raising two (soon to be three!) wonderful children with my couldn't be more perfect for me chosen by God soulmate.

Everything art related is of interest to me and when I can eek out a moment or two I love photography and fiber crafts. My life isn't exactly what I had planned, and while I'd LOVE to be with my children 100% of the time, I know I am where God wants me to be right now.

Using Timelines to Teach History

noreply@blogger.com (Judy Hoch) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

History can sometimes seem like a jumble of unrelated facts and confusing dates, especially to younger learners. And really, the meaning of history is lost when it can't be viewed as a continuous story.

A timeline is an excellent way to reinforce the continuity of history. Important people and events can be more easily remembered in their proper context when using this visual aid.

There are a variety of timeline styles to choose from: wall timelines, timeline notebooks, accordian-style timelines, and even index card timelines.

Our family uses individual timeline notebooks, made from 3-ring binders, page protectors, and free printable timeline notebook pages. We use the History Through the Ages timeline figures to easily add people and events to the timeline pages.

Free printable timeline notebook pages

You don't have to stick with just history facts from textbooks, either. It's very helpful to add the titles of biographies or historical fiction books as they are read. You can also include small photos or excerpts from brochures collected on field trips to historical sites. This adds plenty of "real life" memories to the history framework that has been learned from textbooks!

Coloring timeline figures

If you incorporate notebooking into your study of history, you can add the notebooking pages behind the appropriate page in the timeline notebook. This makes it easy to review the people and events that make up the study of history.

Completed timeline page

Do you use a timeline to aid in teaching history? What tips do you have?

Some Homeschool Fun (Even if You Don't Homeschool!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:20:00 +0000

I want our home to be a place where learning is fun. I think all parents can say this no matter what their educational choice for their children is. I have been evaluating this year what is working and what isn't in our homeschool. Here are a few ways we have tried to make things more fun lately:

1. Spelling City
This has been a lifesaver for me! I have two children doing spelling this year which means I was giving one pre-test, 1 practice test and 1 final test weekly to each of them. In between, they had worksheets to complete. They absolutely hated it most of the time, and they were consistently missing words on their final test.

I found the Spelling City site through another blogger. All I do now is enter their spelling lists at the beginning of the week. They can play various review games throughout the week. I can print out a handwriting page with all their words on it.

At the end of the week, they take a test online and print it out. I have a fully graded test to file away with very little work on my part. Also, their grades have greatly improved! One of my children was not doing well at all with spelling and has gotten 100% correct on the last three tests.

2. Creative Cooking
One of my goals for my children is for all of them to know how to care for themselves and their homes when they are older. I have three boys, and I expect the same of them I do from my daughter. I mean, what if they turn out to be bachelors? Even if they don't, if they know how to cook and clean for themselves it should win me some points with my daughter-in-laws, right?

I gathered all four of my kids recently for an impromptu lesson on making hot fudge sauce. My daughter cooks often, so she was more of a teacher than a participant, but she still had fun. My second grader was in charge of cutting the recipe in half which was great fraction practice. We learned how to read a recipe and what the difference between "t." and "T." is.

My 2-year-old got a science lesson as we let him experience the bitter taste of cocoa and the sweet taste of sugar. The science continued as I discussed how metal conducts heat with my 4-year-old who was using my metal whisk to stir the sauce.

Everyone got a chance to "feel" the sauce thicken. The best part was when we served it up on our ice cream sundaes!

3. Reading Aloud
When I had one child, we read aloud a lot. Unfortunately, my younger two have had much less of my reading books on their level. I'm rediscovering the joy of teaching a child to read just by reading to them. My 4-year-old is picking up words as we go, and my 2-year-old recognizes a third of the alphabet letters. These are the moments of homeschooling I will look back and remember fondly!

These are just a few things we've done lately that really have nothing to do with homeschooling and yet everything to do with it. All the things I mentioned are things that any parent can do with their children. Remember, you are educating your children by your example every day. Enjoy it!

We're One in Suffering (Praying for the Victims of the Boston Bombing)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica Geise) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:25:00 +0000

I had planned to share something else with you this week but, in light of the tragedy in Boston on Monday, I decided to wait on that post.

I had been writing down a list of history worksheets and time figures to print out and had taken a break to check Facebook when I saw the first reports of the bombing near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. My heart hurt as I read of the dead, bleeding and broken people who just moments before had been celebrating the event, oblivious to the danger they were in. As I saw the photos and read the accounts my anger grew toward those responsible for such a heinous, cowardly deed. I simply could not, cannot fathom why anyone would do something so evil.

attribution

Of course, the accusations and conspiracy theories are flying thick and fast. Everyone has an opinion and they're quick to share it via social media. It's easy to get sucked into that. But, sometimes, I think we need to stop everything and take a moment to put aside our differences and opinions...politically and otherwise...and just weep with those who weep.

Please, if you haven't already, take some time to pray for those who were affected by the bombings in Boston, as well as those who are suffering all around you. Let's offer ourselves as God's instruments, His hands, reaching out in every way we can.

attribution

Happy Birthday, Shakespeare!

noreply@blogger.com (SJW) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:31:00 +0000

Guess what? William Shakespeare turns 449 on April 23! That ought to make us all feel young! =) In honor of the great bard's upcoming birthday, I though I would share a couple of poems with you all.

This first poem is one that I have really come to love. In March of 2012, as we traveled together for the very solemn occasion of visiting my 42-year-old uncle for the very last time before his passing just days later, my aunt was reading the book entitled Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn. She ran across this poem and asked the rest of us to analyze it with her to see if we could discover its meaning. As we read and re-read this bit of verse, it became clear that it was special. I won't muddy the waters by giving you my interpretation of it, but instead I will share it here with you.

Child of My love, lean hard,

And let Me feel the pressure of thy care,

I know thy burden, child; I shaped it,

Poised in Mine own hand, made no proportion

In its weight to thine unaided strength;

For even as I laid it on I said,

“I shall be near, and while she leans on Me,

this burden shall be Mine, not hers;

so shall I keep My child within the circling arms,

of Mine own love.” Here lay it down, nor fear

to impose it on a shoulder which upholds

The government of worlds. Yet closer come,

Thou are not near enough; I would embrace thy care,

So I might feel My child reposing on My breast.

Thou lovest me? I know it. Doubt not, then,

But, loving Me, lean hard.

Selected, From the book Green Leaf in Drought by Isobel Kuhn

Wow...if we could only live as though we truly understood the full impact of these statements, what peace we could all enjoy! Okay. Here's one more. I'm no Shakespeare, but I enjoy dabbling once in a while in the art of poetry. This is one of those non-rhyming poems that just came from my heart last September. I wasn't sure it would even make sense to anyone other than myself. But, here it is. Such as it is! =) And thanks for taking time to read it!

My heart is so heavy today.
The causes or reasons
          I choose not to explain.
We each have a mountain to climb...
         You...and me...
They may be different
          But both are mountains just the same.

It takes more strength than I have on my own
To even face that mountain...
         Let alone climb it.

         I do not want the mountain.
         I hate the mountain.

                         But...

I love the God Who made that mountain
         And gave it to me.
He made it...
         Not with my abilities or strengths in mind
         But with His own
               glorious love,
                     tender care,
                            and powerful, burden-bearing
                                    everlasting arms.

You cannot climb your mountain in your own strength.
I am not even sure I can help you.
My own task daily overwhelms my senses
         And takes my breath away.

                          But...

I can ask God to be to you all that He has promised He would be!
         I can cheer you on!
                  I can celebrate with you in your victories!
                           I can love you as others have loved me!
                                    I can share with you how God has blessed me!

God has blessed me to be a blessing.
He has granted me one more breath...
          one more moment with my family...
                    one more gorgeous sunset to enjoy...
                              one more day to try again...
         and the strength to take
                 one
                       more
                              step
                                    up the side of my mountain.

~ written by Shawna Wright, Sept. 2012

Do you all have favorite poems you would like to share or tell us about? How does poetry speak to you? Let us know you are out there by sharing your thoughts and comments below. We always love to hear from you!

Hoping Spring is finally here to stay,

Napkin Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (The LaVans) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:00:00 +0000

Napkin Pillow

Do you have a couch or chair that is lovely to look at but not so comfy to sit in? Well, these adorable pillows will help give any space a comfortable and relaxed feel! I love how easy and unique they are too! Just click on the link under the photo and it will take you right to the directions! Have fun being creative!!

Joanna LaVan

Guest Post: Smile on My Heart Theory

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:36:00 +0000

Note from Jennifer:
Although Cherish the Call focuses a lot on homeschooling, we find that one of our most popular posts is still Raising Christian Kids in a Public School. Through that post, I met another blogger who is passionate about raising Christian kids even in the public school environment. While I and most of the other bloggers on the Cherish the Call team have chosen to homeschool, we realize that each family has unique needs and are open to others making different schooling decisions.

Ironically, the blogger at Public on Purpose has the same name as one of our own team members. The Shawna Wright you are hearing from today is a brand new guest poster on our blog and not to be confused with the Shawna Wright that blogs for us on a monthly basis. :-)

Now, on to her post:

Smile on My Heart Theory

Thank you so much for having me here on Cherish the Call! I'm so excited to be a guest blogger even as my own blog lies dormant for the time being. As you all know life as a parent is full, so I am amazed at how many can find a chance to sit down one or two times a week to share deep and helpful thoughts with the world on a blog!

We all want to be full of excitement and joy as Christians everyday! We want to feel so full we are about to burst to share the gospel of Christ and pour out His love to the world and into our children, but not everyday feels that way. Sometimes my days feel like drudgery and my time in prayer or reading the Bible feels like an obligation at best and at worst is skipped altogether.

When I was in high school, I remember the beginning of the year after a nice trip to church camp over the summer, I was literally skipping down the hallway, high on the thought that all I need is Christ! At that time I developed what I called the "Smile On My Heart" theory. I don't remember the theme of camp that year, but somehow the grace of God was clearly revealed to me. I realized that I don't deserve anything more than hell, but God sent Christ to die for me and forgave me. That is all I need to know to have a smile on my heart. Even as a naive youth, I knew that I would not always have a smile on my face. I knew that hard times would come, but that the smile on my heart (God's grace) would be enough to bring the smile back to my face again one day.

That theory would indeed be tested many years later as a young mother. I had begun to fear that something bad was going to happen to me just because nothing ever had. I thought maybe something terrible would happen to my husband. However, God was preparing me for something I would never have expected. My 18 month old daughter was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma cancer. In that first six months of intense, aggressive treatment the theory was not tested. No, I knew that God was carrying me through every moment during that time. I even had a smile on my face in the midst of it.

It was the time after finishing her treatment that I lost the "Smile on My Heart". She was still with us and in remission. We had no more treatment to do, no more driving back and forth 1.5 hours to the Children's hospital multiple times per week, no more low blood counts or scans or surgery. But in that down time, fear rushed in to fill the empty time. All I could do was sit and wait to see if the cancer would come back. My second daughter was born just before the end of treatment, so I had an infant baby to take care of well. And as I sat in the midst of all that fear and stress, a picture of burning towers was playing on my tv screen for hours at a time.

I could not get off the couch. I was not myself. I loved God and believed in that same grace that had me skipping down the halls as a teen, but where was that joy now? I didn't "feel" it. One day, my husband came home from work and said, "I just don't know who you are anymore. What happened to the smile on your heart?" That caught my attention! Where had the joy gone?

I found myself turning back to the Word of God and I found this verse. It is the "Smile On My Heart" theory in a nutshell. Romans 8:14 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit."

I am free! I am not condemned! It is because Christ was an offering in my place and because of that I can experience true joy and freedom. The smile came back to my face because the Holy Spirit reminded me that God is trustworthy. I can give Him my fear and stress.

Now many years have passed. My daughter went through three relapses of this cancer and each time the doctors thought for sure it would be the end. We did little to fight it except treatment that had little short term side effects just to keep her out of pain. No one had relapsed with this cancer even once and gone on to survive let alone three times. Yet, here she is by God's miracle, 13 years old and seven years in remission!

Wouldn't you think that would be enough to keep the smile on my heart always on my face?!

Here in the past few years I have been in a real funk in my relationship with the Lord. I had been doing all the right stuff. I volunteered at church and worked as children's church director. I attended Bible studies and listen to all Christian music. I even got up almost daily at about 6:00 am to have a quiet time with the Lord. Yet, I didn't feel His joy.

I told my friend that I felt like I was a pretty little salad in a bowl with saran wrap over me. I hadn't built a solid wall around my heart like some people build do. I had a transparent life...doing all the right Christian stuff, but something was still separating me from the love of Christ. I wasn't letting His love into my life through that saran wrap cover.

A relationship with Christ based on works is a recipe for losing the smile on your heart. I was trying to work at it. I couldn't receive that love because I was so sure I needed to get up just a little earlier or do just a little bit more at church to receive His love and joy. But the thing is, His love has been right there with me the whole time. I needed only to receive it.

The smile on my heart is always there. I only need to recognize His grace to receive it. I deserve nothing. Yet, look at what all He has chosen to give me. Eternity! And the rest is just a bonus. Isn't God good?!

The Smile On My Heart Theory has been tested and proved to be true. The grace of God...His forgiveness of my sins through Christ is all I need. Though times may be hard, He is with me. Though times may be good, He is with me. He has given me forgiveness, freedom, and fruitfulness. What is there to not smile about?

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Blessings,

Shawna Wright