Priscilla Shirer's Blog, page 46

You Mean Me, God?

One of the bright spots in our new year has been welcoming a new member to the Going Beyond team. After volunteering with us this fall, our new friend Nicole has stepped into a full time position at our ministry.

I love her for so many reasons - her professionalism, creativity, innovation, vision, servant's heart, love for the Lord and endearing vulnerability - a trait that you'll see shining through in this post. You'll also not miss the fact that she is an EXCELLENT writer.

We are so grateful to the Lord and look forward to partnering with her in ministry with the goal of blessing you.

You'll love her first blog post because its message will ring as true for you as it does for me. I can so relate to her in every single way.

So glad to have you Nicole! Looking forward to serving Jesus with you!

Priscilla

 

The new girl. Newbie. Rookie. New kid on the block. However you want to call it, I am it. All fingers are pointing towards me and that is my queue for the awkward wave. Everyone knows that feeling. It's the fleet of butterflies in your stomach on the first day of middle school (more like horror, but I digress). Or walking on stage towards a podium that is illuminated by that oh-so-bright spotlight to give a speech for the first time. In a nutshell? Fear and doubt.

I didn’t start off with these feelings. Not at all. I had spent the first few days settling in to my new position, getting acquainted with my new routine, and making sure all of my post-it notes and pens were neatly lined up.

I was ready!

Shortly thereafter, the dust started to settle. I slowly looked around my environment and at my neatly organized desk. That’s when it hit me. Hard. I am sitting in a new office, in a new desk and with new co-workers at a new job. This is definitely considered new territory for me and with that comes new challenges, alot fumbles, and two left feet. I am clumsy enough as it is!

Breathe!

The waves of excitement that I had just a day prior were now turning in to a flood of fears. It was almost paralyzing. My thoughts and emotions took an unfortunate nosedive. Wait a minute, did they really mean to hire me? I mean are they positive they know who they hired? Someone please check the paperwork! What if I am not anything at all of what they were expecting? What if I fail and make a mistake and they see that I am actually (gasp) human?! My mind had become a playground for doubt and fear. There was a field day going on up there. Just. Loud.

I tried to hide it as best as I could. I put lip-gloss on my smile and mustered up just enough excitement to quell the fears from showing externally. I had a new job to do.

You see, not too long ago, my office was a colorful classroom with paint-stained floors, papier-mâché covered desks, with marker on sections of the walls not already covered by art-work. And on any given day it was a guarantee that I would be covered in one, if not, all of the above. I was an art teacher with the privilege of teaching kindergarten through eighth grade students the joy of art. I loved it! It was my safe-I can do this in my sleep-mistakes in art are still considered art-pleeeease do not eat the glue-comfort zone. But God had other plans. A new season was soon to begin and I was being removed from my comfortably well-made bed.

Isn’t that just like God sometimes? Pulling us out of our comfort zone and placing us in new, uncharted territory. It is the perfect foundation for growth. I found myself fidgeting around a bit because I was no longer in my safe place. What I did know was that this was where God was leading me. I also knew it was my responsibility to be willing to follow regardless if I felt 100% qualified or not.

This new season is different from my last and is going to bring new challenges, but I am reminded that this is where He has placed me. He will equip, provide, and take care of every single detail because this is a part of His well-laid out plan. It has been several days working here at the Going Beyond office and it has been so great! Regardless of whichever season we are in we can rest comfortably in His hands knowing that this is where He has placed us. He takes care of the rest! And let me tell you, there is not a better place to be than within His will.

He is really good at finding the unqualified, knee-knocking individuals to use because He knows He will receive all the glory. He will leave no room for us to boast in ourselves.

I really want to encourage you today to be faithful to the gifts that God has given you. Be faithful even if you don’t feel qualified for the job you have been given. He has dreams for you bigger than you can image! How great is that?? (Ephesians 3:20) He already has a plan for the unique gifts that He has entrusted you with. Trust me when I say, His plans always look better than the ones we create for ourselves! (Jeremiah 1:5)

Are you feeling ill equipped or unqualified in the current position God has placed you in? My friend, you are in the right place. Go ahead and position yourself. Step up to the plate and stand strong girded with faith and confidence in His word because it will never fail. He is known for writing the best stories!

We all know that familiar verse Jeremiah 29:11. I love how The Message version puts it - I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Man.

Count me in.

Guest Blogger: Christine Caine | No One Ever Drowned in Sweat

There is nothing ordinary about my friend Christine Caine.

Except somehow there is.

It's hard to explain actually. You have to meet her yourself to see the beautiful simplicity of her life as a loving wife to Nick and mother to Catherine and Sophia. She's just a girl that loves to exercise, drink coffee, eat dark chocolate and lay out on the beach every chance she gets.

Yup, just normal.

   

Except...the moment you meet her you realize there is something uniquely phenomenal about her. You might not be able to put your finger on it at first but then, as she begins to share, you'll become more and more aware that you are in the presence of greatness. She is one of the most passionate, fearless, faithful women of God I have ever met. She speaks on platforms all over the globe sharing stirring messages that change lives and (in her spare time) she runs an anti-human trafficking organization that has offices in seven different countries. Together with her husband, A21 is seeing more traffickers put in jail and more victims rescued than our world has ever seen before.

So, she's extra-ordinary and ordinary all at the same time. I'm inspired and challenged and motivated to love God more and serve Him more fervently when I'm in her presence. Everybody needs a friend like that. So, today, I invite you to get to know here right here on our blog. You'll be so glad you did!

Enjoy,

Priscilla

 

So many Christians spend so much time wondering what they have been
called to do and waiting for God to drop their destiny out of the sky.
While we sit around waiting for something to do we are missing out on
doing what is right before us to do. In this scripture Jesus does not
say that there is a lack of Christians, a lack of need, a lack of
projects, a lack of opportunities, a lack of commentators, a lack of
wannnabe superstars. He tells us that there is simply a lack of
labourers.

The harvest is plentiful right where you are. People are waiting for
us to go to them every single day wherever our world is. The challenge
is that most of us do not want to work. We do not want to be
co-labourers with God. We want to be heroes for God, celebrities for
God, party coordinators for God, commentators for God, critics for
God, experts for God but not labourers.  

You can be used for God's great purpose in His harvest field today
wherever you are and whatever season of life you are in. To be used by
God as a labourer we need to be prepared to be anonymous. Sometimes
the only thing holding us back from destiny is our need to feel
important rather than actually being useful in the harvest field.
Wherever there are people there is a potential harvest. Somehow we
expect destiny to feel different than it does. We must remember our
work is not about us or for us. We have the privilege every day of
co-working with Christ in His harvest field. Let's determine to turn up
to work today.

Reflection:  Do you consider your everyday life as an opportunity to co-labour with Christ?

Speaking God's Word Over Our Kiddos

One of my greatest joys is reading blog comments, tweets and emails from YOU. Whenever I get a free minute, I love sitting down and hear about the things that are on your mind.

Recently, I've been getting one particular question quite a bit. It has to do with something I mentioned in one of the video sessions in the Gideon Bible study. I figured it might be good for me to answer it here on the blog!

So, here's the deal. . . I am very intentional about speaking affirmative Scripturally-based statements over my boys. Most of the time, as soon as I start in on the liturgy of "You are. . ." statements, they frantically lift their hands up over their ears as if to say, "Mom, enough already, we hear this every day!"

Well, of course, I demand that they take their hands down from over their ears and listen intently as I tell them who they are in Christ and who they are becoming as men who will live in way that is honoring to Him.

They smile - in between sighs of impatience - and indulge their mother :)

Many of you have asked me to be a little bit more specific about what I say to the boys each day. Honestly, I wish I could give you more detail than you're going to find here. Because actually, it is really just a compilation of Scripture verses - promises from the Lord that I reword into affirming statements for their lives. I have a consistent way of starting - an initial first few sentences that they always expect - but then it's a free-for-all - whatever comes to mind at the time.

Here's what I always say:

You are a man of integrity and character. You will love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength. You will be a blessing to your teachers and a blessing to your friends. You are the head and not the tail. You are above and not beneath. You are a leader and not a follower.

After that, I normally say only a few more things before the day begins. . .

You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
You are a man of valor.
You have the whole armour of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.
You will bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall continually be in your mouth.

This could be a fun activity for you - constructing a statement to speak over your children (or to speak over YOURSELF for that matter) that is suited to what you hope for them to become in Christ. They might put their hands up over their ears in protest every now and then but WHO CARES! They WILL hear you and what you are saying will nestle deep into their souls over time.

Here are a list of Scripturally-based affirmation statements to get you going. Have fun!

I love the Lord my God with my whole heart, soul, and mind. (Mark 12:30)


I walk by faith and not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7)


The Lord is on my side. I will not fear what man can do to me. (Psalm 118:6)


I am competent not in my own abilities but because He has made me competent by His Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)


I abide in Christ, He abides in me, and I bear much fruit. (John 15:5)


I have the mind of Christ therefore I act in a way that is consistent with His actions.  (1 Corinthians 2:16)


He will never leave me nor will He forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)


I do no look with disdain upon my weaknesses. I use them as an opportunity for God will display His powerful strength. (2 Corinthians 12:10)


I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)


There is no weapon that is formed against me that can prosper, and every tongue that rises up against me in judgment shall be condemned. (Isaiah 54:17)


I will be hospitable without complaint. (1 Peter 4:9)


I will not use my tongue to speak cursings but life-giving blessings to everyone that I meet and in every situation I face. (James 3:8-10)


The Spirit indwells me therefore I am the temple of the Living God. (II Corinthians 6:16)


I am faithful over a few things, and I will be made ruler over many. (Matthew 25:23)


I humbly submit to God and I actively resist the work of the devil, and he must flee from me. (James 4:7)


I will not give the enemy an opportunity or foothold in my life. (Ephesians 4:27)


The One who is in me is greater than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)


I choose to obey the Lord and receive the prosperous abundance and blessing that He will bestow on me. (Deuteronomy 30:8-9)


My heart keeps the commandments of God, and length of days, long life, and peace shall they add to me. (Proverbs 3:1-2)


I walk by the Spirit and do not fulfill the desires of my flesh. (Galatians 5:16)


I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)


The Lord guards my going out and my coming in – today and forever. (Psalm 121:8)


I rejoice in the Lord whether circumstances are good or bad. (Philippians 4:4)


I will not be afraid when I lie down and my sleep shall be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)


I obtain the favor of the Lord. (Proverbs 12:2)


The Lord is in my midst and sings over me with joy. (Zephaniah 3:17)


I am the apple of my Father’s eye. (Deuteronomy 32:10)


Goodness and mercy will follow me; not only today but all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6)


I have been made in the very image and likeness of God Himself. This is my heritage. (Genesis 1:27)

Notes From My Quiet Time

" . . . .So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad." 1 Samuel 1:18

A couple years ago, I through the Bible this year. It's been a wonderful exercise that opened my eyes to so many stories and lessons I'd never seen in the Scriptures before.. . .or things that I'd seen before but hadn't really been struck by the first time around.
I love it when that happens. Getting "struck" by God's Word is what I live for. And it happened went I came to 1st Samuel chapter one.

At the beginning of the story a young woman by the name of Hannah is in despair. She cannot seem to have any children of her own and to make matters worse, her husband's other wife, Peninnah - who is called "her rival" in Scripture - tortures her by constantly bringing this fact to her attention. With a brood of children to her credit, Peninnah makes provoking Hannah a hobby. Hannah is so distraught that she is overcome with emotion and is unable to eat. (1:8)

Unable to eat?

That's some serious sadness, we're talking about.

There ain't much that has made me too desperate and emotional that I'm unable to wolf down a cheese burger. I might have shed a tear or two, but put a plate of nachos in front of me, dripping with all the right fixins and I'm bound to break.

But not Hannah. She was so sad internally that her body was affected externally. This is deep devastation that we're talking about here. And honestly, that's happened to me too. You ever been so upset by something that you couldn't sleep, or eat or enjoy stuff that would normally put a smile on your face? I remember when my grandfather was in his last days. My mother, aunt, sister and I nestled down by his bedside at home to support my grandmother while her beloved slipped away. Seventy-two whole hours would pass before it happened and the entire time not one morsel of food passed my lips. I never had a hunger pang or even the faintest hint of interest in food. Just didn't want to eat. Anything. For three days.
So, I get it.

But then Hannah prays - no, she begs Yahweh for a child and she cries out in such desperation that the priest thinks she is drunk and scolds her for it. But Hannah explains that she isn't inebriated, just desperate for an answer from God.

But it's what happened after that prayer that intrigues me most. Having spilled her deepest heart's desire to the Lord: "the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad." - (vs 18)

She went.

She ate.

She was no longer sad.

God gave Hannah her appetite back. He gave her a zest for living even though her circumstances were still the same.

Amazing what pouring your heart out to God can accomplish.
Yes, even before there is a sure answer.

Yes, even before there is a change in the situation.

If you've lost your appetite for life and love and joy. If you're marked by fatigue and depression and weakness. If you have no interest in the things that used to interest you most. Hannah can tell you how to enjoy life again.

Pray.

With only words uttered to God and a heart that believes He has heard and, in His own timing, will respond , there is power - enough power to give you your appetite back right then and there. This might be the greatest new year's gift that prayer gives - enough power to change us even before we see any direct change in our circumstances.

To get us back to our hamburgers and enchiladas even while we still have some issues on the table of our lives.

When we truly give our cares away to God, there should be a lightening in the load we carry that allows us to get up and go on with life. That enables us to eat when our unsettled stomachs could hold nothing down the day before. To release us from the weight of sadness that often paralyzes us from doing and being what He has called us to do and be.

It's the power of prayer - to change a life from the inside out, even before anything we're facing has begun to shift.

Hope this blesses you today and causes you to pour your heart out to God about anything you are facing.

Then go eat something good. . . and be satisfied.

Bless you

Priscilla

Guest Blogger: Shundria Riddick | Run Anyway!

 

I. LOVE. THIS. POST.

I also NEED it.

It's a hard combination really - loving something that you need. Most of the time, the things that give us butterflies in our stomachs and make our mouths water in anticipation are things that we don't really need or, worse, things that actually do us a disservice. So, it's a rare treasure for your heart to skip a beat over a person, habit, hobby, lesson or endeavor that also happens to be just what the doctor ordered.

Shundria Riddick has always had a way of making me love what I need. Her tenderness has a way of endearing you to a message that is dripping with wisdom and challenge. This insightful speaker, writer, licensed counselor, wife and mother is beautiful - the kind of beauty that seeps beyond the pores of the skin and tattoos itself on the soul.

My life is richer because of the love it/need it messages that Shundria always shares with her clients, her friends, listening audience members - whomever has ears to hear.

Every word is worth the time to read.

Enjoy.

Priscilla

RUN ANYWAY!

I showed up to meet with my running group bright and early Saturday morning. I was so excited.
It's been awhile and I was ready to be with my people.

I'm a runner.

I started running 10 years ago. I fell in love and I haven't stopped. Well, not all together anyway. There have been periods of time when I took breaks. Having a baby, raising kids, and life in general have made me park my shoes. But this Saturday I was ready to get back.

I left home early because I knew it was going to be crowded. I was a little anxious because I hadn't run with a group in awhile. As I arrived, I noticed that it wasn't as crowded as I had anticipated so I got a great parking space. This day was starting off wonderfully. I jumped out of my car and there they were!

My people!

Tables and tents were waiting to welcome me and check me in. Wait! Why are they sweaty and stretching? It's 7:45am and the run starts at 8:00am. I saw an old friend and he asked why I was there. "To run" I responded. He said "It started at 6!"

WHAT?!

Surely he was mistaken.

I immediately checked my email on my phone and it was right there in black and white "Starting at 6:00 am..."

I WAS TWO HOURS LATE!

My excitement quickly turned to disappointment. I actually missed the run. My people had that after-run glow and were already gathered in small groups. As I walked by I heard them talk about their pace and their plans for their next run. Ugh! I looked around and began to notice how fit everyone was. They had the latest running gear. They wore great shoes, the latest dri-fit clothing, race watches/heart monitors, ear buds (bluetooth of course) and running sunglasses. These people's shoes haven't been parked! They've been running and they are much further ahead than me. I wanted to get in my car, drive one block and let Starbucks "Soy Triple Venti Hazelnut Macchiato with Whip" take my troubles away! (Don't judge me!)

I frantically searched and found the person in charge. She listened, consoled and said "Run Anyway!" Those words reached down inside, grabbed my spirit and shook me to my core. Her mouth was moving but it was definitely the Holy Spirit speaking to me! "You've felt that it was too late for you. You've been disappointed and felt that others are achieving their destiny and you've been left behind. Study Anyway! Write Anyway! RUN ANYWAY!"

So I began my run alone. I ran the same route as the other runners and was reminded that in our walk with the Lord, we compare ourselves to other believers. We are often distracted by their "gear" and become discouraged that we are not as "spiritual" or as close to the Lord as they are. They seem so much further ahead. For those of us who haven't been walking closely with the Lord, this can be especially daunting when we decide to start again. At that time, He reassured me!

REASSURANCE!

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
During the run I noticed that the hydration stations were still available. The same way He provided for the earlier geared up runners, He provided for me!

PROVISION!

Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (Matthew 6:31-32)
The run confirmed that I am definitely out of shape. I couldn't help but think of all the junk I've been eating lately. None of which sustained or provided me with the nourishment I needed to make it through this difficult run. Yes, all the quick prayers and missed or shortened quiet times will not sustain me through tough times in my life. (I know right! The Lord spoke the WHOLE time!)

As I ended my run, an older gentleman was running my way. His pace was slower but he looked steady and strong. He must have noticed the agony on my face. I was out of breath and about to pass out! He looked at me with a huge smile and said "You look great! Keep going!"

ENCOURAGEMENT!

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (I Corinthians 1:8-9)
Let the Church say Amen!

I finished my run and went home in awe of God and His timing. I thought I went for a run with others but the Lord wanted me alone so that He could speak and I could listen. I am grateful.

Do you feel like it's too late? Do you feel left behind? Do you feel ill-equipped or out of place? Do you feel that everyone else is either living in their destiny or closer to it than you?

He is your strength. He is your salvation. He is your provision. He is your encouragement.

RUN ANYWAY!

Blessings!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
(2 Corinthians 3:17)

Listening In

The familiar story of David and Goliath is still chalked full of amazing encouragement for anyone who wants to claim victory in the battles of life. From the time I was a little girl, I've been told this story of great heroism: one young boy risking life and limb to contend with a fierce warrior that even Israel's best fighting men didn't want to face. Through the ages this story has become so iconic that its theme symbolizes any modern day struggle where the underdog is facing a menacing contender and emerges victoriously. Movies and books alike have born the name or the theme of this age old tale.

It's refreshing, then, to look at it with new eyes. So, I've been reading and re-reading 1 Samuel 17 and asking the Lord to reveal some new nuggets of truth that will not only help me to understand that battle better. . . but my own - to be able to face my own struggles with a renewed sense of hope and direction based on David's example. That's what I need. . .it's what we all need.

Honestly, when preparing to teach I shy away from "been-there-done-that" Bible passages like this one for fear that people will let out a sigh of boredom as soon as I tell them the topic of the day's message. I shouldn't do that. And so, as God's Spirit has drawn me here - to these familiar pages. .. I'm expecting something for myself and hopefully for you as well.

And, true to form, he is making good on His promise to open up His Word to me, by His Spirit, in a refreshing way.

That's why I am so challenged by 1 Samuel 17:23-24:

As [David] was talking with [his brothers], the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words; and David heard them. When the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.

Look carefully at the bolded portion and you'll notice a startling difference in what David was doing and what Israel's army was doing when the enemy approached.

David was listening while Israel was watching.

Sure, David could see the 9ft 9in giant. (How could he not?) This guy would have made Shaq look like he was from munchkin land. Sure, David's physical eyes beheld the giant and the weighty armor that Goliath wore as he breached Israel's territory but what David saw didn't weigh more heavily in his mind and heart than what he could hear.

This brazen Philistine had boldly mocked the armies of the living God - and giant or no giant - that was too much for David to stand. So, while Israel was paralyzed by what they saw, David was galvanized to action by what He heard.

Through this new lesson simply yet powerful lesson in my quiet time, God is asking me not to be intimidated by the problems and battles of life - no matter how big and looming, desperate or dire they are. He has challenged me to pay closer attention to what I'm listening to.

Think about it for a second: what are you hearing on a regular basis. Do you fill your ears with negative content that dismantles your courage and skews your purporse or are you purposefully filling your ears with conversation and content that recharges your spiritual batteries.

On the flip side: do we take note of the moment we "hear" anything that contradicts what God's Word declares as truth and stand at attention, head out for battle and take that giant down - no matter how big He is.

What if this was our new year's resolution - to change what we are hearing.

Apparently, it can make all the difference.

So, this new year my ears are open.

Yours?

Answer this question: How can you become more strategic about what you are hearing on a daily basis?

Priscilla

Home For The Holidays

Hey sister,

Glad you are here today.

I hope you are signed up to receive the Jewelry Box article each month. I always enjoy writing something to encourage you in your walk with the Lord and hopefully challenge you as well.

This month, I've been contemplating the real reason for the season and the myriad of ways we often neglect to honor it.

We don't mean to.

We just do.

Between the shopping and eating and gift-giving and gift-receiving, we are just far too exhausted to consider Jesus.

Back in 2002, about twelve weeks after my first son was born, we took him to visit relatives in Mobile, Alabama. He was exhausted and sound asleep when we arrived so I cocooned him in a receiving blanket to shield against the cool, winter night air and laid him across the bed in one of the back rooms.

The house soon filled with a dozen relatives or so. They all took off their heavy winter coats then came into the living room. We hugged, talked, ate and laughed.

After a little while everyone began asking for the baby they had come to see. I ducked out of the living room and walked back into the bedroom to retrieve him. When I opened the door I was mortified by what I saw - a pile of coats laying on the bed exactly where my son had been.

My sister-in-law was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room talking on her cell phone.

"Where's the baby". My heart beat quickly inside my chest.

She responded, "I thought he was with you. He's not in here".

But he was.

He Was.

I ran frantically over to the bed and began throwing coats onto the floor - digging through them in a frantic search for the cocoon I'd placed there an hour early.

There, at the bottom of the pile, cozily sleeping and (thank you Lord) still breathing was my sweet little one - covered up by the very ones who had come to see him.

Have we inadvertently covered up Jesus - smothering Him underneath a pile of our holiday tradition and celebration? I think we have.

I have.

Take a moment to read this month's Jewelry Box article by clicking here. I'm hoping that it will help you to remember Jesus as His birthday draws near. Enjoy it and then come back to the blog and share with me what the Lord is speaking to your heart.

Looking forward to chatting with you.

Priscilla

Savor the Seasons

Aside from my own mother, there is no one that has influenced my mom-life more than Chrystal Hurst. She is an author, speaker, teacher, wife, mom, CEO of the Hurst household, my next door neighbor, one of my closest friends and also . . . my sister.

She's three years my senior and has been a gift to my life.

I can still remember holding my first baby in my arms, just hours home from the hospital, and having her nearby to help me figure my way through the haze. She helped and coached and cooked and mopped and encouraged me every step of the way.

I've watched her traverse many different seasons of life with a strength and tenacity that far too few women have these days. And then, I've seen her influence countless others in their own life-journeys - showing them how to live and love the season that they are in.

And honestly, I don't know how she does it - homeschool, serve in women's ministry, write, blog, cook, exercise. . the list goes on.

This post will give you a taste of my sis. I'm so glad to introduce her to you today. You'll want to make her site a regular stop during your web-browsing. There's always something insightful and witty to read there. Not to mention, a beautiful woman - body, mind and spirit - to get to know.

Enjoy,
Priscilla

Today I took my three boys, ages 10, 8, and 5 to Target. The oldest two had money from birthdays and it was burning a hole in their pockets. Days early, I had promised them that I would take them soon.

Today was that day.

We arrived at the store and I opened the door to my mini-van so the boys could undo their seat belts and exit the vehicle. Gone are the days of unbuckling them from complicated car seats or placing infant carriers in the front section of the grocery cart.

We walked into the store. I pushed no strollers, I had no babies on my hip, and I carried no diaper bag. My boys went up and down the aisles of the toy section. I stayed in the main aisle so I could keep up with all three of them at a glance. I didn’t have to worry about keeping a hand on a toddler at all times.

When it came time to check out, my older boys went up to the counter, goods in hand, while I took the youngest one to the water fountain.  We waited for his brothers to finish their purchases. Apparently, I’m also passed the time of having hollering babies in the cart while I struggle to pay at the register.

That season is gone.

But while I can still reminisce over their baby smells and their tiny toes, I’m not super sad about watching my boys grow up. A wise “Kingdom Woman” told me long ago to savor every season. And I did. Not perfectly of course, but I did make some memories cuddling, reading stories, and letting them soak in the tub until their fingers and toes were all wrinkled. And I look forward to savoring the season of watching these three boys turn into young men.

I’ve had other seasons too. Seasons of being single. Seasons of working crazy hours in the corporate world. Seasons of marriage with a traveling husband. Seasons of homeschooling. Seasons of sickness. Seasons of baking bread and seasons of eating out way too much.

And all of the seasons are good.

Each season in its own right can be enjoyed, can be valued, and can share a lesson to be learned and carried forward into the season that comes after. But it’s up to me to savor the season I’m in – while I’m walking through it.

One day I will look back on my three boys just like I look back on days gone by with my two daughters, now ages 21 and 17. I’ve learned that every season is worth my presence and that every season doesn’t last forever. The days are long but the years are short. Make the most of today. Make the most of your season.

Even this holiday season - choose to savor.

I know it's another holiday filled with lots of activities, meals to plan and cook, people to see whether we want to or not, and maybe some financial stress to deal with.

Savor the season anyway. Why? Because this to, good or bad, will pass.

Can I encourage you today to savor your season? While you may adore your season, it will end. You may abhor your season. It will end too. However, the joys and pains will each make you a better person if you will allow them. The good and the bad can work together to make you a woman well-fitted for the King. Our God let’s nothing go to waste. He uses everything for our good and for His glory.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time…. Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 11(ESV)

When I Was Just A Girl...

I have had a love affair going on with God’s Word since I was a little girl.

The daughter of a pastor, I spent many hours sitting on the floor in the hallway of our home, just out of the sight of the preachers gathered in the den, listening intently to the conversation going on inside. Great men of God would sit and discuss the finer issues of theology with passion. Their points of agreement were interesting to hear but it was in the moments of dispute, albeit argued with kindness and patience, that I leaned my ear up against the wall and listened more closely to hear. They’d rattle off Scripture and theological principles I’d not yet become acquainted with to defend their point. I was intrigued and my heart was set ablaze for the things of God.

My mother’s flannel board was always within arms reach – tucked inside the hallway closet ready to be used at a moment’s notice. She’d take out the board, and a bag filled with felt Bible characters, then she’d tell the stories of Jonah or David, Noah or Esther and we’d watch wide-eyed as they came to life right before our eyes.

The Word was alive to us because it was around us. My parents filled our ears and hands and hearts and minds with it. Praise music wafted through the air on every day - not just Sunday. We had devotions at dinner-time on regular occasions. My parents would host missionaries and preachers and singers and lay people alike who loved God. We’d overhear adult conversations rich with practical Biblical truth and catch the crumbs of their wisdom shared over cups of hot tea.

I was blessed.

Now, I’m just trying to pass the blessing along to my kiddos.

I suspect that you are too.

So, here are a few ways I am trying to keep the Word in front of the eyes of my children. Take em’ or leave em’. Hopefully, if nothing else, they will help to spark some ideas of your own.

We hang some verses on our pantry door. Just clip them onto some rope with clothespins. (I think I'm going to start making the boys quote something before they can gain entry.) I don't change them out as often as I'd like to. These have been here for the past couple months. I've gotta do better. LOL

 

 

I've got a few more posted on the mirror in their bathroom - laminated of course, since boys have a way of getting water (and other liquids) EVERYWHERE.

 

 

 

This is Adventures in Odyssey - an oldie but a goodie! Sometimes I play one of the stories while they kids fall off to sleep at night. Each episode is an engaging and adventurous story steeped in Biblical truth that the boys love.

 

 

 

This one is a little more involved but has been worth it. We made little cutouts representing the major happenings in the Old Testament. Every few weeks we add one to create a timeline of Biblical history. 

 

 

This is the trunk of my car...

 

...and these are all the goodies that me and the boys bought at Target last week. Not one of these toys is for them. They are for two little boys (three gifts each) that we can’t wait to take them to later this week.

When I was growing up, my family always shopped for another one at Christmas. My parents sought out a family who had children similar ages to us and needed help with the holidays. Together, we'd purchase (or make) gifts, wrap them and then go to meet our new friends and share gifts with them.  

I remember it.

I loved it.

I want this same experience for my children.

So, I don't do the shopping for my children. They pick out the gifts they'd most want and resist the urge to keep it for themselves. They pray for the kids whose photos I tape to their bedroom door as we consider what gifts might suit them. And they will come with Jerry and I to the family's home so that they can know the joy of giving at Christmas time.

We are so far from perfect parents but I’m hoping that despite all of our mistakes my children will still fall in love with Jesus and His Word like I was able to.

Alrighty, your turn. What are some simple ways you are helping to keep God’s Word before your children?

Priscilla

Guest Blogger: Nicole Reyes | Fast - Forward, Please!

On one of the first occasions that I encountered Nicole Reyes she was on a platform speaking to a crowded auditorium of 3000 women. Somehow, she carried a delicate balance of authoritative confidence and tenderness at the same time and the audience was endeared to her immediately.

She was on fire.

For nearly on hour, I sat on the edge of my seat as this young woman (only twenty-seven years old at the time) taught about the importance of younger women gleaning from the lives of older ones. She opened up her Bible and pointed out jewels of insight from the mentoring relationship of Elijah to Elisha, and then bravely challenged us young women about the disservice we do to ourselves by being arrogant and unteachable. She told us, in so many words, to stop acting like we know everything and to position ourselves as learners who are willing to listen to women who have much more maturity, wisdom and experience.

We were all breathless.

She got a standing ovation.

Nicole's wisdom is uncanny for her years. She is a leader that God is raising up to influence this generation for His glory.

Get to know her. You'll be so glad that you did :)

I certainly am.

Priscilla

None of us likes to wait. Is there anything more annoying than sitting in a waiting room??? Or driving behind a really slow driver??? Or having to wait in a long line at the grocery store??? Some things in life we’d prefer to speed up a bit!

But when it comes to fulfilling purpose and destiny, there are just some things (LIKE CHARACTER) that refuse to be put on the fast track.

If our lives were movies, we would prefer to fast-forward through certain parts −− mainly the ones where we feel like we’re just waiting for the action to heat up. Can we skip the opening credits, the slow-paced back story, so we can get to the good stuff −− like the car chase and the explosions and the showdown between the good guy and the bad guy, ultimately ending with the leading love interests living happily ever after?

(Yes, I am aware that if there were a movie made of my life, it probably wouldn’t include a car chase or an explosion, but you get the idea!)

We all wish we had that real-life fast-forward button. We wish we could fast-forward through the under-paid, crazy-hours job to get that promotion. We wish we could fast-forward past our singleness and press play on our wedding day. We wish we could fast-forward through the challenges in our marriage or family and get to the good stuff −− the stuff famous authors write relationship and parenting books about.

But then I remember King David from the Bible.

Think about David, exiled from Israel even though he was anointed to be the next king. Out of jealousy and insecurity, King Saul plotted to kill poor David. David was forced out of his home, lived in enemy territory, posed as a mental patient, hid in caves, and was surrounded by disgruntled men who at one point wanted to kill him. He was misunderstood, persecuted and lied about… and he hadn’t done anything to deserve it.

Glimmers of a great king shined through during those hard times. David became disciplined. He became wise. He became generous. He became strong. There were things forged inside of David in those caves, in the midst of exile. While King Saul was seeking to kill David, God was making a king out of David.

Perhaps the very things we are in such a hurry to fast-forward through are the very things that make us… make us more Christ-like. Make us stronger. Make us purpose-minded. Make us wiser.

So the next time we feel the need to try to push the fast-forward button by pleading with God in prayer, or fantasizing about quitting or escaping our responsibilities, or throwing a pity party… why not first ask ourselves:

What is God up to in this moment of my life? What is He developing in my character as part of the divine purpose He has for me? How is He preparing me for what He has already prepared for me? ☺