Faith and Deeds Go Hand in Hand

As the body without faith is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
James 2:26

This strong statement from the book of James urges Christians to live out their faith. It does not mean that we are saved by our deeds, but that our deeds will reflect what is truly in our heart. We will in essence "back up" our faith in what we do. To us as Christian Moms, this word from James is extremely important. We are charged not only to instruct our children on having faith but also to live our out our faith on a daily basis, providing an example for our children to follow. Stepping out on faith ourselves, even when it seems to defy reason, is the best lesson we can give our children.

Earlier in the passage James uses the wonderful example of Abraham (verses 20-23) to illustrate how faith and deeds go hand in hand:

20. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21. Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22.You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." and he was called God's friend.

God knew Abraham's heart, of course he knew that Abraham had faith. God asked Abraham to make that faith complete through action. Abraham was obedient, and in turn God honored the desire of Abraham's heart, which was that his son not be harmed.

If you say you trust in the Lord, strive to match your actions up with that statement. Be obedient to his call, even when its hard or when it doesn't make sense to you. Yes, it is a struggle to do this sometimes. The enemy tries to use fear to keep us from acting. We can act on our faith with confidence because we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). When we do this we give our children a wonderful example of faith and deed in action.

Scripture Reading: James 2:14-26

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Be Still-Get out of the Way!

Children are such a gift from God, aren't they? I am always so amazed at God uses my children on a daily basis to teach me something new. Here is yet another story of how a simple everyday occurrence can reveal a truth that God wants us to understand.

Yesterday, as my almost four year-old, Lilly, and I were walking out of a building, she saw a young woman with two small children walking slightly in front of us. The mom was holding a baby carrier and a baby bag. The second child seemed to be around 2 years old (needless to say she had her hands full!). Seeing that the woman needed help, my daughter rushed ahead and pushed the heavy door open for her. While Lilly was excited about helping, there was just one simple problem. The door was so heavy that in order to keep it open, Lilly had to push with both hands and brace the door with her foot. This forced her to stand right in the way so the woman and her daughter could not get past her to get out!

Touched by her enthusiasm and kindness, the woman exclaimed,"Why, thank you, sweetie! You are such a big helper!"

After briskly jogging to catch up to the situation, I gently moved Lilly from the doorway and held the door for the woman so that she could go out. We laughed about the situation and chatted a bit. She thanked us both and commented on how helpful Lilly had been.

This sweet little situation reminded me of how we as believers sometimes get in the way in our efforts to help someone else or even trying to help ourselves. Of course, we have the best intentions at heart. We may want to share Him with others, help in a desperate situation, or take care of a problem of our own accord. In the case of trying to help ourselves, we can be a bit like drowning men that cannot be rescued until we stop thrashing about. Sometimes in our enthusiasm, we stand in the way of the work that only God can do for us and for others. The word tells us to listen carefully to his guidance, stay in prayer and ask him what it is he wants us to do. Sometimes he just wants us to be still, pray and trust him. He is faithful! When we get out of the way, He will open the door in HIS perfect timing and all-knowing way!

Is there a door in your life that needs to be opened? Are you praying for a loved one or trying to help a friend? Are your arms and legs straining and you feel the door is closing? Whether it is for yourself or another person, take the time today to do as Psalm 46:10 says Be still and know that I am God. He will open that door for you.

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Luke 11:19

Have a Decision to Make? Follow HIS lead!

As moms, we are always making decisions. We may be facing decisions on small details or major decisions that will change the course of our lives. The outcomes of some of our decisions affect not only our lives but the lives of our whole families! Will we stay home, will we go to work? What will we teach our children? How will we interact with our husbands? Will we volunteer for this event or that one? How will we run our business? Will we live here or there? The list of decisions goes on and on! If you have ever felt perplexed or burdened about decisions, big or small, don't be fearful. As children of God we have the best example to follow when it comes to those decisions that we are asked to make. When God came to earth in the form of His Son, Jesus, He not only died for our sins but left the best example on how to live a Godly and holy life.

Consider one of the most important decisions Jesus had to make, the selection of his twelve apostles. He knew that he only had a short time on this earth and that the men that he chose to be apostles must be men after the heart of God Himself. They needed to be strong, caring, righteous and more. This was a very important decision indeed!

In Luke 6:12-13 we read:
One of those days Jesus went out to the mountainside to pray, and spent all night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them who he also designated as apostles.

As God sent to earth in the flesh, Jesus went to the Father in prayer. He took time away from the hustle and bustle of teaching and healing to go out to the mountainside. It was just him and the Father above! Not only did he pray for guidance, he prayed all night long! If the Lord himself felt that prayer was the only way, shouldn't we also?

Are you facing some tough decisions in your life today? Don't feel overwhelmed, God will show the way. Take this perfect example from Jesus and spend some quiet time with God-just you and HIM. He will give you the wisdom and guidance that you so desperately need if you seek His face and listen for His answer.

Portion Control of the Spirit

If you have every been concerned with your health and weight (which most if us women are at some point) you may have heard a lot of advice on how to lose weight, be healthier and feel great. As a mom, you may also be concerned about how to teach healthy habits to your children as well. One of the most effective methods that I have found in maintaining and losing weight is not fad dieting but simple portion control. Over the years, the fast food industry has focused on value, offering more food for your money-and most other food establishments have followed suit. Super size and all-you can-eat buffets have become the norm. It is difficult for the average American to even understand what a good portion size is anymore. As responsible stewards of the bodies that the Lord has given us it is important for us to learn more about this concept and bring our ourselves and our families back to appropriate portion sizes.


This phenomenon, referred to as "portion distortion" can apply not only to physical food, but food of the spirit as well. What are you putting on your spiritual plate, and it what portions? Are you filling yourself with oversize portions of worldly pursuits (that can be compared to high fat, high sugar, high calorie foods?) or are you filling yourself with the perfect portion of God (comparable to balanced diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, milk, protein, and small amount of "good fats").

In our media-rich, advertising centered, fast paced society, it is a difficult for us and particularly for our children to resist the temptation to distort our spiritual plates with those "high calorie, low nutrition" things of the world. Money, power, beauty, and material items are just some of the things that are falsely promoted as "the American Dream". While there is nothing wrong with any of these items in and of themselves, the oversize portions of our hearts and minds that they occupy can become a barrier in our relationship with the Father. Sometimes we end up putting those things before him, without even realizing it has happened.

Lamentations 3:24-26 tells us how we can resist those temptations, confirming that the Lord himself should be our "portion":

I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

When we wait quietly on the Lord, spending time with him and his word, he is the nutritious portion that we need to lose the "weight of worldliness" and feel healthier and happier on a spiritual level.

Proverbs 23:1-3 instructs us all to practice physical and spiritual "portion control":

If you sit down to eat with a ruler, notice the food that is in front of you. Control yourself if you have a big appetite. Don't be greedy for his fine foods, because the food might be a trick.

As you begin this glorious new year that the Lord has given us, join me in practicing and teaching our children the value of spiritual "portion control" (and a little physical portion control never hurt anyone either!)

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The Glad in God Game-Teaching Kids to be Grateful in Every Circumstance

Did you ever notice that it is pretty easy to teach children to be thankful when we have abundance and easy times in our lives? Think of a birthday party when your child was fortunate enough receive multiple gifts. Perhaps you had distributed a wish list and every gift turned out to be something that he or she desperately wanted. After opening each item, you heard the child exclaim, "Thank you, thank you so much! Its exactly what I wished for!" As the mom, you felt a wave of pride, having observed an appropriate outpouring of gratefulness on your child's part. "I have instilled a thankful heart!" you thought to yourself, "Praise the Lord". Easy as 1-2-3 right?

Now lets turn to that time when life took a difficult turn, the time that everything that you wished for seemed so far out of reach. Feeling thankful and teaching your children to feel thankful became so much harder didn't it? In those harder times, it became even more important to remember the loving character of God, keeping in mind that He will provide us with everything that we need. Phillipians 4:19 promises:

And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

As His children, we find comfort in His promises and can always find something to be grateful for!

When I was 16 years old, my mother was called home to the Lord after a prolonged battle with diabetes and other health issues. That year for Thanksgiving, I was confronted with the daunting task of making a Thanksgiving Dinner for the first time ever. Now one thing that has to be considered in this story, is that I was a terrible cook! It was somewhat of a joke in the family that I could burn anything (though my father was pretty bad too!)! I remember the anxiety, fear, loss and sense of inadequacy that overwhelmed my whole being when faced with this seemingly impossible task. On one occasion, several weeks before Thanksgiving, as tears rolled down my face, I told my father,"I can't do it! I just want mom back! She could make a great dinner that we would all love."

In that moment, my father said to me, "Amber, you can do it! God has given us the means to have food on our table! He has also blessed us with a wonderful church family that is full of many experienced cooks. I know that they would be happy to give you some guidance. Let's be thankful for all that, mom would want us to." When he said that, I felt so comforted. Though I did not see it right away, God had provided me with the resources that I needed to get the job done. I was truly thankful!

That year several women from the church took me "under their wings" and taught me how to make a turkey and several side dishes. I ended up making a great Thanksgiving Dinner! As we sat down to eat, my father thanked the Lord for the food that He had provided, the cook that had prepared it, the blessing of our church family, the opportunity for togetherness. I will never forget that Thanksgiving and the example of thankfulness that my father helped me to see.

As parents, it is our example that teaches our children to have an spirit of thankfulness. Do we bless the Lord even when the road of our lives gets a bit bumpy? Do we thank God, even for less than perfect circumstances?

We can learn from the old, familiar story of Pollyanna, a young girl who liked to play the "Glad Game". When she wished for a doll to come in the missionary barrels, she received a pair of crutches instead. Her father, who was a minister, then taught her the "Glad Game". He explained that the object of the game was to try and find something to be glad about in every situation. Pollyanna then decided that even though the crutches were not the doll that she wanted, she was glad that she did not have to use them! This "Glad Game" eventually helped Pollyanna through much more difficult times as an orphan, even transforming the attitude of a whole town from discontentment to gratefulness!

As Christian parents, we can take "Glad Game" a step further. The next time something doesn't go quite how our children wanted it to, ask them to find reasons to be "Glad in God". Look for the blessings that the Lord provides, the silver lining that is always there for us as His children. Teach them to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

For instance, when it becomes dark outside and the kids are sad to see the day come to a close, you could say to them, "Let's play the Glad In God Game! I'm glad that God made the stars. Did you know that the darker it gets, the easier it is to see them?" This thankful attitude will be contagious. Encourage the kids to be creative in what they are thankful for. You will be surprised at the things they will come up with!

I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.
--Psalm 69:30

This post is part of the No Place Like Home Thanksgiving Celebration! See What that's About Here!

The Thankfullness Tree

With Thanksgiving 3 weeks away, the "season" of thankfulness is once again upon us (even though we are of course thankful for the Lord's blessings all year round). Like a lot of moms, I decided to get my kids in the spirit of feeling thankful with a craft project. After searching around for a fun project that everyone could participate in, (including DAD) we decided to make a "thankfulness tree".

Now, the traditional way to complete this project is to use a paper bag to piece the tree trunk together, or to use markers to draw the trunk on a large piece of paper. Doing it that way is a lot of fun and requires glue or tape to adhere the trunk to the backing paper or markers for drawing. Since I am a graphic designer, my kids and I decided to go high tech and use a graphic that I had made in Adobe Illustrator (mostly because we did not have a large enough backing paper on hand and wanted it to be pretty big). First, we printed the tree out (utilizing the tile pages function in Illustrator). The tree took up 30 pieces of paper (being 5 feet tall). The kids had a blast piecing it together like a huge puzzle. After much teamwork and lots of tape, we were finally done with the tree. The kids eyes shone bright as we hung it up on the wall. Next, we printed and cut out leaves of various sizes (also made in illustrator). Leaves can also be made of construction paper or any other media that can be written on. When the leaves were all cut out, each member of our family took 4 leaves and wrote an item that they were thankful for on them. We used permanent markers, but any writing utensil will do (the darker mark it makes the better). Some examples of the things we came up with were:

• God's love
  
• Dollies
• Food
• Our Home
  
• Being able to help
• God's Forgiveness
• The USA
• Our Family
• The Wii
  
• Friends and Fun
• A Bed
  

After everyone completed their leaves, we all took turns reading them out loud and placing them on the tree (we used tape but glue works just as well). We also printed and placed some pumpkins we had carved (online at http://www.cubpack81.com/images/carve_pumpkin.swf) at the base of the tree. The finishing touch was to draw in some grass. Because God is so good, I know that we will be coming up with many more things to be thankful for, so we printed and cut some extra leaves to place on the tree as the month goes on. When guests come over, we will invite them to place a leaf on the tree as well. It will be fun to see all the leaves when Thanksgiving rolls around!

I thought it would be fun to share "thankfulness" projects that other moms are doing with their kids on this blog, so feel free to leave a comment in response to the following question:

What type of fun activities, games, or projects are you doing with your kids this season in order to build up a spirit of thankfulness in your home?

Book Review-Raising Unselfish Children in A Selfish World by Jill Rigby

With our society spiraling out of control into a seemingly endless pit of self-absorbtion, I, like many parents, find myself asking questions like "How do I teach my kids to be giving, compassionate, and unselfish?", "How can I compete with the media and other negative influences that tell my kids that they need- more, more, more?", and "How much is to much?"

In, Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World, child expert, Jill Rigby, challenges the self-esteem parenting methods that have been ingrained into American culture since the 1960's and early 70's.

I am an avid reader, and as I strolled through Barnes and Noble one day, this book caught my eye. Not being familiar with the author, but being intrigued by the subject matter and the endorsements of Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Dr. Henry Cloud, I went ahead and bought it. It then sat on my shelf for about two months until I finally got to reading it today. The verdict? This book is a must read for every Christian parent with a child living in their home! After picking it up this afternoon, I just couldn't put it down (As you can see from the time this entry was posted)!

Raising Unselfish Children in a Selfish World, encourages parents to look first inside their own hearts to seek the selflessness of Christ. In doing so, they prepare themselves to teach selflessness and compassion to their children. The author challenges parents to devise a plan, centered around scripture, in order to teach their children to look outside of themslves and to others with the eyes of a servant.

Rigby offers parents practical suggestions like:

1) Distinguish wants from needs.
2) Delve into God's Word with your kids.
3) Schedule more family togetherness activities.
4) Encourage your children to tithe and give to others.
5) Give your children opportunities to learn responsibility.
6) Get out there in God's world.
7) Model forgiveness in your own actions.
8) Make a commitment to live more with less.
9) Volunteer in your community as a family.
10) Teach classic manners.
11) Fill everyday with thanksgiving.

Suggestions for each section are broken down by age group, making them easy to locate and implement. She even offers activities that can go along with monthly themes to encourage self-less thinking and doing.

While many psychologists preach building up a child's self esteem, Ms. Rigby maintains that it is far more important to build God-confidence, humility and gratefulness in your child.

The fact of the matter that as humans, we are all selfish. We need to empty ourselves and our household of that selfishness in order to be filled with His love, compassion and servant's heart. I would recommend this book to any parent as a great guide to beginning the process of "bumping your child (and yourself) off self-center" in order live the lives that He wants you (and me) to live.

Socks and Sin- A Comparison

Let's face it, as moms we are in constant battle with a that very formidable foe- THE SOCKS.
Where are they? Why are they on the floor? How can we keep them clean? And most of all, Why are they sooooo yucky and stinky?

The truth is that sin and dirty socks have a great deal in common.

The first similarity between dirty socks and sin is that people try to hide both of them. My kids are notorious for trying to hide socks. Instead of putting them in the dirty clothes to be cleaned, they hide them behind the couch, under a chair, or throw them in the toy box. The problem with this is that I know where the hiding spots are and I ALWAYS find them. Sin is the same. How many times have we all tried to "hide" sin from God, allowing it to go on when we know we should repent from it and "put it in the dirty clothes". He is all-knowing and caring-we cannot hide anything from Him. Consider the following:

"Yours, O Lord is the Greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in the heaven and the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom O Lord, and you are exhalted as head over all."

1 Chronicles 29:12

The second similarity between dirty socks and sin is that they both really stink. After being enclosed in our shoes next to sweaty feet all day, socks can emerge smelling pretty bad! No one is immune to this phenomenon (though some are worse than others). Think of all the powders and sprays that are on the market that try to eliminate foot, sock and shoe odor. They just seem to mix with the bad smell and make things even worse! Sin stinks pretty bad too, it is deplorable and separates us from God ( just like a dirty sock being held away from a person as they hold their nose!). We try to mask it, but there is nothing of this world that will take it away.

"For the wages of sin is death..."
Romans 6:23 a

The last similarity between dirty socks and sins that they can be washed clean. When laundered correctly, socks can smell of flowers or a fresh spring wind. Clorox is a beautiful thing! The blood of Christ is the "Clorox" of God that washes our sins clean. Sin stinks and as humans, we all have them. The one true solution is revealed through the Apostle Paul in Romans 5: 8-11:

8 But God demonstrates his love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then having been justified [washed clean] by his blood, we shall be saved from Wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only that but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation.

Isn't it wonderful that we are forgiven! Paul tells us that not only are we reunited with God through Christ, but that we rejoice in Him whose sacrifice provided for that reconciliation. Today as you wash those dirty socks, rejoice in the fact that God has given His Son as the "clorox" to wash our spiritual socks white as snow!

"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace."
Romans 6:14

Pick Me Up, Mom!

"Pick me up, mom, pick me up!"

At a recent trip to the farm and pumpkin patch near where we live, these were the words that my 3 year old daughter, Lilliana, cried out every time she wanted to pet a tall animal or see something she couldn't see. We were visiting the farm as part of our church M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. It had turned out to be a nice, sunny day in spite of the fact that it had begun with a chilly morning.

The farm was packed with animals, hay bales, pumpkins, sights to see and things to do. Lilly was determined to pet everything and do everything. Absolutely nothing (especially being small) was going to stand in her way! When the Llama's neck was too far to reach, when the chicken was inside the high coop, when the baby goat was sitting out of reach on a huge log, I would hear her little voice ask, "Pick me up mom, please pick me up!"

It was fun to see her so enthusiastic about the whole "farm experience". I couldn't resist being a part of her joy. And of course, every time she asked, I would pick her up. When we saw a big, colorful turkey who gobbled loudly, again, she cried "Pick me up mom!"-this time because she was afraid (he was just as big as she was!). Again, I picked her up. We had a wonderful time exploring, playing, and discovering with friends, even if my back was sore by the end of the day.

As Christians, we are able to rely on our Heavenly Father to continually "pick us up", in a much greater way than I lifted Lilly up at the farm! His back will never be sore and His love is everlasting. When we doubt ourselves, when we are tired, and even when we are afraid, the bible says that He will lift us up. All we have to do is humble ourselves and follow Him!

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Psalm 146:8
The Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those that are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.

Isaiah 40:31 promises:
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they will soar on wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

The Isaiah passage is frequently memorized and can serve as an inspiration to us all. Not only will the Lord "pick us up", but He will also give us the means to soar on eagles wings!

As you go about your day, cast your cares upon the Lord, share with Him your hopes and dreams, humble yourself before Him, let him lead your life. If you do, He will definitely "pick you up"and when He does, you will be able to enjoy the "farm" of your life.

Remember The Masterpieces

Yesterday, my daughter Lilliana (age 3) presented me with the most beautiful "masterpiece" that she had spent quite a time creating. I smiled as she presented her drawing to me, with her eyes wide, a look of excitement and anticipation adorning her rosy little face.

"Look mommy, its a flower! she exclaimed, "And that's you and daddy holding the flower that I gave you!" she finished proudly.

I felt a wave of emotion as I looked at the picture, a mass of colors and entangled lines, finally focusing on the two central figures that looked as much like my husband and I holding flowers as lemons are sweet. I accepted her gift to me with an enthusiastic reply.

"Oh Lilliana, that is beautiful, you did such a good job!"

Do you remember those lovingly created "masterpieces" that you have received from your own child? I am talking about the infamous lopsided clay pots, the beautiful toilet paper roll dolls, or the scribble-scrabble family portraits. As a parent, you accepted those gifts with open arms, regardless of the "artistic value" that they may have had by the world's standards. You were excited that your child had taken the time to make you a gift. You were touched by the effort and love with which the piece had been created- just for you. It was beautiful for what it stood for, not for what it was.

This brings to mind how many times as Christians we remain stagnant because we feel we are not "good enough" for God. We have lost the childlike faith that we need in order to give ourselves to him, regardless of our shortcomings. I have experienced this many times in my own spiritual walk. It is unimaginable to me that He loves me despite my many imperfections!

Let's take a moment to look at how it is possible that God connects with us just like an earthly parent connects with a child.

Romans 8:10, 14-15 has this to say about God as our Father:

10. Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ has made you right with God.
14. The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. 15. The spirit that we receive is not a spirit that makes us slaves again to fear. The Spirit that we have makes us children of God. And with that Spirit we say, "Father, dear Father."

How wonderful this is! How comforted we can be that when we are led by Christ, even our "lopsided clay pots" are acceptable to the Father. We do not have to live in fear or condemnation any more!

So the next time that your precious child presents you with another "masterpiece"- be reminded of the love that our Heavenly Father has revealed to us. Don't be held back by your insecurities and fear. Christ has given us the ability to triumph over all of that!