"... The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the scripture every day to find out if these things were true"
Acts 17:11b NCV
11/95
Courtney was learning her Christmas Carols for Children's Choir. Among the songs was Deck the Hall. She was singing her little heart out when I noticed she was singing, Jack the Hall with boughs of Holly.
Now that she is in Kindergarten she is learning to read and has learned the sounds of the letters. I found the page in her songbook that Deck the Hall was on and told her to look at the word Deck and sound it out. When she looked she realized what she heard was not what her book said. Jack does not start with the D sound. I told her she needed to check with the book to make sure what it said.
As Christians we are always hearing different opinions, philosophies, theologies, etc. and many times we think we know what is being said. Before we believe what we hear, check with the Book, God's Word, the Bible, for ourselves to make sure that what we are hearing is what God is saying! Don't Jack the Hall when you are supposed to be Decking the Hall!"
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Promise You Won't Be Mad?
"There is therefore no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus...”
Romans 8:1 NKJV
Written 6/16/95
Courtney was in the bathtub and I had given her time to play before she had to wash and get out. I went in to check on her and smelled a different aroma. I asked, "Is that shampoo I smell?" She looks at me and said, "Promise you won't get mad?" I said I wouldn't. She said, "It's No More Tangles, I put it on my baby doll!"
I think sometimes too many of us think God is waiting to get mad at us if we do something wrong. We don't want Him to know (even though He already does). A child of God doesn't have to worry about God being "mad" at them. He took His wrath out on His precious Son Jesus so be could be His child.
He's promised He's not mad; so don't be afraid to tell Him anything! You're His child!
Romans 8:1 NKJV
Written 6/16/95
Courtney was in the bathtub and I had given her time to play before she had to wash and get out. I went in to check on her and smelled a different aroma. I asked, "Is that shampoo I smell?" She looks at me and said, "Promise you won't get mad?" I said I wouldn't. She said, "It's No More Tangles, I put it on my baby doll!"
I think sometimes too many of us think God is waiting to get mad at us if we do something wrong. We don't want Him to know (even though He already does). A child of God doesn't have to worry about God being "mad" at them. He took His wrath out on His precious Son Jesus so be could be His child.
He's promised He's not mad; so don't be afraid to tell Him anything! You're His child!
Friday, October 23, 2009
You've Got To Get Up First
"... And God told Abram, 'Leave your own country behind you, and your own people, and go to the land I will guide you to ... So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed him..."
Genesis 12:1 & 4 TLB
Written 6/15/95
Courtney was lying on the floor watching cartoons when I heard a little "fit" being thrown. She yelled, "Mama, I need to wipe my nose!" I told her "Come here and I'll help you." She did not come but continued the little "fit." Finally I said, "I'll help you, but you've got to get up first!"
Sometimes we're just "lying on the floor" throwing a little "fit" about something we want God to help us with. It may be that we wants us to get up first before He will help us -- He may just want us to take the first step of obedience and then He'll do the rest.
So ... Get up!
Genesis 12:1 & 4 TLB
Written 6/15/95
Courtney was lying on the floor watching cartoons when I heard a little "fit" being thrown. She yelled, "Mama, I need to wipe my nose!" I told her "Come here and I'll help you." She did not come but continued the little "fit." Finally I said, "I'll help you, but you've got to get up first!"
Sometimes we're just "lying on the floor" throwing a little "fit" about something we want God to help us with. It may be that we wants us to get up first before He will help us -- He may just want us to take the first step of obedience and then He'll do the rest.
So ... Get up!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
GO!
"... And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, and was filled with loving pity and ran and embraced him and kissed him."
Luke 15:20 TLB
Written 3/30/95
It was time for bed and, as usual, Courtney was not ready for that! Knowing if she didn't go to bed she would be "grouchy" the next morning, I took her to her room to put her pajamas on her. She was mad, to say the least, but I proceeded with my duties, got her ready for bed and told her I'd stay until she got sleepy, if she wanted me to. NO ... that wouldn't do at all! She turned her back to me and said, "GO!" I turned out the light and lay down beside her and she said again "GO!" So I did (knowing very well as soon as I did the crying would start). As soon as I got to my room the sobbing started. So, back I went to her room. She grabbed my neck and would not let go, sobbing. I stayed with her until she calmed down and got sleepy.
Isn't that us! God is trying to guide us or help us and we get mad and tell him to "GO!" He may say OK and let us have our own way. We may feel He has left us but He's "in the other room" listening for us, waiting for His child to call for Him. He's always right there, waiting to hold us and give us peace. We're His children even when we tell Him to "GO" and He's always there, waiting to hold us even in our rebellion.
Luke 15:20 TLB
Written 3/30/95
It was time for bed and, as usual, Courtney was not ready for that! Knowing if she didn't go to bed she would be "grouchy" the next morning, I took her to her room to put her pajamas on her. She was mad, to say the least, but I proceeded with my duties, got her ready for bed and told her I'd stay until she got sleepy, if she wanted me to. NO ... that wouldn't do at all! She turned her back to me and said, "GO!" I turned out the light and lay down beside her and she said again "GO!" So I did (knowing very well as soon as I did the crying would start). As soon as I got to my room the sobbing started. So, back I went to her room. She grabbed my neck and would not let go, sobbing. I stayed with her until she calmed down and got sleepy.
Isn't that us! God is trying to guide us or help us and we get mad and tell him to "GO!" He may say OK and let us have our own way. We may feel He has left us but He's "in the other room" listening for us, waiting for His child to call for Him. He's always right there, waiting to hold us and give us peace. We're His children even when we tell Him to "GO" and He's always there, waiting to hold us even in our rebellion.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Just Learn From Your Mistakes
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning..."
Proverbs 1:5 NIV
Written 6/13/95
Courtney told me one of her teacher's was not coming back to school so all the children made her cards. She told me, "Mama, I messed up Miss Kelly's card, I put two Y's in it." Courtney was very sad about this. I told her, "It's O.K. I mess up, too! Sometimes I type things wrong or spell something wrong, but you know what? When we make a mistake we can learn from it and not to do it again. I bet you won't put two Y's in the name Kelly again, will you?" She smiled. I said, "See, you learned something from your mistake!"
In life we make many mistakes and wrong choices and we, like Courtney, can be very sad about it. We can learn from our mistakes and wrong choices if we approach them in the right way. If you are a child of God, through Jesus Christ, then your mistakes have already been paid for, so let's learn from them and not do them again!
Proverbs 1:5 NIV
Written 6/13/95
Courtney told me one of her teacher's was not coming back to school so all the children made her cards. She told me, "Mama, I messed up Miss Kelly's card, I put two Y's in it." Courtney was very sad about this. I told her, "It's O.K. I mess up, too! Sometimes I type things wrong or spell something wrong, but you know what? When we make a mistake we can learn from it and not to do it again. I bet you won't put two Y's in the name Kelly again, will you?" She smiled. I said, "See, you learned something from your mistake!"
In life we make many mistakes and wrong choices and we, like Courtney, can be very sad about it. We can learn from our mistakes and wrong choices if we approach them in the right way. If you are a child of God, through Jesus Christ, then your mistakes have already been paid for, so let's learn from them and not do them again!
Friday, September 11, 2009
She Knows It's Me
"And so we should not be like cringing, fearful slaves, but we should behave like God's very own children ... For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts, and tells us that we really are God's children." Romans 8:15-16 TLB
Written 5/10/95
Courtney is not a morning person, so when I wake her up for school, I try to be gentle. I will turn back her covers and touch her hands. Without even opening her eyes she reaches up for me to take her ... She knows it's me without even looking!
When we know our Father in heaven as well as Courtney knows me, when He gently touches us we know it's Him. We will reach up for Him without even looking!
Written 5/10/95
Courtney is not a morning person, so when I wake her up for school, I try to be gentle. I will turn back her covers and touch her hands. Without even opening her eyes she reaches up for me to take her ... She knows it's me without even looking!
When we know our Father in heaven as well as Courtney knows me, when He gently touches us we know it's Him. We will reach up for Him without even looking!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Pick up your Toys...Pick up your Toys...Pick up your Toys!!!
"Take with you your only son - yes, Issac whom you love so much and go to the land of Moriah and sacrifice him there ... The next morning Abraham got up early ... and took with him his son Issac" Genesis 2: 2,3 TLBWritten 4/18/95
It is very frustrating for a mother to have to tell her child to do something over and over AND over again. I am forever saying "Courtney, Pick up your toys. Pick up your toys...Pick up your toys!!!" Obeying is such an easy thing to do. I told her "If you'd just obey me the first time I wouldn't get frustrated, you wouldn't get into trouble, and everybody would be happy!
I know God gets tired to having to tell us over and over "Pick up your toys. Pick up your toys...Pick up your toys!!!" When we hear God speaking and we know it's Him, obey the first time and we won't get into trouble and everyone will be happy, including ourselves. It's a joy to obey God and it's such an easy thing to do!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I've Heard the Wind Blow Before
"So when you talk to God and vow to Him that you will do something, don't delay in doing it..." Ecclesiastes 5:4 TLB
Written 2/23/95
Courtney and I were the way to church Wednesday night and she asked me if I was supposed to keep the "baby" class that night. It was my night to keep them so she began to beg, "Please, can I stay in there with you, I PROMISE I'll be good, just let me stay in there, I PROMISE I'll be good...” We've had this experience before and she is not always "good" when she stays with me in the "baby" class. I told her "You know, I've heard the wind blow before!"
God has heard our wind blow before many times. We PROMISE, if you do this God, or if you'll get me out of this God, I PROMISE, I'll be good. If we promise God something, let's not just let it be the wind blowing!
Written 2/23/95
Courtney and I were the way to church Wednesday night and she asked me if I was supposed to keep the "baby" class that night. It was my night to keep them so she began to beg, "Please, can I stay in there with you, I PROMISE I'll be good, just let me stay in there, I PROMISE I'll be good...” We've had this experience before and she is not always "good" when she stays with me in the "baby" class. I told her "You know, I've heard the wind blow before!"
God has heard our wind blow before many times. We PROMISE, if you do this God, or if you'll get me out of this God, I PROMISE, I'll be good. If we promise God something, let's not just let it be the wind blowing!
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Real Friend Loves You No Matter What!
"There are 'friends' who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 TLB
Written 2/22/95
Courtney was telling me about her day's events at school. One of her friends had told her "If you look at Dannon's picture (another friend of Courtney's) I won't be your best friend." I told her not to worry, that a real friend loves you no matter what! If she is a real friend, it won't matter.
Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. No matter if we're good or if we fail, He loves us. He is a real friend. He loves us, no matter what!
Written 2/22/95
Courtney was telling me about her day's events at school. One of her friends had told her "If you look at Dannon's picture (another friend of Courtney's) I won't be your best friend." I told her not to worry, that a real friend loves you no matter what! If she is a real friend, it won't matter.
Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. No matter if we're good or if we fail, He loves us. He is a real friend. He loves us, no matter what!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Isn’t There Something You Need To Tell Me?
This one made me think of Ralph's Sermon this past Sunday ...
"But the Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, 'Where are you?'"
Genesis 3:9 Amplified
Written 3/30/95
Bedtime again and Courtney wants chocolate! She brought a bowl full of "kisses" to me and asked if she could eat them! "No", I said, "It's to late for chocolate and you'll be up all night if you eat them now. Go put them back in the kitchen." She went running down the hall to put them up (I thought) and I proceeded with my nightly chores. A few minutes later I asked her to come help me do something. She came running to me not saying a word but reeking of chocolate! I asked her "Isn't there something you need to tell me?" She shook her head no -- mouth still shut! I asked again, "Isn't there something you need to tell me?" She opened her mouth and, of course, it was full of chocolate I told her to put up the rest of the chocolate and not get any more, but I thanked her for not lying to me.
God knows when we've been in the "chocolate", but He wants us to come to Him anyway when we've done wrong. Don't try to lie to God; you "reek of chocolate"!
Genesis 3:9 Amplified
Written 3/30/95
Bedtime again and Courtney wants chocolate! She brought a bowl full of "kisses" to me and asked if she could eat them! "No", I said, "It's to late for chocolate and you'll be up all night if you eat them now. Go put them back in the kitchen." She went running down the hall to put them up (I thought) and I proceeded with my nightly chores. A few minutes later I asked her to come help me do something. She came running to me not saying a word but reeking of chocolate! I asked her "Isn't there something you need to tell me?" She shook her head no -- mouth still shut! I asked again, "Isn't there something you need to tell me?" She opened her mouth and, of course, it was full of chocolate I told her to put up the rest of the chocolate and not get any more, but I thanked her for not lying to me.
God knows when we've been in the "chocolate", but He wants us to come to Him anyway when we've done wrong. Don't try to lie to God; you "reek of chocolate"!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I Can't Take My Eyes Off the Road!
"... And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying 'Lord, save me!' And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt'."
Matthew 14:29-31 NASB
Written 2/2/95
Driving to school, Courtney (sitting beside me) said, "Mommy, look. Is there something on my chin?" I told her, "I can't take my eyes off the road, and we might run in the ditch and have a wreck!"
On our Christian road we can't take our eyes off Jesus or we will most certainly "run off the road" and "wreck" our lives. "Keep your eyes on Jesus" and you can't help buy stay "in the road!"
Matthew 14:29-31 NASB
Written 2/2/95
Driving to school, Courtney (sitting beside me) said, "Mommy, look. Is there something on my chin?" I told her, "I can't take my eyes off the road, and we might run in the ditch and have a wreck!"
On our Christian road we can't take our eyes off Jesus or we will most certainly "run off the road" and "wreck" our lives. "Keep your eyes on Jesus" and you can't help buy stay "in the road!"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Didn't I Tell You Not To Do That?
"Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you."
Jude 1:21 TLB
Written 1/27/95
I know Courtney sometimes thinks I'm just "blowing hot air" when I tell her not to do something. The truth is I'm trying to protect her. Just last night I told her not to take her juice out of the kitchen, but as children will do, she did it anyway. A few minutes later she came and told me "Mama, I'm afraid to tell you, but I spilled my juice on the carpet." I said, "Didn't I tell you not to do that, now you're in trouble.” Another time I had told her not to stand on the furniture, but of course, when I was out of the room, she and a friend tried running up and down on the couch. I heard a big "thump" and a loud "scream". She had flipped over, head first, onto the end table and into the floor. I told her the reason I had told her to stay off the furniture is so she wouldn't get hurt, not so she couldn't have fun.
God gives us rules to live by, not to just "blow hot air" but to protect us, to keep us from getting in trouble. He can see if we "run on the couch" we're going to fall or if we "take the juice out of the kitchen" we're going to get into trouble! When we do fall or get in trouble He will say, "Now didn't I tell you not to do that?" Let's remember that God's rules are not to keep us from having fun - they are to protect us!
Jude 1:21 TLB
Written 1/27/95
I know Courtney sometimes thinks I'm just "blowing hot air" when I tell her not to do something. The truth is I'm trying to protect her. Just last night I told her not to take her juice out of the kitchen, but as children will do, she did it anyway. A few minutes later she came and told me "Mama, I'm afraid to tell you, but I spilled my juice on the carpet." I said, "Didn't I tell you not to do that, now you're in trouble.” Another time I had told her not to stand on the furniture, but of course, when I was out of the room, she and a friend tried running up and down on the couch. I heard a big "thump" and a loud "scream". She had flipped over, head first, onto the end table and into the floor. I told her the reason I had told her to stay off the furniture is so she wouldn't get hurt, not so she couldn't have fun.
God gives us rules to live by, not to just "blow hot air" but to protect us, to keep us from getting in trouble. He can see if we "run on the couch" we're going to fall or if we "take the juice out of the kitchen" we're going to get into trouble! When we do fall or get in trouble He will say, "Now didn't I tell you not to do that?" Let's remember that God's rules are not to keep us from having fun - they are to protect us!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Isn't This Exciting!
"As for me, my contentment is not in wealth but in seeing You ... And when I awake in heaven, I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you face to face."
Psalm 17:15 TLB
Written 1/27/05
A certain children's television celebrity was in town to meet the children and to sign autographs. Courtney wanted to go, so we took her. Courtney and I stood in line TWO HOURS to see the celebrity (it's amazing what a parent will do for their child, which is another lesson in itself!) We were almost up to the stage where the celebrity was and I said to her, "Isn't this exciting, but you know what's more exciting?" She said "What?" I said, "When we get to meet Jesus!" Her eyes grew wide; she smiled and said, "YEAH, I know!"
It's hard for me to understand how people can get so excited over celebrities here in this life. They'll wait for hours to see a celebrity, but make excuses for not going to church, worshipping, serving, reading God's Word, or seeking His will. If we are Christians, we are guaranteed that we will meet the greatest of all one day... Jesus! That should be enough to make a non-Christian want to be a Christian! Now that's exciting!
Monday, June 22, 2009
You Really Don't Believe Santa is Coming!
"And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming."
I John 2:28 NIV
Written 12/21/94
"Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, Courtney was having a really "smart" mouth." I guess with all the excitement and tension surrounding Christmas, Courtney was having a little trouble behaving, as she should. I said to her "You really don't believe Santa is coming, do you?" She protested, "YES, I DO!" I said, "Well if you really believed, you'd act better!"
We know Santa is fantasy, but Jesus is NOT! In this day and time, I don't think people really believe Jesus is coming. They get so wrapped up in the excitement and tension of this world; they just don't act, as they should. You can ask, "Do you believe Jesus is coming?" Most will say, yes. But reality is, "If you really believe Jesus is coming, you'd act better."
I John 2:28 NIV
Written 12/21/94
"Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, Courtney was having a really "smart" mouth." I guess with all the excitement and tension surrounding Christmas, Courtney was having a little trouble behaving, as she should. I said to her "You really don't believe Santa is coming, do you?" She protested, "YES, I DO!" I said, "Well if you really believed, you'd act better!"
We know Santa is fantasy, but Jesus is NOT! In this day and time, I don't think people really believe Jesus is coming. They get so wrapped up in the excitement and tension of this world; they just don't act, as they should. You can ask, "Do you believe Jesus is coming?" Most will say, yes. But reality is, "If you really believe Jesus is coming, you'd act better."
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
I Just Love Telling People About You!
"... I will tell everyone how good you are, and of your constant daily care"
Psalms 71:15b TLB
Written 12/15/94
Courtney sometimes gets embarrassed when I'm telling someone about something she did or said. I told her "I just love you so much I can't help it. I just love telling people about you and about all the things you do!"
When we love Jesus that much we will be the same way. We can't help telling people about Him and all the things He's done!
Psalms 71:15b TLB
Written 12/15/94
Courtney sometimes gets embarrassed when I'm telling someone about something she did or said. I told her "I just love you so much I can't help it. I just love telling people about you and about all the things you do!"
When we love Jesus that much we will be the same way. We can't help telling people about Him and all the things He's done!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Did You Get Me Something?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
John 3:16 NKJV
Written 12/8/94
Every time I pick up Courtney from school or go to the store she asks, "Did you get me something?" If I didn't she whines, cries or "puckers up"! I try to remind her of all the things she has gotten in the past (even as recent as earlier that day) and at this particular time, Christmas is just a few weeks away and she can't even imagine all that is in store for her!
Aren't we this way with God? We always want to know what He's going to do for us, "Did He get us something?" We need to stop and remember all the things He has given us in the past; the time we prayed for our child and they got well, almost immediately, the direction He pointed our life in, our homes, our food, our jobs! But especially remember He gave us Jesus!
And don't forget what's just around the corner. When we go to be with Jesus, we can't even imagine what's in store for us! So stop asking God -- "Did you get me something?" HE DID!
John 3:16 NKJV
Written 12/8/94
Every time I pick up Courtney from school or go to the store she asks, "Did you get me something?" If I didn't she whines, cries or "puckers up"! I try to remind her of all the things she has gotten in the past (even as recent as earlier that day) and at this particular time, Christmas is just a few weeks away and she can't even imagine all that is in store for her!Aren't we this way with God? We always want to know what He's going to do for us, "Did He get us something?" We need to stop and remember all the things He has given us in the past; the time we prayed for our child and they got well, almost immediately, the direction He pointed our life in, our homes, our food, our jobs! But especially remember He gave us Jesus!
And don't forget what's just around the corner. When we go to be with Jesus, we can't even imagine what's in store for us! So stop asking God -- "Did you get me something?" HE DID!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Happy Birthday!
Today is Courtney's 19th birthday! Can't believe it's been 15 years since I wrote down these little stories! She is still "Light of my life, my inspiration, God's precious gift." Happy Birthday, Courtney!
Someday I Will
"This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours." Isaiah 55:8-9 TLB
Written 8/30/94
There are some things Courtney just can't understand at her age (4). I may try to explain, but she just can't grasp it, but someday she will, when she has matured into an adult.
There are things of God we can't understand. It may be we are not spiritually mature enough or it may be we can't understand until we are in our glorified bodies. Some things our mortal minds will never grasp, but, even if I don't understand now, someday I will!
Written 8/30/94
There are some things Courtney just can't understand at her age (4). I may try to explain, but she just can't grasp it, but someday she will, when she has matured into an adult.
There are things of God we can't understand. It may be we are not spiritually mature enough or it may be we can't understand until we are in our glorified bodies. Some things our mortal minds will never grasp, but, even if I don't understand now, someday I will!
Friday, May 22, 2009
I Was Wrong
"But if we confess our sins to Him, He can be depended on to forgive us and cleanse us from every wrong. [And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins]"
I John 1:9 TLB
Written 8/3/94
Courtney and I got behind a large truck on the way to school one morning. She asked, "What kind of truck is that, a cow truck?" I said "No, it's a dump truck." We went back and forth, "It's a dump truck, no it's a cow truck, no it's a dump truck, no it's a cow truck." Finally the truck turned off the road and Courtney saw it was a dump truck! She looked at me, giggled and said, "I was wrong, it was a dump truck." It thrilled me that she admitted she was wrong and I told her it's O.K. to be wrong and admit it when you are.
God knows we are wrong about things and when we find out we are wrong He wants us to just tell Him "I was wrong." That thrills Him!
I John 1:9 TLB
Written 8/3/94
Courtney and I got behind a large truck on the way to school one morning. She asked, "What kind of truck is that, a cow truck?" I said "No, it's a dump truck." We went back and forth, "It's a dump truck, no it's a cow truck, no it's a dump truck, no it's a cow truck." Finally the truck turned off the road and Courtney saw it was a dump truck! She looked at me, giggled and said, "I was wrong, it was a dump truck." It thrilled me that she admitted she was wrong and I told her it's O.K. to be wrong and admit it when you are.
God knows we are wrong about things and when we find out we are wrong He wants us to just tell Him "I was wrong." That thrills Him!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Just Tell Me What's the Matter
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:6-7 NIV
Written 8/3/94
Courtney was getting ready for bed and got in one of her "moods". She sat in the corner of her bed, arms crossed, bottom lip sticking out. I asked her "What's the matter?" No response, just a jerk of her little arm as she pulled away from me. I said, "Just tell what's the matter...If you don't tell me, I can't help you."
God, even though He knows what the matter is, He still wants us to come to Him and tell Him "what's the matter" and not pull away from Him. If we will come to Him, He will either help us out of our circumstance or give us peace in our circumstance. Even if I know "what's the matter" with Courtney, if she talks about it I can help her or talk it out so she will feel better.
So just tell God "what's the matter!"
Written 8/3/94
Courtney was getting ready for bed and got in one of her "moods". She sat in the corner of her bed, arms crossed, bottom lip sticking out. I asked her "What's the matter?" No response, just a jerk of her little arm as she pulled away from me. I said, "Just tell what's the matter...If you don't tell me, I can't help you."
God, even though He knows what the matter is, He still wants us to come to Him and tell Him "what's the matter" and not pull away from Him. If we will come to Him, He will either help us out of our circumstance or give us peace in our circumstance. Even if I know "what's the matter" with Courtney, if she talks about it I can help her or talk it out so she will feel better.
So just tell God "what's the matter!"
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
She's Still Just a Child
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"
II Peter 3:18 NIV
Written 7/5/94
I sometimes forget Courtney is only 4 years old. She is very smart and articulate for a four year old. You can talk to her about concepts and she understands them. If she doesn't understand something, she asks what it means. But then ... if I don't give her something exactly when she wants it, here comes the screaming, the kicking, the crying ... the whole works. I have to stand back and say, "She's still just a child" and love her for all she is; a small four year old and maturing baby.
II Peter 3:18 NIV
Written 7/5/94
I sometimes forget Courtney is only 4 years old. She is very smart and articulate for a four year old. You can talk to her about concepts and she understands them. If she doesn't understand something, she asks what it means. But then ... if I don't give her something exactly when she wants it, here comes the screaming, the kicking, the crying ... the whole works. I have to stand back and say, "She's still just a child" and love her for all she is; a small four year old and maturing baby.
God loves His children the same way. We talk to Him, He explains things to us, and we feel so "mature" ... but then ... He doesn't give us what we want when we want it or things don't happen the way we think they should so ... here comes the screaming, the kicking, and the crying. He stands back and says, "You're still my child, I know you are trying to mature and I love you!"
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hold My Hand
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord is the One who holds his hand."
Psalm 37:23-24 NASB
Psalm 37:23-24 NASB
Written 6/16/94
Courtney is forever saying "Mommy, hold my hand". Even if I'm right there with her and watching every move she is making, she feels more secure if she can feel my hand guiding her.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Are We Almost Home?
"And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place...For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes...And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many. And because of lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold... and then the end shall come" Matthew 24: 6, 7, 11, 12, 14 NASB
Written 3/10/04
There are many days when Courtney and I are on our way home from school and she asks, "Are we almost home?" I point out to her the landmarks (or signs) that indicate we are almost home..."There is the store that is close to our house” and "There is the school where we turn into our street."
We also have signs that show us we are almost home. Just read the newspaper or watch the news...earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wars, etc., etc., etc. God is telling us "Children, look for the signs, you're almost home!"
Written 3/10/04
There are many days when Courtney and I are on our way home from school and she asks, "Are we almost home?" I point out to her the landmarks (or signs) that indicate we are almost home..."There is the store that is close to our house” and "There is the school where we turn into our street."
We also have signs that show us we are almost home. Just read the newspaper or watch the news...earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wars, etc., etc., etc. God is telling us "Children, look for the signs, you're almost home!"
Friday, April 17, 2009
I Want To Be Like You
"For who He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son..." Romans 8:29 NASB
Written 3/10/94
Courtney and I were talking and she said, "When I grow up I want to wear your clothes" and "When I grow up, I want to be like you!" What a compliment to me!!
We also have an example to be like. God's word says that we were created to be conformed to the image of Jesus. As we "grow up" as Christians, we should tell Jesus "I want to be like you!" What a compliment to Him!!!
Written 3/10/94
Courtney and I were talking and she said, "When I grow up I want to wear your clothes" and "When I grow up, I want to be like you!" What a compliment to me!!
We also have an example to be like. God's word says that we were created to be conformed to the image of Jesus. As we "grow up" as Christians, we should tell Jesus "I want to be like you!" What a compliment to Him!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Just For You
"Compose new songs of praise to Him...sing joyfully"
Psalms 33:3 TLB
Written March 7, 1994
Courtney is becoming quite a songwriter. She makes up words, which may or may not make sense and puts them to a tune that may or may not be recognizable. This is "quite" a sound until she says "Mama, was that good, it was just for you!" then it is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. I know it came from her heart, just for me.
God looks at us this way. When we do something for Him and say "This is from my heart, just for you,” it is beautiful to Him no matter how it sounds to others because He knows it is out of our love, "just for Him!"
Psalms 33:3 TLB
Written March 7, 1994
Courtney is becoming quite a songwriter. She makes up words, which may or may not make sense and puts them to a tune that may or may not be recognizable. This is "quite" a sound until she says "Mama, was that good, it was just for you!" then it is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. I know it came from her heart, just for me.
God looks at us this way. When we do something for Him and say "This is from my heart, just for you,” it is beautiful to Him no matter how it sounds to others because He knows it is out of our love, "just for Him!"
Monday, April 6, 2009
Only One Way
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'." John 14:6 NIV
Written 1/94
The other night Courtney wanted me to paint her fingernails. I went to her room and the toy box had "exploded" all over the floor. I told her to pick up the toys and I would paint her nails. But, being three years old, she tried every way to get her nails painted but the only way I told her. I finally told her "There's only one way to get what you want!"
That's the way people are with God. They say they want to get to God, yet they try every way but the only way He has told us we can get to Him. With Courtney, the only way she could get her nails painted was to do what I said. With us, the only way we can get to God is through what He said, faith in His Son Jesus.
Written 1/94
The other night Courtney wanted me to paint her fingernails. I went to her room and the toy box had "exploded" all over the floor. I told her to pick up the toys and I would paint her nails. But, being three years old, she tried every way to get her nails painted but the only way I told her. I finally told her "There's only one way to get what you want!"
That's the way people are with God. They say they want to get to God, yet they try every way but the only way He has told us we can get to Him. With Courtney, the only way she could get her nails painted was to do what I said. With us, the only way we can get to God is through what He said, faith in His Son Jesus.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Stars & Rewards
"... For he was looking forward to the great reward that God would give him.."
Hebrews 11:26 TLB
Written 1/5/94
I was having trouble finding consistency in getting Courtney to do what she was supposed to do, such as picking up toys and clothes, not eating enough, not wanting to brush her teeth, not wanting to go to bed, etc., etc., etc.!!! I decided to try a new approach. I made a calendar to hang on the wall in her room and each day she can earn a star to obeying certain rules. At the end of the week, if she earns a star everyday, we go and get some kind of reward (the first week was a trip to the Disney store). Once Courtney learned the pleasures and rewards of obeying, it became a joy to her.
The same is true for Christians, once we learn who we really are in Christ and the rewards of obeying, and then it will be a pleasure to obey and will become a natural thing to do. We then obey because we want to, not because we have to and in the process earn "Stars and Rewards."
I love Courtney as she is, even if she doesn't obey. God loves us too, even if we don't obey, but we won't receive the "Stars and Rewards."
Hebrews 11:26 TLB
Written 1/5/94
I was having trouble finding consistency in getting Courtney to do what she was supposed to do, such as picking up toys and clothes, not eating enough, not wanting to brush her teeth, not wanting to go to bed, etc., etc., etc.!!! I decided to try a new approach. I made a calendar to hang on the wall in her room and each day she can earn a star to obeying certain rules. At the end of the week, if she earns a star everyday, we go and get some kind of reward (the first week was a trip to the Disney store). Once Courtney learned the pleasures and rewards of obeying, it became a joy to her.
The same is true for Christians, once we learn who we really are in Christ and the rewards of obeying, and then it will be a pleasure to obey and will become a natural thing to do. We then obey because we want to, not because we have to and in the process earn "Stars and Rewards."I love Courtney as she is, even if she doesn't obey. God loves us too, even if we don't obey, but we won't receive the "Stars and Rewards."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Just Don't Do it Again!
John 8:11 NASB
Written 8/19/93
I caught Courtney in a lie the other day. They learn so young. It was just a little lie, but a lie is a lie and we have to "nip it in the bud."
She had asked me for something and I told her to ask her daddy, who was outside. I heard her ask him, but wasn't sure of his answer. When she came back in I said, "What did Daddy say?" She replied, "Yes." I didn't really think that was the answer he gave her so I called out to him "Did you say yes?" He replied "No."
I told her to go to her room for lying to me and think about it. I heard such sobbing in her room that a few minutes later I went in there. She told me she was sorry and I told her "OK, I love you but, just don't do it again!" That's the way God is with us. We do something we know we're not supposed to so God has to "nip it in the bud" and let us think about it because we are His children. I love Courtney more than anything on this earth and when she says she is sorry, I always forgive her but tell her not to do it again. God loves His children
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Because I'm the Mommy, that's Why!
"Obey God because you are His children ... "
I Peter 1:14 TLB
Written 8/11/93
Courtney is at that age (3) where everything you say to her comes back with the question "Why"? I try to answer the why quandary each time the best I can (if there is an answer). Sometimes, however, "why" is not what a Mommy wants to hear!
One day I told her to pick up all her toys, crayons, coloring books, etc., that were scattered all over the floor and she asked, you guessed it, "Why"? At first I told her because we want to be nice and neat. I guess that answer wasn't good enough, as she didn't clean up her mess. I told her again to pick up her things and again ... "Why?" Well, that was enough. I told her "Because I'm the Mommy, that's why and you are supposed to obey me!"
When God asks us to do something, we almost always ask Him "Why?" Sometimes He may give us an answer, sometimes not, or sometimes it's not the answer we want to hear, so we ask again "Why?" It's just like when we ask our children to do something, when God asks us to do something we, as His children, should just do it because we're supposed to. We must trust what He tells us to do and just do it because "He's the Father!"
I Peter 1:14 TLB
Written 8/11/93
Courtney is at that age (3) where everything you say to her comes back with the question "Why"? I try to answer the why quandary each time the best I can (if there is an answer). Sometimes, however, "why" is not what a Mommy wants to hear!
One day I told her to pick up all her toys, crayons, coloring books, etc., that were scattered all over the floor and she asked, you guessed it, "Why"? At first I told her because we want to be nice and neat. I guess that answer wasn't good enough, as she didn't clean up her mess. I told her again to pick up her things and again ... "Why?" Well, that was enough. I told her "Because I'm the Mommy, that's why and you are supposed to obey me!"
When God asks us to do something, we almost always ask Him "Why?" Sometimes He may give us an answer, sometimes not, or sometimes it's not the answer we want to hear, so we ask again "Why?" It's just like when we ask our children to do something, when God asks us to do something we, as His children, should just do it because we're supposed to. We must trust what He tells us to do and just do it because "He's the Father!"
Monday, March 23, 2009
Gumballs
"...I, the Lord, will bring it all to pass when it is time."
Isaiah 60:22 TLB
Written 7/30/93
God is teaching me so many things through the simplest everyday activities, especially through my three-year-old daughter, Courtney.
Courtney and I were in the kitchen one day and she asked me for a gumball. I told her "sure" but told her to wait a few minutes until we finished our tasks. Of course, that was not good enough. She proceeded to scream and cry "I want it NOW" and ended up being disciplined for the tantrum she threw. I knew all along that I was going to give her a gumball but she needed to wait for me. She also knew she would get it because I told her she would.
As God's children, I'm sure this is the way He sees us. We ask Him for something and He says "Sure, but wait for Me"...but we want it NOW. We may end up throwing a tantrum and being disciplined, out of His love, just as we do our own children.
In God's eternal plan, I'm sure some of our requests are like gum balls to Him. We think our "gum balls" are the most important thing in the world, and He, in His wisdom, may have every intention on giving them to us, but He knows when it should be given.
As much as I love Courtney, I can't see why she makes such a production over gum balls because I know what a small request it is and she will get it in my time. As God loves us, I'm sure He smiles at us when we make such a big production over our "gum balls" and knowing if we wait, in His time, He will give it to us.
Isaiah 60:22 TLB
Written 7/30/93
God is teaching me so many things through the simplest everyday activities, especially through my three-year-old daughter, Courtney.
Courtney and I were in the kitchen one day and she asked me for a gumball. I told her "sure" but told her to wait a few minutes until we finished our tasks. Of course, that was not good enough. She proceeded to scream and cry "I want it NOW" and ended up being disciplined for the tantrum she threw. I knew all along that I was going to give her a gumball but she needed to wait for me. She also knew she would get it because I told her she would.
As God's children, I'm sure this is the way He sees us. We ask Him for something and He says "Sure, but wait for Me"...but we want it NOW. We may end up throwing a tantrum and being disciplined, out of His love, just as we do our own children.
In God's eternal plan, I'm sure some of our requests are like gum balls to Him. We think our "gum balls" are the most important thing in the world, and He, in His wisdom, may have every intention on giving them to us, but He knows when it should be given.
As much as I love Courtney, I can't see why she makes such a production over gum balls because I know what a small request it is and she will get it in my time. As God loves us, I'm sure He smiles at us when we make such a big production over our "gum balls" and knowing if we wait, in His time, He will give it to us.
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