Thinking Straight

When it feels like your thoughts are out of control or like they're controlling you, starting praising God. Say, "Jesus, You are my Savior. Daddy, I belong to you. You are my King!" Sing from your heart, clap your hands - worship like your mind depends on it, because it does! You'll be amazed at the clarity you receive when you turn to praise instead of letting your thoughts drag you down.

Affection Reflection

We brag about our kiddos because we spend so much time with them, feeling their love, enjoying their uniqueness. This is what happens when we genuinely engage. If our words & attitudes don't reflect this kind of affection for our loving Daddy, it's time for us to take some dedicated time alone to genuinely engage with Him! So listen to the birds, read a Psalm, and bask in His gentle & unconditional grace today.

The Lie of Guilt

A great tragedy is that guilt has become associated with God. Not only is this not one of His choice tools, it's not one of His tools at all! When the Spirit convicts our hearts, the message is not a harsh, "Get this right and then we'll talk," but a gentle, "Hey, see that thing over there? Would you please give it to Me? It's getting in the way of us being closer."

He will take it away or transform it in His power, working within us, not waiting for us to shape up or ship out. We don't try harder - we just let Him get to work.

When the Spirit convicts us, the choice of how to respond is always ours. As are the consequences.

Sacred Setbacks

Life is never a smooth, steady, upward climb toward our own goals. In His wisdom, our loving Daddy interjects other plans, pathways, & lessons for us so we can become the beloved servants He designed each of us to be.

Rescue

God is our Rescuer. That doesn't mean His rescue will come right away - it depends on what He wants to accomplish in your life through your current trial. Still, He will always protect you from what will destroy that which He plans to accomplish in & through you. He will be your Refuge, He will be right by your side, when you call on Him. (Psalm 91:14-15)

Just As I Am

It seems whenever I start an attempt to better myself, I run into the situation Lisa Simpson encounters in a famous Simpsons episode about pursuing vegan living: There is always a level of commitment higher than my current one.

I want to eat healthier, then discover the all-natural chicken I picked up is not organic. And then the organic chicken I bought was not free-range. And then that free-range chicken in my fridge was not locally raised. Talk about discouraging!

What I'm discovering in my walk with God, though, is that He isn't concerned with me getting to the top level ASAP. When it comes to me, He doesn't take into account that someone out there does three hours of prayer each morning; He loves that I am genuinely seeking conversation with Him. He isn't asking me for a weeklong fast while I'm breastfeeding my toddler. What is He looking for? That I not compare myself with others, but to keep walking in the way He is leading me (Galatians 6:4-5).

So let's banish the concerns about becoming "Level 5 vegans". God loves us where we are at, and He will get us to the next level by His grace & in His time.

Walls & Focus

Do you feel a wall in your heart? God knows it's there, and He wants to remove it. He wants our hearts to be soft, malleable, & open to His Spirit's movement within. Be honest with Him about its presence, and let Him show you how it got there so He can dismantle it - brick by brick or with a mighty explosion, depending on what He wants you to learn.

Focus on the Healer, not on what needs to be healed.
Focus on the Provider, not on what needs to be provided.
Focus on the Redeemer, not on what needs to be redeemed.

New Diet

• Eliminate cynicism
• Reduce sarcasm
• Detoxify your life of any toxic relationships
• Load up on Jesus' love, hope, & truth, as well as authentic God-lovin' community. 

You'll feel pounds lighter & years younger. (1 Peter 5:7)

In Praise of Dedicated Mamas

The radio has a growing catalog of songs about girls' low self-esteem. From One Direction's "You Don't Know You're Beautiful" to "You Are More" by Tenth Avenue North, from TLC's "UnPretty" to "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz, our young ladies & our young selves & even our current selves struggle with our worth. Ladies don't own their beauty; they look great but feel lousy. And that is where mamas come in.

We are powerful. We hold the future in our arms each day. God has given us an incredible responsibility, not just to bring life into the world & nurture it, but to infuse it with truth & boldness & a sense of self that does not rely on a cute boy's flirtations.

Mamas, let's purpose to teach our daughters that their Heavenly Daddy, the Creator of Everything, thinks they are fabulous and has an amazing role for them to play. Let's intentionally teach our sons to respect & value others' daughters, knowing they are called to honor these women and will have to answer for every action to their Father, the King of All.

And let's start by believing this message: We are deeply loved and called beautiful by a Man who gave His life for us. We are redeemed & delightful & full of promise & gorgeous. If we believe it, our daughters will see it and believe it for themselves, and our sons will see it and respond to it - in you and the women they meet. And that is how we will change the world, one sensational, Jesus-loving, dedicated mama at a time.

Stocking Stuffer

Are you struggling with peace, joy, & gratitude this Christmas season?
DO: Immerse yourself in our loving Daddy's Word - especially the Psalms.
DON'T: Watch sappy rom-com holiday movies that induce a bad case of the "If-only's".