Caleb started having some trouble falling asleep at night. We did some sleep training a long time ago and ever since he has mostly been able to fall asleep on his own with no problems. If he's overtired (hasn't gotten naps/nighttime sleep like he needed, whether my fault or his), it is often harder for him. But most of the time he's good about it.
Anyway, as fall has arrived and it is getting dark sooner, he did NOT like going to bed without the sunlight peering through the curtains. He would fuss and cry and we would go in to help him to sleep, hoping he'd get used to the darker room soon. Well, mom or dad helping him to sleep QUICKLY creates a habit for Caleb (and one that takes longer and longer to work); we were starting a new trend that was making Caleb lose precious sleeptime.
So, I started teaching him about nighttime. We talked about how God made both the light and the dark. He made beautiful things for us that only come out when it's nighttime like the moon and the stars. I taught him about how He gave us light so we could see during the day to work and play, and how he gave us darkness at night so our eyes could rest and we could sleep. We talked about how BOTH the day AND the night were so nice. I pointed out pictures in books and commented about how nice it was dark at night so that the baby in the picture to sleep, etc.
I told him when mommy turns off the light, it would get dark (he even started saying the word, "dark"), but again that it was so nice to be able to rest our eyes and sleep when it was dark. I told him how Jesus was always with him, that he could talk to Him anytime he wanted, even at night in bed. Then I layed out my expectations for him, "When I turn out the lights and it gets dark, I will pray with you and sing you a song. Then I want you to lay down in bed and go to sleep. You don't need to cry or play. It will be so nice to just lay down and go to sleep."
The first night I told him this, he suddenly had no problems at all. He did just what I asked of him, he layed down and went to sleep. I was a little shocked (especially after the week or so of his hating the dark). All he needed was a little explanation. For over a week now, he has done beautifully when I lay him down and leave the room. He trusted mommy enough to believe her when she said the dark room was nice and that he didn't have to cry. Mommy said it, so it must be true.
It made me think about how often I respond to God's words with a similar trust. No "why" or "what if" or "that can't be" or "wouldn't you rather I..." Just a "God said it, so it must be true" AND "I will change my actions because of what God said."
God said,
"Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything." (Philippians 4:6)
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing" (1 Peter 3:9)
"Wives should submit to your husbands in everything." (Ephesians 5:24)
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
There are countless things God has said that we each have trouble trusting AND changing our actions because of it. Instead we worry constantly, we encourage payback, we bicker with our husbands, we live in guilt, the list could go on and on. Why are we so slow to believe the God who made all and knows all? How great it would be if we truly trusted. We could lay down and sleep soundly because we know "God said it, so it must be true." It's as simple as that.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Gift of Integrity
We don't often hear about integrity anymore. Perhaps out of laziness or busyness we've given up on the endeavor. Maybe greediness has gotten in the way. Or even worse, maybe we have grown to despise integrity or those who seek it. Whatever the reason, it seems our culture finds integrity to be either undesirable, unbelievable or unattainable, and therefore a mute topic of conversation.
The Bible doesn't.
God says integrity is most definitely desirable, absolutely attainable, and a vital part of the life He purposed for us.
There are immeasurable rewards received here on earth and stored up in heaven for those who walk in integrity. A most cherished gift is the assurance that our children will be blessed because we lived uprightly. "A righteous man who walks in integrity - How blessed are his sons after him." ( Proverbs 20:7) There is great testimony when our life backs up our speech. When the two are joined, our children see the Biblical principles living and breathing through us. Love is not just a concept discussed in Corinthians, but an act witnessed in mom and dad. Honor, truth, and discipline are all made real by the daily example of mom and dad, that is if we pursue it with all we have.
I believe my endeavor to live a life of integrity is part of “training a child in the way he should go.” (Proverbs 22:6) I am to teach him God’s word, yes. But I am also to show him God’s word in how I choose to honor the grocery clerk, in how I serve my neighbor, in how I resist laziness, and in how I offer forgiveness.
Recently two women in the Bible have peaked my interest, Lois and Eunice. In a letter to Timothy, Paul says “… I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5). It is a quick reference, and from my search, the only mention of either woman. They are a grandmother and a mother who lived such lives of integrity that their offspring was blessed because of it, just like the Proverb says.
Sincerity of faith is judged by the way we live. While God can see the heart, man’s assessment is dependent on what he sees. Timothy didn’t merely hear God’s word, he saw it in action as he grew up. Lois and Eunice’s faith was proven real because they lived it. This makes me want to look at my own life. Am I a Lois or a Eunice to my own son?
I recently heard the saying, “We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.” So true. It’s easy to speak the part, not as easy to live it. The lessons I teach Caleb are invalidated if I do not live them out myself. When I shy from an opportunity to share Christ or lose patience with my husband, Caleb is learning an unfortunate lesson. When I encourage a friend or seek God through prayer, Caleb is learning and prospering because of it.
I am not there yet. I see areas of my life where impulse takes precedence over wisdom, pride precedes humility, or self-control is abandoned. Praise God, He is still at work in me. He is patient beyond measure. His grace endures through the entire race. He is a fine teacher and I will learn well from Him.
What better gift could I give my son, than a mom whose words and actions point the way to Christ? What better gift could I give my Christ, than a life lived in sincere faith, in integrity?
The Bible doesn't.
God says integrity is most definitely desirable, absolutely attainable, and a vital part of the life He purposed for us.
There are immeasurable rewards received here on earth and stored up in heaven for those who walk in integrity. A most cherished gift is the assurance that our children will be blessed because we lived uprightly. "A righteous man who walks in integrity - How blessed are his sons after him." ( Proverbs 20:7) There is great testimony when our life backs up our speech. When the two are joined, our children see the Biblical principles living and breathing through us. Love is not just a concept discussed in Corinthians, but an act witnessed in mom and dad. Honor, truth, and discipline are all made real by the daily example of mom and dad, that is if we pursue it with all we have.
I believe my endeavor to live a life of integrity is part of “training a child in the way he should go.” (Proverbs 22:6) I am to teach him God’s word, yes. But I am also to show him God’s word in how I choose to honor the grocery clerk, in how I serve my neighbor, in how I resist laziness, and in how I offer forgiveness.
Recently two women in the Bible have peaked my interest, Lois and Eunice. In a letter to Timothy, Paul says “… I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5). It is a quick reference, and from my search, the only mention of either woman. They are a grandmother and a mother who lived such lives of integrity that their offspring was blessed because of it, just like the Proverb says.
Sincerity of faith is judged by the way we live. While God can see the heart, man’s assessment is dependent on what he sees. Timothy didn’t merely hear God’s word, he saw it in action as he grew up. Lois and Eunice’s faith was proven real because they lived it. This makes me want to look at my own life. Am I a Lois or a Eunice to my own son?
I recently heard the saying, “We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.” So true. It’s easy to speak the part, not as easy to live it. The lessons I teach Caleb are invalidated if I do not live them out myself. When I shy from an opportunity to share Christ or lose patience with my husband, Caleb is learning an unfortunate lesson. When I encourage a friend or seek God through prayer, Caleb is learning and prospering because of it.
I am not there yet. I see areas of my life where impulse takes precedence over wisdom, pride precedes humility, or self-control is abandoned. Praise God, He is still at work in me. He is patient beyond measure. His grace endures through the entire race. He is a fine teacher and I will learn well from Him.
What better gift could I give my son, than a mom whose words and actions point the way to Christ? What better gift could I give my Christ, than a life lived in sincere faith, in integrity?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Abba, Father
Today Pen and I were having lunch with Caleb and he wasn't wanting to eat his greenbeans. It is unusual for Caleb to push his nose up to food (unless maybe too hot/spicy). Pen took some off of his plate, ate them and that was encouragement enough for Caleb to eat them too. He ended up eating his whole plate of greenbeans!
Afterwards, Pen told me, "I bet that's how God wants us to be with Him. He wants us to so admire and look up to Him that we want to follow in His footsteps. To do what He does." (Ok, that's not verbatim, but anyone who knows my memory, knows a general recap is all you're gonna get!)
Anyway, I like the thought. Caleb really does look up to his dad. Pen can easily get him to try new words, new food, accomplish a new skill, all by doing it first himself and encouraging Caleb to follow. Caleb so admires his dad, that he wants to do what he does. How many times in the Bible does it say we should be more like Him? How often do we actually try that? How often do we lose sight of Him completely?
When you think about it, the very fact that The King of kings, The Creator, The Beginning of all, and The End of all would even imply that we can be like Him is too awesome to put to words. He says it's possible. He has only good qualities to emulate. He is our Abba, Father (as a past worship leader called Him, "Daddy, God"), wanting us to look up to Him, watch His actions and His character, and follow behind in His footsteps. Just like Caleb tries to follow behind his daddy's steps, I have a someone to follow too.
The fact that Caleb looks up to Pen so much just makes him so proud. How much more proud of us is our Abba, Father, when we look up to Him as well.
Afterwards, Pen told me, "I bet that's how God wants us to be with Him. He wants us to so admire and look up to Him that we want to follow in His footsteps. To do what He does." (Ok, that's not verbatim, but anyone who knows my memory, knows a general recap is all you're gonna get!)
Anyway, I like the thought. Caleb really does look up to his dad. Pen can easily get him to try new words, new food, accomplish a new skill, all by doing it first himself and encouraging Caleb to follow. Caleb so admires his dad, that he wants to do what he does. How many times in the Bible does it say we should be more like Him? How often do we actually try that? How often do we lose sight of Him completely?
When you think about it, the very fact that The King of kings, The Creator, The Beginning of all, and The End of all would even imply that we can be like Him is too awesome to put to words. He says it's possible. He has only good qualities to emulate. He is our Abba, Father (as a past worship leader called Him, "Daddy, God"), wanting us to look up to Him, watch His actions and His character, and follow behind in His footsteps. Just like Caleb tries to follow behind his daddy's steps, I have a someone to follow too.
The fact that Caleb looks up to Pen so much just makes him so proud. How much more proud of us is our Abba, Father, when we look up to Him as well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
"Overflowing with Gratitude"
"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." Colossians 2:7
When I take the time to thank God for who He is, that He is in my life, and for how He has blessed me, I gain great perspective. Those things that were overwhelming a few minutes ago seem petty now. Afterall, He is on the throne. He is Lord over my life. I can let Him take care of those issues. I can enjoy this life and these blessings He has given. I can walk in Him.
We so often hear of key things to do to help us walk in Him, read the Word, serve others, pray. Paul says we should add gratitude to that list. "Thank you, Father, that I have 2 beautiful people in my life, my husband and my son." Saying those words makes me look past my earlier frustrations with them. The extra laundry, the added to-do list, the arguments aren't such a big deal anymore because I have taken a moment to remember they are a gift.
I have always loved the last few chapters of Job when God is speaking to him. Job has just gone through one horrific event after another and is questioning why these things have happened to him. Interestingly, God's response is a list of His abilities, His powers. He doesn't give an explanation of Job's circumstances; He doesn't give directions to get out of those circumstances. Instead, He reminds Job of who He is. He reminds Job of why he can still be grateful amidst his present circumstances.
Caleb enjoys watching Veggietales. We often sit down to watch a recorded episode while he drinks his milk after a nap. There is a song in one of them called "The Thankfulness Song." It really has great lyrics, exactly in line with Colossians 2:7.
The Thankfulness Song
"I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!
For our home on the ground,
For His love that's all around,
That's why I say thanks every day!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
Thats an easy way to start!
For the love that He shares,
'Cause He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks every day!
Thank you Dad for our day,
For our trip to the mall,
For the time just with me,
For my big red bouncy ball!
For the fun that we had,
I'm so happy you're my dad,
That's why I say thanks everyday!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
That's an easy way to start!
For a God who really cares
And He listens to our prayers,
That's why I say thanks everyday!
That's why we say thanks everyday!"
Here's a cute Youtube of the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=takc97w9by4
When I take the time to thank God for who He is, that He is in my life, and for how He has blessed me, I gain great perspective. Those things that were overwhelming a few minutes ago seem petty now. Afterall, He is on the throne. He is Lord over my life. I can let Him take care of those issues. I can enjoy this life and these blessings He has given. I can walk in Him.
We so often hear of key things to do to help us walk in Him, read the Word, serve others, pray. Paul says we should add gratitude to that list. "Thank you, Father, that I have 2 beautiful people in my life, my husband and my son." Saying those words makes me look past my earlier frustrations with them. The extra laundry, the added to-do list, the arguments aren't such a big deal anymore because I have taken a moment to remember they are a gift.
I have always loved the last few chapters of Job when God is speaking to him. Job has just gone through one horrific event after another and is questioning why these things have happened to him. Interestingly, God's response is a list of His abilities, His powers. He doesn't give an explanation of Job's circumstances; He doesn't give directions to get out of those circumstances. Instead, He reminds Job of who He is. He reminds Job of why he can still be grateful amidst his present circumstances.
Caleb enjoys watching Veggietales. We often sit down to watch a recorded episode while he drinks his milk after a nap. There is a song in one of them called "The Thankfulness Song." It really has great lyrics, exactly in line with Colossians 2:7.
The Thankfulness Song
"I thank God for this day,
For the sun in the sky,
For my mom and my dad,
For my piece of apple pie!
For our home on the ground,
For His love that's all around,
That's why I say thanks every day!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
Thats an easy way to start!
For the love that He shares,
'Cause He listens to my prayers,
That's why I say thanks every day!
Thank you Dad for our day,
For our trip to the mall,
For the time just with me,
For my big red bouncy ball!
For the fun that we had,
I'm so happy you're my dad,
That's why I say thanks everyday!
Because a thankful heart is a happy heart!
I'm glad for what I have,
That's an easy way to start!
For a God who really cares
And He listens to our prayers,
That's why I say thanks everyday!
That's why we say thanks everyday!"
Here's a cute Youtube of the song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=takc97w9by4
Thursday, May 14, 2009
"No, No!"
Caleb has started saying "No, no" every time he sees something he's not supposed to touch. The remote controls, the computer, the trash can, each time it's "No, no, no, no." It's as if he is reminding himself to stay away.
It got me thinking, this should be our reaction to those temptations we come up to. How would we respond differently if we gave ourselves a "no, no" right away!
Joseph ran from the seduction by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39); that's a "No, no." Jesus immediately spoke against Peter's rebuke (Mark 8:31-33); that's a "No, no." David didn't turn away at the sight of Bathsheeba bathing on the roof (2 Samuel 11); that's ummm, no "No, no." :). Joseph ended up 2nd in command of all Egypt. Jesus, uh... King of Kings! :) David was King of Isreal and remained king after his failure with Bathsheeba, but he also endured the death of a son, the rape of a daughter, the insurrection of a son, and a lot of family bickering. He quickly learned that "no, no" is a much better response.
I think I'd get into a lot less trouble if I said a "no, no" each time I met up with something God has declared wrong. When I get frustrated with my husband and want to speak rudely, "No, no." When I see that dial push past the speed limit, "No, no." Hit a channel with unGodly content, "No, no." Hear the neighbors' gossip, "No, no." Hear the couch beckoning instead of the dishes, "No, no."
Hmmm...lesson learned from my 1 year old son!
It got me thinking, this should be our reaction to those temptations we come up to. How would we respond differently if we gave ourselves a "no, no" right away!
Joseph ran from the seduction by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39); that's a "No, no." Jesus immediately spoke against Peter's rebuke (Mark 8:31-33); that's a "No, no." David didn't turn away at the sight of Bathsheeba bathing on the roof (2 Samuel 11); that's ummm, no "No, no." :). Joseph ended up 2nd in command of all Egypt. Jesus, uh... King of Kings! :) David was King of Isreal and remained king after his failure with Bathsheeba, but he also endured the death of a son, the rape of a daughter, the insurrection of a son, and a lot of family bickering. He quickly learned that "no, no" is a much better response.
I think I'd get into a lot less trouble if I said a "no, no" each time I met up with something God has declared wrong. When I get frustrated with my husband and want to speak rudely, "No, no." When I see that dial push past the speed limit, "No, no." Hit a channel with unGodly content, "No, no." Hear the neighbors' gossip, "No, no." Hear the couch beckoning instead of the dishes, "No, no."
Hmmm...lesson learned from my 1 year old son!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Easter thoughts
I had one more reason this year to stand in awe of the gift we celebrate at Easter, that reason is my son Caleb. I am in awe of a God that would give up His Son, give of Himself for me... small, simple, me. How amazing is that? He wanted that relationship with me so much that He "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, being made in human likeness." WOW. That's the God I want. What other god would do that? What other man would do that (if possible of course)?
I think of all the beauty I have in life because of Him and grateful seems too small of a word. I think of all the beauty Caleb can have in his life because of Him, and am simply overwhelmed. Parents want only the best for our kids. You can't get any better than a personal relationship with the Creator of everything. He made that possible for my son. WOW
I think of all the beauty I have in life because of Him and grateful seems too small of a word. I think of all the beauty Caleb can have in his life because of Him, and am simply overwhelmed. Parents want only the best for our kids. You can't get any better than a personal relationship with the Creator of everything. He made that possible for my son. WOW
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Dedication
We actually dedicated Caleb back in November, but I am just now getting to recording Pen's pray for him. I really like how our church performs baby dedications. Pastor Bruce explains the purpose of it and why the difference from baby baptisms, he introduces the babies and allow the moms to tell why they chose the name, the parents verbally agree to the dedication, and finally the dad's say a prayer over their baby. Here's Pen's prayer...
"Father God, We thank You for entrusting Caleb's life to us. We dedicate his life to You today. We submit our lives to You, let it be Your righteousness, Your wisdom, Your strength, Your instruction, Your provision, Your protection, and Your favor that he will see through us. In Your name, we crush any work of the enemy that will otherwise deter the plans You have set for him. Let him learn early in life that You alone are his salvation, his Lord, his Portion, and Everything he needs. Let him understand the depth of Your love, grace and mercy that You have reached out to each tribe and tongue. Let him be a seeker of truth, that Your word shall be his daily bread, the light to the path You have laid before him. Lead him and guide him for Your name's sake. Let prayer and praise be continually on his lips. Let him be a warrior for Christ, a winner of souls, a servant to others. As he grows in Christ, reveal more of Your character to him that he may find the purpose of his life more meaningful and complete. May his entire life be worship to You alone, daily living in obedience to Your Word...that Caleb may live his name, and You may find him ever faithful to You. All these things we ask and claim in Jesus Christ, Amen."
My personal favorite line... "that Caleb may live his name, and You may find him ever faithful to You."
I'll have to come back and explain the meaning of his name.
I'm blessed to have a husband that seeks Him as he parents and prays the Word of God over our son.
"Father God, We thank You for entrusting Caleb's life to us. We dedicate his life to You today. We submit our lives to You, let it be Your righteousness, Your wisdom, Your strength, Your instruction, Your provision, Your protection, and Your favor that he will see through us. In Your name, we crush any work of the enemy that will otherwise deter the plans You have set for him. Let him learn early in life that You alone are his salvation, his Lord, his Portion, and Everything he needs. Let him understand the depth of Your love, grace and mercy that You have reached out to each tribe and tongue. Let him be a seeker of truth, that Your word shall be his daily bread, the light to the path You have laid before him. Lead him and guide him for Your name's sake. Let prayer and praise be continually on his lips. Let him be a warrior for Christ, a winner of souls, a servant to others. As he grows in Christ, reveal more of Your character to him that he may find the purpose of his life more meaningful and complete. May his entire life be worship to You alone, daily living in obedience to Your Word...that Caleb may live his name, and You may find him ever faithful to You. All these things we ask and claim in Jesus Christ, Amen."
My personal favorite line... "that Caleb may live his name, and You may find him ever faithful to You."
I'll have to come back and explain the meaning of his name.
I'm blessed to have a husband that seeks Him as he parents and prays the Word of God over our son.
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