Faithful in Little

"And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities." Luke 19:17

Taken Away:

When I got married, my husband and I moved into a spacious two bedroom/two bathroom apartment with even vaulted ceilings. It was a gorgeous place with 900 sq. feet. After I gave birth to my daughter, I quit working and became a stay-at-home mom, so we moved into my parents house for a few months. There we lived in a bedroom with bathroom combo. (It was tiny.) After this, we found a little place within our means and moved into a one bedroom/one bathroom apartment for 560 sq. feet. While we lived there, I gave birth two more girls. There are four... then five people living in a small one bedroom/bathroom apartment.

I began to think about that spacious apartment I lived in... and wondered what happened. "For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him." Luke 19:26 God showed me this passage... and asked me these questions: "Were you faithful in the first apartment?.... Are you being faithful in the little apartment you have now?"

Steward means: "a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others, a person who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants, etc, the manager of household or of household affairs"

Honestly, I wasn't a faithful steward in that first apartment. I don't think I took care of it like I could have. I don't think I was a good steward with that which God had given me, so He allowed it to be taken away. 

A Faithful Steward:

This little apartment was a test... will I be found faithful here?

I began to take care of it. I organized/decluttered each room. I created a working SAHM schedule. I made better meals/snacks. I was even better at finances. I became a better steward of the home God had provided me, knowing I would receive "my reward" if I did... and God's promise became true in my life!

Two years after moving in there, God provide us with a GORGEOUS duplex to rent. Spacious 1250 square feet, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a huge backyard.

Does this mean, I should quit being a faithful steward? No! I don't know what God will do around the corner, if I stay faithful in little, who knows what else may happen? ;) (Eph. 3:20)

Faithful in Your Little:

What has God trusted you with? 
What have you done with the talent/treasures He's given you? 
Are you growing/investing in them?

Are you a student in school? Are you faithful to your studies?
Are you a worker? Are you being a good steward of your time and talents?
Are you a wife? Do you care for the needs of your husband? (Physical, emotional, mental.... etc)
Are you a mother? Do you invest in your children's growth? Praying and molding them in the Lord?

Let's be faithful in our little.... and see what GREAT rewards God has for us. (Both here on earth... and in Heaven!) 

(Matt. 16:27, Rev. 22:12)

I Failed

"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall..." Isaiah 40:30

Failure:

Fail means: "to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved, to be or become deficient or lacking; be insufficient or absent; fall short"

Here are some goals that I have failed in this year. This past summer, I tried to daily post a Proverb-of-the-day for about three months. I ended up posting 30 times here and there. I failed to do it daily. I was discouraged and frustrated with my failure. This fall, I decided I want to post a blog entry every day. I failed that too. I haven't been writing daily. I wrote about twice a week. I fell short on my success. I didn't succeed in my goals.

Is there something last year that you tried to do, but you failed at? 
Did you try to read your Bible every day? 
Did you try to go to the gym once a week? 
Did you try to be a better friend to others?
What goals were not accomplished like you had wanted to?


Quit:

Quit means: "to stop, cease, or discontinue:"

Now let's talk about quitting. Have you noticed the difference between the two terms. One means falling short of a goal. The other is stopping and discontinuing. The Bible says "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Ecc. 7:8. It's okay to fail at a goal or a desire. It's okay to realize that you didn't accomplish something just like you wanted. But did you quit and stop altogether? (Luke 14:30)

Finish Line: 

Daily Bible reading was an important goal I had from my youth. Each year I would read half of what I wanted to read. I thought I'd never obtain the prize of reading my Bible through in a year. How amazed I was to have read through in 2012!! Now this is the 3RD year that I've read through my Bible. (Phil. 3:14)

I focused on the finish line and not at my problems. I just wouldn't quit. I kept trying. I kept setting goals and improvising them.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Don't stop trying. Be patient with progress and goals. Be forgiving of your failures and mistakes. Make a better effort or smaller obtainable goals today. Look down the road at the finish line and learn to see the big picture. 

Reviewing the Goals:

Did I quit blogging? No! In fact, even though, I am not writing daily, I am writing more often now than when I started blogging. Twice times a week is significantly more than once a month, don't you think? :D

Did I fail a Proverb-a-day? Maybe... but I did end up posting 30 times! I didn't quit trying to read/post a proverb-a-day through that summer.

Don't quit your goals, even if you fail them. ;)

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24

Pour Out Your Heart

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalm 62:8

Sometimes We just need Bible Verses to Cling to....

"[A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.] LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." Psalm 3:1-6

"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears." Psalm 18:6

"He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." Psalm 18:16-19

"[To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.] My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? ... He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." Psalm 22:1, 8

"For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard." Psalm 22:24

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

"The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:17-19

"Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me." Psalm 35:1

These chapters in Psalms are very encouraging: 19, 23, 29, 34, 37, 40, 45, 77, 100, 103, 104, 111, 114, 119, 127, 128, 134, 136, 139, 143, 145

My Heart to You:

I ache to hear the trials and heartaches my friends are going through. I'm grieved and sadden by the burdens that they bare. (1 Peter. 5:7) If you are going through something, look to God's Word, especially Psalms. My yellow highlighter covers all the verses and chapters I mentioned.... It is the most encouraging book. If you are aching and are burdened down, God knows and sees it. He is working things out. Trust him! (Psalm 62:8) Give God the problem and pray. (2 Kings 19:14-15) I'm praying for you, reader. I pray God uses these verses and His Bible to strengthen, comfort, and encourage you.

"He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." Psalm 102:17

Mary's Example

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

Ponder means "to consider something deeply and thoroughly; to meditate" and "to put together"

Jesus's Mother, Mary:

Mary was a Jewish virgin that God proclaimed would be the mother of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is my Savior. There are two passages that refer to Mary and her thoughts. 

The first time is when the shepherds, which saw the heavenly hosts and were told by angels where the child would be, came and worshiped Jesus. (Luke 2:19) The second time was after Mary and Joseph lost Jesus and found him back in Jerusalem talking with the scholars and teachers of the law. (Luke 2:51)

I first noticed this phrase with Mary after my daughter was born. I realized it was the essential the private inward study of important things. For Mary, she was studying her son... who became her Savior. For me, it was beginning to study my children and discovering who they are.

Pondering on Jesus:

Mary learned about Jesus.... by studying those around Him, how He affected them, and how He responded to things. She was "putting together" a picture of who Jesus Christ was. As a result, she believed Jesus could solve the wedding problem. (John 2:1-10) This was His first miracle recorded in the Bible.

Pondering on God's Word:

For a Christian, it is the study of God's Word. We need to learn to meditate on scripture. As we ponder on it, we are "putting together" a gorgeous picture of GOD and His Son. We are discovering the complete story, from Genesis until Revelation. We are being taught about who we are and how we can change. We are discovering how to minister and serve others.

Proverbs 4:26 "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established."

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Follow Mary's Example:

As we enjoy this Christmas season and do mundane tasks like dishes, laundry, or homework, let us (like Mary) ponder who Jesus Christ is and let us meditate on His word, the Bible, as we put together the whole picture of Christ. :D

Wealth & Riches

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Personal Perspective:

Wealth means:  "great quantity or store of money, valuable possessions, property, or 
other riches." 

In this world, wealth and riches are perceived to be what everyone wants to abtain and what may bring someone happiness. "If only I had a million dollars or if only I had a bigger house or a new car, then I would be happy!" We dream of financial stability and ease of comfort from our financial burdens.

Let me share with you a different perspective. My husband is our sole provider and he works in the ministry. We are a family of five. We tithe and give to the things of God. My life verse is Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I seek to live a godly life that is focused on drawing others closer to Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11-14) 

I honestly don't want this world's wealth or riches. I don't want a million dollars or a bigger house. Here is the funny thing. Even though, I may be considered to be "poor", my family has never been in want... We have more than enough food. We have loads of laundry and clean clothes. We have a good house with a roof over our head. God provides for my family more than abundantly!

Just this past month, I received 8 fresh pieces of salmon and two (18) homegrown eggs! "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart..." Prov. 3:5-6 He wants to provide for us, but do we trust Him? Do we believe He can and will? I'm learning to because it's not always easy. My faith keeps growing every time I receive a gift from the Lord. I try to take pictures to remember all that He does and to show my children all of His wonderful works toward our family! How great is the Father's Love! (Psalm 68:19)


Focus on Godliness/Contentment:

Godliness means "reverence, respect, piety towards God, godliness".

Contentment means "sufficiency of the necessities of life, the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind."

Since my main focus isn't on wealth or riches, what do I focus on, you may ask? I focus on godliness. My priority is daily to grow in my relationship with Christ. I actually remember where I was when I made the choice and decision to be a godly woman. I was in my room (as a teenager) looking at my dresser and I remember pausing... saying, "Lord, I'm choosing to be a godly woman. That's my life goal." It's not always easy and I don't always get it right, but I never stop trying to be the godly woman God wants me to be! (1 Tim. 2:10) 

Are you focused on godliness? Are you focused on His priorities like Bible reading, prayer, and others? Are you living a pure separated life, away from all appearances of evil? Are you striving to raise your children in the Lord and helping them to understand Biblical truths? (Psalm 78:1-8)

Are you satisfied with the food and raiment God has given you? Are you thankful for each gift you receive? Do you realize all the gifts God has given especially for you? How are you keeping track of them so you don't forget all that God does?

Psalm 103:2 "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

Physical wealth and riches will fade away, but whatever you invest in heaven will last for eternity! If you are concerned about clothes and food, realize God can and will provide for you, if you obey His commandments and trust Him. Remember to thank and record all He does for you!

"Godliness with contentment is a great gain." I know it's true, because God shows me every day that he can and will take care of me. :D

Appreciation

"For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?" Ps. 6:5

Appreciate means "to be grateful or thankful for, to value or regard highly; place a high estimate on..."

Here are a list of a few things that we can be thankful for....

GOD:
* His Unconditional Love (Romans 5:8)
* Forgiveness of Sins (Psalm 103:12)
* His Word, the Bible (Psalm 77:12, Psalm 143:5)
* The Power of Prayer (James 5:16)
* Provision of ALL needs (Phil. 4:19)

OTHERS:
* Parents (Eph. 6:2)

* Spouse

* Pastor and Ministry Workers (Hebrews 13:17)
* Teachers and Coaches (Ex. 18:20)

* Employers and Employees

* Godly Friends * Any gift you receive

* Helping Hands

* All Compliments

It is very important to take notice of the work someone else is doing. Show appreciation for the love and care they have given and done for you. Give them a compliment. Send them a quick text of thanks. One small act of gratitude can bring so much encouragement to another person. 

Your words can impact someone's life today.

Life is short... Say thanks while you still have the opportunity.

THANKS:

Before I close this blog, I want to thank you and all of my readers for taking the time to read my blog posts and follow my journey! It started as a place to share my heart and update my family members of my life, but God has grown it into a small ministry of its own. Praise God He can use my experiences, thoughts, and discoveries to encourage women all over the country!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

Schedules and Outings

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:16

A Set Schedule:

Schedule means: "a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period"

I love being random and very spontaneous. I dislike doing things day-to-day. I am NOT a schedule person, yet I have begun to appreciate them. I am even thankful for them. I realized to happy peaceful home, a schedule is a must-have!

I have three girls under three which could be challenging, yet because I set up a schedule, it has made motherhood to me MUCH easier.

I created my daily schedule on my phone calendar app. Every hour is dedicated to something I consider to be important to my family. 

Here is my daily schedule for my family:

7:30-9:00 AM Quiet Time
9:00-10:00 AM Bible Reading Time
10:00-Noon Indoor Play Time
Noon-1:00 PM Lunch Time
1:00-3:00 PM Nap Time
3:00-5:00 PM Outdoor Play Time
5:00-6:00 PM Music Time
6:00-7:00 PM Dinner Time
7:00-8:00 PM Evenings with Dad Time
8:00-9:00 PM Bath Time and Bed Time
9:00-11:00 PM Us Time

No, I don't always follow this. Life is constantly giving us surprises. This just helps me stay focused, get back on track, and use my time wisely.

(Gal. 6:9, Pro. 14:1)
When you are creating a schedule for your family, remember to set aside time for your priorities. I have a time for the Lord and Bible Reading. I have a time for play with the girls. I have a time for my husband and myself. If something is important to you, you will set aside time for it. 

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12

Outings:

I try to get out once-twice a week with my girls. Since I am a spontaneous person, it's important for me to break the schedule with an outing. Our favorite is going to the LIBRARY! We have a library close by that also has a park. It's the best combination for my little girls and me. We love that we can get some fresh air, swing on the swing set and play on the playground. We love visiting the library and get a new set of books/DVDs. The girls pick one or two and I pick out the rest. The library is great whether it's summer and hot or whether it's winter and freezing! I use the "Goodreads" app to get recommendation on new books for the girls. The library is the perfect outing because it's free, it's easy, and it's fun!! 

What are some of your favorite outings??

I Think Myself Happy

"I think myself happy..." Acts 26:2 KJV

Backstory:

I have great admiration for Paul the apostle. He went through so much in his life. First he went against Christ with determination and tried to destroy all his followers, afterwards Paul found Christ on the road to Damascus and his life was changed forever! He became a new creature... so much that he EVEN changed his name from Saul to Paul. He was a completely different person. (Acts 9:1, 2 Cor. 5:17) After he was saved, he served the Lord everywhere he could and endured many things for the cause of sharing the gospel. (2 Cor. 11:23-29) He was the man who said: "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Paul made this statement "I think myself happy" to King Agrippa toward the end of his life. He was happy that he could share with those in authority the gospel and his life's testimony.

I'm going to break up the statement and really try to understand the whole picture behind it.

I THINK:

"I think myself happy..." isn't a statement I thought I'd see in God's word, so it took me by surprise. 

What are your thoughts focused on? Is it good things? "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8

Often times, we worry about things.. like money and food. But God tells us not to worry. He will provide for us. (Matt. 6:31-34)

You can only think of a few things at a time, keep your thoughts on the best things! Let God worry about the rest! Remember that your thoughts when spoken share what's inside your heart. They share your testimony.

MYSELF:

It was a choice Paul made. He chose to be happy and to be content. He realized that it was up to him. We, too, have a choice. We can pick to be unhappy with ourselves, others, our circumstances, and our lives. We can chose to be discontent with our material possessions and with abundant treasures.. like our family and friends.

Or we can chose to be happy and content. It's our choice. It's our decision.

HAPPY:

Life is short. People are precious. We tend to be more concerned about a clean house, a great income, personal pleasures, and material gain, than we do about spending time with other people. 

Did you spend a few minutes today hugging your child? 
Did you spend a few minutes talking and cuddling with your spouse? 
Did you listening to your child as they babbled away? 
Did you answer your mom's call and spend a few minutes chatting with her? 
Did you listen as your sister or brother in Christ shared a struggle with you? 
Did you pray for them? 
Did you share a smile with the barista attendant or the grocery worker? 
Did you brighten someone's day?

Being happy encourages the heart of those around us. It brightens the home and creates "sunlight in a dark place". It draws others close to us. Even if the house is a disaster or you are going through challenges or trials... if you, your husband, and the kids are happy and content, remember life is good. Be merry. (Prov. 17:22, Ecc. 8:15)

Hiatus

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Genesis 2:24 KJV

I'm Back:

Hiatus means "a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action"

I can't believe it has been two weeks since I last wrote on here, but I'm thrilled I "took the time off". It was necessary and important for my marriage. In just a few weeks, my husband and I will be celebrating our FIFTH wedding anniversary! We are going to try and get away for a day/night. So why I did I take hiatus from this blog and other things for our marriage?

Marriage Second:

Priorities are important. I have been doing good at keeping my relationship with GOD as the #1 priority, but recently I began relearning how to place my husband as a second priority... over the girls, over housework, over friends, and over my own things (like this blog). We had one year together before we starting having our girls... and then each year, we were blessed to have another. So this past year, we settled into life with three girls and no pregnancies... It was kinda weird. We had to learn to communicate again and put each other first. (Eph. 5:21) 

I remembered a message I heard about the letter to the first church in Revelation. The passage talks about leaving the first love and to restore, you have to go back and do your first works again. It's the same thing in marriage. You have to remember the things you did (when you were dating or just married)... and do them again! Ignite that spark! (Rev. 2:4-5)

How-to for Married Moms:

Figure out his love language! (link here!)
     ~ Yes, this is important. Listen to his complaints. Listen to what he compliments. Watch what he does for you. (These are great clues to what his love language might be...)

Focus on him (during lunch break)
     ~ Forget the housework, because it will get done eventually. Let the kids play in their room or eat easy foods like PB and Jelly. Spend the first few minutes of his break focused on him!

Find ways to express care/love for him (study him!)
     ~ Communicate with love and kindness. Get to know him more. Look at what he does and says. Do nice things just for him. Spoil him his way! :D

Finally, pray alot!
     ~ Keep Christ as your center. Pray for your marriage to be strengthen and for your husband to continue to grow. (James 5:16b)

Great Rewards:

Whenever you do things right, there are some great rewards from God. I love the connection we have. I'm thankful for the love between us that has grown more personal and more tender! I love being so close to my husband again! (Psalm 37:4)

Yes, I'm come back again to doing my blog with this one difference in my personal life. YAY!! (Isn't God Good?)