I recently felt God calling me to write down some of the thoughts He had given me and submit them to the lady who does the MOPS newsletter. Not having work as my mission field anymore, I have been convicted that I need to do better at being a light to those whom I am around on a normal basis. Places like the gym and the grocery store came to my mind. And then MOPS entered my mind. While MOPS is held in a church setting and I am sure many of the ladies are believers, I also would not be surprised, in a group that large, if there are some there who are searching. While I don't claim to have superior writing skills, I truly felt this was something God wanted me to do. And so I did. They are going to be using it in the April newsletter, which is 'Tea and Testimony' month. I do enjoy writing and have often toyed with the idea of doing more of it. I would love any feedback. (Oh, and thanks again, mom, for being my first editor)!
This year, the question being asked of us mothers is, “How have our lives changed since landing on Planet Mom?” One of my answers would have to be the invaluable lessons and reminders the Lord has shown me through parenting my own three children. Below is one such example...
Isn't it interesting what God uses to speak to us?
If you were to come visit me in my home on any given day, you would most likely see my toddler running around with her “extra appendage.” What would that be, you might ask? Well, when my first daughter was born, she was given a stuffed bear from two different families. Both were cute, but did she really need two very similar stuffed animals? Seeing as she could not argue the case with me at just weeks old, I made the parental decision of “no, she did not.” So, Lydia was given Chloe Bear and I gently stashed the other one away, wondering if she would one day have a sister to give it to. Fast forward three and a half years later, and that wonder became a reality. We welcomed Claire into our family and Bear #2 was taken out of storage and given to our new little girl! There must have been some divine intervention going on back in 2003 when I decided which bear Lydia would keep, because Claire's bear was meant for her! It was given the name “Beary” (unique, huh?) and from an early age, a bond was formed. Fast forward to another three years later to the present. Claire usually wants me to rest with her when I put her down for her nap. Recently, as I watched her fall asleep, clutching her most prized possession, I thought of the parallels between Claire's relationship with Beary and my relationship with God. Although I'm not pink, furry, and stuffed with fluff (ok, ok...so the stuffed with fluff may apply), I discovered I do have a few similarities to Beary. There were some distinct differences as well. Allow me to expand, if you will.
Similarity #1
Out of the plethora of stuffed animals my girls have collected over the years (despite my futile attempts to keep this number low), Claire has one favorite, and that is...you guessed it, Beary. Beary is chosen by Claire because she loves her. In the same way, Ephesians 1:4-6 tells me that God has chosen me! “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” I am forever grateful that my God chose me and loves me!
Difference #1
When Claire first received Beary, she was spotless...fluffy fur and a soft, pink color; perfect for my brand, new, baby girl. But as you can imagine (and I know many of you can), that perfection did not last long. Because Beary is so loved, she goes just about everywhere with Claire. My only rule is that Beary has to stay in the house or the van. I'm not driving all over town for the thing! Beary has been known to sit at the table to watch Claire eat. She's been tossed to and fro on the floor. She has to be there at nap time, and her latest display of loyalty was staying by Claire's side during one of her up-chucking sessions recently. Poor Beary suffered collateral damage. Needless to say, Beary has had many a bath in the trusty ol' washing machine. Yet, no matter how many times she goes for a ride in the spin cycle, she still looks like a nasty, loved-too-much, security item. Her used-to-be-fluffy fur is now a matted mess, complete with balding spots. And her soft, pink color can be termed more accurately as dirty-pink now, especially around her face. The reality is that before we accept Christ as our Savior, we are dirty, just like Beary. Isaiah 64:6 describes us as unclean, with our “righteous acts” compared to “filthy rags.” Sin is ugly and stinky and detestable, but praise our Holy God, He gives us the opportunity to be redeemed through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. “In Him (Jesus Christ), we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Ephesians 1:7. When we accept God's gift of grace, the Bible tells us we will be whiter than snow! Psalms 51:7
Similarity #2
Why does Claire love Beary so much? I'll never know. It's not like Beary has long, meaningful conversations with Claire. Nor does she buy her things or try to impress her with some talent or gift. Beary does nothing that could earn the love of Claire, and yet, that love is so evident. So it is, with our status with God. Don't get me wrong – God loves having a relationship with us! He cherishes our time together and is pleased to see our obedience in the areas He has called us to. He blesses our talents when we use them for His glory. However, just like Beary cannot earn the love of Claire, neither can we earn God's salvation for ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 sums that up pretty clearly. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. God's grace is His gift to us! There is no set formula we must follow to ensure our salvation. God gives it freely to all who will accept it. Accepting this gift means acknowledging that we are sinners (Romans 3:23) and believing that God sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Romans 10:9-10 tell us “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Difference #2
One problem we have with our children needing a security item is the aftermath that occurs when one gets lost. I cannot even count the number of times Beary has been misplaced. Because of the “never leaving the house/van” rule, I can guarantee she is somewhere close by. Still, many a tear has been shed at bedtime when the beloved Beary simply cannot be located. Along with that, there is always great cause for joyful celebration when she is found. The Bible refers to people as being “lost,” when talking about their need for Christ's redemption in their lives. We can never be lost once we have placed our trust in Him as our Savior! I love this passage found in Psalms 139:7-12. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is light to you. Unlike Beary, we simply cannot hide or get lost from our Aba Father!
Similarity #3
As I mentioned in the beginning, these thoughts came to me while I was resting with Claire. She was sleeping on her side, holding Beary tucked up under her arm. It reminded me of the beautiful picture that Psalms 91:4 paints. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” What a comfort it is to know that even in our darkest of moments, our heavenly Father is holding us.
Difference #3
The last thought that passed through my mind was bittersweet, because it involved me picturing my baby all grown up, not needing her Beary anymore. Immediately, my mind raced to my parent's house, up to the grandkids playroom. There, in the closet, on a shelf, collecting dust, is another bear. He is missing his nose; he is no longer soft and fuzzy; he is no longer needed. You see, this bear happened to be my brother's bear when he was a little boy. My mom kept him as a keepsake, but the fact remains that my brother outgrew his favorite bear. He is 36 years old...how strange it would be to see him grasping the arm of his bear as he went about his daily routine. Sorry to get all Toy Story on you, but the thought of this reminds me that my “baby” is gonna grow up ( it's been way too fast already) and the day will come when her most prized possession is no longer useful. How grateful I am that our Father sees us differently! Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God does not use us for a season and then discard us. His desire is that we would bring Him glory our entire lives! How awesome is that...the God of the universe wants to use us as His vessel?! What a privilege! At times, I feel insignificant or under qualified to follow through with something God might be calling me to do. Just like Moses, I offer up my excuses. And just like with Moses, God reassures me. It's like He is telling me, “You're right...you can't. But I can through you.” Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me of this promise. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Yes, it is quite interesting and sometimes, amusing, what God uses to speak to us. For me this time, God's voice took the form of the scruffy, very loved bear of my three year old. Thank you God, for Beary, and the lessons I have been reminded of from her!
This year, the question being asked of us mothers is, “How have our lives changed since landing on Planet Mom?” One of my answers would have to be the invaluable lessons and reminders the Lord has shown me through parenting my own three children. Below is one such example...
Isn't it interesting what God uses to speak to us?
If you were to come visit me in my home on any given day, you would most likely see my toddler running around with her “extra appendage.” What would that be, you might ask? Well, when my first daughter was born, she was given a stuffed bear from two different families. Both were cute, but did she really need two very similar stuffed animals? Seeing as she could not argue the case with me at just weeks old, I made the parental decision of “no, she did not.” So, Lydia was given Chloe Bear and I gently stashed the other one away, wondering if she would one day have a sister to give it to. Fast forward three and a half years later, and that wonder became a reality. We welcomed Claire into our family and Bear #2 was taken out of storage and given to our new little girl! There must have been some divine intervention going on back in 2003 when I decided which bear Lydia would keep, because Claire's bear was meant for her! It was given the name “Beary” (unique, huh?) and from an early age, a bond was formed. Fast forward to another three years later to the present. Claire usually wants me to rest with her when I put her down for her nap. Recently, as I watched her fall asleep, clutching her most prized possession, I thought of the parallels between Claire's relationship with Beary and my relationship with God. Although I'm not pink, furry, and stuffed with fluff (ok, ok...so the stuffed with fluff may apply), I discovered I do have a few similarities to Beary. There were some distinct differences as well. Allow me to expand, if you will.
Similarity #1
Out of the plethora of stuffed animals my girls have collected over the years (despite my futile attempts to keep this number low), Claire has one favorite, and that is...you guessed it, Beary. Beary is chosen by Claire because she loves her. In the same way, Ephesians 1:4-6 tells me that God has chosen me! “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” I am forever grateful that my God chose me and loves me!
Difference #1
When Claire first received Beary, she was spotless...fluffy fur and a soft, pink color; perfect for my brand, new, baby girl. But as you can imagine (and I know many of you can), that perfection did not last long. Because Beary is so loved, she goes just about everywhere with Claire. My only rule is that Beary has to stay in the house or the van. I'm not driving all over town for the thing! Beary has been known to sit at the table to watch Claire eat. She's been tossed to and fro on the floor. She has to be there at nap time, and her latest display of loyalty was staying by Claire's side during one of her up-chucking sessions recently. Poor Beary suffered collateral damage. Needless to say, Beary has had many a bath in the trusty ol' washing machine. Yet, no matter how many times she goes for a ride in the spin cycle, she still looks like a nasty, loved-too-much, security item. Her used-to-be-fluffy fur is now a matted mess, complete with balding spots. And her soft, pink color can be termed more accurately as dirty-pink now, especially around her face. The reality is that before we accept Christ as our Savior, we are dirty, just like Beary. Isaiah 64:6 describes us as unclean, with our “righteous acts” compared to “filthy rags.” Sin is ugly and stinky and detestable, but praise our Holy God, He gives us the opportunity to be redeemed through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. “In Him (Jesus Christ), we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Ephesians 1:7. When we accept God's gift of grace, the Bible tells us we will be whiter than snow! Psalms 51:7
Similarity #2
Why does Claire love Beary so much? I'll never know. It's not like Beary has long, meaningful conversations with Claire. Nor does she buy her things or try to impress her with some talent or gift. Beary does nothing that could earn the love of Claire, and yet, that love is so evident. So it is, with our status with God. Don't get me wrong – God loves having a relationship with us! He cherishes our time together and is pleased to see our obedience in the areas He has called us to. He blesses our talents when we use them for His glory. However, just like Beary cannot earn the love of Claire, neither can we earn God's salvation for ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 sums that up pretty clearly. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. God's grace is His gift to us! There is no set formula we must follow to ensure our salvation. God gives it freely to all who will accept it. Accepting this gift means acknowledging that we are sinners (Romans 3:23) and believing that God sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Romans 10:9-10 tell us “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Difference #2
One problem we have with our children needing a security item is the aftermath that occurs when one gets lost. I cannot even count the number of times Beary has been misplaced. Because of the “never leaving the house/van” rule, I can guarantee she is somewhere close by. Still, many a tear has been shed at bedtime when the beloved Beary simply cannot be located. Along with that, there is always great cause for joyful celebration when she is found. The Bible refers to people as being “lost,” when talking about their need for Christ's redemption in their lives. We can never be lost once we have placed our trust in Him as our Savior! I love this passage found in Psalms 139:7-12. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is light to you. Unlike Beary, we simply cannot hide or get lost from our Aba Father!
Similarity #3
As I mentioned in the beginning, these thoughts came to me while I was resting with Claire. She was sleeping on her side, holding Beary tucked up under her arm. It reminded me of the beautiful picture that Psalms 91:4 paints. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” What a comfort it is to know that even in our darkest of moments, our heavenly Father is holding us.
Difference #3
The last thought that passed through my mind was bittersweet, because it involved me picturing my baby all grown up, not needing her Beary anymore. Immediately, my mind raced to my parent's house, up to the grandkids playroom. There, in the closet, on a shelf, collecting dust, is another bear. He is missing his nose; he is no longer soft and fuzzy; he is no longer needed. You see, this bear happened to be my brother's bear when he was a little boy. My mom kept him as a keepsake, but the fact remains that my brother outgrew his favorite bear. He is 36 years old...how strange it would be to see him grasping the arm of his bear as he went about his daily routine. Sorry to get all Toy Story on you, but the thought of this reminds me that my “baby” is gonna grow up ( it's been way too fast already) and the day will come when her most prized possession is no longer useful. How grateful I am that our Father sees us differently! Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God does not use us for a season and then discard us. His desire is that we would bring Him glory our entire lives! How awesome is that...the God of the universe wants to use us as His vessel?! What a privilege! At times, I feel insignificant or under qualified to follow through with something God might be calling me to do. Just like Moses, I offer up my excuses. And just like with Moses, God reassures me. It's like He is telling me, “You're right...you can't. But I can through you.” Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me of this promise. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Yes, it is quite interesting and sometimes, amusing, what God uses to speak to us. For me this time, God's voice took the form of the scruffy, very loved bear of my three year old. Thank you God, for Beary, and the lessons I have been reminded of from her!
