Heart of the Family

Heart of the Family

Before, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV

What is it that we need from others? Our hearts crave acceptance, tenderness, a kind guiding spirit to light our way. Today’s scripture tells us how to live. We are to be compassionate, show kindness, remain humble and not boast in pride. Behaving with a gentle demeanor and exhibiting patience.

This week I listened to a friend cry over how she longs to be accepted within her own family. Harsh words and actions plus attempts to tear one another down have resulted in a broken situation. God will definitely have to intervene on this one as years of dysfunction can’t seem to be overcome. And it all starts at the top with the parents. Just like God leads us spiritually through every step of our lives, we as parents lead our families. Mothers and Fathers are the heart of the family. They set the tone for others to follow and establish what will and what won’t be acceptable within the family walls. As parents we must realize we are modeling behavior for our children. Behaviors like grudges, judgement and contempt are learned and passed down.

As children of God, we want his love, acceptance and compassion. And understanding that we are loved no matter what. And that is what we want in our own family. Mothers and Fathers can have a healthy family if God is at the center of it and love flows freely and without condition. It is not too late to repent, ask for forgiveness and get on the right track to do it God’s way. One of God’s most valuable gifts to us is our family. We must treasure it and reflect God’s light in all we do and say.

Wisdom

Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. –James 1:5

The definition of wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.  I saw a quote this past week saying, “Knowledge was the ability to know what to do and wisdom was knowing how and when to do it.”  Well I have failed at that one! In such an effort to help others and lessen their sufferings in life, I tend to help without being asked. Oh how I long for wisdom! Not having it has gotten me into trouble at times!!

This time of year, grand speeches are said for the graduating class. Toasts and well wishes are said to the wedding couple.  As wise souls, we believe we have so much to offer. But things can get out of balance in our relationships when we give our words of wisdom too freely, without being asked. I had a friend tell me that he begs to tell his adult children about things in life, but he realizes he has to be asked by them first. And they don’t ask! He laughs and says, “But I know things and I can help”! It is hard for people like us to sit silent, but we must.

The book of Proverbs is laden with wisdom. Had I only known that years ago!! A pastor once told me that because there are 31 chapters in Proverbs it is a part of his daily Bible reading to read a chapter a day each month and start over again the next month. He has done this for years. If you are searching for wisdom, you will find it in Proverbs. Then, we pray that God will help us to learn when and how to use it for His Glory.  I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.-Proverbs 4:11

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June

June

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest”.

 –Exodus 33:14 NIV

The month of June has come quickly this year. It’s been a favorite month of many for a lot of reasons. The children love it because it signals the end of school and the beginning of summer. Families pack up for vacations that they have saved all year for. Neighbors gather together for fireworks and a backyard hot dog. Picnics, grilling out and paper plates become the norm. Watermelons are sliced and shared outdoors. A good time has been had by the younger set evidenced by kool-aid stains on t-shirts in colors of cherry, orange and lime. Band-aids cover the scraped knees from bicycle mishaps. Fathers labor over their lawns in a battle against the weeds and Moms brace for whatever the summer brings knowing she must be adaptable. Summer becomes a chance to enjoy family, slack up a little and enjoy the tastes and joys of it all.

But in all of our busyness, I think God would have us not forget Him. A small child was asked what did he pray for that day and he replied, “nothing, I didn’t need anything”. We seem to have a tendency to only go to God with our requests when we are in crisis or have a real need. When things are going great for us, He can be easily pushed aside. As summer begins, we should invite God to be present in all we do, plan and enjoy. God is more important than ever as we pray protection over our loved ones that are on the go this summer season. 

Fractured

Fractured

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The definition of fractured is the act of breaking; the state of being broken. My fall as few weeks ago was not a sprain as I had hoped, but it turned out to be a fracture.  With good doctors and all their advice, a path was charted for me and if I do as I have been told, in a few weeks I will be good a new and it will be behind me.

Fractured could also be described as broken. In our lives, we each have been broken at one time or another. Suffering the loss of a special loved one, dealing with an illness, or finding our way in a troubled relationship. Through no fault of our own, businesses have folded and we have lost jobs. Marriages end. Tragedies have struck with no warning whatsoever. No one is exempt from these times. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:3-4  What is most important is that we have a shoulder to lean on. We have faith already established that we know where to go when we are broken.  But if we are just starting out in our Christian walk or don’t know God at all, call out to Him, surrender and let Him touch you. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18  Why must we go through these broken times where everything in our reach feels shattered? Sometimes they are the consequences to our bad decisions. Other times, it is just life in our fallen world. But God can take our crushed spirits and give us beauty for our ashes. What was intended for our harm can be turned around for our good.  And then there are the times when God breaks us Himself. Our own independence from Him, our pride and righteousness keeps us from Him and He desires to show us His Almighty Power as He brings us close to Him.