Voices of the True Woman Movement ~ Chapter 7

God's Jewels

by

 Joni Eareckson Tada

     For those of you who don't know who Joni Eareckson Tada is, she is the Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends, a Christian ministry that serves those who are disabled.  If you're interested in finding out more about Joni and Friends, you can go to http://www.joniandfriends.org/.  Joni's ministry came about through her own difficult experience as a teenager when she had a diving accident in 1967, at the age of 17, which left her a quadriplegic.

Image by Rachel Ford James via Flickr

     In this chapter of Voices of the True Woman Movement, Joni discusses how God hammers and chisels away at our own selfishness to mold us more into the likeness of his son, Jesus.  She states that suffering is the "textbook" that God uses to show us who we truly are, which is not always a pretty sight.  Many times, during our suffering and struggles, we respond unbiblically.  This is how we able to see what we're made of and know the truth about ourselves.

     We do, however, have a part to play in the sanctification process, which takes so much time.  Yet resisting what God is trying to accomplish in our hearts by becoming hardened and ignoring the work he is doing in our lives only "prolongs the process."  Our Heavenly Father does know what he's doing when he allows pain and suffering to come into our lives.  He knows what we need so much more than we do and is "bent on conforming us to the image of His Son."  She states, "God cares most, not about making us comfortable, but about teaching us to hate our transgression and to grow up spiritually - to love Him."  I think she'd be someone who knows this better than most people would considering the pain and suffering she's endured.  Our part to play in this - we can't just read God's Word, we must obey it, starting with the small things in our lives.  Changes will come through obedience in the small things. 

     Joni mentions that we should be thankful for God's sovereignty even when we don't understand why he has allowed certain things to happen in our lives.  She goes on to say, "For if He weren't in control, evil would come barreling at us uncontrolled."  This is something I had never given much thought to - that evil would completely overtake us if it wasn't for God controlling it.  

     I'll close with several statements from the end of the chapter.  "The simple formula for all of this is found in I John 2:5, where the Scripture says, 'Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.  By this we may know that we are in him.'  This is how we receive our assurance of being 'in Christ' - by watching what happens when God, the Master jeweler, draws up obedience from the souls of women who otherwise would kick back, rebel, and exert independence.  The fruit of the submitted heart is the proof that God is working - and working for our good.  He is committed to do good towards you.  Just remember that His idea of good is to make you more like Jesus.  Both believers and unbelievers deal with ample does of pain, and disappointment.  Why not make certain that these ordeals you must face are fraught with meaning and purpose?  Why not cooperate with what God is doing in your life - preparing you through difficulty and hardship for His beauty to come shining through?  You are being fashioned into a jewel for the crown of your King."

     I'm trusting you're recognizing God's little kisses to you today.  Even the ones that are hard to swallow, the painful ones that God has allowed to come into our lives, should be seen as blessings.  I know that's not always the way I see those things, but if Romans 8:28 is true, I should see them that way.  Be encouraged - God has only good things in store for those who love Him and walk in His ways!

Blessings!

Need Help Rising Early?

     Because of our recent move, I haven't spent much time posting lately but the reason I decided to post this information is because I wanted to share with others what I've discovered about rising early. 

     Let me back up a minute.  I'm not an early riser nor have I ever been.  Yet I have desired to be that person who is able to get out of bed, without much trouble, at a time that most would consider early (or at least a reasonable time to wake up) in the morning.  I have always been a night owl as is my entire family.  Once I go to sleep, I sleep like a baby.  Staying up late, however, usually doesn't produce an early riser, which is my goal.  Obviously, staying up late and sleeping late isn't always a good thing when it comes to living a productive life.  I seem to be learning this the hard way. 

Image by freeparking via Flickr

     At any rate, I began in December looking for online help about sleep patterns, rising early, etc.  Although I can't recommend the website as a whole (because I don't know much about this person and his beliefs), what I found here has truly helped me - http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/05/how-to-become-an-early-riser/.  Steve Pavlina also has additional links, including Part 2 of that particular post, listed below each post.  I read several of his articles on sleep but these two were the most helpful to me.

     Many of you may be saying, "What's the big deal?  Why do you have such a problem waking up in the morning?  Just do it."  Well, I began to ponder the same thing myself which is why I began searching for answers.  It's not the easiest task for some of us to wake up early, especially if you're a late night person and just can't seem to make yourself (due to a lack of self-discipline) go to bed at a reasonable hour.  It's easier said than done!  Since I'm one of those people, I needed help.  Most articles you find on sleep will tell you to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time every day.  While that may sound easy to some of you, it's not easy for me to go to sleep if I'm not sleepy.  So I would stay up until I was sleepy and sleep until I had to get out of bed. 

     Incredibly eye-opening for me, the information in the article linked above stated this - get up at the same time every day (yes, even on Saturdays and Sundays) but only go to bed when you're sleepy.   I had never tried that before so I decided to see how it would work for me.  So far, so good.  For me, this appears to be working.  Steve mentions that if you can stick to this pattern for 30 days, you'll have a good habit formed.  Your body will get used to waking up at that set time every day and your internal clock will begin to awaken you at that time each morning.  

     The proof's in the pudding.  For me, I had been doing this for only 4 days and on the fifth day, I woke up 2 minutes before my alarm clock went off.  I was in shock!  This morning, 22 minutes before the alarm sounded, my internal clock sent me a message that it's time to wake up.  I haven't even been doing this for 30 days yet but I can say that it's working for me.  

     If you're in the same boat as I am regarding sleep, I'd encourage you to read the article as there's quite a bit more helpful information there plus all the other articles Steve has written regarding sleep.  Having tried out this theory, it seems to be the best information I've read about good sleep habits so far.  Since I've benefited from Steve's wisdom, I wanted to share it with you so you might also. 

Continuing to notice God's little kisses each day!



Ponderings about Midday Connection ~ Into Abba's Arms

     Earlier this week, I was listening to Midday Connection, a Moody Radio live broadcast that airs in the middle of the day to encourage women.  Where I live, it airs between noon and 1pm, Monday-Friday.  I'd say it's a great way to spend your lunch break and gain some spiritual encouragement.  Most of the time listeners have the option to call in to ask questions or share comments.  That's one of the things that I love about their program.

     When I tuned in this past Tuesday (7/20/10), Sandra Wilson was the guest and the title of the program was "Into Abba's Arms."  No, this wasn't a broadcast about the rock group, Abba, from the 70's.  It was about our "Daddy" in Heaven.  Once I began listening, I was immediately struck by something that Ms. Wilson said and it has resonated with me throughout this week.  It was a statement concerning who we want to please, based on John 12:43 which reads "for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."  As Christians, who do we want to please?  Of course, our immediate response, without truly thinking, is God.  But is that genuinely true?  If we take time to think about the actions that characterize us, I think we'll have an honest answer to that question. 

     For example, many times in the past, I didn't think anything of losing my temper...yelling, slamming doors, crying, etc...to get my way.  Who was I trying to please?  Which god of the moment?  Me!  I was my own idol.  How grateful I am that the Lord opened my eyes to that sin, convicted me, and brought about the change that needed to occur in my heart!  Now that was an awesome little kiss from God!  Obviously, I'm not perfect and never will be this side of Heaven, but God is continually convicting me of my sin and molding me more into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. 

     Why is it that we, even as Christians, so desperately desire the approval of others?  It is human nature to want to be accepted.  Also, rejection is a hard pill to swallow.  But even more than that, I believe that we, in the flesh, don't have an accurate understanding of who we are and who God really is - His awesomeness, His sovereignty, His transcendence, His holiness and righteousness, His infinite power, His omniscience, His omnipresence, His infinite wisdom, His faithfulness, His compassion, mercy and grace, His never-ending, undying love for us...need I say  more?!  I could go on but I'll stop there.  If we did have a good grasp of who God truly is and who we are in relation to Him, we'd absolutely, positively, without any shadow of a doubt, desire His approval and have no need or desire of anyone else's approval.  

     So how do we get that accurate understanding of who God is and who we are in relation to Him?  From immersing our minds and souls in God's Word daily, hearing the Word of God being preached, and fellowshiping with other spiritually mature Christians who encourage us and give us biblical guidance.  How else can we expect to walk in truth?  It can only happen through knowing what the Book of Truth, the Bible, says!
      

Image by ryk_neethling via Flickr

     If you'd like to find out more about Midday Connection's daily broadcasts, click on this link:  http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx.  I have been truly blessed by their ministry.   

Trusting you are recognizing little kisses from God today!

Anguish in the Unresolved Yet Hope Abounds

     Angry words fly in the heat of the moment...I feel the vibrations of the floor as she stomps out of the kitchen...then, the slamming of a bedroom door.  I think for a moment while preparing lunch.  I decide to give her time.

     A few minutes later I approach her door, hoping to be allowed in.  She's not interested in talking.  She'd rather be left alone yet she unlocks the door giving me the sign it's okay to approach her - that typically sweet, gentle spirit in our home who has a servant's heart.  I'm not sure what's going on with her these days.  As I lay there on her bed, I wondered - what is she thinking.  Why this sudden onset of anger over the past few weeks?  I just don't know.  God does.    

     I begin to talk calmly and truthfully about the unresolved sin in her life.  I see me in her.  I tell her she's a lot like me when I was younger.  That sin of ungodly anger, that could cripple a marriage, ruin friendships, even cause one to do things that could change the course of their lives, has begun to characterize her demeanor lately.  Sinful anger...it's a sin we can't allow to go unchecked in our children or ourselves.  No matter the cause, we can't excuse or rationalize what God says is sin.  It's sin - period! 

     So I try to talk to her about what is at the root of this torrent of anger she continues to express.  She offers no answers, still not wanting to let me in.  I don't think she knows the cause of her anger.  After all, she is just a child.  But a child that needs to be trained, according to God's Word and in His righteousness.  She knows her unharnessed reactions were wrong.  What to do?!  I'm just not sure.  My heart is torn for her and the fact that I can't fix this issue for her.  I'm in anguish about it and I don't have all the answers.  Yet I know the God who does and He is faithful.  I pray.  I trust the Lord to work it out in His timing.  

     In the meantime, I'll continue to pray, discuss this issue with her when necessary, and point her to the Only One who can truly set her free from this bondage, "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" - Philippians 1:6.  Even though this issue is unresolved for now, we have hope in Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for this opportunity to disciple this child.  God still blesses in the midst of our imperfect lives.    

Trusting you are recognizing God's blessings this week!

Me be Meek and Quiet?

     Recently, I have been doing a summer Bible study with some precious friends.  I've had this book sitting around collecting dust for several years and never took the time to read it.  I'm so glad my friends asked me to join them.  The name of the study - Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell.  PLEASE DO NOT STOP READING YET!  Hang with me here!  Those who don't homeschool, keep reading.  If you don't even have children, don't stop here.  Let me say that this book would be good for any Christian to read, especially moms and wives.  Even though not every mom homeschools, we are always teaching our kiddos something when they are nearby.  It may be love or hate, academics or values, giving or taking, building up or tearing down - whatever we are doing with our children, we are always teaching them something either positive or negative.  They learn from us by default - just by being with us.  So whatever character qualities it is that we are displaying, our children are learning from that.  We, as moms, all "homeschool" in some way or another.

      As I have been going through this study, I have been convicted in my spirit that I do not regularly show a meek and quiet spirit to my daughters or my husband, for that matter.  When I say meek and quiet, what I mean is having the self discipline (which comes from the Holy Spirit) to choose to not display my anger when I am angry.  I think meek and quiet many times is actually the opposite of what most people think it is.  It's not allowing others to run over us like we're doormats.  Instead, it's allowing the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to show others love when we don't really feel like showing love in the flesh.  It's responding to others in kindness, not with an ill temper.  Now, is there any way you could imagine that I would respond to my precious children in such a negative manner???  I know - it's hard to believe I would do such a thing.  

     Since I started going through this book, I have been much more conscious, almost constantly, of my response to my daughters and my husband.  I believe that's conviction and I'm so glad.  I have realized that many times I treat mere strangers better than I treat my own family whom I love dearly.  Why is that?  How can I treat someone I barely know better than I treat my own family members?  We take them for granted and we're teaching them, when we treat them badly, that it's okay to do that.  Well, it's not okay.  God tells us that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20).  If we truly love the Lord, we will show it in our actions.  It's not enough to just say we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we must live out in our daily lives what we say we believe.  Otherwise, we're "deceiving ourselves" (I John 1:8) into believing the lie that we can say one thing and live another.  It's just not so.  I feel so blessed that the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to this Biblical truth!  

     While it may seem that I was asked to do a review on this book, that is not the case.  I just felt the tug of the Holy Spirit on my heart to share the insights I've gained from this book with others.  I would encourage anyone who's interested in living out their Christian walk daily to pick up a copy and see what God might show you through Teri Maxwell.  You can find the book at this link, http://www.titus2.com/.    

     Thank you Lord for loving me enough to change me from the inside out.  Ah...another little kiss from God!

Grace to you!