March | 2013 |

Teach Me Jesus Thurdays: Our Sins Nailed to the Cross

28. March 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Teach Me Jesus · Tags: Easter

This is something we’ve done at Easter the past couple of years. We are traveling right now and I haven’t found wood and supplies to do it this year but I thought I’d share what we’ve done here with you.

How do you explain to a child what happened at the cross? How can they completely grasp what it means to have their sins forgiven when we’re still struggling to grasp it ourselves?

This Holy Week we have followed Jesus as He entered Jerusalem on a donkey. We have read and discussed everything that happened during those final days. We’ve hung our ornaments on our Resurrection Tree, a reminder of each step in the journey to the cross.

We’ve now followed Jesus as He carried the cross up Golgotha’s hill. I stand with the kids and look at our Savior, His arms stretched out, a symbol of the breadth of His love. I talk with them about the sins laid upon Him; our past, present, and future sins nailed to the cross. We talk about the forgiveness of God for those who believe. The boys name some of their sins that Jesus died for. We talk about the kind of love that would die for someone else and of a Perfect Love that died for the imperfect and ungrateful.

And we nailed our own sins to the cross, in memory of what Jesus did for us.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.” Galatians 5:24

The One Story That Moves Me Most of All

25. March 2013 · 6 comments · Categories: Gratitude Community, Spiritual Growth · Tags: Easter

This is an updated post from the archives. I though it was appropriate as we prepare for Holy Week.

I once held the hands of a rape victim while we sat in a hospital waiting room. We spoke different languages, but I could read her story in her two black overflowing pools. They spoke volumes, without a word being spoken.

I’ve sat with parents in court while they watched their child brought forward to speak to the judge. They saw their child’s hands chained. Their striped clothing was a glaring reminder of where their child had just been. We talked of their disappointment, confusion and sadness.

I’ve listened to women recount stories of their spouse’s rage. They trembled in fear, visibly shaken as they talked. Their eyes looked off into the distance, seeing memories they wish they could forget. We took photos of their wounds and bruises and kept them safe.

I’ve had a child talk to me about finding his mother dead, by her very own hand. Little by little, we talked about the lasting horror, bitterness, and pain.

Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories of pain, abuse, loss, and fear. Many caused my eyes to burn with unshed tears. Some mirrored my own pains. And each one moved me to compassion.

But the story that moves me most is the one story that all the others point to. It’s a story of pain that was written to heal our pain. It’s a story of loss that was written so that we might gain.

It’s the story of Easter.

This next week, we celebrate how God Himself stepped into the story of redemption, becoming man and living in this world of sin and sorrow. He joined us in our pain, experiencing it for Himself: sorrow, temptation, despair, humiliation, rejection, torture and death. He penned a story of healing in blood-His own blood. As Tim Keller has written, “God takes our misery and suffering so seriously that he was willing to take it on himself.”

God knows each of our stories. He knows each and every ache and sorrow. He hears the deepest cries of our heart. The story of Easter is God’s response to the stories of pain that we all share.

The wonder of it all pierces my heart; God becoming man and dying for me?

My mind cannot comprehend it-a holy, perfect God lowering Himself into the mess of my life. All the tears I’ve cried, He’s caught each and every one. He’s taken my story of brokenness and written in His own prose of grace. He became broken so that I would be made whole. He died so that I might live.

The story of Easter begins with death but ends at resurrection. And it’s because of Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter morning that we have been freed from the chains of eternal death. And one day, we will enter the next chapter of that endless story where words like pain, sorrow and brokenness don’t exist and instead there is only happiness and joy.

“But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” The Last Battle, C.S. Lewis

But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. Isaiah 53:5

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Teach Me Jesus Thursdays: The Heart’s Treasure

21. March 2013 · 4 comments · Categories: Parenting, Teach Me Jesus

“Mom, you’ll buy us a new toy on our next trip, right?”

My kids are bombarded everyday with advertisements to buy new things. They receive a free lego magazine in the mail where they see all the new sets they could buy. They pour over it, circling the items they want to save their allowance for. Even after getting a new toy, all too soon, I hear, “Mom, I’m bored!”

“What about the new legos you just got?”

“I’m done with them.”

“Already?”

My heart is the same way. I want something new and then soon after I get it, I want something else that’s new. My heart is never satisfied. It’s because I fill it with temporary things that can never fill the place in my heart made for God alone.

This is a topic I talk to my children about all the time. They’ve memorized Matthew 22:37. We talk about what it means to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We’ve done activities to help them think about the idols in their heart. And my ongoing prayer for them is that God would be their first and greatest love.

Recently, I found small wooden treasure boxes at the craft store that I knew my boys would love to use to put their small collections of shells and other finds inside. They decided that instead of painting them, they wanted to draw on them with permanent marker. While they colored, I read to them the story of the man who found a treasure in the The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. We then talked about what it means for Jesus to be our greatest treasure. I told them that every time they look at their treasure box, it is a reminder of who their greatest treasure is.

And as for new toys, I told my son that day that if they weren’t going to play with the toys they have, I would get rid of all of them and give them to someone who would appreciate them. Later on, I found they had gotten out their long forgotten Tinker Toys and constructed a tower out of them.

How do you like to point your children to their greatest treasure? I’d love to hear your fun, creative ideas!

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Healer of Our Souls: Our Sovereign God

20. March 2013 · 10 comments · Categories: Anxiety, fear, God's still working on me, Spiritual Growth · Tags: The Healer of Our Souls

This is another post in the series The Healer of Our Souls. This series is intended to show how God’s word is the source of healing for all wounds in our soul. To read the other posts in this series, click here.

I sit in the doctor’s office, feeling a sense of deja vu. It was four years ago that my oldest son had sinus surgery. Now I’m here again with my youngest, hearing the news all over again.

As the surgeon rattles off a list of four procedures my youngest son needs, my stomach tightens. Tears burn my eyes. I feel a panic rise up. Not again. Not my baby.

But because I’ve been down this road before, I know where it leads: fear, anxiety, worry, despair. Not this time.

No, this time, I cling to this truth: God is sovereign.

When life’s circumstances threaten to undo me, I have to rest in the sovereignty of God. This is where the rubber meets the road-do I really believe God is in control of all things? If I do, then He is most certainly in control of my son’s health. This did not hit him by surprise. He is not panicked. He’s not wondering what’s wrong and scratching His head about what to do.

In fact, God has allowed this situation for a reason and it’s in His perfect plan that I place my trust. I know that He loves me and my son. Because He promises that all things work together for our ultimate good, I know that good is what will come of it. He knows how much I love my son. He even knows what it’s like to see His own Son suffer.

He is in this and He’s got this.

God’s word is the source of healing for the wounds in my soul. It reminds me that the same God who formed the sun, moon, and stars cares about me. It reminds me that the same God who uses the earth as a footstool loved me before the earth existed. It’s this God who promises to never leave me or forsake me.

And it’s there, in His word, that I find the comfort I need today:

“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!” Proverbs 30:4

“Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?” Isaiah 40:14

“He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth- the LORD God Almighty is his name.” Amos 4:13

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2

“The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” Psalm 135:6

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:8

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Are you resting in His sovereign love today?

Faithful in the Waiting

18. March 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: God's still working on me · Tags: Exodus 32, faithfulness, waiting

I do not like to wait for anything. Patience and I are half-hearted acquaintances rather than close friends. The problem is, life requires waiting-waiting in line, waiting for my children to get ready, waiting for the computer to wake up, etc. Not only that, but the Christian life includes waiting-waiting for answered prayer, for His provision, for direction, and ultimately for His return.

Do you struggle with waiting? I’m over at Domestic Kingdom today sharing my struggles with remaining faithful during times of waiting. Click here to read the rest of this post.

Review and Giveaway: Memory Wall Mural

15. March 2013 · 26 comments · Categories: Teach Me Jesus

I recently had the privilege of trying out a Memory Wall Mural. Designed and created by artist, Heidi Bashoor (she also did the designs for the Child Training Bible), this reusable mural is made to stick on a wall and be written on. Beautifully designed and created in several different colors and sizes, it can be written on over and over.

Heidi’s desire is to help children memorize scripture and this mural is a fun, creative way to do that. I’ve hung mine in our school room. We memorize a new passage each week in homeschool so I simply write the verse on the mural and wipe it off with a clean damp cloth when I am ready to write a new one. It’s like having a pretty wipe off board:)

Stop by Two by Two Art’s Facebook page and like it so you can receive updates on new work by Heidi.

One special reader will receive their very own Memory Wall Mural. Each Memory Mural Kit comes with a Memory Mural (cut), one Wet erase Marker, and Bible lessons on memorizing for adults and kids, as well as a drawing lesson and coloring page. Simply leave a comment below and you will be automatically entered to win one medium sized mural in the color of your choice. Random.org will select the winner on March17 at 8:00pm EST. Update: Jenna is the winner of the Memory Wall Mural. Congrats, Jenna!

Teach Me Jesus Thursdays: Fill Our Hearts, Lord

14. March 2013 · Write a comment · Categories: Teach Me Jesus · Tags: gospel prayer

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:6-9

Father in Heaven,

You are so generous and kind. Freely giving from Your abundant grace, You shower us with love and affection. The very air we breathe is a gift from Your hand. You know the number of hairs on our head and each thought that we think.

I come before You today, concerned about my kids. They want and want and never seem satisfied. Once on gift is unwrapped, they are expectant of another. They have so much and yet they are not happy with any of it.

To read the rest of this gospel prayer, visit When You Rise, my writing home today.

Learning to Dance

13. March 2013 · 1 comment · Categories: God's still working on me

Do you dance? I am not much of a dancer. I never took ballet, dance, or tap lessons. If I attended a ball, I wouldn’t be able to even dance a simple waltz. Despite my awkward and failed attempts at dancing, I do love music. It stirs my soul and speaks to me in ways that nothing else can.

source

When I see someone dance, one who really knows what they are doing, it’s nothing short of magical. Their body moves in complete harmony with the beat-an intimate union of music and movement. They move so fluidly, it’s as though they don’t need to think about it. Not unlike breathing, dancing seems intrinsic to their very being.

Not so for me.

Some theologians liken the love between the members of the Trinity to that of a dance…to read the rest of this post, visit Women of God Magazine, my writing home today.

Seeking the Wonder

10. March 2013 · 3 comments · Categories: Gratitude Community, One Word

As you know, my “one word” this year is Seek. My heart’s desire this year is to seek God with all that I am. It’s only been two months, but my journey has been rich and filling. Yet there is still far to go. While in most travels we seek only the destination, I am seeking to enjoy the journey.

Recently, I’ve been convicted of my cynical heart. I often view the world through a half empty glass and respond to life circumstances with sarcasm and a “what did you expect?” kind of mentality.

But I want to wear different glasses. I want to seek the wonder of God. I want to be wonderstruck by His creation, by His power, His love, by all things little and all things great. My kids are easily impressed and fascinated by every new thing they learn. As an adult, it seems as though the more we know, the less in awe we are. There is less discovery and amazement and more boredom and cynicism. I want to recapture that amazement that my children have.

Like someone visiting the ocean for the first time, I want to be blown away by the magnificent wonder of who God is.

In fact, I live by the ocean but I rarely go there. I’ve become jaded. I take life for granted. I forget that all is grace and the simple fact that I breath in and exhale again is a wonder in and of itself. Each day is a gift, not a guarantee. The bed I lay in at night, the car I drive, my family, the friends I hang out with, all gifts of abundant grace. Because I don’t deserve a even a single thing.

And yet God give and gives. Amazing grace!

“The deeper we grow in the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the poorer we become - the more we realize that everything in life is a gift. The tenor of our lives becomes one of humble and joyful thanksgiving. Awareness of our poverty and ineptitude causes us to rejoice in the gift of being called out of darkness into wondrous light and translated into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son.” Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel

To peel away my layers of cynicism, I need to get up close and see the glorious wonder of God from a different perspective. Instead of just looking at the landscape of life from a distance, I need to get near and look at the detailed brush strokes, the varying hues of color, and the creativity of the Artist. I need to get out my magnifying glass and see the marvelous design of this life He’s given me.

Because if I don’t, I’ll live as though I’ve seen it all and there is nothing left to see. Like someone who has been in church their entire lives and thinks they’ve heard it all, I don’t want my faith to become luke warm. I want it to be vibrant and alive. I don’t want my relationship with Christ to be like an old married couple who just tolerates each other, merely marking off the years. I want to be passionate about my love for Christ. And I want it to change me, shake me, and transform me.

As I continue in this journey, I am seeking Him and the wonder of who He is, the wonder of His love, the wonder of His creative works, and the wonder of His redemptive plan. I’m diving into His Word, seeking the wonder of His story. I’m seeking Him like a child in prayer, marveling at the way He answers and provides. I’m looking for Jesus in all the details of my daily life.

Because His grace is everywhere and all of life is grace.

“We should be astonished at the goodness of God, stunned that He should bother to call us by name, our mouths wide open at His love, bewildered that at this very moment we are standing on holy ground.” Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel

What is causing you to wonder in amazement today?

Rejoicing at the wonder of grace in community (#2133-2145):

Life, breath, and everything else (Acts 17:25)

The feel of crisp cool air

Steam rising off the top of the pool

Being invited to contribute to a new project with the CBMW.

Courage

Reaching 1000 likes on my FB page

My son asking me to have a sleep over with him:)

The grace God has given my kids who’ve been sick the past month but have handled it well

The joy found in prayer

The lessons in faith I learn as we study missionaries in homeschool

Friends who pray for me and support me in this journey

Isaiah 43:19

Linking up with:

Teach Me Jesus Thursdays: Books for Easter {and giveaway}

07. March 2013 · 31 comments · Categories: Parenting, Teach Me Jesus · Tags: Easter

In addition to our Resurrection Tree, during these weeks leading up to Easter, I like to read books and devotions that prepare my boys to celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. Just as we read books during Advent to prepare for Christmas, reading books that focus on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection plows the soil of our hearts for Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday.

Below is a list of books we have read or are reading now:

The Donkey Who Carried a King: I love R.C. Sproul’s children’s books and have reviewed many of them. This one is perfect for Easter. It is the story of a donkey who was never chosen for important jobs until the day he was selected to take Jesus into Jerusalem. After this important job, he was filled with pride and became self-righteous. This story focuses on lessons in humility and points us to Jesus, the humble Servant/King. You can read my review of the book here.

Why Easter?: This is a devotional to be used in the weeks leading up to Easter. It includes scripture passages to read, songs to sing, a devotional to read as well as discussion questions. My friend Melissa, at Hive Resources, has a helpful interview with the author here.

Christ in Easter: A Family Celebration of Holy Week: This is another devotional we have used. It contains stories written by well known authors, as well as songs, scripture to read, activities, and questions. It begins with Palm Sunday and highlights the events of Holy Week.

Mission Possible: A 40-Day Adventure With Jesus: We read this book last year. This is a forty day devotional designed to help children seek and discover who Jesus is. Using a mystery solving theme, it includes activities and clues to help children investigate and learn more about Jesus and what he came to do.

Case for Christ for Kids, Updated and Expanded (Case for… Series for Kids): We are reading this one now. I loved the adult version of this book and thought my son would enjoy the child’s version. It’s focus in on the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, looking at the arguments people have against the truths of Christ.

Do you have any book recommendations for Easter?

Giveaway: I am giving away one copy of The Donkey Who Carried a King. To automatically enter the drawing, leave a comment below. Random.org will select the winner on Saturday, March 9 at 8:00pm EST. Update: Random.org selected Carrie as the winner of the book. Congratulations, Carrie!