Girls To Grow - Nurturing moms in their walk with God

Saturday Salutes

May 27, 2017 by Tracey 2 Comments

In this season of school-year endings and graduations, these Ten Things I Want to Say to My Son Before He Graduates are very appropriate.

Marci writes about Our Hearts as Mothers.

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids this summer, try making Jamielyn’s Best Play Dough Recipe.

Another post for homeschooling moms…Caroline shares Resources for Planning a New School Year.

My husband sent me the recipe for No-Bake PB Chocolate Coconut Bars. I made them, and realized that I definitely shouldn’t be left alone in the house with them. They tend to disappear…

May we take some time this weekend to remember those who have died to preserve the freedoms we enjoy in America.

Source

Lessons on Humility from a Person Who Battles Pride

May 26, 2017 by Tracey 3 Comments

Yes, I’ve admitted it here before, and now I’ll do it again.

I have to fight against pride.

Once in a while, we may run across people who openly brag or boast about themselves or their accomplishments. In those cases, pride is pretty obvious.

But I don’t think that’s usually how it works for me. (Or at least no one’s ever told me so!) Mine is typically an inward thing. It’s the thoughts that run through my mind, the silent judging of others as I compare myself favorably to them. Having a much higher opinion of myself than I should gets me in trouble way too often.

Pride also comes through when I decide to rely on myself to get through whatever I’m facing. I don’t see my need for God, either because I don’t take the time to think about asking for His help, or because I think, “I’ve got this.”

So what do I need to be portraying instead of pride? One simple word. Humility.

Wise words about humility from the Bible and from Uninvited by Lysa Terkeurst

The definition of humility from dictionary.com is “a modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance.” Well, that’s a lot to chew on. It’s also a perfect segue to Romans 12:3. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think…”

If I’m going to be like Christ, humility is an important character trait to have. Let’s look at Philippians 2:5-8.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

In Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely, she shares a story about an event she attended. The short version is, everyone there seemed to already know each other. So she ended up sitting at a table alone. As she reviewed the situation later, she wrote the following:

“Anything that infuses us with humility is good. Even if it feels a bit like humiliation in the moment, the workings of humility within are a gift.”

We’ve probably all been in a similar situation. But I’ve certainly never thought of being alone in a crowd as a chance to be “infused with humility.” I haven’t seen it as a gift. Yet God can use times like that to work humility into me.

I like how she follows that up with this thought.

“The only difference between humility and humiliation is that one chose to bow low while the other tripped and fell there.”

We’ve probably all experienced humiliation as well, but most likely we didn’t choose it! I want to choose humility over pride, as hard as it may be. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” If ever there was motivation to rid my life of pride, that’s it. I want to avoid destruction for sure!

Finally, when we’re willing to live in humility, to let go of our self-importance and our pride, we can learn this lesson.

“…on the other side of the stripping of pride are some of the best gifts God gives us.”

The Bible reminds us that on the other side of humility we find wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 tells us this. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” If I think I know it all, I’m not searching for true wisdom. When I realize how much I need wisdom – for marriage, parenting, service – then I am brought low and am actually able to receive wisdom.

As counter cultural as it may sound, I want to live in humility. This is definitely not a battle I can win on my own. But, to quote 2 Corinthians 2:14, “…thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ…” As I yield to the Holy Spirit and allow him to work in my life, humility can get the victory over pride, and I can take another step toward becoming more like my Savior.

Finding Our Ministry Right Where We Are

May 23, 2017 by Tracey 4 Comments

At some time or another, I believe most of us get to a place where making a difference in others’ lives becomes a priority. For some of us, that might come earlier in our journey than for others. For me, it’s more acute now than it ever has been. Maybe that’s because I’m finally admitting to myself that I’m middle-aged. (Yikes!)

No matter how old we are, where we live, or what our day-to-day job is, we can have a ministry. I like this definition of ministry I found on Bible.org – “The faithful service of God’s people rendered unto God and others on His behalf to bring Him glory, build up His church, and reach out to His world.”

So what is my ministry? And who am I supposed to serve?

Our ministry is right in front of us.

In her book, Loving my Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What’s Right in Front of Me, Alexandra Kuykendall shared this “Philosophy of Ministry.”

“Ministry is whoever is at the door or on the phone.”

Really? Is that it? I thought ministry needed to be big and important, like going on a missions trip or heading up the children’s program at church or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Those are all great things to do and wonderful ways to serve. But ministry is often “smaller” (in our minds), less grand, and just a part of our every-day activities.

So there’s actually a somewhat simple answer to my question, “What is my ministry?”

I can choose to minister to whoever God puts in my life today. It’s one person at a time. It’s my husband, my children, the receptionist at the doctor’s office, the school secretary. Who’s right in front of me that needs a word of encouragement? Who needs to hear the words “I’m praying for you?” Who am I talking to on the phone that just appreciates a listening ear or would accept my offer to bring over a meal?

Galatians 6:10 says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” I want God to be able to trust me to be faithful in my ministry. As He places people in my path, I want to be responsible to see the need, and to help and uplift where I can.

And let’s not forget why we’re ministering. I might want it to be so that I feel good about myself or can get a pat on the back. Yet that would be the wrong motive. Ministry and service are to point others to God, to bring glory to Him.

When we open our door and answer our phone, let’s look for our ministry opportunities today!

Saturday Salutes

May 20, 2017 by Tracey 10 Comments

A couple of life highlights from the past week…

Nikki and I have been commenting on each other’s blogs for years. Didn’t think I’d ever get to meet her in person since she’s in Texas and I’m in South Carolina. However, a trip to visit family brought her close enough for us to meet in a central location. We got to have lunch together on Wednesday, and it was so neat to meet someone for the first time whom I felt like I already knew!

Our daughters had their last concert of the school year on Thursday night. We got to hear them in the choir, band, and handbell choirs. Yes, the school year is totally winding down!!

[The next two links are videos. If you’re reading in e-mail, click over to the blog to see the videos.]

This is a fun song the senior high handbell choir played. My older daughter is on the left side, the fourth one from the left.

Since you know I like traditions…every year at the end of the concert, the whole choir sings Always By Our Side. The seniors in the choir stand in the front row, and any alumni who are there come forward and join in the song. (The video above is actually from a couple of years ago, since it includes the lyrics, which I love. You can see the video from this year here.)

And now, some favorite blog posts from the past week.

I’ll be putting into practice some of the ideas from Katy in The Schedule That Saved Our Summer.

I’m not here yet, but I will be soon – For the Graduate: How to Make Each Day Count.

While I’m not homeschooling any more, I still enjoy reading about curriculums and what does/doesn’t work for other homeschoolers. I appreciated Caroline’s honest reviews in A Look at How Our 2016-2017 Homeschool Year Went.

Enjoyed re-visiting this gem from Elizabeth – Chocolate-Covered Popcorn…and 5 Other Habits of a (Mostly) Happy Family.

I’m officially hooked on these Honey Sweetened Peanut Butter Cups. My girls said they’re not sweet enough, but that’s fine – leaves more for me! (wink, wink)

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Trusting His Grace When I Can’t See His Face

May 16, 2017 by Tracey 2 Comments

My “worst-case-scenario” self made an appearance last week.

My older daughter mentioned on Monday evening that her eye was hurting a little bit. When she got up on Tuesday morning, she said it was really bothering her. She willingly took a couple of ibuprofen, which was a for-sure sign that she was in pain. I started a search for an eye doctor, and got her an appointment for the next afternoon.

However, when I picked her up from school that day, she said it was feeling better. After hearing other symptoms she experienced, I’ve decided it was probably a migraine. Thankfully, she was still feeling better the following morning. I was able to cancel the doctor’s appointment, thus putting my fears about this being the initial symptom of some terrible disease to rest.

We all have days when we’re not feeling well. We get run down, and struggle to find enough energy to get through the day. And just like in our physical lives, we often experience ups and downs in our spiritual lives.

Sometimes I feel like things are going so well. I’m experiencing victory over sin (as in I kept my temper when a certain teenager didn’t respond the way I would have liked). Or maybe I stepped out of my comfort zone and spoke to someone about Christ. Maybe I’ve seen a specific answer to prayer, or have been consistent with my morning devotional time all week.

Then there are the days when it feels like nothing is going right. I’ve given in to that same old familiar sin, I’m discouraged about a situation, or I’ve neglected my Bible again.

I try taking it all to God, but I don’t seem to get any relief, or find an answer for my problem. It can feel like I’m just stumbling along on my own. The words of Edward Mote’s hymn, “The Solid Rock,” comfort me in those times.

“When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.”

When I can’t feel God’s presence or I’m overwhelmed by circumstances or grief seems to have a permanent grip on my heart, I know that God is still there. He is present in my life. No matter my feelings in the moment, they don’t change the fact that God is good and is always with me. I trust in His faithfulness, because I’ve read about it in His Word and seen it evidenced in my life in the past.

I can ask God to reveal any sin in my life that might be hindering my fellowship with Him. Then I can rest in His grace, waiting and hoping through those dark seasons, knowing that He is there for me.

[Click over to the blog to listen to the video if you’re reading in e-mail.]

Saturday Salutes

May 13, 2017 by Tracey 5 Comments

There’s a host of wisdom in Randy Alcorn’s post The Cumulative Effect of Our Little Choices.

Kristen writes about Motherhood: In Which We Give Up a Lot of Pie.

If your children want to make a last-minute Mother’s Day craft, these Handprint Flowers are really cute!

Forest Rose lists 7 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Busy on Rainy Days.

Not sure if my girls would go for these Apple Cheddar Bites as a snack, but I sure would!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Surrounded by Change, Anchored in Him

May 12, 2017 by Tracey 2 Comments

Surrounded by change, yet God remains the same.

Recently I was talking with a friend of mine who works in a bank. Since I rarely walk into a bank these days, I asked her if they still had steady foot traffic. We talked about how debit cards, ATM’s, and internet banking have all developed in the years since we were young adults. (Makes me sound ancient, doesn’t it?!!)

No matter what area of life we discuss, it seems like change happens frequently. Maybe that’s why I found these lines from “Abide with Me” by Henry Francis Lyte so reassuring.

“Change and decay in all around I see,
O Thou Who changest not, abide with me.”

Things around us are constantly changing. My girls are growing up. I’m getting older. Culture changes. What’s popular today won’t even be on our radar next year at this time. Jobs change, friends change, relationships go through ups and downs. And while right and wrong don’t change, people’s views of them do.

Yet God never changes.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” ~James 1:17

He’s not going to change His mind about me. He loves me always and forever. What’s good for me today is what will still be good for me tomorrow.

^“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” ~Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” ~Hebrews 13:8

Often people disappoint us, let us down, even when they don’t mean to. Jesus never does.

Rest today in the unchanging goodness of God. Whether you need grace, peace, comfort, or forgiveness, He will always provide just what is required for every hour.

[If you’re reading in e-mail, click over to the blog to see the video.]

The Sweet and Low Whisper of Jesus

May 10, 2017 by Tracey 3 Comments

In Saturday’s post, I shared that our family was going on a little adventure last weekend. Here’s what that involved.

Since my husband was teaching a class near Buffalo, NY, our daughters and I flew up at the end of the week so that we could all go to Niagara Falls together.

While the weather was chilly and drizzly, we enjoyed the trip and made some fun memories!

As I’ve mentioned previously, I try to read a hymn as part of my devotional time in the morning. Over the next few blog posts, I wanted to write out some thoughts from hymns I’ve been looking at lately. I hope they’ll be as encouraging to you as they have been to me!

Sometimes we may approach hymns like we do familiar Bible verses. We’ve read or sung them so many times over the years that we just go through the motions without really thinking about what we’re saying.

While I’ve never considered “There’s Within My Heart a Melody” by Luther Bridges a favorite song of mine, these lines spoke to me as I read them.

“Jesus whispers sweet and low,
‘Fear not, I am with thee, Peace be still.’
In all of life’s ebb and flow.”

It’s such a simple truth, yet what comfort it offers! Here’s a few corresponding Bible passages.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” ~Isaiah 41:10

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” ~Joshua 1:9

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ~John 14:27

I love hearing how many times in the Bible God tells us not to be afraid. There’s so much I can think of that I fear in the “ebb and flow” of life. They include some of the following:

pain and sickness in my own life, or in the life of someone I love
loneliness
old age
harm coming to my family
unfulfilled dreams
uncertainty about the future

I’m sure you could help me add to this list, but no matter what you or I are afraid of, there’s one simple reason we don’t have to give in to fear. God is with us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. And beyond that, He has promised us His peace.

Also, the phrase “peace be still” reminds me of the story of the disciples, floundering on the sea in a storm, losing all hope. Then Jesus steps to the bow of the boat and utters those words. Instant calm.

Today we can rest in the sweet whisper of Jesus, “I am here. Don’t be afraid.”

I’ve shared this song before, but it seems so appropriate for today’s message.

[If you’re reading in e-mail, you’ll have to click over to the blog to view the video above.]

Saturday Salutes

May 6, 2017 by Tracey 4 Comments

How many of these 8 Keystone Habits That Can Transform Your Life do you practice?

These 5 Cell Phone Etiquette Tips for Teens work well for us adults, too.

I appreciated this post on 7 Ways to Honor Your Mother-in-Law.

Melissa shares 5 Ways to Have a Peaceful Home.

And oh, my – this Easy-to-Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake from Maryann had my mouth watering!!

A friend shared this video, and I love how it gives a new perspective on Psalm 23!

We’re having a family adventure this weekend – I’ll be sure to share details later. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

10 Key Lessons the Israelites Can Teach Us About the Christian Life

May 2, 2017 by Tracey 6 Comments

Have you ever been hard on someone else for what they’ve done, then seen that same fault in your own life? I’m afraid I have!

This can even happen in parenting. I might think, “Wow, my daughter sure is complaining a lot today!” Then not two minutes later, I’ll catch myself doing the same thing!

I think we may look at the Israelites in the Old Testament that way. We see how often they doubted God, hear their almost non-stop complaining, and shake our heads over how quickly they turned to idol worship. Yet I think if we look at our own lives, we’d see many of the same traits.

Psalm 106 gives us a great summary of all that happened as the Israelites left Egypt and journeyed through the wilderness to the promised land of Canaan. In its verses, I found ten lessons – both from what they did and what they didn’t do – that I can apply in my life.

1. Remember God’s mercies. “Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red Sea.” (Verse 7) In spite of seeing ten plagues that crippled the land of Egypt, the Israelites doubted that God would step in to save them at the Red Sea. How easy it is for us to dwell on negative circumstances we may be facing! Instead, let’s remember all that God has done for us already.

2. God wants to get glory through my life. “ Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” (Verse 8) God wanted to show not only the Israelites but also the Egyptians how powerful He was. When God works in my life, it’s not so that I can look good, but so that I can reflect His glory.

3. God is always leading, even when His way doesn’t make sense to me. “He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.” (Verse 9) The Israelites had never seen anything like the way God opened up the Red Sea and had them walk through it on dry ground. That’s not a plan they could have concocted in their minds, yet it was the way of deliverance. Just the same, I won’t always understand what God is doing in my life, but I can trust Him to be working for my good.

4. Believe His Word. “Then believed they His words; they sang His praise.” (Verse 12) What a precious gift the Bible is, full of promises, encouragement, and comfort. Our God is faithful and we can stand firm as we trust in His Word.

5. Sing His praises. “Then believed they His words; they sang His praise.” (Verse 12) We serve a wonderful God! Let’s praise Him with our words, in songs, and by our actions.

6. Wait for His counsel. “They soon forgat His works; they waited not for His counsel:” (Verse 13) Aren’t we often tempted to run ahead of God and go our own way? Yet we often fail to receive His blessings when we do. Waiting is not easy, but is often necessary as we seek to know and obey His will.

7. Desire God’s will above my own. ” And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” (Verse 15) God gave the Israelites what they asked for – yet how much they lost by getting their own way! I wonder if we sometimes miss great blessings because we fail to pray with a willingness to accept what God sends. We don’t want to have well-fed bodies with starving souls! Material possessions and physical comforts can distract us so much that our spiritual lives start wasting away.

8. There’s nothing I can hide from God. “But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.” (Verse 25) I think it’s interesting that it says they “murmured in their tents.” While there were times the whole group seemed to complain in unison, there was also some “behind-closed-doors” murmuring going on. Do I sometimes forget that God hears my every word and knows my every thought?

9. Disobeying God can bring long-term consequences I don’t want. “They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them:” (Verse 34) Verses 35-42 go on to describe all the ways in which their disobedience brought negative consequences – including sacrificing their children to idols and being oppressed by their enemies. This reminds me of a saying I’m trying to teach my girls. “You can choose your sin, but you can’t choose the consequences of your sin.”

10. In spite of my failings, God hears my cry. “Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:” (Verse 44) Aren’t we thankful for the “nevertheless!” In spite of it all – the murmuring, the disobedience, the idol worship – God didn’t leave the Israelites to fend for themselves. He heard their cry. What hope I find in this, knowing that God is always willing to listen when I call on Him.

Maybe now I won’t be quite so hard on the Israelites when I read about their struggles! I hope to put these lessons into practice as I seek to live in victory in my Christian life.