The War Zone

Hello ladies! I hope this beginning of spring finds you doing well and literally taking some time to smell the flowers (especially the lilacs!).

So today, my husband comes home and releases me to go have some me-time and I’m excited and ready… but nervous. So I went through some thoughts regarding this potty-training thing for my youngest child. Like, only let him be in the kitchen because it’s easier to clean in there than cleaning the carpet, ask him occasionally if he needs to go, and if it’s been a while, have him just sit on the toilet.  All these reminders and instructions (more to soothe my nerves), and Shane assures me he’s got this thing.

Fast-forward to just about an hour later. I come home to my three-year old in the carpeted living room walking like a cowboy with bow-legged legs meeting somebody for a shootout at the O.K. Corral. His hands and legs are spread out all funny and he sees me come in the door and says with great paranoia, “Mommy, I got poop all over!” (Okay, the break’s over!)

I don’t see or hear my husband anywhere, so I quickly usher my little poopy cowboy to the kitchen where I sit him on his toilet, clean his hands and legs with wipes. As I’m doing this my eight-year-old appears, crying those desperate tears that makes it hard to understand any words, and then I hear him say something about Palin, our five-year-old daughter, bleeding upstairs and it’s all his fault! What?! And where’s Shane?!

It was like walking into a war zone! So I head upstairs, after reminding Cade to stay put on the toilet, and as I’m ascending, I hear my husband, who is bandaging up our daughter, and Caleb say at the same time, “Watch your step! There’s poop (diarrhea) on the stairs!” Seriously! What happened while I was gone?? It was like somebody paid to have the circus relocated at my house!

You ever feel like this? Every way you turn in your life; spiritual, emotional, physical, financial seems like you’re surrounded by everything that wants to defeat you? To see you go down?

Well, isn’t God good?! Let me tell you what I just “happened” to read this morning. It was in 2 Kings, and it was a number of stories with Elisha, starting with chapter 5, but the one that got me was this one: In 2 Kings 6:8-17. Long-story-short, God was speaking to Elisha about the enemy’s war plans and foiling them completely. So their king sent a “strong force” to surround the city and capture Elisha because he wanted to kill him so they could conquer Israel.

Elisha’s servant got really nervous, saying, “O, my lord, what shall we do?” Do you know what Elisha said? What would you say?

He said, “Do not be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then he prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Ladies, when life strikes you hard, what do you see? I encourage you to ask God to open your eyes to His perspective so that you will be able to speak to your circumstance and not the other way around.

Just to finish the story, all ended well. We corralled the little guy back to the kitchen, got the daughter bandaged up, and helped Caleb come to peace with all the emotional trauma, and, we can laugh at the whole thing now!

God, thank you that You are for us and not against us!  And that Your plans are for our good, to give us a hope and future. I pray that when we feel “surrounded” that you will open our eyes to see that You totally have our enemy surrounded, and You have made us victorious! Thank you so much for this! We can trust You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

Karissa Nelson

Karissa has one of the most beautiful voices you will ever hear, but on top of that talent and gift God has given her, she is a mother to three beautiful children and a helpmate to her husband, Shane. Together they raise their family and minister in Milton-Freewater, Oregon where Karissa grew up. Her passion for worship and family surround her daily. Isaiah 30:15, “This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Is repentance and rest in your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength'” (NIV).

Perspective

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Have you ever had one of those weeks? You know the kind where it feels like anything that could go wrong, does? We experienced a week like that this past week.

Our oven quit, both my husband and I broke a tooth, my daughter had to get a toenail removed, my van battery died and it was all piling up. I just kept seeing dollar signs that I knew we didn’t have. Late one night as I was putting my daughter to bed she was telling me how tired she was of her toe hurting, how worried she was that it was going to be ugly, and just expressing her concerns. After hearing her out I quietly said, “Oh sweetie I understand what you’re feeling, but you are so blessed. Just think about all those kids who have cancer, are born without limbs, can’t see or can’t hear, a little toe injury isn’t so bad now is it?”

As I finished talking I felt the Lord telling me the same thing, “Amanda it isn’t so bad, you are so blessed. Think about all I’ve given you, quit worrying and be thankful.”

Sometimes it’s so easy to concentrate on the tree right in front of us, we can’t see the forest. We get so focused on what is happening to us that we forget to be thankful for all we have. I even forget to pray, it’s my default to worry instead, trying to figure a way out.

As I was sitting in the dentist chair I finally stopped long enough to think about things and I just started to pray. I had a good talk with the Lord right there in that chair. I wasn’t going anywhere and really you can’t talk to anyone while they’ve got tools in your mouth. I started feeling peace I hadn’t had that week at all. When we forget to pray, we forfeit the peace that comes with releasing it all to God. I didn’t get great news from the dentist that day, as a matter of fact I had more things that needed fixed then I knew, but I did walk away knowing it was going to be okay. God had all these things handled. My perspective changed in that dentist chair.

What about you? Is life so consuming that you forget to be thankful for that things in life that are right? We have so much to be thankful for. And you know what, starting to thank God for what you do have has a way of bringing the joy that this verse talks about. I don’t think Paul meant be happy, but be joyful, there’s a big difference. We can have peace and joy in the middle of the chaos, but only if we remember to count our blessings, keep our focus on God not our problems. I just hope it doesn’t take a trip to the dentist to remind me next time!

Father, I pray that as we face the trials of life that you would remind us to trust you, to pray without ceasing and to concentrate on all the things that are right with our life. You have given us all so much. Help us to keep our eyes on you. Amen

Amanda Keller

Amanda is a homeschooling mother of two great children and wife to Nathan. While Amanda grew up in Jordan, Montana, their family makes their home in North Dakota. Amanda’s passion for leading others in worship shines through along with her love for Jesus, her family and laughter. Their family loves to support Compassion International in whatever way possible. Amanda holds associates degrees in both music performance and office administration from Trinity Bible College. “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but something you raise.” ~Andy Stanley

Judgement

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Genesis 22:2

When I hear about parenting small children, and the effort parents make to “grow them up in the Lord” I can sometimes feel a bit convicted.  Not because my husband and I didn’t do that with our own children, because we always made it a top priority in our home…we did all the “right things.”   We had devotions, dinners together where we shared all God had done during our day, church and Sunday school and AWANA, nature walks talking about God’s creation, admitting our own sins and asking forgiveness, modeling what we believed was going to be observed and imitated by our four young boys.  I remember rubbing my swollen belly while reading the Bible aloud to my twins in utero; those same twins praying fervently for their baby brother when he cried and couldn’t sleep; and that middle son rocking his baby brother singing “Jesus loves me” to sooth him because he had a bad diaper rash.

The reason I feel convicted isn’t because of the way I raised my boys, it’s because I judged others before I had children and when my children were young.  From what I observed, other parents obviously weren’t as serious as we were about sharing God’s love and grace and mercy and teaching their children God’s Word.  Other Christian parents must have had some serious lack of parenting ability, not prayed enough, not spent enough time with their children…something they lacked or failed in…because their adolescent or young adult children were definitely NOT walking with Jesus.  Drugs, alcohol, pornography, sex before marriage, defiance, lies, and the big one…turning their back on God.  What in the world had those parents done to their precious babies?!

 

Recently, while I was reading the book of Genesis I noticed some of the things I had written in the margins years ago were extremely judgmental.  For example: Abraham (Abram) has his wife Sarah (Sarai) tell the Egyptians she is his sister rather than his wife to save his own skin (Genesis 12); Sarai “gives” her maidservant Haggar to Abram so they can have a son through Haggar, then Sarai kicks out Haggar and her son Ishmael (Genesis 16); Lot’s daughters get him drunk and have their way with him so they can have children (Genesis 19); Isaac follows in his father’s footsteps and tells his wife Rebekah to pretend she’s his sister to protect himself from the Philistines (Genesis 26)…  in all the margins I have things written like “really? he lies and yet God blesses him?” “he doesn’t protect his wife, but God protects him?” “What? No consequences?”

Reading through Genesis at this point in my life, I had to chuckle.  Well, after I cried I chuckled.  You see those same sweet baby boys that loved Jesus with all their hearts, shared his love with others that didn’t know Him, reverently placed their birthday money in the offering plate, prayed, sang songs, memorized all the Books of the Bible and got awards for their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word…became adolescents.

Early in our lives, my husband and I thought that we could do all the “right things” that our parents obviously didn’t do with us and ensure that our children would become those teenagers that rock their world for Jesus.  Then they would become young adults that do all the right things in the right order…and continue to make a huge impact for Jesus…all without the struggles that we went through as teens and young adults.  Their lives would read like one of those Christian tales of greatness and we would glow with pride and joy.  Oh, how naïve and downright prideful we were!

It’s nice that Abraham was dead when Isaac lied to save his skin, using the same line that his dad did years earlier.  Sometimes I wish I was finished with this life when I see all the bad choices my boys have made…and continue to make.  I know the pain they are bringing on themselves; the pain that not only affects them, but others around them.  The ripple effect is often overwhelming and it feels like we as parents suffer more than they do.

I don’t write this to frighten parents of young children, but to encourage parents with those sweet babies and young children to cut us middle-aged parents a little slack.  That grace that everyone covets could be showered on parents of “almost-adults” and be the healing balm that gets people through those turbulent, frightening, and sometimes devastating years.  And older parents, those that have adult children and maybe even those sweet baby grandchildren…we could use some authentic words of wisdom, empathy, and a heartfelt hug.  Just knowing someone else understands the hurt is sometimes enough to get through another day.

Something an older friend told me once resonates with me and helps me get through the next 10 minutes.  “It’s not the end of the story.”  As I read the “story” of God’s children, those children that had it all in the Garden and made a choice to disobey, I am in awe of their stupidity.  Sometimes, honestly, I’m in awe of my own children’s stupidity (let’s just clarify: stupidity is knowing the right choice yet consciously choosing the wrong one… stupidity is not ignorance, where one doesn’t know the right choice).

Thankfully, I’m not God. He doesn’t judge us for our stupidity, He loves us.  Always, no matter what.  He knows the introduction of the story, the characters, and the scene set up.  He knows the turbulence and the pain and the conflict in the middle of the story.  And He knows the end of each one of His children’s’ stories because He has a purpose and a plan and He is sovereign.  That’s what I hold on to as I cry out to Him for those precious babies of mine that I love more than life.  I’m no longer judgmental of other parents, but it’s been a hard lesson.  I’ve also learned that I can’t love my children more than He does, and I can’t make my children my idol.  I need to place them on the altar, no matter how hard the sacrifice, because God is the only One that knows the end of their story.

You are the creator of all life Lord.  You have made the heavens and the earth and all that fills the earth.  You gave me my children to love and to train up in the way they should go…but You alone know how their lives will play out.  I trust You Lord, not my parenting skills, and certainly not them.  I have hope and joy and peace because You know the end of the story and You are sovereign and full of mercy and grace towards me and my precious children. In Christ’s Name I pray…Amen.

Stacey Ray

Stacey is the mother to four sons ages 15 to 21, and the wife to Rex, one very understanding husband. Stacey has a passion to help people become the best that they can be and she currently does that as a community college instructor in psychology and human development. With this same passion in mind, her family supports many other outreaches including Children’s Vision in Bogota, Columbia (an orphanage and school) and She is Safe, India (a ministry empowering women and children to avoid human trafficking by giving them value and worth in their communities). Originally from California, Stacey and her family currently make their home in northern Minnesota where they are actively involved in their church’s mission of seeing real people make real change. Stacey’s favorite quote is by Chip Ingram: “I am nothing without Jesus. But in Him and through Him I can do great things!”

A GOD FIX

I got a God fix through my husband today that I did not ask for nor do I think I wanted. With the rush of the morning, attempting to get out the door before I was late to work, my husband’s phone went “dink.” Because several of our church family have been very ill, I went to see who had sent a text. It was from his little brother, Mark Allen, sort of encouraging and scolding him at the same time. I really wanted to respond to Mark, but I held my finger and refused to interfere.

You see, my husband has been estranged from his biological mother for many years, well over 30 years. We had attempted on many occasions to fix this. When my wonderful and beautiful daughter graduated from high school, I forced her to send a photo and invitation to her grandmother. She decided to include a several page letter to her on how hurt she was that she felt she had the right to not love her, her father, and her mother. I received a letter back from his mother, Jan, stating, “Glennette, you are a nice person, but please stop attempting to fix something that isn’t broken.” At that point I whispered a prayer to God that went something like this:

“Father, I‘ve done my part. I pray that Jan will not leave this world as a lonely hateful woman, but will attempt to make things right with her son and grandchildren.” For me however, it was done. I had seen the hurt my husband went through feeling his mother did not care about him.  I had seen the hurt in my children that their grandmother could so easily write them off. I could NOT and would NOT let her back into my life.

Saying all of that, Mark had contacted my husband to tell him his mother wanted to speak to him and he listed her phone number for him.  He prayed about this for several days. The morning after the above mentioned text, while I was at work, he called her.

She had a message for me, “Tell Glennette I love her.” Then she told my husband how proud she was of him. I felt these huge emotions go throughout me.  I had told my children and many youth I worked with, that we had to forgive.

I know that Mark 11:26 tells us we have to forgive, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” I am struggling to forgive. As I set at my desk and write this article, my heart is broken. Broken for the pain and suffering, the lost years, and for my dear children and husband. But I know that because I fear (am in such awe) of Jesus, that I must forgive, I have to let go of the pain and let Jesus touch my heart and fill it with love for this woman, who may not be with us long.

So through my brokenness I pray this: Father, my dear Abba, please take this heart of mine that is so calloused to this woman and replace it with a heart of love, understanding and forgiveness. Help me to see her through your eyes. Grant me the ability to look beyond her faults and find a person that you died for. Amen

Ladies please pray with me as I work through this, I am sure many of you have faced similar issues in your life. But I want to always know that I’m forgiven, so I must forgive!

Glennette Christian

Glennette Christian, the mother to three grown children, knows that God has had a constant leading in her life. He has taken her to many places throughout the United States in ministry and currently has been led to Metlakatla, Alaska with her husband, Michael where they love the land and people. While also raising her family, Glennette and Mike took in several other children along the way that needed a loving reminder of what it meant to have a caring parent present in their lives. She is the grandmother to ten beautiful children and loves every minute she gets with them. Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)

 

The Rest I Need

I’m tired.

You know the kind of tired that is mind numbing fatigue that somehow winds you up, but you can’t actually sleep well. The kind that wears your body down and exhausts you inside and out.

Life is so busy these days with certain expectations, normal church busyness and then sick kiddos. The house never cleans itself and the laundry seems to reproduce like rabbits. Even mindless television seems to require energy. Yet I continue to push forward and do my best. You know, care for the children, cook the meals, but, if I’m honest, some areas don’t get much attention (thank you, dry shampoo!).

It’s during these times that I really need to learn to rest in Christ.

Matthew chapter 11 verse 28 is a promise, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” But it also has a condition: Come to me.

Isn’t it ironic when I’m worn down coming to Jesus may be the last thing on my mind or on my agenda? But I must.

I need rest. More than just physical sleep (because that would be wonderful!). Spiritual and mental rest that eases my soul and brings comfort to my anxiety.

My guess is that many of you reading this also feel your own fatigue. Perhaps finances have you stressed, maybe you’re struggling with a child or a parent. Or you’ve gotten bad news…again. I don’t know where you are, but I know that if you come to Jesus. You will find the rest you need.

My God, today we cry out to you from a place of complete exhaustion and helplessness. We need you to find the rest we so desperately need. I ask this as much for me as for the women reading this. Send us the rest that you desire for us and help us to carry on with the demands of our lives. Thank you for always caring for even the things that we think don’t really matter to you. You care about it all. In Your name, Amen.

Tiffany Heth

Tiffany is the mother to four amazing children, all God’s miracle to their family, and she cherishes every moment given her to be with them. John, Tiffany’s husband, and their family make their home in Iowa, where they minister to a congregation of fellow believers. Tiffany is not only a breast-feeding, cloth-diapering mother and a pastor’s wife, but she takes great joy in nourishing her family with the wild game that they have been fortunate enough to harvest. “How great is the Father’s love for us that we shall be called children of God, for that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

The Web of Struggle

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  -Romans 8:28-30 (NASB)

Friends and family close to me have been adding to my collection of hummingbirds for nearly twenty-five years now. I’ve been given figurines, commemorative plates, candlesticks, wine glasses, music boxes, magnets, etc. If a hummingbird can be added to enhance the sight of something, I probably own something like it. Some may know the story of the first figurine I received, but very few know what the hummingbird really represents to me.

The first figurine I received was a gift from my grandparents to remember a summer vacation I spent with them. During that trip, I found an overturned hummingbird nest behind a vending machine at the resort where we were staying. I found it because I could hear the mother hummingbird struggling to save her young ones who had gotten caught in a spider’s web. She was frantic and beginning to lose herself to exhaustion. The younger birds had struggled until they were thoroughly wrapped in the sticky silk. I pulled them out of the web, and the mother hummingbird hovered over me as I cleaned the web off of them. The three of them spent nearly an hour in my hand recovering, then they hovered around me until the end of the day when they flew off. It was a very enchanting experience for me and my grandparents, and that first hummingbird figurine was a very special memento, but this hummingbird means more to me now. See, hummingbirds actually remind me of a person’s struggle with sin and death.

To me, the sticky silks of a spider’s web is like our sins. Sometimes we are seduced by their allurance, sometimes we don’t see them until it’s too late, and sometimes we fall into them. The result is the same, however, we find ourselves in a big sticky mess. It is normal for us to struggle in our sin. Have you ever walked into a large cobweb? Our squealing and waving arms are no different than the struggling a fly does when they are first caught, and this is very much like the dangerous games we often play when we realize we are caught in our sin. The web, like our sin, is made to stick to itself; so, the more we struggle in it, the more trapped we become. That old spider Satan loves to sit back and watch us struggle. He is satisfied with any score he can get. I’ve often looked at flies and other insects caught in a spider’s web and thought, “Good riddance.” How often have we seen someone struggling in their sin and thought something similar?

It wasn’t the same when I saw those young hummingbirds wrapped up in the webbing. Their mother was struggling to tear away the webbing with her delicate beak, and she was making anguished noises. Any parent who has watched their child struggle can relate. We struggle with them, we panic, we fight to free them, we weep, we mourn even, but you can be sure we give it everything we’ve got, and we just can’t leave them there. These young birds had struggled so much that they’d given up fighting, but their mother hadn’t because there was a very large spider standing by on the edge of the web. I’ve watched spiders run to claim whatever gets caught in their web, but not this one. He had two snared already, and I imagine he was waiting to see if he would eventually have three. Mother hummingbird was determined not to allow him access to her babies, but one wrong move and she could have been trapped as well.

I heard the mother bird’s desire to save her young ones, I saw that they were ready to allow me to save them, and I stepped in to help. Jesus does the same for us when we are caught in sin. He doesn’t see anyone as nasty flies or insects when we are caught in the sin that we got ourselves caught in. He never thinks, “Good riddance.” No, He loves us. He sees us the same way I saw those hummingbirds. He hears our anguish, our prayers and petitions in our struggle, He sees when we are truly ready to be saved, and He destroys our sin. Actually, He’s done more than that, He’s laid down for us on our sins and died with them, and He stood up and stomped out that old spider Satan. That right there, my friends, is a true rescue hero.

After rescuing those hummingbirds, I spent as much time as they would let me with them, but I couldn’t keep them. That is why my grandparents gave me a figurine in honor of that day. Jesus, however, has been given all that He has saved. We are not caged or kept on a shelf. Instead we are called His brethren in Romans 8:29, and He is the first fruits of this family. We were predestined to be conformed to the image of Him. We are called, justified, and glorified by God the Father in his Son Jesus Christ. In John 15:15 Jesus said, “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

Do not struggle in the web of sin and death anymore. Mothers do not struggle with your children as they struggle in this web of sin and death. Children of God do not judge those struggling in the web of sin and death, and do not turn your heads and walk on by into another web. Call on Jesus. Call on his holy name, for He is the rescuer and giver of life. Mothers, all God’s children, do not cease praying and petitioning on behalf of these children no matter their age, their struggle, or how long they have struggled. You are heard and He will answer in His power, and at exactly the right time, His time, that old spider has already been exterminated.

Dearest Holy and Righteous Father, may we all submit our struggle to You as in Isaiah 38:17 – “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” You are so mighty and perfect. We lift our hands and present you our struggles for your Son has conquered them, and we are no longer trapped in them. Hear us as we petition You on behalf of our children, your children who are still struggling. May we soon see them called out of the web and released into your care, your will. Thank you, Father. Thank You! Amen.

Lorinda Freeman

Lorinda has a passion and desire to teach children about the love of God. She is a homeschooling mom of four and together as a family they work within their church with the children’s programs making sure the hearts of all the children are being taught God’s love for them. Lorinda and her husband, Chris, make their home in Hibbing, Minnesota after Lorinda had endured extensive travel growing up as a Navy “brat”. 1 Thessalonians 2:6-13, “We are not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Unplugged

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

Recently we spent the Easter weekend with Nathan’s family on the farm. One thing I love about going there is our phones get left downstairs. Two days went by and we looked at them once or twice a day. It was so refreshing. It made me stop and think about how tied our family has become to instant technology and constant notifications. We as a society expect to be able to get a hold of people 24/7. It’s irritating to most of us when e-mails or texts go a couple hours without response. We live in such a fast paced society. My fear is that with so many options, more expectations, and more commitments facing us every day are we experiencing overload. Are we making the most of every opportunity, living wisely or just watching time pass us by?

Sometimes it’s not until we unplug that we truly realize what we are missing. We are so quick to capture the perfect moment for social media, that we don’t live in the moment. Are we present with our families or just there?

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. “

We live in a world that is determined to steal our time; tablets, TV’s, phones, computers, video games, and on and on the list goes. While none of these are evil in their own right, when they consume who we are, and become our time stealer, it’s time to look closely at what has control over our heart and minds. It’s time to unplug and understand once again what the Lord’s will is.

Where are you in this area of life? Are you feeling out of control and overloaded? Maybe it’s time to unplug and renew your mind. Sometimes just being with the people who mean the most to you, laughing and playing games is the renewal your heart & mind needs. Other times you may need an extended time of rest and renewal for your heart & mind. Let us determine to be careful how we live and live the wise way. That will look different for each person, but stay connected to God and disconnect from the voices (or notifications) that are drowning him out. We only get one shot at this thing called life, let’s make it count!

Father, give us wisdom to live how you desire us to live; to make the most of every opportunity you give us. Help us to know when to unplug and unwind. Transform our heart and minds so that we will truly know what your will is. Help us to drown out the other noises of life, so that your voice is the loudest. Amen

Amanda Keller

Amanda is a homeschooling mother of two great children and wife to Nathan. While Amanda grew up in Jordan, Montana, their family makes their home in Bismarck, North Dakota. Amanda’s passion for leading others in worship shines through along with her love for Jesus, her family and laughter. Their family loves to support Compassion International in whatever way possible. Amanda holds associates degrees in both music performance and office administration from Trinity Bible College. “your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but something you raise.” ~Andy Stanley

One Simple Step…not so simple

You know when God asks you to do something and you just aren’t quite so sure about it? Well, nearly two years ago I heard that voice and it was clear. Tara, it’s time.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Since beginning Titus II Woman Ministry my life has been filled with many challenges, but with each there has also been a plethora of blessings.  I stepped out in faith into the unknown and started something completely amazing. I think I get more lessons than anyone through this. We have seen many women inspired, encouraged, challenged and loved dearly.

I was unbelievably scared to start Titus II Woman.  I had no idea what I was doing, but with each area of starting a ministry, literally from the ground up, God has aligned every step needed to be successful. I was just scared because I felt ill-equipped, but I had no real knowledge of starting a women’s ministry. Youth I knew and could do well, but women were a whole new ball game.

I didn’t just take a step, I leapt. I had to figure out how Titus II was going to look and run. I spent hours in prayer and seeking council from women who had walked this road before.  I also did quite a lot of research and through it all God was my constant reminder of faith in the unknown.

When I had finally reached a decision on how this was all going to work, I had to begin my list of contacts that would be more than one hundred women. These would be women that I would need to reach out to in an effort to see if they wanted to join my team. This was one of my biggest fears in this whole process.  What was I going to say? How was I going to say it; email, phone call, text? What if they all said no? The questions soaked my sponge of a brain.

But! Titus II Woman Ministry is here and still going strong. We’ve done and seen many changes already and God has proven faithful in and through it all.  He asked me to do something out of my comfort zone. No, really! You have no idea! This was a great challenge for me and took all within me to obey. I did it, though. I heard God’s voice and then listened. There is a difference, you know! God’s voice is unlike any other voice you will ever hear.  He never shouts. He is never forceful. He is calm and hushed. To hear His voice clearly means to have a trained ear and even then it is often hard to define at times.

You see, taking a step forward always looks different for each individual doing the walking, but the One asking always remains the same. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

So, what’s your step look like? What is or has God been asking you to do, say or write? Have you heard His voice and been reluctant to just take one forward move?

I know how you feel, honest. I ran away for more than six years before I was truly ready to hear what God was asking me to do. I honestly wish I’d done this all sooner, but the awesome fact is that I did it and I’ve never once regretted all the challenges and lessons I’ve lived through. I’ve gained so much; a deeper relationship with God, amazing friendships, development in speaking and writing and so much more. It’s been amazingly hard and amazingly rewarding. I love every minute of Titus II Woman.

Can I just encourage you to spend a little time asking God to confirm once more for you what It is He wants you to do? Nothing is too small in His eyes. There is purpose in all He asks.  There are also beautiful blessings for those who obey. He loves to see you smile with all the gifts He will bestow.

Lord, some steps look much larger than simple. I ask that you hold each of your daughters in your hands and comfort them as moving forward in our walk with you requires more of us. Bless the lives of those who only want more of you. Thank you for your guidance…always. Amen.

Take a step….

Tara DeMaris

Tara is the founder and president of Titus II Woman Ministries and the wife to David, her high school sweetheart, as well as the mother to their four children. They all make their home in Southeast Idaho. She graduated from Crown College. Tara is passionate about reaching the hearts of women and young ladies. She loves to write and teach God’s Word. “Make history with God and He will make history through you.”

Not So Fun Jobs

I was blessed to have lived next to my grandparents as I grew up.  I remember sitting in their living room watching my grandmother clean and trim my grandfather’s toenails.

I asked “How can you touch Grandpa’s feet, they are so dirty.”

“Sometimes, when you love someone, you have to show them by completing the  “not so fun jobs” as well as the “fun jobs,” She replied.

“Well, when I get married my husband will have to clean his own feet.  I think feet are disgusting.” I said crinkling up my nose.

Flash forward almost 30 years later, I find myself doing the exact same thing my grandma did.  My husband has diabetes and I have to check his feet regularly. As I sat a few weeks back bandaging a split on his toe, I pondered my grandmother’s words, “loving someone sometimes means we do the “not so fun jobs.” I realized my grandma was talking about unconditional love and that love is an action; it is how we treat each other. I love my husband, and I’m here to help him, even if it is a “not so fun job.

Jesus is our ultimate example of this unconditional love.  He chose to die on the cross for us; he could have put a stop to it at any time since he is God.  He was overwhelmed with sorrow, Mathew 26:38, in the garden of Gethsemane. He knew for God’s plan to work, He had to die.  I’m sure that is “a not so fun job.” God was willing to die for me and my sins, because he loves me.

Life is full of the “not so fun jobs”: laundry, dishes, cleaning up after sick children, disciplining children, and so many more.  I, however, do them because I love those I am doing the jobs for, and most importantly I am doing them because that is the job that God has given me at this time in my life.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

 ^“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

As a believer in Jesus, our Lord and Savior, I am to be a reflection of Him.  He showed us His love by dying the most horrific death. I can reflect that love to those whom God has placed in my life, by doing those little “not so fun” jobs.

Our most Heavenly Father, I pray for the strength to continue to do the “not so fun” jobs for those you have placed in my life. I ask that your love shines through me to those around me.  Remind me that I am not doing things for earthly rewards but for heavenly treasure.  Thank you for sending us your son to die on the cross for us and completing the biggest “not so fun” job of all time. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Shannon Smith

Shannon is the mother to three wonderful children and wife to Scott for almost sixteen years. Together their family makes their home in northern Minnesota on a 40 acre farm. They love all things outdoors including hunting and fishing and taking care of their chickens and cow. Shannon’s passion lies in teaching her students, writing and reading. One day, it is her dream to write a children’s book. Shannon’s heart is to love the Lord and be used of Him. Shannon has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bemidji State University.

 

Not So Fun Jobs

I was blessed to have lived next to my grandparents as I grew up.  I remember my grandmother taking care of my grandpa’s feet.  I asked her how she could do that as feet were dirty. She told me that loving someone meant you sometimes did the “not so fun jobs” as well as the “fun jobs.”  I then told her my husband was on his own because I was never going to give him pedicures.

Flash forward almost 30 years later, I find myself doing the exact same thing my grandma did.  My husband has diabetes and I have to check his feet regularly. As I sat a few weeks back bandaging a split on his toe, I pondered my grandmother’s words, “loving someone sometimes means we do the “not so fun jobs.” I realized my grandma was talking about unconditional love. Love is an action; it is how we treat each other. I love my husband, and I’m here to help him, even if it is a “not so fun job.”

Jesus is our ultimate example of this unconditional love.  He chose to die on the cross for us; he could have put a stop to it at any time since he is God.  He was overwhelmed with sorrow, Mathew 26:38, in the garden of Gethsemane. He knew for God’s plan to work, Jesus had to die.  I’m sure that is “a not so fun job.” God was willing to die for me and my sins, because he loves me.

My life is full of the “not so fun jobs”, however, I am willing to do them because I love those that I am doing them for, and I love him.

Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

As a believer in Jesus, our Lord and Savior, I am to be a reflection of Him.  He showed us His love by dying the most horrific death. I can reflect that love to those whom God has placed in my life, by doing those little “not so fun” jobs.

Our most Heavenly Father, I pray for the strength to continue to do the “not so fun” jobs for those you have placed in my life. I ask that your love shines through me to those around me.  Remind me that I am not doing things for earthly rewards but for heavenly treasure.  Thank you for sending us your son to die on the cross for us and completing the biggest “not so fun” job of all time. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Shannon Smith

Shannon is the mother to three wonderful children and wife to Scott for almost sixteen years. Together their family makes their home in northern Minnesota on a 40 acre farm. They love all things outdoors including hunting and fishing and taking care of their chickens and cow. Shannon’s passion lies in teaching her students, writing and reading. One day, it is her dream to write a children’s book. Shannon’s heart is to love the Lord and be used of Him. Shannon has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bemidji State University.