From the Vault: Treasure the Time

In honor of my only son's 15th birthday, I am reposting this devotion from 2008.  

When all of my children were under the age of five, I used to live for nap time, bed time, date night, and mom's nights out. Church was a huge delight, not for the great sermons, but for the free babysitting! Well...my baby just turned five and I am sitting here wondering why I rushed all of those beautiful years.

I started this mommyhood journey almost 15 (now 18) years ago. I can still clearly hear the voices of older moms encouraging me to enjoy every moment, no matter how loud, smelly, messy, or maddening it was. For the most part I think I tried to do that, but I know for certain I could have worked harder at it. I find myself grasping for memories of chubby bodies and infant cries. Not one of my children draws an unidentifiable picture anymore or needs help pouring a glass of water. I would give a mom's night out for a dirty diaper in a heartbeat!

The Lord only gives us a certain number of years to be a mommy of littles. Those little ones who were so tiny and helpless grow much faster than we can ever imagine. It is not a bad thing to spend time with other moms or go out alone with your husband. In fact, I strongly believe that those times are very important and vital to maintaining accountability and a strong marriage. It is also incredibly important to gratefully treasure each moment with your little people.

The Word tells us to be thankful in all things. Be thankful for the children who still need their mommy to help them go potty - or clean up the floor when they don't make it in time. Be thankful for the little cry during the night calling for you and no one else. Be thankful for Play-Doh crumbs and spilled juice. Soon enough all of that will be over and done with and you will be wondering why you rushed it or complained about it. I can tell you that from experience. The Lord called you, like Queen Esther, for such a time as this. He also called you for such a family as the one you have.

If you are struggling with the seemingly never ending days or you are feeling resentful of your children and their needs, I encourage you to spend time daily in the Word and prayer. The Word is the foundation that you can rebuild your thankful heart on.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the little people you have blessed me with. Thank you for what you are teaching me about myself through them. Thank you that I am able to have children to care for. Thank you for all the messes and memories. Please help me to focus on the treasure my children are and to let them know each day how precious they are to me.


Challenge:
This week, choose to be thankful for each mess, diaper, cry, etc. Go out of your way to speak blessing over your children each day and tell them how thankful you are for them.  If your little ones are now teens, treasure each late night talk and quick hug.  Maybe you are an empty-nester.  If so, be sure to encourage moms who are struggling with seeing the purpose in the 'endless' days.

Jen Gorton 2008

Distracted by Worship

Distract: to turn or draw from any object; to divert from any point, towards another point or toward various other objects; as, to distract the eye or the attention.

King David was the master of distracting himself with worship.  Over and over in the Psalms you read his heart wrenching prayers.  He poured out his hurt and anger when friends and family betrayed him, his fear and frustration when people plotted to kill him or take the throne, his grief over his sin with Bathsheba and the final consequence resulting in the death of their child.  Each time, however, David returns to worship.  He never allows a prayer to end without reminding himself of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.”  BUT You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.  Psalm 3:2b, 3a

They confronted me in the day of my calamity, BUT the LORD was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:18, 19

When the wicked spring up like grass, and when all the workers of iniquity flourish... But You, LORD, are on high forevermore.  Psalm 92: 7a, 8

My days are like a shadow that lengthens, and I wither away like grass. But You, O LORD, shall endure forever, and the remembrance of Your name to all generations. Psalm 102:11, 12

Life is not easy.  We are faced daily with our own sin and the sin of others.  It all affects us in some way.  We can choose to follow the lead of hurt and anger and confusion, consequently falling into a pit of depression or bitterness, or we can stand firm and declare "BUT GOD".  He is the final authority, not our circumstances.  

CHOOSE to be distracted by worship of the most holy God!

Prayer:

You, O Lord, are worthy of praise in every circumstance.   Allow me to be immersed in Your presence as I turn from the discouragement and schemes of the enemy.  Amen

Challenge:

There is a Psalm for every situation that might draw your attention away from the truth of God's character.  Gossipy friends, wayward children, depression, financial troubles, illness - there's a Psalm for that.  Find them and use them to pattern your own prayer times.  David did not hide under a rock or put on a happy face when trouble came around.  He faced it head on, called it what it was, and then reminded himself of who God is and what He has promised to His children.

Jen G. 2012

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Name Them One by One...

by Jen G. 2011

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world… Philippians 2:14, 15

The words to the hymn “Count Your Blessings” came back to me this week as I was crabbing to my grandmother about all the ‘misfortunes’ of the previous days; a broken dryer, a broken dishwasher, quarrelling amongst my children, chipped paint on the baseboards… It was ugly. Granny, however, kept pointing me back to the Lord and the importance of recognizing His provision in all areas of my life.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

We have been blessed with plenty of sunshine and our parents’ dryer for rainy days. The broken dishwasher has enabled me to teach my children a new skill (hand-washing dishes), as well as provided them with the opportunity to be productive together. The sound of bickering has alerted me to the fact that I have slipped in some in my child training and need to get with the program. Chipped paint….well, I am thankful that I have walls!

In the midst of counting my blessings, I include Granny and the rest of my family who always point me right back to the Lord. Are you that compass for someone or do you join the pity party of a friend or family member? Begin to count your blessings and help others count theirs as well.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

Prayer:
Father, thank You for constant reminders to count my blessings. Everything in my life is an opportunity to give You praise. Help me to be the blessing counter with a friend or relative who is struggling with seeing Your goodness in all things. Amen.

Challenge:
Monitor your blessing counting this week. Are you doing a good job or have you fallen off the gratitude wagon? Look for ways that the Lord could be using circumstances to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to Him. Keeping a Gratitude Journal or a Blessings Book is a helpful way to keep on track.  Be mindful of your conversations with friends; be the encourager who points them to thanksgiving. 
Jen G. 2011

For His Mercy Endures

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For His mercy endures forever... Psalm 136 1-3 

As my son shared these verses this morning during our church family time, I was drawn to the words, "His mercy endures forever."  Twenty-six times the writer of this Psalm repeats those words. Why does he continuously use the word mercy?  What does mercy have to do with thankfulness? 

Webster's 1828 dictionary defines mercy this way:

[Mercy] implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency,

but exercised only towards offenders. 

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

Notice the last line of that definition. In order to receive mercy you must be an offender.  We are ALL offenders, if not towards another person, then certainly towards the Lord.  And yet, He still gives mercy. It is what each believer in Christ fully experiences the moment they die. That mercy does not wear out or get cast aside when someone sins one time too may.  He does not decide to recant His mercy once it is given. It endures forever. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:36

As Christ followers, we are to extend mercy to others.  How do we do that? Mercy is given when someone hurts you, leaves you or hates you and you choose not to hurt, leave or hate in return.  That seems like such a hard thing to do because it is hard!  Thankfully, the Lord has given us a way of escape in this hard thing. That is done by going directly to Him and asking Him for help to do the thing He has called us to do.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16

The Lord's mercy has a continuous existence, it is perpetual, for always, everlasting.  It has an indefinite and unending future, it lasts for eternity.  It is forever and always. (BLB) 

His mercy endureth forever.

That is worth all the thanks we can possibly give. 

Prayer:

Father, there are not enough words to thank You for Your mercy.  Nothing is so high, so wide, so deep as Your unending love and mercy towards me.  As I approach a day set aside for thanksgiving, let me feel Your presence and pleasure daily as I worship and honor You for your great and unending mercy.  Please help me to extend mercy towards those in my life as you have extended it to me. Amen

Challenge:

Read through all of Psalm 136 and then write your own Psalm of thanksgiving.  Think of all the ways the Lord has shown mercy on you and thank Him for each one.  Do you need to extend mercy to someone in your life?  Go boldly before the Lord and ask Him for the help you need.  He is faithful and will give you what you need to do what seems impossible!

Jen G. 2010



In Everything

Part of my calling as SuperMom is to be sure that my children have loads of good memories. Holidays are super handy for this purpose. I realized a while ago, though, that holidays have so much more potential than one single day of memory stock piling. That is why our holidays are month long events, not single days that come and go in a flash. With that in mind, let’s chat about Thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving has been around much, much longer than the presidential appointed day in November. The first mention that I can find of the word thanksgiving in the Bible is in Leviticus 7:12 in relation to peace offerings. I am certainly not a scholar of Levitical law, but in reading the portion I am struck by the words “sacrifice of thanksgiving”. A sacrifice is something that must be slain, given up, surrendered. I think of Philippians 4:6 and 7 -

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

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When things are difficult and concerning, usually the last thing I want to do is pray with thanksgiving. Begging and pleading for things to go my way is more my style. But the Scripture tells me to pray with thanksgiving and so I strive to sacrifice my natural feelings. When I do that, the benefit is a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards my heart and mind. Sacrificing my fleshly desire to control and be comfortable brings blessing. Sacrifice is hard, but worth it.

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As November unfolds, do not wait until November 25 to celebrate Thanksgiving. Start today. Begin to offer your own sacrifices of thanksgiving as situations arise in which you see no purpose. Remember, ALL things are known to the Lord and He will use everything to grow us up in Him. Do not reject the hard. Do not resent the difficult and painful. Embrace it with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Trust that the One who knows all has a greater purpose beyond what you can see and understand.

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. Psalm 69: 29-31

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Prayer:

Father, I want to be a thankful person. I want to be thankful for more than food and a home. I want to be thankful for difficult people who help me grow in love and patience; thankful for hard circumstances that cause me to work through fear and doubt and grow my faith. I determine to make a willing sacrifice of thanksgiving in my life, trusting that You will bring peace and blessing in my obedience. Amen.

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Challenge:

Take a real 30 day challenge! Stop over to Revive Our Hearts challenge page and sign up for the 30 day Gratitude Challenge. (PDF)

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Extended Challenges for the Month:

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Make a list of everything in your life that you are NOT feeling thankful for right now – finances, job, being home all the time with little people, your husband’s sloppiness, the broken toilet seat, the musty basement, the whiny friend, the nosey neighbor, the music at church – nothing is off limits. Next to each unthankful-for item make an opposite thankful response. (You will have to use your imagination until you really do find your thankful spot!) Spend time each day making a sacrifice of thanksgiving in these areas. I.e. your husband’s sloppiness gives you an opportunity to serve him in practical ways by cleaning up after him joyfully.

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Make a thankful tree with your family. Tear a brown paper bag into a trunk and branches and tape it to the wall or a door. Each evening at dinner, have each family member write one thing they are thankful for on a cut out construction paper leaf and tape it to a branch.

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Purchase Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey. This beautiful book is a great read aloud that includes a CDs of instrumental Thanksgiving hymns.

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Jen G. 2010

A Lesson from George

“Whatever tries us in any way, speak to the Lord about it.”

—George Mueller

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George Mueller was an evangelist in the 19th century who took care of more than 10,000 orphans in his lifetime. This man chose to live by faith and seemingly never wavered. He took every need he and his orphans had before the Lord, fully trusting and expectantly waiting for the provision God would provide. Mr. Mueller was quoted as saying that he never had an unanswered prayer in his life. I am sure that some of the answers that came his way did not take the form most would expect, but that did not stop George from joyfully thanking the Lord.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:6-8

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These verses from Philippians are oft quoted in bad situations – a sick child, a broken car, a leaky roof. Do we really take them to heart? Do we seek the face of God in everything – coming to Him not only with our needs, but also thanksgiving for His as of yet unknown answer? Do we let the incomprehensible peace of God guard our minds or do we allow thoughts of worry and despair to flood over us? Do we think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy? Or, do we focus on the issue at hand and allow it to fill our minds, crowding out all the attributes of God?
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Nothing is too small to take to the Lord and nothing is so big that we should allow it to overshadow His greatness. I encourage you to speak to the Lord about whatever tries you in any way.

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Prayer:

Father, YOU are what Philippians 4:8 says for me to think on. Please help me to be aware of times when I am tempted to place concerns and worries above Your greatness and abilities. Only by focusing on You can I avoid falling into that temptation. Amen
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Challenge:

This week, when worries and concerns press in – no matter how big or small – choose to put your focus squarely on the Lord and His attributes. He is all that is good and true and praiseworthy. Spending time focusing on trouble is taking praise and adoration away from the One who deserves it. Refocus that attention!  Read a biography of George Mueller's life with your family.

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Jen 2010

In Everything

One of the most quoted verses on giving thanks is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
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…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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Many times this little verse is used incorrectly, replacing the word ‘in’ with the word ‘for’. Oh, it might not actually be spoken ‘for everything give thanks’ but in our minds it is sometimes translated that way. When that happens we get all squirrelly and question how in the world we are to be thankful for everything. No one could be thankful for a child who has turned from the love and protection of their parents or for the lack of transportation due to a broken car. How about a family home in foreclosure or the death of a beloved spouse?
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When hard things come and you feel the added burden of guilt for your lack of appreciation, remember that the Lord does not ask us to be thankful for bad things. He tells us to be thankful in the midst of that bad thing. Regardless of what hardship comes our way, the truth of who God is still stands. When a child gets cancer, God is still Healer. When a job is lost, God is still Provider. When a marriage is rocky, God is still Restorer. God is altogether lovely and perfect and holy. Sin has created an atmosphere of death and loss and pain, but even there God is holy and worthy of thanksgiving.
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Cultivating a heart that searches out and proclaims the goodness of God even in dark times will help you to walk strong through difficulties. That walk will in turn bring glory to the Father and be a witness to those who have no hope.
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Prayer:
Father God, thank You that regardless of what is happening in my life, who You are is a constant Truth. You are holy, righteous, all knowing, all powerful, merciful, and good. Nothing can separate me from you. Help me to always give You thanks IN everything. Amen
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Challenge:
This week, when a hard thing comes your way, stop and thank the Lord for who He is in the midst of that circumstance. If you have been lied to, thank the Lord that He is Truth and what He says stands forever. If your marriage is in shambles, stop and thank Him that He can make a way for your heart to be drawn closer to Him as you work through trouble. Don’t try to feel thankful for awful things, simply thank the Lord for His goodness in spite of those awful things.

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Jen 2009