tascha

compared to oxen {day 15}

This from the Proverb for yesterday.

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4I heard this verse preached several times while in Bible College. I had never actually understood it before that.

It has become a motto of mine since becoming a mother of 4. {lol}

While I strive, regularly, to put things in order and keep things clean and straightened, it is not a possibility at this season of my life for my home to be perfectly “kept” at all times each day.

And yes, I realize I am comparing my children to oxen. { 🙂 }

But while they are yet small and in-training… and until they leave, my home will have some measure of chaos.

2012

I realize there are those ladies who have several small children and their home never seems to look like it {I applaud them!}, but I am not one of them. And while I hate tripping on blocks and slipping on books, I cannot compare myself to them.

I must compare myself with what I am asked to do and how diligently I try to do it.

I do not have the ability to keep all the plates juggling {pick-up toys, clean laundry, wash dishes, fold laundry, vacuum, put laundry away, etc} at all times every day. And some days, all the plates simply crash and stay there. {oh yes, they do.}

And besides all the “house-keeping” responsibilities, I am also trying to teach my children how to keep a house… as well as to love God and obey His Words.

2014

While my example is paramount, I must take time to speak to them also. And we must have hands-on discussions at times… either in actual chores being done over and over or in discipline-both apply.

And I also have several responsibilities outside of ‘home-keeping’ that I do from my home.

But my point is, people are messy.

Life is messy.

But when I loose site of the goal: my children being grown, functioning, responsible Christian adults, the messy makes me feel like I am not accomplishing anything.

So I have to remind myself….

when my “oxen” are gone… my crib may be a bit neater…

2015

but I pray Christ’s work is stronger because my children are active in it!

established thoughts {day 16}

by tascha | 2 comments

Some days, I just feel kinda lost. I don’t know how to get a certain principle across to my children, or I am unsure how to respond to something unkind a supposed friend said.

And some days, I just feel like any good I try to do means nothing.

And then I read encouraging words from God’s Word:

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3

Each day I have the opportunity and privilege to intentionally commit my day and all its works unto the Lord– only then can it really have any meaning anyway.

And when I do this {you see, I don’t first thing every day… hence those lost thoughts that happen}, the Lord establishes my thoughts for me.

He directs my mind to think the way I need to.

He gives me wisdom to instruct my children with the proper attitude and the appropriate words.

He gives me the strength to be hurt and yet forgive without being asked for it.

He gives me the discretion to understand that, while my “good deeds” are filthy rags, when I ask Him to do the works through me… His goodness is mine. And I can rejoice in that!

I am not well today. I had to cancel plans with a dear lady… and that made me sad. But my thoughts can still be right and good when I commit the works I am able to accomplish today to Him.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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a crown for old men {day 17}

by tascha | 2 comments

Today is my youngest daughter’s 4th birthday.

this picture is a couple months old — and now a couple of years!

She is HOOT… and a whirlwind.

She has the energy of my entire life in her pinky. [still!]

And today, while reading the Proverb, I came to this verse:

Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

And it made me stop and think {as it has before} that MY children… are my parent’s “children’s children.”

with my grandparents <3

And I want them to be a “crown” to their grandfathers, and to their great-grand-parents!
And of course, I was reminded of another Proverb: Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

And that reminded me of a post I read [link is broken] yesterday… about “the way.”

Jesus is “the way.”

So, while rules give boundaries that are necessary, and we should expect rules to be obeyed, our main focus should be on pleasing Jesus… making Him our life.

And that in-between relationship… I know my husband {and I do too!} desires to live such a life that his children would see his heritage/legacy as a thing of glory, as something to desire to pass on to their own children one day.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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on being a friend {day 18}

by tascha | 2 comments

At the end of today’s Proverb is the verse [24]: A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

my girls

One part of what this blog is about my learning to be the right kind of friend – even to YOU, whom I may never know on this earth.

I strive to show myself friendly. I do not come by this naturally. I am not a “people-person.” I do not really enjoy crowds. But I do try to be pleasant when spoken to and not completely ignore the people around me. This takes a conscious effort.

I also make an effort to show how Jesus is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother in my own life.

And because He loves me unconditionally, I can love others – even those I have never met.

But what happens if I utterly ignore the fact that not every person I speak to {even through this blog} is a Christian or is possibly only a babe in Christ?

And what if I disregard the possibility not everyone who attends my church regularly is a born-again believer and that not everyone grows the same. Even some people in full-time ministry positions come out as older adults and admit to not really knowing they are saved.

Earlier in the chapter is a verse that often saddens me [19]: A brother [friend or relation] offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Well, a brother [friend] can be offended… by what I’ve said, implied, worn, done, etc.

And the fact that he is harder to be won than a strong city seems to imply that I should try to win a friend back. If the friendship was broken over something offensive I did or said, etc., I should care when a friendship is broken or hindered.

Which leads me to also think that possibly, I should at least strive to not be offensive in the first place.

Of course, truth divides. There is no denying that.

But it should be the TRUTH that is dividing. Because getting a friend back is harder than storming a castle!

I often ask God to put a filter on my words so that I may not come across as offensive to those who may be weaker than I am.

I also ask for Him to help my heart accept rebuke when it is shown to me that I may have been offensive–to whomever.

And while I do not wish to ostracize the world from hearing what I have to say, I realize that some will not appreciate the words I speak or type.

But my prayer is that the truth pushes them away, not the manner in which I speak it.

So, today, I pray that you find a friend when you come here.

I pray that none of what I speak is offensive to those looking for encouragement in living Godly lives.

And I pray that those who know me, you know-in real life, could say that my life’s attitude matched the kindness I strive to show forth here.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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predictions {day 19}

by tascha | 1 comment

I apologize for my absence yesterday. There is no explanation other than time got away from me, and I did not get this typed.

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As we here in America face elections in just over 2 weeks, many are downcast at the state of our country and the choices offered for President. And many, from all of the multiple “sides” of the issues, are conflicted with friends and family over which person should receive their vote.

As I was pondering how certain talking points {specifically politics} have been the basis of heated discussions throughout the entire course of our nation, I came across a list of truths that my pushed my thoughts back into perspective.

I pray it can be an encouragement to you also!

PREDICTIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR

[edited]

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still be the most powerful force on Earth.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move in hearts of God’s people.

4. There will still be room at the Cross.

5. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Is it not a Blessed Hope to remember that:

we can look for the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ [Titus 2:13]

and that …the word of the Lord endureth for ever. [1 Peter 1:25]

and Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. [Hebrews 13:8] ???

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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the seed, the Word {day 20}

by tascha

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear…But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. from Luke 8:4-15, the parable of the Sower

These verses, this story, was in my scheduled Bible reading for today. I intensely wish for my own life to bring forth fruit, and I know it requires patience to see it.

But just as fiercely I wish for my own children to receive the Seed of the Word of God [become saved] and also bear fruit.

Only on the “good ground” is the Word received AND fruit is born. As a mother, my prayer is for my children’s hearts to be good ground… I am not a farmer, but I do know a few things about the general type of soil needed to grow good crops.

First it must also be rich in nutrients. All plants of the earth require different minerals to produce their various fruits. We must allow God to prepare the soil of our children’s hearts through consistent Bible reading [family devotions are a wonderful way to do this!], Bible memorization, and Scripture verses displayed where they can read them [when they can read!] Only through the principles learned thus will an honest and good heart be produced. [Mark 10:18]

It must also be moist. A dry heart is less likely to hold onto a seed. Moist soil is soft and pliable. We must ask for and then allow the Spirit of God [rivers of living water- John 7:39] to regularly and consistently pour water into our children’s lives. Our children need to see the Spirit’s work in our own lives. We must teach and exemplify the truths and principles found in Scripture to help their hearts to remain tender until such time as they understand their personal need for accepting Jesus.

It must also be able to receive sunlight daily. As saved parents, we are light to our children. [Matthew 5:14-16] Our testimony affects how our children receive God. This is a scary thought. My children see me at my absolute worst and know if I strive to allow God’s love to shine through me even during the frustrations and difficulties or if it is an act. And we must also be diligent to surround our children, as much as possible, with others’ whose lights shine brightly for the Lord.

And last of all, it needs to be in a good location to receive nutrients and water and light. When we neglect to take our children to church or read the Bible at home or speak of the Spirit leading us throughout the day, how can they know?

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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did you ever talk to God? {day 21}

by tascha

The Lord has been dealing with my heart about my not praying as I CAN, not being bold in coming before His throne… because only He can help in my time of need!

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

A few thoughts on prayer from church yesterday {we’ve been going through a series on Prayer the last month}:

In Isaiah 1 the Lord is telling Israel that their sacrifices and prayers are an abomination because of the motives in their hearts.

We must make our prayers for God’s glory, not our selfish desires.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

This passage in I Corinthians in context is in reference to being a stumbling block to any man by way of our manner of life, our conversation.

But the principle remains true in our prayers.

If our prayers are hindered by selfishness, our life can bring occasion to falter to another, intentionally or not.

In keeping with that thought, Psalm 68:18-20 says: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me… hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

The word iniquity carries the idea of “a moral injustice”… my offending another, bringing offense to the name of Christ, treating another poorly… through word or deed, action or motive.

I must cling to a right relationship with my Lord above all others to allow His Love to shine through me… to keep my life from bringing offense to His name.

The Psalmist [David] had an amazing relationship with his God, my God! Even though he struggled with many “obvious” sins. And I think the answer to how is found throughout the different Psalms he wrote, but specifically chapter 119… that long one, and verse 2 says: Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

We are no longer “under the Law” [as testimonies makes reference to] as Christ came to fulfill all the law [though this is MUCH we can learn and apply from studying the law. It’s amazing!]… but as Christians, our greatest commandment [law] is to love our God and to love our neighbor [Matthew 22:36-30], which encompasses the motive behind the points of the law.

There were a few other points made which follow in line with having proper motives and not living in offense to others; but for today, I have a few requests to bring boldly before His throne… and a heart to search and ask the Lord to cleanse of wrong motives and show offense! [not to mention laundry and dishes and vacuuming { 🙂 }]

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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multiplying miracles {day 22}

by tascha

Today I read in Luke 8 of the man of the Gadarenes that was possessed of many devils and whom God healed.

After Jesus cast the demons into the swine feeding nearby and the animals died in a lake, the people talked about it. There was likely a frenzy of wondering what just happened?!

But when the people found out that Jesus had made this maniac to be sane, they were afraid… of Jesus.

I am sure they were not pleased that Jesus had killed their pigs [I am assuming they were part of someone’s lively-hood]. It is not normal for animals to wildly run down a ravine and into a lake.

But it was not until they saw a crazy man sitting sanely that the Bible says they were afraid. It is a fairly normal occurrence for a man to sit, clothed, speaking calming to other people.

And yet, this is what made them afraid.

And the city asked Jesus to leave.

One of their own was made whole, sane; and they were afraid of the Healer.

The Bible records that He came back later and was received gladly.

What made the difference?

Jesus told the man: shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. [v 39]

The man told the people of the city his first-hand account of Jesus power.

He told them Jesus was God… or at least, the man realized Jesus was God, and that influenced his story.

And then, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. [v 40]

And after this was when Jarius’ daughter was raised from the dead. It seems to be he was a man from the same town.

All this… led me to realize, yet again, that when the name of Jesus is elevated to GOD in our conversation… when we actively think of Him as God, thus changing our manner of life… people believe {maybe not all, but it is noticed!}, hearts are changed, and miracles continue!

How marvelous.

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Let’s connect on FACEBOOK!

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I’m also on Instagram!
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and I’m on Twitter!

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