Twelve men spies in Canaan Land

Do you remember the song? Twelve men spies in canaan land. Ten were bad and two were good and what they say in canaan land. Ten were bad and two were good. Some saw Giants big and strong. Some saw Grapes in clusters long. Some saw God was in it all. 10 were bad and 2 were good. Okay I admit, I could not believe how those men could give such a bad report. How could they not see that if God could bring them through the red sea and provide for their needs daily that God could also help them conquer the land? How could they not see? But then how can I not see that God can work through me to deal with the people in my lives everyday. It could be students who misbehave, my children who are having a rough time in school or just anyone. I don't have any giants. Actually most of mine are the same size or smaller. My focus is often on what I am not able to do instead of what God can do.

At a mother's retreat I went to in February, Zan Tyler encouraged us as mothers to bring back the positive report. We often focus on the negative when we need to be focusing on the positive. This hits me not only as a mom but as a teacher. Teacher are not always known for looking at things from the positive side. She reminded us to filter every thought and take those captive that would result in a negative report. My husband and children need to hear me giving a positive report. Now I must admit this has not been easy for me and I must also admit I don't think I have made any progress. But once again, I have a God who is patient and will continue to work on me until his work is complete.

God, Thank you for using your word to remind us of those things that we need to be doing in our lives. Help me to bring a positive report to my husband and children. Help me to see how you can work through me in all that I do. Amen

God's Basic Training

Just as God has each of us in basic training through the different experiences he sends our way, I would say that He has our children in basic training too. For one thing, they have to put up with us. Okay really, our children encounter situations everyday where they have the opportunity to make the wise choice or not. We may put those tasks in their way through our expectations on them but I would say most come naturally. Questions I am asking myself include: Am I helping? Do I point my children to God? Do I extend grace and love mixed with truth? Or am I hurting? Am I enabling my child? Am I protecting him/her too much? Which ultimately leads to the real question, do I want my child to be happy and shallow or spiritual and deep? (This last question is taken from a talk by Sally Clarkson) Too me, I think it is difficult to find a balance. It also reminds me of the need for me to be on my knees praying for my children daily.

Dear Creator of all: Protect my children from evil. Show them your true path. Guide their choices and my they earnestly seek you even when it is hard to do so. Amen

The Enemy of the "Best"

Today I was reminded of a principle from BSF a couple of years ago. Sometimes good is the enemy of the "best". What she meant was that we have so many choices to make in life that are very good but if we say yes to every good thing, we can often miss out on the best for us. Today was Easter and I was seconding guessing our decision to not go to the Easter picnic. But by the time we got home and had a nice dinner together, I knew I was where I needed to be. It also reminded me that I need to bring every decision to God to see if it is God's best for me. We can't do everything that comes our way but we do have time to do the things that God sends our way.

God, Thank you for your guidance. May I never forget to seek the direction you want me to go daily. God I don't want to miss out on your best for me. AMEN