If you're not sure what to say sometimes...
that may not be all bad.
Jeff Goins explains at goinswriter.com.
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Chasing Nightmares
Our son has been plagued by nightmares since toddlerhood.
Almost nightly, he wakes screaming and crying. Recently, the two children have
made a game of sleeping together, trading rooms every few days. I wonder if
this is his clever way of coping, because he doesn’t seem to wake screaming
when they’re together.
I’ve prayed before, but the nightmares have persisted. I’ve
prayed against any memories that might cause nightmares, petitioned God for
protection, and commanded spirits to leave in Jesus’ powerful name. Still,
they’ve persisted.
“Maybe you need to cast out specific spirits from your home – actually name them.” a friend suggested.
“How am I supposed to know their names?” I imagined cracking
open a dictionary and starting at the beginning… (armadillo?)
She then shared that her prayer warrior of a dad had
interceded at her request and, shortly after, her son’s nightmares had stopped.
Sometimes I wonder if others have more access than I do – more influence with
God, you know?
But
While God may assign us different tasks He also has no
favourites. I nestled under the covers that night, armed with that promise and
trust in His power. In Jesus’ name, I
prayed against any and all spirits that had ever been in this house, commanding
them to leave and never return. I asked that His Holy Spirit fill this place,
and His presence be palpable to all who enter here.
As soon as I began praying, it felt like… a rushing river
flowed right in front of my face. The more I prayed, the more the river
swelled, pressing against me. It seemed to bulge, threatening to burst and
drown me… Eyes pinched shut, I continued praying, hanging on to God’s power –
the only thing that could rescue me from whatever was going on. The only thing
left, with this bulging, threatening river in my face – was to praise God for
His power, and that He is in complete control. The moment I turned my heart to
praise, the bulge receded and the river flowed away.
And there was peace. Space. Stillness.
It’s only been a few days, and the children are still
trading rooms and sharing beds, so I don’t know the result yet. But something
happened. Spirits did leave.
And the next day, as I laid down for a Sunday snooze, my bed
seemed to transform into a hand (not literally of course... it's so indescribable...) – I was resting on God’s hand. I can’t tell you
how spectacularly awesome it was to literally rest in the Lord. I slept for 4
1/2 hours!
Longest. nap. ever.
Palpable presence alright…
LORD, there is no one like
you!
For you are great, and your name is full of power.
For you are great, and your name is full of power.
Jeremiah 10:6
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How Our School Room Is Changing My Life
For our first official year of homeschooling, the goal was simple: develop discipline - for me and for our children. Sure, reading, counting, blah blah blah... but mostly, getting into the daily habit of working. Routines. Dedication. Follow through. Such is life.
Now that the kids have reached school age, I've had to step up my game. Full days spent playing are no longer enough stimulation for these growing minds. I had no hot clue what would be though! What do they need?! I don't know what to do!!
Visions of magical yellow buses began to dance in my mind...
Maybe skilled teachers would have more to offer my children than I do.
Maybe their appetite for learning would be best whetted in a classroom with
other children and fun songs...
Maybe I could have a whole new life... you know... generate an income...??
I asked God for some clear guidance, not wanting my fears or desires to drive the decision.
I shared my concerns with hubby. Days later, he came home from work with a desk. I wasn't excited. Our house is about the size of a matchbox and there's just no room for extra furniture.
But
I took it as the guidance and encouragement it was.
(So much for the magic yellow school bus! ... guess we're doing this thing!)
So.
The desk found a home in our basement-turned-school room. The play-all-day toys were removed (don't worry - they have toys elsewhere! I'm not insane...) and our exciting classroom was born.
And it's changing my life already!
Before, work sheets and experiments would happen at the dining room table.
It was gruelling work for me to invest 30 minutes at that table with them.
I thought it was perhaps because I'm weird or not natural at this. Or maybe because I'm a crummy teacher.
But then we spent time in our new classroom, and the hours just slipped away! We cut and paste food pictures into food groups, work on math sheets, do some action patterns and take turns leading... and suddenly half the day is gone.
Aha! It wasn't me being a crummy teacher! It was distraction!
From the dining room, I can see the piano, my books, the couch, the yard... all these fun things I'd rather do than hover over math pages. Stacks of dishes, the crumbs under the table... they call to me.
I'd rather do anything else than school work.
But in our new classroom, there is nothing to see but closed doors, walls (decked out in 'school-y stuff' of course), and each other. I'm mentally available. Mostly because I don't have a choice.
My friend, we just took a big step toward understanding this elusive mystery called... self discipline.
You know, guys get alot of flack for their 'one track', single-tasking minds. Especially by multi-tasking women.
But I think they're onto something.
Something brilliant.
"That's been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity.
Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean;
to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there,
you can move mountains." -Steve Jobs
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Returning...
the bout ends
humored
bowed
i am won
When my eyes are turned (or returned) on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, I see. All that stuff - even though it drives me crazy - really does fade in His presence; when I get that He actually does love me, even in my mess.
And always did.
Reminds me of my husband, who continually reminds me of God... And I see clearer what matters.
Love. Faith. Mercy.
Completely undeserved, I received a gift this week. (well, more than one obviously, but one specifically that I want to share)
During a prayer among friends, the Holy Spirit saw fit to bless us each with physical healing. We didn't ask for it, or even think to. On the drive home that evening, my lungs felt ... like they opened. It literally felt like something opened and flowed down. From that moment on, I've been able to breathe deeply like I haven't in a long time. Deep, full breaths like I forgot existed. I can yawn. I can walk up steps and not feel out of breath. I can hold a note for longer and not feel winded. Thank you Lord!
I'm so thankful. I'm especially moved by the mercy of it. We did not ask. I've been struggling. I don't deserve it.
Yet He gave. He keeps giving! I can't repay it, and will never earn it.
I can only raise my eyes and hands and receive with thanks.
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless
because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when
compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake
I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain
Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness
through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.
For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Philippians 3:7-9
I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel, which he has granted
according to his mercy and love.
Isaiah 63:7
Thank you Lord, for the reminder that you ARE love. Not just the giver of gifts, healer and guide, but LOVE. You have loved and forgiven and have good plans for me. You did not come to judge, but to save. Thank you for being so good and kind and merciful. Thank you that I can walk in your presence with confidence. You love me. May I never forget it. ... but, I might, so thank you for reminding me over and over and over and over... You are good and can be trusted. Thank you for healing my body, training my spirit, and guarding my soul.
When Doubt Creeps In...
The wrestling I couldn't put into words may be wrapped up in one word.
Doubt.
I may have allowed the 'what-if's to grab hold...
Check out this post from "What I Say Matters" on the subject.
I'm challenged by it.
And encouraged.
Perhaps you will be too.
Enjoy :)
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