Did you ever sing that song as a child. Or if you are like me you have sung it often with your kids as you tuck them in at night. If you don't know it the complete phrase is "With Jesus in the boat, you can smile at the storm." I wouldn't say I have had a storm in my life lately but there has definitely been a lot of wind and a few waves. The wind hasn't let up and I am not sure when it will, but in all the times I have faced life's stresses this one stands out. It is different.
Normally when life throws a huge challenge our way, I stress, I fret, I worry until I figure a solution or finally reluctantly wait to see what God will do. This time I feel as if i am looking at the storm holding God's hand waiting to see what he'll do. Anxious to see his miracles and mercies. So why is is different? I have been following God for 30 years. Why is it different now? All I can guess is that as I have risen and invited Jesus in my boat daily it has made all the difference.
So, let the wind blow. My God is big enough.
With Jesus in the boat, I can smile at the storm.
Smile at the storm.
Smile at the storm.
With Jesus in the boat, I can smile at the storm.
As I am sailing home!
Lord - Help me never be content again with a life with You on the shore. Remind me to daily invite you into my boat that I will only face storms or calm with You at my side.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Come near to me...
James 4:8 - Come near to God and he will come near to you.
I have heard this my whole live and yet I never cease to be amazed to see it come to fruition in my life. I am always been inconsistent with my quiet time and prayer life. During these six weeks, I have committed to doing it daily. After just ten days I find what once was a struggle to fit in my day is not the center. I look forward to that close quite time with my Lord. I feel his presence in a way I never known before and I can't imagine ever going back.
LORD, when I allow my self and life's busyness to start squeezing you out. Remind me of this post. Life with you as the center is the the one I want the one I NEED.
I have heard this my whole live and yet I never cease to be amazed to see it come to fruition in my life. I am always been inconsistent with my quiet time and prayer life. During these six weeks, I have committed to doing it daily. After just ten days I find what once was a struggle to fit in my day is not the center. I look forward to that close quite time with my Lord. I feel his presence in a way I never known before and I can't imagine ever going back.
LORD, when I allow my self and life's busyness to start squeezing you out. Remind me of this post. Life with you as the center is the the one I want the one I NEED.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Where can I find REAL rest?
(This is bit of a tag on from the last post but it has a different point - also the previous one was actually from yesterday just slow to post it. Oh well.)
As a stay at home mom, I try to remember that cleaning the house, laundry, meals, diaper changes, etc. are more than mundane daily tasks. They are chances to serve my family. However, exhaustion of the day sets in and I just need a rest. But therein lies the problem. I need a rest and so I pursue escape. Up until recently I had thought they were the same. But the truth is, when I watch too much movies, TV, read fiction, or facebook, I don't feel rested, I feel lethargic. For me lethargic doesn't make me want to be productive or sleep. Just Blah.
SO...Am I saying that I am ready to rid my life of these forever. Are you kidding? I love a good story and I will always love a good story. I am counting the days until I can check the dollar theater again. My cousin Rebekah one encouraged me to STOP before I make a decision and think about it before I make it. That can be said for so many areas but here I see it hold so true. STOP. Am I going to watch this because I want to enjoy a good story or am I watching this to escape because I want a rest. If it is the second, perhaps I should seek the only One that can give real rest.
As a stay at home mom, I try to remember that cleaning the house, laundry, meals, diaper changes, etc. are more than mundane daily tasks. They are chances to serve my family. However, exhaustion of the day sets in and I just need a rest. But therein lies the problem. I need a rest and so I pursue escape. Up until recently I had thought they were the same. But the truth is, when I watch too much movies, TV, read fiction, or facebook, I don't feel rested, I feel lethargic. For me lethargic doesn't make me want to be productive or sleep. Just Blah.
SO...Am I saying that I am ready to rid my life of these forever. Are you kidding? I love a good story and I will always love a good story. I am counting the days until I can check the dollar theater again. My cousin Rebekah one encouraged me to STOP before I make a decision and think about it before I make it. That can be said for so many areas but here I see it hold so true. STOP. Am I going to watch this because I want to enjoy a good story or am I watching this to escape because I want a rest. If it is the second, perhaps I should seek the only One that can give real rest.
Addicted to Selfishness
Hello, my name is Tari and I am addicted to selfishness. I am not trying to be dramatic. The more I am going through this time of reflection, prayer and fasting from TV/movies. I am faced with one BIG thing...I like to be selfish. I m not saying that I want to be selfish. I want to be a selfless mother who graciously gives of all her time serving her children and her family though one-on-one time with them, and daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and all that needs done. That is what I want to be. What I AM is selfish.
I could claim that I am a victim of society. A society that tells me that "I deserve a break today", "I can have it my way", or even "I can have it all." However, no matter what society has drilled into me since I was old enough to watch TV, the truth is, selfishness is as old as Adam and Eve. Why did Eve take a bite? She wanted it all. She wanted it her way. Forget the perfect plan of the Creator of the Universe, she wanted it her way.
All said and done, I am still amazed how much this mind set has taken hold in my life. I was raised in a bible church that preached denying one self and living like Christ my whole life. I have been pursuing this since my teenage years. Then why am I still so selfish? Oh I am good at being less selfish where strangers or friends are concerned (or at least better;) )
But at home I want to rest, I have a headache, I want a few minutes to my self, I, I, I,... Taking TV and Movies out of the equation has helped open my eyes a little. I didn't realize how much time I spent in the evening occupying my self with them. But more is the struggle of what to do with my time now. I could clean. But everything with in me shouts "NO! This is my time. Kids are in bed. ME ME ME."
Selfishness is not what I was created for.
LORD, help me to see my family as a place to serve. Help me to daily put them before my needs, wants, and desires.
I could claim that I am a victim of society. A society that tells me that "I deserve a break today", "I can have it my way", or even "I can have it all." However, no matter what society has drilled into me since I was old enough to watch TV, the truth is, selfishness is as old as Adam and Eve. Why did Eve take a bite? She wanted it all. She wanted it her way. Forget the perfect plan of the Creator of the Universe, she wanted it her way.
All said and done, I am still amazed how much this mind set has taken hold in my life. I was raised in a bible church that preached denying one self and living like Christ my whole life. I have been pursuing this since my teenage years. Then why am I still so selfish? Oh I am good at being less selfish where strangers or friends are concerned (or at least better;) )
But at home I want to rest, I have a headache, I want a few minutes to my self, I, I, I,... Taking TV and Movies out of the equation has helped open my eyes a little. I didn't realize how much time I spent in the evening occupying my self with them. But more is the struggle of what to do with my time now. I could clean. But everything with in me shouts "NO! This is my time. Kids are in bed. ME ME ME."
Selfishness is not what I was created for.
LORD, help me to see my family as a place to serve. Help me to daily put them before my needs, wants, and desires.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Object at rest will stay at rest...
Sorry I didn't post much over the weekend. It was a weekend of ups and downs. Spending time with God was great but I am struggling with allergies right now so I struggled with headaches and sleep. But now that I realize it IS allergies I can treat it appropriately and will feel better....I hope. :)
This weekend I felt very clear that God wanted me to obey something I he has called me to do for years. To wake up early 6:30am and time my time with Him FIRST. I am NOT a morning person. But I have discovered that regardless of when I get up, whether it is 9am or 6:30am, I don't want to get up. I like to sleep and I am case and point of the theory "Object at rest, stay at rest."
Last night as I crawled into bed I set my alarm, I Prayed, "Okay, God. I have done my part. I am in bed by 10:00, alarm is set, coffee will turn on at 6:25. I need just two things from you. I need to fall asleep and I need help waking up." I fell asleep quickly and woke up on my own at 6:29.
It was a good morning and I had a great start to my day. I would love to write more but it is after 8am and my kids are ready for breakfast. :)
This weekend I felt very clear that God wanted me to obey something I he has called me to do for years. To wake up early 6:30am and time my time with Him FIRST. I am NOT a morning person. But I have discovered that regardless of when I get up, whether it is 9am or 6:30am, I don't want to get up. I like to sleep and I am case and point of the theory "Object at rest, stay at rest."
Last night as I crawled into bed I set my alarm, I Prayed, "Okay, God. I have done my part. I am in bed by 10:00, alarm is set, coffee will turn on at 6:25. I need just two things from you. I need to fall asleep and I need help waking up." I fell asleep quickly and woke up on my own at 6:29.
It was a good morning and I had a great start to my day. I would love to write more but it is after 8am and my kids are ready for breakfast. :)
Friday, August 12, 2011
Lest the Rocks Cry Out
That is how I feel right now. I must praise Him or the rocks will cry out. Needless to say I had a great night at Bible study and today in my quiet time. Of course the day hasn't been perfect. The kids decided to play in the mud with the dog this morning and the house is still in shambles. But it is amazing how a little time carved out for God to speak can place everything back in perspective.
My sister Janette and my dear friend Mary have been doing A LOT to help me prepare for the conference but this week both have a very full schedule so I am at a standstill. I wait. It has been so good for me to wait. When life pauses I am forced to realize that I wait not on man but on God and He wants to teach me each step of the way. I seek God and realize that this is God's book, God's story, God's ministry. I will do my best to prepare but God's will be done.
My sister Janette and my dear friend Mary have been doing A LOT to help me prepare for the conference but this week both have a very full schedule so I am at a standstill. I wait. It has been so good for me to wait. When life pauses I am forced to realize that I wait not on man but on God and He wants to teach me each step of the way. I seek God and realize that this is God's book, God's story, God's ministry. I will do my best to prepare but God's will be done.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Day one is all up hill.
Wow - First day of a new commitment is always hard. Kids didn't nap. House is a mess. Fighting a migraine. Bible Study tonight and I feel overwhelmed. I need to let all the frustration drive me to God. I'd really like to shut my door and escape into a movie but I know that isn't what I need. I did get my time with God this morning but I think I need some more. :) Thanks for your prayers.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fasting and Prayer
Some of you know that I have written a book but for those of you who don't let me briefly catch you up.
I started writing fiction about six years ago for fun. It has been a slow adventure but then again I was having three kids also. :) Over the past six years, God has placed key people to help, encourage, and push me along in the process. It has truly been amazing to watch God's hand at work in this way. Placing the right people in my life just when I needed them. If you don't know much about getting published, then I will tell you it is a long and hard process. This past spring I submitted to an agent and received a rejection but the letter was encouraging and gave some helpful suggestions. I also made a great new friend through my parent this summer who has been so helpful I can't even begin to tell you. One of the suggestions of the agent was to join the American Christian Fiction Writers gild. I did and about a moth ago I fell strongly that I needed to find a way to attend the conference in September. Again God has provided a way and I will be leaving six weeks from today.
Ok, now you are caught up let's get back to the point. I feel very strongly that I need to go to this conference. I am not clear why. There will be many opportunities to meet with agents and publishers but I am not sure the reason that God wants me to go is cause the book is ready to be signed. It may be that I will meet people and learn things that I need to learn to go to the next level in my writing. I am content with whatever the reason is.
They have a very helpful loop for first time conference attendees and every day my email is filled with suggestions and questions from others as to what to expect. The problem is the more I read the more I feel discouraged of my own writing, my abilities, and why I am even doing this.
I recognize two things. If God wants this book to be published he will get it there. He can use my little effort to work for His kingdom. I also recognize that my perspective on life and this book only stays "healthy" when I am daily seeking God and time in prayer with Him.
The last month as I have prepared has been a roller coaster for me. Tackling the world one day, drowning the next. I have decided that I need to do two things to make the next six weeks positive and the conference truly fruitful. PRAY and FAST. This isn't a new concept, I know, but I need to take it seriously.
This where you came in. I need you all to pray for me and keep me accountable to my fast. Face it, I am NOT a disciplined person. If you feel led any day to drop a note, I would love it. But if you don't have time I understand.
For the next six weeks, I am committing to spending time in the scripture and in prayer EVERYDAY with the Lord. I am also committing to fasting all TV and movie entertainment.
TV is not bad but I recognize that it tends to be my go to when I am stressed and I need that to be God. I will try to regularly update this (more than I have been) and let you know how it is going and what God is teaching me. Blessings.
I started writing fiction about six years ago for fun. It has been a slow adventure but then again I was having three kids also. :) Over the past six years, God has placed key people to help, encourage, and push me along in the process. It has truly been amazing to watch God's hand at work in this way. Placing the right people in my life just when I needed them. If you don't know much about getting published, then I will tell you it is a long and hard process. This past spring I submitted to an agent and received a rejection but the letter was encouraging and gave some helpful suggestions. I also made a great new friend through my parent this summer who has been so helpful I can't even begin to tell you. One of the suggestions of the agent was to join the American Christian Fiction Writers gild. I did and about a moth ago I fell strongly that I needed to find a way to attend the conference in September. Again God has provided a way and I will be leaving six weeks from today.
Ok, now you are caught up let's get back to the point. I feel very strongly that I need to go to this conference. I am not clear why. There will be many opportunities to meet with agents and publishers but I am not sure the reason that God wants me to go is cause the book is ready to be signed. It may be that I will meet people and learn things that I need to learn to go to the next level in my writing. I am content with whatever the reason is.
They have a very helpful loop for first time conference attendees and every day my email is filled with suggestions and questions from others as to what to expect. The problem is the more I read the more I feel discouraged of my own writing, my abilities, and why I am even doing this.
I recognize two things. If God wants this book to be published he will get it there. He can use my little effort to work for His kingdom. I also recognize that my perspective on life and this book only stays "healthy" when I am daily seeking God and time in prayer with Him.
The last month as I have prepared has been a roller coaster for me. Tackling the world one day, drowning the next. I have decided that I need to do two things to make the next six weeks positive and the conference truly fruitful. PRAY and FAST. This isn't a new concept, I know, but I need to take it seriously.
This where you came in. I need you all to pray for me and keep me accountable to my fast. Face it, I am NOT a disciplined person. If you feel led any day to drop a note, I would love it. But if you don't have time I understand.
For the next six weeks, I am committing to spending time in the scripture and in prayer EVERYDAY with the Lord. I am also committing to fasting all TV and movie entertainment.
TV is not bad but I recognize that it tends to be my go to when I am stressed and I need that to be God. I will try to regularly update this (more than I have been) and let you know how it is going and what God is teaching me. Blessings.
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