Heart of the Matter

I like to begin each day with a nugget of truth from God's Word and ponder on it throughout the morning as I go about my routine tasks. I typically read through a daily devotional book throughout the year, and this year I've chosen Heart of the Matter from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). This is a devotional that focuses on heart change, on seeing the gospel in our everyday lives.

Today's entry is on relationships:

What happens in the messiness of relationships is that our hearts are revealed, our weaknesses are exposed, and we start coming to the end of ourselves. Only when this happens do we reach out for the help God alone can provide. Weak and needy people finding their hope in Christ's grace are what mark a mature relationship..... While we would like to avoid the mess and enjoy deep and intimate community, God says that it is in the very process of working through the mess that intimacy is found.

Food for thought, indeed. I too often want to avoid the uneasy relationships. But I'm reminded today that honeymoons don't last long, and working through the difficulties can mature me and the relationship. Even if the spouse/family/friend relationship doesn't improve or deepen (and I've had that happen, heartbreaking as it may be), I've been pushed to a closer relationship with God. Either way, I'm better for it.

P.S. If you click on the book, it will take you to CCEF's site.

Discipling Children

What is our purpose in wanting our children to change? Is it changed behavior so things will run smoother around the house, so we'll look like a good mom, or so our children will simply stay out of jail? But don't we want more for our children than mere behavior modification? What we're really looking for is heart change, which ultimately results in behavioral change.

Sharing a video clip with you about "Teaching Children Who Are Reluctant to Change." And what child (or adult) isn't reluctant to change? If you have a few minutes, I think you'll appreciate this brief discussion with Julie Lowe of Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.


Julie Lowe - Teaching children who are reluctant to change from CCEF on Vimeo.

On Blogging and Stewardship of Time

I sat down with my laptop last evening to blog, but couldn't think of anything to write about except a particular thought that had been percolating from what someone said a few days ago. I need to give that one a little more time, though, to think about how to express it because I don't want my comments to reflect negatively on any specific person. So I checked in on a few blogs that I enjoy reading to find that one gal has put hers aside for awhile. It was taking up too much of her time. Not only the blogging itself, but the whole Internet thing.

I began to think about how much time I put into blogging myself and considering if it's good stewardship of my time or not. I mostly reserve my sessions for evenings after my major responsibilities and ministries (which includes running around with My Beloved when he wants me to go along--and I do like lunch out!) are finished for the day. My Beloved knows, though, how I think and tweak. Sometimes it is sheer determination that keeps me away from my laptop. The Internet can be a distraction at the least, but can become an addiction and an infiltration to the mind. Of that, we must be most cautious.

I'm writing this morning because I've been refreshed in my spirit by something I read in my quiet time earlier today. It has encouraged me to keep on blogging. In his second letter, the Apostle Peter said,

This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. 

~ 2 Peter 3:1-2

When I began blogging, I felt that it would be an opportunity to remind myself and others of what God has said to us through His Word. It helps me to think with eternity in mind, and perhaps to help you think that way as well. Words don't come easily for me. I'm not one who chatters, with words spilling all over the place. I have some friends who are, and one in particular who says she loves to talk. That's not me, so my words are formed more slowly and, hopefully, more carefully. As my sidebar says, my blog is intended to draw my own heart homeward--here in my earthly home, and toward my heavenly home. I hope I'm also encouraging you along the way. And, so, I continue to muse and write, hopefully keeping my tongue and my time tamed. It would be a great encouragement to me if you'd let me know if this blog is an encouragement to you. My addy is in the sidebar. :-)

I'm heading over to the church this afternoon to work on the Book Nook and get it looking springy. I'm adding several of these mini booklets from Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. These are just a few of them--there are over 40 available. CCEF is a counseling group that is restoring Christ to counseling, and counseling back to the local church. I've taken some online classes from them and it's true biblical counseling that turns hearts toward Jesus Christ--no hodge podge of psychiatry mingled in. You can check them out here.

May you have a God-honoring weekend and a blessed time of worship at church, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Painting ~ A Girl Reading by Peter Ilsted

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Cosmetic Surgery and Our Identity

I was just over at the CCEF (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) site looking at some resources and came upon this video clip with CCEF counselor Julie Lowe. It speaks to how women often view themselves and seek to validate themselves. Thought I'd share it today.