Prophecy?

Is there a good reason for prophecy? You betcha! The bible is full of it from beginning to end! Okay, so what is this “good reason?” I hope I can do this question good service.

Prophecy is a prediction of the future or a revelatory utterance. It tells us about something to come. For Christians it is a look ahead in time to what God Himself has said will happen. I don’t know about you but when “God” speaks, I am listening!

“It is the reason for my optimism”

Jesus Christ gave up His seat in heaven, died a gruesome death and rose from the dead to give me a glorious future and I NEED to know and prepare for what lies ahead! The coming events should excite my mind, comfort my heart and inflame my passion for loving others. I need NOT stand in fear! I believe that is exacly the reason God shows us the future. He want to “ENCOURAGE US“ to look forward to the rewards that lie ahead of us!

Prophecy helps us to understand the future and realize just how important it is to spread the gospel that bears His name. Others need to hear it too! It is also important that I allow it to motivate me to personal purity and give me hope in this world that offers me no real hope. Even though many don’t like to talk about prophecy, it is usually out of fear or a lack of faith. Sometimes it just serves to show us that it’s really not us who are in control, but GOD. HE IS SOVERGN!!!

I think that in the end, I will have no excuse for my “wandering in the desert” acting as if I don’t know what whats next. I will NOT have any excuses for my sinful acts nor will I blame my problems on being a victim to someone else! God’s book is FULL of stories of others who have gone through what I have, AND SO MUCH MORE! Prophecy leaves us with NO EXCUSES! We have been warned.

Sometimes prophecy can be “scary stuff!” The picture that some prophecy paints will curl your toes! War, famine, natural disasters and other events are hard to wrap your mind around. The good news for Christians is that they have been offered an escape from many of those awful future events. God has provided for His children better than any man or woman can for theirs. He will snatch us up in the same way we would snatch our children out of the path of a speeding car.

“The best reason for prophecy is how it reveals to us just how good He is to US!”

Prophecy might show us awful things that will come but He is a “Good Good Father” and would never leave us in ignorance or to fend for ourselves. He told us what is coming and has given us His Spirit to guide us through it all! If that doesn’t give you peace about what lies ahead, just ask! He will give you a dose of His supernatural peace to go with that revelation.

My optimism lies in believing that good WILL ultimately prevail over evil and because of what Jesus Christ did, I NEED NOT FEAR the future but embrace it with high hopes AND great expectation!

I STAND AMAZED

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Even when it’s hard, the Truth is always the answer! I stand amazed!

I have learned something that I needed to know from the parable of the “wicked servant.” This parable will shock you if you can wrap your head around it and understand WHO the unfaithfull servant truly is. It is ME and it is YOU!

It is not the unbeliever that Christ was talking about but those who are referred to as “lazy, wicked SERVANTS.” A servant is one who serves another. This is how it relates in my life. The Master is Christ and I am the servant! My reasonable service to Him is simply to put Him first, love Him, obey His commands, and love others. 

It’s really not a lot to ask of me considering the great exchange that happened when I became His follower. He gave me life for death, abundance for lack, and eternal life! PRETTY GOOD TRADE!!!

I can work daily on becoming more faithful to Him AND without fear of rejection based on the status of MY faithfulness. He is faithful to complete that which He began in me and I can totally TRUST HIM!  I will allow HIM to refine the gifts He has given me and in HIS TIME I will become ALL He has called me to be and to do. I will listen to Him.

All those who would stand in the way of my growth must be placed in God’s hands and I must move onward toward the goal of the calling Christ died to offer me. I will be called on to make some great sacrifices that will be painful. It is so hard to accept someone being removed from your life sometimes but like “excess baggage” they must go for they will weigh you down. Their purpose in your life has been fulfilled. That is another HARD TRUTH!

It continues to amaze me that the more I look at MY weakness’s, the less I see in others. I am learning to “righteously” judge MYSELF even when my insides are just screaming out for justice (or revenge) toward others! I am the weakest in the kingdom but so very grateful for God’s AMAZING grace! I think that by the time the Lord is done with me, I will be perfect!(just as He is perfect) That’s what He said.

BE ENCOURAGED today! Just like me, YOUR STORY is still being written and you have been given the talent and the power to write that story and MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL!

 

 

 

 

10 Ways to Teach Your Children to Be Honest

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom,” wrote Thomas Jefferson. When it comes to small children and honesty, it’s not usually hard to find. With older children and teens, the truth sometimes becomes more elusive. Here are a few ideas to help guide your children on the correct honesty path:

1. Reward The Truth

As parents we are often quick to scold. Sometimes we aren’t always so quick to praise. Reward honesty with loads of praise and hugs. It will build self-confidence and reinforce the positive behavior. Plus a child can never get too much love.

2. The Art of “Spin”

The brutal truth should not always be spoken. We have all heard the saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” One needs not lie and say something opposite the truth. Just don’t say anything!  People make a lot of money spinning the truth. Spin works two ways, but when done for good, it’s a wonderful tool to learn.

3. The Hard Truth

Correct morals and purity of spirit always trump protecting the feelings of someone who is doing wrong. Wrong is always wrong. For instance, your son’s best friend is cheating on tests and your son is fully aware. He has a duty to go to his friend and advise him to quit. He’s hurting himself and cheating the others who have honestly studied. If he refuses, then your son would have to tell the teacher about what is going on. That is called the hard truth. Nobody wants to be put in that position. Yet, life constantly puts us in these types of situations. As adults, we are faced with all kinds of scams, rampant adultery, and general dishonesty. Teach your children to stand strong on the side of righteousness.

4. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree

As is always the case, you are the role model. You do not want your child to hear you telling a lie. To see you perform a dishonest act. Yes, you could enter the national park for free since there is no attendant. But the sign says $5 dollars. Put your money in the slot and move along. Yes, it would make your life easier if Grandma didn’t know you were in town this time. But your child is listening to you on the phone telling her you don’t know when you’ll be there again. Are these the traits you want to teach your children? Clean up your act. Those little eyes and ears are always open.

5. Do Not Lead The Witness

Though it’s tempting to test them, try to avoid asking questions that give your child a chance to not be honest. You saw your daughter spill red juice on the couch. No need to ask, “Did you just spill your juice on the couch?” This leads her to believe she might have a way out and could possibly pass blame elsewhere. Just tell her to clean it up. She’ll have enough opportunities to tell the truth.

6. Truth Or Consequences

We all sin. Even children do. They will eventually lie to you and you will eventually catch them. It’s important that there be consequences for their actions. Appropriate discipline should be carried out and followed through. Make it so not worth it to lie.

7. Correct Mistakes

Catching your child being dishonest is a good time to break out your teacher hat. Help him correct the mistake. Talk about how he could have responded or reacted differently. An example would be that your son came home with an Evan Longoria rookie card. He obtained it by trading his friend two Pat Burrell cards. Obviously, his friend knows nothing about baseball or really likes Pat Burrell. Either way, he got swindled. Explain to your son that trades should include fair value on both sides. Preying on the unaware is not a desirable character trait. Return the card and work out a fair deal.

8. Your Word Is Gold

The most important character trait a person can possess keeping and following through on promises made. This one thing alone will take a person very far in life. To be trusted and deemed honorable is a crown even a king would envy. Teach your children to be people who consider their word gold. When they give it, they don’t break it. It is much harder than it sounds. Fool’s gold is easily found. The real thing takes a lot of digging. Gold is highly sought after and is extremely valuable. Just the kind of person you want your child to be.

9. What’s Yours Is Yours

Possessions can create all sorts of problems. The best policy is to teach a child early on that what they have belongs to them. What other people have belongs to that person. It is not OK to borrow a game and never return it. It’s awesome to share, but the item must always be returned. We all have that neighbor who borrows our trimmer and never brings it back. You don’t want your son to be that guy. It might sound harmless, but honesty does not take days off. Value your own possessions and keep your hands off your neighbors’.

10. Look for honest friends

Show me your friends and I will show you your future. If your child’s friends lie and cheat, so will they. But if your child’s friends are upstanding and honest clean through, your son or daughter will be that much better off. Keep an ear out for any of your children’s friends who lie. They’re a terrible example for your children.

 

Are You a Role Model Worth Following?

When striving to be a role model for our kids, there will be plenty of times we fail. Our children have a funny way of calling us out when we do something that is inconsistent with what we are teaching them. For example, it’s a bit of a wake up call to have your children stop you mid-sentence because you’re talking with your mouth full at the dinner table after you’ve told them they shouldn’t. I’ve definitely done that! Good role models are intentional in their words and actions. If you desire to be a role model, who is worthy of being followed, here are 7 areas in your life that need to be evaluated and changed accordingly.

 1. Your Language

Watch what you say. Whether you think your kids are listening or not, they hear you. Be careful not to call other people names, gossip, or curse if you don’t want your kids doing the same things.

2. Your Tone

How you talk to someone is just as important as the words that are used. Be careful to speak to your spouse and others with respect. Sometimes I say the right words but my tone of voice and facial expressions don’t match.

3. Your Attitude

Negativity breeds more negativity. Have a can-do attitude for your child to be prepared to take on the world. Sometimes even the smallest attitude adjustment can go a long way.

4. Your Manners

Are your elbows on the table? Do you hold doors for women when out in public? Your children will be little gentlemen and little ladies only if you model it yourself.

5. Your Confidence

Exhibit confidence to your kids in doing what is good. Always do the right things for the right reasons.

6. Your Forgiveness

We all make mistakes. Are you modeling forgiveness for your children? And do you apologize when you are in the wrong?

7. Your Love

The greatest gift that you can give your children is love. Be a model of love for your kids. Show and tell your children that they mean the world to you. They will learn to love the way you do.

By: Mark Merrill   Please visit our friends at markmerrill.com

10 Things to Do to Help Your Marriage Feel Less Stressed

man in black long sleeved shirt and woman in black dress
Photo by Jasmine Wallace Carter on Pexels.com

Stress is at the root of many health issues in America. Heart disease, depression, and hypertension are just a few of the many stress-related maladies. Physical health isn’t the only casualty of a stressful lifestyle. In marriages, stress is a leading cause of interpersonal tension and dysfunctional relationships.

There is good news. A lot of the stress in marriage is avoidable when both parties are aware of stressful triggers. Here are 10 things to do to reduce stress in your marriage.

1. Always put your spouse first.

This is a huge principle and key to reducing relationship stress. Ideally, a husband and wife will put the other first, but you only have control over your behavior.

2. Have fun together.

Movies, walks, picnics, games, trips…not just fun but hilarity. Laughing together is great relationship medicine.

3. Build together time into your schedule.

Time with your spouse shouldn’t be relegated to the status of leftovers. Your relationship with your spouse trumps all other priorities and schedules. If that means scrawling relax together on the calendar in indelible marker, then so be it.

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

When you feel the first inklings of stress, ask yourself, “Is this a moral issue?” If not (nine times out of ten it isn’t), then let it go. Make your mutual priorities a recurring topic of conversation. Remind yourselves what really counts. Simplify your lifestyle. Celebrate what you have in each other.

5. Give back, and do it together.

Work at the soup kitchen; volunteer with a faith-based community; hook up with a group that helps the less fortunate or restores the environment. Throw yourselves into charitable causes together, and watch things fall into perspective.

6. Communicate clearly and respectfully.

Like sitcom fodder, misunderstandings are the source of a lot of tension. Always keep your spouse in the loop, and always communicate with love and good manners.

7. Tell the truth

Remember the old adage, “When you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember what you said the last time.” People who don’t keep secrets experience less stress in relationships.

8. Hold hands, hug and make out.

Physical contact is a proven stress reliever. Squeeze into the same chair to watch TV; just hang all over one another. Reach out and take your spouse’s hand while walking, driving, or at an event. Be deliberate about demonstrating affection via physical contact.

9. Play to your strengths and hers.

Effective teachers know that playing to a student’s strengths works better than focusing on any weaknesses. Pay attention to your spouse’s strengths: build up, affirm, and encourage. Criticism always leads to more stress.

10. Live within your means.

Money problems are the leading cause of stress in American marriages. Take preventative measures to work this one out. Remember #4, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Most of the stuff we get into debt over is simply not worth the stress.

6 Ways to Help Kids Cope with Divorce

You’ve heard the statistic…in America, roughly 60% of marriages end in divorce. If you have experienced divorce, you know that not only is it a time when you must allow your own heart to heal, but it’s also a time when you must help your kids recover from the pain.

One of the saddest repercussions of divorce is the way children are often adversely affected.  So how are you helping your kids cope with divorce in a way that won’t lead to negative effects in their future?  Author Tammy Daughtry shares some advice with us in her book, “Co-Parenting Works!  Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce.”

  1. “Keep the kids in the same school if possible.
  2. Make every effort to allow them to continue in their extracurricular activities: band, dance, swimming, scouting, sports, and so on.
  3. Help them find someone to talk to: a guidance counselor at school, a children’s counselor, another trusted adult with whom your children are comfortable, a youth pastor, or a coach.
  4. Don’t over-schedule your life.  Allow time and space to relax and enjoy your children.
  5. If you do have to move, help the kids keep in touch with friends, either by arranging visits or weekly chats on Skype.
  6. Keep as many ‘familiar’ things in their environment (bedspreads, toys, etc.) as you can.”

As much as going through a divorce can seem like a time to be focused on yourself, I encourage you to remember to focus on your kids as well.  You may be feeling lost regarding how to pick up the pieces in your life and move forward, but don’t feel lost when it comes to helping your kids handle the change.  Let them grieve and be there to love them well.

#Kidkrazydad #mentoring #Divorceddads

Battling Loneliness in Single Mom Life

For single moms, loneliness is a painful reality, even in a houseful of kids even if you have started dating again. Are you a lonely single mom? Today, I’m sharing 7 ways to battle loneliness as a single mom.

1. Cultivate deep friendships.

Loneliness happens when there’s no one to share life with – to talk through the questions or the ups and downs of our days. Nourishing deep friendships can curb loneliness as we have people in our life who know us, who get us, and who love us. 

2. Temper time on social media.

Spending too much time on social media might distract us from loneliness but it won’t eliminate it and could actually worsen it. The constant barrage of vacation pictures and life celebrations can leave us feeling left out and even more alone. Better to tame the time we spend on social media.

3. Pursue your Passions.

Admittedly, it’s tough to find time as a single mom, but carving out time for hobbies and interests can bring deep satisfaction with an added bonus of connection to new groups and people who share our interests.

4. Don’t believe the lies at night.

This one is huge because loneliness is often hardest at night and can quickly escalate to despair. If nighttime is a particular struggle, go to bed early and get up with the sun. Mornings usually bring clarity and hope.

5. Secure your self-care.

Good self-care can make all our emotions more manageable, including loneliness. Take advantage of alone time to indulge in a bubble bath with a favorite book or re-watch a favorite chick flick.

6. Feed your soul.

Bible study and prayer remind us of God’s deep love and promises for us. You can find Bible studies through a church or community Bible study group and warm fellowship through moms’ groups like MOPS or Mom to Mom.

7. Use it for good.

No matter how busy we get or how many friends we have, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to fully eliminate loneliness as long as we’re single. But even that can be used for good. Understanding what loneliness feels like can help us become more compassionate and reach out to others who are hurting.

9 Things Single Moms Feel

Becoming a single mom creates new burdens and triggers new emotions. Today I’m sharing 9 things single moms feel.

1. You flinch when someone says she’s a single mom because her husband is out of town or working long hours.

Before I became a single mom, I used to say this, too. We flinch because we’d love our single parenting to be temporary! If only a spouse would walk through the door after a long business trip or overtime work hours. Many single moms parent alone 24/7 or pass weekends, birthdays, and holidays alone while their kids are with the other parent. When someone throws out the single mom comment, extend grace by overlooking it or help them understand by smiling and saying, “Welcome to my world!”

2. You bottle up way more than you let on.

There’s no shoulder to cry on when life gets rough and no spouse to whom you can text that funny story. Most of it stays bottled up, rattling around in your thoughts and heart, as you fight to be present in your parenting and responsibilities. Two things have helped me: daily journaling to brain dump or unleash most of my thoughts and meeting a friend regularly for conversation.

3. You look stronger than you feel.

You look strong to those around you because you’ve learned to manage the house, fix the broken dryer, juggle sports and dinners and homework while mothering alone. Outsiders think you’ve adjusted to your new normal but inside, you don’t always feel strong. Ask for help when needed, like help picking up your kids from school or practice.

4. You worry about the future.

Single moms carry near-chronic worry about the future. We worry about how the death or divorce of their father will affect our children. We worry about finances. We worry about all the things we never get to because we’re one doing the job of two. Prayer is the best way to win over worry.

5. You need time away more than you realize.

Goodness knows it’s hard for a single mom to get away by herself because there’s no spouse to watch the kids and a looming to-do list, but self-care helps us parent better. Carve out time alone at home or an evening out with friends to let yourself reset and refresh.

6. You feel vulnerable away from your kids.

I remember feeling this the first time I left my children for a weekend. My kids had already lost their father and they couldn’t lose me as well. But that fear only sets off a string of worries that keep us from our parenting best. Shift your perspective: it’s healthy for kids to have independent experiences and for moms to have time away.

7. You want to date. You’re scared to date.

Most single moms long for someone to grow old with and someone who cares intimately about them. But, the reality of dating is daunting and the thought of finding someone—let alone bringing him into the family—is intimidating. Allow yourself and your children to heal and focus on becoming the person you want to be rather than hyper-focusing on someone you long to meet.

8. You grieve what you wanted for your children.

This was not the way you dreamed it would be. As a single mom, you’re mourning multiple losses – a husband who died; a marriage that imploded; the future you envisioned; the kind of life you wanted for your children. Allow yourself to process the loss while you create beauty and purpose in the life you have now.

9. You fight stigma and statistics.

It happened again this morning. I filled out another permission slip and had to write “deceased” in the blank for father. Getting used to checking the box labeled divorced, widowed or N/A doesn’t make it easier. Then there are the statistics about children raised in single-parent homes. The truth is statistics don’t govern our home; we do.

How You Can Help Orphans

You have a part to play in ending the orphan crisis.
But where do you start? How do you make an impact? How can you help orphans?
These are fair questions, and they are natural questions to ask when faced with such a large, tragic crisis. But we cannot let the enormity of the orphan crisis create complacency.
We want to help you get over those big questions. Here are four ways you can help children living as orphans.

Get Informed
Knowledge is power. How can you work to end a crisis you don’t know about? And how can others around you join in this work if they have never heard about it?
Get informed about the orphan crisis. Read up. Study up. Learn the numbers and begin to grasp the global impact of this tragedy. As you learn, it’s important to remember: Each of those numbers represents a real person. This is a personal crisis, involving hundreds of millions of unique children.
We need to understand the orphan crisis as we work to end it, and we need to let other people know how serious this crisis is so they can join with us.

Donate
Money can be used to make the world a better place. When you donate to organizations that are doing good work, you are impacting lives. Donating certainly isn’t the only way you can help, but it is a great way to get involved.

Pray
Prayer matters. We love because God first loved us, and the work of orphan care is carried forward by his loving grace. As Christians around the world lift their hearts to God on behalf of the fatherless, we believe he hears.

Adopt

Adoption is the very best way to help a child in need of a forever home. Opening your heart to a child is the first step at making a true difference and opening your home seals the deal.

Seal the Deal

If you are interested in adoption, may I suggest contacting the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home located at 449 McCarn Circle in Sevierville Tennessee 37862 for more information. You can contact them at 800-654-1622. They can help you with adoption, fostering and residential care for those in need.

We believe God loves each of his uniquely created children.

4 Things the Bible Says About Orphans

God’s heart for the orphan is clearly displayed throughout the Old and New Testaments. Below is a short list of what the Bible says about children living as orphans.
1. All Waiting Children Have a Father
God is the great protector and loving Father of all children living as orphans. Psalm 68:5 says, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows, is God in his holy habitation.” He who numbers the hairs on our head will certainly not turn away from the children living as orphans, and this should inspire us to act.

2. All Children Living as Orphans Deserve Justice
Deuteronomy 10:18 says, “He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.”
Also, Psalm 10:14 says, “But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted. You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” Justice is a fundamental part of God’s character, as we are shown in the Bible. That even one child does not know the love of a family is a great injustice, and there are millions of children living in this reality.
God promises protection and help for those who cannot protect themselves, and he redeems injustice through his mighty love. He also asks us to do something about it. God invites everyone to play their part in working toward justice.

3. The People of God Will Care for Orphans
James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
The words of the Bible call God’s people to actively pursue meeting the needs of children living as orphans, and a great place to start is through prayer.

4. The People of God Share Their Resources with Orphans
The following verse comes from a passage in Deuteronomy where God is instructing his people about tithing. Deuteronomy 14:29 says, “And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
People are called by God to remember children living as orphans in their giving.
As you consider how God may be calling you to care for children living as orphans, take heart. He who calls you to this work will be faithful to equip you for the work he has called you to.

“For the God who calls you is faithful, and He can be trusted to make it so.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24