The Sheath

"Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:11

Powerful words.

The God/man Jesus, who was perfect in every aspect of the word, knew that His life on earth was simply about this one thing: To complete and accomplish the will of God on earth.

The setting of this scripture is Peter trying to rightfully take control of the situation in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to Jesus being taken by the soldiers and high priests.

Isn't that the way our flesh responses to crisis? Take control. Stop it from happening. Get angry. Pull out that sword and fight. Stress. Fear. Anxiety.

I am amazed at the calm in Jesus.

The storm...He was sleeping.

The garden....He was willingly led away.

He knew His purpose. He had already committed His future.

So, here's where I'm at: What does the "sheath" represent to me? Put up thy sword into the sheath. What do I need to do with anger/needing control/anxieties/fears? This may sound crazy, but the sheath is a place where the sword lays dormant....unused....uneeded. It's a place that I decide to stop fighting His plan and purpose for me.

How often am I using the sheath is up to me.

I know that without His guidance I tend to use the sword of self too often.

Lord, let me remain in Your calm and peace! So that there is no need to control....

"Jesus, take the wheel."

The air is cool and crisp this morning and I am filled with this beautiful peace that only His presence brings :) I know that today will be filled with laughter, school, meals, cleaning, spills, boo-boos, diapers that need to be changed and probably many interventions to sibling disagreements ;) But, I am Thankful! It's getting time for the kids to wake up so I'll hurry!

In prayer I was pondering how truly different we are from the attitude of the "world". So, I made two columns and listed the attitude of this world, and the attitude God designed for us to have. Here they are:

World's Way:
Pride
Self-will/Self-sufficiency
Comparing ourselves, our children or others/partiality/prejudice
fear/worry/anxiety/lust
self-pleasure/indepence
disobedience (I'm understanding that it's just as important for me to obey as it is for my children to obey me!)
moodiness/self-pity
unthankfulness
overeating/gluttony
lust of our flesh/eyes/etc.
cares of this world (remember...they "choke" out the Word?)
outward adornments (Paul gave us this admonishment: "In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array." 1 Timothy 2:9)

God's ways:
Obedience (the very first step!)
Servant's heart/lowliness/meekness...prefering our brother above ourselves
JOY (Jesus/Others/You...in that order)
Total dependence on the Lord (even if we are financially blessed...it's a simple understanding: It ALL belongs to Him!)
Finding pleasure in His presence!
Faith & Trust
Inward adornments which is the Fruit of the Spirit
Thankfulness
holiness (taking on His mind set and desiring to be like Jesus!)

How to conquer the world's attitudes:
First of all, Prayer!!

Then the Word:
1 Thessalonians 5:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-18, Psalms 1, Proverbs 3:1-12

I plan on posting this list on the bulletin board of my heart to keep out those things that try to creep in ;)

Critical Care Compassion

What a unique situation we were put in yesterday! Some of our best friends have been camping out in the Critical Care Waiting Room for well into 3 weeks with hopes that the patient, her father, will recover and come home soon. Early yesterday morning, my father-in-law was also placed in Critical Care and we, too, are now making a "nest" in the graciously prepared room for families of Critical Care patients.

What opportunities I saw!! So much compassion and love were displayed to each of us!! A very special man comes daily to pray with each one of the families and comfort them. He feels this is what God would have him to do. Yes, he works a job and has a family. But immediately after work he makes his way to that special waiting room and ministers hope.

Bonding time and weariness seem to go hand-in-hand here and a sense of the unknown looms over every one's head. But, as we experienced, the presence of our awesome God shatters fear and gives peace.

We don't know how long our visits to this hospital will continue, but we do know that with every day...every step...He is guiding and directing our way!

Today's lesson...

Our yard is filled with 6,7,8 and 9 year olds (5 in all) running, playing and ministering to my spirit! What a funny statement!! But it happened like this...

One of the younger fell and got a really bad scrape on the knee. To which she came in crying and feeling really sad. I carried her, doctored up her boo-boos and told her to rest on the couch. The eldest came near and was looking for ways to comfort. (Which is her incredible gift from the Lord) She began reading a "Fancy Nancy" book to our patient. The two were smiling and bonding in friendship within a few minutes. I would imagine that if Jesus were a child again, this is probably what He would be doing :)

I'm thinking of the Samaritan and his kindness and finding that this same kindness can be found today in the heart of a beautiful 9 year old girl. I hope that I find that same sweet spirit in my own heart.....looking...seeking ways to minister comfort, kindness and love.

I've found that it's even more effect to minister outside of the church walls than within.

Lord, May our eyes be wide open and aware of our neighbor's needs today :)

"Come...."

"Come ye after Me...." Those are the priceless words Jesus spoke to His disciples a few thousand years ago that still ring strong today. I can't seem to escape them on this beautiful Friday afternoon. The answers to all of my questions are found in that statement. My future...my hope....my assurance....

For any heart that is hungry for love, find it here. There are no empty promises, emotional rebounds, highs and lows in Jesus. His ways are simple. But the secret is....to come.

Maybe you have come, but it's been a while since you felt His nearness. His voice whisper in your ear...you know, that's how He talks...usually in whispers.


May you really find Him today!

~Darla

What A Momma!!

I've cracked the door of understanding open today and peeked into the lives of countless women who completed a survey of their mother. I'm reading so many different lifestyles of motherhood and how this one taught their children about Jesus and that mother was a complete and total hypocrite (as they put it). Wow!! With all that going through my mind, I am wondering: What would my children have to say about me? I am purely blessed to report a childhood filled with wonderful memories of my mother teaching us, loving us and being everything we could possibly want in a "Momma". I am constantly bombarded with the detestable creature called "Comparison". I daily compare myself with the way my mom was with us and, to be honest, I can't possibly measure up!! I never once remember my mom raising her voice in anger at the three of us children. I can't ever remember mom constantly lecturing me or berating me for something I did wrong. Yet, I am guilty. In fact, I've decided that if I haven't had good rest in a few days it's better for me to zip my lips and quickly find a prayer closet :)

I visualize myself as a quiet, gentle and longsuffering lady that my children tenderly call "Mother". I imagine that I would love to wake my kids up at 5:30 every day for morning devotion as we gather around the livingroom and then after breakfast everyone joyfully engages in their chores and schoolwork. I dream of being a discreet woman of wisdom that her children turn to for safety.

Back to the real world, I am realizing this more and more: It takes the GRACE and MERCY of the Lord to make me the kind of Momma I so long to be!

I've found the Biblical model is Proverbs 31. I pray that I will be her. I want my children to rise up and call me blessed. I'm not seeking for a Hollywood body or the wealth of Donald Trump. I don't desire a career that would put me on the cover of a magazine. My heartbeat is to imitate the Lord and that my four beautiful blessings along with my precious husband would see Him in me.....every day. That's it. Nothing else. Because when they see Him, so will everyone else!

How Great Is Our God!!

"For the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

Habakkuk 2:14

Last year, my precious little twin stuffed a portion of a baby wipe up one of his nostrils. I saw it happen and didn't think too much about it until we got home. To make a very long story short, Randy and I tried all the methods/remedies we knew possible to suck that wipe out! Looking back, it's quite hilarious thinking about it! Finally, after several days w/out success, we succumbed to taking him to his pediatrician. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the doctor on call (very kind gentleman) took a good look up the irritated nostril and announced that we would need to contact the ENT for surgery the next morning if nothing happened before then.

On the drive home, I called Pastor Burns and explained Luke's dilemma. He said, "I will pray that he sneezes." I silently remembered all the sneezing we had induced at home without any luck, but BY FAITH would believe this time would be different. I'll be honest, the thought of my baby in surgery didn't thrill me in the least! When we got home I tried my best to put on a happy face for everyone, but inside I was nervous. I remember unloading the dishwasher and preparing for the Sunday evening service. Luke walked over beside the dishwasher close to where I was standing and suddenly began a series of intense sneezing! I became overwhelmed with excitement when I saw that 1 inch wad of baby wipe (and mucus) literally fly out of his nose!! We had church right in the kitchen!! Praising God and dancing! Then a second series of sneezes and another 1 inch wipe came out! Surgery never happened. All was dismissed because as Luke puts it, "Jesus took the wipie out!" Praise God!

Well, today Lincoln has encountered the same issue. It's been several days and, although I didn't see it, the pediatrician feels strongly that he has a foreign object in his nostril. The inflamed, swollen membranes and the smell is obvious that we are needing a new miracle. I reminded the Lord that He has done this once before with Luke....He can do it again for Lincoln :)

I am believing that Lincoln will carry the same testimony Luke has!! In Jesus' Name!

It's always refreshing to remember WHO we serve :)

Is there anything too hard for the Lord?


~Darla

The BEST homemade fudge....that is, if you like it healthy! :)

Ok, I know that not everyone will go crazy over this recipe, but if you are like us (sweet addicts) and try to steer-clear of the junkies....I think you will like this one!

Semi melt (soften) 1/2 cup coconut oil and add:
1 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut oil (hardened)
2/3 cup your choice of cocoa powder (carob or cocoa powder)

Stir until well blended. That's the basic recipe. I put it in the fridge for an hour or overnight.

You can also stir in these wonderful additions to the fudge while it is soft:
chopped nuts
dried fruit
shredded coconut
peanut butter/almond butter/etc.
ground flaxseed (helps keep blood sugar level)

We've enjoyed this through the holidays. It's very easy and quick to make!!

Blessings!!
Darla

Words to live by...

"In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you..."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Very thankful for this verse! I hear it almost every day through my kiddies quoting their Bible Quiz material :)