Day 31

Winter sun. What a gift! 
Cold. Barren. Colorless winter. And, then we wait for it. Standing on our balcony Saturday morning, my husband and I see it rising over the tops of the trees and not long after filling our home with a radiant glow; sunshine. 

A picture of the gospel. 
The gospel reveals our cold, empty, colorless souls. Our inability to radiate with anything worthy of eternity with our holy, perfect God. But, the gospel does not leave us there! In the dead of winter—when we are without hope—the Son rises, warms our hearts with His love, and fills our lives with His beauty, a beauty that God the Father welcomes into His presence. Because when we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus and confess our need of His forgiveness, Christ justifies us—declares us righteous—and we have peace with God (Romans 5). 

Through Christ we gain access to the Father. Through Christ we are liberated from sin's power and its guilt. Through Christ we have all that we need!

The journal continues…

'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Philippians 4:13 

'I can—through Christ'   

was Paul's motto.

All of nature depends on hidden resources. Trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. The most important part of a tree is the part you cannot see, the root system. And, the most important part of the life of the believer is the part that only God can see.

'Unless we draw upon the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life.'*

Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life. Am I drawing upon the power of Christ for every responsibility of the day? Or, am I trusting in my own faithfulness, my supposed own ability to please God? The latter yields no joy.

Jesus said in John 15, that He is the Vine and we are the branches. Communion with Christ is my hidden resource that yields life in abundance. 

My Dare:

To pause in my day and talk to my God. Little rich moments of exchanging small stresses for sufficient strength. 

"Mom, I found the missing piece to my Lego train," my 7-year-old son exclaimed today, nearly out of breath after running up the basement stairs, "and guess how?" 
"How?" I responded in my half-listening voice as I chopped an onion.
"I prayed to Jesus and then He helped me find it!"
Now I was listening. To the simple, great faith of a child. 

Sadly, as we "mature" into adulthood our faith fades and we feel much more grown up when we say, "I'm a realist." Join me tomorrow as we see that having faith does not mean living on a cloud; but rather, real faith lives on a Rock.

*Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful  

Day 30

What would it look like practically if we released all our worries to God? If we let Him provide for our needs, fight our battles, work in the hearts of our enemies? 

If an artist were asked to paint the picture, would it be an image of a fearful woman hiding behind her sofa, waiting for God to arrive? The more I study Scripture, the more I see a vivid image of a faith-filled woman kneeling in her closet in prayer, knowing her all-powerful God is ever present. I see the image of a strong woman, FREE of her own concerns, bending to serve the concerns of others. 

We do not have to wait to be healthy, wealthy or without troubles to help others. The Macedonian believers gave of their poverty (II Corinthians 8:1-2). And, as Jesus sat before the treasury, he noted that the widow who put in her last two mites had given more than the rich who put in of their abundance (Mark 12:41-44). 

The power of a God full of resources is available to every believer, if we simply humble ourselves and pray. 

The journal continues…

Saul was dead. And, David knew he was the next annointed. He could have attacked Abner and taken what was rightfully his. But David was content in his God. He chose to wait on God and His Providence. And instead of a fight, God change's Abner's heart and brings him to David, handing him the throne (II Samuel 3:20-21). 

Contentment…waiting on God's provision…these terms are not synonymous with modern day. We push, fight for our rights, take a stand, find solutions—all for noble causes. But, we are missing the power of God in our lives. We are without rest and peace.

The believers at Philippi desired to help Paul, but they were often in need themselves. At the close of his letter to them, Paul takes the opportunity to teach them about contentment. He tells them that true contentment is constant…it does not change, whether life is good or lacking.

According to Jeremiah Burroughs, the Christian who has learned contentment, should always be found in a good mood, not only at this or that time, but as the constant temper of his or her heart.* Constancy is hard as a woman and especially as a mom, but in it my children can find rest and joy. 

My Dare:

Today, I will not allow myself to get distressed—even when it is past nine o'clock and I have not yet started the first load of laundry for the day and the breakfast dishes are piled high in the sink; even if the little ones wake up from their naps before I've had a chance to sit and sip my tea—I will live this moment in the strength of the Lord, trusting Him for the next. I will not fight against and push through my day. I will rest and abide in the power of my God.

What do we do when the pressures of life, like a whistling tea pot, come to full steam? When victory seemed impossible, Paul had a motto and so should we. Join me tomorrow as we dig beneath the surface, into the rich soil of what we have in Christ.

*Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment 

Day 29

Saved. Sanctified. Serving? 

It is a joy to "serve" others—our families—on our good days, when we have extra time, extra money, extra energy. But when tiredness sets in and we are falling behind in our schedules and resources are limited, we find ourselves hiding in the dark closets of our selfish desires, unwilling to serve when it is tied to sacrifice. 

I would submit that service without sacrifice is like prayer without faith. Neither yield any power nor are marks of true followers of Christ. 

"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45


The journal continues…

I find myself wanting more from my family—having high expectations, expecting them (especially my husband) to know my thoughts—that since I am there for them ALL the time, when I am sick and need help, surely they should all jump to their feet and dance to my every whim. I expect them to serve me…MY WAY.

That is not a true heart of service. In fact, when I am sick, tired, with a migraine, that is the true test of my service—is it genuine? Or, have I still been serving self all along? And did I just miss the most powerful opportunity to be a blessing to my family?

Paul says in his final chapter of Philippians that he has learned in WHATEVER state he is in, to be content [4:11]. He did not say we would never be weak, but that when we are weak, it is then that in Christ we are strong. His grace is sufficient [II Corinthians 12:8-10]. Christ is sufficient. And that is why the believer can live in all kinds of circumstances with contentment. Christ is the key.

'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Philippians 4:13

There is always Christ. Therefore, I am always without an excuse for my rantings and should instead be full of hope and wanting to share the blessing of who Christ is with my family, whether I am abased or abounding [4:12].

My Dare:

Instead of praying that my circumstances would change, to pray that Christ would change me. 

Our God is on the throne. He is in control. He is able and willing to provide. Then why do we continue to worry about our needs, living up one minute, down the next—living by sight rather than by faith, as if it all depends on us? Join back with me on Monday as we find more of this contentment Paul teaches of and the rest and joy that comes when we let God be God. 

Day 28

Every moment is full of beauty. I see it and I jot it down in the mini red journal on my kitchen counter. A reminder of the goodness of God even in the little things I might otherwise have missed:

#2: Sun shining through the kitchen window

#8: My handsome man rolling molasses cookies

#16: A visit from an old friend

#26: Early morning walks

#126: Chicken noodle soup

#145: Two little girls giggling

#155: A baby kicking in my belly

#208: Clean floors

#212: Dark chocolate

#240: A headache through the night rather than through the day

#255: Answered prayer (even when it's not what we hoped)

#302: Saturday mornings

#328: Smell of clean laundry

#330: A new friend

#341: A blog...a chance to write and point women to Christ


Every day, 
glowing with God's goodness, if I but stop to see.


"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusteth in Him!" 
Psalm 34:8


The journal continues…

'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE, 

whatsoever things are HONEST, 

whatsoever things are JUST, 

whatsoever things are PURE, 

whatsoever things are LOVELY, 

whatsoever things are of GOOD REPORT; 

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'

Philippians 4:8 

As I picture Paul sitting in his dark, cold, rat-infested cell, penning the word, 'lovely,'  

I widen my eyes in amazement. For, unlike Paul, I sit in my beautiful, cozy, sun-filled home and step outside to hear the sounds of nature, to feel the cool breeze, to smell the fresh rainfall scent—and I write of my struggles for joy.

We know so little of what we have in Christ! Our lives are not an empty, lonely prison cell—they are FILLED with distractions. Rather than thinking on things that are TRUE, I spend most my time worrying about things that may never happen or that I have no control over. Rather than thinking on what is LOVELY, I talk about the unappealing parts to my day. I waste mind power on thoughts that tear down rather than on what will motivate me to do better ('virtue') and lift others up ('praise').

'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee.'  Isaiah 26:3 

My Dare:

To not be a mom run by emotions. To have a sound mind. To make decisions in confidence as I seek the Lord, not fearing the 'what-ifs,' but focusing on what is true now. 

What about those days when we are lying sick in bed or have a headache that clouds everything around us? Do we still have to LIVE those days? Or, can we just let them pass and start again the next morning? Join me tomorrow as we continue in chapter four of Philippians and see that no matter our condition, Christ is constant.

Day 27

"Mommy-brain!" My excuse for so many nonsensical moments since having children. Thoughts that are never…anyway, what was I saying? Even as I am writing this my 6-year-old daughter is going on and on about Bluey, her new beta fish, and words are just leaving my head. The mind is truly our battleground as moms. We run on emotions because our minds, well, they are filled to capacity. But, Paul teaches us that joy is found in the way the believer thinks!

In Philippians, Paul references the mind 16 times. He mentions four joy-stealers: circumstances (chapter 1), people (chapter 2), things (chapter 3), worry (chapter 4). And, four attitudes—or ways of thinking—that will maintain our joy: the single mind (1:21), the submissive mind (2:3), the spiritual mind (3:19-20), and the secure mind (4:7).*  

The journal continues…

'And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.'  

Philippians 4:7  

'Keep your hearts and minds' (v.7). In speaking of keeping the heart and surrendering my mind daily to Christ, which Paul reveals in this book to be the key to real joy, I unfold this truth backwards…

In verse 7, Paul says, 'the peace of God' is what will keep my heart and mind. But, the verse starts with 'And' showing 'peace of God' to be the result of the prior verse's plea to bring our cares to God through prayer with thankfulness. Illustrated, it would look like this:

Trust in God and Gratitude = Peace of God beyond understanding

Peace of God = Keeping the heart and mind

Keeping the heart and mind = JOY for the believer! 

Trust in God and gratitude is where it begins (real, living, daily FAITH). We trust God as we bring our daily cares to Him, believing in His promises and in who He is and being thankful—rejoicing—in ALL things. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, the image of a grateful heart on bended knee is truly where this dare should end and begin.

My Dare:

To become a woman of prayer. Specifically, to pray for my children—their salvation and sanctification (growth in godliness) and my part in it as their mother. 

There is a question that torments me as a mom: 
What-if?… 
What-if I allow my child to ride home with that family and they get in a car accident? What-if this sickness turns into something more fatal? What-if my littlest one gets too cold at night or cannot breathe through her stuffy nose? What-if I say yes to the kids exploring the woods and they get lost or worse, shot by a hunter or eaten by a bear? (Yes—while I have a ridiculous imagination for what could happen—we really do have bears that have carried our trash cans up the mountain!) What-if?…

Join me tomorrow as we come to the next verse in Philippians 4, where Paul challenges us to think on things that are TRUE, to exchange our "what-ifs" for "what-is."  





* Outline taken from Warren Wiersbe, Be Joyful

Day 26

I am pouring my cup of earl grey, wondering how you—my readers—are doing with this dare? Remembering how most days I would catch myself just after I had done the very thing I had dared myself not to do that day. Discouraged, but determined to make it to Thanksgiving, I started to learn that this was not about making myself better, but rather making God BIGGER! 

His compassions were new each morning for me, as they are for you! I saw God's faithfulness to me day after day as I struggled to accomplish even the simplest of goals. I was reminded that His love is rooted not in who I am but in who He is. No amount of failure or success would change His love for me. He is the unchanging God. And He gives good things to the heart that seeks Him.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."*

The journal continues...

Today, the clouds are resting low on the mountains. As I sit out on our second story deck, overlooking the rolling green hills of the pasture, I feel as if I am in the very middle of the clouds. Such restfulness and calm, mirroring my very soul as I consider all my God did for me yesterday.

A large financial need was provided. A deep burden of my heart for my husband was resolved. My children had strength of character, were obedient and going above the tasks I had assigned. Though tired, my spirit was full of energy and zest for life. I was not watching the clock as we gave baths and laid out clothes for Sunday morning. I was enjoying my children! The effect was so strong that I jokingly said to my husband, "There are higher powers at work here." 

Once again, God grabbed my attention and showed His power in our life. I searched my mind (and day) to find what was different about today, but realized so evidently that this all was truly from God. A gift. I did not do anything to encourage such a beautiful, amazing day. God was active even when I was weak.

We have such little faith. We always think we have to give God a hand—that so much is dependent on us. Practically speaking, we had a financial need that we prayed about casually, but considered often and in our lack of faith thought maybe when income tax returns come, we can take care of that need. And then, God just gives it, because He can! Teaching me that the same is true of change in my children, change in myself and the deepest longings of my heart. God can provide. He is YAHWEH-JIREH [Genesis 22:14].

This dare is not my key to change. In fact, all my efforts to change are useless if they are rooted in self. This dare is a means of 'keeping the heart,' surrendering my mind daily to the purposes of God. The key to change is FAITH...believing in what God can do when we give Him freedom in our home. Believing that prayer is REAL and powerful. That even when I am weak, my cry to God for help to change—my longing for His purposes to flow within me and our household like a living stream—does not go unheard by my gracious, good God. Seek and you WILL find [Matthew 7:7-8]. It is a promise we can build our lives on.

My Dare:

To allow God to provide for each day's need. Rather than being a slave to the clock, to my desire to succeed or impress, or to my high expectations, to be at rest, calm—surrendered to the control and sovereignty of God. 

If you are struggling to see real change in your home, join me tomorrow as we dare ourselves to trek on to a place—the only place—where victory is sure.




*James 1:17 ESV

Day 25

A fresh start always excites me! Whether it is a new year, a new morning, or a new toothbrush. In our home when someone has confessed a mistake and all has been forgiven, we quickly say, "Fresh start!" With God, there is always mercy anew! 

But this I call to mind,
     and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
     His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
     great is Your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
     "therefore I will hope in Him."*

The journal continues…

Children are taught the fear of the Lord as they learn to obey their parents. As obedience is taught, children find joy in the safety of their boundaries and are a delight to their parents in return. While they are young they will comply or be forced to comply to some degree, but growth into adulthood will reveal if true obedience of the heart was taught.

This was my father-in-law's response to my question on how to have joy in the home, as we headed toward the fall colored mountains of North Carolina to spend the day exploring trails and munching on apple cider donuts.

Such simple advice, yet it hit me today as profound. If I want my children to fear God and be happy, I must follow God's pattern for me as a parent and teach them to obey. Not force them, bribe them, persuade them to obey, but teach them through clear instruction and loving, consistent discipline.

My Dare: 

To encourage a happy home by giving my children clear boundaries and consistently enforcing the rules of the home (so as not to exasperate the ones seeking to do right).

The new year is off and running! We are busy getting our homes—and children—and ourselves—back in shape and on schedule. But, tomorrow we are going to ignore the clock and instead look up with eyes of faith to see if the windows of Heaven are waiting to pour us out a blessing!





*Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV