PARENT OF THE YEAR

Psalm 116:17-19 KJV
17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
19 In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

Dearest Sisters,

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I'm praying for you and yours!

I'm cheering for you and yours!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the graduates among us!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the kiddos that have been awarded, ribboned, and decorated with trophies in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments!

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL of our kiddos that worked hard this year, and that made progress- both obvious, expected progress, and subtle, surprise progress made through "blood, sweat, and tears." ALL of our kiddos' progress is newspaper- and brag- worthy! Glory to God!

Can I nominate each parent as PARENT OF THE YEAR in their respective home? TOO LATE, I already did. LOL! YOU were nominated, and won!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to all parents in our fellowship. YOU are PARENT OF THE YEAR in your home! Yay! Hooray! Lord God, please continue to bless and favor single parents and their children, AMEN!

Keep up the GREAT work, kiddos!

Keep up the GREAT work, beautiful mamas!

Just a few days shy of Memorial Day, I want to remind you all that God enjoys, in fact, He loves memorials and remembrance.

As you celebrate, or prepare to celebrate, your kiddos' successes and your family's successes, REMEMBER the Author of those successes.

Can you pinpoint a time or place over the course of the past year, when you or your kiddo (s) was tested beyond your comfort? Can you recall being challenged to trust God to see you through? How about the time you felt sure that you or your kiddo would throw in the towel: quit A, because of B, and moreover, because you couldn't "see" C possibly transpiring.

But, because of God's faithfulness, you (all) didn't give up! You remained strong in the Lord. I imagine that you took comfort in knowing the following truism: although I am unsure of what God's faithfulness looks like from time to time or place to place, I rest assure that He is faithful.

Sisters, I imagine that you and your kiddo(s) had to offer the Lord a sacrifice of thanksgiving!

To sacrifice is to surrender or to incur a loss of something prized for the sake of a higher claim (dictionary).

Dearly Beloved, it's relatively easy to thank the Lord when life is going great. But, it's a whole other matter to offer thanks to the Lord from a state of anguish, pain, irritation, vexation, exhaustion, or hopelessness.

Yet, every overcomer, survivor, winner, and champion knows the importance of sacrifice. Each victor could probably recall entering a "race" and also, encountering a hurdle. I imagine they know all to well "the moment" wherein they had to muster strength from waaaay down deep in order to thank God in spite of the hurdle. Though, it's hard to thank Him when the journey gets tough, thankfulness is a catalyst for change.

Thanksgiving is a divine weapon; its glorifies God and edifies us. Thanking God, in our weakness, miraculously strengthens us and spurs us along. Offering thanks to God can lift a runner over a hurdle.

Corrie Ten Boom and her sister, Betsy were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp. Their barracks were full of fleas. Although they were covered in flea bites and irritated from head to toe, the Lord invited them to thank Him for the fleas. It was incredibly hard to thank God when they were homesick, miserable, and surrounded by extreme suffering. But, the sisters found the faith and courage, to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God.

Their sacrifice helped them to focus their attention on God, not themselves. Their sacrifice also helped them to realize how God used the thing (the fleas) that greatly antagonized them for their good. Because of the fleas in the barracks, the Nazi guards avoided them, thus allowing them to teach God's Word, praise Him, and share the Gospel with other prisoners.

Sisters, I encourage you to gather your kiddos around the table for a memorial. Remind everyone of God's faithfulness. Remind everyone of a sacrifice of thanksgiving offered to the Lord. Recall God's unfailing love to you and yours! Bask in the joys and wonders of His goodness.

Often, it's hardest to pray when we need to pray the hardest.

Often, it's hardest to praise and thank God when we need to praise and thank Him most.

Our Heavenly Father commands us to offer Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Remember, the Lord notices your sacrifices of thanksgiving. He will reward your obedience.

Have a wonderful day AND a memorable Memorial Day weekend!

Love, blessings, and hugs to all

GIVE THANKS

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 KJV
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Dearest Sisters,

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!!

Is a storm brewing in your life? Are you facing a troublesome crisis? Are you experiencing persecution? Do you feel doubtful and discouraged?

When trials and tribulations arise, seek God; hide in Him. Seek the Lord FIRST; He is our BEST defense, not a last resort. Shut out any distractions and cry out to Jesus! Ask the Lord for wisdom, guidance, direction, and peace. The Lord knew about the storm or crisis that you're facing way before it hit your radar. Trust God! Step out on faith and take godly action to defend and protect you and yours. Fight forward!

The Lord is the most qualified "storm chaser" yet: He speaks to storms, He speaks through storms, He quiets storms, He creates storms, He cancels storms, He protects during storms, He destroys (our enemies) in storms, He walks through storms, and He dwells above storms! Storms are subject to God, sisters! Trust the Lord with your storm and through your storm. Regardless of the forecast in your life, the Son shines!

In the midst of storms, crisis, and suffering, remember to thank God for His goodness and His love. Circumstances and challenges do not change God's nature. Storms and crisis do not thwart the plans of God. The Lord is always for us! 

After we were saved, God could have easily whisked us away to Heaven but, our mission as members of the body of Christ is to advance His kingdom- to win souls for Christ. Our testimonies are very effective tools for evangelism. God delights in walking with us through storms and delivering us from crisis. Our eyewitness accounts of God's deliverance can help those that are struggling with similar storms.

Satan often whispers lies in our ears during tough times; Satan wants us to doubt God and turn on Him when we need the Lord most. Don't fall for the lies, gimmicks, and tricks, ladies. We must fight against Satan's subtle attacks. We must pray hardest when it's hardest to pray. We must thank God when it's hardest to be thankful. 

Cultivating thanksgiving in our hearts, even during overwhelming hardship, is a sure way to stay aligned with the Lord and repel the wicked one. In the midst of your storm, worship the Lord! Thanksgiving and worship are powerful weapons in the hands of sufferers. Remain faithful, your deliverance is closer than you think. 

Count your blessings, sisters!

Be thankful!

Love, blessings, and hugs to all

KEEP RUNNING

Hebrews 12:1-3 KJV
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

While living in Alaska, I took Russian Folk Dance lessons. I enjoyed practicing and practicing and then, finally performing at a show or competition. 

En route to competition, my fellow dance team members and I would be full of excitement and confidence. 

But, moments later AND just before a performance, doubt and dreariness would attempt to distract and derail us. 

We often looked around and sized up other troupes. We soon began the daunting task of making comparisons between ourselves and others. 

We had come too far to start questioning if we were truly ready.

We vainly tried to draw conclusions about other performers based on superficial observations. 

Wrongful comparisons can be maddening! 

In a flash, our team was announced; it was show time. At that moment, all cares and comparisons were drowned out by the demand of the performance. 

The adrenaline rush began!

We proceeded to the dance square and danced to our hearts' content. 

After our routine was finished, we raced into an applauding crowd full of giggles. It didn't matter how we placed or if we placed, we all were just grateful for the opportunity to dance AND to dance together. 

We were proud of the fruit of our hard work. The sense of accomplishment that enveloped us after a show was gratifying! And, in spite of all odds, we just kept dancing! Doubt and discouragement would surface but, the best remedy then and now remains: just keep dancing. 

Dearest Sisters,

We all are running the Christian race! Trials and tribulations will arise! Doubt and dreariness will attempt to invade our thoughts. If we faint not, we will receive a reward. 

I pray that God sprinkles abundant blessings and miracles in your life to remind you of the worthwhile race that you're running. 

The Lord's mercies are new everyday. His faithfulness is guaranteed. Because of the Lord, we are not consumed! 

God will send joys to you at various benchmarks/ milestones on your race to keep you encouraged, to remind you that He is proud of you, and to repeatedly confirm that running the Christian race is ultimately satisfying , in spite of the costs and sacrifices, because it keeps us in the center of God's will, purpose, and plan.

Everyday, we train hard for life by praying, studying the Word of God, and worshipping the Lord. We will have countless opportunities to apply God's word and live out our faith. Let's not shirk back when it's showtime. Let's ignore Satan's lies. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!

Our goal is to live unto God as He is our standard. Live on fire for God; lukewarm won't suffice. No matter what, don't turn back! Don't stop running! When you trip, fall, or get tackled by the trials and tribulations of life, the best remedy then and now remains: get back up and KEEP RUNNING! No hurdle is insurmountable with God! KEEP RUNNING! 

The school year is nearly over! Fight hard against end-of-year frustrations and aggravations. You have run beautifully this year! You and your kiddos have run well! The finish line is in view! Don't give up! KEEP RUNNING!

Love, blessings, hugs to all

NO COMPROMISE

Psalm 1:1-3 KJV
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

No Compromise

We've heard it before, "why do the bad guys get the good girls?" WHY, OH WHY, do the bad guys get the good girls???!!!! 

I pray that we teach our kiddos this timeless remedy: one that does not keep ungodly friends will hardly ever, close to never, have to worry about courting or marrying an ungodly man (or ungodly woman).

So, my darling sweetheart and I were watching a movie together. The movie was about a young British lady that set out for China to become a missionary. While on the mission field, an atheist Army officer made a play for her heart. Bit by bit, he made impressions on her.

Then, on one auspicious evening, he told her that she was beautiful. Unbeknownst to him, he was the first person to ever utter those words to her, the young missionary. The young woman's ears were tickled and her heart warmed. She nearly swooned as she was overcome with emotion. She was lovestruck. And, the Army officer struck undeserving gold with three simple words. The young missionary forgot that her officer friend was an atheist; or perhaps, his compliment clouded her judgement.

The scene could have been a perfect prelude to a blessed love but, I was careful to notice that this young missionary dear "fell in love" with a non-Christian man. The words "You are beautiful," undoubtedly caused this affection and love deprived girl to offer the key to her heart to a man that was not biblically qualified, in anyway, to be friend, let alone her her beau or husband. 

I was reminded that Satan has a counterfeit for every gift of God. We have to constantly pray for wisdom and discernment for ourselves and our kiddos. No compliment is worth the cost of disobeying God. His laws are for our good. We have safety in His parameters for us. 

Later in the movie, prior to separating for war, the officer slipped a "promise" ring on the gal's finger. My heart instantly sank! I shouted inside, "nooooooooo." I've seen all too often how unequally yoked friendships and marriages unfold; it's not a pretty tale to say the least.

Eventually, the movie ends with the young woman leading war orphans to safety. No other mention was made of the Army officer or what became of their budding relationship. 

Within moments of the credits rolling, I realized that Satan uses the same ole lies and tricks to depress, oppress, and possess people, including Christians. Sisters, I implore you to daily shower your kiddos in godly love and affection. Teach them the scriptures; teach them of God's unfailing, unconditional love for them. Prevent them, as best you can, from selling themselves for a wooden nickel. Rehearse and rehearse again the biblical mandates for a Christian's friends and potential suitors. Strive to be a good example; God will help you.

Pastor Voddie Baucham has written an incredible book entitled, "What he MUST be to marry my daughter." Last year, several copies of the book were on sale at convention, at the HEAV booth/ table. He also has published books on biblical manhood but, the above title can be used for both daughters and sons. The biblical standard for our daughters' husbands is the same for our sons.

We CANNOT leave our children's friends and love interests up to chance and definitely not error. We must be intentional in shepherding their hearts. We must be intentional in applying God's guidelines for their current friends and future spouses. 

God gives us some choice in the selection of our kiddos's friends and eventual spouses. But, there are some hard and fast rules as well; the non-negotiables I would say. By and large, parents and kiddos can come in agreement on the external attributes (i.e. size, shape, height) of those they befriend and perhaps marry but, the internal attributes are not up for compromise.

We can not allow our children to settle for friendships or romantic interests with non-Christians. The consequences are dangerous, deadly, and often lifelong and multi-generational. Let's train up our kiddos to stay in the faith by befriending and eventually, marrying in the faith. Venturing beyond God's parameters is not worth the headache, the heartache, the heartbreak, and the misery that comes along with territory. 

There is love, peace, and joy forevermore when we, the sheep of the Lord, flock and graze in His pastures alone. We must leave the goats alone. 

Parenting is hard but, it is good. Good things are hard and definitely worth fighting for!

Fight forward!

Love, blessings, and hugs

GOD IS IN CONTROL!

GOD IS CONTROL! TRUST HIM! Hugs!

GOD IS MY SHIELD

Psalm 3:1-3 KJV
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

HAPPY MARVELOUS MONDAY, sisters!

My family and I were researching the history of Switzerland. Switzerland is a very beautiful nation in which we hope to visit one day. While reading an account of Swiss history, we stumbled upon a very sore chapter in their national history. 

Up until the 1970s, a government policy called "Verdingkinder" or "contract children" was in effect. Under this policy, children of poor families, especially single mothers, were taken by the state and placed in a foster care system; parents were legally helpless and could do nothing to stop the government. The "contract children" scheme was essentially state-sanctioned kidnapping.

Once entered into the foster care system, single mothers rarely ever saw their children again as they were taken far from home. Then, the children were forced into a life of hard labor on state-run farms. The children of single mothers were abducted and enslaved. 

Can you imagine the heartbreak and despair that overwhelmed single mothers (and poor families)? Many of these women probably finished out their days depressed and destitute or perhaps, they died prematurely due to broken hearts. 

Ladies, we are incredibly blessed. We are blessed with the freedom to parent our children. The legal recognition and protection of a single parent headed home, especially a single woman, is a fairly new idea. Praise God for his providential sovereignty! 

Some among us are foster parents; it is a huge blessing to be a mother in a single parent home PERIOD! Many years ago, foster children weren't even so fortunate to be placed in the loving care of a single woman; they were instead placed in institutions or on hard labor farms.

So many assaults and attacks have come upon vulnerable single mothers over the years in many countries. The biblical response to widows and fatherless children is love and support but, often single women and children are met with scorn, shame, ostracism, and, at worse, exploitation and abuse. 

Oh sisters, I don't know what you are fighting today, I don't know what burdens you are carrying, but, you can rejoice today because of the faithful mercies of God. Because of his loving kindness, we are not consumed. Great is the Lord's faithfulness unto us. Somebody shout, "hallelujah."

If your children are living under your roof and the government hasn't kicked down the door in the darkness of night to steal your kids, you are blessed!!!!!! YOU are incredibly blessed. Sisters, you are blessed beyond belief. 

As I write this message, some among us are involved in heated custody battles. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pray for our sisters' protection and their kiddos' protection. Please pray that God's favor and grace be upon them. PLEASE pray for the Lord's wisdom and guidance to lead and direct them and their legal counsel. PLEASE pray for sympathetic judges that will righteously legislate.

It's very hard fighting the government to end such wretched policies as the "contract children" scheme but, it seems very unnatural and utterly dehumanizing to fight your own "flesh and blood" for relief from injustice and abuse. Please remain prayerful! We can never stop fighting for our parenting freedoms. 

Ladies, please take a moment and pray for our sisters that are inundated with legal battles. Ladies, please take another moment to thank God for the incredible blessing and freedom to parent as a single mom. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy name. AMEN!

Love, blessings, and hugs to all

THOU ART MY GOD

Psalm 143: 10 KJV

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Dearest Sisters,

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!

HAPPYYYYYYYY!!!!!! FRIDAYYYYYY!!!!!!

Yay! Hooray!

The Lord has brought us through yet another week! Glory hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Y'all are my heroes!!!! Keep going! Keep up the great work! Don't slow down! Don't ease up! Keep fighting forward! You will reap a reward in due season, IF you faint NOT.

Psalm 143: 10 reminds us that God will teach us His will and lead us into the land of uprightness. Sisters, if you are struggling to discern God's will for you or your kiddos, ASK HIM. The Lord doesn't give us a mission without a manual and a map. Seek the Lord for your life and your kiddos' lives. He has a special plan and purpose for you all. And, He is willingly and readily available to share His heart with you. The Lord has numbered your days and ordered your steps; He has directed your paths. Ask the Lord to teach you His will and how to walk in His ways. 

Have a blessed, beautiful day!

Have a restful and relaxing weekend! Cheers!

Love, blessings, and hugs to all