As many of you know, we have four children; three daughters and one son.   Two of our girls have been singing with our Praise and Worship Team for years.  But in the beginning they were both afraid to lead songs.  For quite a while, I listened to their reasoning and justifications about why they felt they could not sing lead parts (that was the Mom part of me).

During our conversations, I would gently guide and encourage them.  Reassuring them that we had confidence in them and if the praise team leader gave it to them, she too had confidence in them.   They obeyed, but the fear never completely went away.

One day, we were talking about it, for what seemed like the millionth time, and I looked at both of them and said, “Okay, really you’ve been doing this long enough to overcome the fear.  God has given you power.  You chose to be a part of the team and you both sing quite well.  You have chosen to serve. Now stand in the power that moved you to sing.   Remember that God and all who love Him, love you.  You don’t have to fear singing in front of God.  He loves to hear the sound of your voice.  Your church family loves you, stand in the love that surrounds you and present your gifts to the Lord.  You don’t have to fear what others think because God loves you, created you, and loves to hear the sound of your voice.  Focus on pleasing God and everybody else will be pleased as well. Finally, practice your songs. You must be prepared.  God has given you a sound mind.”

A sound mind means the ability to think, speak, and act righteously.  “For the two of you exercising your sound mind translates to practice, practice, and more practice.”  They both looked at me and realized they weren’t going to get out of it.  They realized they had the power to face their fears.  I wish I could tell you that from that moment on they never had another fear when it came to singing but a few weeks later, my youngest daughter came to me and said,” okay mommy I understand what God says, and I understand what I have to do but I still get scared when I have to sing by myself.”

I looked at her and said, “Now you have to break the fear habit.”  I explained the fear habit to her.  She smiled, gave me one of her famous hugs and left the room.  Today, each of them continues to sing and is finding their leadership roles in that area of ministry. They faced and conquered their fears.

Beloved of God, just as I encouraged my daughters I encourage you to step beyond your fears.  Recognize the person God desires you to be in the earth and dare to be it. You have a purpose and the world needs you.  Today, decide to move from fearful to fearless.

Be Blessed.

MC

A few days ago, my family and I were having dinner at one of our favorite spots, when suddenly our two youngest children just started telling jokes. They were relentless. For about 10 minutes, they hit us with a barrage of jokes, until they got to one that made us really laugh.  At that point, they seemed satisfied, and simply turned their attention to their meal and more general conversation. My husband and I looked at each other sort of puzzled, both of thinking, “What was that all about?”  It seemed as if we were attacked by the joke squad.  Not really thinking too much more of it, we finished our dinner and headed home. The next morning, as I got out of bed, I heard the words, “remember to laugh.”  As the morning went on, I couldn’t get those words out of my head and as I thought about it a little more I realized that my son and daughter (the instruments of God that they are :)) had really ushered us into a God moment. You know, one of those unique times where God helps us by meeting a need we don’t even know we have.  He loves us so much that even in our service to him and the business of life, he wants us to enjoy the moments.

Today as I return to this blog space after a little hiatus, I remind you to remember to laugh.  Don’t forget, in the busyness and business of your life, to fully inhale and embrace the beauty of living and the love that is given to you.     

Enjoy your day and be blessed.

MC

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:  3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and time to dance;

    We are the parents of four children, three girls and one boy. Needless to say, our home is an interesting place to live.  Each day we walk with our children through joys, heartaches, laughter, chaos, and of course, seemingly endless homework assignments. We get to celebrate their victories and comfort and encourage them when they experience loss.  It is an amazing experience that we have grown to appreciate more with every year that passes.  One day, when they were all babies and I was not “feeling” particularly confident that I would know life without a double stroller, a double sized diaper bag, and rows of car and booster seats, the Lord stepped in.  He reminded me that each of the souls we had been given to care for have a purpose and destiny before Him.  He was indeed their heavenly Father.  He reminded me that beyond physical reproduction and ensuing responsibilities, the spiritual responsibility of parenting was a reality just as powerful.   
      Parenting is more than an outcome of natural reproduction.  It has a tremendous spiritual truth before God. It is far more important than picking names or buying clothes.  It is more rigorous than getting up for 2 AM feedings, changing diapers, or even doing things to stimulate a child’s intellectual growth and development.   Parenting is about effective spiritual reproduction.
      God wants the earth to be filled with people who love Him, serve Him, and display His glory. Genesis 1:28 “And God blessed them, and God said, unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the seas, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”  Ultimately, we can tie parenting to fulfilling the plan of God.
     As Christian parents we are to replenish the earth with people who are able to subdue and have dominion in it.  Interestingly enough, natural reproduction provides a picture of this spiritual truth.  This is not to say that biological parents are the only ones who can do the job effectively, it only shows the picture is established in heaven.  We can all attest to the fact that many great parents never biologically produce children yet they still fulfill the plan and purposes of God.  The key is not the natural but the spiritual truth. I am grateful that God’s fulfillment of His plan is never limited to the methods or the limited vision of man. 
      As Christian parents we must understand that we are the stewards of God’s property.  Children are the investments of God.  And though I am not a financial planner, I do know that all good investments produce a return.  It stands to reason then that God is looking for a return on His investment in you.  As a parent, be sure that you are giving adequate attention to your child’s spiritual growth.  Take time and care to nurture them and demonstrate God’s truth in front of them.  Help them experience prayer; teach them, not just about the rules but about the love of God.  Be sure to give them a life where they learn of both His grace and mercy.
     It is not enough to simply raise good children obedient to you; they must be raised to be God’s children.  Live each day with a desire to keep the heart of your child sensitive to God’s touch so that when His Spirit calls, they will effortlessly respond and commit to Him.  Deuteronomy chapter 6 gives us some initial instruction on parenting.  We must teach them about God, His ways, His power, His plan, His love — everything; that through Him they become all they are destined to be. As a parent, you are the greatest influence in your children’s lives.  Be a good steward over them and strive to uncover purpose in them.
     Soon we will begin a great tele-class on Christian parenting.  I am excited  about this group and the powerful information and strategies that will be shared.  I would like to personally extend an invitation to you to take part in the “Parenting on Purpose” tele-class.  We will further examine the roles and responsibility of biblically sound Christian parenting, including parenting through ages and stages, discipline, and positioning your children to fulfill purpose. 
     Today, I invite  you to take a moment and give God thanks for the confidence He has in your ability to be good stewards over and in the life of your children.  I pray that your parenting experiences will bring you joy and satisfaction knowing that you are a good and faithful servant of God.

Be Blessed Today and Always,

MC