On Praying In Public (for the self-conscious)

As a person who didn't start a personal relationship with Jesus until I was 23 (my testimony), I know that one big hurdle to get over is feeling comfortable when praying aloud in groups. Really, this took me A LONG time to get comfortable doing. A couple of years ago (the same time I read the Bible in 90 days), I challenged myself to start volunteering to pray aloud when out with girlfriends for meals or even when asked in a women's study if anyone wanted to close in prayer. Yes, I felt super self-conscious at first but the more and more I prayed aloud, the more comfortable that I felt. Just like anything else, praying takes practice! 

The most important lesson that I learned was the need to remember that I was really praying for an audience of one and the one who would not judge me but extend His grace and love as I tried to communicate in my less than eloquent ways to Him, my Father in heaven. Now, I love praying aloud and my favorite time of the week is when I gather at my children's school on Wednesday mornings for a prayer time with fellow moms. Oh, what I would have missed out on if I had let my self-consciousness keep me from this treasured time. Trust me when I tell you that I still stumble over my words from time to time and it really doesn't matter one bit because my heart is in the right place and that is all that anyone you pray with would really care about anyways.

Since, my children are growing up in the faith, my husband and I have the chance to encourage their walk and prayer life starting at an early age. We've found a great way to encourage them to pray aloud at the dinner table. After we do our family devotional using Our 24 Family Ways, we participate in a "popcorn prayer". Basically, one of us starts the prayer and each person takes a turn praying aloud. We have prayed over several different topics like just praising God for who He is, praying for another family or person (Haley prayed for two children she has learned about who are orphans in South America) and giving God our gratitude. These have turned out to be such sweet times for our family and it really takes the pressure off anyone who is not completely comfortable praying out loud.

I hope this encourages anyone struggling in this area to know that you are not alone! Just like I tell my beginner golf students not to feel bad because every great golfer was once a beginner, perhaps the same is true even in our prayer life and walk with God!

I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time-waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God- it changes me.

C.S. Lewis

God bless you on the journey!
Jennifer

Putting Heartwork Before Housework

Happy New Year, friends! I hope your year is getting off to a great start! If there's one thing I can say about 2014 so far for my family, it's to expect the unexpected and roll with it! Well, that's life isn't it?

I know many of you are in "New Year's Resolution Mode" and if that includes getting your house organized and decluttered, I want to remind you of my free "ebook" composed of daily blog posts here at Simple Home Managing. It is called The Intentional Home: A seven week guide to a clean and clutter-free home and how to keep it that way. Click here to go to the Table of Contents.

One thought that I felt God impress upon me today as I paused to spend time in His word and pray is I need to put "heartwork" before "housework". I do enjoy a clean and organized home (most of the time) but even with my efforts, it still can become burdensome. After all, the laundry is really never done, the meals all cooked or dishes done. It is a never ending cycle. I find if I don't spend time with God daily, in other words spend some time doing some "heartwork", then I can guarantee that my attitude about housework and life in general will suffer.

What does it mean to do "heartwork"? It might mean something different to you, but to me it means taking time to refresh my soul. Most importantly, spending time reading His word and in prayer, really just being with God. Here is what I've learned about doing "heartwork", I can't rely on anyone else to do it for me. Weekly Bible studies are great and so are inspiring sermons, but I find that real "heartwork" happens when I spend time in real relationship with God on a personal level. Also, as a mom or really at any stage of life, life will get in the way and you will miss that sermon or Bible study. Just like today, I missed my precious prayer time with sweet moms because my darling girl is sick. That prayer time with friends is great "heartwork" for me, but I can still spend time in prayer and letting God fill my cup even if I don't get to do it with fellow believers.

How do I make sure that I get my "heartwork" done everyday? Really, it's just like so many things in life, "heartwork" takes being intentional. If I am not intentional about laundry, then it's going to pile up and I'm going to have a lot of work to do to catch up. If I'm not intentional about doing "heartwork", then I am going to let the stresses of life pile up and I am going to feel burdened. The first step is being intentional about "heartwork".

The second step of making sure to get my "heartwork" done everyday is having a plan. If I just expect myself to get all the housework done without a plan, then it will never get done. I will bounce from one thing to another without accomplishing anything. If I expect my "heartwork" to get done without a plan, the distractions of life will get in the way and it will not happen consistently. I must decide when to do my "heartwork". I find that putting it at the first part of my day is the best way to start my day and insure it gets done. Spending time in relationship with the One who fills my cup and gives me joy, can only spill over into the rest of my day. So, for me, I must be intentional about reading my Bible and praying first thing in the morning.

Second, I find that having a Bible reading plan really helps me be consistent. Even setting a goal like reading three or seven chapters a day, reading one Proverb a day for each day of the month or something more challenging like reading the Bible in 90 days. The options are endless, but I am not enough of a Bible scholar and much too easily distracted to be consistent without a plan. There are also many wonderful devotionals out there that point you to scripture like Jesus Calling. In addition to time in His word, I like to read encouraging blogs in the morning or anytime throughout the day like I Take Joy, Gracelaced and A Holy Experience.

As a third part to "heartwork", I must let God work in my life. It is still not enough to spend time with Him in the morning, if I just leave Him and start my day just how I please. I must take the "heartwork" I've done in the morning with me and let Him work on me all day and this can feel like work at times. I must listen to that "small still voice" and obey Him even when it goes against my earthly nature. I find that I am much more aware of His presence and will for me throughout the day if I've done my "heartwork" in the morning, so these two go hand in hand. But, alas, I will mess up many many times and His grace will always cover me. And that my friends is the real reason I need a daily dose of "heartwork" just like my house needs a daily dose of "housework" or it will become a big mess! 

Like so many of my blog posts, I write them to hopefully encourage you, but also to remind myself of what God is revealing to me through this season of my life. I find that I can even encourage myself when I am letting the burdens of life overpower me. So, this year my plan is to be intentional about "heartwork" and let God do the rest! I have a feeling if I do that then I will have a joy-filled year no matter what life throws my way!

Blessings to you in this new year!
Jennifer 

Being Christ's Ambassador in my Children's Lives

I'm doing this great little Bible study called Kept: secure in His hands whatever I face. As I was doing today's study, I came across something that jumped out at me: 

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us."

2 Corinthians 5:20

Wow, we are Christ's ambassadors! That is profound to think about. So, the question that popped into my mind at that point was, "What am I going to do today to be Christ's ambassador?". As I pondered this, my thoughts immediately went to all the strangers that I would encounter throughout this day as we are traveling to San Antonio. Will I take the time to smile and greet them with kindness?

Then, I started thinking deeper. Yes, I absolutely should be kind and loving toward strangers, but who am I with everyday? Of course, my kids came to mind. Wow, I am really Christ's ambassador in their lives every single day. That is exciting and a little overwhelming.

Thankfully, as I reread today's scripture, God gently reminded me of something very important to being Christ's ambassador in my kid's lives:

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new had come!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

I am a new creation, I am changed and continue to be changed or edified to be more like Christ. I've felt this and I've seen it especially over the last two years. I am not who I used to be. Yes, I am older and more mature. But, it's more than that, it's God working in my life, changing the very core of me. It's like I am growing up right along with my kids.

This gave me hope for this larger than life task. I can be Christ's ambassador to my kids only because that is what God has called me to be. He will equip me for the job. Yet, I am still human and I will mess up plenty of times. But, as I continue to grow and become a new creation, the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) will become more of who I am. 

I've seen and felt this as I've gone closer to God, like when I read the Bible in 90 days. I have become more patient and peaceful especially where my kids are concerned. I don't have all the answers on how to be Christ's ambassador in this life, but, thankfully, I know a God who does. And not only that, He has given Himself to me so freely that I may walk daily with Him. That means He is right with me as I am His ambassador. And that, my friends, gives me hope!

Blessings,

Jenn

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Eden Restored

22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. ³ No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. ⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. ⁵ There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

I Read the Bible in 90 Days and it was Life Changing

"When I study the Bible, I prepare myself to talk to others. When I read the Bible, God talks to me"

D.L. Moody

This is one of the main reasons that I felt compelled to revive this blog. I am so excited about the life changing experience that I had this summer and I just had to share it with you.

It all began right after Haley got out of school at the beginning of June. A group of ladies from the church decided to start a challenge to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I was invited by one of the ladies to join them and join a private Facebook page where we would hold each other accountable. What I didn't know at the time it this was really an invitation from God, an invitation to grow much deeper in my love and relationship with Him.

When I agreed to join them, mainly I was thinking this will be really good for me and I NEED to do this. I understood that it was going to be hard, but I was willing to "push through". I've started to read the Bible in a year on several occasions, but I never stuck with it. For some reason, a shorter but more intense commitment sounded less intimidating. I am a slight bit competitive, so having to be accountable on Facebook really helped me stay committed at the beginning of the read.

I quickly realized that this is going to basically take all of my free time. As a mom of young kids, especially during the summer, I don't have a ton of free time. I became aware that the fun Christian fiction books that I usually enjoy reading would not be happening this summer either, my time would be spent on a much more fulfilling read.

I tell you all of this because I want you to see my mind set going into this and I hope you can see the progression that I made on this journey.

As I started reading the Bible in Genesis, I was very comfortable with what I was reading. I've spent time in Genesis, but as I looked ahead I felt a little dread about Leviticus and Numbers. I kept thinking if I can just "get through" those two books then I can do this.

Wouldn't you know that it was right there in Leviticus and Numbers that God started to speak to me and change me. I started really "feeling something" as I opened my Bible. I couldn't wait to spend time in the word each day. I believe that I was feeling God's presence as I was reading each day. It was hard for me to explain, it was a feeling of peace. Probably one of the strangest things was it didn't even matter what I was reading, His presence was always felt.

As I was working my way through the Bible, I had so many revelations:

- I just felt more joyful
- I became a better and more patient mom
- I began praying in a way that I had never prayed before, praying much more earnestly and praying to the Spirit to work through and speak through me
- I also prayed for my kids and husband in a new way
- If the Bible was a movie it would be X rated, if you don't know what I'm talking about then you haven't spent enough time in the Bible
- I realized that I had put God in a box, He is so much more that I had ever realized
- After reading and understanding the Old Covenant Law, I was just that much more thankful for Jesus
- I began seeing people more through Jesus's eyes and I slowed down and spoke to people that I wouldn't normally speak to and in general cared more for people
- I became much more bold in my worship
- God will redeem the time that you spend with Him and my housework just became less burdensome

As excited as I am to tell you how this experience changed me, I am having such a hard time putting it into words. I don't know if you have ever experienced a spiritual high? I did about two years ago after a wonderful weekend at a women's retreat. I came home on such a high, but the feeling quickly faded and I so wanted to get back there. In fact, I often remembered that feeling and pondered how I could "get back there". This summer I not only got back to "that place" but I walked in it all summer. I believe one of the biggest lessons that I learned was how to "feed myself". I can't wait for Sunday church or a Wednesday ladies Bible study to get fed, I must make the commitment to spend time with God daily.

I'm so human and despite all of these lessons, after I finished the 90 day Bible read, my time in the word dramatically dipped. Along with it, that spiritual high, the amazing prayer time and the patience with my kids. Fortunately  I went to a wonderful women's conference at my church and there God showed me again what He had already showed me this summer. I must spend time with Him daily to be at my best. What can I say, I'm a slow learner! Perhaps, I'm not the only one, after all, God does repeat Himself a lot in the Bible.

If you want to go on a life changing journey, you might consider looking at the Bible Gateway reading plans. They have several options for reading the Bible. I found that having "the reading plan" really helped me stay accountable along with the group of ladies that were doing it with me. I can promise you one thing, your time will not be wasted and you will be changed.

It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 

Isaiah 55:11

Scripture Sunday: 9/11/11 We Will Never Forget

Greater love has no one than this, 

that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

It's hard to believe it's been ten years. I think back on that day and it still doesn't feel real. I am still in awe of the firefighters who ran into those buildings knowing they would likely never come out, the regular people who took control of a plane knowing that meant death for them and life for others, and the men and women who continue to fight and lose their lives to keep us safe. I am in awe and so thankful for these brave souls. I continually remind myself that we are so blessed to live in this great country.

Scripture Sunday

 

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord from the heavens,

   praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,

   praise him all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,

   praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens

   and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

   for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;

   he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth,

   you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

   lightning and hail, snow and clouds, 

   stormy winds that do his bidding, 

you mountains and all hills

   fruit trees and all cedars

wild animals and all cattle,

   small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,

   you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and maidens,

   old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the Lord,

   for his name alone is exalted;

   his splendor is above the earth

      and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people a horn;

   the praise of all his saints,

   of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the Lord.

Scripture Sunday

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

10 Life Lessons that I Learned on the Golf Course

1. You've got to keep it in bounds 
(stick to the path God chose for you)

2. Sometimes you have to call a penalty shot on yourself
(admit when you're wrong and ask for forgiveness)

3. You will see more beauty on a long walk than a ride in the cart
(slow down, don't be in such a hurry)

4. It's imperative to stay in the present
(life is happening right now, don't live in the past or future)

5. You can't let your emotions take over
(emotions can cloud your judgement)

6. You've got to keep your target in your minds eye 
(it's good to have goals)

7. Don't ever tell anyone how good you are  
(be humble)

8. You can only get better with a lot of practice 
(work hard)


9. You're wasting your time practicing if you don't have proper instruction from a professional
 (gain wisdom from wise people)


10. If you want to get better hang around people who are better than you  
(be selective about the people you spend a lot of time with)

Scripture Sunday

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:10

Scripture Sunday

For you created my inmost being; 
you knit me together in my mother's womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
your works are wonderful, 
I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Two Must Summer Reads

Need a good summer read? Then, look no further, these two epic novels are the perfect choice. If you are unfamiliar with Francine Rivers, then a word of warning: your family might be slightly neglected if you choose to read any of her novels. Yes, she's just that good! Click on the book to read a synopsis in Francine's own words.

Scripture Sunday

 

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

Scripture Sunday

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

John 12:24

Scripture Sunday

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24:15 

Scripture Sunday

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, 

so that men are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Things I Didn't Know

When I married my man eight years ago here are a few things I didn't know:

How to run the dishwasher. That's right, I had no clue. I called Matt at work and he gave me step-by-step instructions on how to make it work. Someone at his work overheard this conversation and asked, "Did you just tell someone how to run a dishwasher?" His response was "Yes, that is the woman I just married." I'm sure he was so proud!

How to boil water. I know, pretty bad, right! Well, I decided to call my sister on this one. I'm sure she got a good laugh, but proceeded to walk me through the process of making water boil.

How to do laundry. Well, I figured out the laundry thing pretty well, but I had no idea that you have to empty the dryer lint regularly. You should have seen Matt's face as he pulled the thing out after probably months of not being cleaned, picture a small blanket, pretty funny.

How to cook. Let's just say my first attempt at cooking left the house smelling like burnt rubber and me quickly telling Matt we should go out for dinner. The burnt rubber was supposed to be orange chicken from the easy four ingredient cookbook. Perhaps, more instructions were needed.

I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't know any of these things. Well, I either lived in the dorm or the sorority house in college. Right after college I went straight on tour playing golf professionally, basically living in a hotel room or at my parents' house. My sweet mom who exemplifies a "servant's heart" took care of everything for me, so I could live my dream.

Pretty ironic that I am now writing a blog about home managing, don't you think? You've gotta love this life, you never know where God is gonna to take you!

Scripture Sunday

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10

Scripture Sunday

Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, 

in whom I delight;  I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

Matthew 12:18