Good Morning All,
As we draw near to our 5Th Anniversary celebration, many of us feel very little like shouting. It seems that husbands have hurt feelings, and children have been more needy. Time is running away from us at jury duty, doctors appointments, schedule conflicts, we have even lived through car accidents. Some have run into communication barriers with husbands and many just have one thing after another going wrong... I am writing to tell you Be Strong and Be Encouraged!
Don't think it strange as we face trials preparing to celebrate God's holy covenant of marriage. Rather take this time between now and Saturday to do the following:
Pick out a cute dress and refrain from asking your husband what he is wearing. He can choose his own clothes.
Pray for all of the marriages connected to Wives On Purpose. There are those coming to see God show up because they are considering divorce. There are some who are very off purpose and need to be close to those who are strong right now. Pray for all of us.
Praise God for all he has already done for us! I have seen him provide and move people in ways I couldn't have imagined. Rejoice with me and wait to see for yourself. For now just give him PRAISE!
Finally whatever is on your plate right now. be....
Patient. God has not overlooked your concern. Maybe he just wants you to stop looking at it long enough to enjoy Saturday....
I can't wait to see you all.
Watch for blessings this week!
Lisa
1/11/2010
A Little PEACE!
The past few months of my life have been like riding the fastest roller coaster in the biggest amusement park in the world. Unexpected and unusual events have propelled me forward taking sharp turns that felt like I was tipping over. My circumstances lead me slowly upward only to reach a top peak and fall head first downward. The pace has been fast and furious leaving my stomach nauseous and my head throbbing. Up, down, and around I go! Such has been my life since Thanksgiving. The ride continued through Christmas and into the New Year.
One morning I was thinking about my circumstances. I replayed some of the details of these events and wondered if I was going crazy. I didn’t feel crazy but, my parents had expressed concern for my well being. My closest friends had me placed me at the top of their prayer lists. My husband has just been looking at me with a helpless expression on his face. Maybe I am losing it and don’t even realize it.
“How are you doing Lisa, I asked myself?” (I ask myself a lot of questions).
Fine, I really am fine,” I replied. Then I began to wonder why.
I sat very still and then I heard the small voice. …and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7). The light bulb had come on! I could see clearly. I was not crazy at all. I fine because I had the peace of God and it surpassed all of understanding!
How did I get such peace? I heard the voice again. “Peace” I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27). In the midst of messy circumstances, I had received a little peace. My heart was no longer troubled and I was no longer afraid. Peace had strengthened me. I was prepared to handle what was ahead.
Like everything Jesus offers, peace is not just for me. I began to remember watching other godly women as they faced trials covered in the peace of Christ. When a 50 year old wife buried her husband six months shy of her daughter’s high school graduation, she had peace. She lost her husband but, not her mind. I also saw a devoted wife of over 50 years care for her sick husband until he passed. At the home going service her sigh contained a mixture of sadness and relief as she spoke softly saying “my work here is finished”. She had peace. I had spent the last few months caring for some ideals that had died. I had to bury some other false hopes. I had lost some things, people, and direction. In the midst of it all, I was moving forward. I had peace.
My life is still on that fast roller coaster track. God is full control and I believe he has strapped me in tight and is taking me on the most exciting ride of my life. My heart is pounding with anticipation. My head is filling with hopes and dreams and my stomach is still a bit nauseous. I expect sharp curves. I anticipate uphill travel and it may take a long time to reach the top. I am certain that I will fall pretty fast and hard some times. BUT as long as I have the gift of PEACE, I can enjoy the ride!
How about you?
Lisa
One morning I was thinking about my circumstances. I replayed some of the details of these events and wondered if I was going crazy. I didn’t feel crazy but, my parents had expressed concern for my well being. My closest friends had me placed me at the top of their prayer lists. My husband has just been looking at me with a helpless expression on his face. Maybe I am losing it and don’t even realize it.
“How are you doing Lisa, I asked myself?” (I ask myself a lot of questions).
Fine, I really am fine,” I replied. Then I began to wonder why.
I sat very still and then I heard the small voice. …and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7). The light bulb had come on! I could see clearly. I was not crazy at all. I fine because I had the peace of God and it surpassed all of understanding!
How did I get such peace? I heard the voice again. “Peace” I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27). In the midst of messy circumstances, I had received a little peace. My heart was no longer troubled and I was no longer afraid. Peace had strengthened me. I was prepared to handle what was ahead.
Like everything Jesus offers, peace is not just for me. I began to remember watching other godly women as they faced trials covered in the peace of Christ. When a 50 year old wife buried her husband six months shy of her daughter’s high school graduation, she had peace. She lost her husband but, not her mind. I also saw a devoted wife of over 50 years care for her sick husband until he passed. At the home going service her sigh contained a mixture of sadness and relief as she spoke softly saying “my work here is finished”. She had peace. I had spent the last few months caring for some ideals that had died. I had to bury some other false hopes. I had lost some things, people, and direction. In the midst of it all, I was moving forward. I had peace.
My life is still on that fast roller coaster track. God is full control and I believe he has strapped me in tight and is taking me on the most exciting ride of my life. My heart is pounding with anticipation. My head is filling with hopes and dreams and my stomach is still a bit nauseous. I expect sharp curves. I anticipate uphill travel and it may take a long time to reach the top. I am certain that I will fall pretty fast and hard some times. BUT as long as I have the gift of PEACE, I can enjoy the ride!
How about you?
Lisa
1/05/2010
Enter 2010!
January 2010
Happy New Year!
I know we are 5 days into it now but, this is how I have entered 2010.
VERY SLOWLY… It seems God is doing some amazing things in me and in my life. Can I tell you that amazing doesn’t always feel good? Many of my current circumstances are difficult. I would not have chosen them.
BUT in 2010 I am striving to see God in new ways. That is my heart’s desire and my constant prayer. I want more of Him and to experience the hand of a Big God in my life. That leaves me here:
Slow to write to you on the blog
Slow to face the mundane tasks of my day
Entering 2010 with some pretty bad (oh sorry) amazing battles to fight
In the process I am also here:
Reading the Bible in One Year
Praying Like I have Never Prayed before
Seeing God be Provider (My husband’s pay is a limited resource)
Seeing God be Healer. (Some things come only by prayer and fasting)
Experiencing the blessings of immediate obedience.
Seeing a bigger picture of the Body of Christ. (Ministry really does happen on Twitter) and…
Loving the Lord more and more each day!
How have you entered 2010?
Where is God taking you?
Lisa
Happy New Year!
I know we are 5 days into it now but, this is how I have entered 2010.
VERY SLOWLY… It seems God is doing some amazing things in me and in my life. Can I tell you that amazing doesn’t always feel good? Many of my current circumstances are difficult. I would not have chosen them.
BUT in 2010 I am striving to see God in new ways. That is my heart’s desire and my constant prayer. I want more of Him and to experience the hand of a Big God in my life. That leaves me here:
Slow to write to you on the blog
Slow to face the mundane tasks of my day
Entering 2010 with some pretty bad (oh sorry) amazing battles to fight
In the process I am also here:
Reading the Bible in One Year
Praying Like I have Never Prayed before
Seeing God be Provider (My husband’s pay is a limited resource)
Seeing God be Healer. (Some things come only by prayer and fasting)
Experiencing the blessings of immediate obedience.
Seeing a bigger picture of the Body of Christ. (Ministry really does happen on Twitter) and…
Loving the Lord more and more each day!
How have you entered 2010?
Where is God taking you?
Lisa
12/08/2009
Building Your House
Last night on the Wives On Purpose prayer call, our scripture was Proverbs 14:1. The New King James Version reads: The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her own hands.
I got to thinking about building my house, about building my marriage. A long time ago my marriage was a nice design idea in my head. I planned my wedding and signed the contract to begin work. I was married in the Church and joined by God. I had indeed entered the marriage covenant and begun living my life as life’s construction crew surveyed, dug, poured, and measured. Brick after brick was laid to make my marriage house. I loved and admired the finished product. I was sure that when the rains came down and the floods came up that my marriage would stand. Why, because we were founded on the Rock!
What I failed to realize is that sometimes in a fierce and violent storm, all that we see is wiped away. The only thing left is the foundation. It is from there we that rebuild. A wise woman builds.
During 20 years of marriage, I have learned a few tips to help build and rebuild my marriage house.
1). I survey my property. I never assume that my marriage house is in good shape. Periodically I ask my husband questions.
• Are you comfortable in our relationship?
• Are there some things we should address?
• Are your needs still the same and are they being met?
2). When I see a tear, some peeling, or just something broken, I immediately call in for repair. Jesus is the best worker I know. I put him on speed dial and tell Him exactly what is wrong.
• I pray no matter where I am or what I am doing.
• I stop and pray.
3). I have learned that I get what I pay for. Building a house costs time and money, building a marriage costs too.
• I pay with patience. Marriage is until death.
• I pay when bad weather stops all progress.
• I pay for top quality materials. Only the best books, devotionals, marriage conferences, etc. will do for my marriage mansion.
I want to build my marriage house. I know that occasionally it needs upgrades and sometimes entire rooms need to be renovated. I keep my eyes and ears open to the Lord so when it he says it’s building time… I can say Yes, Lord… Let it be done to me according to your word!
If you are in a time of building do not fear. Understand that you are a wise woman!
Lisa
I got to thinking about building my house, about building my marriage. A long time ago my marriage was a nice design idea in my head. I planned my wedding and signed the contract to begin work. I was married in the Church and joined by God. I had indeed entered the marriage covenant and begun living my life as life’s construction crew surveyed, dug, poured, and measured. Brick after brick was laid to make my marriage house. I loved and admired the finished product. I was sure that when the rains came down and the floods came up that my marriage would stand. Why, because we were founded on the Rock!
What I failed to realize is that sometimes in a fierce and violent storm, all that we see is wiped away. The only thing left is the foundation. It is from there we that rebuild. A wise woman builds.
During 20 years of marriage, I have learned a few tips to help build and rebuild my marriage house.
1). I survey my property. I never assume that my marriage house is in good shape. Periodically I ask my husband questions.
• Are you comfortable in our relationship?
• Are there some things we should address?
• Are your needs still the same and are they being met?
2). When I see a tear, some peeling, or just something broken, I immediately call in for repair. Jesus is the best worker I know. I put him on speed dial and tell Him exactly what is wrong.
• I pray no matter where I am or what I am doing.
• I stop and pray.
3). I have learned that I get what I pay for. Building a house costs time and money, building a marriage costs too.
• I pay with patience. Marriage is until death.
• I pay when bad weather stops all progress.
• I pay for top quality materials. Only the best books, devotionals, marriage conferences, etc. will do for my marriage mansion.
I want to build my marriage house. I know that occasionally it needs upgrades and sometimes entire rooms need to be renovated. I keep my eyes and ears open to the Lord so when it he says it’s building time… I can say Yes, Lord… Let it be done to me according to your word!
If you are in a time of building do not fear. Understand that you are a wise woman!
Lisa
11/09/2009
I Am Pressing On
Today is a good day. The sun is shining and it is not too cold. I enjoyed some private time with Jesus this morning. I got my kids to school on time, ate a healthy breakfast which included oatmeal, then I dressed for my exercise workout. That is where my thoughts took over.
I don’t belong to a gym or a take any formal classes. I don’t swim or run. I simply pop in a DVD. To keep myself motivated, I picture many of the women whom I admire in my living room exercising with me. I walk away pounds with my favorites. P. Bunny Wilson, Stormie O’Martian, Sheryl Brady, Darlene Bishop, Trena Jenkins, Priscilla Shirer, Lysa TerKeurst, Beth Moore, and so many others. Yes, they are my cheerleaders.
Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), I should be able to finish the program right?
Today was different. I was distracted. My mind wandered away from my famous cheerleaders and my DVD. The tasks I had to complete seemed more important than what I was doing. With each step I became anxious about my “to do” list. I even looked at my watch to see how much longer the DVD would last. Then I heard the women say “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” (1Cor.6:19). “Take time to care for it.”
I moved to knee lifts….8 more, 4 more…I was getting tired now. I wondered if I should turn it off. As I debated this issue, I heard the ladies again. This time they said “press on”. “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Then it hit me! This is how I often approach my marriage and my husband.
I start off pretty good. I move to do the right thing (love, honor, and obey). Then I get distracted. My mind and my heart begin to wander. My “to do list” takes priority over him. I move on one more day, one more day, one more day…. Only now I live with anxiety and frustration. I am getting tired. I began to ask myself if I should just turn it off. How do I turn off?
You know…
I fix dinner but don’t serve his plate.
I welcome my children home with a smile. When he arrives I give him little more than a polite hug.
I interrupt my evening for the children’s bed time routine. I sigh when he interrupts me doing the dishes to share a new idea.
I stop calling him during the day to say hello.
I call on the cell phone when I need him to make a stop on hi sway home.
I complain about the household tasks he forgot to do.
I question him about every decision he makes.
This can be a very long list if I let it BUT…
I hear the ladies. Press on! Press toward the goal of a happy marriage. Press on even when you are tired. Press on and finish the race. I want to win the prize. Don’t you? I hear the Spirit of God telling me to press on.
Have you ever had to press in your marriage just to do the right things? Have you heard the Spirit of God supporting you? I would love to hear your testimony…
If you would like to leave a comment and do not have a blog. Click on Comments and choose anonymous from the drop down menu. You may leave your name in your comment if you like. I really do love to hear your thoughts so please share...
Lisa
I don’t belong to a gym or a take any formal classes. I don’t swim or run. I simply pop in a DVD. To keep myself motivated, I picture many of the women whom I admire in my living room exercising with me. I walk away pounds with my favorites. P. Bunny Wilson, Stormie O’Martian, Sheryl Brady, Darlene Bishop, Trena Jenkins, Priscilla Shirer, Lysa TerKeurst, Beth Moore, and so many others. Yes, they are my cheerleaders.
Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), I should be able to finish the program right?
Today was different. I was distracted. My mind wandered away from my famous cheerleaders and my DVD. The tasks I had to complete seemed more important than what I was doing. With each step I became anxious about my “to do” list. I even looked at my watch to see how much longer the DVD would last. Then I heard the women say “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you” (1Cor.6:19). “Take time to care for it.”
I moved to knee lifts….8 more, 4 more…I was getting tired now. I wondered if I should turn it off. As I debated this issue, I heard the ladies again. This time they said “press on”. “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Then it hit me! This is how I often approach my marriage and my husband.
I start off pretty good. I move to do the right thing (love, honor, and obey). Then I get distracted. My mind and my heart begin to wander. My “to do list” takes priority over him. I move on one more day, one more day, one more day…. Only now I live with anxiety and frustration. I am getting tired. I began to ask myself if I should just turn it off. How do I turn off?
You know…
I fix dinner but don’t serve his plate.
I welcome my children home with a smile. When he arrives I give him little more than a polite hug.
I interrupt my evening for the children’s bed time routine. I sigh when he interrupts me doing the dishes to share a new idea.
I stop calling him during the day to say hello.
I call on the cell phone when I need him to make a stop on hi sway home.
I complain about the household tasks he forgot to do.
I question him about every decision he makes.
This can be a very long list if I let it BUT…
I hear the ladies. Press on! Press toward the goal of a happy marriage. Press on even when you are tired. Press on and finish the race. I want to win the prize. Don’t you? I hear the Spirit of God telling me to press on.
Have you ever had to press in your marriage just to do the right things? Have you heard the Spirit of God supporting you? I would love to hear your testimony…
If you would like to leave a comment and do not have a blog. Click on Comments and choose anonymous from the drop down menu. You may leave your name in your comment if you like. I really do love to hear your thoughts so please share...
Lisa
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