Ever heard the saying, "patience is a virtue"? Patience, or lack there of, is something that I struggle with daily but am determined to overcome. I lack patience in dealing with my children most often. Occasionally with my husband, okay, maybe a little more than occasionally..........
My daughter, in particular, does a great job of testing my patience. God gives me do-overs everyday with her and I continue to get these because I continue to fail them. One of these days though, I will prevail! I am tested in the small things such as telling my children to do something, they don't listen, so I tell them again and again. So, on the third attempt my voice gets louder so my children are slightly unnerved and decide to do what they were told. My son hates the loud voice (aka ~ yelling) so he will typically do whatever he was told. My daughter on the other hand is the stubborn duplicate of her mother and is determined to have it her way, regardless of the consequences. And, she's cute while being stubborn. Bad mix!
Fortunately, I find comfort in knowing that God answers my prayers as well as giving me the opportunity to eventually get it right (do-overs). When I seek answers from Him, I find them, and when I pray for strength and patience, He grants. Not always in my time, but in the timing that will make the most impact for all involved. Below are some of the scriptures that can be applied to our everyday lives regarding patience.
Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded and a gentle tongue can break a bone~
This one is REALLY important; I often think that my kids aren't listening because they can't hear me. Thus the yelling! But, the yelling isn't kind and isn't how I should respond. Being patient, calm, and gentle, my kids always respond better. And as my husband has so gently pointed out many times, they can hear me! They hear everything.......
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything~
Another HUGE area that I struggle with is direction. What is God's direction/path/vision for me. I pray about this daily and often wonder if I can hear what He is saying, clearly? I know that He has big plans for me and my family. But, what if? What if this, what if that, what if, what if, what if? Because I often lack patience, I expect to hear answers quickly. But I must have patience in this aspect of life also and not doubt that He is constantly listening and answering. The doubts come from the enemy and he is constantly there to deceive us from the truth and from God's word. This deception leads to doubt and questioning which eventually tests our faith. This scripture provides strength in trials, in the midst of doubt, and to the unanswered questions. I will take joy in the midst of these trials and will refine and mature my faith while patiently awaiting His response instead of questioning if and when. I will persevere and become a New Creation in Him....
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Daily Funny
So my crazy daughter (2), comes running in the kitchen this morning yelling that she is out of poilet taper and can't find her booth taste! This may not be funny to the masses, but most moms of young children love hearing words that don't make sense and make us giggle!
For those of you who couldn't figure it out, poilet taper is toilet paper, and booth taste is tooth paste :)
Trials and Tribulations
At some time or another we have all felt like Job, wondering why God has allowed us to endure such trials, tribulations, and suffering. The Book of Job records the concerning questions, the terrifying doubts, and the anguish of a sufferer.
One of the reasons I wanted to start this blog was to inspire others, individuals who had suffered from a tragic and hurtful childhood, individuals who struggled daily with illnesses, individuals who struggle with life in general. I want you to know that anything is possible through Christ! Healing from physical, mental, and emotional ailments, freedom from the bondage that you live in daily, forgiveness of even the most heinous sins, it's all within reach.
In the first chapter of Job, we learn that he was a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. He had a large family; seven sons and three daughters born to him. He had many possessions, 1:3; His possessions were seven thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. Now in my opinion, this is like being a present day millionaire. Job's character is highlighted in the first couple of verses of the Chapter stating that he had great character, being upright and blameless.
Satan questioned Job's character and love for God and thought he had ulterior motives. In 1:9-12, the Lord allows Satan to test Job, even though He had placed a hedge of protection around Job and his household. No harm could come to Job unless the Lord permitted it. Believers today should take great comfort in knowing that God protects His people. God's sovereign control also limits the powers and actions of Satan. 1:12 "And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."
The Sin of cursing God is a pivotal issue in the Book of Job. Job feared that his children would speak irreverently to God. But Satan was certain that if Job's prosperity and blessings were removed that Job would certainly curse God.
Everything was then stripped from Job, his livestock, his servants, and his children. But,
One of the reasons I wanted to start this blog was to inspire others, individuals who had suffered from a tragic and hurtful childhood, individuals who struggled daily with illnesses, individuals who struggle with life in general. I want you to know that anything is possible through Christ! Healing from physical, mental, and emotional ailments, freedom from the bondage that you live in daily, forgiveness of even the most heinous sins, it's all within reach.
In the first chapter of Job, we learn that he was a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. He had a large family; seven sons and three daughters born to him. He had many possessions, 1:3; His possessions were seven thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. Now in my opinion, this is like being a present day millionaire. Job's character is highlighted in the first couple of verses of the Chapter stating that he had great character, being upright and blameless.
Satan questioned Job's character and love for God and thought he had ulterior motives. In 1:9-12, the Lord allows Satan to test Job, even though He had placed a hedge of protection around Job and his household. No harm could come to Job unless the Lord permitted it. Believers today should take great comfort in knowing that God protects His people. God's sovereign control also limits the powers and actions of Satan. 1:12 "And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."
The Sin of cursing God is a pivotal issue in the Book of Job. Job feared that his children would speak irreverently to God. But Satan was certain that if Job's prosperity and blessings were removed that Job would certainly curse God.
Everything was then stripped from Job, his livestock, his servants, and his children. But,
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
About My Blog
Welcome to my blog. I’m new to blogging, not the best writer, and usually a little distracted. Right now the distraction is SpongeBob, which my kids are watching. I hope that you are entertained enough to at least come back once or twice. My name is Tiffany, I am married to the greatest husband a girl could ask for, and have been blessed with 2 amazing children of the ages 2 and 6. I recently quit my job in the automotive industry and must say I miss it a little. It gets in your blood, especially after 17 years. I quit my job a few months ago to start a new business venture and spend more time with my children. A lot of thought, prayer, prayer, and more prayer, and budgeting went into the decision.
WOW! WHAT A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD PROVE TO BE!!!
I have been a Christian/believer all of my life. I haven’t always been a faithful , obedient, servant unto Him. I went through many, many, many years of doing life on my own, my way, having fun, and at times, not so much fun. I often ignored God and what He was asking me to do with my life because I had better plans. I had goals, ambition, motivation, and I could make anything happen. After I became a more faithful, obedient, servant unto Him, I realized that yes I can make anything happen, but without Him, the outcome is never the same. And, who is making things happen is it really me? No, everything I have ever been blessed with, accomplished, succeeded at, He made happen!
The last couple of months have been humbling to say the least. The business didn’t necessarily develop as my partner and I planned. We had a solid structure, business model, etc., but, it wasn’t His plan for us. Every time we would make progress it felt as if a brick wall was thrown up bringing things to a halt! God said stop! This isn’t my plan for you right now.
As servants of God we must get to that point where we are faithful and obedient not just 80 or 95% of the time but 100% of the time, listening to His every word for us. God has a dream for us all. He has a dream for my family and I, and He has a dream for you too. Do you know what His dream is for you? For some it’s being a banker, a pastor, an NFL player, a stay-at-home mom, an entrepreneur, or even a NASCAR driver. For me, I think it’s to help others. I don’t know in what specific capacity, but this is my journey to discovery. Along the journey, I will add lots of stuff; articles, resources, scriptures, videos, and much more. I hope that you join me on this adventure as we share our love, our struggles, our resources, and our dreams while becoming A NEW CREATION for Him!
Tiffany
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