The subject of contentment is something very close to my heart. It is something that I have struggled with for a long time. You see, I have this BIG problem, and it's called WORRY. I worry about literally everything. All. The. Time.
I can honestly say that some of that worry comes from my desire to be "perfect" in all things. I totally fit the profile for the "Perfectionist" personality. And you know what this striving for "perfection" has left me with? That's right...worries.
I worry that I will get sick (or worse) on a daily basis. Because, if I get sick, then who will do the laundry, cook, clean, take care of the kids? In my right mind, I know that my husband will help, he always does. But still, the worry is there. I worry that one of my kids will get sick (or worse). I worry that my house won't be "clean enough." This is partly to blame on my parents. While they are absolutely wonderful, they instilled in me this standard of cleanliness and order that I can't get out of my mind. I worry about not meeting other people's standards, whether it be in ministry or parenting, etc. (There's that whole "perfectionism" thing again.) I worry about all the "What If's" in life.
I worry so much, that sometimes after mulling over something over and over again, I will lose my train of thought...and then I worry about not remembering what I was worrying about. Are you still following me here? I told you it was bad...
But, several years ago I read this book called "Calm My Anxious Heart" by Linda Dillow. She is an amazing author and I have read almost all her books. This book in particular feels like it was written especially for me. In the first few chapters, Dillow adresses not the issue of WORRY, but rather the issue of CONTENTMENT.
I have to admit that I hadn't associated those two things together before. But as I read the first chapter this is what I highlighted...
A Prescription for Contentment:
*Never allow yourself to complain about anything--not even the weather.
*Never picture yourself in any other circumstances or someplace else.
*Never compare your lot with another's.
*Never allow yourself to wish this or that had been otherwise.
*Never dwell on tomorrow--remember that [tomorrow] is God's, not ours.
The author goes on to talk about the "secret to contentment." It's found in God's Word. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." -Philippians 4:11-13
That means that I CAN be content no matter what life throws at me. In any situation, and at all times, God can give me strength to handle it. J. I. Packer says this, "Contenment is essentially a matter of accepting from God's hand what He sends because we know that He is good and therefore it is good."
As I realized how much this worry was connected to contentment, God started showing me other things in my life. I wasn't content. There was always something more that I wanted. When I was single, I wanted to be married. When I was married, I wanted to have a baby. When I had a baby, I wanted a house. You see...there's always something else that I "don't have." I think that when I stopped focusing on what I didn't have that I thought I should, I was able to release a lot of my worry. Don't get me wrong, it is still something I struggle with every single day. But, I can go back to those verses and realize that no matter what I have or don't have, no matter what season of life I am in, God will give me the strength to handle it.
Linda Dillow says it this way, "Our thought life--not our circumstances--determines whether we are content." It's not about where I am or what I have. The important thing is where I'm focused. And my focus is on Christ.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
What is Your Legacy?
Have you ever really thought about the word legacy? A legacy is defined in different ways, but the one I want to focus on is this...Legacy: Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor from the past.
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. We had a wonderful, godly older woman from our church pass away last week. She had 12 children, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren. As I sat through her funeral and watched her family, I couldn't help but feel overwhelemed by the love that was shown for her. Many got up and spoke of this woman's unfailing faith in Christ, her devotion to her family, and her love for others.
It got me thinking...what kind of legacy will I leave? When my time here on earth is done, what will I have accomplished?
I know what I hope my legacy will be. I hope that I will pass on the faith to my children that my parents passed to me. I hope that I will make an eternal impact for the Kingdom.
The lyrics of the song "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman truly express what I hope to leave behind...
"Legacy"
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
I enjoy an accalade like the rest.
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who's and so-and-sos
That use to be the best at such-and-such
It wouldn't matter much.
I won't lie if feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an ada boy or ada girl
In the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trapping of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
To leave that kind a legacy
Don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trenket in a treasure pile
Where moths and rust theives and such will soon enough destroy
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
To leave that kind a legacy
Not well traveled not well read
Not well to do or well bred
I just want to hear instead
"Well done good and faithful one"
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
To leave that kind a legacy
I have been thinking about this a lot lately. We had a wonderful, godly older woman from our church pass away last week. She had 12 children, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren. As I sat through her funeral and watched her family, I couldn't help but feel overwhelemed by the love that was shown for her. Many got up and spoke of this woman's unfailing faith in Christ, her devotion to her family, and her love for others.
It got me thinking...what kind of legacy will I leave? When my time here on earth is done, what will I have accomplished?
I know what I hope my legacy will be. I hope that I will pass on the faith to my children that my parents passed to me. I hope that I will make an eternal impact for the Kingdom.
The lyrics of the song "Legacy" by Nichole Nordeman truly express what I hope to leave behind...
"Legacy"
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
I enjoy an accalade like the rest.
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who's and so-and-sos
That use to be the best at such-and-such
It wouldn't matter much.
I won't lie if feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an ada boy or ada girl
In the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trapping of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
To leave that kind a legacy
Don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trenket in a treasure pile
Where moths and rust theives and such will soon enough destroy
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
To leave that kind a legacy
Not well traveled not well read
Not well to do or well bred
I just want to hear instead
"Well done good and faithful one"
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me
Did I choose to love
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
To leave that kind a legacy
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Unfading Beauty
Teeth Whitening, Spray Tans, Fake Nails, Mega Hair, it's all part of a pageant...for toddlers?
I recently watched an episode of "Toddlers and Tiaras" on TLC. I have to admit, that I was pretty amused by the ridiculous mothers on the show. However, my amusement quickly turned to pity for these little girls (children) that are being taught that their worth is measured by their outer beauty and talent.
Being a girl isn't easy. From an early age we are bombarded with the message that "beauty is everything." We all want to be princesses, becuase of course princesses always look pretty. As we get older we want to have the latest fashions, the most enviable hair style, and a body that is a "perfect ten." Everything in our culture emphasizes that looks are important. From TV, to magazines, to movies, to the internet, it all says the same thing. I'll refer back to one of those mothers from "Toddlers and Tiaras" that stated very matter-of-fact, "the pretty kids are the popular kids, the one everyone wants to be friends with."
Even as Christian women, we fall into this trap. I very painfully went through the "ugly duckling" stage in middle school and early high school. I felt like I was inadqaute in many ways. I was "too skinny", "too pale", and "had poor fashion sense." I subscribed to the latest teen magazines and would put myself through the torture every month of disecting every "imperfect" part of my outward appearance. It doesn't help when you have friends or family members that, although not trying to hurt you, point out these insecurities. Top that off with being friends with the girl that "every guy wants to date," and it's enough to make anyone feel like a total loser.
Then it happened...kind of like it does in the movies. When the girl that is awkward and frumpy suddenly becomes attractive and interesting. As I came out of the "ugly duckling" stage, I felt like I had finally made it. I mean, I was no supermodel, but I felt like at last I met the world's standard of "beauty." I suddenly had the attention of boys that I had so desperately longed for. But, I still had insecurities. I felt more pressure to keep up. I had to look "perfect" at all times.
It wasn't until I went away to Bible college that I learned something different. Something that is in stark contrast to what the world teaches. I learned about inward beauty. I feel like I truly came into my own as I spent more time perfecting my "inner self" rather than my outer appearance. Just as Moses' appearance was changed after spending time with God on Mount Sinai, "he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord" Exodus 34:29, the more time I spent reading my Bible, praying, and worshiping God, I feel the more "radiant" I became.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I think I'm beautiful. At least, not by the world's standard. 1 Peter 3:3-4 states, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
I have learned that my TRUE worth comes from who I am in Jesus Christ. And it is important for me to remember this, and share it with other girls. It is important because I have two girls of my own. Two little girls who want to be princesses. I have to be very conscious about the way I praise them. I find myself often telling my oldest girl, "you're so pretty." While this is true, I have to be careful that I emphasize true character qualities, and not just physical beauty. I have to be intentional about praising her for telling the truth, serving others, and memorizing Scripture.
I hope that I can be the louder voice in my daughters' ears. I can't completely shelter them from the world's standards. But I can however teach them something different. I can teach them that their worth is not found in worldly things or by the way they look. I can teach them to value themselves based on God's Word.
If there is one thing I have learned since having children, it is that outward beauty certainly doesn't last. Having a child changes your body, and raising children certainly influences your outward appearance. Most days I am lucky to get some make-up on, and am very fond of comfortable clothes over the latest fashions. And while I feel it's important to take care of yourself and not be a slob, that's not where I find my value.
Proverbs 31:30 says it best, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
I recently watched an episode of "Toddlers and Tiaras" on TLC. I have to admit, that I was pretty amused by the ridiculous mothers on the show. However, my amusement quickly turned to pity for these little girls (children) that are being taught that their worth is measured by their outer beauty and talent.
Being a girl isn't easy. From an early age we are bombarded with the message that "beauty is everything." We all want to be princesses, becuase of course princesses always look pretty. As we get older we want to have the latest fashions, the most enviable hair style, and a body that is a "perfect ten." Everything in our culture emphasizes that looks are important. From TV, to magazines, to movies, to the internet, it all says the same thing. I'll refer back to one of those mothers from "Toddlers and Tiaras" that stated very matter-of-fact, "the pretty kids are the popular kids, the one everyone wants to be friends with."
Even as Christian women, we fall into this trap. I very painfully went through the "ugly duckling" stage in middle school and early high school. I felt like I was inadqaute in many ways. I was "too skinny", "too pale", and "had poor fashion sense." I subscribed to the latest teen magazines and would put myself through the torture every month of disecting every "imperfect" part of my outward appearance. It doesn't help when you have friends or family members that, although not trying to hurt you, point out these insecurities. Top that off with being friends with the girl that "every guy wants to date," and it's enough to make anyone feel like a total loser.
Then it happened...kind of like it does in the movies. When the girl that is awkward and frumpy suddenly becomes attractive and interesting. As I came out of the "ugly duckling" stage, I felt like I had finally made it. I mean, I was no supermodel, but I felt like at last I met the world's standard of "beauty." I suddenly had the attention of boys that I had so desperately longed for. But, I still had insecurities. I felt more pressure to keep up. I had to look "perfect" at all times.
It wasn't until I went away to Bible college that I learned something different. Something that is in stark contrast to what the world teaches. I learned about inward beauty. I feel like I truly came into my own as I spent more time perfecting my "inner self" rather than my outer appearance. Just as Moses' appearance was changed after spending time with God on Mount Sinai, "he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord" Exodus 34:29, the more time I spent reading my Bible, praying, and worshiping God, I feel the more "radiant" I became.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I think I'm beautiful. At least, not by the world's standard. 1 Peter 3:3-4 states, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
I have learned that my TRUE worth comes from who I am in Jesus Christ. And it is important for me to remember this, and share it with other girls. It is important because I have two girls of my own. Two little girls who want to be princesses. I have to be very conscious about the way I praise them. I find myself often telling my oldest girl, "you're so pretty." While this is true, I have to be careful that I emphasize true character qualities, and not just physical beauty. I have to be intentional about praising her for telling the truth, serving others, and memorizing Scripture.
I hope that I can be the louder voice in my daughters' ears. I can't completely shelter them from the world's standards. But I can however teach them something different. I can teach them that their worth is not found in worldly things or by the way they look. I can teach them to value themselves based on God's Word.
If there is one thing I have learned since having children, it is that outward beauty certainly doesn't last. Having a child changes your body, and raising children certainly influences your outward appearance. Most days I am lucky to get some make-up on, and am very fond of comfortable clothes over the latest fashions. And while I feel it's important to take care of yourself and not be a slob, that's not where I find my value.
Proverbs 31:30 says it best, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."
Monday, August 8, 2011
Inspiration for the Blog
I have read so many blogs about homemaking, ministry, homeschooling, etc. There are little things I have taken from each of these blogs. I also wanted to share my journey as a homemaker, to hopefully encourage other women to "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind." (Titus 2:4-5)
I by no means think I am an expert in any of these areas, but it is my goal each day to be a better Christian, wife and mother. Through this blog I will share my thoughts on faith, marriage, family, and ministry. Please join me on this journey, and feel free to share your thoughts and feelings with me. I can always use encouragement from other women who are striving to be what God wants them to be.
In Him,
Hannah
I by no means think I am an expert in any of these areas, but it is my goal each day to be a better Christian, wife and mother. Through this blog I will share my thoughts on faith, marriage, family, and ministry. Please join me on this journey, and feel free to share your thoughts and feelings with me. I can always use encouragement from other women who are striving to be what God wants them to be.
In Him,
Hannah
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