I am a recovering Army brat who loves to travel and start new adventures. My handsome husband and I met at Oklahoma Christian University and he whisked me away to Kansas. So, I bought some ruby red high heels and made Topeka my home. I have a rough and rowdy Princess 4-year-old girl, amazing twin boys (almost 3) and a newborn baby girl who all make every day an adventure. We are grateful to be part of an amazing church in Topeka who regularly challenges and encourages our whole family. I have been both a full-time working mom and a stay-at-home-mom and/or both at the same time at one point or another. I am constantly seeking God’s wisdom on “balancing it all” and following His plan for my life, not mine.
Guest post by Kelly Finstrom & craft by Elizabeth Patton
Galatians 5:16-17,22 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with one another, so that you are not to do whatever you want…. But the fruit of the spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, and SELF-CONTROL.”
Teaching and Living Out the Fruit of the Spirit at Home
We all as moms experience these traits off and on, generally when our children are behaving at their best. But what happens when they are NOT behaving like we have trained them to do? What happens when WE as moms stop behaving as the Lord has so clearly trained us to? Our flesh all too often stands in the way of the Spirit’s work.
Romans 8:5,6 ” Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is LIFE.”
Walking by the Spirit
When controlled by the Holy Spirit we die to ourselves but are given life!
Bearing fruit is completely unattainable by our own strength or our children’s. It is only through the Spirit’s work inside of us that we will be able to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit to our families. It starts with us.
Think about what fruits of the Spirit are or have been taught well in your home. Which fruits are you or your children most struggling with?
The Bible is clear. Walk by the Spirit. Hold fast to God’s Word.
How can we practically do this? Focus on one fruit at a time.
Is kindness a struggle for you or your child? Find specific verses relating to kindness and pray for that fruit to grow over the course of a year or for however long it takes to take root.
You may ask, “What if my child doesn’t have a personal relationship with Christ yet?” Is it possible for these fruits to be developed in their lives? What a relief that God’s control far outweighs our own. He will ultimately work in your child’s heart, but we as parents can train responses to life. Even unbelievers can benefit from the principles in Scripture.
Fruit of the Spirit Craft
You might also try this fun craft to help your kids learn these or incorporate one for a real fruit at breakfast or snack.
Love could be a red apple,
Joy could be a “smiling” banana,
Peace a pineapple,
Gentleness grapes and so on- whatever your kids will eat!
Here is a craft that your family might do to keep these in the forefront of your minds:
Make a construction paper tree- mine is about 18 inches tall but it can be as big or small as you want. You can even just draw a tree on a dry erase board OR your chalkboard OR hang them on a string. Then fold a piece of colored paper in half and make a fruit shaped “card”. This can be lots of different fruit or just one type for the whole tree. We used apples! On the outside I wrote a Fruit of the Spirit and on the inside I found a Bible verse that talked more about that Fruit. I tried to pick shorter verses for my young kids.
For example:
The kids got into it by helping trace the apples and cutting them out. We also ended up with a banana and a watermelon.
We spend time regularly working on pointing out and memorizing these verses as a family which are in a really visible place in our home so they can easily be part of the conversations we have on a daily basis.
I am a recovering Army brat who loves to travel and start new adventures. My handsome husband and I met at Oklahoma Christian University and he whisked me away to Kansas. So, I bought some ruby red high heels and made Topeka my home. I have a rough and rowdy Princess 4-year-old girl, amazing twin boys (almost 3) and a newborn baby girl who all make every day an adventure. We are grateful to be part of an amazing church in Topeka who regularly challenges and encourages our whole family. I have been both a full-time working mom and a stay-at-home-mom and/or both at the same time at one point or another. I am constantly seeking God’s wisdom on “balancing it all” and following His plan for my life, not mine.
This is a topic that is hashed out regularly on blogs and sermons alike. I do not know that I have anything further to add to the conversation, but my hope is that someone reads this and knows that without a doubt – they are enough.
The Earthly Battle We All Face
Whether or not you are a believer in Christ, we are plagued by the human condition. An irony that while we are made in the image of God and created so intentionally, we also fail so deeply on a regular basis in all sorts of ways. Paul says,
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” – Romans 7:15.
Sometimes Christians say we are “living in the flesh” if we are struggling with an aspect of our lives that does not jive with what Christ has asked of us. That often leads to conviction and then sanctification. I want to be clear here that the guilt I am referring to with this post is not the conviction that comes with God’s molding of our souls, but I’m referring to the guilt that is brought upon by lies from the enemy that creep into our thoughts. Earthly guilt is a spiritual battle we all face.
I want to tell you now, no matter who you are or where you are at in life that you are enough for God. He loves you. God may ask hard things of us, but His love never fails. Think about that again. His. Love. Never. Fails.
Overcoming Crippling Guilt
Speaking as a mom, (because, well, that’s something I understand right now LOL ) we often get bogged down in the daily failures. The things we miss, the shoes we forgot to send for gym class, the mountain of laundry and chores that have not been finished, the discipline that didn’t happen because you were tired or the anger you had when you finally lost your temper… (that’s a whole other post). I know that the guilt that cripples me is the guilt that comes from me seeking my worth in things of this world, or other humans -even tiny ones. You can’t find satisfaction from your failures or the admiration you seek from your kids, other moms, even your husband or your parents.
These things we often feel guilty from do not hinge on eternity. I’m not dismissing the feelings, but I want other women out there to have an eternal perspective on their days. Fellow moms- you are the mom he gave to your kids, you are one he placed in their lives.
Colossians 3-2-5 says: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
What can you do each day to set your mind on the things above?
I’m not trying to add more guilt here, but I am wanting us all to look at our days with a little more eternal perspective.
What things are we consumed with that are not Godly and are causing us guilt from comparison?
Are we elevating the importance of something worldly and allowing it to overwhelm our day in a way that takes away from the good things?
Are we seeking contentment in God or what the someone thinks because your youngest’s hair didn’t get brushed that well?
Are we striving for the wrong kind of perfection? If so, that should not be our source of satisfaction or our achievement.
I want to leave you with 2 verses to combat any feelings of inadequacy in your day or in your life:
Hebrews 13:21 says,
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 says,
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Do not get bogged down in the guilt of comparison or from earthly standards. You are Enough. God has created You for the time and place you exist in this world. Cling to the Truth and to the knowledge of Christ and His word.
I am an Oklahoman by birth, a Texan by current living situation, but claim the world as my playground.I love to travel and hope to someday soon take our family on adventures to far off lands, where we can share God with others and experience all the wonders He has created.
I am a mother of 5 crazy, homeschooling children ages 10 & under, wife to an amazing man, and daughter of the King of the Universe!I enjoy reading, making my kids laugh, cooking, all things natural, learning to play guitar and dusting off my piano skills.One day I hope to run again, but until then I’m learning patience.
The importance of a name. The Name we proclaim will determines the direction of our lives. Zechariah was given a chance to show his faith or lack of it, by simply proclaiming a name. We are given this same option.
Jesus say’s in Luke 16:10:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
The power of believing God even in the smallest of details means that we are showing others our utter and complete belief. In this case, the “small” detail boiled down to a name. The name of a child who would then proclaim the name of the Lord Almighty! The is the name under which every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Now, the most important name you will ever say is Jesus Christ is Lord. You will either proclaim it with joy in His heavenly presence because you proclaimed it here on Earth or you will proclaim it out of fear, knowing that you did not carry his name as the biggest and smallest detail in your life. May we never have to dread this day. May we willing wear his name and share proudly with others that we are followers of Christ and they should be too!
As Zechariah wrote out his son’s on his tablet, in the silent but loudest voice he had, he proclaimed his faith in the Lord, the Name above all names!
Luke 1:57-58
When we read this, Lord, we want to jump up and down for your mercy and what you did for Elizabeth too!
Oh , the mercy you had on Elizabeth! In her old age, after her decades of wanting a child and never being able to conceive, you miraculously opened her womb and gave her a son.
And not just any son, but one that would announce the coming Messiah!
What mercy and love you poured out over her!!
What a blessing to be able to celebrate this gift with her friends and relatives!
Let us be a people that rejoice along with our brothers and sisters who are receiving the gift of your mercy right now too!
Maybe it’s rejoicing in a marriage that is stronger in you now after the devil tried to rip it to shreds.
Maybe it’s rejoicing in someone coming to know your forgiveness and the gift of grace.
Maybe it’s one coming seeking forgiveness and receiving your mercy as she has confessed.
Maybe it’s rejoicing alongside someone whose decades long prayer has been answered.
Let us be a people who are faithful, loving, and rejoice along with those who are rejoicing in all you have done for them!
In the One who is faithful to all he created – Amen!
Luke 1: 59 – 61
Lord, when you call us to stand strong and courageous, we often think of doing this against those who are opposed to you.
We don’t often think about standing strong and courageous when dealing with those who love you too.
But this is exactly what you called Elizabeth to do at the very moment when the miracle baby you had given her was about to be named.
No!
She stood up and with the voice you gave her proclaimed the name that you had determined this precious baby to be called.
No!
They would not name him after his father even though that was the tradition.
No!
It didn’t matter that they did not understand the why behind it.
She was standing tall and courageous up to the family that loved her but didn’t fully understand the prophesy and miracle that you had given to her husband.
Lord, we pray that we will be as bold, firm, and lovely with the ones that love us. May we not be swayed by their well-intentioned actions but hold on to the truth you have called us to live.
In the One who calls us to stand for truth no matter what anyone else thinks – Amen!
Luke 1:62-64
Lord, prepare our hearts to be challenged and questioned by others who don’t understand what you have called us to do.
Help us to stand strong.
We praise you for Elizabeth and Zechariah’s faith in what you told them to call their son.
They could have just flippantly dismissed what you said to do because it didn’t fit their traditions. You don’t call us to be a people of tradition but a people of faith.
Obedience brings about blessings sometimes immediately and sometimes eternally. We praise you for giving him his speech back again so that he could go on to tell his son about your amazing ways.
Let us not hold our tongues when they work so well. Let them sing your praises and glorify you through our faith!
In the One who gives us a reason to sing your praises – Amen!
Luke 1:65 – 66
When we humble ourselves to you and obey what you are calling us to do, Lord, you not only keep us in awe but you also keep those around us in awe too!
How awesome it was for everyone in the hill country of Judea to be wondering what plans God had in store for John!
He would be the one pointing the way to the Messiah!
They had know clue how important his role would be, but they understood that God was doing something big.
Lord, we know you are doing amazing things right now in our lives too. And just like John, you want us to point all those around us to the One, the only One, who can change their lives for the better.
May we not shrink back from the responsibility you have given us or pass it off to someone else. May we pray over those whom you have placed in our lives and share the good news with them too!
In the One who put us in this time and place for a reason – Amen!
I am a proud wife and Mother! My hubby, Tyler, and I both attended Oklahoma Christian where our love grew! We got married, had two beautiful kiddos, our son Gunner and daughter Brooklyn, and we are living a truly blessed life! I am a Kindergarten teacher in the great state of Texas and most importantly a Christian. I strive daily to keep God #1 because he is the reason I have all the amazing blessings, I give him all the praise!
Why do we go?Is going to worship the only thing that is scripturally sound?
I want to look into the word to really look at why Bible Class (along with worship) is so important.Many people go to worship and choose to not attend Bible class.The church where we attend has even tried to take measures like switching worship and Bible class where members areencouraged to stay and attend Bible class after worship is over.
What’s the point of Bible Class?
I feel to some extent that we have lost sight of why we have Bible class in the first place.Bible class is a personalized lesson for the appropriate age to learn and grow in Christ. Whether you are 2 or 92 you want that growth to be steady and consistent.Most importantly to continue to have a hunger to learn more about Christ.Going to worship is wonderful, great, NEEDED but why do we not put the same stock on Bible Class as worship?
It’s not scriptural? 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 talks about how we have been enriched in every way (speech and knowledge), as we eagerly wait upon The Lord, be blameless. God is faithful has called you into fellowship with his Son…
Part of fellowship is being with the body of believers. Bible class is one of those fellowships that we have together.You not only grow in knowledge of God but grow closer as a church family when you have more time together and meet whenever you can.
We should be joyful that we have the opportunity to meet together and fellowship anytime the body of believers can come together. Whether it be Sunday, Wednesday, Ladies Bible class, Men’s breakfast…anytime your church family is together you should yearn to be there as well. To be able to slow down from our busy lives and soak in the love we have for each other and the main thing we all have in common, which is that we love God and want to know him more.
I will admit….
when I was younger and my parents took me to church, I would at times have an awful attitude about going to church “everytime the doors are open” but I have to say that I am forever grateful that my parents took that time to show me how important it is to be with the Church. How important it is to have a relationship with them and grow with God together.
I was encouraged by my son’s Bible class teacher recently.My son, Gunner, has struggled with many things in his short 8 years.Open heart surgery, speech delays, setbacks, I could go on and on.He continues to get better but I always tend to worry how he does in school and other areas like his Bible class.
The sweet lady that teaches his Bible class came up all smiles and said,
“Candace! I just have to tell you that Gunner is not only reading the Bible but I can tell he is getting some spunk in his reading too!”
Building on Life Eternal
It hit me like a bolt of lighting.This is one of the reasons I LOVE going to Bible class and why it is so needed… ENCOURAGEMENT, LOVE, JOY!
The reason Gunner is starting to have some “spunk” to his reading is because he sees it on his Bible class teacher.This moment is what truly spurred me on to write this post.Both of my kiddos know a lot about the Bible because they are there every time the doors are open. I knew Bible class was important but sometimes i forget that my kids continue to grow and when they are around the people that have fire for The Lord and invest in his life on a daily basis…that’s building on life ETERNAL!
Bible class is a building block that you continue to build and build til when you are called home and live your life eternally in heaven.Isn’t this our ultimate goal as a Christian?
The Blessing of Building Lasting Relationships
If you are not making an effort to be at Bible class in order to have not only a deeper relationship with Christ but a deeper relationship with the body of believers then I’ll be honest…you are missing out!
Building stronger relationships come with time and effort.When you are married, you don’t just stop loving each other. You find ways to keep that spark alive and Bible class, worship, as well as anytime your church family meets together is that spark that can keep you going.
I cannot tell you how many times that I have attended a Wednesday night Bible class after all day in my Kindergarten classroom… all I want to do is GO TO BED.Those days are even more important to make a special effort to be there because I promise you that God rejuvenates you with his word and your brothers and sisters.
It does your body good no matter how tiring of a day you have.It’s worth it!So much time, effort, prayer and lesson planning go into these Bible class lessons. That is The Lord speaking to us through his soldiers and we need to be there to hear it.
Praying for Guidance and Perseverance
Hebrews 10:25 encourages us:
“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Not in any way do I want this post to make you feel discouraged but I will say that if it makes you feel guilty… you need to pray and search inside yourself and ask yourself, “Am I making meeting with The Church most important?”
Pray for guidance and perseverance. I understand we all have jobs and are tired but we would not tell our boss we are too tired, or our teacher that we couldn’t complete an assignment because we just don’t feel like it.We need to have the most dedication to our Lord before our jobs and even our family.
If we have our hearts and minds on God then everything else WILL fall into place cause He knows narrow the path.
Matthew 7:13 encourages us to focus:
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.”
If your heart is stirring… that is the Holy Spirit working in you.I pray that my intentions and words were an encouragement to you.I love The Lord and I love you. God has called us to a higher purpose.To spread his word and be with the Church body is where it is at for our continued growth, encouragement and unconditional love.
Hi! I grew up on a farm in Kansas but moved to Oklahoma when I got married and have been a city girl ever since. I’ve been married for 36 years to a generous, loving, hardworking Christian man (who is currently an elder in our congregation), and we have been blessed with 2 children, a son and daughter. Both are married, and our son has 2 little girls (so much fun being a grandmother!). I enjoy running, hiking, reading, playing the piano, and singing. I’m passionate about my family, personal spiritual growth, teaching God’s word, mentoring, and serving others.
Sitting on the porch and enjoying the company of others as we talk and get to know each other better is an absolute joy. Although we might not all be able to get together physically, we can do it virtually.
So grab a cup of your favorite drink and let’s get to know Pam a little better. In the months to come, she will be encouraging our hearts by sharing what God is putting on hers.
1. What is your favorite Bible verse?
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
– Philippians 4:6-7
2. Who is the most relatable Bible character to you and why?
John Mark.
He messed up so much that Paul didn’t want him to go with him on his missionary journey, but Barnabas stood up for him and took a chance on him. John Mark didn’t squander this fresh start, and Paul later commends him for his service.
I’ve been like John Mark and have had people like Barnabas in my life, who’ve stood alongside me and encouraged me, spurring me on to do better.
4. What is your favorite go-to easy meal?
Roasted chicken with potatoes/carrots
5. What are your hobbies?
Running, Hiking, Reading, Playing the piano, Singing
6. What is your favorite T.V. show or movie?
Monk
7. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Read a book
8. Who is your role model?
Sue G.
9. Would you rather vacation at a mountain cabin or a beach house?
Mountain cabin
10. What is the best thing about yourself?
I’m an encourager.
11. What is one of your favorite books and/or what are you reading right now?
I am an Oklahoman by birth, a Texan by current living situation, but claim the world as my playground.I love to travel and hope to someday soon take our family on adventures to far off lands, where we can share God with others and experience all the wonders He has created.
I am a mother of 5 crazy, homeschooling children ages 10 & under, wife to an amazing man, and daughter of the King of the Universe!I enjoy reading, making my kids laugh, cooking, all things natural, learning to play guitar and dusting off my piano skills.One day I hope to run again, but until then I’m learning patience.
In the small details of her daily life as well as the big moments, Mary’s way of glorifying the Lord found favor with the Lord. This favor brought her some startling news. News that filled her heart with joy but brought a reality of being separated and set apart.
To hear the words that you are highly favored and will carry God’s son may have caused initial anxiety in some of our hearts, but Mary humbled herself to the Lord once again saying, “I am the servant girl of the Lord, let this thing happen to me.”
Yet, even though she humbled herself, she still quickly made her way to another who may have been the only one to understand what she was going through at the moment. The only one who could give her the encouragement she needed to hear so she could know that what she had just experienced wasn’t a dream. It was reality. A reality that would cause her to burst into glorifying the Lord even more.
Oh, Lord, may we also humble ourselves to your will and be your servants! May we glorify you in the big and small details of our lives!
Luke 1:38
Lord, you are holy and know what we need!
When you call us, instead of fighting you, may we be humble in heart like Mary and answer similarly:
“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Oh, Lord, to have a willing heart to let you lead our souls and lives! That is what we want!
That is how we want to follow you!
In the One who is the ultimate example of how to walk in your ways – Amen!
Luke 1:39-40
God your grace is so good!
Not only did you choose to use Mary, your humble servant, but you gifted her heavenly and earthly support.
You knew that a pregnant virgin would gather some negative attention and be challenged, so you gifted her with a relative who was experiencing a similar miraculous event!
Lord, we know that when we trust in you that others will mock us too. Others will try to persuade us that following you is only causing us harm, but you are so good to support us spiritually and physically too.
Thank you for those who boldly walk in your ways and encourage others to do the same. Help us to be one of those who will trust in your ways even when it makes our lives more difficult.
You never promised this world would be easy, but you did promise you would walk with us along this journey.
In the One who walked the road to the cross on our behalf – Amen!
Luke 1:41-45
Lord, you know our hearts so well!
Even when we have listened and accepted the calling you have for us, sometimes we need affirmation. It seems like that is what you are doing here.
When Mary greeted Elizabeth, not only did little baby John leap for joy, but through the Holy Spirit, you confirmed a blessing upon Mary!
We can’t help but giggle that the blessing was exclaimed in a loud voice! Surely, Mary couldn’t have been far away. She was standing inside Zechariah and Elizabeth’s home and yet, you spoke loudly to her.
Maybe you needed her to hear you over her own thoughts.
Maybe she had just come from talking to Joseph, who was shocked at the news and didn’t know what to do.
Maybe from the time she left Nazareth to the time she arrived in the hill country of Judea, many thoughts had overtaken her and her heart needed to be reminded that this real and not just a dream!
It could have been any number of reasons, but you made a point to loudly exclaim that she was blessed among women.
Lord, we praise you for the reminders in our lives that we are loved by you and can trust you always.
You are an amazing God with an amazing plan. Your way of doing things is definitely not our way of doing things.
And we praise you for finding ways to strengthen our faith in you and what you are doing in our lives just like you did to Mary through Elizabeth!
In the One who proclaimed, “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” – Amen!
Luke 1:46-56
Lord, Mary’s song to you is a beautiful reminder of how you take care of those who love you.
She humbled herself to you not only in life but in song. She rejoiced at how you remembered her humbleness and willingness to serve you.
May we remember how you have been faithful throughout the generations and extend your mercy from generation to generation.
We praise you for the amazing gift of life that she carried for 9 months. She literally carried the word of life in her.
Amazingly you have gifted us the Holy Spirit so we may carry the word of life with us too, in a different way, but still we can rejoice because you have gifted us, your humble servants, with such a wonderful blessing.
May we too honor you and choose to give you glory through our times of blessings and difficulties, instead of taking the credit ourselves.
In the One who sealed all who believe in Him and follow His ways with the gift of the Holy Spirit – Amen!
