by | May 8, 2012

Faith-Training, part 1 by Starr Cliff

This post is written with the mother of school-age kids in mind…but I certainly think it’s relevant for each of us! 

For many mothers, there is an ideal way in which we think we should be bringing up our children in their faith.  For most women I talk to, the “ideal” is that they would diligently help their children memorize scripture and have nightly prayer times and devotions with in-depth Bible study.

I agree that’s a beautiful thing to imagine….but I also know it’s not reality.  In my work with families at Trinity Church, I know the “ideal scenario” I typed out above is just not happening in most of our homes.   As a whole, we are not quieting our environment for 30 minutes each night while we have long prayer times, read devotions, and have insightful discussions after scripture reading.  As a whole, we are not helping our children memorize scripture. (If you do all that, please know I celebrate you, and I’m encouraged that some day I might get there.  I say that with all sincerity.)

So then….if most of us are failing to make that scenario happen….what should we do? The sad reality is that many of us try and establish a routine of daily or weekly devotionals with our children, and when the routine fails to establish itself, we simply go back to doing….mostly nothing. Our lives can quickly become a whirlwind of a busy schoolweek with church on Sunday (or at least most Sundays), with very little faith discussions happening in our daily lives.  Imagine me saying this next thing with fire in my eyes and a sternness to my voice — The faith training of our children can not be outsourced.  We can not drop our children off with a teacher at church to learn about God in the same fashion that we drop off children at soccer practice to learn about soccer.  Our faith must be living and active and a part of our daily lives.

the goal: turn these three into spiritual champions in the midst of school, homework, soccer, baseball, dance, and so many birthday party invitations I wanna scream.

I want to encourage you to TAKE THE NEXT STEP toward introducing the reality of Jesus Christ and His love into your daily life.  I will be back tomorrow with practical steps toward making your home a place where God’s wisdom and presence is a natural part of your conversations and routines.  Be encouraged!  You can raise spiritual champions in love with Jesus….even if you don’t light candles and sing worship songs around an open Bible every single evening.  You can do it; I’ll be back tomorrow to share what “training a child up in the way He should go” looks like in the imperfect and often chaotic Cliff household.  Hint: It does not look like nightly devotionals. You’ve probably figured that out by now.

We certainly don’t have it all figured out, but I’m excited to share the things we have managed to establish that work for us.  See ya tomorrow!

.

photo source: Andy West

Leave a Comment

Filed under Starr Cliff

by | May 7, 2012

One Foot in Front of the Other by Anne Zachary

Have you ever just been going along with the flow of life and realize that you’re ready for a change?  Maybe you’re unhappy, dissatisfied, or just ready for something new and different.  

That’s where I found myself the past several months in a couple different situations.   The feelings of discontentment were not new, but in the past I’d been able to back myself away from them and readjust my attitude.  However, more recently, I was frustrated and just kinda done with it all, you know?  

During this recent time, I would let God know how was I feeling and would spend time seeking out the next steps that He would direct in these situations.  I shared with a few close friends.  I was looking for confirmation – a go-ahead – to make some changes.  I mean, He had to see the same things I was seeing.  There had to be changes on the horizon.  

In the midst of this seeking and my attempts to push things in the way that I would like them to go,  I really wasn’t finding any good solutions.  I would half heartedly push at “a door” thinking that this might be the one, and it wouldn’t budge.  Friends sympathized and offered good wisdom.  I was looking for a bright green light to move on, and I wasn’t getting it.

What I was hearing was to stay in the current situations.  And honestly, it wasn’t what I was wanting to hear.  It was a green light to keep going straight ahead.  Not a yellow or red.  Or a turn signal.  Sigh.  I was wanting things to go my way.  But that was not to happen.  

I’m where I’m suppose to be right now, and He has plans for me there.  The nice and somewhat easy part of that is I know that He wants to use me and my family in these situations.  We are a part of His plan.  However, the things that are frustrating and aggravating to me are not going anywhere either.  That’s the not so easy and probably most important part…He has plans for me there, too.  Refining plans.  I know I get to work on my attitude, be submissive to the leadership placed over us, be okay if things don’t always go the way I think they ought.  Not necessarily fun, but necessary.

So, in this season, this is what I’ve learned so far:

The next step is sometimes just the next one in front of me, and the change is what takes place inside of me.

.

***

Anne Zachary

3 Comments

Filed under Anne Zachary

by | May 4, 2012

Running to Rescue

.

Running to Rescue is six weeks away!  Have you signed up yet?!  It’s not too late!  

Grab your family and friends, and join us in making a difference in someone’s life!

See this link for information on the Race and to learn more about the A21 Campaign.

.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

by | May 3, 2012

Seasons of Change by Laura Fulkerson

Jessica, Camie, and Shawn - my little angels many years ago

When I think of my children and now my grandbabies, my mind goes to the days when they were all in their first year of life. During that time, they are developing rapidly, and it’s always so amazing to watch. That tiny little infant, that fits so perfectly curled up on your chest, will soon be connecting, communicating and motoring everywhere. I love the first smiles, and there is nothing sweeter than a baby’s laughter. As the year progresses, the baby learns to coordinate their hands and eyes together, and their feet follow right along. Then comes the rolling over, sitting up, and before you are ready that little angel is crawling everywhere – not to mention those first steps!

I remember those days with somewhat of a fog. It went by so fast. I was also blessed to care for two of my grandchildren during their first couple years. That was a gift, and I treasure the memory.  Those times are sweet, but they are simply times and seasons of life.

The nice thing about letting your kids go is many times they marry and give you beautiful grandchildren! Meet Stephen Cade, Josiah David & Brianna Joy!

Life is constantly changing. Children don’t stick around, and one of the hardest things I’ve ever done is simply letting go of those precious hands I used to hold so tightly. For moms, watching our children take their first steps is one of the most joyous of occasions. However, when they take that all-important next step and leave your home and walk into adulthood, that is a time of both grief and joy. We grieve because it happened so fast, and just when we are planning high school activities and schedules are busy, they are hugging you goodbye.  Your heart is proud of them, yet broken at the same time.

I am in that season of my life right now. I’ve said goodbye to two of my children; and as my youngest is steadily progressing in college, I know it’s only a matter of time before I have to let her fly.

Looking around at creation, I know the Creator ordained seasons, steps and growth. You see life flowing in running streams, new flowers and leaves blossom every spring. Little children grow to become strong leaders, teachers, talented musicians and artists.

I believe God has gifted us with abilities and talents and a thirst to learn. He never intended us to stay babies and stagnate, but grow and continue moving forward even as we become adults. It’s true, growth and change couple with growing pains, and life brings sorrows and joys. But, I love the rewards that follow us as we brave the next steps in the new seasons of our lives. Yes, I get a little sad when I miss my kids I used to have. But, I’m so exited to move forward with the new season God has in store.

.

***

Laura FulkersonBlogger tag: It has been my joy to write for Prize31 since we began in 2009. In this new season of my life, I am freer to serve others in volunteer capacities as well as play a role in my grandchildren’s lives. One of my best friends is 92 years old, and I am enjoying spending time with her while she is still around. I want to devote more time to them. I have decided to step down from writing for the blog for a time. God bless all of you.


8 Comments

Filed under Laura Fulkerson

by | May 2, 2012

The Next Step by Nita Kuehn

After making a jillion trips to the DFW area with my husband in our mini-van, I am about to take off with a van full of women to attend the Pink Impact Conference at Gateway.  Since John will not be with us, I decided that I should know how to change a tire on this vehicle.  When I asked John to show me, he responded, “Honey that is why we are members of AAA.  If you have a flat tire, just call them.”

While that is most assuring, I also realize that there are a lot of open spaces between Lubbock and DFW, and I am not a real patient person.  So, John tells me to get out the manual, and he will walk me through the process.  What a revelation!  As we started through the manual, it detailed each step:

Step #1 – Open the compartment where the jack is stored and get it out.  So I go out to the car and try finding the jack.  “Honey, it’s not there.”  John patiently tells me I am probably not looking in the right place – so out he goes.  Hmm…no jack!

Step #2 – Lower the spare tire by inserting the special tool into the hidden hole located between the front seats.  What hole?  It is hidden!  After searching I found the hole, but the tool to lower the tire was supposed to be in the jack compartment which was empty.  Now, the problem was compounded.  While AAA would definitely have a jack, would they have the special tool to get my tire out from under the middle of my car?

Step #3 – (This one was not in the manual) John provides me with a good jack, creates a special tool that will work, and coaches me as I learn to release the tire.  “Relax girls, we are now in business!”

Have you ever experienced this in your Christian walk?  We know what the steps are supposed to be, but for some reason they just don’t seem to be working for us.  Perhaps we are trying to use the wrong tool or never had the right tool to begin with.  The problem is only compounded as we try to work through the “proper steps” fumbling with the wrong tools.  We then become totally discouraged or angry with ourselves.

That is why it is so important for us to be “connected” within the body of Christ.  Others, like John, may be able to see what is amiss or have just the tool we need.  God never created us to be self-sufficient, but rather inter-dependent.  He also wants us to be so connected to the voice of His Spirit that we can relax and know that He is guiding us to our next step.

Are you connected?  Do you have those who can give you Godly counsel and help equip you with proper tools?  While there is certainly some excellent teaching on TV, it does not replace the relationships in a Life Group.  The Lord is all about relationship, encouragement, love, and accountability.

Girlfriends, please access His power and His process.  You will be delighted with the outcome!

.

***

Nita Kuehn

4 Comments

Filed under Nita Kuehn

by | May 1, 2012

This & That

May is here!  Mother’s Day, graduations of all kinds, and lots of other end of year activities fill our calendars.  This month at Prize31, our lovely ladies will be writing on the topic of “Next Steps.”  We will also be featuring a handful of high school and college graduates as well a guest blogger or two.  Be sure to check in regularly during the month of May!

And the winner is…

It’s time to announce the winner of our April giveaway!  The names of each person that shared a comment on our posts last month have been compiled and entered into a random drawing.  We are pleased to announce that Debbie Walkup is the winner of a 3-bag tote set!  Congrats, Debbie!  Thanks for a being a part of our Prize online community!

The giveaways continue into May!  Join in the conversation and comment on posts and/or contribute to our Friday posts mentioned below to be entered for a chance to win this month’s giveaway of snazzy lunch bag!

(Contest details:  Each person may have one entry per blog post [Multiple comments on one post will still only give you one entry.  Comment on multiple posts for multiple entries.].  Each “reader participation” post that you contribute to will also give you an entry. Prize31 authors are exempt from the drawing.  The drawing for the above mentioned prizes will be held at the end of the day on May 31, 2012.  The winner will be announced on June 4, 2012.)

.

The Recipe Box

The Recipe BoxI don’t know about you, but my recipe files are full of recipes that were handed down by my grandmother and mom.  I love them not only because they are delicious but also because of the warm memories attached to the dishes.  In May’s edition of the The Recipe Box and in honor of Mother’s Day, we invite you to share with us a favorite recipe that has been passed down from your grandmother, mom, or another special lady in your life.   Email your recipes to us at blog31@trinitytoday.com.  May’s Recipe Box will run on Friday, May 18th.

.

May’s Foto Friday

Graduations galore are happening this month, and we’d like to see a picture of your graduate!  No matter the age, the grade, the school…show them off!  Even if, and especially, it’s you receiving your diploma, we’d like to celebrate with you.  Email pictures of the graduate to us at blog31@trinitytoday.com.  May’s Foto Friday will run on May 25th.

(Rules for submitting pictures for Foto Friday:  Please only submit photos of you, your family, & friends.  Please do not submit copyrighted images. By submitting your photo(s), you agree to have the photo posted on the Prize31 blog.)

.

Running to Rescue

Race day is almost a month away!  Planning is well underway, and we want you to make sure to be a part of this special event on June 9th!   Be sure to check out this link for all the information about Running to Rescue and the A21 Campaign.

.

.
.
.

1 Comment

Filed under This & That

by | April 30, 2012

Wild Oats by Gloria Toti

“Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, and cool your pipes.”

.

How is that for a spring-cleaning topic?

Yes, I know it is not very lady-like to speak that way!

I read that line the other day, and it spoke to me.  Everyday each of us is faced with our own personal enemies who are alive… and in action… gathering gossip about us to entertain the street corner crowd.  

They push and shove to try to occupy a little more of OUR SPACE…they are on assignment with one goal in mind:  to get us distracted, defeated, and MAD.

AS YOU CAN TELL, this spring-cleaning topic goes way beyond the closets, attics, and basements of our homes.  

This type of cleaning cannot wait until SPRING!

I am talking about offenses…

THOSE PESKY LITTLE THINGS THAT SEEM TO CREEP UP SO MYSTERIOUSLY!

I know….I keep reminding myself that I have a choice to make when that bait comes my way – what about you? 

We all know that we must be busy scrubbing the residue of OFFENSE away from our paths daily…sometimes hourly… or we are going to get tripped up.   

wild oatsOffense-seed is not partial.  It invites us ALL into a wrestling match often.  Seems so innocent at first.   

How much could it hurt anyway?  Sometimes we convince ourselves that it is too early to call a truce to this civil war going on between our mind, will, and emotions…

We are not intending to be ugly.  We are just hurt! 

Let’s be honest, it feels good to hold on to that negative stuff every once in a while, right? 

But then we find ourselves scratching our heads and wondering how that stuff is not as easy to dismiss the next time…forgiveness now plays hide and seek with us. 

I find myself reading through the Psalms, and David, the Psalmist, makes me stop and think.  He says it like it is…

He was dealing with full-time employees of evil…and he knew where to go to get help. 

He cries out to the one who could help him deal with his stuff.  I wonder how loud he was? 

Have any of you been praying like he prayed?  

“Gag those loudmouthed liars who heckle me, your follower, with jeers and heckles.”

I wonder what God was thinking when David prayed this way?  I wonder if He told David, “what else, son”?

God welcomes us being real.  

He would rather hear us explode with Him than implode in life.     

WE CAN PILE OUR TROUBLES ON GOD’S SHOULDERS; 

HE’LL CARRY OUR LOAD; HE’LL HELP US OUT. 

When our hearts whisper… seek God…we give our whole being an opportunity to reply.

I have prayed and invite you to join me:  Help me not to sow wild oats of offense; Help me from dwelling on my hurt feelings; Forgive me, so I can forgive others; Mark me with your sign of love, God, that I may share it. 

.

***

Blogger ID:

Gloria Toti1.  Gloria, are you dealing with anger?  Nothing more than the average person deals with.  I am guilty of being human.  I will say that my emotions are getting a work-out in this particular season of life.  I think you get the idea…

2.  Do you want us to pray for you?  I am so glad you asked.  BIG SMILE!  Yes, I would love for you to commit to pray for me, and I will continue to do the same for you.  

3.  Is there anything else you would like to say?  Yes, I would love to say hello to all you readers outside of the USA.  We welcome you to this blog.  Our prayers are with all of you in your region of the world!!!

1 Comment

Filed under Gloria Toti