Metro Moms

Bedtime schedules ??

All this talk about scheduling, goal setting, planning, etc. has made me think, once again, about the priority of scheduling my time.  I use my planner with monthly calender every day, paper not electronic.  I enjoy writing things down and checking them off.  Sometimes I must admit that I write them down when I have finished just so I can have the satisfaction of checking them off.  Tonight, as I was putting Emma (my 14 month old) to bed, I was once again reminded of the importance of scheduling my time.

I know that's a strange thing to think about while I was holding my precious baby, but really I was thinking of how much I love putting my children to bed and one thought led to another.   It has always been one of my favorite parts of the day.  We have lots of bedtime rituals that we do with each of our children, from reading stories, praying and just cuddling.  All of it takes time.  Time that has to be scheduled in as a regular part of our day.  Time that is so worth the effort, but if it isn't planned won't happen.

Our bedtime rituals are so much a part of our life that they really don't seem part of a schedule anymore, just a part of our life.  Yet tonight I was reminded that if the rest of my life is not in order than those things which are so important can be squeezed out.  It isn't nearly as enjoyable when I feel like I am pressed for time and think I should be doing something else.  I don't want to miss these special moments with my children, which I can do even when I am there.  I know that scheduling the rest of my time gives me the freedom to savor these moments with them.    So, if you don't regularly use a calendar of some kind, I encourage you to start now and begin to find the time to do those things which are most important.  I know this helps motivate me, by God's grace to wisely use the time He has given me.

Posted by Elyse

A Chapter Here, A Chapter There

There are so many excellent resources at our disposal that it can be overwhelming at times choosing what to read to aid in our growth in Godliness.  The Bible remains the best resource available to us! And I know some of us are making a fresh commitment to read through the Bible this year.  If that means not having the time to supplement with other books, then that's certainly fine!

But for those of us who can find the time to read other books, I want to offer some thoughts.  A pastor's wife once shared that in addition to her daily Bible reading, she tried to keep books on her bedside table about marriage, parenting, and theology.  She said she and her husband ended the day in bed reading instead of turning on the television.  I've tried implementing this method into my own life and have slowly made my way through a pile of books.

Reading, let alone finishing a book, can seem like an unattainable goal when you have young children. My encouragement to you is to just read a chapter here and a chapter there.  Eventually, you'll make your way through an entire book =).  Sometimes it takes me a year to get through one book.

I've also found studying a book with a friend very helpful.  I'm currently reading "When People are Big and God is Small" by Edward T. Welch.  My friend and I read a chapter independently and then get together over coffee to discuss the chapter and how God is using it in our lives.  "Humility" by C.J. Mahaney is the next book we plan to study.

God has used the contents of some books to radically affect my life.  "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas has helped me have a more God-centered view about marriage and has challenged my unbiblical thinking concerning some areas of marriage.  "Duties of Parents" by J.C. Ryle is a book that is helpful to read yearly to assist in child training. I'm presently making my way through "Concise Theology" by J.I. Packer to grow in my knowledge of historic Christian beliefs....two pages at a time =).

As the New Year has only just begun, why not pick up a book and begin reading - a chapter here and a chapter there.

Posted by Michelle

How are you doing on the things the Lord has been saying?

Ok; it's Tuesday morning.  We're 2 weeks into the new year.  I recently heard that most new year's "resolutions" are done with by January 8th.

Oh dear....

So how are you doing?  Have you been able to think through and talk with your husband or a wise friend about areas of needed self-assessment?  (See here for an earlier post with questions I suggested for this purpose.)  What area(s) have you sensed the Lord nudging you for personal growth in sanctification and, perhaps, in your pursuit of Him this year?  Are you one of those who has joined our Route 66 club?  If so, how's it going? 

If you've already slipped...please don't give up!  Scripture tells us that even the righteous fall; sometimes many times!...but then "rise again" (see Prov 24:27).   So if your new eating or fitness plan is waning; if your plan to organize some closets hasn't yet happened; if your resolution to be more consistent in training your children is no longer sustained like it was last week; or if you are already behind in your Bible reading I have good news:  there are 350 days left in 2007!   So a few haven't worked out as you would like?  Then close your computer; acknowledge your weakness and need for God to Him; and plan right now to trust Him for the grace and strength you need to "rise again."

And please don't forget this important truth:  As a Christian, your acceptance to the Savior has nothing to do with whether or not you organize that closet, lose a few pounds or read the Bible every day. You are loved and accepted by God because of the finished work of His Son on the cross.  He has never -- and will never -- love and accept you any more than He does right now...no matter how many closets your clean or Bible passages you read. Oh, what indescribable comfort! 

Off to make a plan for cleaning out some closets!

Posted by Sheree

Moving Forward in Faith!

One of the most amazing things about being a Christian is actually hearing the Lord's voice.  I've never heard the Lord speak audibly (I'm looking forward to That Day when I do!). But it happens in many ways, first and foremost by reading His word.  God speaks to us in numerous other ways -- through the preached word; from the wise counsel and input of others; and in the quietness of our own hearts as biblical truth we've learned comes back to us at just the right time!

Is the Lord speaking to you about a fresh commitment to the spiritual disciplines this year?  Like me, do you struggle with unbelief that this year's commitment will be any different than the short-lived "resolutions" you've made in years past?

Let's resist the self-sufficiency and unbelief that says this year will be just like years past.  Things CAN be different because we have a powerful God who is poised to help those who are weak!  I am weak.  You are weak.  But because of the cross we can know that God is at work in us, giving us the desire to please and follow Him in new ways this year!

So whether you're joining the Metro Moms Read Through the Bible in 2007 Club or whether you have other Spirit-inspired plans for making your pursuit of the Savior a greater priority this year, let's all keep moving in faith.  Have you missed a day (or two, or three) of your devotional times or your Bible reading?  Then just start afresh today!

Off to do my Bible reading...3 hours later than I hoped.  :-)

P.S.  For those who have (or will be) reading through the Bible this year, tomorrow's Friday Favorite will be a list of resources to help you.  You won't want to miss tomorrow's blog!

Posted by Sheree

Hmmm....is the Lord speaking?

No, the blog team didn't plan our contributions.  But Debi and Elyse are obviously on the same page! It seems the Lord may be speaking to some of us about elevating God's word to a greater place of prominence in our lives this year!!  So girls...if you've decided -- or would prayerfully consider deciding -- to read through the Bible in 07, let's join together and pray for each other.  Perhaps we could offer some encouragement and accountability along the way.  If you would like to join the Metro Moms Read Through the Bible in 07 Club please let us know by posting a comment.  You certainly don't have to be a part of Metro to join!

I have always liked the beginning of the New Year.  Somehow, it seems like I have the opportunity to make a fresh start on things.  Areas in which I have struggled are now opportunities to change, repent or try to glorify God anew.  It is another chance to prioritize my time and remember what is important. 

As I was packing some boxes the other day, I came across my One Year Bible. If you have never seen one of these it is the entire Bible divided up into daily readings of the Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs for each day.  At the end of the year you will have read through the entire Bible.  I have used this several times in the past and it has always been a really good experience.  It seems that so many times, the readings for the day seemed individually picked for me, even though they were just scheduled readings. 

Having three small children, being disciplined has been my biggest challenge.  Every time I seem to get in a routine, everyone else's routine changes and so my time with the Lord seems to slip away.  I used to struggle with only having a few minutes with God and thinking it wasn't even worth it if I couldn't have an hour alone.  Yet, finally I realized that every minute is worthwhile and that I cannot do without that time, no matter how small.  One of my recent challenges has been determining how to best use that time.  That is where the One Year Bible comes in.  If I can do nothing else that day, but do the reading, that would be wonderful.  I plan to go through it again this year and at least I will know what I am to read that day.  I look forward to seeing all the Lord will show me through His Word in those quiet moments. 

If you have never read through the entire Bible, I encourage you to do it this year.  This is an easy, enjoyable way to do it.  Or if you have done it before, but just need a fresh perspective, I invite you to join me and spend this next year enjoying God's Word again.

Posted by Elyse

Cherishing God's Word

I remember being on a Ladies retreat in North Carolina, when the leader, an older woman in the faith, discovered that I had never -- in my 30+ years -- read through the Bible.  She looked at me in total shock and sternly said, "Shame on you!"

Sadly, my first thought was, "What's the big deal?  I'm certainly not the only one who has never read through the Bible from cover to cover.  After all, I know the important parts."  Obviously, full of pride and deception, I was missing the point.  God had given everything to secure His Word being available to me, a desperate sinner in need of Truth, yet I didn't care enough to read it - all of it!

Over the next year, this dear friend took it on herself to lead a small woman's group with the purpose of reading through the Bible in a year.  It was an amazing journey.  I didn't understand a lot of what I read, but what I did understand began to slowly change my life.  What a gift God's Word is to me and to you.  As a result of this woman's challenge, I can now say that I enjoy reading through God's Word.  It has become a practice that I cherish.

So I ask you the question - have you ever read through the Bible?  If not, this is the start of a New Year and a great opportunity to embrace change.  The computer offers a great site for daily readings - check it out here

Posted by Debi

2007: Let's Get Started!

I'm sitting here in my pajamas in front of the fireplace happy that it's cool enough in Orlando to enjoy it's warmth and beauty.  And I'm thinking about the new year.

Our Jesse and Rebekah gave us a Christmas surprise when they told us 7-month-old Samuel will be a big brother!  It was a surprise to them and to us.  But not to God. 

We never know what a new year will hold for us.  The joys, blessing, challenges, trials, surprises, disappointments or perplexities that will come this year are completely unknown to us.  Yet this we know:  God has everything lovingly and wisely planned -- down to every detail.  Included in His sovereign plan is His promise for our growth...growth that will come through both the blessings and the difficulties we will face this year. 

Let's really think about this.

What are you looking forward to this year? What hopes and dreams do you pray will be fulfilled?    What discipline(s) in your life need grace-motivated effort (consistent devotions, fitness, time/home management, child discipline/training)?  In what one area do you want to grow as a wife and mother?  What sin patterns in your life need fresh faith for repentance and mortification (putting to death)?  What goals did you set for last year that weren't achieved and why?  What fears, concerns, or anxious thoughts are you currently battling that need a touch from the Lord?

If you're like me your thinking, "Oh dear...I just want to get my house back to order after the holidays!"

But one man said:  "If you aim at nothing you'll hit it."  A new year is a wonderful time to reflect on last year and look forward in faith to this year.  Why not set aside some time over the next couple of weeks to prayerfully consider what the Lord wants you to "aim" at this year.  I plan to use the questions above as a guide for prayer and discussion with my husband -- maybe you can join me.  (If you're single, a wise friend or small group leaders wife could be a resource for brainstorming and feedback for you.) 

There are things about 2007 we can't anticipate or control.  But other things are well within our reach.  Jerry Bridges talks about sanctification -- our growth in godliness -- being successful only with "personal, vigorous effort anchored in the grace of God."  May our efforts this year be personal and vigorous because we know His grace will anchor us every step of the way!

Posted by Sheree