God Appointments – Page 3 – Women on God's Mission

How To Get Better ZZZzzzzs

Do you have trouble sleeping peacefully through the night like I do? For me the cause can be a busy mind, not wanting to slow down (party time!), worries, or a physical ailment. I know this problem can either wear and grind, tempting me to whine and grouch at my family. Or, it can draw me to God in prayerful dependence.

God has a purpose in sleeplessness and restlessness. That purpose is greater than our need for sleep. One of my favorite poets, George Herbert (1593-1633), imagined what may have occured when the triune God planned our creation. I love this ancient poem:

The Pulley

When God at first made man, having a glasse of blessings standing by;

Let us (said he) poure on him all we can:

Let the worlds riches, which dispersed lie,

Contract into a span.

So strength first made a way;

Then beautie flow’d, then wisdome, honor, pleasure:

When almost all was out, God made a stay,

Perceiving that alone of all his treasure

Rest in the bottome lay.

For if I should (said he)

Bestow this jewell also on my creature,

He would adore my gifts in stead of me,

And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:

So both should losers be.

Yet let him keep the rest,

But keep them with repining restlessnesse:

Let him be rich and wearie, that at least,

If goodnesse leade him not, yet wearienesse

May tosse him to my breast.

George Herbert, 1633

There are many practical ideas to help one sleep better. I’d love to hear what works for you! Here are a few I’ve picked up along the way:

Don’ts

– Don’t eat after 7 p.m.

– Don’t be too active just before you need to sleep (walking or stretching is okay).

– Don’t eat dairy products late – they take at least 4 hours to digest.

Do’s

– Ask God to relax your mind and help you sleep.

– Turn off the TV and computer at least one hour before bed time.

– Exercise (earlier in the day)

– Keep your room organized and beautiful = a restful oasis.

– An idea from my Dad: beware of pride – your ideas aren’t so important that they can’t wait until tomorrow. 🙂

– For a mind that won’t slow down, listen to the radio on low volume all night.

– Have a regular bed time, and don’t deviate from it more than 30 minutes on the weekend.

– Read or do something that relaxes you, saving a Bible verse for just before you nod off.

– Try lettuce tea. Pour a cup of boiling hot water over a handful of lettuce in a mug, and let it steep for 30 minutes. I’ve tried this once, and it was amazing how it relaxed me. One of my friends quipped, “It worked for Peter Rabbit!”

– Journal before bed. This especially helps me if I direct my entry to God, telling His all that’s on my heart.

– Pray down your mental list of needs, remembering not just your needs but the needs of others.

– To relieve your mind, keep a notepad next to your bed to jot down thoughts.

– Quote Bible verses you’ve memorized.

– List your blessings by going through the alphabet, or list characteristics of God and thank Him for Who He is: Almighty, Beautiful Savior, Counselor …

Rest isn’t a right – it’s a gift. Let “The Pulley” of restlessness draw you to God.

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

February 3, 2012October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Health and Beauty, Mind, Rest, Stress Leave a comment

Obstacle to Comfort – George Mueller: Movie Review

As a pre-teen, one biography caught my attention more than the others: George Mueller -man of faith, founder of orphanages, godly example. Now as an adult, parent, and teacher, this man continues to inspire and challenge my faith. We had the privilege of watching a video about his life last night. I highly recommend it. Excerpt from the website (link found below):

Obstacle to Comfort is a 55-minute video on the life of George Muller of Bristol. The man became a legend in his own generation. He was the builder of schools, a supporter of missions and a father to some 10,000 orphans. The amazing issue of his life does not lie in what he did, but in how he accomplished it.

He refused to inform anybody concerning his needs, mentioning them only to God, in private, on his knees.

My grade for Obstacle to Comfort …

Availablilty = C
It may be difficult to track down. We found ours at our home school assistance program library. Finding it will be well worth the effort. I found one used on http://www.amazon.com/ for $2.99. Huge difference from http://www.half.com/ at over $21. It wasn’t on Netflix.

Information Resource = A+
This video was excellent in describing George Mueller’s background, his conversion, the four most influencial people in his life, how he became a man of prayer, why he never wanted a salary, his pioneer work in founding orphanages … all of this and more upon a clear backdrop describing the current events of his day. I especially appreciated hearing statistics relating what happened to the orphans under his care after they grew up.

Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+
It is hosted by an older gentleman who clearly loves this man who has greatly impacted his life and ministry. His hands tremble, so he moves them a lot, but I didn’t find it too distracting. On the contrary, I was touched that he was determined to make the film regardless of physical issues.

Quality of Film Production = B-
Not terrible for a low budget 15 year old film, but it is slow compared to modern flashy media. Not a big deal.

Spiritual Elements = A
This story is a testament to God’s grace before salvation, at salvation, and beyond. There is no possible way that all the answers to prayers and amazing provision were merely coincidence. Clearly God worked in and through this humble man. I learned that during the blitz of WWII, when Hitler caused numerous deadly attacks on London, many bombs fell around the Mueller campus. And people would run to the buildings of Mr. Mueller’s orphanage instead of to storm shelters. When asked why they would take that risk, they replied, “We know God is here.” None of the orphan houses, schools or offices were ever harmed.

Story Substance = A+
This true story of faith was illuminated by numerous photos and location visits. I was moved by seeing faces of the children he helped, the orphanages and schools built through prayer, and photos of the man himself. Dr. Connolly takes viewers to visit a man still connected to the Mueller organization, who lovingly untucks Pastor Mueller’s personal record books from a safe, showing us his very first book, introducing us to his first orphan. First of thousands.

Review Summary:
Availability = C
Information Resource = A+
Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+
Quality of Film Production = B-
Spiritual Elements = A
Story Substance = A+

Overall Grade = A-

http://prayerfoundation.org/movies/movie_review_obstacle_to_comfort_george_muller.htm

January 29, 2012 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Home Education, Missions, Movie Reviews, Prayer Leave a comment

Don’t Stop Praying

This week our theme at Skinner Academy is “Call Me!” We’ve had lessons about how to use the phone, reviewing our phone number, and talking a lot about prayer. It’s been super fun and super challenging! Our memory verse is short and to the point:

“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without stopping! Don’t stop! Never stop! Pray all day! Based on that verse, here are some places the boys and I decided we could and should pray:

When we wake up in the morning

Before meals

After meals

During meals

In the van

At the store

At a restaurant

When we have a bad dream

When we can’t sleep

At the library

In the bathroom

Making breakfast/lunch/supper

Doing laundry

Before a long trip

In a boat

While swimming

In school

Sweeping the floor

At church

Before we fall asleep at night

We found that the list can get most interesting (and sometimes kindof yucky … like when we’re throwing up)! But it’s true. God wants to hear from us at all times in all places. If you’re like us, we pray before meals, during our quiet time with God, at church, and when we want something or are in trouble. Sadly, most of our praying is self-centered and locked into habitual times, not nearly qualifying as praying without stopping.

God knows that we have a hard time focusing on Him; we need to talk to Him all the time so we keep our vision clear and our relationship with Him strong. We can access Facebook and other social networks 24/7 and most of us have a phone with us at all times. I wonder. Does that steal from our intimacy with God? I know it steals from some of the closeness of some marriages, so it must hurt God as well.

Also, we must not give up praying long-term for prayer requests. After the diagnosis, accident, request, appointment, lay-off or deployment we must remember to continue to pray!

Challenge: Take one day and try to put this verse into practice. Pray all the time, everywhere, without stopping. I’ve never done this before to this extent, but I am going to try to do it today. I’m going to pray for you right now, dear reader. I hope you have a great praying-through-the-day day! 🙂

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

January 20, 2012October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Home Education Leave a comment

Cherish Today

“So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

We’ve all heard catchy little phrases like, “Enjoy today – it’s a gift. That’s why it’s called the present!” (source unknown). Each day we get a little older, and hopefully wiser, as we continually open up and share the gift of life we’ve been given.

In 2012 I am scheduled to turn 40. This month my sister will become a gorgeous 50, and later in the year, my mom a beautiful 80. We’ve talked about how we should celebrate: dinner out, a Caribbean cruise, a trip to Hawaii … it’s fun to dream! We really should celebrate the gift of life and our good God who gave it to us.

I admit it. I’m struggling a bit with turning 40. It sounds old, and I don’t want to be old. Well, I do want to be mature in wisdom and experience … but physically, give me back my 20s! I was telling a friend the other day that the best thing about growing older is looking back at how God has worked through circumstances for good … Romans 8:28 is really true. Not that I doubted it, but it’s a blessing to see it ring true in real life. God is faithful! God loves me! God has a plan for me!

Lately I’ve spent time with someone who has the habit of wishing she were somewhere else. When it’s almost the holidays, she can’t wait for a break. When she gets there, she seems miserable, longing to get back to normal. At our house we call this being an Eeyore. Well, I gave this friend a pretty little sign for Christmas that says, “Cherish today.” I was astounded when she asked me, “Why should I cherish today? Why shouldn’t I look forward to the future?”

Missionary to Ecuador and martyr Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Jim’s insight challenges me to cherish today and my God-given mission. Instead, I often find myself whining quietly or out loud about my circumstances. It is usually when I hear about trials other people are going through that I stop complaining and start thanking.

God treasures our thankfulness. At times life is so hard, and God knows that it can take a tremendous amount of effort to say, “Thank you.” Sometimes in our pain we can ask God, “Please help me to be thankful for what You are allowing in my life.” After all Christ has done for us, we can make the sacrifice of joy, and with determination, “I will … I will…” praise Him.

“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.” Psalm 27:6

In Luke 12 we read about a man who had laid up for years to take his ease in retirement. Just as he was preparing to party, God told him he had reached the end of his days and he’d better prepare to die. What catches my attention is the end of verse 21:

“But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ ‘So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'” (italics mine)

I want to cherish today, and the only way I can do that is to live “rich toward God.” As I spend time with God in His Word and talk to Him in reliance throughout my day, I will have the correct focus. And even when I don’t feel like I have the strength to turn to God, He will hear my cry and come to my aid. And yes, we as God’s children have a lot to look forward to! One day there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more aging, no more sin, and no more death. God has given us a mission and a future – what a privilege. Forty? Bring it on!

New Year’s Resolutions and Chocolaty Choices

One chilly winter morning during college, my slightly dramatic single friend Wendy approached me with a sheepish grin: “Last night I snuggled up in front of a cozy fireplace with a tall … dark … and handsome (gulp?) ……….. mug of hot chocolate!”

My guess is that right now some my single friends are dreaming of someone to snuggle with in front of a fire, and a few married friends are longing for their husbands to take time to build a cozy fire, without being asked, inviting them to share some hot cocoa with them (minus the children). To clarify misleading lies touting unending bliss – being married, even to a growing Christian, is a huge challenge (ask my husband!). But, there are some parts which are quite lovely.

To Resolve or Not Resolve?

When asked at a New Year’s Eve party, one of our friends declared that in 2012 he was resolved to get a second home in Tahiti. With an equally vivid imagination, I eagerly inquired, “Will it be all right if we visit you?” Terrific! I already had my dream vacation planned for the year. As January 1, 2012 approached, I had to deal with the serious business of whether or not I should make a resolution for myself. My first choice: “I resolve to eat chocolate every day of 2012.” Yes! That is one I can keep. It might be tough, but I was willing to take the risk.

Then I thought, maybe I should pray about this. I don’t mean to become “holier-than-thou” on you. But, if I am going to commit to something, on the first day of the year or any day, I’d better ask my Leader, God Himself, for His opinion on the matter. Actually, God’s Word has instruction we need to consider regarding making promises and vows (see Deuteronomy 23:21 and James 5:12). God takes our words seriously. So should we.

One Word

A couple weeks ago I was challenged by the article “My Spiritual Vocabulary” by Debbie Macomber (Guideposts, January 2012). Online her article goes by a different title, “Choosing Words to Live By,” as adapted from her book One Perfect Word: http://www.guideposts.org/stories-of-faith/choosing-words-to-live-by

Quoting Debbie, “Each year I choose one word to focus on and live by. These words have comforted me, challenged me and brought me closer to God. They have changed me.” A fascinating prospect. Some of her words have been: hunger, trust, brokenness, prayer, and hope. A year seemed like a long time to focus on one word, so I contemplated having a word for every month. It would not be a resolution exactly – more like a helpful tool to make my daily schedule more interesting, more focused.

“Spiritual” Chocolate

In December, Ama (our Ghanian exchange student daughter) and I talked about how we want to grow spiritually in 2012. We shared areas we need to work on – or rather depend upon God to help us change. Then came the idea … Ama’s favorite store-bought cookies are Oreos, so I used that treat to help us remember the essentials of spiritual growth:

O – Off/On (put off the fleshly choices, put on the Spirit of God and abiding fruit)

R – Rely on God

E – Encourage Each Other

O – Overview (accountability)

Ama was delighted! We’ve had fun encouraging and challenging each other daily, “So, how is O.R.E.O. going for you today?”

Thus my word for January was born: OFF (the first “O” in “O.R.E.O.”). I’m afraid Tim thought I was OFF my rocker when I told him about it. But, as soon as I explained, he seemed to appreciate the plan. Next month it’s going to be ON, then RELY, and maybe for April – June I’ll go with GOD, ENCOURAGE and OTHERS.

My OFFering

Adding this creative element to my life has been refreshing and powerful. Having the word OFF on my mind daily has helped me when I’ve wanted to eat too much, found selfish motives taking over, or noticed pride creeping in. It’s also benefited my Bible study, journaling, and prayer time. In Luke 5 Jesus told Simon Peter to put OFF human perceptions, directing him to re-attempt fishing after a night of failure. When the men returned with two boats ready to sink due to the colossal intake of fish, they realized Jesus was no mere man. Simon calls Him “Lord,” leaving OFF everything to follow Him in pursuit of a new line of work – fishing for men.

God is helping me put OFF some physical and spiritual weights…

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith …” Hebrews 12:1-2a

God is teaching me to put OFF my fears…

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37

I decided not to make any New Year’s resolutions this year. I don’t trust myself to keep them perfectly, and for me I think it would be more of a burden than a blessing. It is, however, my commitment to do my best to keep trusting and obeying the awesome God of my salvation. My choice to follow Jesus was the most important decision of my life, and it continues on into 2012. His grace makes it all possible!

Enough about me … how about you? Have you made any resolutions? God can help you keep them. Do you need to find a creative idea to refresh your spiritual growth? I’m praying that your 2012 is getting off to a great start. Now, if you will please excuse me, I need to sign off and go find some chocolate.

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

January 6, 2012November 1, 2014 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Holidays 2 Comments

Lemon Wedges and Sugar Packets

Dad and me celebrating his 80th birthday, April 2011

“‘… And try Me now in this,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.'” Malachi 3:10b

My Dad has the unique habit of making lemonade at restaurants. He does not order a lemonade, he makes it with the resources available at his table. Typically, a lemon wedge garnish arrives in each water glass, and before the waiter can say, “May I take your order?” he has already grabbed a mini bag of sugar and is intently concocting his chalice of personal refreshment before our very eyes.

A memory I treasure involves a visit with my parents. We met at a restaurant, and our waitress graciously seated us before delivering water glasses complete with lemony adornments. After sharing an unusual memory from her childhood, our waitress asked if we would like anything else to drink. I tried to look busy with my menu while my Dad smiled at the lady, “I need some sugar, please … to make lemonade.”

Honestly, I can’t say that I have ever gotten used to this ritual, even though it has become a family tradition. I half expected the seven-months-pregnant waitress to toss a meager bag of sweetener my dad’s direction with a snear of disgust. But, no. My eyes grew wide with wonder as our angelic hostess brought my dad not just one sugar packet, but a bowl full of sugar packets, and in another bowl a veritable mountain of lemon wedges (at least eight)! Dad was ecstatic while Mom handled her shock in a most gracious manner.

This reminds me of God’s lavish lovingkindness toward us. We eventually get around to asking God for help (sometimes as a last resort). And what does God do? Does He toss us a lame little sugar packet with a scowl on His face? No way! God delights in meeting every need, heaping upon us His powerful resources and sweet comfort to strengthen us along the way. All we need to do is ask. And, of course, the tab is on Him.

P.S. After the meal, my Dad generously ordered a giant hot fudge sundae for us to share, just to say, “I love you!” Thanks, Dad – I love you, too!

^“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive,

that your joy may be full.” John 16:24

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

November 29, 2011October 21, 2014 by Sara Categories: God Appointments, Parenting 1 Comment

Coincidence vs. Sovereignty

West End Architectural Salvage ... When my sister said we were beginning our day-long celebration of our mom and dad’s 60th anniversary at a coffee shop by that name, I was hesitant. It turned out to be an interesting place! Located in a huge old building, it is a mixture of antique shop, museum, and coffee haven.

While walking around to marvel at the ancient relics scattered high and low, I noticed a lady had come around the corner at the end of the hallway. When I looked at her I was shocked to see Julie, my next door neighbor! Here we were, more than two hours away from our homes, running into each other at this unique place. She was equally surprised, and we had a nice little chat before she left to go shopping with her daughter.

After finishing our cozy hot chocolate and chai, we continued with our party to a fabulous little museum called Iowa Hall of Pride, and next to a 50’s diner, hearkening back to the time when my parents were first married.

Before we took a tour of places where my parents had grown up, met, and the church where they were married, we stopped at a small grocery store in the middle of an old neighborhood. We all dispersed to follow our interests, and since I’m not much of a shopper, I quickly made my purchases and then wandered out to enjoy the sunshine while I waited.

When my sister walked out with a smile on her face, I couldn’t believe it when she said, “My neighbor is inside!” Sharon’s next door neighbor, over an hour away from their hometown, was at the same store at the same time we were. It was fun to go back in to meet the sweet Japanese lady and her family.

What are the chances? What are the odds that both my sister and I would see our next door neighbors, on the same day, so far from home? Even if we had scheduled seeing them, it couldn’t have turned out this smoothly. Timing and place in perfect synchronization.

Why? It’s not that we had earth-moving conversations with our neighbors, whom we are trying to reach with the love of God. Perhaps God arranged these appointments to remind us that …

1. He is in charge of our appointments, ones we know about and the ones that surprise us.
2. He can arrange any combination of scenarios because He is God and He is working out a plan.
3. He is always watching us, and other people are, too.

Today I am thankful for these reminders, and it makes me look forward with a perspective of …

1. Anticipation: I wonder what God is going to do next!
2. Accountability: I had better make sure I am right with God, because He is always watching me, and others should see Christ through me.
3. Preparation: I had better be prepared for whatever God has in store. I need to be ready to encourage, share hope, edify, and shine for Him wherever I go.

Coincidence? Nope. My God is sovereign.

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth … all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist… that in all things He may have the preeminience.”

Colossians 1:17-18

November 6, 2011 by Sara Categories: God Appointments Leave a comment