Perfection: A Hopeless Cause

Posted on October 14, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

Lord, why can’t I live one single day in a way that’s perfectly right? I always say something I shouldn’t have said, do something I shouldn’t have done, or neglect to do something I needed to do. I mean, if only I could live a day in which I am selfless enough, patient enough, kind and thoughtful and disciplined enough. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Some days I make it until lunchtime before I make a fatal mistake (sin) that I regret, but most days, I can’t make it that long. If only I didn’t have to live on planet Earth with actual people—I think I might be almost perfect!

I’m kidding, of course. Even if I lived on a deserted island with only the monkeys and crabs as companions, I would still sin. It’s a part of my DNA—a stone-like burden we all carry since the fall of man (that darn Adam…we all know he would have eaten the apple even if Eve hadn’t enticed him). How could I possibly sin if I were on a deserted island all alone? That’s easy. Sin begins in the mind, where even our thoughts can be sinful. The motives of our heart and even our unspoken desires can be sinful, as well. Every sin doesn’t come to fruition.  Continue reading →

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Bringing God Glory Right Where You Are

Posted on October 13, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

 

Have you ever wondered why God has you in a particular job, physical locale, phase of life, or family situation? Have you ever felt unsatisfied with life—that you should be doing more for God—maybe something more meaningful, productive or exciting? Many of us have these thoughts—especially if we are feeling unappreciated or ineffective in our current situation. Maybe we believe we should be someplace where we can make more of an impact or be more useful to God.

As moms we are prone to this at two particular points in life. First, when we are being pulled in all directions with little ones under foot, spending all our time wiping noses and picking up Legos. Secondly, when our babies are gone, having married or moved out, and we find ourselves searching for meaning outside of motherhood.

But, what if God doesn’t need our usefulness? What if his desire for us is for something even greater? Continue reading →

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Christianity and Politics: What’s a Voter to Do?

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

 

As Christians, we are called to be a light and a force for good—a reflection of Christ to the world. To do so, we must know what the Word of God says, and do our best to promote and live its message, in every arena—politics included.

I recently enjoyed a conversation with an accomplished college-aged nephew of mine regarding the current political climate in our country. It was a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation. Later that night, it occurred to me we had neglected to consider things from a spiritual perspective. We should have started the conversation with a “big picture” question like: What does God want for the world? What issues matter to Him? Is there a right way for me to vote as a Christian? I wondered, could we know the answers to these questions? And how would our answers impact our political decisions?

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of Christ to the world. That means we must know what the Word of God says and do our best to promote and live its message—in every arena.

The Bible is clear on these things:

  • God wants Christians to stand on, and for, the truths found in His Word.
  • God wants us to love one another—people of every nation, race, and creed.
  • God wants all people of the world to be reconciled to Him through salvation in Jesus Christ.

Standing firm on biblical truth, loving our fellow man and spreading the gospel message, are themes found repeatedly throughout the Bible. But what does biblical truth have to do with politics? Continue reading →

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Need Peace? Here’s How to Find it!

Posted on September 23, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

My favorite days are those in which I feel a sense of inner peace—when my family is doing well and all is well with the world.  Maybe that’s also true for you. Peace is something we all desire. It’s hard to function and flourish in life without it.

Just what are the components of a peaceful life? 

First and foremost, we must live with spiritual security. We need to know that our life is in the hands of someone greater than us—namely, Jesus Christ. When we believe in Jesus, and accept His gift of forgiveness for our sins, we can be sure that we’ll spend eternity in heaven with Him. We no longer need to fear death, and we have Holy Spirit power for this life, as well! Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Would you like to? Follow this link to find out how: How to Become a Christian

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

Secondly, a peaceful life requires that we live at peace with others. In order for this to happen, we must live in a constant state of forgiveness towards others. We must forgive quickly, persistently and joyfully. Forgive, even when others offend again and again. Forgive, even when the offender hasn’t asked for forgiveness. Understand that a heart of unforgiveness can lead to bitterness, anger, resentment, broken relationships, and sometimes even health issues or more dire consequences for us.

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, in Christ, forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Next, in order to have peace in our lives we need to live with a sense of purpose. As believers, we inherently have a purpose—to glorify Him and to make Him known. Part of that mission is serving and loving others in His name. Have you found a place to volunteer or to use your gifts and talents in your church or community? You are uniquely gifted to do so. If you are not currently serving, ask your pastor or a Christian friend for ideas. By the way, if you are in the mommy phase of life, there is no greater purpose than raising your children to know and love Christ. Don’t be ashamed of giving yourself fully to that endeavor.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) Continue reading →

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Surviving Your Child’s Sports Years (without becoming a screaming banshee)

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

For most parents, watching their child or teen play sports is an exercise in stress management. There are moments of joy, accomplishment and celebration, of course, but there’s frustration, as well. Most parents want their kid to play—and play a lot. When that doesn’t happen, we get stressed and sometimes, angry. We inherently have a biased perspective on our child’s skill level and potential. We think our child certainly has the talent to play in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or to end up at Centre Court at Wimbledon. We worry about our child’s self esteem when they sit on the bench or don’t “start”. We question the coach’s decisions. We are certain that our child’s playing time is affecting their college opportunities. There is such a fine line to walk as parents in the stands watching our kids play the sports they love.

I know this because I, too, have been a parent of an athlete—several, in fact. Our oldest son played soccer, our middle son played basketball and tennis (and a little soccer and football), and our daughter played volleyball, softball and tennis. My husband and I spent many, many hours watching, cheering, and supporting our kids in their various sports. We put many miles on our car trekking to games and matches, sometimes in places so out of the way, we lost cell phone service! Continue reading →

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