Forgiveness: Just Do It!

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

I had to forgive my husband today. I didn’t want to, but I did it.

Do you easily forgive your spouse when they mess up, or do you hold a grudge or give them the silent treatment? I have been known to do both.

My husband and I had a little spat today when he was home for lunch. We’ve been married for 30 years, so it happens occasionally. In our case, disagreements usually stem from our personality differences. For instance, I am an organized planner, he is not. Today, something that he was in charge of, didn’t work out well—because he is not an organized planner! It irritated me a bit.

The funny thing is, I am currently in a Bible study about forgiveness. Have you noticed that when God is working in our lives in a certain area, he gives us opportunities to practice? Well, I sure got some practice today.

God calls us to “forgive everyone for everything” (Bruce Wilkinson, 70X7: Finding Peace by Forgiving Others and Yourself).  There are no exceptions. As a matter of fact, we are to live in an attitude of forgiveness, so that when someone commits an offense against us, we are ready to immediately forgive. We need to be ready to let it roll off of us like water off a duck’s back.  Continue reading →

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Family Vacation with Grown Kids: A True Blessing!

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

For the last several years, we’ve been getting the family together for a vacation in Stowe, Vermont. Being from the south, it is quite a change for us—cooler weather, more mountainous, more color, etc. Although we love our state with its beaches and lakes, Vermont showcases another aspect of God’s creativity and glory. While in Vermont we spend our time hiking the beautiful trails, enjoying Vermont’s delicious cheeses, apples and maple syrup, and just spending quality time together.

The views seen from the top of beautiful Mount Mansfield in Stowe are awe-inspiring and the gondola ride is a treat for the grandkids. But, the point of getting together as a family is just that—the family. It’s a time to encourage our grown kids and catch up on their lives, to spend time with our grandkids, and to talk about important things that we usually don’t have time to talk about. We have breakfast each morning out on the stone terrace overlooking the creek and usually share a devotion and a quick prayer before starting our day. Continue reading →

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The Joy of Being a Grandparent: Reflections on the “Yes Phase of Life”

Posted on August 5, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

 

My 6 year old grandson recently spent a week with me by himself—a short respite from his three little gregarious and spunky sisters. We had a wonderful time conversing about life, catching lizards (he did the catching, I just watched), and drawing castles. He just glowed with delight, being the only one here on the receiving end of his grandma’s love and attention.

When I was at his school last year for Grandparent’s Day the principal of the school said something that stuck with me. I thought it was rather profound. She told all the grandparents gathered on that day that although they had already raised their children—working hard to instill discipline and often saying “no”—we were now in the “yes phase of life.” I love that because it is so true. Grandparents get much joy out of saying “yes” to their grandchildren.

My grandson heard me talking about that to someone after the event at his school and asked me what it meant. We talked about it and since then, he loves to remind me (at key moments, of course) that I am, indeed, in the “yes phase of life.”

God wants to say “yes” to us, his children, as well. He desires the very best for us and is the giver of all good things. It brings Him joy to meet our needs and bestow blessings on us. Of course, in his infinite wisdom, he doesn’t always grant our requests just as we use good judgement in saying “yes” to our grands. But God is for you. He loves you—so much that he did not spare His own Son but gave Him up as a sacrifice to pay for your (and my) sin.

Grandparents, remember to say “yes” to those littles. Shower them with love and affection and teach them about the ultimate giver of good things—God himself.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:16-17

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” Psalm 84:11-12

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9

 

 

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3 Essentials for a Godly Life

Posted on August 5, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

There are so many things vying for our attention in this life. We want to be successful at work and earn that next promotion. We try hard to keep a perfect and orderly home—one that our friends will admire. We get caught up in the politics and social issues of the day—such that we neglect time in the Word and in prayer. It’s easy for believers to lose focus and forget what is truly important.

And just what are the essentials of a godly Christian life?

Well, I believe there are 3 basic things: service, love and devotion

As believers, we should have a desire to serve others and to use our gifts and talents in service to Him. In the church my husband and I attend, there are numerous opportunities to engage in service, both within the church body and in the greater community. Yes, we sometimes hesitate to sign up for these service opportunities thinking, there are others who will do it, or we don’t have time, but you are needed and there are certain opportunities for which you are uniquely gifted. The next time the call goes out for help in a ministry or project, go for it! You will be glad you did. Continue reading →

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God’s Word: Absolute Truth in an Age of Lies

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Heart of the Matter

Mid-morning is my favorite time to read the Bible, study scripture and pray. I have the luxury of having free time in the middle of the morning because I no longer have kids at home and have recently retired. My quiet time with the Lord is the very best part of my day. I sometimes use a devotional as a guide for my reading or just read through a certain book of the Bible. Many times I am preparing for a particular Bible study I may be involved in or leading that week. Sometimes I get  busy or unexpected things happen in life and I miss my personal time with the Lord but, I try to reset and pick back up the next day. Why is it so important to study the Bible?

The Bible is literally God’s Word. It was written through men inspired and led by the Holy Spirit to write God’s message to us. It was given so that we could know who God is—the creator and sustainer of the universe— and could find our way to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible has been preserved and passed down through time—generation to generation. It is complete and without error—the source of all truth. The world today would like us to think that truth is relative. You live your truth, I’ll live mine. But if truth is a moveable, malleable standard, then it is not truth at all!

The Bible is meant to be read, studied, mediated on—then read again. There is so much to learn from it. Find time to read it daily, praying for the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes to what God has to say before you begin. When we read the Bible we are connected to God in a supernatural way.

Parents, teach your children the Bible as the ultimate standard of truth by which all ideas, actions and attitudes are to be judged. In these desperate days of uncertainty, atheism and shifting values, they need the solid ground of scripture on which to stand. The next generation will need to know the Bible to repel the ideals of secularism and to defend their faith. We need to raise a generation who knows truth and will not compromise.

I hope you can find time to read the Word each day no matter your situation in life. It gives us strength for daily life and hope for the future. It provides answers and direction for life’s problems and decisions. There is no other book on earth as important—read it today.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

“Therefore, you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NKJV)

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

 

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