The Beauty of New Life in the Spring

I haven't felt like posting much lately. I guess I've been in a bit of a slump. Nothing is terribly wrong. I've just been busy, and I've been dealing with some circumstances that I won't bore you with. But, through it all, the Lord has continued to be by my side - loving me, caring for me, and teaching me.

As the Apostle Paul has said in the book of Philippians, "I have learned to be content in all circumstances." Something what really helps with this is to notice, and focus on, all the positives in life. Philippians 4:8 says:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Instead of dwelling on the "ugly" things in life, it is much better to notice the beauty of it. 

... and, with Spring here now, its hard not to AT LEAST notice the beauty around us. New life is so beautiful. Even a dandelion, as annoying as they can be, are beautiful in their own way...

A couple of years ago, I wrote a little something about Spring after finding two baby birds in a nest. I am thankful to have had the chance to see this sweet picture of new life -- a reminder of the new lives I held in my arms when they were first born babes; and a reminder of the new life I received when I trusted Christ as my Savior.

~~ *~*~*~*~~

NEW LIFE IN THE SPRING

It’s Spring...

I looked up into a tree in our backyard and saw a nest.

In the quiet of the afternoon, the birds were busy finding worms for their young.

I stood still... I watched... I listened....

Mother Robin flew back to the nest with a worm in her mouth.

I saw 2 little heads pop up above the nest, chirping their hungry cries to their momma.

She willingly fed them, then flew off to find more.

After she had gone, I decided I wanted to see them.

I had to see those sweet little birds up close.

I grabbed a step ladder from the garage and set it up next to the tree.

“Oh... don’t forget your camera!” I thought.

I ran back inside, fetching my camera.

I carefully climbed up the ladder to have a peek into the nest.

This is what I saw...

Two baby robins, sleeping snuggly in the nest as they waited for their momma’s return.

I made a little squeaky noise with my lips and they must have thought it was momma.

They opened their mouths, calling out once again for momma to feed them.

I, then, snapped this picture....

I captured this precious moment in time.

This precious moment of new life in the Spring.

New life is beautiful.

Ways to Encourage #10 - Volunteer Your Time

This is the last suggestion I have for the "Ways to Encourage" series. This one focuses on volunteering our time to help others.

Places to Volunteer Your Time 

1. Serve in the church of your choice.

• Music (Singing or Instrumental)
• Worship Team
• Teaching / Preaching
• Leadership
• Nursery
• Children’s Ministry
• Senior’s Ministry
• Ladies Ministry
• Men’s Group
• Youth Group
• Kitchen help
• Library
• Yardwork Janitorial services, Maintenance
• Various committees: Flowers, Hospitality, Missions, Christian Education, etc.

2. Serve in a community organization

• Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts
• 4-H Club
• Food pantry

3. Serve in a school setting

• Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
• School Cafeteria
• Classroom help
• Plan events for local Homeschool group

4. Be part of a mentor program.

• After-school program
• Big Brothers / Big Sisters

5. Christmas

• Fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child (Franklin Graham’s ministry)
• Choose a child from the local Angel Tree
• Donate to Toys for Tots

6. Those who enjoy writing, develop articles for:

• Christian magazines
• Newsletters
• Blogs 

7. Those who are musically talented, begin a music ministry.

• Local church
• Travel to other churches
• Conferences
• Community events

8. For MORE ideas, check out these websites:

• Christianvolunteering.org can help you find a volunteer opportunity in your area. 
• Volunteermatch.org is a website that provides ideas for using your talents to help others. 
• Mintools.com has resources to help equip Christians for service. 
• Missionfinder.org gives a list of Christian mission opportunities.

I know there are TONS more opportunites that I haven't listed, but I hope I've at least given you some ideas to start thinking about.... and, I pray this entire series has been a useful tool to encourage and inspire you with ideas on how to reach out to family, friends, neighbors, and the community.

No matter what you decide to do, always remember to have fun with encouragement!

Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Interview with Mukkove Johnson - Christian Author

I'd like you to "meet" a new friend of mine, Mukkove Johnson. She is an author of Christian children's books, and also a new member of the Gabby Moms program of which I took part in last year. Mukkove and I swapped books recently. I sent her the book I wrote about Communion, and she sent me the book she wrote called, "Christmas is About Jesus," which is a devotional to be used during the advent season.

If you have young children, this is a great book to use with them. The book uses the symbols of Christmas, from candy canes to Christmas carols, to help parents keep their children focused on the Lord. It consists of color photos, Scripture references, and a short devotional for each day from December 1st through the 24th.

Here is an interview with Mukkove, so you can learn more about her, and the book, in her own words:

1. Tell us about yourself, Mukkove.
I have lived in Alaska since I was about 9, so it is home. My husband and I married in 1994. We love this state, our home, and our community. We have 3 children in our home and one in heaven. I educate our children at home and where ever we go. I love to create things of beauty and process my thoughts through writing.

2. Tell us about your book. (What is it about; age of your audience; etc.)

Christmas is About Jesus: An Advent Devotional was published in 2009 by Tate Publishing. It is written for families to read together each day of December. Each day shares a way that common sights of the season can remind us about Jesus. Each devotion is short enough to hold young ones attention and has a picture for them as well. Written into the devotions are questions to engage every member of the family. I hope the devotions give families a ground work to teach their children what they believe.

3. Tell us a little bit about the publisher.
Tate Publishing was founded by Christian authors Richard & Rita Tate because of frustration with their experience with traditional publishing. I found them by what I like to call a “divine internet search”. After several attempts of researching the options for publishing my book – all shut down by information overload – Tate came up at the top of the search. I visited their site and read their statement of faith. I knew this was where I wanted to pursue publishing.

4. Is this the first book you’ve had published?
Yes, Christmas is About Jesus is my first published book. It was a far different experience than I expected. Marketing has been even more surprising than publishing. I’m always learning and trying to balance my calling to homeschool with the efforts to help families find my book, what I hope is a useful tool.

5. What inspired you to write this book?
I wrote this book when my children were preschoolers and they still enjoy it now as they are all double digits. I began to think about traditions from my childhood and how they reflected or didn’t reflect what I wanted my children to know. I knew I could not keep my children from our culture, so I decided to influence what they would think when they encountered the culture.

6. How do you see this book being used?
Our family reads one devotion each day, usually at breakfast (that way if we miss we might get it at bedtime). I made ornaments to match each devotion. My children take turns hanging up an ornament each day. After reading the devotions when we see the things out in the store we talk about how they can remind us of Jesus.

Ideally I would like to see families read each devotion together and use it to fuel discussions as they go about their daily activities.

7. Are there more books in your future?
One for sure, though I hope to have as many more as I can write to be useful tools for families discipling their children.

Easter is About Jesus: Family Devotions for the Easter Season is going through the publishing process at Tate right now. It will be released in 2012. There are several options to stay informed. My website: Kove’s Cove, Facebook, and Kove’s Blog. At each of these you can sign up for my newsletter.

8. Do you have additional resources or suggestions?
I have made printable coloring pages and ornaments to match each devotion. I also post additional activity ideas each day of December on the Christmas is About Jesus blog. Ideas include simple crafts, songs, websites, videos, service projects, and more discussion questions.

9. Where can we buy your book?
Tate Publishing
Kove’s Cove
Amazon
Christian Books Distributors

10. Is there anything else you would like to say that hasn’t been covered already?
As a Christian author I want my writing to help parents carry out their calling in Deuteronomy 6:7, you “impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk [or drive] along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (NIV)

I love to hear from parents about how they are using Christmas is About Jesus and if it has been helpful to their family. I welcome comments on my blogs or personal messages in my email: Mukkove@KovesCove.com

Thankyou for sharing with us, Mukkove. It has been a pleasure getting to know you, and I look forward to using your book with my own children this coming Christmas.

Verses for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

As we think about those we love, let's not forget the ONE who loves us most of all - our Heavenly Father... the One who sent His only Son to die for us... the one who will never leave us or forsake us... the One who wrote the greatest love letter of all - The Holy Bible!

Because HE first loved us, we should love Him back, and love OTHERS as well. Here are several verses from God's Word that talk about this kind of love we should have for each other:

Matthew 22:37-39 - And He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, ad with all  your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

John 13:34 - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

Romans 12:9-13 - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

I John 4:21 - And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

I Timothy 1:5 - But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Hebrews 13:1-2 - Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

BOOK REVIEW: Then Sings My Soul, book 3

Then Sings My Soul, Book 3 is the third book in a trilogy about hymns. The author, Robert Morgan, takes us on a historical journey of the church and how hymns have changed over the years. The book covers these various segments:

• Biblical Hymns
• Medieval Hymns
• English Hymns
• Ancient Hymns
• German Hymns
• Gospel Songs
• Contemporary Praise

In some ways, reading this book is like holding an actual hymnal, due to each of the hymns in this book being laid out in hymnal form. The difference, however, is the textbook portion included after every hymn which shares about the writer of the lyrics and why the song was written. I have always enjoyed learning about the meaning behind these songs, so this book was interesting to me. 

The author chose several hymns I already knew, as well as many more I had never heard of. But, no matter what era the hymns were written in, they were all so rich with words that express worship of, and praise for, our Heavenly Father. They are great tools in helping Christians around the world to vocalize our emotions through song; and, they are filled with lyrics of faith, bringing encouragement and strength as we sing them (or, even just read them). 

I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in hymnology, or in using hymns as a part of their daily devotions.

Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Ways to Encourage #9: Random Acts of Kindness

There are many random acts of kindness you can do for others - too many to list them all here. But, here are just a few ideas I wanted to share:

~ When you are running errands, give a friendly wave to someone just because you can, or give them a nice smile and say, "Have a nice day!"

~ Give someone a hug.

~ Hold the door open for someone.

~ Instead of scowling at a mother with a crying toddler, give her a pat on the shoulder and tell her you understand. Go even further and ask her if there's anything you can do to help. Maybe ask her for a shopping list and help her gather the things she needs while she tends to the child.

~ Pay for the groceries of the person behind you in line, or pay for someone's meal at a restaurant. I personally know of one local family who recently had this done for them. It was anonymous. They, in turn, did the same thing for someone else in that same restaurant.

~ Leave a bag of groceries on someone's doorstep who is in need. Do the "knock and run" sort of thing, if you prefer, so it remains anonymous. This happened to my family when I was young. My parents were involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship at the time and we were down to butter and crackers for our evening meal. We prayed and thanked the Lord for what he had provided and heard a knock on our door. A sack of groceries was there, but no one to be seen. It was enough to get us through until my dad's next "paycheck" arrived in the mail.

~ There is an actual "Pay it Forward Day" that is set this year for April 26th. Here is a website dedicated to this day. It gives lots of suggestions and ideas for helping others:  http://payitforwardday.com/ Of course, you don't need to wait until April 26th to bless someone else with an act of kindness.

~ Here is another website that also lists ideas to do for people you know, people you don't know, for our world, and for yourself (Yes, don't forget to treat yourself to something nice once in awhile, too!). This website not only shares ideas, but also has "Smile Cards" you can download and print out for free. These cards are not needed, of course, but they add a nice touch and serve as a reminder to someone who has been "tagged" with a random act of kindness:   http://www.helpothers.org/cards.php

~ Here's one more website that "inspires people to practice kindness and pass it on to others." This website even shares lesson plans, crafts, and ideas for getting classrooms or groups of kids involved:  http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

Have fun with encouragement!

Ways to Encourage #8 - Use Words of Affirmation

We all love to hear nice things said about us, whether its written or verbal. Here are a few ideas on how to let someone know what you think of them:

1.  WRITE IT DOWN. Send a note of encouragement to someone you know and care about. You can send an e-mail, a note in the regular mail, or hand it to them in person. It can be on a special occasion, or just because.

Here are a few examples of how my family has expressed our love and appreciation for each other through the written word:

~For my husband's 25th birthday, I wrote him a poem that told him how grateful I was to have him in my life. My brother has written poems to his loved ones as well.

~My mother isn't as much of a poem writer, but she has written her heart out to my dad on their anniversary, and she has written notes to her kids, as well. They were usually not in poem form, but completely from her heart.

~In the Christmas of 1998, I typed out 20 reasons why I love my husband and gave it to him as a gift.

~For the Christmas of 2005, I made my own Christmas cards with a tribute for each member of my family inlcuded on the inside. To give you an example, here is the one I wrote for my grandmother:  

Grandma – You are the most amazing person I know and I look up to you very much. I admire your inner strength, your faith in God, and your unselfish acts of kindness. You are compassionate and caring, you have a good sense of humor, and you are someone I know I can trust. I am so proud to have you for my Grandma, and I love you very much. Thank you for everything you have done for us. You are a very special lady.

BUT, WHAT IF YOU DON'T LIKE TO WRITE? Then, find a card that says exactly what you want it to say, and give them that. Or, choose one of these other options...

2.  PICK UP THE PHONE. Call someone and spend some time sharing what you appreciate about the person on the other line.   

3.  SAY IT IN PERSON. Invite a friend over for tea/coffee and spend the afternoon talking, sharing, and really listening to each other in a non-judgmental way. Pray for each other before you part ways.

4.  RECORD YOURSELF. Make a video of yourself sharing all the things you like about the people watching it. Record on a cassette tape or CD, doing the same thing.

No matter how you decide to do it, be sure to share with your loved ones how special they are to you, what you like about them, and how happy you are they are a part of your life. What's the point of waiting until someone has passed away before sharing what you loved about them!

Have fun with encouragement!

Focusing on the Positive in Our Children

+This month marks 11 years since my daughter's diagnosis of autism. She is now 13. I love my daughter dearly and believe, on most days, I have come to terms with her diagnosis. I have accepted who she is and have accepted that life for her (and us) will never be the "ideal." But, I have to be honest with you... that doesn't mean there aren't still days when I wish things could have been different.

One thing I have come to realize, however, is that many other parents have similar feelings regarding their own “typical” children from time to time. As parents, we ALL have hopes and dreams for our children. And, when those dreams don't become a reality, it is sometimes hard to accept.

For me, it is extremely difficult when I see other girls my daughter’s age doing the things a typical 13 year old would do. I wish she could relate to other girls in a way that would bring her invitations to participate in their social gatherings. For other parents, they may wish their child could be great in sports, just like “dad” was; or, be an excellent student; or, be the social butterfly that mom is. Maybe some are frustrated that their child is involved with something that is not the "norm" for their family. Or, maybe they are dealing with a disability that limits their involvement in the things their family loves to do. There are many scenarios of how us parents wish our children could be different. And, there are many times we feel guilty for thinking this way.

One thing to remember, when those feelings of sadness or disappointment show up, is the importance of not dwelling on them. Dwelling on the negative only brings discontent and depression. What I have been trying to do is acknowledge my feelings are real and that I don't have to pretend they aren't there. Then, pray and express my feelings to God, because He is always there to listen. But, don't dwell on them. After acknowledging your feelings and expressing them to God, give them up and begin thinking about the positive things - the blessings God has given you. You may be surprised at how many things you can think of! Above all else, TRUST in the Lord, and KNOW that He will never leave you or forsake you. 

If it wasn’t for the Lord holding my hand through every step of every day, I would not be as confident as I am in knowing that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

In spite of any difficulties my husband and I face, I love my children dearly. They mean so much to me and are truly blessings from the Lord.

LOVE your children today, truly love them... for who they are, not for who you wish they could be. 

Ways to Encourage #7: Send a “care package”

A "care package" is a box of various items that can be sent to just about anyone, and at any time. They are  meant to be sent specifically to show someone you are thinking of them, and that you care.

COLLEGE STUDENTS
When I was a college student, my mother would send a care package every so often. She would include things I could use, such as peanut butter, pens and pencils, toothpaste and stamps. She would also throw in some items just for fun, like candy or cookies. No matter what she chose to put in them, these packages were ALWAYS welcome to receive. It was so fun to receive something in the mail, and it means the world to know someone was thinking of me. 

MILITARY - ACTIVE DUTY
You can send a package on your own to someone you know who is serving our country, or you can give items to a local group who collects and sends packages to the soldiers on a regular basis. My brother is active duty in the Air Force, and I know he has always enjoyed receiving a package, especially while he was overseas in Qatar. One time, the church my husband pastored in Mendota, IL, lovingly helped me collect items to send to my brother. The package was full of cookies, candies, snacks, books, videos, and necessities.

MILITARY WIVES
Please don’t forget about the wives whose husbands are serving and are absent from them. They need some encouragement as well, and may even need more than just a care package! My friend, Donna, once expressed her feelings to me about how unsupported she felt when her military husband was deployed overseas. There are some wives who are blessed during that time because they have family nearby to help out with the kids and the yardwork, or they have a supportive unit on base or church family to rely on. But, for many like Donna, it is often assumed that someone is taking care of their needs, so no one bothers to get involved. During one round of deployment, Donna’s own Pastor never called her the entire 5 months her husband was gone. What a huge mistake this is!

EVERYONE ELSE 

No matter who you are or where you are, EVERYONE loves to receive a package. Christmas and birthdays are not unusual times to send a package. But, what about sending one “just because?” I already mentioned how my mom would send me a care package when I was in college, but her thoughtful care packages did not end there! Even as I moved out of the house, got married, and had children of my own, she has continually blessed me and my family (as well as my brother and sister and their families) with an unexpected surprise package filled with “just because” items. It is always a special treat that really helps to  brighten our day.
 
Bless someone today with a care package! It doesn't have to be large, as I know how expensive the postage is these days. Just package up some little things that won't cost too much to send, or work together with someone else to help share in the cost.
 

Have fun with encouragement!

Ways to Encourage #6 - Quality Time

One of the best ways to encourage family and friends is by spending quality time with them. Here are a few ideas to try out:

1.  Watch a good movie together, and discuss it at the end.

2.  Pray together.

3.  Turn off the TV and the computer and do one of the following:

• Sit around the table at dinner time and talk and laugh together. 
• Go out to eat, or just go out for dessert.
• Go shopping together and pay for something your friend or family member desires.
• Go to a coffee shop and have conversation over a cup of coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate. 
• Go bowling, play miniature golf, or watch a ballgame together.

4.  You can also go check out a previous post I made about: INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY

It is important to understand, what one person considers good quality time may differ from someone else. So, if you are wanting to encourage in this way, find out what others consider to be quality time. Bring up several ideas to the one(s) you are wanting to spend time with, and ASK THEM what they would like to do. Then, go do it!

Have fun with encouragement!