Real Rest

Are you weak in spirit? Is your heart heavy with a burden? Read what it says here in Matthew 11:28

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest.”

Its not just a physical kind of rest Jesus is talking about here. (Taking a nice warm bath, or getting a massage can help with that for a little while.) Its REAL REST He’s talking about - the kind that comes from within - the kind that comes from sitting at the feet of Jesus and allowing HIM to carry our burdens.

Think about this past week for a moment....

• How often have you lost your self-control?
• How often have you yelled at your children for something they did wrong?
• How often have you raised your voice to your spouse because he/she wasn’t meeting your expectations?
• How often have you “chewed out” a friend over something that was rather unimportant?

Losing your self-control in these ways is usually caused by being tired, stressed, overworked, and feeling unappreciated. I admit I am among those of you who have felt this way this past week; and I know ALL of us do at one point or another. It is a typical human response as we seek fulfilment from others, rather than from the Lord. Lorrie Flem of Eternal Encouragement Magazine, understands this. So, she felt led to produce a new product, specifically geared towards women, that helps us learn how to be more ENERGIZED AND FULFILLED WOMEN OF GOD.

NOTE: This new product is not an e-book or an audio download. It is a physical DVD that is sent in the regular mail. The DVD also includes a PDF with a study guide that has the acronym of REAL REST on it. Lorrie uses the video and the study guide to walk us through how to find “real rest” when we are so worn down physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Lorrie helped remind me that sitting at the feet of Jesus is what will bring more rest for weary souls than anything else. She says, “You cannot be a nurturer unless you yourself are nurtured.” But, it’s a matter of choice. If we neglect Him, or don’t take the time to rest in His presence, our feelings of frustration and despair will get the best of us. So, what do YOU think would be the better choice?

I love this old hymn that talks of this very thing (Click on the title below to hear the music).

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Words by: Joseph Scriven, 1855

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Disclaimer: I received Energized and Fulfilled Woman of God as an official member of THE GABBY MOMS blogging program for Eternal Encouragement Magazine. I received it free of charge, and all opinions are my own.
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Listening Sheets for Children

I first learned about "Listening Sheets" from THE BISHOP'S WIFE, and decided to try them out. These are pages you can print out and give to your children to use during a church service, which helps them to listen and pay attention better. For the past two Sundays, I have used these with both of our children (ages 8 and 13), and it helped them to keep their hands busy and their minds more attentive. There are  sheets for all ages, including non-readers up to those who read fluently.  Here is a list of the places I found (or was directed to):

• MAMA'S LEARNING CORNER (4 Listening Sheets for Non-Readers)
• RAISING ARROWS (5 Listening Pages for Fluent Readers)
• THE BISHOP'S WIFE (3 Listening Sheets)
• MINISTRY TO CHILDREN (1 Sermon Note-Taking Sheet)

Give them a try and see what you think!

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GUEST POST: Just Enough Grace

I want to share an article with you from my new blogging friend, Valerie. She is a pastor's wife, a homeschool mama, and a fellow writer. I recently found her through an article she wrote for Homeschool Enrichment Magazine, and contacted her on her BLOG. Here is her latest post. Thanks for allowing me to share this, Valerie!

 ~ JUST ENOUGH GRACE ~

2 Corinthians 12:9 - And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

When my husband was 16 years old, he began having severe pain in his lower back. After taking medication for many days with no relief, his parents took him to the doctor. They discovered through ultrasound that one of his kidneys was the size of a basketball. Further tests revealed that a vein had been attached to his ureter since birth. As he grew, the vein grew, finally closing off the ureter so that the kidney could not be emptied. By God's great mercy and blessing, the doctors were able to remove his kidney, repair the problem and then replace the kidney. It now functions normally!

He told me that while he was in the hospital, they gave him a morphine pump. When he needed pain relief, he need only to press a button, and morphine would go into his IV and into his blood stream. He often wanted more than the prescribed amount to relieve the pain from the 12 inch cut they had made in his side. He said, "I would push the button over and over, but it would only release the morphine after a certain amount of time had passed since the last dose had been released." In other words, the medical staff had made it possible for him to get pain relief on demand, but within reason. Obviously, if they had let him take as much as he wanted when he wanted, he could have overdosed and died.

Sometimes, I feel as though I'm not getting any help from the Lord, I'm not getting any "pain relief". Then I realize that I'm borrowing trouble, I'm fretting over something that may or may not happen. In those times, I don't need any grace, I need to re-focus. I need to stop worrying! He gives me the grace I need, when I need it. I may want grace for tomorrow, but I don't get it, not until tomorrow comes. I get the grace I need for today, for my current problem. Then tomorrow, I'll get the grace I need for that time. Day by day, moment by moment, I receive the help and strength that I need. Not a moment too soon, and not a moment too late. Right on time.

Just when life gets unbearable in the present, I cry out - I press the "pump"- and guess what? I receive the relief I need. He sends me an encouraging email or card from a friend. He allows me an up-close look at His amazing Hummingbird. He helps me to see the many blessings I've overlooked. He reminds me of the heroes of the Bible. For instance, when I feel forsaken, I remember how Hagar felt the same way after Sarah forced her to leave. She was ready to die, but God saw her and He took care of her.(Gen.21:14-19) God knows where I am, too. He will take care of me.

And in the process, I can boldly say with Paul, "His grace is sufficient!"

A Daily Prayer Schedule

I don’t know about you but, I have oftentimes found it very overwhelming to pray for the needs of each and every person in my life during my prayer time. I do think its important to spend time in prayer, but I also don’t want to be feeling like I need to rush through every person on my list, just so I can “get them in.” So, I decided to make a change that has been very helpful for me. In case it is helpful for someone else, I wanted to share it with you... All you need to do is make yourself a daily prayer schedule and pray for specific people on specific days. If there is an immediate need then, of course, you can (and should) pray for it, no matter which day you are on. But, for the general rule, keep it to a simple schedule such as this...

~ VICTORIA'S DAILY PRAYER SCHEDULE ~

SUNDAY - Thanksgivings (Don’t ask for anything unless its an immediate need. Just thank God for all He has done for you.)

MONDAY - Church family (Requests mentioned in church on Sunday, etc.)

TUESDAY - My Spouse & Myself (health, marriage, jobs, decisions, etc.)

WEDNESDAY - Our children (health, behavior, attitudes, goals, spiritual growth, etc.)

THURSDAY - Our Parents & Grandparents (health, marriage, jobs, decisions, etc.)

FRIDAY - Extended Family (Siblings & their families, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, etc.)

SATURDAY - Friends & their families

Try it for a week and see how it goes! And, I would love to hear feedback on it, if you care to share. Or, if you have found a different way to simplify and/or strengthen YOUR prayer time, please feel free to share that as well.
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#3 Refine, #4 Rejuvenate, and #5 Rest

Some people are born organizers. Some are not. I think a lot of it has to do with how we are raised, but I think personalities come into play as well. Regardless of our background or our personalities, it is possible to LEARN how to keep an organized home. The 3rd SESSION of “The Five R’s for Godly Womanhood” speaks directly about this topic. Last month, us Gabby Moms reviewed the first two sessions of this bundle from Lorrie Flem. This month, we delved into the last three sessions...

I think its important to explain here that Lorrie Flem is not a regular “Suzy Homemaker,” as some may call it. Lorrie was the oldest of four children, however, she did not really have a lot of responsibility around the house. Her mother did most of the housework by herself. It wasn’t until after Lorrie was married that she realized a change needed to be made in the way she managed her home. Apparently, she and her husband were visited by police officers one night after hearing a noise in the house, and the officers thought an intruder had “destroyed” the living room. It turns out, the living room was in its normal chaotic state. This was a big eye opener for Lorrie, and she began learning how to make her home more presentable. She also had to learn how to keep it that way without much effort. In this session, Lorrie shares 7 teachings on how to manage a home.

In SESSION 4 of this “Godly Womanhood” bundle, I had to laugh when I heard Lorrie tell of a young father licking mustard off his hand only to find out it was not mustard, but a need for his baby’s diaper change! Ewwww! It makes it all the more funny when I remember a similar event that happened to my husband when HE was a new father. He was holding our baby daughter and noticed the “mustard” on his hand as well, then ran disgustingly to the bathroom to wash up after realizing what it really was. Ha ha! I love that story! At least he didn’t lick it off, like the first guy. But, to move on, this story from Lorrie was told to represent how life brings us unexpected surprises while raising kids. Then, she goes on to explain how RAISING a child is not the same as TRAINING a child, and how the number one problem that comes up in child training is inconsistency. Training children involves a commitment of our time and efforts. In this session, Lorrie touches on several areas of Biblical child training and discipline. It is all very good food for thought.

SESSION 5 lets us know that, even with the most well-behaved  children, the demands of our families can sometimes wear us down physically and spiritually. Are you weak in spirit? Do you feel as if you need a rest from life’s demands? Lorrie believes when our souls are longing for rest, we are actually longing to find solitude at God's feet. Taking a warm bath or spending a night away from home might help for a little while, but it won’t make the real issue at hand go away. Taking a bath will help to refresh our bodies on the outside, but it doesn’t refresh us on the inside. We need the Living Water to do that, and the Word of God. Instead of relying on a bath (or something else) to “wash our blues away,” Lorrie encourages us in this session to give all our stress and worry to the Lord. “Give it up in order to get it all.”

To learn more about “The Five R’s for Godly Womanhood,” or to purchase the full bundle for $24.97, visit the PRODUCT INFORMATION page of Eternal Encouragement Magazine.

And, if you didn't already know, I received The 5 R’s to Godly Womanhood as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.

If YOU have a blog of your own, and are interested in joining the 2012 Gabby Moms team, please take a look at this APPLICATION PAGE to read more about the program and/or to apply.

Shepherd's Ministries

I remember the Handbell Team and the performance they put on at Moody Church in Chicago. I was so touched at how these adults with intellectual disabilities were serving the Lord in this way, traveling with Shepherd's Ministries in Union Grove, Wisconsin. This was the first I had heard about them.

Many years later, I had forgotten all about Shepherds, until my husband received some information in the mail about them through the church he pastored. I took a much greater interest in them at that time, due to our daughter's autism. I learned that Shepherds provides compassionate Christian care and training to adults with intellectual disabilities. My husband and I have been on their mailing list ever since, and have followed along as they have expanded their ministry to now have a small accredited college.

A couple of weeks ago, our current church, and our family, was blessed by a visit from the "Gospel Team" of Shepherd's Ministries. It was truly an inspiration to meet Al Pick and his buddy Saul. During the morning service, Saul stood up in front of the congregation and gave his testimony of how he came to know the Lord. He then recited verses to share the Gospel, and also sang an old Gaither song, "Something Beautiful," in acapella.

It was easy to see how he enjoyed being in front of people and telling others about Jesus. In fact, out of his 15 hobbies, he said his first and most favorite hobby is telling others about the Lord. It was truly a blessing to meet him and Al. People with intellectual disabilities tend to have such a wonderful example of childlike faith, and are great encouragers. And, if you make a friend of one, you have most likely made a friend for life.

Please, if you ever get the chance to head up to Union Grove, Wisconsin, I know Shepherds would be thrilled to have you stop by and see how God is working there. Al mentioned they have housing available for volunteers, if anyone is willing to come for a day or two, or even more. There are all sorts of ways to minister at Shepherds, including special music, teaching, being a spiritual mentor, maintenance and construction, prepare and lead a 30-minute chapel program, tutoring, and helping out around campus in various other ways. Of course, they are always looking for financial support as well, penpals for the residents, and so on. Give them a call and see how you might be able to make "something beautiful" happen in the lives of these special people.

VIDEO Review: Paws & Tales - Putting Others First

There are 2 espisodes on this DVD, an approximate total of 50 minutes all together.

Episode #1 finds the two main characters, C.J. and Staci, running errands for their grandfather and meeting many obstacles along the way. They eventually need to decide what is more important - to finish all their errands on time, or to stop and help a friend in need.

Episode #2 introduces the kids' schoolmate, Tiffany, who is from a very wealthy family. She enjoys intimidating those who are less fortunate than her, and using "blackmail" to make C.J. do things he doesn't want to do. In the end, he has to once again make a choice that could potentially affect the future career of someone he loves.

These episodes had very good content in them, and my children enjoyed watching them. However, I do suggest a parent watch them WITH their children, at least for the first time around, because there were a couple of actions mentioned in episode #2 that I felt could have used a bit more clarification. For example, the idea of revenge is brought up and not completely dealt with. In the end, justice was served. However, some parents may wish to clarify that vengeance belongs to the Lord and not to us. Also, it may be important for parents to discuss what their children should do when faced with 2 decisions - one that is a wrong decision (such as cheating, by doing another student's homework), and one that could potentially cause someone else harm. This situation was also resolved, but may need a little more clarification for some children.

Overall, this new DVD is a great concept. Not only does it have two animated stories about putting others first, it also includes music videos and helpful teaching resources to print out on your computer. I haven't had a chance to print out the resources yet, but think they could be a helpful addition to the stories.

You can find this DVD and other Paws & Tales DVD's at TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS.

NOTE:  Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this DVD for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.

GUEST POST: A Healing Touch from the Lord

SHARON & JOHN STANKUS

Today's guest blogger is another special person in my life - my mother-in-law, Sharon. Please read her story below of how God intervened in a life or death situation, and laid His healing hands upon her. Thankyou for sharing this story, Mom. I'm so glad God's plan was to spare your life back then and that your family did not have to suffer such a great loss. I am also so glad to have gotten the chance to meet you, and to have you as a part of MY life.  

A Healing Touch from the Lord

By: Sharon Stankus

During the summer of 1978, I experienced what I believe was a divine intervention from the Lord. My appendix ruptured and I did not know it at the time. It is hard for some to understand how that could happen without my knowing it. You see, I had other issues that caused severe pain at different times, so that is why I did not recognize what had happened. It was 3 days later when I knew something was "not right" and went to my doctor. I was immediately hospitalized. There, I learned about the divine intervention that had happened. My body miraculously formed a sac that caught all the fluids from the rupture, something very rare that would not normally happen to a person. That sac, I later learned, was almost the size of a football.

The surgeon said he could not do surgery because he would break that sac and release all the poison into my body. I would have to be on heavy doses of antibiotics until the sac would shrink and surgery could be safely done. I was sent home. I was to be on complete bed rest, and the only time I could leave the house was to go to the doctor’s office. This was a challenge, as I had 3 young children. The oldest one is now this blog owner’s husband.

I felt myself getting weaker, not stronger, each day. One evening, when I could hardly speak, a friend of mine called me and she knew something was wrong. She hung up and immediately called mutual friends of ours, a pastor and his wife. They called me. They knew I was so weak I could barely speak, so they said, “Just listen while we pray.” After praying, they just kept talking to me as I listened. By the time they finished talking to me, I could already feel myself getting stronger. I could sit up and talk. From that time on, I grew stronger and stronger each day. The doctor reports were encouraging, as the sac was shrinking. When the sac had shrunk to about the size of a golf ball, after about 2 months, I had the surgery.

You may be wondering how the needs of my family were taken care of at that time. I could do nothing, as the doctors were concerned the sac would rupture. Well, the ladies from our church took care of us. They cleaned the house, did laundry and brought out meals for over 3 months. (And, we attended a very small church, so these ladies had their turn often.)

If any of you reading this think that, when you take a meal to someone who is ill, you have not done much, let me assure you that you have been a real blessing to that family; and, if you think your prayers are not important, you are mistaken.

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GUEST BLOGGER: James L. McIntosh

Dr. James L. McIntosh is an Instructor and the Academic Dean at Brookes Bible Institute in St. Louis, MO. He is also my dad (whom I'm very fond of). When I recently asked him how he came to know Jesus as his Savior, this is what he said:

JAMES & HIS SISTER

The evangelist’s message I can still remember. He said, among other things, “God loves you and you need to repent [turn away from] your own ways and receive His salvation.” I did...

I was 6 and a half. My mother “drug” me to church, kicking and screaming, during a series of missions meetings. After I settled down, I was listening to the speaker talk about people in Brazil, his work there with them, and how they could die in their sins and not go to heaven when they die. Someone needed to tell them of the love of Jesus and how He came to make things right between sinful man and God. Yes, I remember most of the message, even though I was so young. 

He used the "Finney" style of giving an invitation at the end of the message, which many people do not like these days. The invitation isn’t what moved me, though. It was before the singing of "Just As I Am" that I knew in my heart what I really wanted. I was the only one that left their seat to go forward. My mother tried to grab me, thinking I was being my regular ornery self. When I arrived at the front, the pastor looked down at me and asked, "What are you doing here?" I said, “I want Jesus in my heart. I don't want to go to hell. I want to be with HIM!” The pastor took me through the "Romans Road" (it still works today) - Rom 3:23; 6:23; 10:9-10. He asked, “Do you understand all that?” I said yes. He asked, “Then, what do you want?” I said, to have Jesus in my heart. He told me to pray and ask Him in. I did. He did not make it easy for me - did not dictate a prayer. After I prayed, he asked, “What just happened?” I said, “I believe in Jesus and He came in.”

There was no earth quake, lightening or any other "experience" other than the fact that I KNEW something changed. I was different. Walking home that night, I KNEW I was not the same. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I still am not perfect, but I am changed and I have never forgotten what happened that night at Southern View Chapel in Springfield, IL.

~ James L. McIntosh (still a work in progress at 67)

Click here for an interesting article about the history of “the invitation.” 

THE INVITATION: A Historical Perspective

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Money Secrets of the Amish (Book Review)

As a college student, I began developing more of my writing skills, and the editor of the school newspaper (The Moody Student) gave me several opportunities to submit an article for publication. I remember how excited I was when my first article was accepted. I might share that article with you one of these days but, for now, I want to tell you a little bit about that editor. Her name is Lorilee Craker (although I knew her in college as Lorilee Reimer).

After graduating from college, Lorilee continued writing... and writing.... and writing.... She now has 11 published books, including topics on parenting, marriage, devotionals, and the New York Times best seller Through the Storm with Lynne Spears. Today, I am excited to tell you about her newest book: Money Secrets of the Amish.

In these days of economical downslide, Lorilee decided it was time to make some changes in her spending habits. After learning of how the Amish are still doing pretty well financially, she decided it was time to find out why. So, she took several trips into Amish country, spending time with them and learning a “wealth” of information from them.

I don’t want to give away all of Lorilee’s findings here, as there are just way too many to list. But, there are 14 chapters full of stories and ideas on living a more simple life, delaying gratification, saving, recycling, shopping in bulk, eating homemade foods, bartering, and more. Even though I consider myself to be fairly frugal already, I came away with a TON of good information and ideas that I intend to use! For example, there are several craft ideas in the recycle and reuse chapter that I want to try out.

This book, with Lorilee’s witty charm, is a definite addition to my personal library. It was informative, educational, fun, and easy to read. I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to find “true abundance in simplicity, sharing, and saving.”

Thankyou, Lorilee, for the time you took to research this information and make it available to us all.

You can find Lorilee here on her new website: ShoeFly Pie

Or on Facebook: HERE

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. Even though I know Lorilee, I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.