Parenting Archives - Living Above the Noise

The Who, What, and Why Behind “Living Above the Noise”

By livingabovethenoise

“Who” I Write For –

If you’re a woman who feels drawn to family, I believe you’ll find community and encouragement here.

You who have the quest to raise kids who can stand on their own, set apart from the lure of the world.

You who hope your kids will live up to the high calling of God to advance His kingdom for the short time they’re here on this ball called Earth. And I’m guessing you might want that for yourself, too!

You who often feel alone in your desire to simply love your husband, love your children, and care for your home. Of course, you want to care for your body and soul, but you want to be responsible for the roles God has given you.
You know in your soul you‘re meant for more than what the world has to offer – success, wealth, beauty, or status.

It’s sad those goals aren’t valued or accepted in our culture anymore.

You can listen to this post on the podcast here. ⤵️

Why I Write for You

I’m here to encourage you to become all God wants you to be!

I was blessed to live in a time when it was more normal to want to be a wife and mom. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s when moms often stayed home.

My mom was cutting edge in working part-time as a substitute teacher — but honestly, as a kid, I felt lost when she started working and I came home to an empty house. I don’t think I’ve ever realized that before, but I think that’s probably why I decided to stay home with my kids.

This is for the woman who knows in her soul that she’s meant for more than what the world has to offer – success, wealth, beauty, or status.

Are you that woman?

If so, I know life isn’t easy in a world that’s going in what seems like the opposite direction as you are – and following your heart and doing your job alone is even harder.

If you’re like me, you’re looking for answers and desiring a better life than what you see in the world around you.
Perhaps you’re tired and don’t feel the value of motherhood. Or is it that you can’t seem to get your kids to listen to you?
You might be wondering how in the world you’re going to make it through another day.
And you wonder how your kids will turn out.

Believe me, I understand! While I’m not chasing toddlers anymore, I get a refresher when my grands stop by! It was 20 years ago when I had a toddler and a full passel of kids at home.

I don’t remember every day-to-day detail but that’s not why I’m here.

You can learn a lot from others online who are sharing from the middle of family life.

But I feel called to write from the other side of parenting.

The side where we’ve lived through the tough stuff – and watched our kids grow into and now live as adults.

I offer perspective on things to help with your roles – and things that can hurt as a wife, mom, and homemaker.

I’m even more motivated to write as I watch my kids adjust to adult life.

The transition to married life and then again to changes that take place when they become “mom.”

I’m reminded first-hand how tiring and taxing mommy-ing is. How it changes who you are in magical – yet what also can feel like soul-sucking ways.

The “What” of Living Above the Noise

It’s the foundation for all we’ll be discussing here – faith, family, home, and more.

In Titus 2:3-5, Paul instructs “older women to encourage young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

In this verse, Paul reveals that family must be pretty important to God. And I believe it’s such an important framework for Christian women to pay attention to.

So… because you’ve chosen a path that most women in our day don’t seem to want or even care about, you need to remember that cultural opinion doesn’t make it any less important!

In fact, when you see it according to God’s design, it’s one of the most important jobs in the world.

Raising the next generation for His glory. How can that be of no consequence!? So we’re going to be discussing that. How to stand firm and sometimes alone in your beliefs and values.

And for that reason, I don’t want you to have to go it alone!

I’ve been blessed to have older women in my life who taught me and challenged me and even reproved me. Sometimes I didn’t like it, but it was all for good!

I can’t imagine not having them in my life.

So “how” can I help you?

If you’re still with me, I think you want to be known as the woman who loves her home, and creates a life of love and faith and health within your four walls.

You want to build a healthy marriage and you want to grow capable, intelligent, thoughtful, hard-working adults.

If that’s you, then you’re in the right place!

Let’s begin with my journey

Who am I? Why should you listen to me? And why I do what I do?

I’ve been on my journey as a Christian for over 30 years.

And it’s taken me places I wondered about, worried about, was confused about – but all along the way, I stand amazed that God has been so very patient.

That He’s grown our family into what it is today. Into 7 new families! Each seeking to pattern their lives after God’s word and faith in Christ.

And it never ceases to amaze me — especially with all I’ve done to potentially mess things up!

Follow me and you’ll hear some of those mess-ups — and how God cares so deeply for you and your kids that He can redeem even the most sinful or selfish heart.

Yes, He can!

I’ll share lessons, thoughts, tips, and helpful tricks I’ve picked up in over 40 years of parenting my 10 kids.

I’ll talk a lot about thinking. About taking time to process and learn from your mistakes. About reading God’s word to discover who He created you uniquely to be — and how to then use it in your own family in a more personal way than just patterning what another family is doing.

I love helping people see their own value rather than conforming to the world’s ideas of value.

My goal is to never be prescriptive [relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method]. That’s the last thing I want to do to you! I’ll offer ideas and tips we used in our family, but not with the intent that you’ll only get results if you try them.

Some of us have had enough of rules and shoulds. Been there, done that!

You and I want — and need — to feel the freedom to use our God-given gifts and personality to obey Him and discover what works for us and for our own family.

The Benefit of Retrospect!

In my years of discovery, I can tell you that the times I stepped back and waited for some level of wisdom or discernment to come — I called it “biding my time” — those were the times I grew the most!

I’d also swing to the extreme of that when I seemed to be “always learning. ” I can be the poster child for the verse, “Always learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth!” 2 Timothy 3:7

But through all those years of growth, without knowing it, I was learning that my independence (I’ve often called myself a rebel – but now I more politely call myself an “independent thinker”) well, those years were getting me much further than those around me who were following the crowd.

I love retrospect! Without it, we can’t see what God was up to and why He allows things in our lives.

To be honest, I’d rather be 40 again — but one thing being the older woman offers me is retrospect.

I can see where, why, and how God brought me here. I can better understand how patient He’s been with my failures and the amazing fruit of my obedience.

It all works together as Paul says in Romans 8:28, “And we know – that in all things – God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“

But one thing to remember! The “good” in that verse doesn’t mean “easy.”

There is no guarantee in this life as a wife and mom. No guarantee that all will be “happily ever after.” Or that your kids will all become successful (by the world’s standards or by your own.).

The only guarantee comes from God who says that as we love Him and trust in His Son’s work on the cross, we will live in eternity with Him.

Everything else is based simply on the level of trust you have in God’s word and His promises for your obedience to Him. And of course, His perfect plan for your life.

“Why” Am I here for you

You already know Titus 2 is why I’m here. I’ve blogged for 12 years, but in our fast-paced world, it’s becoming easier for you to listen than read.

And because I love a good podcast – rich with meaty topics and delving into a plethora of discussions on why, how, and when we do things as a wife, mom, and homemaker — I decided to add my voice to the mix.

Honestly, Living Above the Noise is why I keep putting off taking it seriously. Because I don’t want to add to all the noise online — but you can help me here!

With your help, with your ideas, thoughts, and questions, I think we can make this a place to grow and escape above the noise! You can help me by commenting on my posts, following my podcast, and leaving a review.

I’d really appreciate it!

What Is “Living Above the Noise?“

Recently, I had a friend say she didn’t know what “living above the noise” meant. To be honest, I was surprised. I’ve used this term for years. In case you’re like my friend — I’ll share about what’s at the core of actually Living Above the Noise!

My favorite time of day is when I grab my coffee, sit on our hammock swing on my back porch and just relax for a few minutes without any distraction.

I think, I ponder, I wonder, I ask myself questions. I ask God questions. Before I get into my Bible reading — before I get into my book reading — before I get into the work of my day.

That’s my daily practice. Do you have a daily practice?

Like the Birds

On a recent morning, I looked up and at the very top of one of our tallest pine trees there sat three birds, chirping to one another, overlooking their lake view.

I wondered what they could see from up there. I do know it was a whole lot more than I can see – and it’s a much better view than mine.

Then I realized they were actually above the noise around them. Sure, the truck going by, the lawnmower next door, and my pool pump humming might still reach their ears, but it’s a whole lot quieter up there.

This is one amazing picture of what living above the noise looks like!

We can be down in and among the noise, like I am right now. I can still get my quiet time – but then there are moments like those birds when I can escape a bit.

I can actually rise above the noise of life. And you can, too!

You can purposefully seek to move away from the things that dull your senses. The things that create stress or comparison or fear in your life.

Like those birds — they chose to rise above and rest on the top of that tree. To escape for a bit. And I think they’re safer while they’re up there.

Such a perfect picture of what living above the noise is all about!

Noise, Chatter, & Perspective

As humans, we live with a lot of “noise” in our world. And I’m not just talking about physical noise, like that truck or the mower. You have internal conversations all day long — your fears, expectations, comparisons, and more. These create mental noise.

Then there’s the chatter of the world around us.

The never-ending rampage on the internet to get your attention.
The ads that tempt you to buy. To convince you to take the latest course or follow the “best” system.
Social media begging you to compare your life with everyone else.

That’s a lot of noise!

Well, my goal is to help you quiet that noise!

To help reset your perspective.
To reframe what you hear (and choose to listen to) every day.
To help you focus on what God says about trusting Him to discover your value and purpose in life.

As a Christian woman, your goal is to live surrendered. I’m here to encourage you to give up some things in your life so you can live free — above the noise of the world.

Live surrendered — the way God intended. Live your best life — and remember — it’s the life Jesus died for! That alone will help you silence much of the noise. Or at least learn to live above it!

Think of how ever since 9/11 we hear about our government listening to online chatter to discern what’s safe – what’s not normal – and what’s unsafe.

Well, that’s our job as a Christian. To scout out the “noise” around us to see what fits into God’s plan and His purposes for our life and for our family.

As you listen to the Holy Spirit and learn to filter what you’re hearing through the Spirit, you’ll gain clarity on your value, your unique personality, and how God created you to use it.

You’ll be able to filter the lies the world offers you – and there are a lot of lies! And compare them with the promises of God!

No Comparison Here!

Each one of us is on a different path in life. We have various personalities and giftings to use in beautiful and varied ways. I share my experiences and my life lessons.

But I’m not sharing to cause you to compare or choose the same.

They are here for you to consider. And cause you to think.

We don’t have to perfectly match in our lifestyles — what we do or how we live. How many kids we have. Whether we homeschool or not. If we stay home or work.

But there are lessons we all can learn from each other. Insight we can gain. Perspective that can draw us closer to God if we’ll only listen.

My hope is that these conversations about life and living it – will cause you to consider your life and help you navigate life as a Christian woman.

There will be new topics to think about – and discuss – issues and questions about how to live as a Christian in the world but not of it.

We’re Peculiar People

We Christians are called to be “peculiar people.” And we’re doing this in a world that caters to its own kind of peculiar – yet balks at ours! That’s not an easy task.

When you’re choosing a different than normal lifestyle, even your best friends and fellow church members might question or judge your choices. To be honest, I think we’re all guilty of that! So don’t let it stress you out. Most of us want others to like what we do.

But this is where — knowing yourself, your sins, your desires, your motives, the truth you hold so dearly, and the lessons you know you need in order to follow God’s plan — come in.

It’s where He can use you and your unique personality and talents to do the work He’s given you.

The When, Where, & How

Check out the next posts in this series, as we dip our toes into the waters of Marriage and Parenting.

I’ll share how to build a true foundation for your family by resetting your framework on solid ground.

How You Can Help Me!

The last thing I want is to add to all the noise online – but with your help, with your ideas, thoughts, and questions, I think we can make this a place to grow and escape above the noise!

You can help me create relevant content and get the message out:

— Follow the Living Above the Noise podcas t wherever you listen in — and please share it with friends and leave a review to help others find me!
— Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook
— Sign Up for my bimonthly newsletter to get extra encouragement, ideas, and resources.
— Book a Discovery Call for Mom Mentoring or Life Coaching
— Check out my website here!

All this is to help you start Living Above the Noise and into your life!

How To Become A Better Parent Using Lessons from the Garden

By livingabovethenoise

Lessons from the garden can make you a better parent

Do Kids and Gardens Have Something In Common?

It’s true! Raising kids is a lot like raising a garden.
You care for them. You tend and watch. You train. And you wait.

But how will they turn out? What kind of fruit will they bear?

Let’s see what we can learn from the garden to become a better parent!

My Botched Garden

At the first sign of spring, I plant my vegetable seeds. I tend the seedlings, waiting for them to sprout. But one year, after a month of watching them grow almost big enough to plant outdoors, they grew tall and lanky — some shriveled and died. After all that work!

This got me thinking about the time and effort to raise any living thing.

It’s easy to think growing things will be easy. And parenting isn’t any different — except that we’re growing humans!

Learning & Growing

We all make mistakes when we’re learning new things. I’ve messed up enough to fill a book! Do you remember how it feels to hold that baby for the first time? Everything is just. So. New.

Fortunately, we get to observe and then learn from the world around us. I’ve raised both children and vegetables for decades and believe it or not, they actually have a lot in common. Let’s see what we can learn from the garden to help you become a better parent!

If you’re reading this, you probably have kids. And even if you don’t garden — stick with me. You’ll see how the gardener and her crops resemble the choices you make in your job as “mom.” You can become a better parent using lessons from the garden. (When you finish this post, click here to join our community and get my God Values Your Family worksheets.)

Gardening Lessons for Better Parenting

Gardening Lesson #1: Know Your Plant’s Needs Before You Choose A Method

From my botched seedlings, I found out I was doing something wrong. I followed standard garden protocol: plant the seeds, use a grow light, keep them well watered, and use a warming mat for their soil. So what happened?

I used the same method for several kinds of seeds.

When we don’t use the right lighting, nutrients, and moisture for each type of seedling, some can become weak and pale. Their stems wither into thread-like strands, strangling those important first leaves. Some don’t even sprout.

But there’s good news.

**Our mistakes help us learn what not to do the next time.**

Parenting Lesson — Your Method Affects Your Child

Parenting comes with lots of confusion about how to raise kids. When we start this journey, we don’t understand that different children need different care.

Too often, we follow the latest trend in parenting or we follow our parents’ example — but we miss this important fact — children are created differently.

**Another family’s method may not work for your child or your lifestyle.**

Like plants with different requirements for light, nutrients, and moisture, children benefit from individual attention. Each child needs unique and thoughtful care.

• One child may need “flower care” using a different type of fertilizer — more hugs maybe?
• Another might need “veggie care” with lots of sunlight and warmth — more time to run and learn outdoors.
• And yet another, “succulent care” planted in a unique soil — more time to learn from books and research.

The point is — your kids will greatly benefit when you take the time to discover which type of child you have.

This is the important work of parenting. It’s hard work. But hang in there!
Learn as you go. It’s a process.

With your best effort to give your kids individual “care and feeding,” they’ll grow strong and bear much “fruit!”

It’s hugely important to remember that God loves you. He created you to raise your kids. Plus, He loves your kids even more than you do!

God gives enough grace and love to cover your mistakes. I know you want to do the best you can while you have the opportunity! With His counsel and grace, you have hope on this parenting journey.

Gardening Lesson #2: Expect Abundant Produce Without Enough Knowledge or Hard Work

If you’ve ventured into gardening, you know this scenario. It happens to the best of us.

Juicy, home-grown tomatoes come to mind. You don’t have extra time for a garden — but the local nursery catches your eye. The hope of a lush garden draws you in! You remember a spare space along the driveway. So you dig a hole in the stubborn, rocky soil and place your plants into their holes. You might even say a prayer. (You’re gonna need it! 😊 )

One super important lesson from gardening — especially when growing veggies — they need lots of sunlight, nutritious soil, proper drainage, and special nutrients. Without the right ratio, they won’t grow many flowers or fruit. They can develop spindly, pale leaves. Or they grow huge, green leaves — but no tomatoes. You’re left wondering why people love to garden! Been there, done that, and often still do!

Parenting Lesson #2 — Environment Affects Our Kids

Like plants struggling to grow in hard-packed soil with no nutrition, our kids battle the culture that surrounds them.

I remember too well my struggle to fit in, to say “no,” and my internal battle with my own identity. It’s hard for kids to be free to make wise choices when their environment is harsh and unforgiving. When it doesn’t equip them for life and learning.

Kids can be like those tomatoes struggling to grow along the driveway. With so much energy spent fighting to gain a foothold, they have less energy to produce fruit. In this environment, children become stifled from discovering their unique talents and aptitude.

Remember — kids, like plants, soak up everything they’re around — both the toxins and the beneficial nutrients. If the “soil” is damaging or the “nutrients” lacking, your child will be affected.

Hang in there — there’s hope!

A Healthy Environment

It’s not a surprise that kids benefit from an environment where they can flourish rather than battle. Your efforts will go a long way in giving them a strong foundation, spiritual nourishment, and lots of physical and emotional preparation. This helps them develop their unique personality while standing strong and becoming capable as enter adulthood. It gives them a “leg up” so to speak!

As parents, our job isn’t to make life perfect for our kids, but we can work to provide a healthy environment for them to develop.

Gardening Lesson #3: Parent Like A Professional Gardener — Give the Best Foundation, Support, and Nourishment

I saved the best for last!

When I was newly married, I wanted the same delicious tomatoes my mom grew. I researched and asked questions. I bought a huge plastic kettle and filled it with rich black soil and two tomato plants. Before long, those plants were three feet tall and producing bowls of juicy tomatoes for our dinner table. That was time and effort well spent!

If you’ve ever tasted them, you know there’s nothing like home-grown tomatoes! (If you and your kids enjoy a good folk song and you like John Denver, click that link!) I digress. 😉

So, we know to grow a successful garden — to get the best plants and produce, the gardener must know and understand the needs of each type of plant. You know when you get it right — your vases will be full, your arms overflowing with produce, or your home green with houseplants!

Oh, how I love my gardens!
And my kids!

Parenting Lesson #3 — Give the Best Foundation, Support, and Nourishment To Your Children

Simply put, just like those plants, our children benefit from the best environment and care for their needs.

So let’s dig into what that looks like in your life as a parent?

Lessons from the Garden for Raising Your Kids

A farmer tends his crops because he knows his life depends on it.
He knows his choices determine how well his crops do — and how well he’ll eat that year.

It’s just as important to see your parenting job the same way.

Your children’s future begins with YOU — and that includes the choices you make in how to care for them.

God’s design for the family is amazing! It’s an awesome honor and responsibility to instruct and raise our children.

Have you ever thought about this? Your babies don’t ask to be born? Yet they depend on you for everything — to love, nurture, and raise them well. And it’s all part of God’s plan!

Aim to serve God well and be the best parent you can be!

Family is God’s “garden” to grows future adults —
the next generation!

Let’s review these parenting lessons:

Soil – Patio tomatoes need a healthy pot of rich soil — a place where roots grow strong and healthy. Children need a rich environment to grow, learn, and broaden their ever-expanding minds.

Roots – The healthier the roots, the healthier the plant. Roots provide the plant with much-needed nutrients. The foundation and nutrients you give your kids are equally important. Be sure they get plenty of opportunities to learn and experiment with their unique interests and skills. These grow them into the individual they were created to be!

Leaves – Tomato leaves — growing large, soft, and green — soak up the sunlight. This creates chlorophyll to provide the plant with just what it needs to produce delicious, nutrient-rich fruit. Exactly what it was intended to produce!
I know you might not believe it when you’re chasing toddlers or changing diapers, but your kids will grow up! Like plants, your child soaks up information from their surroundings. A healthy environment matures and grows them strong in character and skills. Their knowledge expands, and they use their talent and personality to add “fruit” to the culture around them making the world a much better place!

(Use my Parenting Worksheets and encouragement from my newsletters to help get your “soil” right!)

Each child is a whole person —
an adult in the making.

It’s Your Time to Be a Master Parent!

Good things happen when you have a plan to parent better!

How Will You Tend Your Garden?

You and your husband are the best people in the world to decide how life is lived in your home. And you’re the best qualified to raise your children.

Take time to:

think about how your kids are doing.
where you’re headed as a family.
how you might get there.
assess your parenting style.
see if you need to adjust anything — soil, nutrients, sunlight?
make a plan to grow a great family!

Your Better Parenting Plan

Your child’s mind, like the plants we’ve been talking about, soaks up everything they come in contact with. Are these types of “soil” what you’d like your kids to grow in?

Surrounded by love and the knowledge of God
Filled with imagination and freedom to play and learn
Lots of opportunities to experience new things and learn from the skills and knowledge of others
Engaging relationships where they learn to accept differences and love unconditionally

Get my Parenting Worksheets and get started tending the garden of your kid’s lives.)

Remember — Only God is the Perfect Parent!

We all know that “perfect” family. We want the same for our family and so we try their methods and ideas. Then we hear of a new “technique” that promises success. I get it, I’ve grabbed at plenty along my parenting journey.

There’s nothing wrong with learning and growing from another family, but remember the lessons above. Your kids — your family.

Things you try and fail at can feel like mistakes — but they are truly lessons. They are growing you along the way.

Remember this — children are resilient and they have a loving heavenly Father, too! The best part? God uses our mess-ups. Remember Moses and David?

God is good — His perfect plan will show you the way.

There’s Hope For Better Parenting!

If you’re worried you’re kids will turn out like my sickly plant examples, have HOPE. Your kids will survive your mistakes!**

**Other than the worst-case scenarios, of course — and please, if you struggle with a serious issue that could affect the safety of your children, reach out to someone for help.

Like with anything you do, give it your best for a better outcome!

Our Family

You might be wondering what my kids are like now that they’re adults. I’m amazed at what God has done with our big family! Each one is unique from the others. They’re strong and capable, think independently, have curious minds, and are raising great families. Best of all, each one loves and trusts God. I’m really proud of my kids! You can read about them here. But be “duly noted” — they aren’t perfect! 😉

And the goal isn’t perfection anyway, is it?

It’s progress — being the best parents we can, using our life, our faith, and our experience to help the next generation continue on that journey.

The key: Trust your
loving Father and cultivate your family — like a
master gardener!

Steps You Can Take Towards Better Parenting

If you have a family — are you happy with the way things are going? Do you need to make adjustments to the soil, sunlight, or water? Do you need to learn more about parenting? Ask, read, pray, and reconsider your current plan. Then make the changes needed. God will bless every effort you make to raise the future generation for Him. Now begin cultivating!
If you’re not married yet — picture your future family and what you want for your children. What are your goals, hopes, and ideas for raising them? Write these goals down. Put thought into how you’ll get there. Take time to develop the “garden” you’ll raise your future children in. It will be worth your effort.

God’s word is filled with exhortations to parent well,
be responsible for your family,
and always to love well!

I encourage you to begin “living above the noise.”
Don’t be afraid to be different — to discover a style all your own.
You don’t have to measure up to what everyone else is doing — in your community, especially on social media, or even in your church.

This is your life — you only get one! Use it well and for God’s glory!

—> Have these lessons from the garden inspired you? Are you encouraged to become a better parent?
I’d love to help you get a plan for your parenting! Schedule a discovery call with me — your “Mom Mentor / Coach.”

—> Get your free “God Values Your Family” worksheets here. You’ll receive my newsletter and get notified when my parenting book comes out. Grab my devotional here —> “7 Days to Discovering God’s Value for You“.)

Train up a child in the way he should go;
Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10

Finding Love in a Storm

By livingabovethenoise

I sit, watching the storm blow in, and I can’t help but remember my childhood at the lake.

Sitting on the oversized, padded porch swing tucked under my grandparents’ cottage, my cousins and I would swing and laugh and plan the next excursion of our summer vacation. We’d gather there in storms just like the one today, feeling oh, so safe amidst the pounding rain and the thundering bellow of the clouds.

And I realize something.

There is nothing so wonderful, or calming, and as peaceful as feeling safe — of knowing we are loved.

Those days at the cottage were my favorite memories of childhood. I often wonder why.

I imagine it’s because we gathered as families, loved by parents and grandparents who cared about giving us simple gifts like this — our yearly family vacation.

Possibly it was in this lovely space away from home, we had no cares in the world. Both adults and children left the hustle of work and chores to get away and breathe.

But one thing remains. A sense of peace. Of security. Of love.

God Give the Gift of a Storm

The quiet of the rain softly pattering on the roof. The mist brushes our cheeks as we swing on the porch. The slow rumble of the thunder echoes its way across the sky.

And we have peace. Peace amidst the storm.

I pause and ponder for the first time in what feels like months. And I realize how very important it is to give one another that sense of peace and love. That feeling of being wrapped in a parent’s arms in the storm, knowing we are safe. And loved.

Seek out your children or grandchildren today. Let them know they are loved and safe with you. Let them know you will be by their side. No. Matter. What.

Of course, remember this doesn’t limit us only to children needing safety and love. Our spouses need that same affirmation. And friends. Even enemies.

If that makes you nervous, go to God, the source of all Love and Peace. Ask Him how to love while seeking nothing in return.

He’s the expert! His love never fails.

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

This Is Definitely What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown!

By livingabovethenoise

Linus’s age-old adage rings as true now as it did 50 years ago! We remember with much nostalgia when he recites Luke 2, then concludes with the refrain, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!”

Christmas is all about Jesus. It’s about celebrating God’s greatest gift to us — Jesus — our salvation through nothing else but faith in God’s Son.

Getting Sidetracked This Christmas?

It’s too easy to get sidetracked thinking it’s about decorations and gifts. Now, we love a decorated house this time of year! But it can get overwhelming. And you know about those hundred gifts on your list. “What?” you say. “I don’t have a hundred gifts on my list!” Umm, count again. Include teachers, bosses, neighbors, friends, greeting cards with pictures, stocking stuffers, cookies for the neighbors….yep, you’re getting close to a hundred! See what I mean about sidetracked?

Now don’t think I don’t understand. I’m right here with you….like forgetting about our Jesse tree and instead, getting started on my shopping trips. Reading the real Christmas story only because my daughters had a party for my ‘grandboys’! ‘Tis true…but get this — when I read to those wondering eyes, when I saw the intent on their faces, I remembered again.

This truly is the reason for the season. It is our job, our duty, to make sure we’re not quiet about what we believe and in Whom we believe!

Won’t you join me in relishing in the tinsel and holly and glitter, but not forgetting that simple, cold manger so many years ago? The sheer beauty of God’s gift of everlasting life, brought to us in the tiny frame of a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Keep Christ’s Love In Christmas

A bit of encouragement and some ideas to renew your sense of purpose this season:

– Our friend owns a thrift store in town, but it’s not just any thrift shop! This one uses the store’s proceeds to feed the hungry in our community. Check out your local ministries to discover how you can help the needy this year. People are cold, hungry, lonely, sick. What can we do to be Jesus’s hands of mercy to them?

– Tiny Tim is a name most people know. Learn how to share God’s love from his simple pronouncement to those around him.

– Here’s a great way to bless those in need this year! It’s so easy to pass by those in need along the road. What if we were prepared for those meetings by having a care bag of goodies to hand the homeless? We will never have an excuse to look the other way. (We have a homeless woman on the edge of town. We pass her most days and wonder how she does it with the cold weather approaching. Reading this post again has me excited to bring her a care package this week!)

– Some people ask the question, Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? It’s easy to see that it’s gotten out of hand with Santa, “Happy Holidays,” and compulsory gift-giving. Some proclaim Christmas is for pagans and just a copycat of idol worship. My post declares why it’s a good thing to celebrate. Choose for yourselves….but as for me and my house, we will celebrate the Lord!

– Visit a Fire or Police Station and bring goodies for these first responders! With a son-in-law who has this difficult job, we see first-hand how much we take our safety for granted. Give the gift of appreciation this year!

There are so many ways we can remember what Christmas is all about. Let’s share our ideas — with friends and family — and here. Leave a comment with ways your family celebrates or shares God’s love this time of year!

Happy Holy Day & Merry Christ-mas one and all!

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:16-20