Backseat Driving on the Spiritual Highway

Frazzled and frustrated, I try to see the street sign through the blinding sun. Could that finally be the street I have been desperately looking for? As I squint to see the words on the sign, I realize that sadly it is not. I have to face the music and just admit that I am lost. Just as I feel the need to pull over and scream I hear laughter. My kids are in the backseat laughing and playing. They seem to be unaware that we are lost. How is that possible? I have expressed in no uncertain terms that I cannot find my way. If the words were unclear, the expression on my face, my hand hitting the steering wheel every few minutes and my foot constantly hitting the break making the car move in a jerky fashion would be clues enough. As if laughing were not enough, my son points out some type of monument by a park on the other side of the road. This is no time for sightseeing! How can they remain so calm?

Enough was enough! I whip my head around and decide to face these giggle boxes head on. I ask them if they are aware that we have been lost for the past half hour. With confident smiles, they inform me that they are fully aware of the situation. If they are aware that we are lost then how can they remain so calm? The answer was simple. They trusted me to guide them home. My daughter told me that she did not know where we were or when we would get home but she knew we would since I was driving. My son was in agreement. My 4 year old was simply along for the ride and happy as long as she had something to drink. At that moment my frustrating situation became a pleasant adventure. I quietly prayed and we soon found our way back safe and sound.

That event made me think about the confidence and trust our children have in us as parents. My children confidently sat in my car while I was aimlessly driving around only because of the trust they have in me. Do I place that same confidence in the Lord? After all, God is in the driver’s seat in my life. Do I spend my time backseat driving or do I enjoy the adventure because no matter what may come He will guide me safely through?

I am reminded the verse:

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - Joshua 1:9

My children were not dismayed because imperfect me was in the driver’s seat. Well, I have a perfect Father in heaven how can I be dismayed when the road seems bumpy? I need to put my faith in the Lord in all situations and circumstances. Being strong and of good courage is not solely for the good times. It is in the bad times that our good courage glorifies the Lord. My children taught me an important lesson that day. They taught me how to view my Heavenly Father and rejoice in any situation. If you look closely at your children you will see how we can become better sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Easy Lunchboxes Review

Conceived by Kelly Lester, Easy Lunchboxes, will transform not only how you “do” lunch but how you think about lunch.  It is my honor to introduce you to this creative mom with a lovely spirit and a concept that not only is earth friendly but family friendly.   Please take the time to read all about Kelly in her bio!

What is Easy Lunchboxes? Easy Lunchboxes is a system that allows you to pack lunches quickly, easily with less packaging all while saving money and promoting healthy eating.  Seriously, it does all that!  The only thing this systems does not do is pack the lunch.  Sorry mom, that’s still your job.  However, with these cute containers, I’m sure your kids will love to help out.  Each single lid container has three compartments to house a lunch with plenty of space for a sandwich and two sides.  You can consult Easy Lunchboxes for some fun lunch ideas to keep your kids and you from getting lunch burnout.   Since the Easy Lunchboxes provide room for sides, you no longer have to buy prepackaged foods!

Easy Lunchboxes are affordable.  A set of four containers costs $13.95 and  a carrying case (which comes in a variety of colors) costs $7.95.  So for $21.90 you are done for the year…wait…you are just plain done with lunch.  The construction on the containers and the carrying case will last you for years to come.  How much are you spending now on plastic baggies and prepackaged foods?

Let’s talk carrying case.  The carrying case is the perfect size, and I don’t say that lightly.  My husband brings his lunch to work almost daily.  I try to stuff as much as I can in his little cooler.  Often his thermos or water bottle is left out because there is no room after filling his cooler up with his lunch.  The insulated, vinyl-free, carrying case from Easy Lunchboxes, is small enough to carry easily but big enough to house your entire lunch including thermos and ice packs.  In fact, I can fit two Easy Lunchboxes containers, a bottle of water and an ice pack!  Really.  Now, it might bit stuffed but it can be done.  To distinguish your lunch carrying case you can add a clip on or key ring decoration which you can easily change as often as you like.

I am giving this item highest marks on quality, efficiency, ease of use, usefulness, economical and earth friendly.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Did God Forget My Personal Force Field?

Sometimes I sit and wonder if  my standard issue personal force field, that comes with salvation,  needs to be sent back up for repair.  Or worse yet, the angels neglected to give me one.  How is your personal force field working?  Does it need a tune up?

Of course, there is no standard issue personal force field that comes with salvation.  I will admit when I first found Christ, I truly believed that somehow trials would cease to exist.  As I matured I realized that quite simply life goes on as usual.  The sun still goes up and comes down, my bills are still delivered, illness still occurs, and my car still gets a flat, even in the face of my secure eternal soul.  What is not the “usual” is my heart, my joy, and my security in Christ.   My surroundings may still be of old but my mind is renewed.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

An obstacle for many Christians is the concept of suffering after accepting Christ.  This is not confined to the newly saved but often occurs in even the most mature Christian.  Intellectually, we know that we will not be without trials in our lives.  However, when the most heartbreaking of trials knocks on a Christian’s door feelings of disappointment or anger toward God are common.  We wonder how a loving God who promises blessings and joy can allow such heartbreak to enter our lives.  Trials do not mean that God loves us less nor that we should loose joy in the hope that is Christ.  Suffering is not only unavoidable in this sinful world  but to be expected.

Beloved, do not be surprised as the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. 1Peter 4:12

Be encouraged that God did provide a personal force field…the blood of Christ.  This force field allows trials to shape you and bring glory to God’s name and mercifully never allows anything you cannot handle.

I am reminded of a song by Natalie Grant called Held.

Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
to us who have died to live,
it’s unfair.

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
and you survive.
This is what it is to be loved,
and to know that the promise was
when everything fell we’d be held.

This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrows.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

Allow the Lord to hold you during trials instead of expending energy being angry or disappointed.  God has not forgotten His promises to you and He will not abandon you but show you His love more vividly during trying times.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

10 Creative Ways to Spark Christmas Tradition

This time of year we are faced with all the materialism the world has to offer. One must stop and think of what happened to simple family Christmas tradition that keep the spirit of the holiday alive. Do we remember why we celebrate Christmas? Sugar Plum dreams fill our heads but is there room for Christ and family? This year many families are facing difficult economic times. This causes many to go beyond their means to provide what the world calls a good Christmas or feel depressed for being unable to provide presents. If you feel out of the Christmas spirit due to finances or inability to purchase gifts then you need to re-examine what the Christmas spirit is and how your celebrate it.

Ten simple ways to add the true meaning of Christmas back into your family

1. Special Christmas Breakfast. Every year I make French toast. I cut the toast in half crosswise to make a triangle shape. This serves as the tree. I sprinkle green sugar sprinkles on top to give it color. To finish it off, I use a sausage link for the tree bark. Try something fun for your family!

2. Present for Jesus. Wrap a box but leave a slit at the top where you can insert an index card. Each time a family member does something for Jesus have him or her write down the action on the card and insert in the box. Then on Christmas, open up the box and share with everyone what you gave Jesus this year.

3. Make Prayer Cards out of Greeting Cards. Each time you get a greeting card be sure to put it in a prayer rotation. Have cards lined up on a mantle or make into garland for the tree or however you store your cards, then each night have a family prayer time and pray for each person who sent you a card.

4. Read the Christmas Story. Read the Christmas story out of the bible. Either have dad read the entire story or have family members rotate verses. Do this before you open presents, so you can remember the true reason you should be thankful for another Christmas.

5. Christmas Craft. Every year, my family makes a Christmas craft. The craft changes yearly. One year we made ornaments, the next we made votive candle holders out of flower pots, and the next we made our own Christmas cards. Just choose something! As time goes on, you will be able to decorate your home with your Christmas crafts! I know I would rather see my family’s creations up than something I purchased.

6. Advent Paper Chain. Get red and green construction paper and cut it into thin strips. Then form a circle with one and glue end to end. Next, use an alternating color and attach it to make another circle and glue end to end forming a chain. You can make one link for each day in December up until Christmas day. Before forming the links and the chain, write on the inside a verse, an activity, or permission for a special treat, for the kids to open each day until Christmas.

7. Cookies for the Neighbors. Every year I make cookies for my neighbors. Included in the tin are strips of paper like confetti with printed verses. I also insert a track.

8. Christmas Caroling. When passing out your cookies you want to offer up some Christmas carols for your neighbor’s enjoyment. If you are too shy, then just make singing a regular family tradition.

9. Christmas Decoration Tear Down Day. Taking down decorations should be part of the fun! We make it a family affair because it goes faster and it makes it more fun. Use that time to reflect on the memories surrounded by the decorations, ornaments, gifts, greeting cards and so forth. Reflect on the meaning of Christmas and how you can keep that spirit in the upcoming new year. Then when the work is done play a game, watch a movie or do some fun family activity.

10. Iron Chef Christmas Cookie Competition. We all love Christmas cookies and treats. I am sure every family member has a personal favorite. Well, one day get in the kitchen and whip up some cookies. Split up into teams and make your favorites to share. To make it more fun, have a secret ingredient! Pick out of a hat, a strip of paper with an ingredient on it, like chocolate chips. That will be the challenge secret ingredient for each team. This will make baking so much more fun and personal.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

A little kitty taught me: Devotional on facing trials

My daughter was so excited to inform me that a stray cat had come to call.   This ball of black and white fur sought shelter from the rain on the comfort of our porch.  Just as I was about to swoon I hear the pounding of my dog’s paws running down the steps.  My dog darted toward the door and pounced with a barking fury.  The cat arched her small back and hissed looking directly into my dog’s eyes.  I’m not sure if I was more afraid for the cat or  my dog.  Thankfully the screen door still remained between them.  We restrained the dog.  Feeling sad for the scared but brave kitty, we gathered up some snacks to feed her.  Well, that did it!  She now thinks our porch is a restaurant.

I was reminded of scripture while observing this cat’s reactions to the world around her.  I wondered if I had the sense of this little cat to seek shelter during storms, face trials head on, all while seeking daily bread.

• Come in out of the rain. When the storm hits I sometimes make the mistake of braving it navigating my way through on my own.  We think that we need a show of strength and power to drive the storm away.  There are times to retreat to God’s shelter to spend time in His presence to regroup.  Allow the Lord to reveal Himself as your strong tower and rest in Him so you can revitalize.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61

• Stand up in the face of fear. After you revitalize and seek the Lord’s guidance now is your time to stand up and face the trial head on.  Have faith and remember who you belong to are and what He is capable of achieving.  We cannot doubt ourselves with the Lord behind us.  Let’s review from Proverbs 29:25 what scripture says about fear and the Lord:

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

• Seek your daily bread.  Our spiritual food comes from the Word of God.  If we allow our spirit to starve we will be too weak to fight a trial.  The Lord sets food out daily, hoping, His stray kittens come and partake in the feast.  We should hunger for this nourishment.   Let’s reflect on Psalm 34:17:

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Lord has provided us with all we need to fight trials and come out not only victorious but stronger.  Let’s seek His protection,  face our fears through Him and be nourished by His Word and we can face any trial.    

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Wonderful Family Devotional

I recently assigned a wonderful book to my kids to read for homeschool. I was so excited to receive this book as a review copy from Bethany House Publishers, especially since it was already on my homeschool reading list. Hero Tales by Dave and Neta Jackson, the authors of Trailblazer Books, is part church history, part devotional, and part character study. This book can be used with various age groups and double as a family devotional. The book is geared for children aged six to twelve, however, with guidance you can engage a younger child. An older child could benefit by using this as an outline for further in depth study into one or more of the featured Christians in the book. However, the text would be too simple for a child above the age of 12 to read on his own. If you have have a vast array of age groups this book is best used as a family devotional.

Hero Tales, compiles the lives of Christian heroes from William Tyndale to Harriet Tubman to Dwight L. Moody. The stories are inspirational and teach valuable character traits which glorify God. Each hero is presented by a brief biography and followed by three true stories each focusing on a particular character trait. At the end of each true story there is a verse linking the trait Biblically and three study and discussion questions.

For example the book includes Martin Luther as one of the heroes featured. Martin Luther’s life is briefly outlined for background. Following the short biography, the child will focus on vision, courage and joy in each of the stories on Martin Luther.

These heroes will inspire and teach Godly character. Along the way, your child will begin to learn an overview of church history. You can read this book daily or you can take the time to focus on each hero or a character trait you want to instill in your child. I am using this book with my 11, 9, and 4 year old. I will be assigning my 11 year old to choose a person from the book to write a biography. My 9 year old will focus on writing a few short paragraphs on a character trait that he can begin to implement in his life. My 4 year old, will begin to memorize short verses on the character traits studied. As a family, we will use the questions to open up lines of communication and instill values.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to bring church history, devotional time, and character study to their elementary aged children.

*Book provided by Bethany House Publishers.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

A Book Review: Voices of the Faithful

Book: Voices of the Faithful
Book 2: Inspiring Stories of courage from Christians serving around the world

Compiler and Monthly Introductions by: Kim P. Davis
Series Creator and Introduction: Beth Moore
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 13-978-0-8499-2071-4

Intro: Voices of the Faithful is a yearlong devotional book filled with inspiring stories by missionaries around the world.

Review: Beth Moore, of Living Proof Ministries and Christian author, offers an encouraging and moving introduction. Her plea is for all Christians to find their calling in the body of Christ. The purpose of the book is to provide daily inspiration to serve Christ. The focus of these devotions is on the men and women who serve Christ as missionaries throughout the world. The devotions are written by and about a different missionary’s life and experience in the field. The proceeds from the book support the International Mission Board.

Every month the reader focuses on a different theme to enhance a meaningful walk with Christ. I found this method to be effective way to concentrate and improve on areas in my spiritual life. Monthly you are revived, rejuvenated, and refreshed. Kim P. Davis gives beautiful monthly introductions to help set you up and get your ready for the next phase of your devotional life.

Every day I was amazed, blessed, and encouraged by the stories submitted by missionaries around the globe. I even learned a bit about different cultures through this adventure. The stories from around the world gave me a new perspective and begged me to seek Christ out daily. I highly recommend this book to supplement and enhance your daily Bible readings. This book is great for men, women, and families or to share with a friend. If you are seeking a fresh outlook on your spiritual walk that will cause you to truly change your heart toward Christ then look no further than this book.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Portion Control – When Serving Becomes Overload and Joy is Forgotten

It never fails, every time I go to a buffet; I fill my plate so full that my mashed potatoes and chocolate cake become unlikely bedfellows. My eyes seem to grow disproportionately in size to my stomach and I gather up all the goodies my plate will hold. In haste, I get back to my seat to devour my feast only to realize there were too many tastes and textures to differentiate any of them. Overstuffed and ready for a nap, I glance regrettably at the morsels of food left on my plate. I can’t move nor can I take one more bite. I scoff at the prospect of eating swearing to never engage in that activity again. It seems “just say no” is a slogan with many applications. The simple idea of portion control would solve my predicament of wondering if I should walk it off or sleep it off.

As I sit there deciding between walking and sleeping, my thoughts circled around other overfilled plates in my life. I am not sure about you, but my ministry plate is getting too heavy to carry back to the table. There are so many ministries and activities to make you feel unspiritual if you do not participate in that you end up participating in all. Yet, I have to ask myself if overfilling this plate is causing me to become more like Christ or less like Christ? Am I displaying a mind like Christ when my stomach turns as I have to get to one more meeting or make one more meal or teach one more class? I am not so haughty to think the church would fall apart at the seams if not for my involvement….or am I?

There comes a time when one realizes that being over loaded on tasks does not make you more spiritual. The amount of ministries you involve yourself in does not directly correlate to the amount of love you have for Jesus. The Bible teaches us that our love for Jesus is displayed by obedience to His Word. Yes, we are to serve in our local church to demonstrate Christ’s love to the outside world and to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet, let’s be reminded of portion control. To serve Christ, we need to perform our ministries as an act of worship to Him. When we get so bogged down that we resent our church, the people who don’t serve, the people who do serve, the lack of funds, the lack of time, or what have you, our actions become selfish and not sacrifice. The tendency is to take on one more thing because we feel no one else is willing. So, we walk up to the alter of ministry with great pride and martyr ourselves in the name of ourselves. Heavy laden and weary, convinced the church will fall at our feet, we say “yes” one more time to the call of service. How does that glorify God? It does not. In fact, our deceitful hearts tell us we do this for our king when in fact we do it for ourselves. The meaning of service is lost and Christ is no longer the center. Have we forgotten why we serve or better yet Who we serve?

I have reconciled that the church does not need me. In fact, God doesn’t need my money, my time or my sweat and tears. The sooner I realize God’s Will is not dependent on my actions the sooner my service will glorify God. Let’s exercise portion control and thoughtfully with love and a mind like Christ, serve our God gratefully and willfully. Also, allow the blessing of service to fall on another’s shoulders. Challenge a less involved person to serve by encouragement and mentoring. Then the body of Christ will finally have all the limbs required for true service.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Weeds Never Take a Vacation

So far this spring and summer, I have not picked weeds from the garden or fertilized my grass. I made a feeble attempt to plant grass seed by throwing it on the ground and hoping it takes root. I’ve just been too busy. I have a baby and three other children to tend to, I am sure you understand. After caring for them and making sure my husband has clean laundry and dinner on the table, I am tired. When I finally do get a minute I decide it’s “me” time and I pick up a book, do a scrapbook page, take a bath, check Facebook or sit and watch TV. I deserve that much, don’t I? After all, it is summer and I worked hard all year homeschooling my kids. School teachers get summer breaks and I know I am in need of a vacation. So, there’s my justification and I’m sticking to it! Uh…Right?

Today I walked in my backyard and saw what only slightly resembled a garden. As I made my way back to the garden I stepped on patches of bare lawn with grass seed only sprinkled on top. I was sad to see promising baby tomato and pepper plants stunted in growth and dry surrounded by weeds almost as tall as the plants. How did this happen? I only just planted this garden! I mean it was only…..only…well…I suppose it had been two months since I last laid eyes on it. I hung my head in shame and walked back to the house with the sound of dry grass crinkling beneath my feet. The thought struck me, “when did I last water this lawn?”

As moms we all get busy and we all need a bit of time for ourselves. Is there a mom out there that cannot understand the exhaustion that hits you like a wave at the end of the day? After seeing my garden, I realized that my heart is a spiritual garden and I wondered if that too was a testament to neglect, selfishness and given over to flesh. Our spiritual garden is also in need of daily tending and weed picking. Weeds start out so small hardly noticeable until one day they take deep root and over take the garden. Weeds can choke a fruitful plant and cause it to only produce withered useless leaves. Seeds that fall on dry unfertilized soil never grow but stay on the surface. It gives the appearance that an attempt is being made and lies to us and tells us that was enough.

We cannot allow the world to interrupt the daily weed picking in our hearts. We must remain vigilant because weeds never go on vacation but find the strength to flourish while our hearts are on vacation. This summer do not forget to water and tend to your spiritual garden amidst the demands of the world and your desire to enjoy “me” time. Yes, have some “me” time on me! However, let’s not forget to spend time with our Father God, or His Word so the weeds do not overtake our thoughts and hearts.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Turning into my Mother

One morning, while brushing my teeth, I looked up and saw my mother staring back at me in the mirror. I was so startled I swallowed some toothpaste. How could this be? Without haste, I ran into my bedroom and the sight of what I found stopped me dead in my tracks. I was standing in what appeared to be my mother’s bedroom. The shoes, the clothes, the décor all said “dear ole mom.” As I gaze around my eyes catch a glimpse of myself in the full length mirror. I squinted hard and ever so gingerly I turned around. I dare not look with both eyes so I peek out with one at the reflection in the mirror. There it was….right there in front of me…well behind me really. My mother’s butt!

I distinctly remember making a pact with myself at 11 years old that I would never become my mother. I vowed never to wear comfortable shoes, lose touch with the top 40, or embarrass my daughter by asking her friends silly questions. Yet, there I stood in comfortable shoes, unable to name one pop tune to save my life and about to ask my daughter’s friend if her mother will be home while my daughter visits. I look to the left and see my 11 year old daughter standing next to me. I can see on her face what she is thinking for I once stood in her place with the same expression as I vowed never to become my mother. Helpless to stop the giggle from becoming audible; I think of the day my daughter will look in the mirror and see me staring back at her.

As I recovered from the shock of this event, I realized there is a lesson to be learned in all of this. A mother’s influence lasts a lifetime. If we will one day become our mother’s then one day our daughters will become us! What will our daughter’s see in that mirror looking back at them? I find myself constantly thinking, “Mom was right all along.” I even have out of body experiences when I realize I am saying exactly the same words to my daughter that my mother spoke to me. What words will our daughters say to their daughters?

A day should never pass where we forget that we are not only influencing our daughters but our granddaughters and great granddaughters. We are forming a legacy of the women in our family through our words and actions. What is the legacy of the women in your family? We need to be careful to speak God’s words, show God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. The most precious gift we have (our daughters) should not be carelessly torn open or thrown away by our inability to worship the Lord through raising our daughters.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved