River of Life Lesson on Miracles

I have seen transformation occur in the lives of others because I believed the following truth:

"But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?' 1st John 3: 17 

When I have believed the truth that God wants me to care for the physical needs of those who are without, and act on this truth, transformation can occur.

I have seen dignity restored to young moms in families who made poor financial choices, when the body of Christ came together to provide beds, a kitchen table, and more.

And this was no miracle I pulled off on my own. I shared my heart for this family with friends, who shared with other friends. All these people believe the same truth as me. "Be not hearers but doers of the word." (James 1:22)

I am a single mom with limited financial resources but because I believe the truth of God and shared with others who believed, this young mom's physical needs were met which opened her heart to God's love and presence in her life on a daily basis. She is now serving regularly at the local Share House, the place where we first met, when she was present as a recipient rather than a giver.

Last summer one great read for me was Jim Cymbala's Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. The following quote came from him:

"One way to recognize whether we suffer from disconnection is to look at our concern for people who are dirty...people who are 'other"...people who don't fit the core group's image. The ravages of sin are not pleasant--but they are what Jesus came to forgive and heal. "The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost" (Luke 19:10) Yet Christians often hesitate to reach out to those who are different. They want God to clean the fish before they catch them."

 There has been no greater joy than to see hearts opened to God for His filling. In fear I asked Him, "how could I ever give or be enough for any of these deep desperate issues. It seems so overwhelming and out of control." He answered me by reminding me only the truth of His word would free them and break down strongholds in their lives. I only needed to be obedient."

Weekly at Mom Heart we pour out the truth of who God is. And He is transforming lives. We take seriously the command from James to share the world's goods with those in need. Why? Because the love of God abides in us.(1st John 3:17)

Who can you help this week. Please let me know how quickly your heart is filled with joy because you have acted obediently.

And watch for the transformation to occur. It is a miracle, something only God can do. I am so excited about Easter, in spite of having three sick at home. Miracles are something to be excited about. I still can't believe, as believers in the living God,  we get to be a part of all this.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Pam

Easter: Christ Purpose and Message

We have preserved a few traditions in our family which are reminders of special events or holidays. As Easter approaches, I am preparing my heart to share with my children the reason for our celebration.

As we PRACTICE these traditions, I recollect reminders to practice throughout scripture. God was repeatedly telling Israel to set up these reminders, build an altar, and celebrate with feasts the provisions of God.

As believers we are privileged to get to pass on these stories of God's faithfulness throughout history to our children in creative ways. As I study 1 John 3: 8-12, we are encouraged again to practice the purpose and message of Christ:

"the Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil." "For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another."

This Easter I want to remind my children by practicing traditions in our home of Christ purpose on the cross. I want them to know that His death created a way for each of us to fulfill His message for each of our lives...to love one another.

Last year I used Ann Voskamp's "Trail to the Tree" which made a lovely centerpiece for my table. This year I have been using John Piper's Lenten Devotion over the past few weeks. You can find out more about it here by placing "Lenten Lights" in the search window. We will use the same devotion as a family during the holy week. Each day we get to snuff out a candle as we prepare for Easter morning when each of the seven candles are re-lit because Jesus is alive!

I can't wait to celebrate with my kids...especially knowing how much my baby boy Thomas, who is 10, will delight in wetting his fingers and snuffing out that flame everyday.

Traditions help set the tone for truth for our kids to embrace what is right and holy. If each of us only walked in these two truths:

Christ destroyed the works of the devil

and

We should love one another

What difference would that alone make in how you face today's challenges?

It's the  main thing. It's the only thing that matters. When we fix that truth in our mind, everything else suddenly becomes less paramount in our lives.

Happy Easter, Happy Practicing, Happy Day

Love,

Pam

Fostering Gifts in our Children

Raleigh Mom Heart Conference 2013

I believe at times it is easy, especially in young moms, to feel like the day to day tasks of running children to practice, doing lessons, etc can often feel mundane. It is hard to see the difference you are making as noticing progress in character shaping, academics, or other talents and abilities is often slow...very slow.

Today I am sharing at MomHeart. It's my monthly opportunity to be a part of a larger network of moms encouraging one another to hold fast to their calling as mothers. You can find out here how doing the small simple things with your children can make an eternal difference in advancing the kingdom of God.

Recently Erin and I reconnected at the National Raleigh Mom Heart Conference. Once she shared her story about her son, I knew it was too good to keep to myself. If what your child loves irritates you or is out of your comfort zone, but is not morally or spiritually dangerous, ask God to stretch you so you can truly foster those giftings.

You can enjoy Tristan's music at the following site by copying and pasting the link into your browser:

https://soundcloud.com/eyesontheking/tristan-peace-till-they-know

Happy Day,

Pam