Titus 2 Tuesady - Wrapped in Love

What have learned from another woman this week? (or ever) Write your own "Titus 2 Post" (linking back here somewhere within the body of your post) and enter your link below!

Today my thoughts are drawn to a sweet friend, Nikki. She is someone who just exudes joy and faith. I have known her and her family now for a few years. We were pregnant together for a brief time and I have greatly enjoyed watching her family grow. They have three adorable little boys.

Recently, my husband and I were surprised by an announcement that she and her husband made: they are being led to adopt! They are walking this adoption journey in faith, trusting that God has a perfect plan for their family and for this sweet girl who will be becoming a part of their family.

While I have known other families who have gone through adoption to ensure that they would have a daughter added to their mix; I can say with confidence that it is more for Nikki and her husband than just "making sure they have a girl." They are passionate about God's leading their family and they are taking each new step in faith. The love that God has already given them for this unknown daughter is beautiful and it is exciting to be able to be a part of His move in their lives.

It has prompted me to be open and seeking His will for my life (our families lives) even if the direction is different than I may have been expecting.

Thank you, Nikki, for sharing the journey with us and being such a beautiful reflection of God's love for each of His adoptive children!

What have you learned from another wise woman? ALL of us can learn something from one another. Join in and then go read these posts!

The Man Card

It seems now-a-days men have (or perhaps had) a "man card." I've heard references to "the man card" on a few movies/shows along the way - normally, "the losing of a man card" when a man chooses to leave the "manly world" of sports, parties, shows emotion or chooses to go do something that their wife has requested or to take care of their children. The idea that somehow a man has to earn his right into a card carrying fraternity of "real" men and then must follow a set of "manly rules" or their card is revoked.

This post by Billy Coffee got me thinking about "Man Cards." Basically, Billy got "told off" for holding the door for a woman at the mall. She didn't just exchange words with him; she was LOUD. She was intentional about causing a scene so that others might see the display and perhaps it might cause other men NOT to hold doors for women as if it were an insult to the female gender to need someone to hold the door for them.

As you can see, the post got me thinking and down right bothered that the voices of those who are in opposition to all that is good (and often holy) are so much louder and intentionally projected for all to see and hear. That what is meant to be good is becoming so distorted.

If I were a woman of means, I believe I would have went out and bought a slew of gift cards (maybe to Home Depot, a Bass Pro shop, a good local eatery, etc.. Somewhere that most men might enjoy going to) and I would have gone to the mall in search of men who would hold a door for me.

I'd smile and thank them and pass out my modified version of "man cards" to encourage men that although we may not be loud; there is quite a large group of women who still greatly appreciate the behavior of a gentleman. No, we probably don't need for you to hold the door open for us; but we appreciate the respect and kindness that it is meant to be to us.

But since I'm not a woman of means...I guess I'll have to settle with smiling, thanking, and writing.

To the men who may read this post: I pray that God would reveal to your heart that He alone holds your masculinity. No man (or woman for that matter) can remove that gift from your Heavenly Father to you. May you embrace the strength, power, and love that being a Godly man brings. This world (and feminine hearts) need husbands and fathers who will embrace their masculinity as the head of their households through Christ's love and grace.

Take a risk: be intentional about opening the door (be it the door at work, the store, or the car door for your wife.)

To the ladies who may read this post: I pray that we would all (myself included) learn more fully what it means to respect the men in our lives. May we appreciate the masculinity that God has bestowed and build it up rather than tear it down. May we embrace our own feminine hearts and come alongside of our husbands as they take risks as leaders in our households. May our households be strengthened through Christ's love and grace.

Take a risk: The next time a male opens the door for you; smile and thank him. Not because we are too weak or need them to do it for us; but because they have taken the time and made the effort out of respect for you.

An excellent book for both men and women to read on the masculine heart, "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge.

If we do not take a stand for that which is good (and also for that which is holy); who will?

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." Proverbs 14:1

"Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God." I Corinthians 11:3

Respectfully,

Shanda

Titus 2 Tuesday -The Hollowness of Outer Beauty

What have learned from another woman this week? (or ever) Write your own "Titus 2 Post" (linking back here somewhere within the body of your post) and enter your link below!

I'm late out of the gate this morning! Littlest One was up and down all through the night last night. Hopefully he is not coming down with something.

"Back to School" is in the air! As I was prayerfully considering who to write about today; it seemed fitting to honor one of the wonderful women of faith that my children have the opportunity to learn from at school.

As a bit of a side note; one of the reasons we have continued to send our children to Christian School is the fabulous role models that are ever present before them. Not only the faculty and staff; but our school connects some of the older students to the younger ones to encourage, pray for, and to be an example to. My daughter especially has been deeply impacted by these relationships.

Today I will be honoring the Principal of my children's school, Mrs. Underwood. I love this woman for so very many reasons, but especially because she is passionate about the children coming into a relationship with Jesus Christ and growing in His knowledge and grace through His Word.

She is intentional about forming relationships with the children. Every morning she meets with them all in the gymnasium before school begins and she does fun trivia questions and challenges with them and they pray together before dismissing to their classes.

She is often their chapel speaker (they have chapel once a week.) The "theme verse" for this past year was:

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8

Mrs. Underwood spent several chapel times going over the application of that verse in practical ways. One particular day, she focused on "The Hollowness of Outer Beauty." As an illustration, she brought in a Barbie-type doll and several magazine covers. She showed the value that is placed on our outer appearance and how many spend most of their money and time in pursuit of a beautiful outer appearance (with their person and belongings.)

Then, she cut the doll in half.

Yes, you read that correctly. She definitely had my attention - and every child in the room. She called one of the children up to tell everyone what was inside of the doll. "Nothing," the child responded.

She proceeded, in her soft and tender way, to talk to all of us about how the world deceives us. We are bombarded with images and messages that tell us that if we can obtain outer beauty that we will be happy. Be fulfilled. Be complete. And yet those claims are hollow. Those things alone are not enough to bring us contentment and joy.

True fulfillment comes only through relationship with our creator. While outer beauty is not wrong; it is not enough. On it's own, it is empty.

She then proceeded to discuss with the children how we can be filled by God's love for us. That His love shines brightly inside of us and causes us to be beautiful from the inside out. When we know His love and peace, we can offer beauty to all that we come in contact with. Not the hollow beauty that only makes others feel less about themselves; but the kind of beauty that brings peace and love to others.

That was a message I desire for my daughter to take to heart. To learn young so she is not constantly striving to be someone or something that she is not; but that she can embrace the beauty that God has created her to be. And honestly, it was a great reminder to me as well.

I am looking forward to reading your Titus 2 Posts!

Blessings!

Shanda

*It is important to note that chapel is separated by grade levels so although this message was deeply meaningful to my second grade daughter; it may not be appropriate for a younger child who could not grasp the accompanied meaning.*

What have you learned from another wise woman? ALL of us can learn something from one another. Join in and then go read these posts!

**Please write your "Titus 2 Post" linking back to this post first and then enter your link below.**

What Encourages You?

Dayspring has launched a new website to (In)Courage Christian Women. There are several amazing writers that will be contributing to the site and I am sure it will be a tremendous blessing to many! You can check it out here!

Today they are inviting bloggers to answer the question, "What Encourages You?" You can link up and enter for a chance to win a limited edition t-shirt.
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While I am often blessed by the smiles, laughter, and words of others; I was intrigued by the way that the title of their new site plays on the word "encourage." The emphasis is placed really on "what brings you courage?" As I thought through what it is that brings me courage each day in the many roles that I hold, the following things came to mind:

The example of Godly men & women in the Bible. Currently, I find myself drawn to Daniel, Esther, and Abraham. Each of them were faithful and obedient in their walk with God. Each took a stand in the face of danger and/or the unknown. They looked to God for their approval and were willing to die rather than to walk away from what God had called them to do. Their courage stands as an encouragement to me.

Other Christ followers who I know IRL and on the internet. I am blessed to have amazing Christian men and women in my life who speak life and truth to me. Those who allow me to be real and open and who are transparent enough to be real with me as well. Transparency requires humility; but it is so worth it in relationships.

My Husband. One of the prayers that I pray daily for my children is that they will marry someone who will draw out their gifts, support them in developing them, and push them to be all that God intended for them to be. (I pray that my children would do the same for their spouse as well.) My husband encourages and pushes me to be courageous and step out in faith when I am prompted and he does his best to equip me for success.

Our marriage has gone through ups and (some very large) downs. But as we have grown in our relationships with the Lord and one another; it has given us courage to push our "marriage" to being all that God designed it to be. If you are needing encouragement in your marriage; click here. God is a God of restoration. Through Him all things are possible!

So what is it that (In)Courages you?

Shanda

Where Is Your Focus?

I greatly enjoy photography. Although I am not an excellent photographer; occasionally, I am able to capture amazing pictures. One day, (when I no longer have a two year old...) I hope to pursue this hobby more fully. One thing that God recently revealed to me has to do with my focus.

In photography when you are using a higher range/grade lens, you can only focus on one image at a time. Take a look at the photos below that my husband took of me while we are at Ruby Falls. I was closer to him; the falls were behind me.

He had focused in on the falls here hoping to catch me on the side...Now look what happened when he focused on me with the falls in the background:

(Yes, this is me in all of my "camping glory" a.k.a. NO make-up...feel the love here people that I am willing to post a non-make up photo... ;))

As you can see; he was unable to focus in on both the falls and me. Either the Falls or myself lost clarity respectively. Yes, if he were further away from both myself and the falls he could probably have captured both together; but the walkway only went a short distance back AND the photo would have lost the details that only a close up can bring.

What God revealed to my heart was that when I draw close to Him; close enough to rest in the Shadow of the Almighty, I must choose what I will focus on. Am I going to focus on His outstretched hand - as a demanding child only looking for His provision. Or am I going to focus on His face - locking my gaze with His and trusting in His love for me; trusting that He will perfect and provide for all that concerns me?

When we are up close; we must choose our focus. When we are far enough away to see both; we are too far away to experience either fully.

My husband's job is going through a lot of changes right now. Many of us are walking one step at a time right now, waiting for God to shed His light onto our next steps. But let's face it; most of us have difficulty waiting for God's provision. We pray, cast our cares upon him...and then when it seems that God is not providing right away, our focus shifts and we find ourselves staring at His hand wondering if He has forgotten somehow to provide for us.

He recently reminded me to lift my gaze. To keep my focus where it needs to be. To allow Him to perfect that which concerns me because He is at work and He sees the bigger picture of what we (my family & I) need.

In the book of Daniel, we catch a glimpse of a Godly man who has petitioned God daily seemingly without a response. For three weeks Daniel humbles himself and prays daily. Then(Chapter 10) an angel appears to him. The angels tells Daniel, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before the God, your words were heard and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty one days." (10:12-13) The angel goes on to answer Daniel's petition to the Lord and he tells Daniel to be at peace and to be strong.

When we "set our minds to gain understanding and humble ourselves before God," He hears our petitions. He is at work even now answering.

Part of what God was revealing to my own heart, was that when I get so focused on His hand of provision; I am NOT walking in humility. Instead, as a demanding child, I just continually ask the same question without allowing my father to respond. In those moments, I am not "setting my mind to understanding His will;" I'm simply demanding my own.

While this post is not "pretty," revealing my own shortcomings in both a Spiritual and physical sense; I pray that it would draw you to lift your gaze to the beauty of His face and to trust in God's love and provision in your own life.

Blessings to you,

Shanda

The "New"

Today I spent some time going through the bin of left over school supplies to see what we could recycle for the upcoming school year. Then we waded through "the list" that the school puts out of required items. Either I had no clue what my parents did for us each year or things have gotten a lot more complicated over time!!

After spending almost an hour sorting and making my combined grade level shopping list, the kids and I set off on the official "school supply shopping trip!" It is always fun for me to see how excited they get about finding a composition notebook with flare, a cool looking (flexible) ruler and Kleenex boxes with unique designs!

They are about to begin fresh once again. As Billy Coffee so eloquently put it, "...summer vacation is the Great Eraser, three months of sunshine and play that put enough distance between me and the previous nine months to suggest the next year might be mine to own."

Thankfully, their school experiences have been mostly positive up to this point. Although there are some lingering apprehensions about who they will play with, who their teacher will be and what they might be like, etc. they basically know what to expect and what will be expected of them. So for now, they are enjoying all of "the new." Simple as it may be.

Shoes were also purchased; and as they were excitedly plodding around in them (breaking them in), this verse came to mind: "... because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." I was reminded that God blesses me(us) with "new" every morning.

I needed that reminder.

That visual that I could excitedly plod around in the newness of God's grace and love toward me. That although I often fall short as a parent, spouse, friend, and in my walk with the Lord; that He invites me to start fresh again filled with His grace and love.

Thank you God. I pray that you will fill me anew with Your presence. I lift up my soul to You.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." (Psalm 143:8)

We're back "for real" this time!

As I mentioned before, our "Back Home" moment earlier this month turned into more of a "landing, re-fueling, and take off!" My husband had a two week training class that ended up getting re-scheduled. The location of his training also changed so we were provided the opportunity of driving him to his training location (gas paid for by his company), dropping him off, and then continuing south to visit more family and friends. The cost effectiveness of the trip was amazing (fuel paid for, hotel paid for on the road, staying with family and friends, energy & water consumption minimized at home...)

It ended up being an unexpected gift that we prayerfully considered and chose to receive!

I don't believe we have ever been away from home for almost an entire month before (with children.) It definitely has it's ups and downs. The positives include things like being able to connect with people we love and rarely get to see and spend time with, along with fun new experiences and foods. The negatives proved to include a bit of exhaustion, indigestion, and enhanced sibling discord.

All in all; it was wonderful month. But never have our own beds and showers been such a luxury. I am behind in almost all things "home" related; so please bear with me as we unpack and get into an established family routine again.

We will be re-focusing on our "family verses," Philippians 2:3-4

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Do you have a "family verse" or any kind of a "theme Scripture" for your household?

Blessings to each of you as we enter the last month of summer!

Shanda