Casting Off Cares vs. Cuddling Up With Them

Every evening I turn my worries over to God. 

He’s going to be up all night anyway.

Mary C. Crowley

Cast your cares on the Lord

and he will sustain you;

he will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Several years ago we bought a precious puppy.  She was so cute and huggable that my husband and I agreed to allow her to sleep on our bed with us at night.   I probably should mention that our new lovable pooch is an English Mastiff named Abbey.  Now if you know anything about English Mastiffs, you know that they can grow in size to be 150 – 200 pounds.  Abbey currently weighs in at 165 lbs. 

She started off as a sweet little bed mate, but as she grew so did her annoying tendencies like snoring, hogging the covers and waking us up every time she turns over. It’s not so easy to get her out of the bed anymore.  She jumps up while we are asleep, and when we try to get her off she is dead weight.  It’s a constant “bed battle.”

Worry, on the other hand, is a constant “head battle.”  It may start out as a cuddly little care, but if we allow it to linger, it can grow into full blown worry and despair.  Stay vigilant!  Don’t let cares and worries make their home in your head.  Instead begin the practice of casting your cares on Him because he genuinely cares for you!  It’s not a one time thing but rather a continual habit. Refresh your spirit by applying the following three truths:

1.       Be humble, recognizing your need for God.

2.       Continually give your cares, concerns and worries to him through prayer.

3.       Replace your worry with wonder by filling your mind with scripture and truth.

Calming Thoughts

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 30 Psalm 56:3, 4 

Quiet Meditations: 

What are some of the cares in your life right now which you tend to cuddle?

Are you willing to turn them over to God and leave them there, trusting him as your rock and protection?

Think of a scripture or truth with which you can fill your mind when those worries want to creep back into your head.  Write them below.

Personal Prayer:  Loving Father.  I praise you for your care for me.  Thank you for wanting me to bring my concerns and worries to you.  You are willing and able to handle them, much better than me.  I confess that so often I want to hold on to my own worries rather then giving them over to you.  I humbly recognize my need for you.  I give each area of my life over to you.  Help me to rest in the fact that you are good and can be trusted.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Smart Art

“Art as far as it is able, follows nature, as a pupil imitates his master; thus your art must be, as it were, God’s grandchild.” Dante – Inferno

As we continue our series of Summer Fun Themes, we will focus this week on Smart Art. Several years ago my daughter Grace started an after-school art program called Waco Arts Initiative, and I thought we would glean some insight from her. I asked Grace to give me a few ideas she has used with her kids in Waco, so I could share them with you. Grace likes to use recycled or natural items as much as possible. You will see that the art projects don’t cost a lot of money and use good ole creative ingenuity. You can read about Waco Arts Initiative on her blog, http://www.wacoartsinitiative.blogger.com/ and also view a video about Waco Arts at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aevUEBSaCQ


Activities: Visit art museum or art galleries in your area, go on a trash hunt or nature walk to collect potential items to use for the art projects listed below, visit an art store for inspiration and a few supplies, reach out to the community by bringing a simple art project to do with senior citizens or children in need, watch Waco Arts Initiative video together as a family, send art creations to grandparents or relatives.

Books: Art appreciate books, picture books that feature different artists or a variety of art genres.

Crafts:
1. Planters. Collect milk or juice cartons. Use wallpaper paste and news paper to paper mache the exterior. Once dry, decorate with paint, feathers, sequins, buttons, etc… Poke a hole in the bottom for drainage. Fill with dirt and plant seeds.

2. Vases. Collect glass jars or bottles. Using glue to attach torn pieces of colorful tissue paper. After covering the glass with tissue paper, spray or paint the jar with Mod Podge or clear finish. Display flowers from your garden.

3. Bird Houses. Gather recycled items such as plastic bottles, milk cartons and cups. Use masking tape to attach items together to create a unique bird house. Be sure to make at least one hole for the bird, and add a hook for hanging. Use wallpaper paste and newspapers to paper mache the houses. Once dry, paint and decorate and hang outside. You can view another video of the Waco arts kids making birdhouses by clicking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oifjpdecgII

4. Sail Boat. Use 2 liter soda bottles, cut in half lengthwise. Glue popsicle sticks to make a deck. Paint or decorate the deck. You can make a sail by using a stick from the yard or cardboard tube cut from a hanger, secure the mast using putty or glue. Use scrap material for the sail. Once you are finished, take the boat to the pool or creek to see if it is sea-worthy.

5. Decorated Boxes. Collect small wooden cigar boxes or cardboard boxes (even food boxes will do). Cut or tear out favorite pictures from magazines. Using Mod Podge (found at craft stores)and attach the pictures to cover the box. Allow time to dry. Line the inside with fabric and use for special treasures or give to grandma as a jewelry box.

Devotional:
This week focus on the creativity of God and how He has given each of us with unique gifts and talents. Throughout the week point out God’s handiwork in nature and the unique talents you see in people.
Creation – Genesis 1
Work of skilled craftsmen in OT Exodus 28 and Exodus 35:30-35
Gifts and talents of the Proverbs 31 woman – Proverbs 31: 10-31

Books, Glorious Books!

“A good book is the best of friends, the same today and forever.” Tupper

Never underestimate the power of a book to inspire and encourage a young reader. Books help us develop our imagination and create new ideas. Biographies and stories of great heroes, strengthen our own courage. We can learn how to do things, go places and accomplish new skills all through the blessing of books. This week’s theme of “Books Glorious Books” offers innovative indoor fun while encouraging a love for reading. Use this week as an opportunity to talk about how we must be discerning and wise in what we read and put into our minds. Not every book is a good book. Let us lead our kids to discover the joy of reading and the beauty of gaining wisdom and knowledge through good literature.

Activities: Create and act out dramas from your favorite books, dress up like different storybook characters each day, go to the library, visit a bookstore, visit a printer/binder and ask for a brief tour, study the life of a great author, research to see if there are any authors in your area, interview grandparents about their favorite books when they were growing up. Most importantly read, read, read.

Books: Allow the kids to choose their favorite books this week whether at the library or a book store. I would suggest a trip to a discount or half-price bookstore. Give each child a certain amount to spend (or allow them to earn it through chores) and give them the opportunity to purchase their own favorite book(s) to cherish and keep.

Craft: Encourage each of your children to write and create their own book. Provide blank paper and markers. Each day add a little bit more to the story. Allow younger ones to draw while you help them write the words. At the end of the week bind the story together and have a reading hour for each child to share their story.

Devotional: This week center on the Best Book Ever Written – the Bible.
Mon – Psalm 119:105 – God’s word is a lamp to our feet, a light for our path.
Tues – Isaiah 40:8 – The word of God will stand for ever.
Wed – Joshua 1:8 – Meditate on the Bible continually
Thurs – 2Timothy 3:16 – the Bible is important for teaching us how to live.
Fri – 2Peter 1:20,21 – The Bible is the inspired word of God.

“The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure, all sincere; nothing too much; nothing wanting.” Locke

Be sure to check out my Thrive blog about my trip to Joni and Friends. www.thrivedontsimplysurvive.wordpress.com

Terrific Travel Tips

"Good company in a journey makes the way to seem the shorter." Izaak Walton

Yes, I promised travel tips last week, but then again I wanted to share with you just a little about our daughter’s wedding. Now we are back on track, and I know for most of you summer is already in full swing, so let’s talk travel. As you consider a summer family vacation here are several important tips to make it a great family time together.

Pre-prep for Success: Vacation Preparation is everything! For a memorable trip, begin preparing the kids beforehand for what they can expect or which family members they may be meeting. Together, you can look up on line some of the possible activities to do while you are at your destination. Talk about the importance of being flexible as weather or other circumstances may change even your most perfectly laid out plans. Buy tickets on line to save you the hassle and time once you get there. Check out comments from other families and make sure you are planning age-appropriate activities. Recently I was at the Tulsa zoo and saw a mom, dad and grandma all pulling their little bitty toddler along in a red wagon. It was obvious that the young thing had no interest at all in the animals, despite the fact that the family kept pointing and saying , “Look at the animals.” He was just too young, and definitely too hot and tired to enjoy the experience, which leads me to my next point.

Schedule for Enjoyment: You know your kids and you know what they can typically handle. Please don’t overload your little ones by trying to fit way too many activities in a day. They are already going to be on over-stimulated by the new environment, so don’t overwhelm them with too much to do. A good schedule for younger kids usually includes getting up and getting out early, a time to eat lunch and rest (or nap) then another late afternoon activity and dinner. For older kids, you may want to let them sleep a little longer and enjoy a mid morning brunch, then a full day of afternoon activities and sight-seeing. Plan out your days as much as possible ahead of time making your schedule work for your family’s needs, but always remain flexible. Teaching your kids to be flexible and adjust to new situations is a quality they need to learn for life, and they learn it as they watch your example on vacations. Schedules should not rule your vacation, they are simply a guideline to help you work through your day.

Throw out Complaining: Make one clear rule before the trip even starts, “No whining or Complaining allowed.” Now mom, you set the tone by guarding your own mouth, but also have a talk with the kids telling them how whining and complaining can be quite draining not only to the rest of the family but to the whiner himself. The energy used for complaining can always be better used toward choosing to enjoy an activity or work through a difficulty. We are happier people when we stop whining, and change our focus to something good about the situation. On one trip I had my daughters memorize the apostle Paul’s words in Philippians, “I have learned to be content no matter what the circumstances.”

Give Goodies: A goody bag became a fun and expected item on Ladd family trips. I took great joy in putting together a fun little tote bag of games and snacks to keep the girls occupied while we traveled in the car or by plane. They even served to be helpful as we waited at restaurants. A quick trip to Walmart or the Dollar store will help you fill a bag with healthy snacks, water, markers, note pads, small books, pocket sized games, chewing gum, activity books, little toys, magazines, you name it! I built the anticipation by waiting until we got in the car or boarded the plane to give the kids their bags. They loved it, and it sure made travel much more enjoyable.

Bring books: You are never bored when you have books. My mom used to read to us on long car rides and it made the time go by so much faster for both her and us kids. I suggest you go to Half Price book store and pick out a few books that will suit your family. You may even want to bring a fiction book to read as a family on the trip such as Chronicles of Narnia. Books on CD offer another good idea for car or headphones. Yes, I would bring a few DVD’s along on the trip, but don’t neglect the value of inspiring your kids to read.

Writing on Return: Coming home from a trip can sometimes be a bit of a downer, but you can make it fun by taking time to reflect on the trip. I used to take a blank journal on each trip, and we put pictures in it and wrote reflections in the journal on the way home. Our favorite memories about the trip as well as funny things that happened along the way made good entries into the journal. We also added tickets stubs and brochures. You can even write a family poem about the trip allowing everyone to share in the creative process. Ask everyone to make a drawing or sketch of their favorite part of the trip. Years later it is a joy to pull out a journal and reflect on a memory.

Hopefully some of these travel tips will assist you in experiencing wonderful and memorable family vacations. For the next few weeks I will be sharing Theme Ideas to use week by week to make your summer a blast!!! Also, you may want to visit my other blog to read about “Flowers that Fade, but the Word of God Stands Forever.” http://www.thrivedontsimplysurvive.wordpress.com/

The Gift of Applause

Never underestimate the power of applause. This past weekend I was in Eugene, Oregon on business, but one little added extra blessing was that the Eugene Marathon was taking place during the time while I was there. The runners were going right by my hotel, so I strategically planned to eat breakfast at the outdoor café during the event in order to watch the runners and applaud them as they ran by my table. The president of Harvest House (my new publisher) was one of those runners, and I wanted to be sure and give him an enthusiastic cheer as he ran.

As most of the runners came along, some plodding, some jogging, and some pushing forward at a strong pace, I clapped and applauded for each one. My hands actually began to hurt from clapping for so long, but it was worth it! I saw the thankfulness in the eyes of the runners as they seemed to sincerely appreciate the encouragement along the way. Some even used what little energy they had to say thank you, and others looked to me and smiled. I could tell that the applause gave them a true sense of support and strength to keep on going. I was at mile 18, and I think they needed some encouragement about then.

It was a visual reminder to me that we all need a healthy dose of applause in our lives. Uplifting words are the delicious morsels that keep us going when we feel like we want to give up. I’m talking about sincere encouragement, not silly, fluffy flattery. The word encourage literally means to give strength to the heart. I saw how valued my applause was to weary runners this weekend, and certainly our good words are just as valued to weary travelers on the journey of life. Whether it is our kids or the neighbor next door or the lady working the cash register at the grocery store; everyone could all use a good word now and then.

Take some time and effort to offer applause to the people God places in your life today. More importantly remember to seek the applause of Heaven by drawing close to Him and intimately getting to know the God who loves you. If you want to read a few more life lessons learned in Eugene, go to my other blog at: www.thrivedontsimplysurvive.wordpress.com

The Strength of Mom

It’s amazing what a mom can accomplish in one day. Getting the kids to where they need to go whether it is lessons, school or story time, and making sure they have a good breakfast and a healthy lunch in the process. Laundry, volunteering, carpool, appointments, play-dates, errands, not to mention the priceless moments of listening, caring, hugging, disciplining and helping. Phew! A mother’s job is filled with joy, but let’s be honest, it can be slightly draining at times. In a good way, it drains us of our self-centered tendencies, but in a challenging way motherhood can drain us of our physical and emotional energy.

Where does a mother go to for strength and help? Certainly we must be deliberate about taking care of ourselves physically by eating right and getting the rest we need. We can also find support emotionally through talking with a trusted friend, finding wise counsel or journaling. As believers in Christ, God invites us to come to Him for strength. The Bible talks quite a bit about finding our strength in God. Isaiah reminds us, “Those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength.” The Psalmist said, “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Paul said, “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul also talked about the strength he found to be content in any and every situation, whether in plenty or in need. He said he learned the secret to being content in every situation. Here it is, “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” He went on to say, “My God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Being content doesn’t mean God orchestrates everything to turn out perfectly for you. It means God will strengthen you in and through your difficulties. Lean on Him, look to Him, find your strength in Him. He loves you and will provide for you.