Marriage Devotional

‘Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.’ Psalms 90:12(NLT)

‘We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. ‘ 2 Corinthians 10:5(NLT)

By Deb Weakly

For the past year, I have had a little handwritten sign inside my teacup cabinet that reads, “What would I do if I only had one year to live?” I like to keep this thought in front of me each day as I grab my china teacup for my morning time with God, and then get ready for my day. 

When I see this little sign, I ask myself some questions: How would I live my life today if I only had one year to live? Who or what would be most important to me? Would I choose to overlook offenses or give grace? Would I choose to love well? 

I think about these questions a lot. To be honest, I can frequently wake up with negative thoughts about someone or something and it can steal my joy for the day right off the bat. Pondering these questions helps me to “check myself before I wreck myself,” and helps me get my day off to a more positive start. 

Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts and becoming grouchy, anxious, or needy, I pray and practice 2 Corinthians 10:5b by “…taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” I give that negative, toxic thought to Jesus and ask Him to help me think a true thought about the person or situation. This one habit has helped me to catch myself before those thoughts run their course for the day and affect my relationships with others. I can ask Jesus to help me to choose to live and love in the power of the Holy Spirit. This one little habit has increased my joy tremendously. 

I don’t always do this perfectly, but I do keep trying. I figure if I can check myself 300 days out of the 365 each year, then I am doing a whole lot better than if I didn’t try to change my thoughts at all. I love how Dory the Fish says: “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.” I keep trying to do better each day, and not give up even if I don’t always do it perfectly. 

Another joy-increasing habit I have been doing for years is praying Psalm 90:12, asking Jesus to teach me to number my days so I can go about my day in His wisdom. When we live each day as if our days are numbered, we live with purpose and joy. 

Sister, our lives are so short, and the Lord wants us to live them to the fullest with His Spirit leading the way. So how about you? Would you like to live each day with more joy? Try checking yourself first thing in the morning and also asking Jesus to teach you to number your days. These little habits can help you to savor your days and live each day as if you only had a short time on this earth.

What’s Next?

Count your days! I once heard of a man who wanted to appreciate his life and decided to number his days. He counted up how many Sundays he had left if he lived to be 85 years old, and bought that number of marbles and put them in a jar. Each Sunday, he took out a marble to remind him that he had just lived one week of his life. He spoke at our church about how this habit changed him and helped him to appreciate his life more. I think it would affect our lives too!

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two

‘For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ‘ Philippians 4:13(NLT)

Hello Friend, 

These golden days of summer are so beautiful as your children desperately soak up the last rays of warm sun on their skin, the cool evenings playing outside until the sun sets, and each free minute doing the things they love most. But even beautiful things can stretch long and wear a mama clean out. Are you there yet? Are you ready for a little time off from the long loveliness of summer? 

I feel as if I am daily needing a reminder that this time with my kids is so precious. They are only young once. The continual stream of pillow forts, mud tracked into the house, sticky fingerprints on the windows, and perpetual requests for snacks will quickly pass before these boys of mine will stand taller than I and won’t need me in the same way they do now. 

I want to finish well. I want to finish this summer in a way that will bring glory to my Savior. How can I wake up to God’s calling on my life in these last days of sunshine and freedom before the school year begins again in earnest? How can l walk through these days with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? 

I can wake up each day, ready to live for Jesus as a mom! I can lovingly make special plans that I have put off all summer and take joy in spending time playing with my boys. I can pray aloud with them during moments of conflict, that God will give them (and me) a spirit of peace. I can use patience when dealing with the messes and kindness in my words to my children. I can show them a picture of goodness in the decisions I make and faithfulness as I spend daily time with the Lord. I can respond with gentleness and self-control when I am frustrated. I can serve the Lord in these days with my children. 

And if I can do it, sister, you can do it too, because with God’s strength all things are possible (Philippians 4:13). He is carrying you through these last days of summer with your children.

So much love to you! 

Tara Davis and the Help Club For Moms Team 

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two

‘And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.’ Deuteronomy 6:6-9(NLT)

By Rachel Jones

Summertime and TV-watching go hand-in-hand. Kids are home all day, so the television can very quickly become the babysitter. After all, it surely keeps the children occupied and quiet so you can get a few things done! I totally understand that mamas, as I currently have four young children in my home. However, I think we all know this isn’t best for them. 

What if, instead, we created an environment in our homes where television watching could actually provide something positive? My heart wants to show you that with some intentionality, TV can become an excellent learning experience for your family. It can also become a special time to share something together, create memories, and cuddle on the couch. 

Today’s verse in Deuteronomy says to “teach them diligently.” In my opinion, that can happen all day long if we take advantage of the openings our children give us. Proverbs 23:26 says, “my son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.” Our children are waiting to be instructed by us and here are some suggestions on how to use TV to make that happen: 

1. TV can be a great conversation starter. “…Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4b). Some topics are not easy to discuss with kids, particularly with pre-teens and teens. Bringing up hard subjects can often turn into awkward moments. However, by choosing programs that address sensitive topics and by following His instruction, you will have the open door to train your child in the instruction of the Lord. 

2. TV can be educational and fun! In our home, we enjoy cuddling up together to watch a show where something new is being exposed or taught to our children. As the parents, we intentionally choose certain shows beforehand. We then watch together, laugh together, and discuss anything new we saw or learned. Watching quality television creates great memories! 

3. TV exposes our children to different cultures. Many TV programs can be powerful tools in teaching our children about new cultures and their lifestyles and traditions. Documentaries or dramas filmed in other countries can also help our children feel empathy for those living in poverty, or develop curiosity about their traditions. 

What’s Next?

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two

‘This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ‘ Hebrews 4:15(NLT)

By Mari Jo Mast

One revolutionary truth stands out to me about Jesus: He identifies with us. 

John 1:14 explains: “He became flesh and dwelt among us.” In Philippians 2:6-8, we learn Jesus humbly obeyed the Father, He left all the glory of Heaven and came down to the earth and took on the nature of a servant. Although He was God, he appeared in human likeness. Hebrews 4:15 says He was tempted in every way just like we are. 

This astounds and comforts me. It shows God’s secure identity, His love for us, His practicality, His interest in mere humanity. It also proves His relevance to our everyday activities and struggles. Because Jesus understands and knows our weakness, He identifies with us. 

But can we identify with Him? 

I remember a few years ago, I ignorantly questioned Jesus: How can you understand what it’s like to be a mother if you never had any children?I was sitting on the porch on a hot summer day; my head leaned back on a soft, cushioned chair. I felt utterly hopeless because of an argument I was having with one of my teens. I had spoken harshly out of anger, and my heart grieved. I wallowed in defeat and didn’t think Jesus could identify with me as a mom. So how could He help?

His answer took me by surprise: I had twelve, and one betrayed me. I cannot say how deeply the words broke through my discouragement, yet what He spoke next ministered even more to my broken heart: Don’t take it personally when your children choose not to obey or love you. Although Judas was with me every day and saw my heart, He still chose to do His own thing. I didn’t stop him. 

As these words softly made their way into my heart, I knew Jesus understood and identified profoundly more than I had given Him credit! He also revealed something else to me within the same breath: When I parent His way instead of mine, I cannot be offended. Will I identify with Him? 

I guess I never thought about the fact that Judas’ heart had been revealed to Jesus long before the night He was betrayed. He saw him stealing the coins from the money bag, saw the disdain on his face when the prostitute poured costly ointment on His feet. Not only did Jesus see Judas’ actions, He saw his murderous heart too; He could read his mind and thoughts. Never once did He try to stop Him. He taught and parented the twelve from a place of security because He listened to the Father. 

Offense and condemnation come as a result of parenting our own way, in our own strength. As a mother, it’s easy to parent from this place, to feel hurt when a child disobeys or refuses to surrender. We try to force or manipulate her or him to think our way. Becoming offended causes us to condemn rather than love. 

That day, though I had parented my way, I never once felt condemned, only deeply understood, deeply loved, and deeply dipped in grace. Jesus didn’t condemn Judas, and He didn’t condemn me. He wasn’t offended and identified with me. 

Mom, Jesus understands and doesn’t condemn you either. He’s not offended because He listens to the Father. 

Jesus only did what He saw His Father do. If He didn’t take it personally, we shouldn’t either. If He didn’t force or manipulate Judas to surrender to Him as King of Heaven but instead continued to love and serve him to His own death, then why should we parent any differently? 

He teaches and parents better than offense and condemnation. 

When we identify with Jesus in our parenting, the outcome ultimately belongs to the Lord. We leave the results to Him. 

As Jesus prayed and humbly obeyed the Father, so we should pray and humbly obey Jesus in our mothering. The key to identifying with Jesus comes from laying down our lives like He did, our own “rights,” and our expectations—by living and loving our children as He loves all His children. 

This is how we identify with Him. 

What’s Next?

Pray with me: “Dear Jesus, I desire more than anything else to identify with you. As you listened and obeyed the Father, so I want to hear and obey you. Open my spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear what you are doing and saying. Help me selflessly lay down my life as you laid down yours. Please help me receive your love so I can love my children well. I choose to lay down my “rights” and my expectations as a mom to follow your lead. I know you care deeply and will help me. Amen.”

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two

‘And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ‘ Philippians 4:8(NLT)

‘The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.’ Psalms 19:1(NLT)

‘He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures.’ Psalms 147:8(NLT)

‘When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?’ Psalms 8:3-4(NLT)

By Krystle Porter  

Summer monsoon storms have been coming and going through Phoenix the past couple of weeks. It has brought some much-needed reprieve from the oven-like, 110 degree temperatures! Tonight, I listened to the thunder roll while cooking dinner and serving it outside on our table. Then, I put an old record on our player, lit a couple of candles, and spread out a pretty tablecloth. I called my family when dinner was ready, and my kids “oohed” and “ahhed” at the dark, cloud-filled sky and the “fancy” table I had prepared for us. We had a beautiful night. My sweet 5-year-old ended our time saying she wished every night could be like this.

Let me give you a little background to the above scene. First, we had a bare fridge, so dinner was rice and beans! Next, my “fancy” tablecloth was actually an old curtain I had lying around, and the record I played was 99 cents from Goodwill! I always imagined I needed to have a lot of money and time to create a “fancy” experience for my family to enjoy. It didn’t occur to me that it can happen in the smallest of ways. Tonight was simple and cheap, but no one minded what we were having or where it came from; it was all about the feeling and love it was coupled with! We do not need expensive things to create a beautiful memory for our family or children. We just need to be intentional and aware of the beauty God has already placed in front of us!

I love how Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on beauty and goodness. God has created beauty all around us through nature. Just like the verse in Philippians, I could not help but ponder and “ooh” and “ahh” over His lovely and praiseworthy creation tonight! God gives us so many opportunities to partner with Him in His creation. Choosing to partner with God tonight as I enjoyed His beauty with my family was a precious memory I hope not to forget. 

Partnering with God and His creation helps to give us perspective; perspective on the majesty and goodness of God. He created this earth for us to enjoy and draw us to Him. And He wants us to share this with our children too!

What’s Next?

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two

‘When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you acting just like people of the world?’ 1 Corinthians 3:4(NLT)

By Tara Davis

I was recently reminded by a mom, more experienced and wiser than myself, that when my children feel filled inside with my love, they are more inclined to obey me and are better able to internalize the lessons I attempt to teach them about the Lord. How true this is! In fact, when I take the time to cover my children with my love, our days go so much smoother than those in which I am rushed and impatient. 

Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” This wise and wonderful mama reminded me that we are called to disciple our sweet children, as Jesus discipled his closest friends, by positively teaching them to identify good and turn away from wrong, and showing them how to live out the love of Christ. We can lead our children by example as we show them love in a meaningful way! 

I was encouraged to think of five ways I could fill each of my children’s hearts on a daily basis and have shared a few below. Would you join me in discovering effective ways in which you can uniquely fill your child’s need for love? I promise you will see a difference in your days with your children as I have seen in mine! 

Here are my Five Ways to Fill Your Child’s Heart Today: 

1. Look into his eyes and tell him one thing I appreciate about him. 

2. Connect by spending at least fifteen minutes together each day doing something he enjoys. 

3. Pray out loud with him and for him. 

4. Stop what I am doing and look at him while he is talking to me. 

5. Engage with him a few minutes before bedtime by snuggling and talking about his day. 

What’s next?

What are your five ways to fill each of your children’s hearts this week?

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two

‘For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.’ Ecclesiastes 3:1(NLT)

Hello Dear Mamas! 

We trust you’re having a lot of fun and enjoying this wonderful summer season with your beautiful children! 

I always enjoy working outside, mowing the lawn, and planting and watering flowers with my children, as well as having a more flexible schedule when school is finally out. The weeks fly by, and I want to do all I can to make good memories. We have a membership at a local bowling alley for the next few months, and I can’t wait to spend more time together competing even though I hardly ever win! 

I pray you have the energy and strength it takes to keep up with your children the next few weeks. What sweet little blessings God has entrusted to us! 

I wonder if you’ve created a summer to-do list and what that might include? 

I’m trying to be more intentional right now. Here are a few things I’m working on: 

Planning one or two fun family activities per week. 

Hugging my children more often. 

Including them more in my daily activities. 

Being more aware of my words and taking the time to affirm my family members more often. 

All of us on The Help Club team are rooting for you! We are praying for you to see the hearts of your children and for the wisdom of God to be imparted to you. We mothers have the most important job in the world. 

With love, 

Mari Jo Mast and the Help Club For Moms Team 

from The Wise Woman Enjoys Part Two