Faith Lessons from the Garden

Alaina Mankin

I planted some chamomile in my garden for the first time last summer. I don't enjoy chamomile tea, but I'd

read that the flowers might deter wasps, so I thought I would try it. It took most of the summer for a few white flowers to grow, and the wasps didn't seem to care if they were there or not. At least the flowers looked pretty. Once the first hard frost of autumn turned my clumps of chamomile into a less-than-pretty brown mess, I cleared out that section of my garden. 

If you've experienced the winters in Middle Tennessee, then you know the cold never lasts for long. During the numerous cold snaps and warm spells of the winter months, I noticed my chamomile was making a comeback. Not only was it growing, it was also showing up in places it didn't belong. Now that we've had some consistent weeks of warm weather, the chamomile I planted almost a year ago is thick, healthy, bright green, and filling up two garden beds instead of one. Though the gardener in me is frustrated that my wasp deterrent has become a weed, I'm also impressed by its resilience. And I wonder, isn't this what our faith should look like?

We place our hope in the One who defeated sin and death. When trials come our way-- those "cold snaps" life throws at us--we may falter, but, if our faith has roots, we should never be defeated. If anything, our faith should be strengthened by our trials, and our experiences should stand as a testimony to others. 

How do we have a faith with strong roots? By being connected to the Word. During his last meal with his disciples before the ordeal of the cross, Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me" (John 15: 4-5). Jesus was clear. Without our connection to him--diving into Scripture, spending time in prayer, hiding his Word in our hearts--our best efforts aren't good for much. But if we allow him to play an active part in our lives, he can carry us through anything. 

Around the same time that I planted my chamomile seeds, I also planted some begonias. These flowers were beautiful throughout the hot summer months, but after the first taste of winter, they wilted and shriveled up into dry husks. There's no hope of new growth for my begonias this spring. They're gone. Meanwhile, the chamomile is thriving. I could try to clear it away, but I have a feeling it will just grow back. This summer, maybe I'll brew some chamomile tea after all. 

Don't Leave Your Milk in the Beer Aisle: Swapping God's Goodness for Momentary Ease

By: Marsha Stephenson

A few weeks ago, I went grocery shopping. As I wandered down the salad dressing aisle looking for Chomps sticks (that the app said were located there and which, oddly enough, is
also the beer aisle – I think that aisle is having a personality crisis), I thought of something else I needed that might also be in that same aisle of random things. My gaze wandered to the left where I saw a gallon of milk precariously balanced on a case of beer. My immediate reaction was an escaped giggle, which very quickly turned into a story. Anyone else see or overhear something and your mind races to make up a story to go along with it? Hmm, well as I finished up my shopping, I made good progress on the story of a hypothetical mom or dad, already bone-tired from Christmas break and kids home from school, making the choice between the need (milk) and the want of sanity (beer). I forgot all about it as I checked out, loaded up, and headed home; but it wasn’t until a few days ago that I had an epiphany.  

You see, I remembered lamenting to a friend over the summer about how I hadn’t been able to enjoy reading lately, and that I'd lost my voice the last few days of the school year, and my administration had commented that I’d had a rough year. Recalling that statement to her suddenly floored me, and I stopped to think about it for a bit. I have had a rough year. That's when I started down the pity-party path.  

It started in March of 2023 with the death of my father-in-law. He was a wonderful man, a gifted teacher and coach, and a loving Christ-follower. I considered him a father, too, as mine had passed before I even met my husband. God, in his goodness, blessed me with a father-in-law that was so very like my own daddy. We also started our daughter’s senior year and our son's 8th grade year -- with all the things happening -- and in the fall, we had several difficult personal months. Last January, my husband started a new job. Then, the "lasts" began to come quickly – our son's last middle school basketball games, shopping for our daughter’s senior prom, college visits and decisions, graduation everything, his last track season. Keep in mind that I also work full-time and am the transport for our son and some of his friends. In the middle of all of this, the weekend before prom and a month before graduation, I fell at one of my son's track meets. I severely sprained one ankle, scraped up my leg, and twisted my other ankle. After twelve days, I finally gave in and went to the doctor where I found out I had actually fractured one ankle as well as broken a toe on my other foot. But, no time to rest – end of senior year, graduation, college orientation and registration, end of 8th grade year, and end of school year in general await! So, I dutifully wore my boot the following four weeks and somehow managed to maneuver our lives. Honestly, it was really no surprise that I lost my voice; the real surprise was that I made it out in one (though bruised and broken) piece!  

I reminisced over those fifteen months. Then I began thinking about our summer of illnesses and my daughter moving away to college, navigating distance-parenting, learning to live with one less in the house, and all the illness I’ve had this school year. That's when God called to mind that lost gallon of milk in the beer aisle and the decision that was made there: to choose the want, the easy, the immediate instead of the need -- the more desirable but possibly more difficult. How many times over this last year or so, I thought, have I dropped God’s good things for something quicker or simpler in order to ease a moment of pain or frustration? For me, the easy is dropping down the rabbit hole of social media and playing games on my phone instead of reading or praying. For someone else, it might be drinking or drugs, relationships, or hiding away. The reality is anything can be used as a moment’s distraction and become an idol. Satan knows our weakest points. But don’t forget the most important part – so does God! He knows our weaknesses; that’s why he offers us the good. 

So, as our new year moves forward, take those steps and make the changes to walk with God - and don’t leave your milk in the beer aisle! 

God's Mercy

 By: Cindy Browning

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our August devotion:

Many years ago, when Beth Moore was at the height of her Living Proof tours, I decided that I

would take a group of women to Atlanta to hear her speak. There was no official women’s

ministry in that church, so I acted on my own to arrange this event. I just knew that everyone

would share my enthusiasm for going. Months before the event, I used my credit card to reserve

several rooms at an Atlanta hotel. Sunday after Sunday, I manned a sign-up table in the hall of

the church. But, alas, my efforts were for naught, and I gave up trying to get folks to attend. My

enthusiasm wilted, dried up, and I just let the whole idea go.

Then one day (cue the suspenseful music), I came home late from teaching school. My husband

Kent had beat me home that afternoon and told me that I had a strange message on the

answering machine. (I told you that it was several years ago!) I went to the bedroom to listen to

the message: “Mrs. Browning, this is the hotel in Atlanta, and we are confirming that your group

will be coming this weekend to the conference. We have booked the rooms using your credit

card and we are looking forward to your group’s arrival. See you soon.”

Oh my! I had totally forgotten to call the hotel and cancel those rooms. I knew that Kent was

going to lose it! The money lost would be a sore topic of conversation for the remainder of our

lives! I fell to my knees and begged God to help me in this situation. I dreaded calling the hotel,

but I had to do it. At first, I spoke with a person at the hotel registration desk. I explained my

dilemma and asked if I would be charged for the rooms, even though I knew that the time had

expired for cancelling them and I would be responsible for paying. After all, the hotel had my

credit card number. The person I spoke to felt compassion for me, but did not have the authority

to release me from my debt. He did assure me that the hotel manager would call me later.

Finally, the phone rang, and the hotel manager told me that she would not make me pay. Words

cannot express the level of relief that was inside me. I fell to my knees and thanked God for the

mercy of the hotel manager. Whew! Freedom from that debt I owed!

Now that was mercy: not receiving the consequence I deserved because of my own doing. The

desk receptionist had compassion for me, but the hotel manager, having authority, was able to

extend mercy.

There are many acts of mercy recorded in the book of Exodus. For almost 400 years, God

created a nation from the line of Jacob while in Egypt. After becoming slaves, God raised up

Moses to deliver them out of the land. They witnessed the power of God through mighty signs

and wonders. They received freedom from the burden of slavery. They walked on dry land

through the Red Sea and watched as water swallowed up the Egyptian army. They saw God’s

cloud by day and fire by night leading them where they were to go. And yet, they questioned His

faithfulness. They grumbled when they were hungry and grumbled when they were thirsty. They

lacked trust in His faithful provision. But, instead of turning away from them, God mercifully

provided them with food from heaven and fresh water from a rock. When enemies attacked,

God was their shield, a banner over them. But as wonderful as these acts of mercy were, He

extended the greatest act of mercy through the covenant He made with them on Mt. Sinai.

The covenant is recorded in Exodus 19 – 24.

The covenant provided a way for this faithless, grumbly, and potentially wayward group of

people to become God’s special treasure, a holy nation to Him. This covenant was sealed with

blood sprinkled on the people as they agreed to follow the terms of the covenant.

Almost 300 years later, King Solomon thanked God for the mercy shown through this very

covenant as he dedicated the temple to the LORD.

1 Kings 8:

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel,

and spread out his hands toward heaven; 23 and he said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no God in

heaven above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants

who walk before You with all their hearts.”

But as merciful as this covenant was, it was only a foreshadowing of the greatest act of mercy to

come for all of humanity. The people who were once slaves in Egypt found out that they were

slaves to sin. The law of the covenant exposed their sin. They were unable to live freely under

the burden of the law. But when the time was right, God made a new covenant, a way for man

to be reconciled to Himself and to be freed from the penalty of sin, which is death--a complete

separation from God.

The writer of Hebrews explains how the new covenant, sealed with the blood of Jesus Christ, is

superior to the old covenant in chapter 8.

"Hebrews 8 presents a profound message of transformation, hope, and renewal. Jesus, as our

High Priest in heaven, mediates a New Covenant that surpasses the old, promising not only a

deeper personal relationship with God but also a transformative power that comes from the

laws of God written in our hearts. In the face of this, we are challenged to embrace this New

Covenant, knowing that through it, we are brought into a better promise, a superior hope, and a

more intimate knowledge of God." (from Bible Hub)

(Suggested extended reading, Hebrews 8 – 9)

Jeremiah prophesied about this new covenant that God would make.

Jeremiah 8:

31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the

house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on

the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that

they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. 33 For this is the covenant that I will

make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them,

and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no

longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they

shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their

iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

What great news for Israel! What great news for all people because this new covenant would be

for everyone!

“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Preparing Our Hearts for the "Holy"-days

 By: Alaina Mankin

The leaves are rapidly falling off the trees, the flowers in our front yard have gone dormant, and it's now completely dark outside by the time my family sits down for dinner. The shift from October to November signals a shift in mindset for my family--it's time for the holidays!

The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is usually marked by a whirlwind of activity that has me squeezing every last inch of space from my calendar. There's Christmas parties, extra shopping, presents to wrap, and those special once-a-year family traditions. I want to cram as much warmth and enjoyment into the holiday season as possible. But by the middle of December, instead of feeling warm, fuzzy, and full of holiday cheer, I feel exhausted and "grinchy."

Before we fully dive into the chaos of the holiday season, I'm reminded of Jesus' words to Martha--another woman who found herself overwhelmed by busyness. If you're unfamiliar with the story, Jesus and His disciples had come to visit Martha and her sister Mary at their home in Bethany. While Martha bustled around the house trying to make sure everyone was comfortable and fed, Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to His words. Overcome, Martha finally said to Jesus:

" 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So, tell her to give me a hand.' The Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken from her.'" (Luke 10:4042, CSB) 

Have you ever thought about the word "holiday"? It comes from the Old English word haligdaeg which literally translates to "holy day." During the busyness of the holiday season, do you find time to reflect on the holiness of what we are celebrating? Do you carve out enough space to feel the weight of what God has done for us? Before the pressures of the holiday season kicks into gear, take a moment to reflect on this awesome truth: The God of the universe chose to leave His throne in Heaven to dwell with sinful, mortal man. he healed our infirmities, prayed over us, ate with us, and wept for us. He lived a sinless life in order to take our sin on His shoulders. He took our punishment, He took our shame, and through His death and resurrection He defeated death once and for all. Some of my favorite family traditions happen around Christmas time, but this Christmas, before I start attempting to play Tetris with my schedule, I'll remember Jesus' words to Martha: "only one thing is necessary." 

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful." (John 14:27, CSB)

 

 

Finding God's Love in the Exodus

by: Bitsy Rawlings

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our July devotion:

Last month, we discussed the incredible grace (unmerited favor) God displayed to the Israelites

during the first Passover. The angel of death spared the firstborns of those who had covered

their doorposts and lintels with blood from an unblemished lamb. But the first born of the

Egyptians and their animals died.

    We also talked about God’s specific instructions leading up to the Passover. One instruction - to

tuck their tunics into their belts for a quick departure - was important. He even had the Israelites

burn the rest of the uneaten lamb. These instructions implied that they were getting ready to

RUN. Not running to escape - but running to FREEDOM.

As God promised, in the middle of the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and told

them to take the Israelites and leave. Momentarily humbled, Pharaoh even asked Moses to

“bless me also.” (Exodus 12:31-32)

It’s important to note that Pharaoh (briefly) experienced the lesson that God is the Ultimate

Sovereign - the King of Kings... The Bible says “...everything was created for Him and by Him” and

that - through Jesus (God the Son) - "every knee will bow to Him” (Col.1-15-23; Phil.2:1-11.)

There are 55 references to “pride” in the Bible. In the New Testament, James says: “But He gives

us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient

life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “GOD IS

OPPOSED TO THE PROUD and HAUGHTY, BUT [continually] GIVES [the gift of] GRACE TO THE

HUMBLE [who turn away from self-righteousness].” (James 4:6, Amplified)

    In Chapter 13:1-2, God commands the Israelites to consecrate their first born - both people and

animals. That word, consecrate, according to Got Answers (web, copyright 2022-2024) means “the

separation of oneself from things that are unclean, especially anything that would contaminate

one’s relationship with a perfect God. Consecration also carries the connotation of sanctification,

holiness or purity.’”

    Here, God is commanding the first born of the people of God to be set apart for Himself. This is in

direct contrast to what happened when the Egyptians lost their first-born to the Death Angel during

the Passover! God explains this further in Exodus 13:11-16: during the institution of the Feast of

Unleavened Bread, God wants His people to remember their redemption from slavery by the setting

apart of the first born for Himself. Again, true to His ordered nature, God gives them specific

instructions on how to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

In Exodus 13:17-22, we see God’s loving hand guiding His people out of Egypt. He takes them through

the Wilderness to the Red Sea. We’ve been told already that the Israelites were in battle formation,

but God was careful not to create a battle situation for them. In verse 17, God directs them around

Philistine territory to avoid conflict. Along this path, God then sends His presence with them via a

pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God’s presence never leaves them. And He has

never left us.

So... it appears that Pharaoh’s humility after his loss was short-lived. But that wasn’t a surprise to

God. God went before the people and had them go back and camp at a place near the Red Sea.

The Israelites were about to see God’s rescue in a way that they’d never forget! This same Ever-

Present God who had redeemed them from slavery, disciplined and humbled a hard-hearted

Pharaoh, guided them through the wilderness, and surrounded them with His presence, was now

about to rescue His people once again. But the people saw Pharaoh and his troops marching toward

them. Naturally, they blamed Moses for bringing them out to the wilderness and decided they were

doomed to drown! But our God is so much bigger than Pharaoh and his armies... or any

enemy we may face!!! None of this caught Him by surprise!!!! God told Moses to lift up his staff over

the waters of the Red Sea in order for it to part. Moses did just as God instructed, the water

separated, and DRY land appeared! It took a while for all of the Israelites to cross, but once the last

one had made it, Moses let down his staff. Our GOD caused the wheels of the chariots of Pharaoh

and his army to become stuck in the MUD of the Red Sea floor! The walls of water fell back in place,

and Pharaoh and his army drowned!

    In Chapters 15 and 16, we see the people celebrate. Moses writes a song about the God who

threw Pharaoh’s horses and riders into the Red Sea... and Miriam also dances with her female

friends in celebration. At the end of chapter fifteen we see God take care of Israelites’ basic

needs. The water is salty, so God instructs Moses to throw a tree into it, and the water becomes

sweet. In Chapter 16, the people are hungry, so God brings them “manna” (which literally means

“what is it?”). The people begin to know God as their Provider. God also gives them some specific

instructions on how to gather the manna, but they don’t always follow them.

Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way. But God proves once again that He is a faithful

Father to His children. In Chapter 17, we see the people thirsty again. Moses goes to God, and

God tells him to strike the rock and the water will come! God provided water from a ROCK!!!

Moses marveled, “Is God with us?” Then at the end of Chapter 17, we see God’s might with the

Israelites when they are attacked by the Amalekites. Moses tells Joshua to pick some mighty

warriors to go up against the Amalekites. They listen to his instructions and fight the battle.

Moses, Aaron, and Hur scurry up a hill to watch. During this time, Moses stretches out the same

rod he’d used to strike the rock for the water – the same rod that God had given him earlier to

pick up the snake by its tail... the same rod God had used to part the waters of the Red Sea... and

holds it over Joshua and the Israelites in battle. When Moses lifts his arms over the Israelites, the

Israelites have the advantage. But when he puts his arms down, the Amalekites gain the

advantage. When Moses’ arms grow tired, Aaron and Hur support them. Moses realizes that God

is indeed with them! It was not by military might that they won the battle. God won it for them!

    When we look at all the ways that God showed His love and favor toward the

people of Israel, we learn about a God Who is intimately involved in all we do and who cares for

us. He is our Redeemer, our Rescuer, our Guide, our Provider, our Banner. He surrounds us with

His presence and gives us loving wisdom. He goes before 

us and He is behind us. He strengthens us when we’re weary in battles – even the ones we didn’t

choose for ourselves or didn’t see coming. This... THIS, girls, is our God. And He loves YOU!

“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” - Exodus 14:14

God's Grace: Getting What We Don't Deserve

By: Bitsy Rawlings

Each month, our Northside women meet in small groups for prayer, fellowship, and to read and discuss a devotion written by our writers' group. This year we're studying the book of Exodus as we delve into the character of God. The following is from our June devotion:

“And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.” - Exodus 12:36

    The Bible says that God had given favor to the Israelites in the face of the Egyptian people. 

That word "favor" in Hebrew is the equivalent of our English word "grace." Grace is beyond unmerited favor. It’s to be lavished upon someone. It is extravagant.

In the New Testament, John 1:16 describes God’s grace in Christ as “grace upon grace.” This

gives the picture of waves coming onto the seashore... one stacking upon another.

    At the end of Exodus 10, Pharaoh told Moses not to show up again in his court – if he 

did, he’d be

killed. Yet, Moses had one more word from the Lord for the stubborn-hearted Pharaoh. So, while still

in Pharaoh’s court, Moses announced to Pharaoh that there would be one last plague brought upon

Egypt. The Lord would take the first-born of all the Egyptian males and their first-born male

livestock.  By the end of Chapter 11, God had drawn a line in the sand for both Pharaoh and the Egyptians. God

knew that Pharaoh and the Egyptians would fail to obey His instructions. This time, however, God

told Moses that although Pharaoh’s heart would continue to be hardened, two things would happen:

Pharaoh would let the children of Israel go and the Egyptians would believe Moses’ words.

    God commands Moses to call the elders of the Israelites to select and kill specific lambs.

Then they are to take a bunch of hyssop, dip the hyssop into the lambs’ blood, and cover the lintel

and the sides of the doorposts of all the Israelite households with the blood. This covering of

the doors with the blood of the lamb was a foretelling of the future Messiah... a Redeemer who

would come and cover our lives with His blood as a covenant of

redemption for us.  When the destroyer passed over the Israelite homes,

they were spared from death. Just as the lamb’s blood covered their homes and protected them, so much

more does Jesus’ blood from His death on the Cross cover us!

    At midnight, the destroyer killed all the first-born Egyptian males (of ALL ages) and livestock, just like

God had promised. Pharaoh’s house was not spared. This caused Pharaoh to send Moses and Aaron

and the Israelites out of Egypt. He even asked that God would bless

him, too! This is important because Pharaoh (who thought himself to be a god) was humbled, if

only for a moment.

We’ll discuss the Israelites leaving in depth next month, but I want to point out two things:

1) God showed His favor (grace) upon the Israelites once again (Exodus 12:36). God’s grace is ongoing

toward them in the same way it is ongoing to us. God’s grace is a gift – it cannot be earned. (Eph.2:8-

9)

2) The Israelites left in a hurry. This was not a surprise to them! In His specific

instructions, God told them to eat their Passover meal with their tunic tucked into their belts for

quick travel. He is a God of preparation and order. They obeyed and trusted in His Words.

    I’ve heard it said that a good definition for God’s grace is the

acronym GRACE: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. That’s what happens when we believe on Christ

for our redemption – our perfectly Holy God looks to the Spotless Lamb of God

– Jesus – and sees His sacrifice on our behalf. He tosses our sin into the depths of the sea and

remembers it no more. That is lavish grace!

Prayer from the Trenches

 My life was a circus. 

There I was, the ringmaster, standing in the middle of the chaos that is three boys under the age of 10, trying to make sense of it all. I've always been someone who

desires order. I don't like to leave dirty dishes in the sink or clothes in the dryer. I plan out our meals each week and keep track of our constantly changing schedule on an actual paper calendar that hangs in our kitchen. I love being able to see what's next and knowing what to expect. Doesn't everyone? I always thought I would by the mom who had it all together (whatever that means). I was never going to be the kind of mom who sends her child out into the world with a head full of cowlicks and chocolate smeared on his face. And yet, somehow, in spite of my good intentions, I had become that mother. I was the mom fielding phone calls from teachers struggling with my child's behavior. I was the angry mom who finally snapped after a full day of repeating the same instructions over and over again. My days would begin with hope and end in exhaustion and defeat. What made it worse was that I had everything I had always wanted--house, husband, kids. Why was everyday such a struggle that by the time I crawled into bed each night, I was ready to quit?

    At the end of another trying day with my preschooler (actually, it was more like a trying month), I was, again, exhausted, defeated, and failing. What was I doing wrong? I'd read the books and taken the classes and done countless internet searches. I'd memorized the parenting formulas for producing perfect, well-behaved children (i.e., If child does "A," then I respond with "B" which should equal "A Hallmark movie"). But life didn't feel like a Hallmark movie. It felt dysfunctional and chaotic. 

    It was then that the Holy Spirit finally got my attention. My son didn't have a "behavior" problem. He had a "heart" problem. And the solution to a "heart" problem wasn't going to be found in a parenting blog or the latest behavior modification strategy. Only God is powerful enough to change hearts: "The LORD will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, and you will love him with all your heart and all your soul so that you will live" (Deut. 30:6, CSB). If I wanted to have children who loved God with all their hearts and souls, I needed God's help. And in order to get His help, I needed to begin praying intentionally for the hearts of my children.

    I realized that for months, prayer was something I engaged in only in times of desperation. My prayer closet was our downstairs bathroom where I could lock the door and turn on the fan in an attempt to drown out the toddler tantrum happening on the other side of the door. God was who I came to once I'd exhausted my own strength and was at the point of tears. Wouldn't life be easier if I learned to depend on HIS strength from the beginning, before everything got so out of control?

    Starting a consistent, intentional prayer time did not magically give me perfect children. But as I began to ask God to soften the hearts of my children and to incline their hearts toward righteousness, I noticed that He was changing my heart as well. Instead of being focused on my child's behavior, I began to see opportunities for teachable moments. And slowly, overtime, my house felt less like a circus, and more like the home I wanted. 

    We're not made to shoulder everything life throws at us on our own. But, as believers, we have access to a perfect Heavenly Father who has offered to shoulder our burdens for us, if we would only let Him.

    "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5: 6-7, CSB)