ADHD Frustration

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Sometimes living with someone who has ADHD and/or other special needs can be frustrating. OK, it is frustrating! Some days more so than others. And I’m really frustrated! It’s been one of those weeks. Do they need a different medication or just a dosage change for the same medication? How can I be more consistent? Why does it have to be so much harder raising this child than my other children? These questions fill my mind.

Lord, I am so weary of fighting this daily battle. I give constant reminders of completing the most ordinary tasks in life and then there are the multiple prompts of focusing on the next question in schoolwork. It takes hours to get one worksheet finished, a worksheet that should take only 15 minutes for my child to complete. We were even late to church last Sunday because of not of brushing teeth, combing hair, and putting on shoes quickly enough; even though plenty of time was given to do these tasks.

Prayer:  Jesus, help me with my frustration.  Help me to be the best parent I can be. I need your wisdom and guidance to figure out what will work better so we won’t all be frustrated.

God’s Word to us: Parent, let me soothe your heart with the Balm of Gilead. I want to bring peace to you here again. Let’s go through this week together and I will show you some things that will help.  Thank you for loving your family so much.

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”  John 14:27

My Heart’s Cry for myself and every other parent who is dealing with a similar situation, is to go to Jesus when we get frustrated. Walk away from the situation, if you can, and spend a refreshing moment with Him. Or, if you are waiting for them to complete a task, take that time to be close to Jesus and let Him pour His Balm of Gilead into your heart.   The Balm of Gilead is a healing salve. It relieves inflammation. That is what is going on in my heart when I have to wait soooo long for them.

So now I ask you . . .  would you please take a moment and pray for someone you know that has an ADHD and/or special needs child. Pray for the parent and the child. I’m sure that parent, especially a single parent, would appreciate your prayers more than any advice you could give them . . . because trust me – they have probably already tried everything.  They just need your support in prayer and your encouragement.

Pray and be a blessing to someone today.

Kim

 

 

Planting Seeds

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Recently I’ve had many teaching opportunities.  I am very thankful for them. God is always faithful to give me a message for each unique group. However, the other morning I woke up discouraged. I’m doing all this work but I see no fruit. So I took my discouraged heart to Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, I do these teaching opportunities because I love you. I want to use my gifts for your glory.  I also want to affirm and help people grow and mature in You. But somehow I don’t feel like I’m making any difference. I just don’t feel fulfilled or have any sense of growth or progress from these teaching experiences.

God’s Word to us: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

God, in His mercy to my discouraged heart, reminded me of this poem that was placed on a plant given to me. These words immediately soothed my heart.  It reminded me of what was important.  Yes, I won’t see fruit all the time. So it seems God’s focus, His desire for this season in my life, is that I continue planting seeds of hope and encouragement.

 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24.

My Heart’s Cry  for us is to do as this verse says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”  You may not have a group to talk to but God has given you a family and friends that probably need some encouraging and motivating.

And remember this dear friend, if you get discouraged one of these mornings as you sit in your chair. You think that what you’re doing isn’t really making a difference, then think again . . . because it’s the seeds you plant that are important. And seeds need time to grow and mature.

 

A Coffee Break

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I am taking a break from drinking coffee – for a month! So bear with me, my mind is a little fuzzy in the mornings.  Actually, it’s a little fuzzy all day! I started cutting down a couple of weeks ago, so I didn’t get the crazy headaches.  I am doing this because I’ve felt the Lord asking me to do this . . . hummm, for about a year now.  I’m not very quick to obey in this instance; probably because drinking coffee has become way too important in my life – again. Hence the break.

Lord, why does just drinking coffee have to be such a stronghold in my life? It took me a year to obey You! That’s a long time.

God’s Word to us: Sister, you want to obey, but you are afraid to obey sometimes. You don’t know how it’s going to go if you do it the right away.  You weigh all the options and plan a slow-to-obey process. A year ago I wanted to touch your heart in this area – again. Look not to your own desire but to My will. There are things I want to show you during this “fast” of coffee. In the end it will be a blessing! For now, we will wait through this fuzzy brain period. I love you. Thank you for obeying.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

 Psalm 139:23-24

My Heart’s Cry for us is to be willing to do what God has called us to do even when it’s hard. And don’t be like me and wait a whole year to obey what you know He’s placed on your heart. Trust Him. The desire of our heart needs to be like this prayer: “Search me, O God and know my heart, test me . . . and point out anything in me that offends You.”
Are we brave enough to pray such a courageous prayer? It’s hard. Honestly, that kind of prayer makes me nervous. If our desire is a heart that is truly His, then we will allow Him access to the deeper things hidden there. Things that only He sees.
Now it’s your turn. Will you bravely pray this prayer? Fast what He is calling you to fast. In the end it will be a blessing.
On a lighter note, I hope by Friday’s post I’ll be able to think a bit more clearly.
Have a blessed week.
Kim

Teaching

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This week I get to experience the joy and satisfaction of teaching a sewing class for youth.  Our projects will include a bookmark, pillowcase and tote bag.  Two of my students received sewing machines for Christmas so they are very excited to learn more about sewing. It is truly wonderful to teach students who really want to learn!

“Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.
                                   Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.”                                          Proverbs 9:9

Lord, thank you for giving me the ability to sew and the ability to teach. Thank you for my sewing teacher and grandma who helped me learn to sew. I pray I will be able to teach this useful skill to my students in such loving ways, they will be encouraged and have the self confidence they need to continue learning. Please bless this class.

God’s Word to us:  I long to bless classes like this. Your words to them are like honey, sweet and kind. You will soothe over any frustrations they might be having. And it will become easier and easier, like it did with you. Wait on the Lord, who will renew your strength when you teach these classes. They are a bit long but you will do well. This is what I have for you right now. Enjoy where you are right now. When I told you to give up teaching crafts to girls at church 13 years ago, I knew you would be sad but I also knew this day was coming. Oh, let’s rejoice that this day has come!

“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalms 118:24

My Heart’s Cry  for us is to be thankful for the opportunities God gives us to teach young people practical, creative, life skills. Take time to really enjoy it. And when we get tired (because we know we will), remember to ask Him for more strength.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
                                                       They will walk and not faint.”                                                                       Isaiah 40:31

I thank God for the opportunities He gives me to teach sewing.  He has given each of us skills we can pass on to others. This is a great way to connect with younger generations!  Consider how you can bless others by using the skills you have been given.  God longs to bless you in teaching too.  Pray. Wait. Then be alert to recognize God-given opportunities to step out in faith. Be courageous!

Have a blessed day! Think of me, because my first class starts in just a few hours.

Kim

How to Meditate

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There are many ways to spend time learning scripture. But meditation is a little different because the purpose is to slow down and really absorb the truths declared in scripture. Here is what I have done to help myself do this. When I read scripture, I will choose a verse or group of verses I want to remember and write them down on an index card. I started in Psalms, but now I have added scriptures throughout the Bible. I have a stack of index cards that continues to increase.

Each day I set aside a few quiet moments to read my scripture meditation cards. After a few deep breaths, I read the first card, take a few more deep breaths and read the next one.  The reason for my deep breaths is to slow down and not treat this as another task to perform. And frankly, I know how my mind wanders. I will think of dinner or something I need to get from the store in between cards if I don’t purpose to breathe slowly and focus on each scripture. The other reason is to allow these scriptures to have the time to go from my mind to my heart. Slowing down allows time for this to happen.

God, sometimes I have such a difficult time concentrating on my meditation cards. My mind is busy already and it’s trying to remember everything I need to accomplish today. Please help me focus on these scriptures.

God’s word to us: I will help you. Thank you for asking. Sometimes in faith you need to move forward and keep reading your cards. By the end of your stack you’ll understand what you are reading. Remember the enemy is a great distracter. So keep moving forward while asking me for help. Together we will overcome your very active mind.

But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.
 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do.

Psalm 1:2-3

Here is the very first card I wrote.  This could be your first too.  Go get some index cards. They are usually under a dollar and found at almost any store. Spend the time making and meditating on your scripture cards.

My Heart’s Cry is for us to consider a new way of meditating on scripture.

Let the love of the Lord so fill you as you meditate on God’s word.

If this was helpful comment or like on this page or on facebook.  Also if you have any questions you can comment those too.  We are all learning together. Blessings -Kim

Why Meditate?

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Meditation is such a hot word these days.  But did you know, in the Bible, it’s been a hot word for God’s people since Moses penned it as they were about to go into the promised land. But what does this mean to Christians in the year 2018? I think these days we need  even more clarity since there are other thoughts on meditation that are not Holy Spirit inspired. The kind of meditation I’m talking about is as it relates to Christianity – not the New Age or Eastern Mysticism kind of meditation.

Lord, what is the benefit of meditation? Specifically,  meditation on scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments.  Is this just an Old Testament suggestion for leaders only?

God’s Word to us:  No it is not. It is an all time requirement for every living soul. And if you do it there are great rewards. Promises of a better life, a longer life, better control of your children and your finances.  I have so much in store for the godly at heart who choose to obey even the first two of the ten commandments. There is life in these words.

My Heart’s Cry  is for us to take time daily to meditate on scripture.

Joshua is told to Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.

Moses told future kings in Deuteronomy 17 to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees. 

King David listened and obeyed because he talked of the godly, saying in Psalm 1, But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

I hope you’ve been convinced that meditating on God’s law and the Bible has merit. You may be thinking that this isn’t the best topic for a Good Friday post. But I say any time you put a magnifying glass on God’s word it makes it a Good Friday message. So hang in there with me. The next blog will cover How to Meditate on scripture.

Have a very happy Good Friday. -Kim

 

 

Easter

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You know, Easter is simply not exciting to me this year.  Actually it hasn’t been exciting for several years now.  I’m the person who thinks we should celebrate Christmas and Easter once every 5 years! Are you shocked?  My reason is . . . in our country, we have managed to make every holiday have huge expectations. I feel like we bounce around every year from holiday to holiday eating the food, buying the decorations and doing everything that is expected on each date.  In December, my whole life literally has to change to keep up with all the expectations for Christmas.  Since then we’ve had Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s day. Now it’s almost Easter.  So what are Easter’s expectations? Pretty new dresses, church, eggs (which are very expensive this year), a big ham dinner, and candy: lots and lots of candy!

Jesus, You know my heart.  I love you. I am so thankful for what you did on the cross, but I just can’t get excited about this holiday. Please excuse me from the expectations of the American Easter Holiday.

God’s Word to us:  Easter is a made-up holiday. What did I ask you to do to remember Me? Yes, Communion. If you do this often then you have fulfilled My desire for you on this. Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Rest in this this week. I love you. Thank you for bringing this to me this week. I hope I’ve lightened your load. Now it’s up to you to do anything extra. And if it’s nothing else, it’s fine by Me.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

My Heart’s Cry for you is to believe His words of encouragement. If you are overwhelmed by the expectations of yet another holiday, just know it isn’t God who expects so much from you. He is humble and gentle. Yet, we aren’t very gentle with ourselves. Most of us carry the burden of these big holiday expectations, deeply affecting our time, our budget, and for some of us, our energy level.

Let’s be gentle with ourselves. Have we honored what Jesus did for us on the cross? If not, let’s participate in Communion often. Remember, you can do Communion at home too. Acknowledging God’s great gift, with a thankful heart,  is the most important part.  All the rest is fluff.

-Kim

 

Crime

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Recently it seems I have been so close to crime happening.  I had gone to the bank and withdrawn a larger amount of cash than usual, which I needed for something specific. Even the teller was saying, “be careful with that.”  Before going home I went to a coffee shop to get my tea supply for the month. The bank near the coffee shop was robbed just minutes after I was there.  Then, a couple of days ago a woman ended up in front of a store, near my house, having just been raped.  I live in a pretty “safe” community, but sin and selfishness happen everywhere.

Lord, what am I to do when crime is increasing?  How do I stay safe when I go out?

God’s Word to us: I am with you always, even if crime is happening more around you. My mighty angels are your guards.  I do encamp my angels around my beloved.  Rest in my care for you and for your daughter.

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.” Psalm 34:4,6,7

My Heart’s Cry is for you to pray to the Lord daily about your safety and well being. He is listening. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you throughout your day. When I got that cash, I was a bit nervous. So I asked Him first about going to the coffee shop before I went home.  I knew in my heart He said, ” yes.” So if something did happen to that money, then I knew somehow it was a part of His plan and He would cover me financially. Through this total trust in Him, He is freeing me from my fears.

Earlier this week, in my morning prayers, I had said, “So shine on our day Lord. May it be ever so bright with your love and care.  Expel the darkness in us and our timeline.  Light up what we need to know.  Remove the chaos too. Help us see Your will clearly and completely.  Give us courage to walk these new steps and let us walk having Your love  fill us completely. Let us feel every breath of love with your face towards us.  Let your angels do their mighty work around us, always obeying Your will.”

His words back to me were: “I bless you.  I will keep you; keep you from evil, anger and disappointment.  I love you. Trust me. Trust only in me. And don’t go out that door unless you feel my hand on your shoulder this day. For I am with you. Stay in my will.”

Imagine my shock when I found out about the rape! I had to go back and reread my morning prayer. And you’re right, I didn’t go out that door unless I felt His hand on my shoulder.

Ladies, let’s get real. Are we having these important daily conversations with our Lord, who is the only One who can truly protect us?  He knows our lives from beginning to end. So much of the time we depend on the men around us to protect us. God can certainly use them to do this, but it is still God who we need to trust first.  Also, we are feeling comfortable in our safe communities. But as you can see, even safe communities are now having crime problems.

It is God. It is only God. Be safe in Him today.

-Kim

 

Bunny Trails

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I have noticed in my life and other people’s lives that when we are waiting for a big event, we often go down bunny trails. Bunny trails are paths that don’t lead to anywhere. It seems in retrospect that it’s a waste of time, energy and resources.  This happens to strong Christians too. Why do we do this? Lord, why do you let us wander like this?

God’s Word to us: That is an excellent question and I have an excellent answer.  Life provides many opportunities for good or bad or the other.  Many of these bunny trails are the other.  They have no real meaning.  Yes, they use both time and resources but that’s about it. Life is not a straight path and I wouldn’t want you to stop trying things.  That would make life very boring and you never know when you would be missing a great opportunity.  So allow a few bunny trails in your life.  It’s okay.  That’s part of what life is all about: trying new things.  And when something important comes up you’ll know it and end up on the main path again.

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. There is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 12,13

 My Heart’s Cry is for us not to be afraid to go down a bunny trail. Trying new things is good too, as well as enjoying the fruits of our labors.

I have to admit that I am too serious most of the time.  My introverted self thinks a lot. Everything must have meaning. It must have purpose.  And yet, His answer to my heart as well as the scriptures in Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 12, 13 both basically say the same thing: to lighten up!  Trying new things and enjoying the fruit of your labors are gifts from Him.  He created a interesting world with so much to explore. So give yourself permission to take a bunny trail here and there and just enjoy being alive.

Happy Friday!! Go on a bunny trail this weekend.  I’d love to hear about it.

Blessings – Kim

The Distraction of Devices

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Electronic Devices are spellbinding some days. There is work to be done using them. Like typing a blog. But there is also a lot of mind numbing activities as well. I think on the days I’m not exactly excited about my life I spend more time scrolling through social media. The day I wrote this I was having a hard time transitioning from a passive activity to an active activity. Read what my heart was saying to God. Have you ever felt this way?

Lord, I don’t know what to do.  There are things I should get done today but I don’t even want to start. I could not do them but then the dishes will be piled even that much higher and we won’t have the clothes we need. These devices are just so darn addicting. I look and look. I don’t even know what I’m looking for but it’s hard to stop.  Meanwhile my house work isn’t getting done because I’m not in the mood.  Oh, what a poor housewife I am.

God’s word to us: You are not a poor housewife just a very distracted one. Maybe starting the day with your device isn’t the best thing for you.  What do you say? Wait until noon to check social media and word press updates then you’ll get to the first things first like it should be.

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

It’s been a couple weeks since I wrote this prayer. The days I followed God’s advice, I do much better.  I think what we do first in the day sets the tone for the day. I do pray first but since I’m on my device for the Bible then I just roll into looking at emails, Facebook, Instagram and WordPress.  Then somehow I get lost. I get into a passive mode.

My Heart’s Cry is if you are struggling like I’ve been with getting your normal work done because of your device. Then wait til later in the day after you’ve accomplished something active. Do the important things first. And when you get sucked in, like we all do, then remember “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

I’d love to hear your comments on how you’re managing your device time. Or comment if you’ve struggled like I have.

I’d love to know you stopped by. Like my post on Facebook or WordPress.

Blessings -Kim