Merry Christmas from The Brage Family

Here are the Brages doing a little elf dance for you!
Go here to make your own...

Thoughts on the Golden Compass

I am quite curious over the buzz yet another movie is stirring up among Christians.  The Golden Compass is built on a troubling premise, written by a troubling author, agreed.  However, I want to be on the side of engaging discussion and offering truth, not blacklisting and boycotting.  This thoughtful and thorough review offers much food for thought. I am considering seeing this movie to weigh for myself the ideas being propagated.

What are you thinking or saying about this movie? Anything?

Sunset

Sunsets

 

I can't help see a sunset without thinking of a friend from my past.  Last night as I watched the breathtaking sky on my drive home I thought of her again.

 

She and her family considered moving to my beautiful state, and were all prepared to do so, save one thing. She had the idea that you couldn't see sunsets in Colorado. I don't know where this idea came from. I believe the most gorgeous sunsets are in Colorado!  The sky is bigger here and add the mountains into the mix, what's not to like?

 

As I was contemplating this last night, it struck me that this is how many people live their lives.  They have seen some beautiful sunsets, and they are afraid if they embrace change they will lose the security of what they already know.  I think we all have things that we believe were better when.  We have no idea if that is the truth, but it's all we have.  When we do finally let go and move into something new, we may be amazed that the new thing far outshines the old. 

 

I have this running dialog with myself, that I need to "get back to" the prayer times I used to have with the Lord. They were intense, meaningful, and so intimate.  Yet, since I became a working person, that just isn't doable--at this time in my life. Still I find myself looking back to what was...instead of allowing--and asking--God to do a new thing.

 

So, like my friend who wanted to keep her sunsets, I cling to the familiar as though it is a standard. It's not, it's just what I know.  I want the new thing, I want bigger sunsets, I want what God wants to do now, not yesterday.

4 Conversations Christians need to have in 2008

I found this to be an interesting article by Phil Cooke. Regardless of where you find yourself on the Christian landscape, these thoughts and ideas impact us--because they influence the way the world views Christians as a whole. Although Phil is talking about ministry organizations in particular, I think his points apply to the local church and the Body of Christ at large.

Four Conversations:
1) The Prosperity Gospel is done.
2) The luxury life of TV Evangelists* is over. (*and may I add pastors and ministers in general)
3) Fundraising is undergoing a dramatic change.
4) We're seeing a dramatic shift from a first generation leadership style (confrontation) to a second generation leadership style (engagement).

Read rest of article here...

Not in our schools??

This article reminded me of the time I spoke on a panel at a MOPS group. We were discussing educational options, and I was representing homeschooling. One of our discussions was centered around the idea that the local Denver schools weren't "that bad." That's a common line of reasoning for opponents of homeschooling. One woman stated that the climate in our local schools wasn't bad at all, not like if we were in "Berkley." I'm not sure what that meant exactly, but I understand the reasoning. She needed to defend her choice to send her child to public school and at the same time convince herself that there was not a problem with what was being taught.

This brings me to today's article! A midwestern junior high school in Des Moines, Iowa, promoted a "Gender-Bender" Day as part of their Homecoming Week. Outraged parents have begun to pull their kids out of that school. The point is, if this sort of thing is happening in Iowa, you can bet there are questionable things happening in schools across America.

Perhaps, as the story unfolds, some may feel these parents overreacted. Yet, the fact remains, parents have less and less control over what their kids are being taught and exposed to. It is our responsibility to keep our eyes wide open to what is going on out there and to respond accordingly.

Thoughts for Thanksgiving

from the Homeschool Encourager

"Don't always be asking, Where are the good old days? Wise folks don't ask questions like that. On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted. "
Ecclesiastes 7:10,14

One thing I've learned as a parent and a homeschooling mother, is that regret is inevitable. I'm sorry to start with such a melancholy thought. But it is true. I used to think that regret meant I did something wrong...or that if I was spiritual enough I would never make mistakes that carried the sting of regret. I have learned, its just not true. Life carries with it a risk and reward system. (My kids grew up hearing this from their father.) You must weigh every decision against its possible risk or reward.

That means the nature of life brings the possibility of failure and regret. The bigger question is how will we respond to and deal with life's risks and the inevitable regrets?

First, we must recognize that, at times, we will be disappointed: in ourselves, in our children, in our spouses, even in God. We will look back at events or conversations and feel the sting of regret. As a mom whose been there, I promise: you will live through it.

The second thing I've learned about regret is: Some of the sweetest comfort comes in those times when the damage has already been done. The hardest thing may be knowing there is nothing you can do to change a situation! That's the time to rest in the grace of God and trust that in His providence He will work all things together for your good. When you turn you regret and disappointment over to God, He can begin to heal your memories and remove the sting from those disappointments.

Death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
(I Corinthians 15:55)

Even the death of a dream can hurt less when we allow God access to it. When we lose something precious, or are forced to face a reality we would prefer not to, God can give us the strength. He will help us move past failure, regret, and replace the pain with His peace that passes all understanding. If that is where you find yourself today, I pray these words will encourage you.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to move from regret to grace, and from fear to faith! I thank God for each one of you and for your commitment and faithfulness to your families. I pray you have a special time of thanksgiving, free from the sting of regret and overflowing with the awareness of Gods goodness, amen.

Thought for the Week

I've seen many hard-working, faith-filled parents drop the baton and walk away from homeschooling because of discouragement, fear, and frustration. Most of them struggle with issues that stem from unrealistic expectations. It becomes a mental and spiritual battle to keep homeschooling. Even mature believers may begin to think that homeschooling is just too hard or the problems they are dealing with are somehow caused by homeschooling. They are lured into believing that if they just quit homeschooling, their problems would be solved.

Does your experience as a homeschooler bear this statement out? Or am I overexagerrating the struggle homeschooling can be?

Please comment...

Are you smiling today?

"Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in times to come. She smiles at the future."(Proverbs 31:25)

As you consider the future…are you filled with excitement or trepidation? Are you facing it head on, with a smile? If you've ever tempted to give up or tested to doubt God's call and your ability to follow—you are not alone.

Today we can take a cue from our dear friend, the Proverbs 31 woman! It says she smiles at the future. Maybe she didn't have to worry about her children's education or perhaps she did. Maybe she didn't even feel like smiling, but she did anyway. She faced her family's future head on with a faith-filled, childlike smile…and so can you!

You don't have to have all the answers to smile. You don't have to understand life all the time to be joyful. God has a purpose and a plan for you, your children, and your homeschooling efforts. He will show you what you need to know, when you need to know it; until then leave the details up to Him and just smile!

Utterly Overwhelmed?

"Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it…"(I Thess 5:24 AMP)

Have you ever felt totally unqualified and overwhelmed by a task that lies before you? Like educating your children, being a wise parent, cleaning a house, helping at church? I know I have.

When I was a busy mother of young children, managing my home, caring for five children not my own, I was many times utterly overwhelmed. Yet, every time, God was utterly trustworthy to give me strength and fill in the gaps where I was spread too thin.I have learned over the years that when God 'calls' us to do something, He will be the One to carry us through.
Remember David facing down Goliath? He could have felt overwhelmed and under qualified, yet he knew God would equip him to defeat the giant. Remembering God's faithfulness helped him to rise to the challenge.

Consider on the other hand, the Israelites in the wilderness. The spies (military leaders) all went into Canaan to spy out the land. The report was terrifying. Giants, mountainous terrain, obstacles and opposition as far as the eye could see. That was all the Israelites needed to hear! They forgot completely about the miracles they had seen and the deliverance they had experienced. Instead they cried and complained because the task before them was too big.

Can any of you relate? I know I can. Just this morning I was bemoaning the facts of my life. The full-time job, the tiredness, the messy house…and on it went. Until God brought me up short and reminded me that He is big enough. His faithfulness will be more than enough to get me through this rough patch...and He's big enough for whatever you may be facing today, too!
I want to remind you (and myself) that He Who called you is faithful. He will enable you to meet your giants and to defeat them.

The Musk Ox in ACTION!

Read my previous post on the Mighty Musk Ox to understand the significance of this video...

Building on the foundation...

"The best way to help a student is to move her just one step from what she knows to what she doesn't know. Education is a process of building upon a foundation of previous learning."

This works in life, too! When I am frustrated with a situation, I'm always tempted to institute a total overhaul, instead of building on what is working. The foundation is the place to start, whether we are talking finances, relationships, house work...etc. Recognize what's already in place and look for ways to tweak the system. I think this will help us make more consistent progress than starting over time and time again. Consider the areas of your life this applies to...

Just food for thought!

Great Article about the Importance of A Great Library

I just read last night that the average vocabulary consisted of 55,000 words thirty years ago. Today, the average person's vocabulary contains only 15,000. That stresses to me the importance of reading and making quality material available to our kids...and ourselves!

In this article by Phil Cooke, he gives lots of helpful thoughts and ideas on creating a great library. Check it out!

Are you a highly-Successful Person?

Use this printable checklist to find out! I think this would be a great tool to use with our teens as well.

Other resources from Steven Covey:

Time management...or Energy management?

I enjoyed this article on "time management" by H. Wallace Goddard. I'm not familiar with this man, but his words rang true for me...

My experience may be unusual, but I would argue that my productivity relates much more to my willingness to run errands for God than my skill at planning my priorities and scheduling them wisely. It doesn’t even relate to resisting the tyranny of the urgent. It relates to my willingness to do God’s bidding.

Energy Management

So I believe that our effectiveness relates far more to our energy management than our time management. In my view, most of us do not fail because we lack a plan as much as because we don’t have the energy to do what we feel we must do.

So I propose some simple rules of energy management...

Read rest of article here:

Food for the Mind--and getting your kids to eat it!

"A home is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the soul."
Margaret Fuller

This quote sums up one of our main goals as parents and homeschoolers--to provide fuel for the fire of curiosity and for learning. Many times, the best thing I could do for my kids was introduce an idea. Sometimes in the form of a book or video; sometimes in a suggestion or observation. Then my job was to stand back and let the wind of inspiration (and the Holy Spirit) do its work.

I can tell you, this works! The secret to inspiring your child's natural curiosity and fanning the flame of their natural gifting is to have a hands-off approach. You must trust God and your child to take hold of the idea and run it with it! The difference between saying, "You will read this book on Gooey Science Experiments you can eat" and putting it on the table with a casual "this looked gross, but maybe you'll like it."

I challenge you today, to practice stirring the embers of your child's interests in a subtler, gentler way and see what happens.

Antidote for Weariness--inspiration...

I found this article about John Wesley inspiring...I pray at the end of my life I will have done all I could possibly do for the Kingdom!

Are you a Mighty Musk Ox Princess?

Will you join the ranks of women, raised in Christian homes all over the world, who are rising up in this critical hour of church history? Will you be one who stands in faith for the generations to come?

Donna Partow is one of my favorite authors...and Christian ministers! She teaches a concept called "Mighty Musk Ox Princesses" which I think has great application for us as homeschoolers. Here's an excerpt from her article...but I encourage you to read the whole article

"I remember one day, when I was weary from the fight, I sat down at my kitchen table and just started weeping. My children came over, put their arms around me, and prayed for God to “help Mommy.” Mommy clearly needed all the help she could get. When they had finished praying, Leah, then just ten years old, looked at me and said: “Mommy, I think I know why all this is happening to you.” “Really, Leah," I replied. "Tell me about it.” And she said, “Mom, I think it’s because you are a First Generation Christian.”

Ruth Graham Bell's Most Influential Book

Words from a sister in Christ who has gone on to heaven...yet, still we can glean from her life and experiences.

"The Confessions of St. Augustine are currently stirring me at a very deep level. Some years ago I read a copy of Louis Bertrand's biography of Augustine. Perhaps it is good to read that biography before reading the Confessions. Against the background of Augustine's life, the pouring out of his heart to God takes on additional meaning."

(This article originally appeared in the September 2, 1983 issue of Christianity Today. Read more

Children's Answers about Angels

I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. Gregory, 5

I hear angels all the time in my dreams. And I'm sticking with that no matter how many people tell me I'm crazy. Molly, 8

Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why,but scientists are working on it. Olive, 9

It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. Matthew, 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for
science. Henry, 8

Angels don't eat but they drink milk from holy cows. Jack, 6

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The
basic message is where you went wrong before you got dead. Daniel, 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. Regan, 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. Sara, 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. Jared, 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. Antonia, 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. Katelyn, 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and
pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the
kid get over it. Vicki, 8

What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. Sarah, 7

19 Ways to Motivate children

1. Let them set their own goals
2. Help them visualize both positive and negative results of achieving or not achieving their goals
3. remember the power of praise
4. Expose them to various activities
5. Expect them to do right
6. believe they can do great things
7. Help them develop a positive self-image
8. Reward them
9. Expose them to people you admire
10. Use the "I Can Do It" Principle
11. Be persistent (not just consistent)
12. Be Enthusiastic
13. Develop strong inner conviction
14. Wait for children to act on their own
15. encouragement and admiration from peers
16. create successful experiences
17. Accountability and Support
18. Use contracts
19. Tender touching and listening

(*Taken from Keys to a Child's Heart, Gary Smalley)

Perfection or Passion?

"Quite often the absence of immediate success is the mark of a genuine call"
(Bruce Larson, from My Creator, My Friend)

This quote drew me into Zig's chapter on Failure. As I'm watching my sons find their place in the world and in God's Kingdom, it's tough at times to see them struggle. I feel so deeply and take so personally each misstep and immature moment. Yet, this chapter reminded me once again that life is the best teacher for our kids (with the leading of the Holy Spirit of course!). And as much as I would like to shelter them from these lessons and disappointments, I have to remind myself that they will survive...and learn...and grow...and eventually thrive...as they allow God to mold and shape them through the vehicle of failure.

From Zig's book:
Often people with great passion for their calling will fail miserably at it before they achieve peak performance. Why? Because they often start too strong and too fast. More and more through the years I have learned to watch for those people in whom I see potential by who don't seem to be performing up to speed or are even failing. I especially watch for those whose passion leads to massive failure. It's far easier to add experience to a person that passion. People who fail big are likely to suceed big, given time and opportunity. (Parents, take note!)

I agree Zig! I would rather my kids be passionate than perfect...and I'd rather see them take risks than to settle for a life less than what God intended.

Failure can be our friend...

In his great book, Better Than Good, Zig Ziglar has written an encouraging and inspiring chapter called Failure: Life's Refining Process. His insights on the role of failure has really encouraged me—especially this list of the lessons we can learn from our mistakes...

Failure teaches us:

• to depend on God
• humility
• that we can't always get what we want
• to make a correction in our course of action
• character
• perseverance
• that we can survive!

"Failure is a willing teacher, a master tutor. Anyone willing to sit at the feet of failure and soak up everything there is to learn will graduate quickly to the school of peak performance."

This is good to know, not only for ourselves, but also for our children. Messing up and learning from our mistakes is one of the most human experiences we face—and one we can all relate to! So, give yourself a break today...give someone else a break today...and remember "Failure isn't final."

Evan Almighty

I am excited about this movie. I like the idea of bringing to light the true stories of the Bible--even if Hollywood puts a creative spin on it. If it gets people talking about God and trying to understand what really happened and why, then I'm all for it!

Thanks CBN for the resources and promotion of this movie. Perhaps it could be a useful teaching tool in our families...

Worth fighting for?

There are times in this journey of faith when we need to take a break from the "battle" to regroup and renew our strength. There are also times when we must press through even though we are weary and battered! The question is, how do we know which is which?

I believe we must trust the Holy Spirit to lead us, yet I think there are some things that are always worth the fight..things that demand us to stay in the fight regardless of our feelings or circumstances. If we know ahead of time which things to fight for, we will be that much closer to winning the battle!

What I will always fight for:

1) My marriage
2) My children's faith, protection, and future
3) My personal peace
4) The peace of my household
5) My extended family's salvation and safety
6) Our physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being
7) God's call and anointing on my life
8) The gift of enjoying our lives here on earth
9) A positive attitude and thought-life
10) The right to be who I am in Christ

I think that sums it up...I challenge you today, to think about what things are important to you. Then next time you must pick your battle, decide if it is on your "important" list or not!

I noticed how many things weren't on my list; like the need to be right, my physical appearance, or "stuff." Yet, those things have led to many battles in my own life, with myself and with others. Hmmm....

Israel's Miracle

How interesting to see the Hand of God intervening in world events...

The stage was set for war and Israel's enemies prepared for victory. They remained convinced they could "drive the Jews into the sea."

But what was about to transpire would not only stun Israel's enemies, confound military experts but transfix the world. Many believe what happened in the six days following June 4, 1967 was nothing short of a miracle.

Sarah Rigler, author of Six Day War, believes that series of Egyptian mistakes revealed the work of an unseen hand. "You can say, what a lucky coincidence or you can see the Divine Hand," she said. "You can see God arranged all these things to happen the way they did because He wanted the Israeli strike to succeed. He wanted us to win. He wanted us to regain our holy places."

This story reveals a great faith/history lesson. I am too young (don't get to say that so much anymore) to remember the War of 1967, but this story intrigues me. I think it is worthy to be taught or at least shared with our own children. Read on and let me know if you agree...

Israel's Miracle

How interesting to see the Hand of God intervening in world events! Sarah Rigler, author of Six Day War, believes that series of Egyptian mistakes revealed the work of an unseen hand.

"You can say, what a lucky coincidence or you can see the Divine Hand," she said. "You can see God arranged all these things to happen the way they did because He wanted the Israeli strike to succeed. He wanted us to win. He wanted us to regain our holy places."

This story reveals a great faith/history lesson. I am too young (don't get to say that so much anymore) to remember the War of 1967, but this story intrigues me. I think it is worthy to be taught or at least shared with our own children. Read on and let me know if you agree...

Running the Race...

Today I wanted to share some thoughts from one of last year's WW: Running the Race!

"…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
(Heb 12:1-2 NKJV)

Well, most of us have crossed the finish line of another year. Many of you, I'm sure, are graduating sons and daughters as well. What an accomplishment—for them…and for you!

Maybe you haven't thought if it this way, but every homeschooling family is in a race. Not a race of speed, ability or performance—simply a race of endurance. Yes, performance matters, and there is a pace we strive to follow; but homeschool winners are not determined by these things. Winners are those who reach their finish line and "receive the prize" of God's pleasure and the personal satisfaction of knowing we made it.

Perhaps you didn't make the progress you hoped this year. Sometimes we start off running, and then something slows us down. It could be a health challenge, a move, a discouraging comment from a friend, or we just get tired. It's like Paul says to the Galatians: "You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth?" (Gal 5:7).

Remember our race is not about speed or ability. It's about the will to finish. God is not standing at the finish with a stopwatch! He isn't monitoring your math progress, your success rate at science experiments, how well your children memorize scripture! He is standing by, waiting for you when you need Him. He knows your own strength will give out and you will cry out in desperation for His strength. When we do call on Him, He promises we will "run and not grow weary" or "walk and not faint."

I am so thankful that God doesn't leave us to run the race in our own strength...because if He did I would have been disqualified a long time ago. I would have gotten off course, and probably quit. Thank God He is right beside us all the way--have a blessed day!!

New & Improved

Please check out my updated, "new & improved" site.
I'd love to know what you think!!

The Fight of Faith

"Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again." Micah 7:8 NLT

Have you ever lost a battle you know you could have won had you just applied yourself? I have...many times! This week in fact.

I woke up feeling defeated and a little discouraged. The Lord began talking with me about the fight of faith, and the importance of choosing our battles wisely. We won't win every fight--I know that seems contradictory to Romans 8:37 which says "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Yet, I think God promises us ultimate victory--not easy victories in every one of life's struggles.

I think our experiences prove this out! I haven't lost my faith; but I have learned to pick my battles...and sit out the occasional conflict. Especially if I am feeling weak or isolated. I do not want to enter a battle in this weakened state or all alone. Nor should you...

If you need strength for a battle—or the wisdom to know if you should sit this one out—leave a comment and we'll pray for you!

American Idol--Jordin Sparks

I did not realize that Jordin Sparks had participated in the Gospel Music Association's, Music in the Rockies right here in Colorado.
According to Kevin Jackson from the Christian Post Reporter,

Sparks, 17, has strong ties to the GMA. In 2004, she competed in the GMA Music in the Rockies– a showcase event for aspiring, often unsigned, songwriters and artists in the Christian music industry – and was the Overall Spotlight Winner at the 2004 GMA Academy in Washington, D.C., a feat which she listed on her online “Idol” profile as her “proudest moment in life so far.”

I sensed there were a few Christians in the show, but I did not know all this. It is always exciting to Christians engaged in culture--and doing so with excellence! (I wonder if she was homeschooled?)

Welcome to My Weekly Word Friends!

I have been working to create a better, more effective Coffee Break page for us. So, here is the unveiling! Thanks for your patience as we iron out the details. We will be launching a redesign of The Homeschool Encourager as well, very soon. Please post your suggestions in the comments area.
Also, I would love to get your friends input as well, so please forward this link and come back often.

Seven Secrets of a Confident Woman Pt1

The first secret to being a confident woman:
Know that you are loved...

"May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]" Eph 3:17-18 AMP

A confident woman knows that she is loved, first and foremost by her Heavenly Father. Secondly by a supportive husband and family. The really blessed woman will also have a support system of friends who stand by her.

Thankfully, God supplies any area we are lacking! Knowing He loves us is enough to give us the confidence we need. Whether it's to mother, maintain a career, step out into something new, or face something uncomfortable...the awareness of God's love and grace creates a cushion we can fall on, rest in, or spring from!

Columbus to your own soul

"Every one of us has in himself a continent of undiscovered character.

Happy is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul." J. Stevens

I don't think any of us fully realize the potential we have. I know our teachers and guidance counselors told us--mainly that we weren't living up to our potential; but that was probably because we didn't fully recognize or embrace the gifts and talents that we had.

I firmly believe and regularly confess that the power of the living God resides in me--talk about potential! Beyond discovering our own capabilities is the journey to help others discover theirs. Much like our teachers who tried to convince us, we must convince others that God can do great things in and through them. I don't know why it is so hard to see what lies within us...yet oftentimes it takes someone to look with the eyes of faith and see beyond where we are today.

Parents, spouses, teachers, supervisors, pastors...heed the example of Columbus and search out the hidden potential--the whole new world--that is living inside of those around you.

God-initiative

Taken from the powerful book, Prayers That Avail Much, this phrase jumped out at me this week:

I know You Father God, and how You work.

I steep my life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions.

I want to answer the question:

Am I living in the reality of God, following the initiative of God, and living daily in His provision?

Living in God-reality

God-reality is a good place to live.

It means being willing to face the truth of any situation...armed with the understanding that God's truth supersedes our situations. That's the challenge for Christians sometimes, isn't it? Finding balance between faith and fact. How do you deal with the imperfect and disappointing, while at the same time maintaining your belief that God has your best interest at heart? And what do you say during this time--to yourself and others?

I've seen and heard many people who struggle with this issue! We usually end up saying something goofy or hyper spiritual. I think God just wants us to be honest. Charles Capps says that we get the verse in Romans backwards--we call those things that are as though they aren't; when God told us to call those things that aren't as though they are. BIG difference! (See Rom 4:17)

Believing God's Word is not denying reality...it is accepting the God-reality of the situation. That is I don't understand what is happening right now...or why...but I know that God has it in hand and that His truth will super cede circumstances and my faith will override what appears to be fact. That is the essence of living in God-reality. Try it today!

Distraction Defeats

Have you ever noticed just when we gain momentum in some area of life, it seems an "innocent" distraction comes up and the next thing we know it's three months later and we're off course.

I've seen this in dieting or any attempts to change my lifestyle for the better
I'v seen it in my writing and ministry goals
I've seen it in the financial arena.

I'm beginning to think there is more to distraction than it appears. I think it is a very large weapon in the enemy's arsenal. Sometimes it may seem a subtle ploy, but a powerful one nonetheless. It sneaks up on you, diverts your attention, and leaves you wondering what happened!

God cares about our ability to stay focused on Him and our mission in life. Momentum and continued forward progress can make the difference between failure and success!

Prov 4:25-27 describes it well:
"Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust."
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)