Friday, August 22, 2014

Greater

"You're greater, greater. There's no one like our God. You alone are worthy. God You are greater, greater. There's no one like our King. All the earth is singing. "God you are greater" Elevation Worship "Greater"

This morning, I woke up with a sense of renewed FAITH in HIM.  For the past three days I have been battling an internal sickness, pains, things I can't explain, other than a spiritual attack on my body.  Since Tuesday I have been in bed, dealing with pains like I've never felt before.  My digestion system has been all messed up, and this morning though I'm feeling a little relief, I'm still not healed. 

When I finished pouring my heart out to HIM this morning, the above lyrics began to play very loudly in my mind.  HIS Daily Teachings today is HIS loving reminder to me that HE is GREATER.  HE is wanting me to know that it's time that I realize that it has always been HIS plan for me to have weaknesses.  HE is telling me that instead of dreading, and trying to "hide" them, I must embrace them, as it is HIS loving reminder that I need HIM.... always.....

In seeking HIM to create in me a heart like HIS, I can now understand how I have come under attack.  Throughout my sickness, I have been praying for my children, my husband, our finances, home school, our needs, and my weariness through it all.  This morning I am comforted by HIS words spoken by my woman's group leader at church.  

One Sunday after church I was feeling particularly weak, and she looked right at me and said, "We need to understand that it is okay for us to say, "I can't, but JESUS can!"  Upon hearing her say that, I sort of knew what she was saying, but wasn't sure how I was supposed to apply that to my life.  

HE is letting me know that HE can, will, and does, because HE is GREATER.  HE is  GREATER than my weaknesses.  HE is GREATER than my problems.   HE is GREATER than the evil that is lurking in my life.  HE is wanting me to know that in my moments of weakness, I must remember that HE is strong.

Last night after dinner, D, brought up the days mail.  In it we received a letter from the District of Education for our children stating that I needed to register our private school, aka Home School. Upon reading the requirements for registering, I began to worry, about whether or not they would be accepting of what we have chosen for their curriculum.  For the past month I have been praying for GOD to meet our needs for a new computer, and new curriculum.  HE has answered my prayer for a new computer, and now I am waiting for HIM to answer my prayer for curriculum.  

However, in waiting, I have failed to remain FAITHFUL in knowing, trusting, and BELIEVING that HE will meet all of our families needs.  The time frame that we have to get said curriculum is impossible for D and I to manage, however HE is telling me once again that HE is GREATER, GREATER than any time crunch, and HE delights in making the impossible, possible for me.  

HE is telling me that all I need to be doing, is living my life FAITHFULLY to HIM, in knowing that HE will do what HE says HE will do.  This means for me that if HE has called me to do something, HE won't just leave me hanging, HE will equip me to answer HIS calling for my life. I know that HE has called me to home school once again, and I know that HE loves me, and has amazing plans for our family, therefore I know that HE won't leave us hanging with no protection.

HE is letting me know that HE is GREATER than anything that is trying to come against HIS plans for our family.  HE is wanting me to know that it has NEVER been HIS intention for me to "try" to figure everything out for myself.  HIS plan, and HIS purpose for my life, is to show me every single day just how much I need HIM, by allowing me to go through storms in my life to prove to me that is indeed GREATER than anything I will come up against.  

"GOD is glorified through those who will not let their personal weaknesses stop HIM from working through them."  Joyce Meyer "Power Thoughts Devotional August 22nd"

HE is telling me that I must NOT worry about my weaknesses, rather I must embrace them as it is always an opportunity for HIM to become GREATER in my life, and for me to become so much less.  HE is wanting me to know that instead of crying, whining, and dreading my weaknesses, I must choose to stand firm with total determination, that NO matter what, HE is GREATER, and HE will bless me.  HE is telling me that I must choose to live with GREATER expectation that HE is working in my life, on my behalf, and through HIM I will be able to OVERCOME absolutely anything that the enemy is trying to use against me, to take me down, and wipe me off the face of this Earth.

HE is wanting me to know that in understanding that HE is GREATER, is so that I will be able to understand why it is okay that I am a work in progress.  HE is telling me that when I fully understand why that is when I will know that I need HIM daily, and that is because HE is GREATER than anything, and HE is SOVEREIGN, meaning that HE is in control, and HE is bigger, and RULES over everything.

HE is telling me that even though I was surprised by what I received in the mail, HE isn't, wasn't and will NEVER be.  HE is wanting me to always remember that HE is in control, and HE has everything worked out for my own good.  HE is reminding me that when I chose to answer HIS calling for my life, I then came under HIS protection.  HE is wanting me to know that in knowing that, it is HIS way of showing me that HE is indeed GREATER than anything, and everything that I have or ever will encounter.

"Our imperfections are not going to stop GOD, unless we let them do so."  Joyce Meyer "Power Thoughts Devotional, August 22nd"

Today I am so incredibly thankful that through my weakness HE is my strength.  I am thankful that where I have been worrying about curriculum, HE has it all worked out.  I am thankful to know that each and every time I chose to live out my life according to HIS plan, HIS will, and by HIS purpose I am protected, as that is HIS promise to me.  I am thankful that no matter how many times I fall flat on my face, HE is there, waiting to set me back onto HIS path, and to continue to teach, lead, and guide me on my journey towards wholeness with HIM.  I am thankful that no matter what I may encounter in this lifetime, HE is GREATER.

" For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power.Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you." 2 Corinthians 13:4

Dear Friends, I pray today that you will be able to see that in your weakness HE is strong. I pray that you will know that HE is GREATER than the storm you are in, or test, or trial that is happening in your life.  I pray that you will have the courage to seek HIM, through your weaknesses, and allow HIM to be your strength.  I pray that when you do, HE will open HIS floodgates of blessings for your life.  I pray that you will be able to come under HIS protection, by choosing to live your life according to HIS plan, by HIS will, through HIS purpose.  I pray that in the midst of life's storms you will be able to look up and stand firm in your faith that though the waves are crashing, and it seems as if though you can't catch your breath, hold fast Dear Friends, HE is GREATER!

love and prayers,
Heather 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Thanksgiving

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This morning as soon as I began to journal what was on my heart, I found myself thanking HIM for HIS goodness.  I thanked HIM for allowing one of D's dreams to come true yesterday in being able to ride in his dream car.  I know it may not seem like much for some people, but for D, it was the first time in a while where I actually saw him smile.  

I have been praying for my husband D for quite some time now to be relieved of the pressures of his job, and his role as Husband to me,  and Daddy to our amazing five children.  For the past six years D, has been under an extreme amount of stress, and through it all he hasn't complained, but rather just continued to press on and press in through each and every circumstance that he has gone through.  

D and I are a lot alike in many ways, however in our FAITH we are completely different, as I am a lets talk it all out, shout it from the rooftops WHO HE is and what HE has done.  D, on the other hand is much more reserved in HIS FAITH, and doesn't "feel" the need to talk it all out, rather HE goes to THE ONE, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER with his needs, and he never complains about what he doesn't have.  Rather he is always in Thanksgiving mode, meaning that instead of crying out "why" something is happening, he is always thanking GOD for what HE is doing, has done, and will continue to do.

HIS Daily Teachings today is showing me where I have failed to live out my Thanksgiving to HIM, by only choosing to be grateful.  When I first started hearing from HIM this morning I was confused, as I am so incredibly grateful for all that HE has done for me.  The more I said I was grateful, the more I could sense I was missing the point.

Since HE is my loving HEAVENLY FATHER, HE began to teach me that although HE is glad that I am grateful for all HE has done, HE wants me to be more thankful.  Well since I've written in the past that I am a slllloooow learner, this is something that I struggled with understanding this morning.

Today HE is breaking it down for me in a way that I can truly understand what Thanksgiving looks like in my life.  HE is telling me that while I am extremely grateful for all HE has done after the storm, HE is wanting me to know that I must be thankful for the being in the storm in the first place.   

HE is wanting me to know that each and every test, trail, and storm that I am in should remind me to have a heart of Thanksgiving towards HIM, as it is HIS loving reminder that I need HIM.  This is why HE has been writing in on my heart daily how much I need HIM.

Today HE is reminding me the utmost importance it is for me to always seek HIM, praise HIM, and thank HIM for not only what HE has done for me, but rather what HE is doing for me.  This means that even though I may be hurting from circumstances in my life, I must seek HIM to create in me a heart of Thanksgiving so that HE will continue to strengthen, grow, and renew my FAITH in HIM.  

HE is telling me that often times I have allowed my mind to wander away from HIM, meaning that I have gotten so caught up in all that is wrong in my life, and have failed to see all that is right in my life.  This morning HE is meeting right where I am and letting me know that in order to overcome my lack in Thanksgiving to HIM, I must choose to really think and meditate on what HIS word is telling me.  

"but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." Palm 1:2

For a while now our Pastor at church has been preaching about seeking GOD to create in us a David heart, as it is written that David had a heart after GOD.  Meaning that he wanted to be like GOD, he wanted his heart to match GOD's heart.  David knew WHO GOD was in his life, and new what HE had done for him.  David knew that GOD was sovereign, and it is written so beautifully in the book of Psalms.  It is very clear in the book of Psalms all of David's prayers of Thanksgiving.

"After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do." Acts 13:22

Just as it has been written that David was a man after GOD's own heart, I too pray that I will have a heart that matches David's.  I pray that when my on this Earth is through, that HE will meet me, and when I look at HIS face and hear HIS voice it will be telling me, well done good and faithful servant.

"His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.Come and share your master’s happiness!" Matthew 25:21

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods" Psalm 95:1-3

HE is wanting me to meditate on HIS word, that just as David praised HIM and thanked HIM in his times of troubles, so I need to do the same.  HE is wanting me to always remember that HE is my ROCK, my FORTRESS< and my SHIELD.  This means that in my times of trouble, HE is there, HE will protect me.  I know this because I have received my salvation in HIM, through my FAITH in HIM, in knowing, trusting and BELIEVING that HE is my LORD and SAVIOR, WHO died for my sins, so that I would be reconciled back to our HEAVENLY FATHER, so that I will live my life with purpose, on purpose, by HIS purpose.   HE is telling me that in knowing these things, it should make it very clear as to why I must seek HIM to create in me a heart of Thanksgiving for NOT only what HE has done, but what HE is doing right now, that I in my humanness cannot see.  

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17

HE is telling me that nothing that HE does is to harm me, but rather to help me understand and teach me that HIS way is truly the BEST way for me to live my life.  HE is wanting me to remember that when I find myself in times of trouble, or hurting, that HE is there, working on my behalf.  Far too often I succumb to my "feelings" and forget that HE is sovereign, meaning that HE is in control.  I must remember to thank HIM for that!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him." Psalm 28:7

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1

In seeking for HIM to create in me a heart of Thanksgiving I will meditate on HIS word.  I am thankful that HE loves me far too much to let me "think" that I am doing absolutely everything that I need to be doing in my walk of FAITH with HIM.  I am thankful for HIS loving reminders that even on my best day with my greatest FAITH, it fails in comparison to WHO HE is, what HE has done, is doing, and will continue to do on my behalf.  I am thankful for HIS loving reminder that I need HIM, every hour, of every minute, of every second, of every day.  I am thankful that I need NOT to lean on my own understanding, meaning I don't have to know and understand everything, or figure everything out.  I am thankful to know that HE is in control, and all I need to do is remember to PRAISE HIM, and THANK HIM for being my LORD and SAVIOR.  I must remember to thank HIM for being sovereign.

Dear Friends, I pray today that  you too will seek HIM to create in you a heart of Thanksgiving.  I pray that you will know that HE is working on your behalf, and that HE is with you always.  I pray that your FAITH in HIM will grow by leaps and bounds when you acknowledge that HE is sovereign, and that HE is working everything out for your own good.  I pray today that in the midst of whatever storm you are in, that you will know that HE is there, waiting for you to seek a heart of Thanksgiving.  I am honored and humbled to have been able to share my story with you, and I pray that it will be a blessing to your life today.  

With much love, prayers, and blessings,
Heather 


Tuesday, August 19, 2014

confessions of a "scarecrow"

"How can you talk if you haven't got a brain?" Dorothy  "Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking" Scarecrow - "The Wizard of Oz"

In case we have just met, Hi, I'm Heather, and I have a confession to make..... lately, I have been doing an awful lot of talking without my brain.  What I mean to say is, well honestly I have chosen to speak freely to whatever I "feel" like saying, no matter if it's GOD honoring or not.   *Sigh*  Beings that the blog is titled HIS Daily Teachings, you can imagine what HE has to say about that..... so pull up a chair, take a seat, and allow me to share my foolish ways of talking without a brain..... this is me, my story, confessions of a "scarecrow...."

HIS Daily Teachings today is pulling back the blinders that have been placed on my eyes, and revealing to me just how much I have allowed myself to be a "scarecrow" in my daily walk.  This is hard for me to hear, as I know I've fallen short, but honestly I didn't know it was this bad, until HE started really speaking to my heart this morning.

I should have known that when I wrote out my confession this morning of speaking without really thinking, that HE would have a great teaching in mind.  I am floored that it came through one of the least liked movies by me, and one of which my Dad likes to quote all of the time.   

HE is wanting me to know that I must seek HIM and allow HIM to teach me how to protect my mind from the enemies control.  HE is telling me that I must choose to seek HIM, and allow HIM to show me HIS ways.  HE is letting me know that I must confess all of the time for HIS will to be done, and NOT mine.  HE is telling me that if I truly want to live HIS will for my life, then I must allow HIM to reveal the distractions from this world that are placed directly in my path to entice me to stray from HIS plan, and HIS purpose for my life.

HE is telling me that in becoming and remaining a "scarecrow," I am playing on the devil's playground, and I am falling, further and further, and getting even more hurt as each minute passes.  HE is wanting me to know that this isn't HIS plan for my life, therefore I must confess that I have been a "scarecrow," and I must seek HIM, to teach, lead, and guide me through every single moment of my life.

"Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;  they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.  Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32

Upon reading HIS word this morning, the realization hit me that the above scripture is HIM painting the painful picture of what my life would be like without HIM, and the trap that the enemy has set for me to fall into if I continue to speak like a "scarecrow."

 "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:6

HE is letting me know that when I choose to "think" like a "scarecrow," that is when I choose to speak words of death.  HE is wanting me to know that it has NEVER been apart of HIS plan or HIS purpose for my life to speak words of death, rather to be filled with HIS peace, as I choose to read, soak in, and meditate on HIS word, and really think about what I am going to say, before I even open my mouth. Today I am beginning to really understand that my life as of late has truly been in need of knowing, understanding that I must choose to let go of my "scarecrow" state of mind.

" Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12:2

HE is telling me that while the world is telling me that it is okay for me to be like a "scarecrow," and say whatever is on my mind, I must choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH, so that I will then be speaking words of LIFE and NOT death.  HE is telling me that this means that I must truly think about what I am going to say, before I just open my BIG mouth and foolishly blurt out whatever is on my mind.  Once again HE is teaching me that I when I choose to model a "scarecrow" for my children, they too will follow my foolish ways.  Then NOT only will I be struggling to change my ways, I will also struggle to help them to change theirs.

It pains me to realize that my children's bad habits, and attitudes are modeled directly by me.  Knowing this, brings tears to my eyes, as it has never been my intention for my children to suffer with strongholds, and bondages just as I have for all of these years.  Without even realizing it, I have set them up to be trapped just as I have been, and that is why I need to share my failures by confessing that I have been a "scarecrow" for far too long.

Today HE is filling me with HIS hope, that there is truly HOPE for me, that I will be able to overcome this stronghold that is "trying" to take over my life.  I am thankful that when I began to read today's Power Thought, the first thing I read was:  "Say What You Say on Purpose" Joyce Meyer "Power Thoughts Devotional."

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

This morning through my confessions of a "scarecrow" HE is telling me that I must choose to confess ONLY HIS word.  This means that I must choose to think about HIS word, speak HIS word, and live out HIS word.  HE is telling me that GONE are the days where I say whatever I "feel" like saying.  HE is wanting me to know that in order to be CHRIST like, I must choose to only think about what HE wants me to think about, and I will only be able to do that when I let go of my foolish ways of thinking, speaking, and acting like a "scarecrow."

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

HE is telling me that I must choose to always confess HIS word above all else!  HE is wanting me to know that until I do, I won't be able to speak words of life, rather I will be falling into Satan's trap to spread his vicious lies in this world.  HE is reminding me once again that HE came to this Earth to bring us LIFE and NOT death.  HE is wanting me to always remember that HE died for me, my sins, so that I may have life.  HE is telling me that because of this, it is the reason the only reason why I must choose to think, speak, and act upon only what HE is calling me to.

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" Deuteronomy 30:19

In seeking LIFE through HIM this morning, HE is filling me with HIS word, and showing me what will happen when I choose to let go of my "scarecrow" state of mind.  HE is reminding me the utmost importance of seeking HIM, and allow HIS plan, and HIS will be the only way that I will ever be able to truly live my life.  HE is reminding me once again that this has been HIS plan, and HIS purpose all along so that I will be able to live a life full of HIS promises, HOPE, LOVE, FAVOR, and BLESSINGS. 

 I am overwhelmed by HIS amazing GRACE this morning, which has captured my heart once again, because HE loves me too much to allow me to keep falling further and further away from HIS teachings and HIS word.

This morning HE is revealing to me that my struggle is NOT only in what I think, speak and act upon, but also it attacks me through my choices of the food I eat, the shows I watch, and the books I read.  HE is telling me that I must choose to guard my every thought, my every action, and my every word so that I will then be able to live a life of HONOR and INTEGRITY.

It's all coming full-circle for me of HIS Daily Teachings about what it means for me to live my life as being truly known for being HIS disciple, HIS follower, a woman of FAITH who isn't willing to RISK HIM in her life.  HE is letting me know that I am following HIS plan for my life, when I let go of doing things my "way" and seeking HIM, and allowing HIS will to be done in my life.  For this very reason, I will continue to run after HIM, and seek HIM for there to be so much more of HIM in me and so much less of me.

"There is a time to talk and a time to keep silent"  Joyce Meyer "Power Thoughts Devotional August 19th"

This morning HE is letting me know that I am like the "scarecrow" in the Wizard of Oz when I choose to talk about things that I haven't even really thought about.   HE is telling me that this is WHY it is imperative that I learn to speak with HIS purpose by choosing to think about what I am going to say, before I open my BIG mouth, and allow myself to be lead by my "scarecrow" brain.

"If we truly believe our words are filled with life or death, why wouldn't we choose what we say more carefully?"  Joyce Meyer "Power Thoughts Devotional August 19th"

"Power Thought:  I choose my words carefully; I choose words filled with life."  Joyce Meyer "Power Thoughts Devotional August 19th"

Today through my confessions of a "scarecrow," I am seeking HIM, and HIS will for my life.  Today I am letting go of my foolish pride in "thinking" that doing what makes me "happy" is truly what is best for me.  Today I am seeking for HIM to teach me, so that I will be able to overcome and completely demolish my "scarecrow" state of mind. 

Dear Friends, oh how HE loves us.  I truly hope that you know that.  I pray that you will have the courage to seek HIM, and allow HIM to take you through your own version of "confessions of a "scarecrow" and allow HIM to reveal to you where you have fallen short of HIS glory.  I pray today that you will seek HIM, and allow HIM to fill you with HIS words of life, and cast out the lies of the enemy that keeping you in bondage with words of death.  I pray today that your life will be covered in HIS favor and blessing, and that in choosing to allow HIS will to be the only way for your life, that you will be a blessing to others.  I pray today that you will have the courage to begin to tell your story, and allow your mess to be HIS beautiful message.

love, and prayers,
Heather 



Monday, August 18, 2014

words of Faith

Yesterday while sitting in church, and hearing the message that GOD was speaking directly to my heart, HE revealed to me what I needed to be focused on doing this week.  As of right now I am busy setting up our classroom in our home, and ordering curriculum for my teens.  In case you haven't read in my earlier blogs, we are a homeschooling family.  NOT by my choice, but rather by HIS plan, and HIS will for my life, and my children's lives.  However, I am learning that NOT by my choice is rapidly becoming, my HONOR, to do what HE calls me to do, as I am NOT willing to RISK losing HIM, for worldly views, cares, and stipulations.  I am NOT willing to RISK my FAITH in HIM, just so that I will be do what this world deems as acceptable. 

While meditating on what HE has been telling me over the last day, I am now "hearing" HIM loud and clear, HIS message is coming in LOUD and CLEAR.  HIS Daily Teachings today is wanting me to know that I am too careless in my words when I speak about HIS will for my life.  HE is wanting me to know that I must choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH, so that anyone, WHO speaks to me will know that I am NOT willing to RISK what HE has called me to do, for the satisfaction of being liked.  WHEW.... that is tough for me to write, as when the realization hit me that what HE has been saying to me is, 

"STOP caring about what the world thinks, do what I call you to do, I will make ALL things come together for your good.  Let go... and LET me work in you and through you, so that MY GLORY will be known and be shown through your obedience.  LET me show you my ways, and teach them to your children. Speak MY words, to ALL who will hear.  Think, speak, and act out words of FAITH, so that all who you will encounter will know that you aren't wiling to RISK what I am calling you to do anymore.  LET it be known that you, Heather are my follower, do NOT be afraid to speak words of FAITH, that show that you are a follower of JESUS"

From hearing HIM yesterday to today, it has hit me really hard that I have been willing to RISK HIM and HIS will for my life for far too long.  Today HE is revealing to me just where I have been willing to RISK HIM, and it has been ripping my heart wide open, and exposing the ugly truth about the words that I have been thinking, saying, and foolishly believing.  HE is letting me know that the time has come that I must choose to speak words of FAITH, so that my children will know and understand how they too are being called to think, speak, and act.  Today through my obedience to HIM, I, Heather, am going to modeling what living for CHRIST really looks like.

HE is revealing to me several conversations I have had over the past few weeks in regards to homeschooling my children.  HE is letting me know that at almost every single chance that I have been given to speak words of FAITH, I have chosen to actually speak words of despair, and have "tried" to make it look like I am doing this against my will.  HE is letting me know that when I chose to be HIS follower, that means that I am seeking  HIS way, and HIS will, to live out HIS plan, and HIS purpose for my life, therefore I must never be faint at heart, and most especially NOT be faint in my FAITH.  Today HE is showing me where I have been faint in my FAITH, and how I am to correct that, by choosing to walk strong, stand firm, by choosing to speak HIS words, words of FAITH.  HE is wanting me to know that in order for me to answer HIS calling for my life when it comes to raising my amazing five children, I must seek HIS will and HIS way for my calling to be Mama to each of them.

HE is letting me know that it is vital, that I impress HIS words onto my children.  This means that I must choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH to them, so that they will know that we are called to live for CHRIST, and NOT worry about doing what the world is telling us to do.  HE is wanting me to know that I have been chosen to be their Mama, and teacher for a purpose, HIS purpose, so that they will NOT only be able to receive their education, but also so that they will be able to hear their Mama speak HIS words, words of FAITH, and know WHO HE is, has done, and will continue to do.  

" Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:5-9

HE is telling me that I am called to love HIM with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  HE is reminding me that in choosing to answering that calling for my life, this means that I am to teach this very same thing to my children.   HE is wanting me to know that HIS reason for me to home school is so that I will be able to freely speak HIS words, words of FAITH to my children, so that while the world is so busy telling them WHO they aren't, I will be telling them WHOSE THEY ARE!   

HE is wanting me to know that in choosing to speak HIS words, words of FAITH I must understand that I must choose to refrain from exasperating my children.  This means that I must NOT chastise my children for their mistakes, rather lovingly come along side of them, and speak HIS words, words of FAITH that teach them that HE is our LORD and SAVIOR, that HE is good ALL of the time, and that HIS mercies are new every morning, that HIS grace is amazing, and HIS love is relentless.  

" Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

HE is telling me that when I choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH, that means that I am choosing to live my life as being set apart from this world.  Therefore, in knowing that I must STOP seeking to please this world, and START seeking to please HIM, and by ensuring that NOT only am I living my life according to HIS plan and HIS purpose, but so that I will be modeling it for my children to do also have the courage to live in obedience to HIS calling for their lives as well. 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

HE is wanting me to know that in knowing that while the world is so busy telling my children what they are NOT, I need to be speaking HIS words, words of FAITH to show them WHO they are, because they will then know WHOSE they are.  HE is telling me that I have been called to be their Mama, and my job is to ensure that they see every single day HIS will, and HIS ways being worked through my life.  HE is reminding me that HIS calling for my life, HIS plan, and HIS purpose for my life has always been to be a Mama to each of HIS children that have been chosen and gifted specifically to me to raise, and train up to be apart of HIS army.  In knowing this I am understanding more and more what it means for me train up my children.  Now more than ever, I am understanding why it is absolutely imperative that I choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH, so that I will then be able to build and encourage each of my five children in their own walks with HIM.  I am understanding more and more that it is my JOB to be encouraging, and NOT discouraging by choosing to speak words of FAITH to each of them, about HIS plans, and HIS purpose for each of their lives.

"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged" 

Today HE is letting me know that it is my JOB,  HIS calling for my life, to NOT only speak HIS words, words of FAITH, bu rather to share HIS message of HOPE, through my story, of which the world would view as being full of despair, heartbreak, and tears.  HIS view is much more magnificent, as my life, my story is HIS beautiful message of HOPE, filled with HIS promises, and love.  A life that has been redeemed by HIM, as HE truly is my LORD and SAVIOR, WHO died on the cross for my sins, so that I would be able to spend eternity in HEAVEN with HIM and our HEAVENLY FATHER.  

Today HE is answering my question that I have been having about what it would mean for me to be known as.  HE is telling me that when my time on Earth here is through, I must choose to leave a legacy of FAITH, by choosing to speak HIS words, words of FAITH, by choosing to teach them to my children, and live my FAITH out loud for ALL to hear.  HE is telling me if ever I start to wonder WHY HE is calling me to home school, it is because of HIS love for me, and for my children, WHO in fact are HIS children, and HIS plan, and HIS purpose for each of our lives is perfect.  I must choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH in letting everyone know that HIS timing and HIS provision is truly the BEST and only way that we can possibly live a life of happiness and JOY.

HE is telling me that because I have been redeemed, that is how I will be able to live a life full of HIS JOY, even when everything else around me is falling apart.  HE is wanting me to know that the same JOY that I am seeking, I must teach to my children, and I will be able to do just that when I choose to speak HIS words, words of FAITH.

"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story" Psalm 107:2

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

I know that through everything that I have been through, I know that I would NOT still be breathing here on this Earth if it weren't for HIM.  I can positively say that until I accepted HIM into my heart, and had the courage to ask HIM to be my LORD and SAVIOR, I was dying physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  I know that it is HIS plan and HIS purpose for me to be the writer of this amazing blog of which HE named HIS Daily Teachings.  I am so incredibly honored and grateful, and humbled to know that through each and every test, trial, and storm HE is there, and HE is working on my behalf, so that everything turns out for my good.  

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

My dear friends, I pray today that you too will have the courage to seek HIM, HIS will, and HIS purpose for your life, by choosing to speak HIS words, words of FAITH, that show HIM and everyone whom you will encounter what matters the most to  you.  I pray that you will STOP seeking assurance from this world, by choosing to seek HIS blessed assurance for your life, that HE is yours, and you are HIS.  I pray that you will know that HIS purpose all along for your life has been for you to seek HIS Redemption, so that you too will be able to live your life according to HIS good and perfect will for your life.  Friends, I pray today that you won't be willing to RISK HIM in your life anymore.  I pray that you will keep running even harder after HIM  in seeking HIM to teach, lead, and guide you on your journey with HIM towards wholeness.  I pray today that if you are in the middle of a storm, I pray that you will be rest assured that HE has it all worked out, that HE loves you and that HIS timing and provision are absolutely perfect. 

With much love, peace, prayers, compassion, and understanding,

Heather