Thursday, October 25, 2012

A joyful heart and FREE give away

God is graciously working in my life.  It's hard at times to "let go" and to "let God." But it's amazing at the things He will do, if you just let him!!

I'm reading a book (for the second time and it means something completely different this time) that teaches you how to raise your children for God. More on this in a second...

I've been working so hard at controlling our day: the school schedule, the playing, cleaning house, doing laundry, t.v. time, meals, our hearts and attitudes.  I have come to realize that I don't hold much of the control at all. Nor do I want to. It's exhausting!!  My job to lead by love.  If my heart is right, they will usually follow.  I want to teach self-control and let the Holy Spirit do the guiding.  Now that Johnny has come to know the Lord and has accepted him into his heart, I don't have to be that forceful guide any longer. Over the past two weeks, I've let go and let God, and I see a HUGE difference in attitudes and work ethics!!

Last week the boys and I started doing a study on the Fruit of the Spirit.  The first week was love...easy enough! Every day we had to find something we loved about each other.  We had to be mindful of showing love to everyone, and in everything we did...even school work. :-/ That was a tough one for one of my little blessings! But he did it! This week is joy, and what a joy it is.... Every morning this week as we lay in my bed and do our bible study, we let joy fill our hearts and with excitement as we worship Jesus. Joy is truly infectious. As I was making lunch I was trying to get the boys to pick up their pj's and toys. I became annoyed at the laughing and playing that was going on instead of the obedient children I wanted them to be.  I sternly said, "Boys! You're not doing as I asked! Now please, get busy!"  Joel, my sweet Joel, laughingly says, "Momma, where's your joy?" Now how cute is that?! God quickly spoke to my heart-- "Your prayer this morning was that they would find joy in each others company and learn to be best friends, not just brothers who fight and pick at one another, remember?!" I finished up lunch while listening to them play and have a good time, and then I ended up picking up pj's, socks, and slippers. :-/  They, however, picked up their own toys!

Our verse this morning was Luke 15:10 "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."  As I told my boys, ask for forgiveness and the angels sing praises over you!  Don't miss out on that blessing, friends. Search your heart, what unwanted sin lingers in the shadows?

Okay. So I want to do a give away contest on this book I'm reading, Loving Our Kids On Purpose by Danny Silk. Because I love it so much. One of my favorite quotes in the book, "Teaching your child self control and freedom is better than intimidating them into submission!"

Here's how it's going to work:
1. Leave me a comment or email on how God has filled your heart with joy for the day.
2. Post this blog to your facebook wall...leave me a message telling me you did so, though.

(You can do this every day until next Tuesday and I'll put your name in the drawing each time). Winner will be announced next Wednesday!

I leave you with this, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 

5 comments:

Paul and Marsha Weaver OCT. 17, 2009 said...

Love this blog! Our girls are grown and on their own, so I leave it to the younger mothers to win the wonderful book.
I will say that I can find joy in just about anything and everything. My husband always asks me...What are you smiling about? Most times I answer...Oh nothing, just something I saw or thought back on. I just fill my heart is so full of joy and thanksgiving for all our dear Lord has given me.
Since we started full timing I have grown even more in appreciation of God's gifts to us. He makes me smile and puts so much joy in my heart at each adventure I have.
I KNOW that our God has an awesome sense of humor, loves to laugh and rejoices in all we do.
Just a reminder...your kids are EXACTLY like every other kid the enjoy having fun...chores not so much...hehe

Anonymous said...

Love this post :)

Amy @ Are We There Yet? said...

We spent the day joyfully celebrating Micah's 10th birthday!I really enjoy reading your thoughts - you are such an encourager. Definitely interested in learning more about the book!

Amy @ Are We There Yet? said...

shared on Facebook :)
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=483180551714545&id=111396635608427

Kendra said...

Trisha I look forward to reading your book someday. God is really working through you with this blog. I love to see how muh you've grown since we first became friends and now family. You inspire me and your walk encourages me to keep my faith and continue to look to The Lord. Thanks you for sharing your thoughts. I found joy today in knowing god blessed me with a sister like you. He blesses me with your words and example. I thank god for you.