Inspiration

Adopted!

I browsed through the internet to find a perfect definition for the word “Adoption” – something simple, yet meaningful, that I could use in this post. I came up with several definitions and it blew my mind just thinking of how profound the word is. Here are a just a few statements I found from Wikipedia, Merriam-Webster Dictionary & dictionary.reference.com.

  • To choose or take as one’s own.
  • Make one’s own by selection.
  • To take by choice into a relationship.
  • The act of accepting with approval.
  • Adoption is intended to effect a permanent change in status.

With these statements in mind, would you read the following verse with me…

“He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:5)

I came across this verse during my daily Bible Study of the book of Ephesians with Good Morning Girls. When I think of God adopting me as His child, my heart is overwhelmed… with praise… with gratitude… and with joy!

God Almighty chose me… He selected me… handpicked me… But I wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment choice! He predestined me for adoption – He had already planned on adopting me! WOW!

He brought me into a relationship with Him. He accepted me with all my flaws. He chose me to be His own.

My purpose for this post is twofold:

#1 If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, I urge you to go to Him today. Accepting that I was a sinner and believing that Jesus died to pay the penalty for my sins was without doubt the best decision I have ever made. I am free now, no longer encumbered with my past because He has blotted it out with His blood. God wants to adopt you as His own. TRY JESUS TODAY! You won’t regret it :).

#2 If you do have a relationship with Jesus, would you take a deeper look at it? As I mentioned earlier, “Adoption is intended to effect a permanent change in status”. Are we truly living our lives as children of a holy God? In everything we do, say or think – do we bring glory to our Father?

I read the verse 3 days back, but the question lingers in my mind. And I am going to let it haunt me everyday. In everything I do, say or think, do I bring glory to the one who adopted me? I pray I will.

Adopted! Read More »

T.H.I.N.K.

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you are probably aware that I am trying to work on developing one good habit a month – and the habit for January is “Positive Speech”.

Imagine my delight when I found a simple acronym online that perfectly defines what I am working towards.

Photo Credit: http://pinterest.com/pin/221380137902652212/

Before you Speak, THINK: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?

This also serves as an excellent reminder of a verse from the Bible – one the Lord wanted me to implement in my life this year.

“Finally, brothers, 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)

I’m linking up with:

T.H.I.N.K. Read More »

Looking Ahead

A week into the new year and we’re still struggling to get our kids back on track with their diet, schedule and schooling. We had a rocky start this year and I had pretty much forgotten that I could look ahead. But then I did. I started counting all the things I could look forward to in 2012. It blessed my heart and excited me quite a bit, just anticipating changes and life events this year.

Here are 12 things I’m looking forward to in the year 2012:

  1. My husband and I will be celebrating 5 years of married life in April.
  2. Our kids join kindergarten at a regular school in June.
  3. I turn 30 in October. EEKS!
  4. Our kids turn 5 in December.
  5. A 3-part blog series on our kids starting January 30th.
  6. Developing a habit a month – look for a blog post every month, starting January 11th.
  7. More baking – I started baking only late last year & I’m definitely looking to get better at it.
  8. My new planner – I love how I’m able to organize my life with just a pen and a book.
  9. A new Bible study starting January 15th. Visit Good Morning Girls for more information.
  10. A better morning routine – ideally including some time alone with God, exercise and planning for the day. Visit Inspired to Action for more details and a free ebook.
  11. Better financial sense. We’re looking to be spend less and save more. Check out Money Saving Mom – she gives great practical financial advice.
  12. More reading – I’ve gathered dozens of free PDF ebooks and hundreds more on my PC Kindle app. This year, I’m hoping to reignite my favorite hobby and dive into my reading list.

I would love to know what you are looking forward to in 2012. Would you care to share with us in the comments?

I am linking up with:

  Growing Home 

Looking Ahead Read More »

A New Year 2012

We rang in the new year at my in-laws’ this year – about 650 kilometers (400 miles) away from our home & church. Although the house was brimming with an abundance of love & kids, sickness took a toll on us. With my husband, our kids and my sister-in-law’s kids falling sick, there wasn’t much fanfare in my husband’s family home on January 1, 2012.

My husband and I missed the midnight New Year service at our church back home, but we were only too glad to attend the nearest service with my sister-in-law (or maybe I should say sister-in-love :)). The service was in Tamil – and though I found it a bit hard to follow at times, the preacher’s message on “God’s Grace” was truly a blessing.

The following morning, I felt the need to wait at God’s feet for a personal word from Him. I flipped through to the book of Philippians in the Bible, and God spoke – verse by verse to every area of my life where I needed a word. Below I share those verses with you, hoping they will encourage and strengthen your faith as you begin this year.

MARRIAGE: “…being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:2-4)

HOMEMAKING: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14)

KIDS: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

MYSELF: “…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)

FINANCES: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Here’s wishing you a happy & blessed 2012. May God give you the best He has in store for you this year!

I’m linking up with:

A New Year 2012 Read More »

Child, Arise!

“…And grasping her hand, He called, saying, Child, arise…” (Luke 8: 54)

Once in a while (and all too often for mothers of 3 little boys) we all end up down in the dumps. Physically, emotionally and spiritually…

You have reached your breaking point…
Bad things happen…
Aches and pains are all you feel…
Difficult circumstances remain unchanged…
You are in the lowest point of your life…

And you realize there’s no where to go but up… No where to look but to Him…

But, when you do… you realize there is HOPE. When He opens our eyes – we see not the harsh dark reality we are living in… But Him – and only Him.

He who promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
He “who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19).
He whose “strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

And when we look to Him, we see His outstretched hands… We see our Father reaching out… We hear Him say “Child, Arise!“.

Child, arise

Our circumstances may not change, our pains may not disappear, but we can still choose to obey Him when He says, “Child, Arise!”.

Some practical ways to “arise” :

  • Kick self-pity out the door.
  • Tell yourself you’ve had enough & it’s time for an attitude change. It’s time to look up!
  • Get yourself a glass of water… or a cup of tea/coffee.
  • If you haven’t had a decent meal in a few hours, go eat something.
  • Browse through your Bible… even if it’s just to read those verses you may have marked a long  time back.
  • Get out of your rut. Go outside – take a walk, or a drive.
  • If you can’t get out, take a few minutes to just look out the window.
  • Thank God. But don’t just ‘think’ about what you are thankful for… Write down/type out what you are thankful for. It makes a difference, trust me!
  • Talk to someone – your spouse, friend, colleague, pastor, sibling, parent…
  • Pray! That’s what it all comes down to. That’s where our hope remains. Hang in there. Jesus Never Fails!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Child, Arise! Read More »

How Many Kings?

Last week, I came across a list of Top Ten Songs That Teach The True Meaning Of Christmas on Muthering Heights. This song was the first I heard from the list and it is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs I have heard till date.

Click here if you’re unable to view the video below.

Lyrics:

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we’ve projected
A child in a manger
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliness hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?
It’s who we’ve waited for

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me

All for me, All for you…

—————————————————————————————————————————

Sign up here to have new blog posts delivered directly to your email inbox.
You can also follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

—————————————————————————————————————————

How Many Kings? Read More »

Perfect Love

I have long been striving to spend time with God everyday – but struggled with being consistent…  and then I came across an online Bible study led by Good Morning Girls.  They follow a method called “SOAP” where you read the Bible in small portions but get into a deeper understanding of every word you read.

For the first time in my life, I have been consistent with my Bible reading and have been able to get an in-depth revelation every single day!

This week, the verse that spoke to me was “…If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (I John 4:12.)

How true it is that we who know God and love Him, have a responsibility to love others as Christ loved us.  And when we show our love to those around us, God continues to abide in us (He makes His home in us) and His love is perfected in us.

We as humans, tend to display imperfect love by loving people conditionally.  But Jesus is the perfect example of perfect love.  He loves us unconditionally – while we were yet sinners, He loved us and chose to die on our behalf.  He can make my imperfect love perfect.

I’m learning that Perfect Love is:

  • Being patient when my sons get on my nerves.
  • Greeting my husband at the door with a smile after an exhausting day.
  • Taking the time to pick up the phone and check with a friend who’s going through a rough time.
  • Being slow to anger.
  • Being quick to forgive.
  • Being kind to anybody I come in contact with.

I can go on… I am choosing to let God perfect my love in my everyday life.

How would you display Perfect Love in your life?

If you don’t want to miss a future post, you can sign up to receive new blog posts by email.

Perfect Love Read More »