Mullings and Musings

• "Shelter is not a place" (An older article... but excellent thoughts about how we best protect our children from the influence of this world.)

"I would love to withdraw my family from society and keep them from having to face the messiness of navigating relationships in a fallen world. But that’s just not feasible. Maybe not even desirable. Besides, we have enough sin nature between all seven of us, they’d still get to see plenty of corruption!

Instead, we want to make sure our home is the safe place, the most comforting sanctuary on earth, where our kids are guaranteed acceptance, affection and genuine love. Our relationship with our kids should be a reflection of God's relationship with us - overflowing with grace and forgiveness."

• "The Real First Thanksgiving" (If you are a Holy Experience fan, you don't want to miss this one... pictures, words, and hearing the still small voice of God speaking in the depths of the heart... Take the time to read this one!)

"The thanksgiving offering was part of the peace offering and that is the thing:

No one receives the peace of God without giving thanks to God.

Thankfulness is the deep, contented breath of Peacefulness.

Is this why He asks us to give thanks even when things look a failure? When there doesn’t seem much to give thanks for?"

• "Borrowing Brains: Missionaries, Unfiltered" (Read the comment section... and check out some of the links in that very first post... for a "round table" of sorts regarding ways to discourage or encourage the missionaries with whom you partner.)

"I’m leading a discussion about the local church and missionaries in a few days. Not a big thing—just a local pastor’s fellowship. I’m wondering if missionaries who read could chime in on two questions:

1. What are some things churches and pastors have done that were especially encouraging to you, whether during deputation, field ministry, or furlough? (What should we start or keep doing to energize you?)

2. What are some things churches and pastors have done that were especially discouraging to you, whether during deputation, field ministry, or furlough? (What should we avoid doing so we don’t deflate you?)..."

• "There are no should haves, should haves or could haves in God's Kindom." (I've  been so challened, convicted, horrified and encouraged as I've explored this blog and this story the past week. I'm sure you will be, too.)

"But, there is one thing that I believe all of us (who have lost loved ones) have to avoid doing…playing the should have, could have, would have game.  I myself have been guilty and I’m sure that many of us who walk this road have done it as well.  But, the more I understand God’s complete sovereignty over every single life on this planet, the more I realize the danger, and even sometimes sin of playing such a game, depending on our attitude at the time.  Allow me to explain..."