Moving as Santification: Part 3

At this point in your moving as sanctification journey, you've sought the Lord for His perspective and took time out to get organized.  Now moving day is upon you and it is time to walk victoriously, not drag, yourself from here to over there... 

Tip 3:  Make the Move Smooth

There are some last minute things you can do to make your move happen smoothly, in addition to having been determined, disciplined, and organized all along.  However, if you are that last minute type, you can still make the best of it now.  Consider this a "make it smooth" moving checklist:


3 Days Before

1. Take down pictures and hardware.  If you haven't already done this, now is the time to take down pictures, mirrors, and any hardware and package it up.   If you are responsible to spackle, do it today, too.
   
2. Deal with outside.  Collect the yard decorations and furniture.  Take down the swing set.  Mow the lawn, water the plants, including any you might move. 
   
3. Don't forget the pets.  If you haven't already figured it out, make a plan for what to do with your pets on moving day and the days following. 
   

2 Days Before

1. Confirm with the mover and/or truck rental company.  Verify size of truck and directions, if they are coming to you, as well as time frame.  Also, check on any hidden fees.  Don't forget to have payment on hand as well as cash for a tip, usually 20% of the fee to be split amongst the moving guys. 
   
2. Send a friendly email to those friends that offered to pitch in to help.  Chances are that their busy lives might cause a forgetful moment not in your favor.
   
3. Pack up the kitchen, including all dishware, cookware, and food.  Use paper goods and non-prep type meals (frozen, microwaveable, salads, and sandwiches) for next week. 

1 Day Before

1. Pack up the bathrooms, entirely.  Use your overnight and vacation toiletries for the next few days.  If you have more than one bathroom, restrict use to just one and clean the other ones.  Close them off with caution tape or a note, so they stay that well throughout the move.
   
2. Walk through inventory.  Go through your entire home, from top to bottom, opening cupboards and draws to make sure everything is packed and clearly labeled.
   
3. Get prepared for tomorrow.  Be sure to have some ice cold drinks, snacks, and meals ready to go for tomorrow.  Also have a broom, dust pan, vacuum, dust cloth, towel, and spray handy.  You'll be needing these things to clean off furniture as well as behind and underneath and in those hidden corners. 

Moving Day

1. Get going early.  Get up and dressed earlier than you think, so that the last minute things don't get pushed off.  Don't forsake your time with the Lord.  Take these few minutes to settle yourself and lay it all in the Lord's hands!
   
2. Give directions!  Position yourself to give directions to your movers (even if they are your friends), so that all the right things go in, and grouped with items going to the same location in your new home. 
   
3. Be hospitable!  Offer cold water (usually they like water best) to your movers!  If friends are helping, make time for lunch, breaks, and/or dinner.
   
4. Make arrangements to meet the truck!  You need to be on the other side of things to direct movers where everything needs to go.  This is critical, if you hope to unpack with some measure of ease!

Ready to roll into the next phase!
Well, the truck is loaded and off it goes.  The house likely looks like a disaster ready to be cleaned.  If you have the flexibility of time and energy, do it now.  Grab a friend and finish the job well.  There will be plenty to do on the other end of things. 

Settling in to your new home is exciting and also overwhelming at times.  Just remember, your earthly home is temporary, so try not to fret about it all getting done.  Take one moment at a time, unpacking bit by bit while still finding time for enjoying life and treasuring the opportunity to share God's love with others.

As for me, almost four weeks after our sixth moving day in fourteen years of marriage, I can honestly say this was the most peaceful although most difficult move yet.  Why?  Because the strain of relocating a family of seven into a house in the midst of construction isn't exactly easy.  But the choice to take it one moment at a time, without picking a fight with my beloved in order to release the tension, made what could have been a regretful experience a sweet story of God's provision, testifying of His ability to bring peace to any situation.

There are still boxes to be unpacked and more to broken down.  Pictures to be hung.  Curtains to be ironed and find their place in this new abode.  It will happen, eventually.  But you know what, it can wait.  Our friends and family love us, no matter how much we've accomplished.  The best part is they are willing to come over for food, fellowship, and fun, in the midst of this chaos.  Their company and taking the time for normal life is refueling!

So, don't forget to live in the midst of your move!  Choosing to do so will be truly sanctifying!

By His Grace & Mighty Power,

 

Moving as Santification: Part 2

Well, you've just found out you'll be moving.  Now it is time to get organized because some how, some way, you'll need to get from here to there.  Yes, you might feel like burying your head in the sand, but save that for a sunny day at the beach and instead, face the inevitable of this relocation today.

Tip 2:  Get Organized
The logistics of moving a home, whether it involves a family brood or a single soul, requires dedication and determination, along with discipline and organization.  Therefore, I recommend grabbing a notebook, pen, calendar, and calculator.  Set aside a time when you can guard yourself from interruptions and be well-rested.  If you are married, make this a joint effort if possible, or at least schedule a time to discuss your thoughts following your planning session. 

1. Start off in prayer.  Ask the Lord for His will to be accomplished, for His timing, His resources, and His perspective on the whole experience.  Let the Lord know your concerns and use this time to lay it before Him.
   
   
2. Make a Schedule:  Calculate out how many days you have between now and your moving date.  Then determine how many days it will take to the following:
   
   purge...now is the time to get rid of those things you haven't touched in years
   
   pack...everything will need to be boxed and bagged, whether you are moving across town or across the state.  The great deception in moving is that a local stop is easy, but really it is not, because of your goods eventually need to get from one home to another.  Often times, a local move ends up be longer and more draining because things aren't boxed up or labeled clearly. 
   
   So, my BIG BIG BIG tip about moving is to BOX everything and label with contents as well as destination.  If you are super AR about this, you can color code using markers or stickers and then color code the rooms of your new home by hanging a sign for the movers (even your friends) to know where things are going as they graciously unload your loot.  You can get boxes for free from the liquor store and super markets, or purchases boxes from your local hardware or shipping store.  Big boxes may seem better in the long run, and stack more efficiently in a truck, but if you are doing it yourself, remember to not load down a big box so that you can't carry it.
   
   clean...you need to leave things better than you found it -- think spring cleaning in addition to daily cleaning
   
   Therefore, in my planning session, I slotted days and hours for purging, packing, and cleaning each room leading up to the moving date.  For example, we knew it would take a weekend to clean out the basement and make a dumpster/donation run, so we did that two months before our move.  The next thing I tackled was the storage bins of clothes for the kiddos.  Over three evenings, many weeks before the move, I went through, purged, sorted, and stacked the containers back in the storage area.  Come moving day, our hand-me-downs we're ready to roll.
   
   
3. Make a Budget:  It costs money to move, more than just the fees for a truck to hiring a company.  Often there are additional expenses, such as cleaning the carpets, buying hardware and window treatments, and finding furniture for the new home. Plus, in the weary weeks of the move, eating out becomes an easy way to satisfy a hungry body.  Each of the expenses add up, so make a budget and plan ahead what you'll spend your money on now. Jot it down in your notebook and stick to it!  Be inspired to make wise and thrifty decisions.  Prepare some frozen meals the month before to heat up quick during the week before your move.  Search the thrift stores for those hardware and furniture needs.  Get the best rate on a truck or moving company by shopping around before booking. In the long run, you'll be glad you spent less, not more than you expected!
   
4. Get forwarding.  You will need to change your address, not only with the Post Office but also with friends, family, and as well as businesses, banks, credit card companies, and schools.  Use this time to make a comprehensive list as well as schedule a time to stop by the Post Office.
   
   
5. Set things up.  Depending on whether you are buying or renting, you'll have to set up your utilities and services at your new home as well as finding doctors, schools, etc.  Schedule a time to make the necessary calls to set up life in your new home.

Well, these three organizational tips should get you heading in the right directional.  Tomorrow, I'll share some super practical tips for making moving day a peaceful and efficient experience!

Come back for Tip 3:  Making the Move


 

Moving as Sanctification: Part 1

 
I'm convinced that moving is God's sanctifying work on an unsuspecting soul.  No other task of a home-keeper quite unearths such ranges of emotions, convictions, fears, anxieties, dreams, and promises.  Certainly, motherhood shares equal impact, as does the role of being a help-mate.  But those sanctifying stresses tend to ebb and flow on life, reaching certain highs and lows over time and space.

Moving, however, is a concentrated, full horsepower force on the heart, mind, spirit, and body.  It is one of those life experiences that will either leave a lasting memory of heartache or become a heart marked by God transforming power as He develops one's character through trial and trust.

If you are longing to live out your next move as a spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:2), instead of journey of embarrassing moments and frustrating mishaps, I offer these moving  tips.  Whether you are moving around the block or across town, out of state or overseas, these suggestions will make the experience feel a bit more enjoyable and leave a taste a whole lot sweeter.

Tip 1:  Keep Perspective
Remind yourself daily that this world is your temporary home (1 Peter 2:11).  No matter where you live and what you own, it is not a part of your identity nor should it be the source of your joy.  As a follower of Christ, you belong to God, not to this world.  Nor are you meant to live for your things, but rather to live for the Lord, declaring His praises and sharing His testimony (1 Peter 2:9).  If you find yourself clinging to your home, your material possessions, or where you live, remind yourself to cling to the Lord instead. Steal a moment to sit quietly with the Lord and get a focused, godly perspective before conquering your next task.


Stay tune for Tip 2:  Get Organized!

And if you have a moving story, a fantastic tip, or a word of encouragement about relocating, be sure to send me an email at extragrace at gmail dot com.  Just maybe, I'll be able to include your thoughts and feature you here at EG!



By His Grace & Mighty Power,

Winner of Sweet Music for the Soul Giveaway

Congrats to Heather in Michigan for winning the Sweet Music for the Soul Giveaway!  Please contact me via email with your snail mail address!

Healing Words

The fact of the matter is that none of us have had it easy.  We might be in an easier season, but the easy life is a myth.  We can't work harder, pray longer, fight more civilly to get to a better place or smooth ride on the easy train.

My dear friend use to say that my life seemed to be without suffering in the present day because I already faced my trials early in life.  At the time, I really did believe her and allowed it to comfort me, while I stood alongside of her during her wicked trial.  Enough time has passed since that season, however, to realize that life is series of suffering moments, resting renewal, and sanctifying experiences.

If we are not in the midst of trial, we've likely been through one recently or will be about to head into one.  And if we concentrate on this truth alone, we might become significantly depressed, never mind forsaking the opportunity to learn through the experience, to have our character developed, and to become one who comforts others as we have been comforted.

God allows bad things to happen to good people and bad people (if there is such a thing--aren't we all bad, all sinners?), alike.  The question isn't "why" do these things happen, for already know that answer:  It is God's sovereign will.  Rather, the question we ought to ask is, "How will I respond when the bad things do happen?"  There are many responses.

Some are not so good...

doubt God

reject God

pout

pitch an ugly fit

pick a fight

spend money

binge on ice cream

run away

escape into my hobby

disengage from life

distance myself from others

refusal to forgive

grow in bitterness

While other responses will position you right in the center of God's will...

honestly admit the pain

turn your questions to the Lord

open your heart to purification

confess your sin

admit your fears

choose to worship God, in word and deed, in worship and prayer

stay disciplined in reading the Word

do not forsake the fellowship of Christians

maintain regular attendance at church

invest in others, especially those struggling in similar ways

do the last thing God has called you to

forgive others

seek forgiveness

serve where you are needed

put off the desires for this world

let God have the final say

flee temptation

acknowledge your weakness

get help from a trusted, Christian counselor

fast and pray

As I told my daughter last night, God doesn't call us to the easy life.  It is a hard life, filled with trial and suffering.  Just read 1 Peter.  But in that life -- where we are called to follow the Suffering Servant -- we will find satisfaction for the soul.  God will provide unbelievable strength partnered with the ability to persevere until our temporary life passes away and we meet Jesus face to face in eternity.

If we live the hard life journey as a follower of Christ, every "not easy" moment is an opportunity to glorify God and reveal the heart of Jesus to a needy world.  Christian and non-Christian alike suffer.  But the believer has a hope for which the unbeliever is desperate to uncover.  We are the living book that reveals the healing Words of Christ.  Now that is an opportunity for ministry, as a result of any suffering we experience.

Are you suffering?  What have you learned in the process?  How are you choosing to become Healing Words to others?

I'd love to share your story here at Extravagant Grace as a Be Real feature, so be sure to check this out and contact me personally, if you are interested. 


Do you simply need to be encouraged in your suffering road?  Two brand new books accomplish this task:


To Those Who Suffer:  Understanding God's Purpose and Pathway Through Pain, by Sean Nolan
Nolan explains that when we suffer, we often view the situation through the human sin-stained perspective. This results in us immediately coming to the conclusion that this situation is extremely painful and, therefore, it must be wrong and not part of God’s will for our lives. However, from God’s perspective, He has allowed this suffering in our lives for a purpose, and, because God is absolutely good, His purpose for allowing the suffering in our lives must be a good one.

What we often overlook is that God’s goal for our lives is very different from ours. Nolan states that it is imperative that we understand God’s purpose for allowing mankind to encounter suffering. If we do not understand that God has done the right thing through allowing suffering into the world and our lives then we cannot expect to understand why God chooses to use suffering to conform us into the image of His Son, as opposed to a more pleasant method.


God Knows My Name:  Never Forgotten, Forever Loved, by Beth Redman
 
Evangelist and author Beth Redman shares her heart through poignant, vulnerable stories from her own life when she experienced the rejection of her father.  Using scripture and tender assurances of God’s love, God Knows My Name reminds readers that God created them and loves them deeply despite their flaws and failures.  Redman wants readers to know with certainty that God’s love is not the whimsical, uncertain love that is often shown to us by our earthly family and friends, but a deep, unfailing love that allows us to find our sense of worth in Him despite what others think about us.  This encouraging book lets readers know that they are not alone in their struggles and that they are significant to God because He has chosen them for His glory.
 

Both of these books are rich in encouragement and understanding of the sufferings of life. In each, you will find deep thoughts, practical application, and perspectives that will likely change yours, sharpen your thinking, and move you to act differently.  I highly recommend both as a worthwhile to add to your library. While you are waiting for them to arrive,  I'd also encourage you to take time to read my testimony, which is a real life journey of a woman who has suffered, but as also come to know the Great Comforter and the privilege of comforting others.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The God of All Comfort

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

By His Grace & Mighty Power,

*The books recommended were graciously provided by the publishers for review purposes.*

24 Verses: Proverbs 12:18 (July 15, 2010)

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As part of my mission to live intentionally in 2010, I am continuing to focus on becoming a woman of the Word.  It takes time and determination to stick with it, and I nearly passed for this go around.  Yet, when I read this verse this morning in my Bible study homework this morning, "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl," by Lysa TerKeurst, which reminded me of a conversation with friend last night about the impact of our words, especially on our kids...well, it seems like God wants me to meditate on this verse.
 

Let's become women of the Word together, as we live intentionally before the Lord this year!  What's your verse for this month?

By His Grace & Mighty Power,

Sweet Music for the Soul Giveaway

Fresh music for the soul.

Sweet words carrying healing balm.

Emerging singer/songwriter Audrey Assad brings life to the world of Christian music, ministering to the heart with transparency and tender truth.  The House You're Building, released today, will certainly inspire you with Assad's amazing voice and beautiful lyrics.

Over the past year Audrey has done over 100 shows in North America with well-known artists like Chris Tomlin and Tenth Avenue North. Her songwriting skills and vocals have also recently been featured in Matt Maher's new album and Chris Tomlin's Christmas album.

It is worth your time to take note of Audrey Assad, and I will make it a special blessing for you with a wonderful giveaway.  Audrey has hand drawn lyrics for each song on her album, which have been put together in a really cool bound book to give listeners an insight into the story behind each of her songs. The giveaway features the lyric book and her debut release along with a personalized bag.

Leave a comment for each entry opportunity!

1. Listen to Audrey's music at her facebook or myspace page.  Be sure to like her, too!  Then leave comment with mention of your favorite song on her new album.
2. Post about this giveaway on your blog.
3. Subscribe to Extravagant Grace.
4. Follow Extravagant Grace here or on Twitter.
5. Join the Extravagant Grace Blog Frog Community!

Giveaway is open until Saturday, July 17th!

Enjoy!










*This giveaway is generously sponsored by EMI CMG Label Group!

Becoming Titus 2: How do we train the younger women to love their children?

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Titus 2:3-5 NIV

³Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, ⁵to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

As you know, in my mission to live intentionally in 2010, I have focused on studying a very short but powerful passage, Titus 2:3-5.  I think the greatest blessing has been the accountability of looking at the same verses every month, and focusing on just a little portion. The weeks in between study have been like mortar between each brick, creating a solid wall of understanding and life application.

This month, I hope you will join me, even if it is for the first time, as we pause to look at how to train up younger women to love their children. 
 

^"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children..."

Somewhere between here and there of time I became the older woman, supposedly filled with wisdom on how to love our husbands and children.  While I don't feel older or wiser, I can see that by the passing of time and experience, I have grown in such a way that I am beginning to grasp how to love our children, even if the application of it falls short.  I also can see that how I mother has an impact on those around me, as there are now as many younger moms in my community of friends as there are older.  I'm in the middle of the pack, and while I have so, so, so much to learn, I have certainly learned a thing or two over the past decade of mothering my own little brood as well as spiritually mothering teenagers.

Here's my top five life-learned, heart-wrenched, spirit-convicted thoughts about how to make the time and purpose of our motherhood all about loving our children.  As I strive to live out these principles, in my pursuit of Becoming a Titus 2 woman, I prayer that God will use me to impacting the next generation of mothers.

1.  Slow down.
Love requires intentionally and time.  If we are too hurried to get to the next thing and to determined to accomplish "this" thing (the this being anything other than mothering), we won't be able to love with a sincere touch, a gentle word, a encouraging smile, and a simple act of service.  We must slow down to make time to love practically.

2.  Receive God's love.
It is impossible to love, in the way God is calling us to in this verse, without receiving His love.  Love comes from God (1 John 4:7).  He is love and His love flowing through causes us to overflow with love to those around us, especially our children.  Many of us, however, have blocked the channel of God's love with unforgiveness, bitterness, and sin stored up in our hearts.  We must take an inventory to see what is filling us up and overflowing onto those around us.  Is it our shame, guilt, frustrations, low-self esteem, pride, anxiety, fear, bitterness?  Or are walking in right fellowship with God, having received His forgiveness through Jesus Christ and received a full cleansing of our souls as we believe His Word for our identity and calling? 
 3.  Rest in His presence.
It is essential to spend time with the Lord and in His Word, if our relationship with God is going to grow and sustain us.  We cannot love when we are depleted.  Even if our heart is right in fellowship with the Lord, we must be nurtured by time with Him.  Literally, we need to rest in the arms of our Father, in devotional time as well as physical time.  Moms need naps and early bedtimes to keep their energy level full enough to meet the physical and emotional needs of their children.  A well-rested mom, satisfied by the love and tender care of her Lord, will be equipped to nurture that end of the day boo-boo, listen to that one more heartache of in her maturing daughter, and respond to the sibling conflict over the space, toy, time, and daily needs of life.  A mother who is rested in the presence of God is equipped to love the children in her life.

4.  Let go of the next moment and cherish this one.
Part of the reason we can't slow down, receive God's love, and rest in His presence is that we are too busy rushing to the next moment.  For some of us, it is simply getting the next box unpacked, picking up the groceries for the pot-luck that evening, or checking off the long list of spring cleaning chores.  For others, it is a career goal or ministry achievement in the form of one more speaking engagement, another follower, a new title, a wider recognition. And for some, who seem super dedicated to their family and home, it is about perfecting the material thing or even seeking a better way to get their child to excel further in their sport, instrument, or academics -- so much so that it is no longer about loving the child or keeping the home, but has become an idol.

All of us, if we are honest before the Lord, would uncover some way we are holding onto the next moment, achievement, and goal instead of living in the here and now.  The result is we are too busy and too focused to slow down and love the one right before us.  That tender little heart is being shaped by our very actions even more than our words.

If we are to fulfill the call to love our children -- and to train those around us to do the same -- we must let go of the next moment and live in this one.  It means stopping to look into the eye of the child petition for our attention and love.  To cuddle with a child whose love language is touch, and let the laundry wait until tomorrow.  To put a smile on, instead of grumbling, about the chocolate ice cream running down the face of a delighted toddler, soon to stain the front of her shirt.  One day, that ice cream will be ably consumed and we will, indeed, miss the tiny, chocolate stained shirts.
 

5.  Walk humbly and receive His grace quickly.
These principles are impossible to achieve perfectly.  Some days, we'll block God's love.  Other days, we won't rest.  Some moments, we'll rush through and others we'll pause at just the right moment.  So, since we are imperfect sinners saved by grace, the best thing we can do as we strive to love our children and impart God's love on their tender souls, is to be humble before them and the Lord, while also being quick to receive God's extravagant grace and extend that to our children.  It means putting off condemnation, right there in the middle of the mess we have made.  Then, swallowing pride in order to confess, "I'm sorry.  Will you forgive me?"  It may not be a pretty scene at first, but God will color it with His love, most certainly.


What ways do you believe women should live out this portion of Titus 2?

I pray you will join me in this open discussion, so that together we would grow together in the Word as we become Titus 2 women.  Please do leave a comment with your thoughts and/or a link to your Titus 2 post.  There is no time frame for sharing, so feel free to do so at any time.  I look forward to hearing from you!

By His Grace & Mighty Power,

Be sure to join in previous discussions and mark your calendar for our upcoming topics.  Feel free to join in anytime!

1. Jan ~ Beliefs about Titus 2 in Today's Culture
2. Feb ~ What does it mean to be reverent?
3. Mar ~ What does it mean to be slanderers and addicted (to too much wine)?
4. Apr ~ How do we teach what is good?
5. May ~ How do we train the younger women? Who are the younger women?
   
6. Jun ~ How do we train the younger women to love their husbands?
7. Jul ~ How do we train the younger women to love their children?
8. Aug ~ How do we learn to be self-controlled and pure?
9. Sep ~ What does it mean to be busy at home?
10. Oct ~ What does it mean to be kind?
11. Nov ~ What does it mean to be subject to our husband?
12. Dec ~ How does becoming a Titus 2 woman cause the Word of God to not be maligned?

Prayer in the Midst of Moving...

Today is a day I committed to prayer in my determination to live intentionally, and that doesn't stop for time-gobblers like moving.  I kept my time simple, lifting one very specific concern up to the Lord.  I hope you will take the time to do the same.  God wants to hear from us!

24 Verses: Ephesians 5:17 (July 1, 2010)

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We're in the midst of moving this week, so I thought I'd miss the opportunity to post my next verse. However, my husband sent me to our room, counting me down for the count this evening!  I am resting in my newly (used) recliner, with a terribly sore foot while sipping a cup of honey and lemon tea to counter the onset of a cold or something.  I am also filling in my motherly duties, as I rest in ear shot of our four children, who are packed into one bedroom.

When we opted for moving this week, the house was almost completed painted (by mostly moi, thus the sore arch in my foot) and repair work nearly finished.  It looked like a perfect time to make the transition across the street, even if I wasn't fully packed.  But then plans changed.  The repair work commenced again, when the original fix for the problem proved inadequate.  I almost sobbed.  I felt the anger begin to boil.  But no.  Not this time.  Not me.

Instead, I decided to live under the control of the Holy Spirit.

And I did. 

I gripped a few times, but realized I felt worse after gripping than I did if I just kept my mouth shut.  What a novelty!

So, instead of a perfectly organized move into a perfectly prepared house, I have stuff strewn across two houses, boxes piled up, furniture and children crammed into rooms, two (and possibly more) construction zones, and a body that is failing to keep up to par.

But, my sisters in Christ, my soul is well.  My spirit is steadfast on Thee.  My heart is as rest.  

The anxiousness of past moves is not nearby this time.  And the blessings abound.  Marital bliss tastes much sweeter then marital strife, siblings are bonding as they all bunk together, boxes have to wait because there is not place for them to go, and I have to work at the pace of a normal human rather than super woman!  Hallelujah!!!  Praise the Lord!!!


I am learning to live by the spirit as I am filled by Him!!!

How about you?  What lesson is the Lord teaching you?  What Scripture will you be meditating on this next month?








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