r e t Sit Still my Daugh
Fall 2020
learning to be still in a noisy world
Maybe Now A story of one woman’s longing to be loved
Thankful for the Thorns
Your Child’s Imagination
The Temptations of Infertility
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k n a h T u o y
to everyone who made this first issue possible. There is no way I can ever say just how much it has meant to have all of you by my side, encouraging me to take this leap of faith. To those who contributed their knowledge, shared their stories, and offered their support, I pray that God will bless you as richly as you have me. More than anything I would like to dedicate this to my mom who is more than just my mother, she is my friend, my encourager, and my biggest fan. It is to all of you that this first issue is dedicated to with my deepest thanks.
From her desk
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Has this ever happened to when everything seemed out of conyou? You are moving at a trol. Ruth has just risked everything comfortable pace on the by going to Boaz and essentially interstate when suddenly asking him to marry her, to fulfill you are forced to an almost his role as the kinsman redeemer. complete stop by the He tells her he would love nothing traffic ahead. Now instead more, but there was a problem. He of driving you are crawling was not next in line to redeem her. forward, fighting for every She was sent home not knowing inch of movement. You what the day would bring. Would see an exit coming up and she become the wife of the man she decide to take it, you don’t cared for or of someone she didn’t know where it leads but at even know? least you will be moving. This was her traffic jam: to be You choose every possible moving along with high hopes of a road, not sure where it goes future with a wonderful man only exactly but you feel as if you to have it all come to a halt. Naoare in control because you mi’s advice was to sit still, to wait, to are making progress. not take the nearest exit. She enEventually you find your couraged her daughter-in-law with photo by Ryanne Turner way back to the interstate, where traffic is moving at a words of hope based on the character of Boaz. regular pace. You smile to yourself as you believe you My desire with this magazine is to encourage us in made the right decision to take that exit. That short those moments of waiting, when things seem out of detour saved you the frustration of standing still in whack, and nothing is happening. This can be the traffic. As you pass a mile marker you discover that your hardest thing to do. We would prefer to keep moving, short detour only landed you two miles farther down even if it does not take us anywhere, but we accomplish the road and took you over an hour. Maybe it would little and possibly miss out on something better. The have been better to simply have waited it out like many stories tucked between these covers are meant to inspire others did. you, and to remind you that there are others out there How often have we done the same in life? We are just like you who have gone through the same things, moving along, and life is going well until we hit a jam, but God was faithful to them and He will be faithful maybe it’s a family problem or something at work. We to you. I promise that no season is ever wasted because can’t stand being still and doing nothing except waitour God is not a God of waste. Everything He does has ing so instead we try every back road we can think of a purpose and it is always good. Naomi’s hope rested in to keep moving in a desperate attempt to have things the character of a man, but our hope rests in the feel as if they are under control. But what would have unchanging, unwavering character of our God who happened if we simply had waited it out? loves us deeply, promises to never leave us, and will I can’t help but think about the story of Ruth and Naoalways do what is best. My prayer for you is that when mi, two widows, who had just made a bold move and things get hard and the traffic jams come you will find a now had to sit and wait to see what the dawn would quiet place so that you may hear His voice as He gently bring. In that moment Naomi says, whispers, “Sit still my daughter, I have everything “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matunder control.” ter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he Learning to sit still, have finished the thing this day.” Ruth 3:18 Sarah Schurman Naomi’s words of wisdom were given in a moment Editor
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Inspiration
Table of
12 Maybe Now - The Story of Leah
Meet a woman who struggled with self-worth and spent a lifetime saying “Maybe now I am worth loving.”
50 The Temptations of Infertility Are you one of the many women facing infertility? Do you struggle with shame, guilt, and anger? Traci shares her story and how she was reminded of God’s great love for her.
78 Imagination: A Powerful Tool or Potential Pitfall? How do you encourage your children’s imagination biblically? Hear from Nicole Stratton, an artistic director, on how to nurture their imagination to honor the Lord.
62 Yielded Vessels
God placed a desire in a young girl’s heart to serve Him in country of Brazil. See how a yielded heart can do much for God and it is all He asks.
88 A Unique Approach to a Timeless Gift A army special forces husband and a wife with southern roots combine their talents to create a unique business.
38 South Dakota to South Carolina
Read how God brought two people from opposite sides of the state together in His perfect timing.
100 Saved in an Empty Catholic Church
Elaine felt the need to enter an empty Catholic church one night, never dreaming she would find what she needed there.
Contents
In the Home
94 Home Organization
Here are some tips on how to win the war over clutter.
24 Fall Decoration
Get a few tips on how to get your home ready for the season.
28 A Taste of Germany
Pretzels, soups, plum cake and more: learn how to bring a little of Germany into your fall menu.
For the Moms 96 Exercise That Helps with Labor
Learn how three simple exercises can help ease labor.
58 Body, Mind, and Soul
Read a few tips that can help your well-being.
112 Your Quiet Time
Here are a few tools that can help your quiet time plus a three month Bible reading plan of praise.
74 Thankful for the Thorns Is it possible to be grateful when everything falls apart?
26 Face off Learn why it is essential we prepare ourselves daily for the spiritual battles we will face.
108 Why Is It Important to Be Grateful? Explore the significance of being thankful.
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Harvest Time by Elaine Knotts
The seasons are a changing. The apples must be picked. We like apples when they are shiny, and the Lord likes when we don’t quit. The apples must stay on the tree for growing. Harvest time is at hand, and the Lord knows those who are growing, until His coming again. Don’t pick the apples before they are ready, they may leave a nasty taste behind. Christian, don’t walk before the Lord, or you’ll be stepping out of time. Did you ever polish an apple, and watch the shine appear? Well, Christian, are you polished from the life the Lord has spared?
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Seeds of Kindness You don’t know but that one act of kindness can have an eternal impact.
A few years ago, when I had just started reading the Bible, I was struggling to understand some of the books of the OT, like Deuteronomy. I nearly gave up until my pen pal friend, Carrie, encouraged me to try the NT. I started with Matthew while following along online with the sermons from her church. I LOVED IT! I loved Jesus and couldn’t get enough. During this time I had struggled with doubts and felt so emotional. Without knowing anything about this, Carrie shared with me that she and the women in her Bible study had taken time to pray for me. I cried; no one had ever prayed for me before, ever. That sweet act from a caring friend meant the world to me.
I needed to start working from home but did not have a laptop that would connect with the system from my job and I didn’t have the money to purchase a new one. Someone I knew heard about it and bought a brand new laptop for me. God used her to show me that the little things are important and not impossible. I hadn’t really been praying that hard to get a laptop, but God still knew my need and impressed on someone’s heart to provide for my needs. I still cry when I think about it.
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Were you ever the recipient of a an act of kindness? Write it down here. Our dear friend never made light or fun of the CD that my twin sister and I recorded at the young age of eleven. Actually, she took it seriously and encouraged us to continue serving the Lord through music. Before she went to be with the Lord two years ago, she asked us to play at her funeral, so Rita and I wrote an arrangement of her favorite hymn and played it at her service. This summer we had the privilege of recording a new CD, and we decided to include her favorite hymn, “Nearer, Still Nearer,” in memory of her!
Recently the window unit in my music room where I give piano lessons stopped working, of course, the night before piano lessons. I had to make do that day with leaving the door open so that hopefully some cool air from the living room might make it into the music room. We planned to buy a new air conditioner the next time we went shopping. One of my amazing piano moms came by unexpectedly that evening, saying, “God told me to do this, so don’t argue!” She said she and her husband not only wanted to pay for piano lessons through September, but she gave me some extra money for a new air conditioner. She said they had been helped by others in similar ways as they worked in ministry, and she wanted to pass the blessing on.
kindness is picking an apple your friend cannot reach.
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Maybe now
The story of every woman’s struggle with being enough by Sarah Schurman
Maybe if I lost twenty five pounds, I would be
worth loving. Maybe if I could erase some of these wrinkles, someone would notice me. Maybe if I follow all the rules, I would be admired. Have you ever struggled with any of these “maybe now” scenarios? If you have, you are not alone. Countless women around the world are asking themselves the same thing every day, but they are not the first. Feminists have long pursued the goal of giving women equal rights to men. Their motto is, “Anything a man can do a woman can match”. While there are many who say they have been successful in achieving this goal, they have yet been able to alter what a woman is on the inside. For as long as women have been, the core of who she is has remained untouched. Centuries have come and gone, cultures have evolved and social structures have shifted, but who a woman was created to be has endured. She was created in the image of God with the purpose of reflecting a part of Himself to the world, a world that is in desperate need of what she has to give. Sadly, many women are fooled into thinking that is not enough, that they must meet a list of things in order to be worth loving. She spends her life saying, “Maybe now I will be worth loving since I have done this or that.”
Leah is the perfect example of what happens when a woman spends her life seeking to be worthy of love. She was a woman who lived in the shadow of others. Our introduction to Leah is not flattering but is relatable to many of us: “And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favored” Gen. 29:16-17 She was tendered eyed which could have meant that her eyes bulged or perhaps were deformed unlike her sister who was beautiful. Leah’s introduction was one of comparison and she was found wanting. Does this sound familiar? It should because this is what women face on a daily basis. We are bombarded regularly by numerous ads across multiple media platforms telling us what we are lacking and how we can fill our lack so that we will finally be worth loving. The world says that if we don’t have this body, this hairstyle or this type of make-up, then we are not
Every woman was born with a question that needs to be answered, “Am I lovely?” The answer to this question determines a woman’s outlook and response to life.
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You were created in God’ s image. God makes no mistakes. To put yourself down for the s way you are is to insult God’ handiwork. You are beautiful.
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Wisdom from the past Choose rather to want less, than to have more. Thomas a Kempis He that cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would reach heaven; for every one has need to be forgiven. Herbert All growth that is not toward God, is growing to decay. G. Macdonald
Cultivate forbearance till your heart yields a fine crop of it. Pray for a short memory as to all unkindnesses. Spurgeon Act nothing in a furious passion. It’s putting to sea in a storm. Thomas Fuller Be cautious with whom you associate and never give your company or your confidence to those of whose good principles you are not sure. Bishop Coleridge
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A pilgrims thanksgiving. They journeyed across the sea, where thousands of waves were battled and numerous souls were lost, but this was done so that they might obtain the freedom to worship God as they chose. They did it not for just themselves but for those of us who were to come. The first Thanksgiving was not about pies, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or a perfectly browned turkey. It was a time to praise God for all that He had done for them. It was a way to publicly show their spirit of gratefulness and joy, even in the midst of the loss of many who did not survive their first year in the new world. May we remember the attitude of those who lived to see another autumn and praise Him like they did.
The worship most acceptable to god, comes from a thankful and cheerful heart. - plutarch God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart. - Izaak walton
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For variations, try topping your pretzels with cheese or finely crumbled bacon.
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Beef stew Serves: 4 2 3/4 cups beef stew meat 10 cups of water 1 tsp of salt 3 carrots 1 red bell pepper 1 cup of noodles 4 sticks of celery 1 leek 2 tbsp of beef bouillon Cut beef into small cubes and set aside. In large pot, pour water and add salt bringing to a boil. Add beef and reduce the heat to low for about one hour. Wash vegetables before cutting into small pieces. Add to water along with noodles and beef bouillon; then bring to a boil for another ten minutes. Add fresh parsley before serving.
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Potato soup Serves: 4
4 medium potatoes 1 pack of bacon 2 carrots 1 medium onion 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour 5 cups of broth one bunch of fresh parsley
Wash, peel, and dice potatoes and carrots; rinse again. Finely chop onion; set aside. Cut bacon into small squares and fry in a large sauce pan on medium high. When bacon is almost done, add onions and carrots; then mix in potatoes. Stir until bacon is crisp. In a separate cup take 1/2 cup of water, blend in three heaping tablespoons of all-purpose flour, mix well, then add to saucepan. Stir well as you add the remaining broth. Cook on medium heat for about 25-30 minutes. Serve with finely chopped parsley.
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From Miss to Mrs
From South Dakota to South Carolina By Dorcas Mahdavi It was May of 2017 when I met my husband.
I didn’t meet him at church or family camp or through a mutual friend. I met my husband on eHarmony. I grew up in a small town in western South Dakota where my dad pastored a tiny church in the Black Hills. Our congregation consisted of my family, four families, a handful of single older adults, and a caboodle of children. As a child, I had always dreamt of being a wife and having at least five kids by the time I was in my mid twenties. But life has a way of surprising us, and things do not always go as planned. So at age 25, still very single, with no prospects in sight, and with much encouragement from a close friend, I took to the online realm. If you’re unfamiliar with eHarmony, it is an online dating site where you are matched up based on profile options, personal questions, and compatibility scores. I viewed it as a platform to meet and get to know someone. Not everyone shares the same views
40 Sit still my Daughter | Fall 2020 left: the day he asked me to marry him. below: enjoying a beautiful day at the beach. right: our wedding day. far right: celebrating our one year anniversary.
as I do, and it is important to use discretion and depend on God’s guidance through prayer and godly authority. I was on eHarmony for five months, and after some serious conversations with a couple of not-so-serious young men, it was a little discouraging. I had thought it would be easy! So I made the decision at the end of those five months to take a few weeks and just let things be and not worry about having I remember a relationship.
getting an email “match” During that time, I would notification, receive emails from the site asking but also hit the if I was interested in certain matches, delete button. but I would delete them from my
inbox, resolving that none of those guys were serious about God or real commitment anyway. It was a growing time for me to just trust God with my life.
One of those days, though, I specifically remember getting an email “match” notification, but also hit the delete button. Just after I added that to my email trash can, I felt a nudging to open that notification. I brushed it off, though; after all, I didn’t care about going this route anymore, at least not right now. But I couldn’t shake that feeling, so I did open that email, and it directed me back to the dating site and straight to the profile page of this “match.” Curiously, I began reading and quickly found out this guy was actually talking openly about God, his testimony, and his faith. The crazy thing was that he lived in South Carolina, more than 1,700 miles away! I liked what I read, however, so I sent him a smiley face. Shortly after that we began a series of long talks, and right off the bat Adam, that was his name, was asking me some serious questions about my faith and walk with God, and that really caught my attention. This guy was different.
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He didn’t mind or get intimidated by talking about God and the Bible. Adam and I communicated several days via the eHarmony platform before conversing over the phone and eventually via Facebook. During the course of our long-distance relationship, we spent time going through portions of Scripture and spending time in prayer. Seeking God in our relationship was always something we talked about and did together, even though we were miles This guy was different, apart. Adam and I always he didn’t mind or get tried to include each other intimidated by talking in activities we were involved in with our about God and the families and churches, and Bible! many times just going to grab groceries or coffee would turn into a “Skype date.” Three months after we started talking, we pretty much knew that we wanted to pursue marriage, so Adam came to visit me and my family in person at my parents’ home. We had such a fun time with my family, and just being together in person was the absolute best. September 30, 2018 turned out to be a special day, it was a Sunday morning and we met up in downtown Columbia, SC for breakfast and to catch the beautiful sunrise. I was in utter shock when Adam got down on
photography by Jewel Lia Photography all rights reserved. Follow on IG @jewelliaphotography
one knee to propose and of course and I said yes!! We were engaged! Fast forward 5 months and we were married February 22, 2019. It was the perfect day, a day well worth waiting for.
We believe the Lord guided, directed, and orchestrated us meeting on eHarmony and we are so glad He did.
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Recognize the Temptations. At first, the temptations of infertility didn’t seem like temptations at all. They were subtle whispers disguised as innocent thoughts, barely skimming the surface of my consciousness. For months I believed these thoughts were acceptable, even healthy for a woman in my situation to explore. I had just suffered two miscarriages and was told I was born with a genetic disorder and a blood clotting disorder that would increase my chances for miscarriage or carrying a baby with a severe life ending syndrome. I was distracted by all the negative news and failed to recognize the battle being
fought for my mind. Satan wants to deceive women who are struggling with infertility at all cost and he almost deceived me by using the most emotionally straining moments of my adult life to his advantage. Long before my infertility challenges were resolved I recognized the battle for my mind. It was then I vowed to be watchful in prayer and recognize the enemy for the cunning and deceitful adversary he is. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8
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The Temptations of Infertility words by Traci McCombs
Temptation Can Be Useful Temptations hurt and at first glance seem to have no rewarding purpose for our lives. But temptations, if handled property, can produce a number of useful things: perseverance (James 1:12), spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 13:11), and a deeper trust in God (1 Peter 1:6-7). You Can’t Ignore Temptation Before I understood the usefulness of temptations, I was determined to ignore them. After my miscarriages, professionals started asking me questions. Infertility
specialists and genetic counselors said my feelings of anger, isolation, low esteem, guilt, and anxiety were normal. They assured me I wasn’t alone and that thousands of women just like me felt the same way. I knew the doctors were right. I was suffering from a major life crisis and these feelings were to be expected. But then I realized my feelings weren’t the issue –the negative thoughts that turned into actions were! The more I ignored the root cause, the louder my negative thoughts became.
52 Sit still my Daughter | Fall 2020 If we merely turn away from temptation outwardly and do not strike at the root, we will make very little progress. In fact, you will find that the temptations will return more quickly and powerfully, and you will feel even worse. – Thomas a’ Kempis Temptations Reveal a Heart Problem Instead of sharing my feelings with God I confided only in specialist. I gave the enemy an opportunity by not recognizing my responsibility - which was to confront the negative thoughts of infertility for the lies they truly were and to trust God with the sins they had become. Small struggles with anger, isolation, low esteem, guilt, and anxiety became big ones. The subtle whispers became loud shouts and I was tossed about like a ship without a helm. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching… Ephesians 4:14 Anger “Why would God allow this to happen to me?”
I didn’t want to listen to God out of fear He would tell me “no.”
The first lie I believed was that I had every right to be angry with God. Infertility was the first true hardship I faced as a woman. There were times I questioned if
God really cared at all about my desire to be a mother. My lack of faith turned into anger. It hurt to see other women who had children, who seemed happy and in a season of prosperity. I didn’t want to listen to God out of fear He would tell me “no.” Isolation “No one understands what I am going through.” The anger left me bitter which led to isolation. I stopped socializing with friends and started sulking at home. There were days it felt like no one could possibly understand what I was going through. The pain of going through two miscarriages was difficult. I was afraid to tell many of my friends. Self-Esteem “I’m a worthless wife if I can’t give my husband children…” The third lie I believed was that my value was tied to my ability to birth children. Growing up I played with dolls and pretended to be a mom. Like millions of other women, I assumed I My body was supposed had every right as a female to work properly. I to be one. My body was supposed to work properly. was so ashamed when I realized I couldn’t I was so ashamed when I control my body. realized I couldn’t control my body. I was even more ashamed that the next chapter of my married life might not look the way I envisioned. I
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never imagined the second half of my life without kids. Knowing I was powerless to give my husband the gift of a child was almost more than I could bear. Guilt “Surely I did something to deserve this.” The fourth lie I believed was I deserved punishment. I must have done something so horrible, so wrong, that I deserved this horrific situation. It was all my fault and “Little by little, through patient endurance of spirit (with the help of God), you will win a better victory than by your own determination. – Thomas a’ Kempis
God was up in heaven shaking His head at me, “If only you had been better. . .” Anxiety “The idea of never having kids gives me anxiety.” All of these things consumed me which led to more anxiety. I was anxious, worried, and on edge on and off for many months. I believe anxiety is the culmination of all things that have to do with worry and I was worried all the time. Meet Temptations at The Door Then the day came when I had enough. I was tired of being blown and tossed by the wind. I knew my unstable mind needed stability. I vowed to be faithful in prayer and diligent in my scripture reading. I did my best to recognize the negative thoughts and stop them at the door. Slowly, things started to change. I opened my heart and was honest with God. I cried, I screamed, I whispered, and I sat in silence over and over again. I confessed it was beyond my ability to escape temptation – especially the temptations of infertility – and that I needed His help. After a few consecutive weeks of being faithful in prayer and diligent in my scripture reading things slowly started to change. I finally allowed God room to reveal His truths. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
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A woman after God’s own heart is a woman who carefully cultivates a servant spirit. ~ Elizabeth George
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Thankful for the Thorns
Author Unknown
Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks as
she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren’t enough, her husband’s company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come. What’s worse, Sandra’s friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. “She has no idea what I’m feeling,” thought Sandra with a shudder. Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an air bag that saved her life but took that of her child? “Good afternoon, may I help you?” The shop clerk’s approach startled her. “I....I need an arrangement,” stammered Sandra. “For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving “Special?” asked the shop clerk. “I’m convinced that flowers tell stories,” she continued. “Are you looking for something that conveys ‘gratitude’ this Thanksgiving?”
“Not exactly!” Sandra blurted out. “In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.” Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, “I have the perfect arrangement for you.” Then the door’s small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, “Hi, Barbara...let me get your order.” She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses; Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers. “Want this in a box?” asked the clerk. Sandra watched for the customer’s response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. “Yes, please,” Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. “You’d think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn’t be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again,” she said as she gently tapped her chest. “Uh,” stammered Sandra, “that lady just left with, uh.... she just left with no flowers!” “Right, said the clerk, “I cut off the flowers. That’s the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet.”
Fall 2020 | Sit still my Daughter 75 “Oh, come on, you can’t tell me someone is willing to pay for that!” exclaimed Sandra. “Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today,” explained the clerk. “She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery.” “That same year I had lost my husband,” continued the clerk, “and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel.” “So what did you do?” asked Sandra. “I learned to be thankful for thorns,” answered the clerk quietly. “I’ve always thanked God for good things in life and never to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the ‘flowers’ of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God’s comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we’re afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others.” Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. “I guess the truth is I don’t want comfort. I’ve lost a baby and I’m angry with God.” Just then someone else walked in the shop. “Hey, Phil!” shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man. “My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement...twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems,” laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator. “Those are for your wife?” asked Sandra incredulously. “Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?” “No...I’m glad you asked,” Phil replied. “Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord’s grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued
our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from “thorny” times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific “problem” and give thanks for what that problem taught us.” As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, “I highly recommend the Special.” I don’t know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life,” Sandra said to the clerk. “It’s all too...fresh.” “Well,” the clerk replied carefully, “my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God’s providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don’t resent the thorns.” Tears rolled down Sandra’s cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. “I’ll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please,” she managed to choke out. “I hoped you would,” said the clerk gently. “I’ll have them ready in a minute.” “Thank you. What do I owe you?” Sarah asked. “Nothing; nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year’s arrangement is always on me.” The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. “I’ll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first.” It read: “My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the life I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant.” Praise Him for your roses, thank him for your thorns.
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A moment in Psalms Most of us would say that we thank God
in our heart, even for the little things like a spot near the front of the store parking lot, or that last pint of your favorite ice cream, but how often do we praise Him publicly? We post every little thing on our social media pages but when do we take the time to just post about how wonderful our God is? The book of Psalms is filled with praise and David often states how he praises the Lord in front of all men. I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ps. 22:22 I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. Ps. 35:18 Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. Ps 111:1 These are just a few of the passages where David speaks of praising the Lord in front of everyone and he praised Him for who He was and what He had done for this lowly shepherd. He is the same God today. He is still worthy of all our praise every day of the year not just at thanksgiving. He is our redeemer, our place of refuge, and our source of strength. He guides our steps and leads us in paths of righteousness. He delights in us and never withholds any good thing. He is worthy of our praise in front of everyone. So the next time you receive a little blessing why not share it with everyone? It may just be the reminder they need that God is still faithful and cares about even the little things.
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imagination
A Powerful Tool, or Potential Pitfall? By Nicole C. Stratton
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As a child I had a HUGE imagination! To put it into
perspective for you, I once took my parents on a 10-minute car ride directing their every turn until I brought them to the exact location of my dog, Barkley. This may seem quite normal to you, until I tell you that I didn’t have a dog at the time. When we finally arrived at our destination, I pointed up into a tree and said, “There! There he is!” My parents looked around and of course, saw nothing. They kindly asked me, “Where, Nicole? Where is your dog?” “Can’t you see him?” I replied, “He’s there in his tree!” “He lives in a tree?” my mother asked with quiet surprise. “Yes, Mommy! My dog Barkley lives in trees and he eats houses!”
80 Sit still my Daughter | Fall 2020 Oh, yes, I was one of those kids! You know the kind, one of those super imaginative, creative types that you think are so interesting. . . when they’re in someone else’s family! But in all seriousness, Barkley was only one of my imagination’s stories that I played out as a child! For several years, I believed I was Dorothy Gail from Kansas and would cry anytime someone denied it, or sat on my imaginary Toto! Yes, I’m sure I embarrassed my parents on more than one occasion with my imagination. But what’s remarkable is, that if I did embarrass them, I never knew it. You see, my parents never let on that anything I was doing was “out of the ordinary”. And it’s this very balanced approach that my parents took with me as a young imaginative child that I’d like to discuss with you today. First, you need to know that for the past 20 years I’ve been ministering to young and old alike through directing, teaching, singing, writing, and so much more with The Academy of Arts Ministry, which was founded by my parents in 1971. I’ve been a wife for 11 years, and a mother for 10, and I can honestly say that my younger years of imagination did nothing but help prepare me for all that God has called me to do in His great work. Yes, I firmly believe that the reason for any success that I’ve had in what I am doing today is largely due to how my parents handled me during those formative years. I think that’s why I was shocked to recently hear from a friend of mine that there were Christians who actually believed that using imagination was a negative thing, was even Biblically wrong, and were teaching this to their children. This troubled me deeply, and it began my mind on an even deeper journey of study into this very important subject. You see, I’ve found that too many times we as humans prefer to take the easy road when it comes to topics like this. We’d much rather take the path of least resistance here and either make a rule and throw it out altogether, or just let it run free and not worry about it. Perhaps some don’t value or use their imagination. And so, they figure they’ve lived just fine without it, so why waste time thinking about it now? Or we have the classic argument, “I’m not the creative type so I leave that stuff up to the artsy people.” And while there is so much that I could say concerning that fallacy, I will simply say this. Sadly, our Christian society has bought into the lie of classifying people and putting them in boxes. It needs to stop. Even if you are no good at using your imagination,
We’d much rather take the path of least resistance and either make a rule and throw it out altogether, or just let it run free and not worry about it. or you are just out of practice, the subject of imagination is still something that deals with the mind. Therefore, it is a spiritual matter and one that we should care about as believers. Knowing the “why” behind what we do as Christians should be a delight. But even if it isn’t that to you yet, it is still your duty as a Christian parent or mentor to understand the why of what you do and pass it on with passion and clarity to the next generation. But you know what, sometimes we are just downright tired, aren’t we? I mean with everything else that is going on, the last thing we want to do is think about our philosophy on imagination. I mean, really, how important can it be? Well, I hope to show you today that it is of the utmost importance. I also hope to encourage you not to take the path of least resistance on this subject and simply slap a rule on this. Or worse yet, not even give it a second thought. Rather, I hope you enjoy taking the time to learn more about this amazing tool God has given all of us. Now, what is the path of least resistance when it comes to thinking about the subject of imagination? Well, I actually believe it’s a two-way road, with lanes of thought running in opposite directions. The first directional lane of thought would be the idea that imagination is in and of itself wrong and should be cast down, or suppressed at the very least.
The second directional lane of thought would hold to the idea that imagination is a wonderful thing that should be celebrated and freed!
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So let’s begin with the first lane of thought which I will call:
CASTING DOWN IMAGINATION The verse normally cited by people who support this belief is 2 Corinthians 10:5 which seemingly tells us that as Christians, we are to cast down imagination. But is that what the verse is REALLY saying? Well, let’s take a look. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God ... “ Now you English lovers out there will enjoy the first point I would like to make in regards to this verse. I’d like to point out that the word used here is imaginations, plural, not imagination, singular. I could understand someone believing that Paul was speaking out against imagination in general if he had simply said, “Cast down imagination.” But, he doesn’t. He says, “Casting down imaginations…” plural. He then goes on to say, “... and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge
to believe that God wants us to stop imagining is to believe that God wishes us to stop thinking, and that is absurd.
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answered
He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Psalm 145:19
In 2014, I prayed and asked God for physical healing to my body and emotional healing from my past wounds. As I prayed with the women’s pastor from our church, God gave me a vision of how He sees me as His pure and innocent child. He revealed to me an image of a little girl with golden-blonde hair laughing and dancing freely, joyfully, and radiantly in a field of white flowers. Seeing my true, royal identity as a child of God through my Creator’s eyes began my journey toward not only physical and inner-healing, but also set my feet on a path of walking out my true calling and purpose. Along the way, God began to exchange my weariness for rest, my heartache for wholeness, and my insecurity for destiny. Just a few years later in 2017, I published my first children’s book “The Father’s Princess: The Story of the White Daisy” based on the image God gave me and an allegory of the believer’s journey to the kingdom. Today, I am in the process of publishing my second book “Emergence” for women’s ministry sharing my testimony of how He gave me beauty and new life in dead and dark places and teaching and guiding others how He can do the same for them. Our good and gracious Father is so generous when we come to Him and ask for His help and healing. He doesn’t just stop with our prayer requests. He goes far above and beyond all we could ask, think, and image as His Word promises. I encourage you to surrender your pain and your past in exchange for His perfect love, identity, and destiny. God has remarkable plans for His beloved children, daughters of the King of kings.
My sophomore year in college playing division 1 soccer, the unimaginable happened - I tore the ACL in my L knee. A death sentence for the careers of many athletes, I was afraid and uncertain about what this injury would mean for the rest of my athletic career and scholarship. As I sat with the fear, I asked God to heal me - but even more to use my injury for His glory. Over the next 6 months, I worked 3x/week with a physical therapist while at home for the summer, and then moved back to college early in order to start sessions 5x/week with our team’s athletic trainer. Through the pain and frustration, through the sweat and tears, a new interest in the wonder of the human body awoke within me. I became “that” kid who asked more and more questions. When I returned to the field in my junior season, I made my way back into the starting lineup. And my senior year, I was captain of our team. But God had started something in me during those months that blossomed to a full-blown career. I now spend my days as a physical therapist myself, getting to be a harbinger of hope and healing, specializing in helping women before, during, and after pregnancy. And I continue to pray that God would use my hands for His glory.
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prayer I had been saving for a new car and was finally ready to purchase one but I was unable to find a good vehicle for sale. My frustration grew as my current car was not going to last much longer, but God’s timing is perfect. He used that time in my life to make me realize that I can’t just pray a prayer and I will have the car the next day. It taught me that I have to completely trust and lean on Him for clear direction. At the right time He provided a car that was exactly what I wanted for the price I could afford.
This is what “Amen” means: That I know with certainty that this prayer has been heard by God. Dick Eastman
Both myself and my co-worker were in need of replacements for our work, I was getting ready to be married and she was going to have a baby. We were preschool teachers at a Christian school. We prayed and asked God to send just the right people to take our place. He answered that and we have two wonderful teachers.
What prayers has God answered for you?
Write them down here.
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Left: my high school graduation. Above: me at the age of three. Right: typical 15 year old teenager.
Saved in an empty
Catholic church
by Elaine Knotts
When I was a teenager, many years ago now, I was kind of a wild teenager, though I guess not by the standards of this generation. But in God’s eyes sin is sin. Like most teenagers feel, I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. One evening my friend and I were walking uptown and going past this large local catholic church. As we made our way by, I told my friend I felt like I had to go in and pray. I did not belong to this church, though I
occasionally went to my local church when I could, but this night it didn’t matter what church. I simply had to get a hold of God! The church was large, empty, and the lights were dim. I was on one side of the church and my friend was on the other side. As I sat there trying to pray to the Lord, I felt like my prayers weren’t even reaching the ceiling. I shared with my friend how I was feeling and said, “Let’s go find someone to help us!” So we went around back and saw
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After I prayed, it felt like a ton of bricks was lifted off of my shoulders. That night wasn’t about an experience that I had, it wasn’t about a religion, or even who or who didn’t lead me to the Lord, it was all about Romans 3:13 Left: me and one of my brothers, and older sister, she is the one who prayed for me to get saved and God answered her prayer! Below left: even though we are twelve years apart, my sister is still my best friend. Below: Christmas Eve at my house, I was fifteen. Right: our family visiting Gettysburg.
a light on. I knocked on the door, and when I went in and explained to the priest how I was feeling, he looked down at his watch and said he had a meeting soon, and just for us to go back and pray out loud. With no other option, we went back, me on my side of the church, and my friend on hers. I honestly don’t remember everything I said, but I do know I called on Jesus’ name the best that I knew how. Right there in that dimly lit church I asked Him into my heart to save me! After I prayed, it felt like a ton of bricks was lifted off of my shoulders. That night wasn’t about an experience that I had. It wasn’t about a religion, or even who did or who didn’t lead me to the Lord. It was all about Romans 3:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be
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saved.” Thank God, Jesus is never too busy to hear us cry out to Him! “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears” (Psalm 18:6). I had entered that empty catholic church desperately in need of something and I left finding exactly what I was looking for. I came out not as a catholic, not as a baptist, but as a born-again christian. After I got home that night I called my older sister, who had been praying for some time that her wild sister would get saved, to tell her that her prayers were answered. I explained to her about what had happened that night and that I was now sure of my eternal home.
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Wall of Praise
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I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart... Psalm 9:1 During this holiday season, I am reminded of how much God loves me. He sent Jesus to pave the way for me to be able to have a real relationship with Him, not to have religion but a relationship. God allowed His Son to die so I could live, and for that, I am forever thankful. However, the Lord did more for me; He put me into a family system that was not great and for that, I am forever thankful. I use to carry the shame and guilt of my father’s sins around with me, living in the past and allowing myself to have a victim mentality even after I became a Christian. If I had not endured what I did when I was younger, I may not have ever seen my need for the Savior, and for that, I am forever thankful. The Lord has blessed me with an amazing godly man I get to call my husband and four of the most beautiful children I could have ever imagined. He also placed me into a loving and godly extended family that I adore, respect, and cherish with all my heart, and for that, I am forever thankful. There is so much more the Lord has done for me that I am thankful for, but thinking on the past and the circumstances of my life that use to be my identity pales in comparison to my new identity in Christ, and for that, I am forever thankful. - Marcia Stanford
I am thankful for the weather. It sounds strange, I know, but there’s something to be said for waking up to see a beautiful clear day dawning. There’s peace in the rainfall and beauty in the lightning. It is a constant reminder of the power and provision of our God. - Iya Durand
Gratitude is such an easy thing to talk about, but there are times in my life when it can be just talk. But even in the times when I get distracted by circumstances, or when I feel like there isn’t anything in particular to be grateful for, the Lord is faithful. When I am discontented, discouraged, or feeling unseen, God still loves me. He makes His presence known to me and showers me with blessings and joy that I do not deserve. And that is something I can always be grateful for. - Abigail Pierce
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 In this world, in this body, in this place in time, it would be far easier to share what I am the least grateful for than most. I am grateful for trials! Through them I draw closer to Christ, depending completely upon the Lord and allowing His strength and promises to permeate every area of my life. So I choose to Rejoice! - Deborah Russ
I am so grateful for God’s goodness in everything, even in trials. Job 19:25-27 gives us the hope we have as believers: that all the pain and suffering in this world is temporary and will end in the complete victory of our Redeeming Savior. Thanks for including me! I always love to share praise for the Lord. “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” - Corrie Tarr
The Lord knows us well. Time after time He reminds in the Scripture to express praise and gratitude. I am grateful for His persistent reminders that hold us to a standard of praise. If we truly accept the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done, we cannot deny the need to praise Him! - Alli James
Tips andto help Toolsyour quiet time along
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1.
find on amazon or barnes and nobles.
1. Studio Series Bible Highlighters These beautiful gel highlighters won’t smudge or bleed through pages and the array of colors can be used to code certain themes or ideas.
3.
2.
2. Extra Notepad or Journal Keep an notepad or journal handy so you can write down the meaning of a word or phrase. Maybe you can add some of your own thoughts on the passage too. 3. Strong’s Concordance Wondering what that word actually means in the original Hebrew or Greek? Look it up in the Strong’s Concordance. This helpful tool allows you to look up each word and provides the definition.
a must have!
Looking for a Bible reading plan? Use this three month journey of praise guide which will take you all the way through Thanksgiving.
get a notebook or journal that is fun and reflects your personality.
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Speak God’s word over yourself until you’ve changed your own mind. - Priscilla Shirer
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She reacheth forth her hands to the needy
A life spent serving and investing in others is a life well spent. This example is clearly seen in the Virtuous Woman found in Proverbs 31. She was a woman who looked beyond her family and sought to make a difference in her community. We can take nothing with us except people. They are the only eternal investment and should be our number one priority. Here we list some organizations, both local and national, that you can become involved with and support as they seek to care for those in need and share the gospel:
There are thousands of pregnancy help centers across the United States, each dedicated to helping women through their unplanned pregnancy. These pro-life centers offer material assistance, peer counseling, ultrasounds, and much more at no cost. They completely rely on the support of their community to continue to meeting the needs of their clients. By going to the Option Line website you will be able to find the nearest center through zip code. Reach out to them today and find out what they are in need of and how you can help: www.optionline.org We exist to rescue children from sex trafficking. This is the purpose of O.U.R. since being founded in 2013. They’ve gathered the world’s experts in extraction operations and in anti-child trafficking efforts to bring an end to child slavery. O.U.R.’s Ops Team consists of former CIA, past and current law enforcement, and highly skilled operatives that lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts. These operations are always in conjunction with law enforcement throughout the world. Visit their website to learn more: www.ourrescue.org or visit their IG page “ourrescue”.
At Moms in Prayer International, we are a community of praying moms who believe that lives and whole communities are changed forever when we gather to pray to the only One who can change a human heart. God is working miracles in our kids’ lives, in our schools and in us. His power is unleashed through our prayers! —Sally Burke, Moms in Prayer International President. Visit their website to learn more: www.momsinprayer.org
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