Tried With Fire

Fact: The temperature dropped 20 degrees from Thursday to Friday, so we turned the heat on this week-end. Fact: I was feeling the beginnings of a cold Saturday afternoon. Here's a home remedy for colds that is not for the faint-hearted: swallow one small crushed clove of garlic 3x a day until the symptoms disappear or you can't bear the garlic fumes any longer. Don't take it on an empty stomach and drink plenty of liquid to wash it down. I've read that garlic has natural antibiotic and antiviral properties. More likely one's breath scares the germs away. Fact: I have 3 baby blankets and burp cloths to make this week. It's easier to find cute fabric for girls than boys. Fact: Thanks to all who were praying for me for the workshop on The Organized Heart .  God was good to use the time to encourage us in practical, grace-motivated living.  I was blessed that the sisters were willing to meet at 8:00 AM on a rainy and chilly Saturday morning. I'm also thank...

I spent a good part of yesterday re-reading The Organized Heart by Staci Eastin.  Staci's book covers four potential idols that can creep into our hearts - Perfectionism, Busyness, Possessions, and Leisure.  What these all have in common is that they're good things that can go bad, and they go bad when they cease to be done and used for the glory of God and become ends in themselves for ourselves. Striving for excellence for the glory of God can morph into pride in performance. Diligent hard work and productivity can turn into a never ending hamster wheel of task upon task that leads to burn-out. Possessions, which are gifts from God, can mutate into false security and fool's gold when treasured above the Giver. Healthy recreation and pleasure can become toxic when the pursuit of amusement becomes the ultimate goal of our existence. I'm not a fan of morbid introspection. But healthy evaluation in the light of God's word is a good thing. So ask myself, have I an...

to enter the giveaway for The Organized Heart .  We'll draw the providential winner tomorrow morning. Thanks!

When we think of organizing our lives, what comes to mind?  The pantry, the closets, the stack of papers waiting to be sorted on the computer desk? But the first place to start isn't the sock drawer, its our hearts. In The Organized Heart - A Woman's Guide to Conquering Chaos , Staci Eastin encourages her readers to go beyond the visible clutter in our homes to the clutter in our hearts.  She challenges us to consider the sin behind the chaos, and own up to the idols that steal our devotion and time. It's a concise, very readable book.  I love how it gets to the theological root of the problem.  You may wince like I did when her questions get a little too close to home, but she repeatedly brings us back to the gospel and grace of God.  As a single mom, I also appreciate Staci's sensitivity to women in my situation as well as those with serious health issues.  I can't think of a better way to encourage us than to point us back to God's sovereignty in our...