Category: Scripture

Faith, Family, Scripture

The True Caregiver

by hcfwomenLeave a Comment on The True Caregiver

I’ve always been a person to take on responsibility for things, even when they weren’t mine to carry.  In fact, I was so bad that when things went wrong I would take the blame and then murmur and complain to the Lord!  The reason I say that is because it carried on into my family after I got married.  This festered in my life for years.

Then, in 1990, at 39 years of age, I found out I was pregnant.  When Sarah was born we soon found out that she had physical obstacles.  Who do you blame?  Well, of course, you blame yourself.  That’s when I began the “blame game.” It’s all my fault, I was too old, blah, blah, blah!  In that place, I forgot to seek the Lord.  I forgot to listen to Him.  On the outside I looked like the godly wife and mother who cared for her family, but in reality I was caring only for myself.  Everything I did, I did for recognition or praise.  It was all centered on me.

In that place, though, I cried out to the Lord and He heard me!  In that place, I truly began to see that I wasn’t alone; the Lord had not forsaken me.  He was there all the time, shining His precious light on areas that I had taken over.

When I realized that I wasn’t in control and began getting my directions for the day from the Lord, my life radically changed.  1 Peter 5:7:

…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.  After you have suffered for a little while the God of all grace…will Himself, perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

It doesn’t matter if you are a caregiver for a husband, child or parent, you must be in Him.  Everything you do must be as unto Him! When I truly received this truth, my life and family was totally restored. Now I can’t imagine my life without my daughter.  She has brought so much joy to our lives.

Have I had opportunities to choose my way or God’s way? You bet! I have learned, though, when I go my way it brings exhaustion, frustration, and confusion.  Not a good place to be!  I then take a deep breath and I think on Jesus.  Philippians 4:6 tells me to be anxious for nothing. And in verse 8 –

Whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute…if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Jesus is the true caregiver!

This post was written by Beverly Sharp. 

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Faith, Fruitfulness, Health, Scripture

My Struggle with Depression–and My Healing

by hcfwomen3 Comments on My Struggle with Depression–and My Healing

God has done so many wonderful things in my life, giving me many stories to tell of His goodness.  One story involves a battle that I have fought three different times in my life—chemical depression.  I have often had background skirmishes, but three times the battle has been more intense.

When I say they were major battles, I am not saying that flippantly.  Each episode had different degrees of symptoms but some overall themes were:  great anxiety, strange physical symptoms, total lack of hunger, inability to sleep, feeling hopeless (and you sure need hope in this!), and inability to concentrate.  My whole body would feel weird, and it seemed like I couldn’t remember feeling normal.

This particular story was during the worst episode which occurred after the birth of my first daughter in the form of post-partum depression.  I hardly even want to go there to explain how dark a time period that was, but that’s also when I saw God’s hand move in a miraculous way. When you have endured several months without sleeping, without much eating, and with no peace whatsoever it can wear on you in a big way, especially when caring for a baby.  We lived in Houston at the time, and my mom came to help me.

I remember crying out to God out of total desperation in my closet one day (yes, I sometimes pray in my actual closet).  The next Sunday at church I met someone during the greeting time named Sandy.  Our church was fairly large (a few thousand people), so I didn’t know everyone and I hadn’t remembered seeing her before.  I had to leave to go to the nursery to tend to my daughter which happened so often that everyone knew my number on the screen—0012 (which I still remember 20 years later).

While I was gone Sandy came to my mom and asked her if I was going through a hard time, and my mother briefly explained the situation.  Sandy replied that God had put it on her heart for several days to pray for a person named Karen who was going through great difficulty.  When we had met, she was very intrigued that my name was Karen and asked the Lord if I was the one she had been praying for which the Lord confirmed.  Through that encounter we talked more, and she relayed to me that the battle would end and it helped me get started on a different path.  It sure wasn’t immediate by any means, and many dark days were still ahead.

Yet, I cannot describe what comfort it was to me for the Lord to reach out to me in that way to let me know that He saw my pain, that He sent someone to pray for me, and He gave me hope that I would get past this battle.  He met me where I was!

God is so great and loves us so much.  God not only helped me in this supernatural way, but He revealed to me some ways in the natural to combat the depression as well.  When I say depression, that can mean anxiety or depression or a combination.  I learned that they are two sides of one coin.  They both are the result of a serotonin deficiency, and your body and personality may just manifest them in different ways.

As for supernatural means to fight it, obviously, we should first seek God to show us what we in particular need to do.  Due to your brain feeling so muddled when chemically depressed, that may require the help of Godly friends (or a counselor) who will seek God with you.  Here are some supernatural weapons that I found to be effective for me:

  • Praying God’s Word over myself, declaring that I have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16), that no weapon formed against me will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), that great is my peace (Psalm 119:165), and that God’s peace would guard my mind (Philipians 4:7).
  • Praying in tongues, especially when I didn’t know what else to pray.
  • Praising God! The Word says that you put on (like clothing) the garment of praise in exchange for the garment of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3). This could be through music or by pouring out the praise in your heart to Him in plain words.
  • Keep standing! Sometimes existing for another day is a victory and one step closer to complete victory.

As for natural weapons, medical research is making great strides in this area. (I grew up wanting to be a doctor, and I read these types of things because they are so interesting to me.)  Recently, research has pointed to inflammation in the body (or even an allergy to inflammation) as being a cause of depression, but there are many, many causes, and there are many effective natural ways to battle it:

  • In terms of drugs, in my three battles, one time I used a natural herb (St John’s Wort), once I stuck it out long enough that the depression eased on its own, and once I took a prescription anti-depressant. You have to do what’s right for YOU, receiving no condemnation for what path you feel is best in this area.
  • Cardiovascular exercise has been shown to be as effective as a prescription anti-depressant if done regularly.  (The scientist in me wants to give references for this but it is pretty prevalent anywhere you want to look this stuff up.)
  • Taking an Omega-3 oil supplement (or flaxseed or walnuts) is great for the brain.
  • Finding out what is a trigger for you can help. In the most recent battle, my doctor and I realized that the three times that have been true battles for me were all associated with a major drop in hormones.
  • Seeing a medical doctor to be tested for things like low thyroid or even food allergies/sensitivities.
  • Making sure to do everything in your power to be thinking right thoughts.
  • Having a good, loving circle of friends standing with you (or God can even provide a stranger like how He did for me in Houston—He’s limitless!).
  • Talking to a counselor. I do think that if there are any underlying physical causes then addressing those first helps the therapy to be even more effective.

One more word to the wise:  I found that everyone has an opinion about depression and anxiety.  Some will say it is only caused by hormones out of whack because that is what their experience has been.  Some will tell you that you are just not thinking right, and you just need to start thinking right.  Others may say that prescription medicine is the only way to go.

I think of it as how different blind-folded people see an elephant—the one holding the trunk think it’s hard, the one holding the tail think it is feathery, the one holding the legs think it is like a tree.  Our understanding of depression is so limited at this time and can have so many DIFFERENT causes and cures.  The good news is that God can see “the whole elephant” and knows how to deliver you!  Our victory is assured as we follow His pathway to deliverance!

This post was written by Karen Earhart. To read more about her, click here.

**Note: This is one person’s story, and not advice from a professional doctor. If you are in a place of depression, please contact the HCF offices for a list of trusted counseling resources (click here for Campus contact numbers).

Family, Parenting, Scripture

Thoughts on Parenting from an (Near) Empty-Nester

by hcfwomenLeave a Comment on Thoughts on Parenting from an (Near) Empty-Nester

teensThe year was 2012, and our son Logan was graduating from high school and moving away to college.  I found myself in a bit of a panic, thinking, “Yikes! Have I instilled in him every value I want him to live by?” Well…the answer is hopefully yes but probably not (As a parent, you’re encouraged by that, I’m sure).

In truth, there are lots of things I wish I had known over the years of raising my kids. I wish someone had informed me that no matter how many times you help your son clean up his room, there will be that one random Lego under his bed that you suck up in the vacuum cleaner, causing racket that will make you believe that every screw is vibrating loose and rendering said vacuum useless.  Or that junior high girls turn into oversized whiny toddlers with competing desires to wear makeup and NOT deodorant. I should have mentally prepared…

Reflecting back, though, there were principles that became pivotal to how Lyle and I raised our kids to pass along our faith. We lived with Deuteronomy 6:6-8 as our guide: Teach the Word to our children as we walk through our daily lives. I am going to assume that you already want to read the Bible with your children and pray with your kids as you parent, so I hope these additional ideas will be fresh for you:

1) Boys need to hear the voice of their father in their ear (as their father is listening to THE Father!). In John 12:49, Jesus says He only speaks what His Father commanded Him. As a wife, I have prayed for my husband to hear what the Lord tells him to do, just as Jesus did. I grew up with a Marine father and am generally about as tough as a mom can be, but all that toughness often translated to nagging in our son’s ears. The concept of respect is deeply engrained in males, however. So enter Lyle, the father, who could say LITERALLY THE SAME WORDS as I did, but Logan—because he desired his dad’s respect—would obey.  Mamas, let your man take the reins, even when it’s difficult to agree with his method of discipline.  You’ll earn your husband’s admiration and (hopefully) your son’s cooperation.

2) Show interest in your daughter’s interests so that you can remain connected and speak truth to her. We spent our time with Leah hearing about My Little Pony, reading Lemony Snickett books, talking about school friends, boys, and watching romantic comedies…and through that investment God provided unexpected opportunities to share our perspectives (and the Word).   I will admit that paying attention is not always easy, especially if you disagree with your daughter’s latest pastime, but combining that questioning with a loving community allows them to grow.

In creating an environment where sons and daughters are loved and guided, your home will be a place where faith will be taught AND caught!

This post was written by Shelli Jarvis. To read more about her, click here. 

Family, Fruitfulness, Parenting, Scripture

The Heart of a Teacher

by hcfwomen1 Comment on The Heart of a Teacher

teaching kidsAt a young age the Lord showed me that one of my greatest attributes to spread His Word would be to teach. Today, I have the privilege to teach 2nd grade, and everyday I pray my students leave my classroom being successful disciples for the Lord.

However, my teaching doesn’t stop there. I also have two little boys at home that need to be taught. Everyday they are learning new things, some good and some bad; but that is where I come in, to “weed out” the bad in them. I know sometimes, when a child disobeys, it’s just easier to take away a toy, spank them or give them time-out, and let them be on their way so you can get back to the dishes, TV or work (I have been there and done that too). But we need to remember that our children are precious gifts from the Lord; He chose us as parents to be their earthly teacher.

So I want to encourage you to pull out your Bible the next time your child disobeys and teach them what the Lord says about their sin. Even if your child is little, it is never too early to teach them God’s Word. After you have taught them, have them memorize or repeat the Scripture you talked about (they are also never to young to memorize Scripture), so that God’s Word is stitched in their heart.

Teaching doesn’t just stop with our children, the Lord told us told us to be “fishers of men.” There are people everywhere that need to be taught God’s promise, and opportunities arise all the time for us to teach. We just have to be like David, strong and courageous, and not be scared to teach others about God.

For a teacher to have successful students we must first do two things:

  • Plan, so that we are prepared to teach a lesson, and
  • Listen to others so we know better ways to teach.

Plan a time to sit and read Scripture; plan a time to have Bible study with yourself, your kids, spouse or friends. For us to teach Biblical lessons to others, we must first study the Bible to educate ourselves. The Lord has a plan for all of us. He has a plan for each life that is brought into this world, including His own Son, who died on the cross for us.

Lastly, for us to be great teachers, we have to learn to listen (which for some women can be hard, because we love to talk). I love listening to other teachers’ ideas that they are using in the classroom and incorporate those into my own lesson plans—therefore making me a better teacher. So let’s sincerely listen: listen to our husbands, to our children, that friend at work that may be suffering, and most importantly, listen to what the Lord is trying to teach us—because ultimately He is greatest teacher of all.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

bio picWe are excited to have Bethany Williams as our guest writer this week. Bethany is a 2nd grade teacher at PCA, and is married to her high-school sweetheart, Cole. Bethany and Cole have 2 kids: Gunnar and Remington. Bethany grew up on the farm, where she and her siblings were raised to work hard and love the Lord.

What do you enjoy doing?
Teaching, crafting, baking, reading, organizing and being outdoors.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

What is the best advice you’ve received?
To listen to people who are older and more experienced than me, because I can learn from their mistakes so I don’t have to make them, too.

Fruitfulness, God's Presence, Prayer, Scripture

How to Pray BEFORE the Meltdown

by hcfwomenLeave a Comment on How to Pray BEFORE the Meltdown

declarative prayerI don’t know about you, but taking care of sick kids wears on me after a while. My girls took turns being sick for two weeks and not long afterward my eldest ran fever for 7 days straight. Too sick to go to school but not sick enough to stay in bed. Irritable kids. Irritable mom. Flesh struggling against flesh patterns. Lots of triggered pain. You get the picture.

But my heart is my responsibility.

How do I work through this, especially after I’ve completely lost my composure?Declarative Prayer.

We steer where we stare. Declarative prayer gives me a vehicle with which I can shift my focus back on God and what He says is true. Declarative prayers aren’t speaking magic incantations or denying the difficulties I face.

They help me recognizing that even in the midst of this circumstance, God gets the last word.

Let’s go back to my quasi-meltdown. Afterward, I settled down and thought. Once I verbally processed what I was feeling, I identified the lie I believed: abandonment. It went something like this, “I am alone. No one wants to help me and it’s up to me to make everything come together. Of course, I will fail and it’ll all be my fault.”

Cheerful, huh?

Once I said it out loud I could see the ridiculousness of it all. This lie was in direct opposition to a promise God spoke to my heart a few years back. He said, “Jodi, I’m going to help you.”

That’s it. When I thought about His promise, it wasn’t difficult to enter into declarative prayer. Here’s an example:

“Lord, thank You for helping me through this tough time. You are able to keep me from falling and present me without fault (Jude 24). I’ve had a hard time, but You have not given me a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Because of the finished work of the cross I have peace with God (Colossians 1:20) and I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). So instead of relying on my old coping mechanisms to get me through today, I am going to lean into who I am in Christ and trust You. I am not responsible for making everything work today. Instead of pre-judging others, I will ask for help from the appropriate people and move forward from there. Thank You for helping me walk in reality instead of vain imaginations.”

Bam.

I’ve never spent time praying this way when His peace didn’t give me clarity to take the next step. And friends, honestly that’s what most of us need. We couldn’t handle detailed marching orders for the rest of our life. He’s going to show us the next step. Then we get to choose whether or not we’re going to obey.

When you realize you’re rapidly approaching a pain cycle, I want you to remember that you are not powerless. You can use declarative prayer to release the power of God into your heart, your mind and your response. Go for it!

This post was written by Jodi LaFrance. To read more about her, click here. 

Scripture

7 Must-Wins: Authority of God’s Word

by hcfwomen6 Comments on 7 Must-Wins: Authority of God’s Word

7 must winsWe are beginning a new fall blog series, “7 Must-Wins.” With a uniquely personal twist toward us as women, we will address seven topics that must be understood and walked out in order for us to have success in this life. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your heart to what He has to say. We hope you enjoy this series!

I am very good at memorizing things. This was helpful in college…although whether or not I retained any useful information for more than a week after testing is questionable! It also helped me while growing up in a church and a family that highly valued knowing the Scriptures. I memorized many verses, and even remembered where most of them were found in the Bible. This still helps me today, but I have also learned something else: knowing God’s Word in my head is different than knowing God’s Word in my heart. Knowing with my heart means that I actually take in what God says, and it makes a difference in the way I live my life.

In today’s culture, when everyone else is choosing the world’s way of doing things, choosing to live according to God’s Word means submitting to an authority higher than ourselves. These are not just words on a page. God’s Word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). When God’s Spirit in us opens our eyes to the truth of His Word, it comes alive in our hearts, and we can begin to live out of it.

I used to think that to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) meant I had to force myself not to walk “in the flesh.” But all God is saying here is that as we align our hearts with God’s Spirit, we begin to see the fruit of who He is coming out of us. Because God is love. He is peace. He is joy. That does not come out of striving to “do better.” It comes out of surrendering myself to God and responding to His voice when He speaks to me.

Yes, this may mean correction sometimes. Paul advises Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (or woman) of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Sometimes when I read or hear God’s Word, I am convicted because I know my heart does not line up with God’s heart for me. So I have to repent, and choose to turn my heart to God’s truth. Yes, it is painful to admit that I am wrong. But it is so good to experience the peace of the Holy Spirit when I choose to agree with Him and follow His voice.

So what does this look like in reality? Honestly, it will be different for each person. It is not a formula. I tend to read the same section or chapter of Scripture for days at a time when God grabs my attention with something. For those of you who don’t like to read, you can easily find websites and mobile apps that will read the Bible to you in many different versions. Just start. Ask God to make your heart come alive to His Word. Why? Because this leads us to God’s heart.

This post was written by Heather Dillard. To read more about her, click here. 

**For Part 2 of this series, click here.

Fruitfulness, Scripture

Be A River

by hcfwomen1 Comment on Be A River

river-of-lifeOne thing I love about God’s Word is that it’s always fresh and relevant. Just when you think you’ve read a Scripture a hundred times, God can shine His light on it and cause you to see a whole other level of meaning. Even so, I think it’s easy sometimes to fall into the “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” (or bumper sticker, or refrigerator magnet) trap. Especially for folks who have grown up in church, the power of the truths that we hear preached over and over again can seem to get lost in their familiarity.

So what’s the solution?  Be a river. Jesus said, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” (John 7:38 NASB) We’re meant to let life flow from our hearts. We’re meant to take what we’ve been given and share it with others.

Do you know why the Dead Sea is dead?  It’s constantly being poured into, but it has no outlet. This results in a toxic situation in which nothing can live. The Jordan River flows in, but then the water is trapped and eventually just…evaporates.  If the Gospel seems stale, powerless…it’s not a problem with the message. Maybe it just doesn’t have an outlet. Allow the Good News to flow and see if that doesn’t bring life to all involved.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (NIV) Another version says it this way: “He who waters will himself be watered.” (NASB)

We know all about the need for water here in West Texas. We’re all too familiar with drought. We would think it was crazy if a farmer had an irrigation system with a full well and he never used it to water his crops. No one would just sit there and watch his harvest literally shrivel and die just because he made a choice to keep the water for himself. Let’s not make that mistake as Christians. There are people all around us–in our own circles of influence–who desperately need the life-giving water we’ve been given. We’re meant to flow. We’re meant to be refreshed…inspired…ALIVE…and that’s what happens when we become a river.

This post was written by Becca Wilhite. To read more about her, click here.

Scripture

Desiring Mercy and Not Sacrifice

by hcfwomenLeave a Comment on Desiring Mercy and Not Sacrifice

loving God's Word_image“Go and learn what this means, for I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Matthew 9:13
“But if only you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Matthew 12:9

The Pharisees couldn’t get what Jesus was saying—first to “go and learn” and later “if only you had known.” With all their knowledge of Scripture, with all their rules, with all their duty and obedience, and with—in their mind—their righteousness, they could not understand this truth. Jesus’ words did not compute with their tradition.

Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we can have the same tendency to desire sacrifice more than mercy. What does this mean? We are bent on works because it’s more natural. It’s more natural to do than to be.

As long as I’ve been saved, I’ve loved the Word of God. I’m highly analytical and can spend hours reading scripture and commentary and translations and the original Greek or Hebrew meanings. But, as Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:1, “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”

Knowledge without mercy is a dangerous state.

To know scripture is important, but before we can receive fully, before we can fall in love with God’s Word, we have to first fall in love with its author. When we are so filled by the love of God, His love and grace becomes a lens through which we can read and receive His Word.

Here Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6. The full verse is this: “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

The knowledge of God is not mutually exclusive to mercy. And while He desires mercy not sacrifice, He desires knowledge more than burnt offerings. Under the Old Testament covenant, God is not negating or replacing what must be done for atonement. We know from Romans 3 that in His forbearance, He passed over their sins, yes, but their account was not settled.

So why does Jesus not quote—in both places here—the full verse from Hosea? Is it because knowledge of God is no longer important? Of course not. The problem is the Pharisees had all the knowledge in the world.

But under the new covenant, we get to know God in a different way. Because of the finished work of the cross, we have a mediator, who is Jesus, and we have the Holy Spirit. And that revelation—when we believe in what the cross accomplished—that changes how we know God.

We, with unveiled faces, get to behold Him. And it transforms us.

How do we know God? We spend time with Him. What He desired then and now is a heart that loves Him and is loyal and faithful to Him…a heart that delights in Him and wants to be with Him—not a heart bent on doing or performing or actions or piousness. He desires that we know Him. That’s all. To know His character, to sit with Him and love Him, to be.

This post was written by Laura Brandenburg. To read more about her, click here.

Scripture

God’s Word

by hcfwomen1 Comment on God’s Word

God’s Word literally is breath and life. It says that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Wow, this is amazing to me! God’s Word became an actual living, breathing body through Jesus Christ.  Here at Harvest, one of our core values is the Word of God, and understandably so.  Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. “ God’s Word is what leads and guides me, what keeps me on his path. It is His Word spoken to me. From a young age I have had a hunger and a love for God’s Word. The older I get the more I believe that hunger and love for his Word has been birthed from a longing to have a deeper, more loving relationship with Him, with Jesus who was the Word made flesh.  The son, Jesus, was the perfect representation of the Father’s heart towards me.  So much of whom God is, His character, His heart towards us, and His promises, are written in His Word.

God’s Word is a place I run to in times of need, when I am desperate to hear from Him, when I need His comfort and His truth. I am always in need of God’s Word; in good times and in bad, it is a source of encouragement and strength to me. God is always faithful to show Himself to me. The beauty of God’s Word is that it is His truth, and when we hide it in our hearts it becomes a resource when we need it. God’s scripture runs through my head throughout the day. He will remind me of specific verses He wants me to meditate on. Having God’s Word hidden in our hearts is not about becoming righteous. I am righteous because of Jesus, not because of what I do. My value doesn’t come from how much of his Word I know. Rather, His Word being hidden in my heart is a priceless treasure that I have as a tool and weapon whenever needed. It is part of my relationship with Him. Remember, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. To me, it is a very intimate part of my relationship with Him.  I can tell a major difference in the way I respond to life when I am not meditating on God’s Word. In a sense, I forget who I am for a moment and revert to an old way of living. Psalms 119:32 says, “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”  When I remember God’s Word and walk in his truth it sets my heart free! It frees me to be who God created me to be, and that is a beautiful thing.

How sweet are your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalms 119:103) My prayer for us as women is that we would hunger for God’s Word, that it would be sweet to us. I pray God’s Word would be life and truth to our hearts and souls and that we would find great joy in reading and meditating on it. Thank you, God, for this incredible gift you have given us in your Word.

This post was written by Tissie Beasley. To read more about her, click here.