by Misty Phillip | Sep 3, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith, Featured, Life
*** UPDATE 2017 ***
I posted this last year on Labor Day weekend. What a difference a year makes! In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, life, as we know it on the Texas Gulf Coast, is far from normal. Yet this post still resonates with me on this Labor Day Weekend, but for different reasons. I still need to show myself some grace, because as much as I would like for things to get back to normal, things are still a little topsy turvy right now, and I need more grace than ever.
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I am my own worst critic and tend to be very hard on myself! What about you?
My type-A personality drives me to accomplish much, and I have a difficult time relaxing. I set up very high expectations for myself and then feel defeated if I don’t live up to my self-imposed “righteous” standards. I put unrealistic expectations on myself and my family. I think my house should always be spotless, and that my kids should always behave and do what I think they should do. I drive myself to perfection, especially when I undertake any outside projects or events. I work myself up into a frenzy and push myself to exhaustion.
I believe it is a biblical concept to strive for excellence in all we do, and I get this from 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
[ctt template=”2″ link=”4cYBr” via=”yes” ]It is a good thing to want to do everything to the glory of God and to strive for excellence.[/ctt]
However, if I am so hard on myself that I feel guilt or shame because I haven’t lived up to my own expectations, then I am only hurting myself.
This week in Bible Study, we discussed our battle with sin and the power that we have as Christians to live a life pleasing to God based on Romans 8. The first thing we read is Romans 8:1.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
I don’t know why I expect perfection from myself—the only perfect person to ever walk this earth was Jesus. Not only that, but He came here to save me. He came to set me free from the bondage of sin and death, and He doesn’t want me to feel condemnation.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”p5WKw” via=”yes” ]I am beginning to learn to have grace with myself when things don’t go as I have planned.[/ctt] I am human, and I am going to make mistakes.
Romans 3:23, says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Most likely, I will continue to disappoint myself and others along the way, but I don’t have to feel condemned. I must choose to believe that I am flawed, but forgiven.
[ctt template=”2″ link=”GSNW_” via=”yes” ]Does anyone else struggle to show themselves grace or am I alone in this battle? [/ctt]
Today, I choose to show myself grace. Instead of driving myself to perfection, I elected to enjoy this Labor Day weekend with my family, and try to catch up on some much-needed rest.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful Labor Day weekend and find rest in God this week!
by Misty Phillip | Aug 27, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith
The Lord is opening all kinds of doors for me with my writing to reach people for Jesus Christ, and I am excited to share everything that I am working on with you!
The biggest undertaking by far has been completing the Bible study the Lord has put on my heart. It is a study about what advice the Bible has for the overcomer in Christ Jesus. I now have a new appreciation for every single Bible study that I have ever done over the years. This project is truly a labor of love! I have about 6 or 7 weeks to finish the study, so that I can teach it to a small group women’s Bible study, “The Bible Babes.”
In addition to keeping up with my blog, I am also a monthly contributor for A Beautiful Life Ministry blogging. I also write devotions for the Biblical-Literacy Class prayer points devotions.
I recently started writing reviews for Faith Filled Family Magazine. This is a monthly digital Christian Magazine with a goal of helping families live victoriously in Christ and to impact marriages and families for the Kingdom. They have an international readership of around 150,000 readers a month.
Last week, I did my first movie review for The Atheist Delusion. I highly recommend this movie. The pre-release digital download is available now, and will be given away for free on You Tube on September 30, 2016. Ray Comfort bravely engages Atheists on the street in a kind and loving way that challenges their beliefs without being confrontational. He does this through sound, logical arguments and non-threatening questions.
I wanted my blog followers to know everything that I am doing, and I want to ask you all to please pray for these endeavors. It is my heart and my mission in life to see the world come to know Jesus Christ. Thank you for helping me to further the kingdom!
by Misty Phillip | Aug 12, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith
We all experience transitions, and it is important to remember God’s faithfulness to us in those times and seasons of our lives. With the new school year approaching, like many families, my family is in a major transitional period. We are leaving behind the relaxing days of summer and looking ahead to new routines and schedules.
My husband will be doing some traveling with his job, and I am transitioning from being a full-time homeschool mom to launching a writing, blogging and speaking ministry. My boys are all growing up and heading off in new directions.
We all experience transition periods when we start a new job, send our kids to off to school, get married, have a baby, or move to a new city.
We all fear the unknown, but we should not be afraid.
Our God is with us wherever we go.In Joshua 1:9, it says
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
We have no reason to fear. Our God is with us, and He has good plans for our lives. From these verses, we learn that we are to be strong and courageous and to not be afraid. We can face the days ahead in faith, instead of fear—not looking to our circumstances, but looking to our God who is faithful.
A prayer journal serves as a reminder of God\’s faithfulness in answering my prayers!
During times of transition, one way I keep my focus on God is through prayer. I like to keep a prayer journal. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in answering my prayers. God has been faithful to us in the past, and will continue to be faithful in the future!
In Philippians 4:6 ESV we learn that should not be anxious, but in everything, we should pray:
“Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Let us approach the transitions of life through prayer. Knowing that the Lord loves us and wants us to be strong and courageous; knowing He has good plans for us!
by Misty Phillip | Aug 4, 2016 | Christian Living, Featured
Our world has gotten so loud! My husband remarked how quiet our home was not too long ago when we lost power in the middle of the night. There was no hum of electronics, no noise from the television, or music. No movement or noise outside. Just peace and quiet.
It is hard to find a quiet spot anywhere in the world!
We are bombarded with noise everywhere we go. We walk out the door, and there is the sound of dogs barking, lawn mowers and blowers, construction, and cars. We get in the car to go somewhere, and the road is loud with cars and trucks. We are bombarded with noise everywhere we go. Modern technology has created so much noise, that is is hard to find solace. There are even television screens with infomercials playing at the gas pump.
It is not just audible noise, but the visual noise that distracts us. I stand at the checkout counter at the grocery store, and I am bombarded with magazine images of perfect homes, and perfect people, with perfect bodies and perfect clothes. Happiness is not found in the noise. True fulfillment comes in the quiet time. I recently wrote a blog post on the importance of quiet time, you can read it Here.
Our world is busy and loud and absent in silence. When we find silence, it is in the quiet places that we can shut the world out and hear from God.
I really enjoyed my time away at She Speaks, because I had a hotel room to myself. So I had a lot of quiet time alone with the Lord. As a busy mom, it is hard to find quiet time. I live in a house full of boys, and it can be wild and loud, and silence is hard to come by.
God can speak to us in many ways. There is one place in scripture that talks about hearing from God, as the “the still small voice” in the KJV or the low whisper in the ESV.
1 Kings 19:11-13, says “And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?””
The Lord spoke to Elijah, not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire. But the Lord spoke to Elijah in the sound of a low whisper. There are other places in scripture that the Lord speaks through the whirlwind, the earthquake, or with a voice like thunder. And in the last days, Hebrews says that God speaks to us through his Son. So, why did he speak to Elijah in a whisper? The ESV Study Bible says, “God reveals himself in quietness.”
So as the world grows louder, my prayer for you and for me is that we will find time for quiet, find time for solitude, find time to be by yourself so that you can listen for and hear the still small voice of God.
by Misty Phillip | Jul 27, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith, Featured, She Speaks
I just returned from She Speaks 2016 Conference. All I can say is, “Wow!” What a special experience! The Proverbs 31 Ministry team did an incredible job of bringing together women of all ages, stages and seasons of life—women with different religious backgrounds, but a similar calling to make Jesus famous. Our worship time was amazing! This, to me, was a glimpse of what I imagine heaven will be like.
There were around 700 women in attendance, with about 500 of them were first-time attendees and another 100 or so in staff, presenters, and publishers. The really incredible thing is that there were over a 1,000 women on the waitlist that were not able to make it. Every woman in attendance was prayed for by name, and I knew the Lord had chosen me to be there. The prayer room there is a very special place, where a basket lay on a table with tiny scrolls of scripture printed for the attendees. I want to share with you the scripture that I chose:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25
I had several takeaways from the conference that I want to share with you. If you are in women’s ministry, writing, speaking or leading and you are interested in attending She Speaks, get on the waiting list for next year now. The conference fills up very quickly. It is completely worth the time and money to invest in your calling. She Speaks is a truly unique experience and you will be blessed. One of the best parts is the community—I met some of the sweetest Jesus girls, and I know we will be longtime friends!
The most significant thing for me was that God confirmed my calling to continue with my writing and blogging. I was given confidence in that calling and began to realize that my voice matters. I know I need to be strong and courageous in moving forward and continue to share Jesus in my sphere of influence. Writing, blogging, and especially speaking has really stretched me in my walk with Jesus. Another thing I learned was that God allows gaps in our calling on purpose so that we abide in Him. Not every part of this journey will be in my sweet spot. As I continue to step out in faith, obedience brings blessings. I look forward to what the Lord has planned for the future!
by Misty Phillip | Jul 16, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith
Chapel at Kebel College, Oxford University, Oxford UK
Photo credit: Jacob Phillip
The architecture of this beautiful chapel hearkens back to an era when cathedrals were built to the glory of God. My son is visiting Oxford, and this is where he plans to have his morning time with God. This got me thinking about my quiet time practices. Some people like to meet with the Lord at the same time and place every morning or evening.
Keeping a daily appointment with God is important.
However, I love varying where I have my quiet time. Since I live in Texas and have children, most of my quiet time takes place inside my home early in the morning before the kids get up. I love the few mornings that I can slip outside in the fall and spring and have my quiet time in the cool and enjoyable weather. When I travel, I tend to mix it up—Sometimes I sit in a comfy chair in a Hotel lobby, or maybe go outside and find a quiet spot in nature.
We have access to the Throne of Grace 24/7. We can boldly enter into a time of fellowship with our Lord and Savior, anytime, anywhere. It doesn’t matter when or where we have our quiet time. What is important is that we make time for God’s Word and time to be still before Him.
O Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is great God and a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3 KJV
by Misty Phillip | Jul 3, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith, Life
I love the fanfare of the 4th of July. It evokes memories of watermelon, parades, miniature American flags blowing in the wind, patriotic music and fireworks—lots and lots of fireworks. The older I become, the more important this holiday becomes to me. The 4th of July is not only the celebration of the birth of our country, but it is also a celebration of freedom.
The First Amendment to the Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
As an American, this means that I have the freedom to worship my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I can assemble with fellow believers. I am free to read the Word of God and pray. I am free to tell others about Jesus.
In 2 Corinthians 2:17 (ESV), we learn where true freedom comes from. It doesn’t come from the government or from any person. True freedom comes from Christ, as we see in this verse, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” True freedom comes when we entrust our lives to Jesus Christ. Through our salvation in Christ, we are free from condemnation, sin, guilt, and shame. We are free to love God and experience the peace of God and His presence.
This 4th of July, enjoy celebrating with friends, family and apple pie, but don’t forget to remember those who have sacrificed their lives to protect our liberties. Most of all, celebrate the freedom that we have through Jesus Christ and his sacrifice because, in Jesus, we have freedom.
by Misty Phillip | Jun 29, 2016 | Christian Living, Faith, Featured
Choosing joy in the midst of difficult circumstances is not always easy, but it is what the Lord commands us to do.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4
We can rejoice no matter what circumstance comes our way, because of the great love that Jesus has for us, in that while we were full of sin, he chooses to lay down his life to save us. Jesus has forgiven our sins and cleansed us from all unrighteousness. Through his death, burial, and resurrection we have divine power to choose joy, no matter our circumstance.
In the many years, I have been alive, I have experienced many difficult trials. From having the monumental task of raising a special needs son, to the death of those closest to me—my Mom and Dad, my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, my brother, several babies, and dear friends. Other tragic situations happened as well, like family problems, marriage problems, health problems, terrible accidents, financial difficulties, church splits, and just the overall effects of sin in a lost and fallen world. Life can be downright, and if though you have walked on this earth very long, I can guarantee that you have had some sort of trouble in your life.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:2-5
[ctt template=”2″ link=”k8i3o” via=”yes” ]Whatever problems seek to plague us in life, we are told to COUNT IT ALL JOY![/ctt]
We all face trials of different kinds. Our struggles and challenges may be similar or different than our friends’ and neighbors’, but we all face difficult times. These challenges test our faith, and as we endure these trials it produces a life of faithful endurance. That steadfastness then helps make us more Christlike and conforms us to the image of God, which is a gift from God to make us whole and bring us to maturity in our spiritual walk.
Horatio Spafford penned the beautiful lyrics to the song “It is Well with My Soul” after a Job-like tragedy struck his life when he lost his son at age two in the Great Chicago Fire. The fire financially ruined him and then shortly afterward, all four of his daughters perished in a shipwreck crossing the Atlantic. Horatio could have become consumed with anger, bitterness or regret, yet he chose to have joy and to praise the Lord! In this life we will have struggles, but how will we respond? We will choose joy? May we learn from his example!
“It is Well with My Soul”
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (with my soul)
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Was nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so it is well with my soul!
by Misty Phillip | Jun 1, 2016 | Christian Living, Featured, Motherhood
Nobody warned me that it would be this hard. Watching them grow and then letting them go….
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. – Psalms 127: 3-4 (ESV)
It is hard to believe that I grew these three young men in my belly. Where did the time go? They seemed to be little for so long, and then one day, almost overnight they have all become men. Each one is unique with differing gifts and abilities, but all are a blessing. We have raised them to be warriors for the kingdom of Christ. Peter and I have been intentional and careful stewards of these treasures, and soon we will be launching these arrows out into the world.
No one warned me how difficult and painful it would be on me when they started to pull away.
A boy has to detach himself from his Mother in order for him to grow into the man God calls him to be. This is the way it is and has always been. It is good and natural, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Letting go is hard on momma’s heart.
First, we dream of them before they are ever conceived. Then we grow them inside of us, oftentimes in pain and sickness, but we love them and long to meet them. Then we bring them forth into this world and our lives are forever changed. We nurse them, feed them, diaper them, dress them. We kiss boo-boos, tell bedtime stories, and give baths. We teach them to pray, to love Jesus and to love one another. We discipline and teach while they grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
After years of being the most important person in their life, suddenly one day they start to pull away and they don’t need you as much or at all. As they pull away it is heartbreaking to their mama!
How do you love them with every fiber of your being and then simply just let go?
By entrusting them to the care of Jesus. I will always be their mother and no matter how old they are they will always be my little boys, but I need to let them go so that they can become the men God created them to be.
3 Things I Have Learned in Letting Go of My Kids
1. Jesus is able to complete the work that was started. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
2. My job as a parent never ends, but the way I parent must change with the changing of the seasons. “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
My kids need my continued prayer, no matter old they are. “ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Jesus, thank you for the blessings of children! Help me to cherish every moment that I have with my boys. Help me to remember that we have raised them well, and it is not my responsibility to control them, but instead it is time to let go and entrust them to your care.
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