Extreme Makeover

dear daughters,

Our brains are amazing, especially in early adulthood. Between the ages of about 16 and 24, scientists say the brain undergoes a complete renovation, like reorganizing a closet. Some things are thrown out, and what remains is reorganized so the closet makes more sense and has more storage space. If the process goes well, then the closet – or the brain – looks different and is more useful than before.

This brain renovation thing is part of God’s plan, but it puts emotions in high gear. At your age, you probably laugh a lot and cry easily, get upset frequently and fall in love quickly. You may tend to react and then reflect, rather than the other way around. This is why you see some of your friends making surprising decisions that will last a lifetime. Your brain is under construction and your emotions are supercharged. But, emotions must never rule. We are to be ruled by God’s Spirit. This renovation period is a training time for life, to teach you the value of trusting God rather than your emotions.

Knowing the Designer is doing a lot of work in you right now should excite you. He has a grand design in mind because He loves you. So tame your emotion, believe His Word and follow His Spirit. Then the redesign will be just as God intends –beautiful and right on time!

“The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

living to love, loving to live,
momma b

A Heart's Holiday

dear daughters,

What a beautiful holiday weekend I just enjoyed, vacationing in New England! The beauty of the fall is a wonderful reminder of the creativity of our God, and the control He has of our world. Autumn always comes, year after year, according to His plan. Now, maybe there’s not as much fall color in Texas as there is in Massachusetts or Maine; but nevertheless, the seasons come and the seasons go year after year just as He ordains.

Knowing God is in control is a comfort in times of crisis. Right now, our country is in the middle of a lot of change and concern. There is a close presidential race underway. There is a rollercoaster stock market making news every day, causing everyone to question their economic future. You surely have your own personal crises going on, your own changes and concerns. But when we know, really believe, that God is in control, then we can trust Him and rest in the comfort our faith brings.

Today I was reading in Psalms 118, and I was blessed by the first half of verse 6. “The Lord is for me, I will not fear.” It doesn’t ask if the Lord is for me. It doesn’t say the Lord is sometimes for me. It just states that He is, all the time. And when I know, really know and believe that He is for me then fear will not take hold of me.

God has everything in His control, and He is for me and my best interests. He is for you and your best interests, too! When we remind ourselves of this truth, our hearts have rest and peace. Now that’s a vacation!

living to love, loving to live,
momma b