The Redeemed Rose

  I recently read, “Heart chaos is the result of a worship disorder, not circumstances” . You see, my world is anything but chaos free. A minister’s family with seven children ranging from age eleven all the way down to eighteen months; there is always some kind of busyness and noise. Sometimes just accomplishing dinner for that many people can be chaotic!  But it is more than just noise from the sheer amount of people living together in a small space. Sometimes there is unrest, bickering, clamoring, spitefulness, anger, frustration, irritation, and snapping at the smallest thing. And that’s just in my own heart! Now multiply that by eight more.  I have been praying for us to have a peaceful home for many years now. Given our circumstances, many would say that’s impossible. I would have agreed with them. But then I stumbled upon that quote. It isn’t my outward circumstances that cause me to feel chaotic; it is my own heart. If I want a peaceful home, it starts from the i...

  I have always struggled with my tongue. From arguing to sarcasm to sharp, cutting words. I have memorized and meditated on verses about the tongue and our words. I have highlighted all the Bible verses I can find about it in blinding neon yellow! I have even hung them as warning signs around my home, disguised as trendy art.  Verses like the following: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” – Psalm 141:3 “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1  But I have still struggled. And now, to my sorrow and chagrin, my seven kids have picked up the habit.  I have prayed for peace in our home and for us to speak kind words to each other.  I have prayed for gracious words that bring healing instead of those that cut and tear down.  Yet somehow there always seemed to be a disc...