Every mom at some point in her role as a mother, experiences it. For some, it is short-lived. For others, it lingers and festers long, bearing down hard on the heart. We all know it when we feel it.

Mommy guilt.

Late last year I realized that an allergy medication my son had been taking for two years was causing him to feel depressed. Because he was a preschooler, I assumed that his chronic irritability, mood swings, and outbursts were part of his age. But then it got worse. And worse. On Christmas day, he was in such despair my husband remarked, “He seems truly depressed.” Not long after that, I picked up a new bottle of his prescription from the pharmacy and noticed a new warning label, warning that the medication had been found to cause depression in children. We decided to take him off the medication to see if that was the source of his behavior and since then he’s been a different child. A completely different child. As it turns out, the doctor revealed that a child had actually ended his life while taking this medication.

Cue mommy guilt.

I look back over those years and feel like it is lost time with my son that I cannot get back. Questions like, “how could I not have known?” bombarded my mind. I think of all the times he told me, “Mom, I can’t control myself. I really can’t” and think, why didn’t I listen?

What’s a mom to do?

The thing about guilt is that it’s easy to wallow in. A generous hostess, it invites us in to stay. Like quicksand, one small step and we’re sucked in.

The Apostle Paul had plenty of things in his life for which he could feel guilty. Before Christ took hold of him, he hunted down Christians, arrested them, and participated in their death. Thinking of his past, he wrote “not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14) Instead of dwelling on the past, he kept his focus forward on the goal of heaven. He knew the truth that because of Christ’s death on the cross, every sin–past, present, and future–is forgiven. As he wrote in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Satan uses feelings of guilt and shame to paralyze us. These feelings keep us from fulfilling God’s call on our lives for today. We live in the past instead of the present. Our eyes are always turned behind us instead of what’s in front. When mommy guilt or any kind of guilt tries to pull us in to its sinking sand, we have to remind ourselves of all that Christ did to free us from guilt and shame. It was He who bore all our sins on the cross to deliver us from slavery. It was He who cried out, “It is finished!” declaring forever that the law of sin and death no longer has a claim on us. And it was He who rose triumphantly from the grave to the sounds of “Hallelujah, He is risen indeed!” guaranteeing our own resurrection and a home with Him forever.

After His return to heaven, Christ sent His Spirit to live and rule in our hearts. It is this Spirit which “testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). We are children of the Father who now can come into His presence, free of all guilt and shame. “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (Colossians 1:22).

So when mommy guilt comes knocking on the door of your heart, remember what Christ has done. And walk forward, light and carefree, living out your calling for today–leaving the past in the past.

“Mom!” I heard my youngest call. “Want to play a game with me?”

“I sure do” I responded.

Because I’m done with wasting time on what could have been and now I’m living in the joy of what is. How about you?

After the second coldest spring on record, I opened the back door and headed out for a picnic with my oldest daughter. While she opened her peanut butter sandwich and licked off the jelly, we talked about what we would plant in the garden this year: peas, tomatoes, and kale.

Right now summer feels full of promise. The mosquitoes don’t yet swarm above the swampy places and our routine hasn’t been upset by the change of schedule following the school year.

But I know that soon it will just feel hot. Soon the days full of freedom and chaos will be upon us.They will bring unique challenges for treasuring the gospel. And while it’s easy enough to turn on the sprinkler and deal with the heat, summer will be suffocating if we aren’t refreshed by Jesus.

During the months ahead, how do we ensure the gospel remains our treasure? Here are three suggestions:

1. Reject the false gospel of Summertime.

Flipping through a magazine, it’s easy to fall for the notion that sipping a glass of lemonade on some deck will ease all my little problems. But it won’t. It won’t help my irritability when our toddler bumps in to me and I end up a sticky mess. We need Jesus to do that. Summertime won’t make our kids get along. They need Jesus to love one another. Sandy beaches and roller coasters and ice cream, canoes, kites, flip-flops, sunshine and late nights and patios won’t bring peace or joy. If you’re waiting for problems to melt away in the summer heat you’ll be heartbroken. Repent, quit waiting on Summer, and look to Jesus.

2. Meditate on the reality behind the season.

John Piper writes,

“God made summer as a foretaste of heaven, not a substitute. If the mailman brings you a love letter from your fiancé, don’t fall in love with the mailman. That’s what summer is: God’s messenger with a sun-soaked, tree-green, flower-blooming, lake-glistening letter of love to show us what he is planning for us in the age to come—’things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered into the heart of man, God has prepared for those who love him.’”

When you find yourself delighting in this season, take a minute to wonder what it will be like when the fulfillment of Summer comes. In her novel, Gilead, Marilynne Robinson’s character Mr. Boughton describes the exercise like this:

“Mainly I just think about the splendors of the world and multiply by two. I’d multiply by ten or twelve if I had the energy.”

3. Blow bubbles to the glory of God.

After a few minutes I’m ready to put the bubble wand away because my fingers are getting sticky. But by the grace of God I am no longer a slave to my selfish desires. And though it seems a small thing, keeping the bubbles out when it’s good for them, but I’d rather not, is a testimony to the power of the gospel. As I become satisfied in Jesus I can blow bubbles, not for my own aspirations of motherly perfection, but as an act of worship because he is freeing me to love my children humbly.

What would you add? What false promises are you tempted to believe about Summertime? What helps you treasure the gospel during this hot season?

More about Melissa

Melissa McDonald (@melissabmcd) and her husband Eric serve and disciple international students at the University of Iowa with their two daughters, Miriam and Annette. She loves cooking, taking the girls on explores, and writing. Melissa blogs at The Cross and the Kitchen Sink and has written the bible study guide: To Live Valiently: A Study on the Proverbs 31 Woman.

Article by Kelly Tarr

I am currently immersed in the business of mommy-hood. Feeling pressed in from every angle, I parent without much help. I was not raised with a biblical framework, and so my early mommy years have been spent divided. The irony is, I’ve been busy growing up while at the same time, raising up my children before the Lord.

Can you relate?

My girl needs help reigning in her emotions, and it is hard to help when my own heart is falling apart around the same time every month. My little boy, who slips into a sulky mood when he doesn’t get what he wants, really grates on my nerves. Until I remember that he’s just like me.

What I need is help from a woman (or several!) who has gone before me. I need help from the body of Christ!

The Need for Titus 2 Women

In my current season, I am so blessed to have a Titus 2 woman in my life. My relationship with her is invaluable. I’ve called her many times in tears, unable to get a grip on something going on either in my heart or life. I’ve asked her “embarrassing” questions about parenting. I’ve asked her how to love my husband in a given situation. I’ve asked her how to be a friend. I’ve sat on her couch while she has spoken hard to hear, yet life-giving words regarding what she sees in my life. She knows Jesus more intimately than any other woman I know, and I believe this is the key to what makes her the Titus 2 woman that she is.

A woman like her is rare. I want to be like her. Over the past three years, I have grown and been transformed, in large part, due to her influence. As a result, I want to help younger women the way she has helped me.

But I haven’t always had her in my life. Many times before this season, I looked around wondering, “Where are the Titus 2 women?” It seems there’s a shortage in the generation before us. I’ve heard it several times, and Sally Clarkson has even mentioned it a time or two. I’m not exactly sure why it is so, and I want to be careful here not to dishonor any older women who aren’t walking in this role.

I don’t believe it should be this way. In Titus 2, the older women are given a command to teach younger women. Paul didn’t say “those women who are especially gifted in teaching, or those who have a bubbly personality are to teach, or those who have 7 children.” He said older women are to teach what is good and so train the younger women (Titus 2:3-4). How amazing would it be in 20 years for our generation to be full of older, wiser women walking in this way?!

We Can’t Impart What We Don’t Have

I have always wanted to be a Titus 2 woman. But it hasn’t been until recently that I’ve come to understand that whether I want to or not, I am to be a Titus 2 woman one day. With this comes the reality that if I’m not encountering the Lord in the secret places of my life, I won’t grow up to be a woman who can teach younger women.

I believe the reason my older friend has been such a help to me is because she has walked intimately with Jesus for the past 40+ years of her life. As she’s walked with Him, He has grown her up in all things. She would say she’s still growing—we always will be on this side of eternity—but she’s not the same woman she was 30 years ago. He has given her wisdom as she has chosen His way again and again in many situations when it would have been easier to let a root of bitterness grow or to remain paralyzed in fear.

The fact of the matter is that I can’t impart what I don’t have. If the life of Jesus isn’t increasing in me in these most trying of years, I won’t be able to one day give life to younger women. These years with small children are my crucible in which I’m being prepared for the next seasons of my life.

Preparation

When I desired to be married, I began to prepare myself to be a wife. I knew that simply because I desired to be a wife it didn’t mean I was going to be a good one! To prepare, I learned how to communicate and follow leadership. I spent time with married women, and I read books about it. I was intentionally preparing for a role that I knew I’d most likely be walking in one day. I knew that how I chose to live during the time of desiring to be married would affect how I would live once married.

In a similar manner, I have come to understand that when I’m 60, I won’t all of a sudden be a Titus 2 woman. Sure, I’ll be “older,” but it doesn’t necessarily mean that I will know how to love my husband and my children, or even be self-controlled. And it certainly doesn’t mean I’ll automatically be qualified to teach younger women these things! I must be walking in a way now that prepares me to assume the role later.

My pursuit of Jesus not only affects my own heart, but many hearts in the body of Christ. We are all given such specific roles, and if we aren’t first faithful to Jesus, we can’t fulfill the roles He’s given to us (Eph. 4:16). .

I want to be increasingly enamored with my Jesus. I want to know Him more fully as I age, so that His life in me will in turn bring life to many younger women. Will you join me in preparing to be the Titus 2 women He’s called us to be one day?

More about Kelly:

Kelly is a wife of nearly 9 years, and a busy mom to three young children. She is a transplanted Yankee living in the South on 40 acres, has a love for running, and is dangerous with a good book…and an egg beater. Visit her at kellytarr.com.

Young, vibrant and capable of pursuing many things, yet Alicia Joy Rollins has made it her aim to pursue Christ and the things of Christ. Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to interact with Alicia and walk away each time reminded of the beauty of diversity in the Church. She is a servant who emulates Paul’s charge to the Galatians not to use her freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another (Galatians 5:13).

I draw attention to Alicia to draw attention to the work of God in her life.  She serves in the background which is why I’m excited to introduce you to this Buena Park, California native.

Q:  What is your testimony? When did you become a Christian and how?

Rollins: When I was in Jr. High, I had been reading the Left Behind series. Eschatological viewpoints aside, the big picture of Christ’s definite return really shocked me. The fact that one day judgment would come for every person really drove me to start talking to God. The judgment of God and the love of Christ’s sacrifice reached me in a costly way. That is when I started to pray regularly with an honest heart; I was relating. I also realized a sense of urgency for the unsaved had started boiling inside me. I am honestly not sure if this was my point of conversion or rather, a chapter in life that deepened the relationship with God I had from my upbringing.

Q: How did you become interested in Reformed theology?

Rollins:  My J.V. basketball coach in high school gave me a couple of her John Piper CD’s and faithfully discussed topics of faith with me for a few years. I distinctly remember the title of the first one, “Let Your Passion Be Single.” I had never heard someone teach so passionately about Christ and it quickly influenced me to have a more singular focus for the kingdom. As a freshman in college, I read through Desiring God by Piper as well. Here is where a lot of loose ends in my worldview were tied together. As I grew through the Desiring God ministry, I started thinking in a Reformed manner without realizing it. I was living and clinging to these truths, but I probably couldn’t tell you the proper terms. As I have learned the technicalities in more recent years, my delight has only deepened.

 Q: Where are you from originally?

Rollins: My nationality and ethnicity are a divine mystery. I was adopted and placed in my family when I was less than one year old. I know I am at least half African-American, and the rest has been left unknown to me. I see this as an interesting blessing from God, and see his purposeful hand behind it. I am able to adapt and interact with diverse groups of people, and I believe God has made me a connector. I love the differences of people and believe they reimage the glory of God in a beautiful way!

Q:  I met up with you at the recent TGC National Conference. Why did you want to go to TGC? I understand you walked three miles at times to get to the meetings!

Rollins:  It sounded crazy, but it literally felt like the Lord was telling me to go for networking purposes. I remember when I first saw promotions for TGC13 announced; I felt the strong inclination that I was supposed to go. This was strange because normally I would write off an expensive and long-distance event as something I will just have to “attend” to online. This felt different, however. I knew that there was something to being around all of the like-minded people and making new relationships that was very unique to being present in the conference atmosphere. The speakers were incredible and I felt instructed in many. Yet, the networking aspect was what became most meaningful. 

Q:  You met a few ministry leaders at TGC13 and will now be serving in various capacities. Who and in what ways?

Rollins: There are a couple ministries in particular that I was led straight to. I became acquainted with Phillip Holmes and Jemar Tisby of RAAN (Reformed African American Network) and Brandon Smith and Owen Strachan of CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood). I absolutely love the heart and mission of the two, so I was brainstorming ways I could possibly support it and make it spread.

I have heard Pastor John describe Calvinism and Reformed theology as analogous to his favorite picture of his wife. He loves that picture. Now, does he literally love the paper and ink? No, he loves that particular photo because it gives the best picture of the person he loves, his wife. Reformed theology points us to the personhood of God in the strongest and most astounding way. I see this reflected more particularly in the areas of the multi-racial church and in gender through RAAN and CBMW.

I am particularly interested in any marketing strategies that may be used to get the message of these ministries out. I have a pointed belief in Instagram, and the opportunities it provides for people to search for or stumble upon important content. Associate editing and graphic design are areas I hope to grow in and use for the development and distribution of this important content!

Q: What are you most passionate about?

Rollins:  I am passionate about God’s Word getting out there in as many different ways as possible. When I say “out there,” really I am referring to the unbelieving and the saints alike. I want the content of awesome ministries such as Desiring God, RAAN, or CBMW to be reaching people who do not frequent those circles. I want the message to be getting outside the camp. One way is through graphic illustrations. I also deeply desire to see this theology brought down to a very practical level for believers struggling through life. Biblical Counseling is something I hope to receive training in when the timing is right.

I also love seeing the Word of God reflected in the natural revelation around us. Scripture is being reimaged and animated everywhere I look! This is exciting because natural revelation is the “stuff” of humanity, the place where we all have some common ground and can be easily brought into conversations about God and our purpose. For example, when I look at Psalm 19, I am reminded that “God’s creation speaks the common human language in a wordless fashion. I think this sets the pattern for all of our creations. Though they may or may not use the words of Scripture, or any words for that matter, they still may speak the message… Patterned after the speaking-power of God’s creation, his mini-creators (mankind) are building a world that reimages his glory.” I have recently embraced my passion for writing and illustrating, and I hope to develop this more through practice and the examples of people like Trillia! I have created Reimages, a blog based on Trinitarian principles for the purpose of displaying and enjoying illustrative knowledge.

www.reimagesblog.com

Source

“I don’t know why anyone would write about their life for the whole world to read it.” My grandfather once said this to me when I shared with him about my interest in blogging. Needless to say, he is not one of my blog followers!

But his comment does raise a good question, why would someone share their life in that way? Why would someone blog or write articles for other blogs and websites sharing thoughts, stories, and circumstances from their lives?

The are many for why people write, but Scripture gives us the reason for why a Christian would do so: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). And similarly, in Colossians it says “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (3:17). Since writing falls into the category of “whatever you do” our writing needs to be for Christ, through Christ, and in Christ. While any kind of writing can be done to the glory of God without specifically mentioning the Bible, this article’s focus is on writing that is done for the sake of ministry and intentionally as ministry.

Because it’s all for Him.

The Apostle Paul wrote in great detail about the work of Christ in his life. From his conversion on the road to Damascus, to conflicts with some of the other disciples, to imprisonment and other hardships, Paul revealed his weaknesses and Christ’s strength in and through him (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). His writing testified about the power of the gospel to change lives, his own included.

Like the Apostle Paul, how can our ministry in writing be done for the glory of God? One way it glorifies God is because it plays a part in the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). The internet opens the door to the entire world. People in countries around the world can read the words that Christians write online and perhaps read the truth about Christ for the very first time. Writing on a blog or website provides opportunities to share the gospel in a unique and expansive way. We can reach people we would never otherwise meet in person.

Additionally, writing is a way to share with others what God is doing through you, what He is teaching you, and how He is changing you. It’s like a timeline of His testimony of grace in your life. It can provide a day to day open window into the life of someone who has been redeemed. Sometimes it’s messy; sometimes it’s painful. But it’s real life. And when in the midst of that mess we can point others to Christ, that gives Him the glory.

The challenge of writing for Christ and His glory is to keep the focus on Him and His work through us. Sometimes, the desire for comments or an ever growing number on the statistics page can pull us away from writing for Him. We may even compare ourselves to other bloggers and writers and wish we had as many readers as they. In this way, we minimize the work of Christ through us. Our writing then becomes less about doing it for Him and instead for the results that we seek. And our readers then are no longer people but merely a number or a statistic.

The truth is, whether one person reads our writing or one hundred thousand, our audience is first and foremost God. We are writing for Him and His glory. Our prayer is that He uses it to encourage, bless, and draw people to Himself. It may be that He chooses to use our writing to help only a few. But those few people are eternal souls created in the image of God. Each and every one is precious in His sight and they ought to be precious to us as well.

If you are currently writing, I encourage you to continue to do so. God has given you this gift for a reason and He is using it for His glory. If you’ve thought about writing in the public sphere but haven’t, prayerfully consider it. Ask God to use your love of writing for His glory. And if you don’t love writing but have a story you want to tell, pray for God to provide a way for you to glorify Him in whatever way you share that story.

So, who would write abut their life for the whole world to read? I do. The Apostle’s Paul, Peter, and John did. Perhaps you might as well.

Christian podcasts generally broadcast short episodes typically found on traditional radio segments or sermons. This technology has only been established for a short period of time but there are already thousands of podcasts to tickle your ears. One might wonder if there’s really a need for another. The creators of “What Did They Say Now?” saw a need and jumped at the chance to create an unscripted, unapologetic podcast from a Christian worldview with amateur voices, tackling questions and topics young Christians face today.

Today I am interviewing one of the hosts, Courtney Gaines. Gaines is a wife, mom, and web marketing Senior Specialist for Moody Radio (her show is also a production of Moody Radio). Gaines understands radio. She oversees digital fundraising campaigns, works with thirty-six owned and operated radio stations for all their digital needs and has oversight for the creative direction for Moody Radio.

She and her family hail from the western suburbs of Chicagoland, but as you listen to the podcast you’ll pick up that she is not originally from the area. She has been in Chicago for six years but is originally from North Dakota.

Get to know Gaines and more about her new show in this Q&A:

Q: Who came up with the concept for “What Did They Say Now?”
Gaines: Brian Dahlen is the one behind the concept. We all found ourselves talking amongst our friends and with each other after something we had heard on talk radio or an article we had come across. We quickly realized we all had a lot to say, lots of questions and were talking about these issues from a completely different view point than traditional Christian media presents it. Brian brought this idea of the conversations that were already happening to Scott Krus, our senior producer, and the two of them worked on making it all happen. They knew we needed a team of “regular”, “non radio” people to help keep the integrity and transparency of a real conversation. So, Barnabas and I joined Brian as the voices for the podcast; Scott Krus provides creative leadership and direction and Alex Bersin makes us all sound good with his audio engineering and insightful feedback.  

Q:  Why did you decide to do this?
Gaines: I find that some of the most interesting and challenging conversations I have take place when I’m talking with friends. In these conversations I feel freedom to express myself, ask questions in how and why we think a certain way and process and grow from them. I love connecting and talking with people and laughing. This podcast was the perfect opportunity to do all of these things and then invite others to engage in the same kind of conversations that we are having.

This podcast is also a first of its kind for Moody Radio and in Christian media in general. I loved the opportunity to be pioneering something for this ministry with friends. We are reaching a new demographic in a new way, and that is exciting…very exciting.

Q:  Why do you see the need?

Gaines: There are a number of Christian podcasts out there, but they are all interviews or sermons. There is none that stand out from the others or that is a normal conversation about life and faith, and that is what we will offer.

Our generation today views faith differently, and consumes various forms of media differently. Traditional approaches to church and radio don’t have as much appeal for our generation. We desire and expect honesty and transparency in life and in conversation. We desire to process and explore ideas and culture rather than being preachers or preached at. You won’t hear the typical “three points of application” in what we do.

We can no longer keep doing the same things we’ve been doing as a church if we want to reach another generation for Christ. This includes the way we talk about issues, having authentic conversations and being ok with questioning and doubt. It means having new voices with new perspectives at a different life stage to connect with our generation.

There is a definite need in these areas of Christian media and in the lives of Christians. We hope to bridge that gap between the traditionalChristian, teaching heavy, podcast realm and broader listenership.

Q:  Because you are only speaking to each other and won’t have guests; what do you hope to accomplish?

Gaines: This goes along with the need that we saw in creating the podcast. In order to stay true to the genuine conversation approach we have, we will not be having any speakers or guests on the podcast. We feel that if we were to bring in an expert on a certain topic, we would instantly lose the authenticity of the podcast. The freedom to question and half differing opinions can get swallowed up by the expertise that the guest would bring. And by no means do we think or see ourselves as experts on any of these topics at all. That, again, is why it feels as though you are dropping in on a conversation a group of friends is having. It’s real, it’s genuine, it’s funny, it’s challenging…we do not want to lose that core feeling of the podcast.

Q:  You are the lone female. Will you all ever speak about things that affect women today?

Gaines: I am the lone girl. And the guys continuously remind me of this. We will be speaking about issues that affect women today. In fact, we did a podcast  that addressed women having a career, a family and balancing the two. We’ve also talked about doing podcasts about women in ministry, singleness, dating, and other topics that appeal to a broad spectrum too that would of course affect women today.

Q: Do you have a schedule of topics? If so, are you able to share the topics and the dates they will air?
Gaines: We have a schedule for the next couple of weeks. We are scheduling two to three podcasts out at most with the understanding that if there is a hot topic in the news we might shift one around and do a recording about that issue to air more immediately. It’s flexible.

Q: What do you hope to add to the conversation as a woman (from the perspective of a woman that is)?

Gaines: Being a woman, professional, wife and mom I have been through experiences that the guys haven’t and will never go through or fully understand. With those experiences comes a perspective unlike theirs. Most churches and ministry organizations are led by men; they have the final say on things, they bring the big ideas, women don’t have much of a voice, etc. But here I have the opportunity to be a part of something where that doesn’t stand in the way. I get to speak to a demographic that is generally marginalized in the way they think, in their faith, in relationships and in their walk with the Lord. In all of that, I hope people, women, will be able to relate to/with me and have that “permission” to participate themselves in conversations like this in their own circles of influence.

left to right: Barnabus Piper, Brian Dahlen, Courtney Gaines

Q: Do all three of you have similar backgrounds?
Gaines: I grew up Catholic; Barnabas, Baptist; Brian, Lutheran. Barnabas and Brian grew up in Christian homes and I grew up in a God believing home, but wouldn’t have considered both of my parents Christian. The Catholic traditions are deep on my dad’s side of the family.

Q:  I didn’t grow up in church, so I’m not really privy to not being open and honest about my faith, struggles, etc. Is this really for an audience who has grown up in the church? Who do you think this is for?
Gaines: I don’t think this is solely targeted for the audience who grew up in church. I think it is more for people who appreciate community, conversations and humor all focused around faith and life.

 
Q:  How might a woman be drawn to listen?
Gaines: I think by the topics we cover and the fact that this is a conversation. It is thought provoking and I feel like we extend the hand to join in on our conversation.

Q: Tell us about your family

Gaines: I am married to my husband Nickolas Gaines. We are a military family as well (which will come up in the podcast) and have a son, Kingston, who is three and adorable. Really, he is. Hilarious, smart and stinkin’ cute. My husband is in the Army where he is a Chaplain Candidate. He is active duty right now so I am playing single parent for a while. My husband and I have been married seven years this summer! My husband truly is amazing…he needs his own little interview. Ha. An incredible man of God who loves people and seeing them impacted by God’s love. Ok…enough about my sweet family…

Q:  How can folks tune in?
Gaines: We are in iTunes…but here is all of the ways you can connect with us!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatnowpodcast

Twitter: @WhatNowPodcast

iTunes: http://bit.ly/WhatNowPodcast

Website: www.whatdidtheysaynow.org

Alex Bersin website: http://www.alexbersin.com

Barnabas Piper website: http://www.barnabaspiper.com

Brian Dahlen website: http://www.briandahlen.com

Courtney Gaines website: http://www.courtneygaines.com

Twitter handles for team: Scott Krus – @scottkrus; Alex Bersin – @alexbersin; Barnabas Piper – @barnabaspiper; Brian Dahlen – @briandahlen; Courtney Gaines – @courtgaines

More about Courtney

Courtney Gaines loves engaging with people about life, pop culture, faith and fashion. She is a North Dakota farm girl, a military wife and marketing professional. Claiming Nickolas as the best husband, she also brags of having the cutest son. Courtney is a woman who loves God, passionate about her family and loves to laugh…even at her own jokes. Find her at www.courtneygaines.com.

“I can’t Mom. I just can’t calm down. I tried, but I can’t.” sobbed my youngest son.

I know just what he means. Many days, I try as hard as I can to get everything right and I fail. No matter how organized I am, how well I follow the “10 steps to a better ___”, and no matter how good my intentions, my life often doesn’t go as planned.

I look at friends who seem to have it all together. They get up early and read their Bibles. Their prayer life sounds alive and vibrant. When I visit their home, everything seems organized and clean. And their kids, they do what they are told the first time.

And I wonder, what am I doing wrong? What’s missing? Deep inside, my heart sobs just like my son’s. “I can’t do it. I tried, but I can’t.”

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 2:3-4

I love the apostle Peter because he didn’t get everything right either. He spent three years with Jesus, even saw Him in all His radiant glory, and still denied knowing Him. It is these words from 2 Peter that give me great hope. Peter tells me here that I won’t find what I’m looking for in all the blogs I read, tweets I follow, or boards I pin to. In fact, I don’t have to figure things out, try harder, or read another 10 step book– because I already have everything I need.

Everything.

That’s the crux of this passage. Because of the saving gospel of Jesus and the hope He secured for us at the cross, through faith in Christ, we have everything we need to grow in holiness. Yes, that’s right–we have everything we need!

Isn’t that amazing! Our growth in holiness is guaranteed, not by all the good things we do, but by the power of Christ at work in us. By His death, He purchased our freedom from sin, making us free to live for Him. He has given us His Spirit, the very same Spirit who raised Him from the dead, to transform us from the inside out. We are not on our own. The Spirit leads, guides, strengthens, convicts, prods, prompts, and empowers us to walk in holiness.

On those days when everything seems to go wrong, it is because I have forgotten this truth. I have tried to do life on my own. I’ve failed to remember that the gospel didn’t just save me once and then left me to my own devices. Rather, I need the gospel everyday.

Each time we fail and fall into sin, we are reminded of how much we need a Savior. When we turn our eyes to Christ, we remember all He did to rescue us from slavery to sin. Appropriating the truths of the gospel turns us away from relying on ourselves and instead on the grace of Christ. Because the gospel reminds us that we are more sinful than we realized but also loved more than we could ever imagine.

The gospel reminds us that we have everything we need for growth in holiness because of what Christ has already done for us:

*We are children of the King and heirs of the Kingdom. (Galatians 3:26-29, 1 Peter 1:4, Galatians 4:7)

*We have direct and full access to the Father. (Romans 4:7-8, 5:6-10, 8:1, Ephesians 1:7-8, Hebrews 4:16)

*We are loved by the Father as much as He loves the Son. (John 17:23)

*The same grace that saved us for eternity is the same grace that picks us back up every time we fall. (Ephesians 1:7, Romans 7:15-25, Ephesians 3:12)

*When God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of Christ. Our past, present, and future sins have all been paid for. Our punishment has been taken, once and for all. (Romans 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20)

*The Spirit is always actively at work in us, even if it doesn’t seem like it. (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8, Philippians 1:6)

When life overwhelms us and we feel weak and helpless, we must remember where our strength lies–not in ourselves but in Christ. We have to remember the gospel of grace each day, resting not in our works, but in the finished work of Christ. And we must tell ourselves what I’ve told my son when he despairs over his behavior, “You’re right. You can’t do it. But God can, He did, and He will.”

More About Christina

Christina Fox is a homeschooling mom, licensed mental health counselor, writer, and coffee drinker, not necessarily in that order. She lives in sunny S. Florida with her husband of sixteen years and their two boys. You can find her sharing her faith journey at www.toshowthemjesus.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToShowThemJesus.

Speaking transforms into art when spoken in a cadence and paired with a rhyme. This isn’t rap. There’s typically little to no music in the background. It’s called the Spoken Word and it is captivating audiences across the world.

Blair Linne, Los Angeles breed now living in Washington, D.C., has been a Christian Spoken Word artist since 2000. She is the wife to Christian rapper Shai, mother to Sage, student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and attends church with her family at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.

Get to know more about Blair and her art in this Q & A.

Q: How long have you been a Christian Spoken Word artist?

Linne: I have been writing poetry since I was 9 years old. When I was 18, I started getting more involved in church and begin writing poetry specifically as a means to encourage Christians. But the Lord saved me at 22. It was then that everything changed and I wanted to proclaim not only the problem in my stories/poems, but the ultimate answer, which is found in the gospel message.

Q: What inspired you to begin your speaking ministry?

Linne: When I was born again, I remember praying to God. I remember telling God that I didn’t want to do poetry, because I had misused it previously for my own gain and to perpetuate my hypocrisy. I confused saying powerful things about God with having genuine love for that powerful God. I had made up my mind that I would lay everything at the cross, which included any gift I had. Shortly after that, I was journaling and I wrote a poem, which was the testimony of my conversion in one sitting. A few weeks later, I received a call from a church I previously attended, asking if I would come share at a poetry event they were hosting. I knew the church was not explicitly centered on the gospel. I prayed and decided to go share my testimony through poetry. I received such an encouraging response! I remember a sister coming up to me afterward, asking “what must I do the be saved?” I was blown away with how God used the poem to encourage this woman and a few others to repent and trust Christ. After that night, I thought if I could use this platform as a way to share the gospel, I would love to do that.

Q: Do you write you own material?

Linne: Yes I do write it all myself.

Q:   Tell us a little bit about your marriage to Shai Linne?

Linne: We have been married for almost three years. We met by being invited to minister at the same events. We kept running into each other again and again. God providentially set us up, and I am glad He did. I was initially intrigued by my husband’s Christ-centeredness, and I still am. I am thankful to have him as my best friend and husband. We have a son named Sage who is almost 15 months old.

Q:  Who has most influenced your art and your lyrics?

Linne: This is a hard one, because I find inspiration from many places. I remember when I was first starting off. I was going to a venue with my mother called The World Stage, which was founded by the late Billy Higgins. It was in Leimert Park Village, the heart of the African American cultural community in L.A. My mother wrote and performed poetry there, and she would take me with her each Wednesday. My mother inspired me, since she was probably the first poet I read and memorized. The poets who would come to read at this place also surrounded me with inspiration. At 9 years old, I was brushing shoulders with Sonia Sanchez, Saul Williams, the Watts poets, and others. Now, I would say that I find inspiration wherever I can get it. Since moving from L.A., I find myself pulling from a variety of locations: sermons, YouTube videos, poetry books, and open mic nights here in DC.

Q: What is your favorite verse(s) in the Bible?

Linne: One scripture that stands out is the bread of life discourse in John 6. When I was coming up, I attended a church that was riddled with prosperity teaching and self-centeredness. God used this verse to open my eyes to the importance of Jesus being the focus. Typically, in a wealth-motivated church, the sermon would end there and go on about how God can multiply things in your life. The Lord drew my attention away from simply marveling over Jesus multiplying food (which is a great thing, don’t get me wrong). Although I wasn’t saved at that point, I now see it as the beginning of God sparking a change of doctrine and direction in my life. God helped me see that Jesus was pointing to the fact that He is the Bread of Life. Therefore, Jesus meets our greatest need, which is not physical food but eternal life and satisfaction in Him.

Q: How do you prepare when you get ready to write?

Linne: I start writing typically in one two ways. 1) I have a set topic that I’m asked to write on which requires me to gather research to begin. 2) I have an idea or line that comes to mind and I just start writing from my personal experience. I usually begin a poem by writing a few drafts until I am content with the direction of it. I will then share those drafts with those who are close and get feedback in order to make necessary changes. I will then continue to read them repeatedly in order to memorize them.

Q:  Do you tour with Shai?

Linne: Shai will be starting a tour the beginning of April called the Black Out Circuit. With that said, since having our son, I have not been traveling with Shai on tour. We do minister together sometimes though, which we both enjoy tremendously.

Q: How might you encourage a young singer/songwriter who is interested in this art form?

Linne: I have two categories of advice. The first is related to the heart and the second is related to the art.

Related to the heart:

Pursue the Lord above the art form.

Have people around you that can speak into your life and share things that may be hard to swallow, if need be.

Fight against the temptation to compare yourself to other artists, which can either puff you up in pride and/ cause you to fear men.

Be willing to lay it down if it competes with the Lord or other God-given responsibilities.

Related to the art:

Study your craft

Gather a community of artists around you to help you shape and form your gift. ~Use your gift locally, in your church or poetry venue

Read in order to improve your writing.

Find a balance between attractive wordplay and clarity of the gospel message.

Q: I keep hearing about a conference called Legacy. What is your involvement with Legacy?

Linne: I have been involved with The Legacy Conference over the last four years or so. I have had the privilege of sharing poetry at each one I attended. Last year, I taught my first workshop in the womanhood track. This year, I look forward to sharing poetry again. If you haven’t registered, you can do so at http://legacymovement.org/.

Q:  Can people purchase your material? If so, how and where?

Linne: To stay up to date on info, you can follow me on twitter (@blairlinne). I am currently working on a project to be released. Apart from that people can view the poetry on YouTube for free.

By Trillia Newbell

I decided to do “Links to Make Time For” and then I got really busy and forgot about it! Well it’s back. Here are a few links that I’ve found interesting this week:

Clandestine Life Goals, Jasmine Baucham

Good Works Gone Bad, Jessica Thompson

Mother Jones’ shameful attack on the Christian adoption movement, Jonathan Merritt

When the Bombs Exploded, Tony Reinke

I am Not Abraham’s Mistake, Derek Rishmawy

Double Dangers: Maximizing and Minimizing Mental Illness, David Murray

RAAN Podcast with Dr. Voddie Baucham

5 Characteristics of a Missional Father by Josh Cousineau

As I mentioned in my link love, links I like, a-la-carte introduction, I am only skimming the surface. I look forward to looking for more goodies next week.

I closed the book and with shaking hands placed it on the table next to me. I was the only one awake.

Often I had wondered as I heard stories of men and women who hid the Jews if I would have had the courage to… Or if the mark of the underground railroad would have been seen in my window pane.

In the dark quiet I understood that this was not a hypothetical question. There is a great slaughter of human life. I have always known it was wrong. But I have done nothing. Nothing.

I have proved to be the man who watched silently as they loaded my neighbor on the cargo train of death. They claimed he was less a man than me. I knew better.

There is a God who freely pardons. He bore the wrath for my indifference that has drowned their infant cries. He gives grace to the humble. Grace. Fresh, sweet grace.

My arms still shake as my fingers strike the keys: If you don’t know where to begin, this book, Why Pro-Life? is short, begin here.

It’s written by Randy Alcorn arguing for the Pro-Life position. He writes, “If you are pro-life, I ask you to think through your position. It isn’t good enough to say, ‘I know I’m right, but I’m not sure why.’ We should base our beliefs on the evidence. If we’re wrong at any point, by all means let’s revise our position. If we’re right, we need to learn how to intelligently and graciously inform others.”

If you are for life, do not sit by in silence as they crush the skulls of children.

More about Melissa

Melissa McDonald (@melissabmcd) and her husband Eric serve and disciple international students at the University of Iowa with their two daughters, Miriam and Annette. She loves cooking, taking the girls on explores, and writing. Melissa blogs at The Cross and the Kitchen Sink and has written the bible study guide: To Live Valiently: A Study on the Proverbs 31 Woman.