Thanks for the feedback yesterday! It was one of those time when I clicked “submit” and then “chewed my nails” with insecurity the rest of the day. I loved all the encouragement I received and it make me all the more determined to bathe motherhood in prayer–for all mothers! Because of Christ, we can raise godly kids! We can! 
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Beatitudes
I am ashamed to say that I usually think of the beatitudes as a “list of how I should act” when I read them in Matthew 5:3-11. I would read it and think, “okay, I am pretty much failing all these things, I have to try harder.”
I had an “aha” moment (which is what I call those moments when the Holy Spirit shows me something fresh and new about my life as a Christian) recently when I read this quote:
“A true Christian must exemplify the Beatitudes, because you do not get grapes from thorns or figs from thistles. A good tree must bring forth good fruit; it cannot help itself, it is bound to. A man who has the divine nature within himself must produce (through Christ alone!) this good fruit.” D. Martin Lloyd -Jones
In other words, as a Christian, I am already living a “beatitude” kind of life and those promises are for me! Not by my own power, but because of Christ in me! A Christian cannot help but be different!
“Blessed are the the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
“Ye are the salt of the earth.”
“Ye are the light of the world.”
There is something different about you. . . . . .
Good to be Home 
And blessed are you with your desire to be a godly mother; I know He will give you the desire of your heart ~
Glorious Truth! One cannot help but be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit!
I like that! It’s always so encouraging when people ask me why I have so much joy, or what is so different about me! I like to be able to tell them! Oh, what a blessed hope we have within!
I was just reading in my Bible this morning, John 13:35, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The feeling you had when you push the submit button is very familiar with me as well, there is always fear of others judging or misreading our entries, or perhaps even reading things into our entries etc. I think your entries today and yesterday are beautiful, and I hope all the Christian moms here in xanga can encourage and lift one another up as Christ would want us to do. Our calling as a mother is a very high calling in the Lord. May we bath one another in prayer.
Hugs and love, ~Amelia : )
Why were you biting your nails? This post is inspiring Shan. I loved reading Loyd Jone’s work on Ephesians a few yrs. ago. The calm pictures of this bush you found on the edge of the woods matches so well with your aha moment. The quote is powerful, thank you for sharing!
Yah, often when we share our heart, we fear that others will not see what we saw (and think we’re stupid. at least I do). I know just what you mean. But it was great. Really. As is this one. Thanks for being willing to step out with your inner thoughts and share them. And you’re right – there must be a difference in us, who call ourselves Christians or….perhaps we aren’t. And if, after all this hard work at child rearing, the only hope we have is to shrug our shoulders and say that well we did our best but it wasn’t enough, then…..that would not be worth it. The prayers of the righteous availeth much more than just that. And it’s right – we can pray for each other. Blessings to you and your beautiful family. (p.s. we have another gray and white stripey kitten for the summer. I got to name it ::snicker:: )
I saw you on my footprints…thanks so much for your post today…the verses are just what I needed…God is good!
HuGs,
Linda
Shanda, don’t worry about what you post. I truly believe that God uses us all here on Xanga to encourage and inspire one another. When we are transparent, that’s when the Lord uses us the most. So, don’t bite your nails, rejoice instead because God will use what you said to touch someone else. Amen for this post. It’s only through Jesus Christ within us that we can do anything!! Have a blessed day my friend-Tara
I just wanted to let you know that God has used you in my life. Thank you for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Thank you for what you share from your heart. You are a blessing to me! Have a joyful and blessed day my friend.
Thank you Shan! Your aha and given me an aha!
i love love your posts!!! they encourage me so much!
Thank you for your entry about motherhood…I’m just catching up. It was wonderful, and echoes many thoughts I have had lately. Especially with family visiting (giving me a bit more time to step back, recharge, and see things in a different light), I am amazed at how far away I have come from the mother I want to be lately. Thanks for the boost.
I’m refreshed by your photos and our Father’s Word…you are such a delight to know (((HUGS)))
I’ve been working on memorizing these in preparation for starting to memorize as many of Christ’s personal words as possible. :o)Hugs,Blue
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard is a great book on the Sermon on the Mount. I’m reading it right now. Good book. Highly recommend it.
I loved this post, it was just right for me today, Thank-you!
Your posts are ALWAYS an inspiration to me! I think we all strive on doing more, being better and feeling like we’re failing.