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Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 143 - Prayer (replay) Listen to Episode

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 133 - Stop Getting in God's Way: Let Him Parent Through You Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 133 – Stop Getting in God’s Way: Let Him Parent Through You Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture. Before we start today’s episode, I want to invite you to work with me. If you’re feeling overwhelm instead of overjoy, or you simply feel you don’t have time to do all the things you think will help your kids know Christ, send me a message at info@terrihitt.com . There is a way to alleviate frustration or fear and find freedom as a godly mom. No matter the age of your kids, from infant to adult, your relationship can improve and you can find greater connection with Jesus that will affect theirs. Send me a message today for info about how easy it is to work together and begin experiencing change for only $397. Now, let's talk about how to stop getting in God's way, so you can let Him parent through you. One of the best revelations a follower of Christ can make is jumping into and abiding in the arms of God. People often remark that they’re walking with God, or holding His hand. I want you to be intentional. Go deeper. Our Heavenly Father never belongs by our side. The Lord of All, Prince of Peace, Author and Perfecter of our Faith, and the Alpha and Omega holds out His strong and capable arms, ready for us to rest and abide within His arms. This means He isn’t behind or beside us. Instead, He is the One carrying and sustaining you through every disturbance, disruption, and delight. Where are you now? Are you abiding in the Father’s arms? Or are you choosing to trust Jesus for eternity, but not for each moment? Matthew 14:22-33 says, “Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. And after He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God .” What a decision Peter made! He chose to step out of the boat and into the choppy, stormy waters to walk toward Jesus. While His eyes and mind were centered on Jesus, Peter actually walked on the water! When his focus slipped away from Christ and fell to self and surroundings, Peter experienced fear, panic, and difficulties. Jesus had not moved; He had not changed. Jesus remained centered on Peter and ready to care for him. Peter’s mind moved away from Jesus and he began to sink. Focus marks the distinction between faith and fear. Are you choosing to focus on self, the world and those around you, or on the Only One who can carry you? While it is easy to blame Peter and belittle his faith, he was willing to be the one who walked toward Jesus. Peter was willing to leave the other disciples, leave what he knew, and venture alone into the turbulent waters toward Jesus. The other men remain unchanged and unmoving inside the boat while Peter took the risk of trusting Christ. Why did the others remain in the boat? Why didn’t they walk with Peter? Why is it so difficult to place and keep our mind, heart, and focus on Christ? What do people struggle to trust God with each occasion and stage of life? There are actually multiple reasons. Let’s look at what the most common causes are and how we can turn to Scripture to battle them. 1. Trust – It can be difficult to trust or believe in what we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen .” John 20:29 says, “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed .” 2. Worry/Anxiety – It’s easy to imagine what might happen and allow our thoughts to spiral out of control. Anxiety and stress are products of this world, not by-products of the Way. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you .” Matthew 6:31-34 says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble .” 3. Control – We don’t want to relinquish our perceived control. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest .” Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God .” The only One who holds control is our Father. You weren’t meant to be in charge. Release the need and trust as you lay in His hands. 4. Doubt – When things don’t go the way we desire or think they should or if we begin to wonder why there is hardship and evil in the world, doubt can begin to creep in. Hebrew 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen .” Matthew 6:30 says, “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith ?” 5. Sinfulness – I also like to call this selfishness. When we don’t want to give up sin, we are choosing self over Christ. We’re also choosing self over our family. Personal sin always affects those who love us. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body .” Romans 7:22-23 says, “For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members .” 6. Arrogance/Pride – Pride rears up in each of us through different ways. Whether it be entitlement, perfectionism, bragging, if we think we are superior to someone or deserve something more than another, the root of each thought ties back to arrogance or pride. James 4:6 says, “But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble .” James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you .” 7. Unworthiness – Each of us was bought with a price. The life of Jesus was exchanged so that we could begin to understand our great worth to God. Isaiah 43:18 says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old .” Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope .” Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they ?” 8. Fear – When fear creeps in, it’s because we’ve taken our mind and eyes off of God and centered them on self or surroundings. Every time I have felt fear even begin to touch me I stop and focus on Jesus (and in my mind I actually picture blinders on my face that force my vision upwards on God). As I rest in His presence and pray to Him about the situation I am fearing, He takes the burden and calms any fears. It is said that God leaves the message “Do not fear” 365 times in the Bible. I'm not sure whether that is an accurate count, but I trust that the Lord gives us the command as many times as needed. He knows our thoughts can easily be distracted and move from His sovereign holiness and perfect provision and protection. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears .” Psalm 115:11 says, “You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.” John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid .” 9. Faith – Perhaps our belief doesn’t feel real or big enough. Maybe difficult times in the past, unanswered prayers, or present hardships may cause us to feel like God has forsaken us or that He isn’t real. Each of the points we discussed can arguably return back to the thought of faith that is too little. But remember, God’s Word tells us all we need is a faith the size of a mustard seed. Plant that seed and let it grow and mature through Christ. James 1:2-4 says, “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 .” Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us .” We each know how easy it can be to allow self or situations to distract us and move our eyes off Christ. Being aware of this offers us the opportunity to purposely prepare to be ahead of our next season of trials. Intentionally living in ways that set us up to trust God gives us assurance that our focus will not be easily swayed this moment or tomorrow. That’s the only way to be able to mentor this behavior full of faith and trust to your children. Without you living in ways that magnify the Lord and His mighty work in your life, your testimony won’t influence generations for Jesus. How can you live in ways that set your family up to trust God for eternity and the everyday? 1. Know Jesus through a personal relationship. 2. Read and study God’s word. 3. Prayer – speak to God and listen for God. 4. Pursue close relationship with God daily. 5. Invite and allow Christ to transform your life. 6. Decide to rest and abide in His arms. Take your thoughts captive for Christ and see the difference He makes to your surrendered soul. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me .” Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places .” As you study God’s Word and think about or pray about the verses we read today, ponder the following questions: Teach these question and habits to your children to continue. 1. What does this verse promise? 2. What does this verse command? 3. Where do I need to apply this in my life? Ask God to carry your cares and deepen your faith and trust. He alone is able to reach the crevices of your body and spirit and remedy what troubles you. He alone can use your faithfulness to influence your whole family for Him. Dear Heavenly Father, Your love for us is so great! Your glory fills the earth and yet we fail to experience Your love and power as You desire. Help us to see You clearly as Your word instructs and to love us with a love that fills us in the deep and dark spaces of need we each carry. Thank you for loving us first and for making a way straight to You through Jesus. Help our faith to be full, alive, and active. Enable us to cling to You through every moment we face and trust in Your provision and protection despite what happens in the world around us. Fix our eyes and our heart on You. Help us mentor our children to do the same. In the precious name of Your Holy Son, Jesus we pray. Amen. If you have questions after this episode, please reach out to me at info@terrihitt.com . I’m happy to help you discover the ways you can ensure you trust and submit to God to lead your parenting. I also have a resource that you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. Remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 092 - The Master Blueprint: Exploring the Life of Jesus and What it Means for You and Your Family Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 092 – The Master Blueprint: Exploring the Life of Jesus and What It Means for You and Your Family Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast deepens your walk with Jesus and your children, equipping you to become a set-apart woman and mother. Jesus . Just saying the name of my Savior name brings me peace , joy , and assurance . Try it. Stop and say His name . Jesus . What feelings or emotions does speaking His name bring to you? I wish we knew more about the life of Jesus from Bible. Wouldn’t It be a beautiful blessing to know more of the day to day moments of His childhood? How about when He was going through puberty? How did He act, what did He think? How did He treat His parents, His siblings? We know Jesus was fully God and yet fully man. Surely, He wrestled with insecurities and fears, or wondered about His future? Or did He? As fixed as He was on the Father, I believe He led a glorious life that reflected how to function with godliness in this world. Although it would be wonderful to know even more details about the life of Jesus, I trust that God gave us exactly what we need to know. While I wish there were more detailed accounts of the life of Jesus, I believe we have just what we need to construct a blueprint of the life Jesus lived here on earth. The first place we should start to know more about Christ is the Bible. My favorite books to read are usually found in the New Testament. With the exception of Genesis, which is the standard for how God wants us to live, I think most people might agree that New Testament books are easier to understand and more enjoyable to read overall. That being said, compare what I just stated with foods. Isn’t it much more enticing to eat desserts instead of the main course? Or, if you’re not really into sweets, at least you may agree that fruits carry more interest than vegetables. Now let’s compare the Bible to these thoughts about foods. While the New Testament, the story of Jesus, and how our lives are changed because of Him is easier and more interesting for many to read, we still need the foundation and direction found in the Old Testament. In fact, it has been said that the Old Testament is the blueprint , while the New Testament is the building . Why? Blueprints show the inner workings of what is to be built . A blueprint explains what is being constructed . The blueprint exposes what is to come . The Old Testament is God’s blueprint to us. Think about this amazing truth I’m about to share. The Old Testament was the beautiful Scripture Jesus Himself read and used. For us, the Words in the Old Testament set a foundation and expectation for what was to come . The Old Testament also exposes problems and promises . Without these truths and prophecies , we cannot understand God’s heart or the healing that is to be offered ; we can’t begin to fathom the sovereignty and holiness of our God. As important as the entire Bible is, there are major differences between the old and new testaments. Have you ever considered this thought? The Old Testament offers the framework that the New Testament is built upon . God reveals Himself in both testaments; through prophets in the Old Testament, and through Jesus in the New. In the Old Testament, God exposes the depravity of sin and how far it is from His holiness . In the New Testament, we learn the importance of repentance and how far our loving, merciful God will go to set us free from the bondage of sin and death. Jesus revealed that the Old Testament pointed the way to Him . He stressed that He came to fulfill the law , and to set us free from it. However, now that we have the grace and mercy of God to save us through the acts of Christ in the New Testament, we must realize that it is impossible to understand faith, love, grace, or mercy without studying the framework God established for us within the Old Testament . Like a balanced meal with all food groups, we must study both old and new testaments in order to grasp the reality of who God is, what He has done for us, and what is to come . Because of Jesus, we can experience abundant life without fear of death. We can live with assurance that we will stand before Him without shame, with sins cleansed . If you’re a believer and follower of Jesus and have proclaimed Christ as your personal Savior, you can know with certainty that you will one day face Him with joy as He welcomes you into eternity . What a gift! Are you living like one redeemed by the King? In the meantime, we have the blessing of God’s Word to help us envision and understand the life of Jesus in deeper ways. Unless we intentionally use the Bible to study Him, we fail to grasp the fullness of what God offers us through Christ. Earlier I shared that Jesus came for many reasons, yet the most important one was to save us from sin and death. In our human mind, it is impossible to grasp the holiness or forgiveness of Jesus. We don’t understand the richness of His mercy, love, or grace. Many adjectives can describe our Savior, but while using them, we still fail to comprehend exactly what each description means or how it affects us. Today we’ll draw nearer to Jesus and attempt to see Him as a Holy Savior, Best Friend, Comforter, King, and so much more. Why is exploring the life of Jesus so important for you and your family? Jesus changed everything . Without Him, this world, you, and your family would have no hope. You would remain entangled in sin and death. As you absorb more of what the life of Jesus means to you, as you better understand His sacrifices and sufferings, you are more equipped to live a godly life pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Then you’re better able to mentor a godly lifestyle and mindset for your children. As we explore the life of Jesus, I think we need to highlight ten very significant details of His life. 1. Birth – Jesus was born of a virgin. Yes, followers of Christ know this fact. But how often do we think on it? What a miracle! Have you pondered the fact that if Jesus were not born of a virgin, we would not have a sinless Savior? As fully God and man, Jesus had to be born of a virgin overshadowed by God to become fully God and fully human. Also, if Jesus had not been born of a virgin, he would have been born as a descendant of Adam and God’s Word is clear that “in Adam all die.” When you look at the birth of Jesus, you also see that His life fulfilled prophecies proclaimed in the Old Testament. All Scriptures point to Christ, even when they are not specifically prophetic. The law is perfectly kept by Christ, yet all sins of humanity are poured out on Him , proving the law is not the way to righteousness and eternal life, only Christ. The miraculous birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies and build the foundation for the purpose of His life . 2. Baptism – Jesus was about thirty years old when He was baptized by his relative, John the Baptist. This is the time His ministry began. Although Jesus was holy and righteous, He chose to be baptized to fulfill requirements we needed to see and learn. He chose to be baptized not to turn from sin, as He carried no sin, but to dedicate Himself to fully following God’s will on this earth. He chose to show us the way to live as a follower of God. Now we are able to be baptized into Him as we submit to Christ as Savior. In return, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. At the time of Jesus’ baptism, we also learn that Jesus’ act of obedience confirmed His identity as Messiah in three key ways. After Jesus was baptized, we see from Scripture that the Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove from heaven. This simple act was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 11:2 that the Messiah would have the Spirit of God resting on Him. Also, the voice of God from heaven said after the baptism, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased ," which confirmed Jesus' identity as the Son of God . We also have the testimony of John the Baptist, who had been proclaiming that the Messiah was greater than Him. When Jesus came to be baptized, John immediately recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God. The baptism of Jesus showed all three persons of the Trinity at the same time: the Son being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending, and the Father speaking from heaven . The act of baptism confirmed Christ's deity as Jesus perfectly submitted to the will of His Father . 3. Miracles – There are around 37 recorded miracles of Jesus in the Bible. Of course, we know that there were many more unrecorded . In fact, John 20:30-31 says, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name .” Likewise, John 21:25 says, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written . 4. Teachings – Jesus left the world with many teachings, but two of the most popular that readily come to mind are the Sermon on the Mount and the parables He used. How I wish I had to wisdom to teach with parables the way He did. Jesus caused others to think and assess their life, desires, and motives. He loved each person where they were, but called them to change. He doesn’t want any of us to stay immersed in sin. In fact, He calls us to go and leave our life of sin. 5. Sufferings – In fulfillment of Isaiah 53 and other prophecies, Jesus suffered persecution, was arrested, beaten, and nailed to a cross to die. Jewish leaders evilly handed Him over to a death sentence approved by the Roman leader Pilate. 6. Death – We often hear that Jesus paid the ultimate price. He suffered, was pierced for our transgressions. He cried out as He was crucified and slowly died a painful death. Yet do we really absorb these facts? I think the truth is so far from what we can humanly comprehend. It’s too ugly and barbaric for our minds to really go there. But our heart needs to. Jesus died for you. He died for your husband, your children, those you love, and those you don’t. Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures. 7. Burial – After His death, Jesus was embalmed with around seventy-five pounds of spices, and laid alone to rest in a tomb for three days. The miracle was about to happen ! 8. Resurrection – After three days, Jesus conquered death as He rose from the tomb. New Testament records show that many people witnessed His empty tomb. They relayed the miracle that Jesus was seen alive . 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 says, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time .” 9. Ascension – After forty days Jesus ascended, leaving with a promise that He would return again (as spoken in Matthew 28, Luke 24, and Acts 1). Praise the Lord for His promise to us ! 10. Predicted Return – Several New Testament teachings write of the promised return of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is one example that speaks to this certainty. “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words .” Jesus gave hope to encourage followers to live for Him, share testimonies and faith, and so they would look forward to the certainty of eternity with Him . What a miraculous gift that we can come to Christ through His abundant grace and love. Because God sent His son, our Savior to earth to be born from a virgin, live as fully God and fully man, and to be humbly raised by a human mother and adoptive father, everyone can relate to Christ. He came for all and all can know Him. Jesus also clearly relayed to us how to live fully for God. His teachings were direct and truthful. He spent His life abiding in and pursuing the Father. As a child, Jesus craved and considered deep understanding, insight, and wisdom from God’s holy Word. He maintained prayerful communication with the Father. Through His teachings, Jesus showed us how to do the same. Jesus was able to converse and consult with temple teachers, even as a preteen. Through this act of dedication and desire for more, He modeled His miraculous ability to absorb and comprehend complex theological questions, answers, and truths. His insight and understanding were clear, concise, and correct. Jesus’ teachings serve as a foundation for our life and relationship with God . Not only do we have access to how Jesus lived through the Word, but we also learn His focus, priorities, and teachings. We can see that He demonstrated the power of God, as well as the heart and hope of our Heavenly Father. Jesus understood that His life purpose was to fulfill Scripture, mentor to us how to live and reach God, and how to deepen faith and relationship with God and others. He also taught how to please our Heavenly Father. Jesus’ life showed us we do not have to fear death . He secured and showed us the way to eternal life, and He asked us to help others do the same. Jesus was a living example of hope, love, mercy, forgiveness, joy, and compassion. He lived on this earth with us as a man, but died in His rightful place as a King who taught us how to find the true treasure in life. When we submit to Him, we find the key to unlock to secrets of our heart and live a fulfilling, godly life that lasts into eternity. Can you see how exploring the life of Jesus means joy , peace , and life for you and your loved ones? Christ came so that we might live abundant lives in humble obedience to the Father. He came so that we could live with assurance and grace . What does that mean for you and your family? What will you do to follow the blueprint of Jesus’s life and make relationship with Him more meaningful for your children and family? Dear gracious and merciful Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Your Son. We have limited words to express what Your gift means because our human minds cannot fully grasp the depth of Your love. We humbly thank you for giving us eternal life through Jesus. Please guide and guard us as we journey through life. Give us a strong yearning for You and Your ways. Equip us to grow nearer to You moment by moment and show our children how to do the same. Lord, as we ponder the life of Jesus help us to become stronger in our determination to live for you and to live a godly, pleasing life . We ask this in the precious and holy name of Jesus. Amen. Raising children is challenging. No one has all the answers because each child is unique as are parenting styles and family dynamics. By connecting with and knowing your children as you maintain purposed growth in Christ, you will be better prepared for any situation you face. That’s why you hear me share about the Set-Apart Collective in this podcast. Godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries. If you don’t want peers and culture to be the main influence over your child, if you desire to parent to “prepare” your child for eternity with Christ, not repair your relationship with them, I have two suggestions. First, consider the Set-Apart Collective. I guarantee this program will deepen your walk with Christ if you let it. You’ll learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Jesus and your family. Let me know if you’d like more information on this 8-week program where my heart, mind, and prayers support your walk with Christ and godly parenting growth. Second, like most moms, you may have questions or doubts about the way you’re parenting. I invite you to visit terrihitt.com/coaching and click on the link for a call. This is a private one-on-one complimentary session so that I can get my heart and experience on your needs. We’ll pray together and see what God-led strategy will ensure you stop being a good mother and become a godly parent. This is my gift to you and I have a very limited number of spots. Claim yours today and see the difference purposed parenting for Christ makes in your home as you prepare your children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. It’s true that the parenting days are long, but the years are short. Make both matter for eternity. If you appreciated this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in whether people are able to find the podcast. Also, you and I know that the best reviews are by word of mouth, so please choose a friend to recommend the show to. Imagine the changes we will see in the way mothers parent for Christ if they learn to be intentional, too. Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #105 – God is Present in the Darkness Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Psalm 112:4 says, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.” One evening last week I dropped my middle daughter off at an event and told my youngest we would do something special together while we were waiting for her sister. We were quite a distance from home, so we didn’t know the area at all, but I was confident we could find something to do together. After leaving Marissa, I plugged in the name of a local place to get food or drink, but the navigation system said the nearest location was 200 miles away. Knowing that my system, or “Navi,” as we like to call it, is often simply wrong, I typed in another destination I thought would bring up results. After receiving info, I selected an option and drove off, knowing Brooklyn and I would share some fun over the next 90 minutes. After driving away, I followed exactly where “Navi” guided me to go, and ended up with uncertainty surrounding us on an unfamiliar, one-lane gravel road. Light barely shined from my headlights as they attempted to pierce the blackness. Although it wasn’t all one-lane, almost all of it was in total darkness, except for the “too-bright” lights of occasional other cars headed in the opposite direction. Driving in the country on unlit gravel roads and highways are not my idea of fun or relaxation. Wanting to be calm in front of my daughter, so that she did not worry, I shifted my priority to remaining in prayer along the journey. Deep in thoughtful conversation and petition, I kept hearing myself ask God to keep us safe, show us the way to civilization, keep us from hitting any deer, and keep any deer from hitting our car. Prayer and connection with the Lord was all that separated me from fear. Instead of building anxiety, my level of peace began rising with each word spoken to my Father. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” After about 15 minutes of concentrated connection through prayer, especially concerning deer, I passed a large buck just standing on the side of the road. Only about six feet separated us. As our car passed by him, the creature watched us, yet his body remained in place. I knew with certainty that God had stilled him until our car moved by. At that moment, I felt the peaceful, intimate voice of God whispering to my spirit, “I see you. I hear you. I am always with you.” Romans 8:26 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” I believe the Holy Spirit impressed the importance of praying about deer specifically. During the drive I felt a quiet urgency to pray for protection. Because it was constant and steady without being alarming, I chose to heed the call and obey through prayer. Seeing the deer standing by the side of the road, I felt the animal was a symbol of the protection God supplied because I obeyed and cried out to Him. Although He didn’t need to prove Himself, God allowed me a special glimpse of the personal care He intimately chose for us that night. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He is merciful and His provisions are perfect for our needs. God is gracious to us in our times of need, distress, or confusion. He is the Light in the Darkness, our Beacon of Hope. Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” How often God provides for us. Daily, He goes before, around, and behind us, without our knowledge. He is constantly at work. The Lord knows each second of our day, what every need is and will be, and how He will provide. God understands where we are weak, where we need to be weakened, and when we will humbly submit to His providential care. Lamentations 3:25 says, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” As unease began to seep into my consciousness that night, I remember thinking that fear never comes from God. My prayers immediately began, forming a wall of spiritual protection between the devil’s schemes and God’s promise as spoken in Jeremiah 1:8, which says, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” It is so easy for our eyes to slip from the Lord. Don’t allow it to happen. We must live with purpose, each moment, with invisible blinders on, guarding our vision, just as trainers do with horses, for example. With blinders on, our gaze is directed up, singled to, and fixed on the Lord, who is able to calm us, protect us, and comfort us. With our attention on Him, it is diverted from a world of chaos and confusion. Nothing in this world or within our spirit is able to comfort or calm. Left alone, our weak fleshly body and mind will spiral to fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, worry, or a host of other emotions. Yet, with God, we have hope. We have release. We have relief. With God, we have promise. Even if we do not feel him, He is present. Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” In order to remember and draw from His strength, we must be and stay connected. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Purpose to spend time with the Father this week. Remain connected. Sit with Him in prayer and reflection. Read His word. Let Jesus know He is a priority. Ask Him to enable you to live the life He has purposed for you. Watch for the quiet ways He is at work in your life. It does not matter how busy our lives are. Excuses are easy to find. Peace, hope, joy, and love, as well as any other fruit of the Spirit, will not abide within us unless He does and we allow His mighty work within us and our life. Make an appointment with Jesus each day. Before you realize it, you will walk with Him intimately each moment. Prayers will easily slip from your mind, heart, and lips without realizing the thoughts or words because your spirit is intertwined with His. Time with Jesus is a gift, an honor we cannot forget to embrace each day. Look for new ways to spend moments with Him today, soak in His word, apply it in your life, and allow the Lord to expose to you new ways to live with eternal perspective. Dear Heavenly Father, our good and gracious Lord, thank you for Your help and comfort us to us. We have seen Your goodness. We watch for and hope in you. We trust that Your ears are open to our cries, calls, and pleas for help. Enable us to live in ways that show our devotion to You. Grow our walk with You so that we never leave Your presence. Grow our walk so that others will seek Your presence because of the way they see You in our lives. You are good. Help us to see You in each day and sing Your praises to those around us. May they see You in our words, actions, reactions, and in any circumstance we find ourselves in. Show us the ways You desire us to live with an eternal perspective beyond this world and help us to shine them to others through the way we embrace living with You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. Please share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. I’m very excited to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” will release February 3. I hope you will listen and share with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. You can find more details on my website at terrihitt.com. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 105 God is Present in the Darkness Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #105 – God is Present in the Darkness Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Psalm 112:4 says, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.” One evening last week I dropped my middle daughter off at an event and told my youngest we would do something special together while we were waiting for her sister. We were quite a distance from home, so we didn’t know the area at all, but I was confident we could find something to do together. After leaving Marissa, I plugged in the name of a local place to get food or drink, but the navigation system said the nearest location was 200 miles away. Knowing that my system, or “Navi,” as we like to call it, is often simply wrong, I typed in another destination I thought would bring up results. After receiving info, I selected an option and drove off, knowing Brooklyn and I would share some fun over the next 90 minutes. After driving away, I followed exactly where “Navi” guided me to go, and ended up with uncertainty surrounding us on an unfamiliar, one-lane gravel road. Light barely shined from my headlights as they attempted to pierce the blackness. Although it wasn’t all one-lane, almost all of it was in total darkness, except for the “too-bright” lights of occasional other cars headed in the opposite direction. Driving in the country on unlit gravel roads and highways are not my idea of fun or relaxation. Wanting to be calm in front of my daughter, so that she did not worry, I shifted my priority to remaining in prayer along the journey. Deep in thoughtful conversation and petition, I kept hearing myself ask God to keep us safe, show us the way to civilization, keep us from hitting any deer, and keep any deer from hitting our car. Prayer and connection with the Lord was all that separated me from fear. Instead of building anxiety, my level of peace began rising with each word spoken to my Father. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” After about 15 minutes of concentrated connection through prayer, especially concerning deer, I passed a large buck just standing on the side of the road. Only about six feet separated us. As our car passed by him, the creature watched us, yet his body remained in place. I knew with certainty that God had stilled him until our car moved by. At that moment, I felt the peaceful, intimate voice of God whispering to my spirit, “I see you. I hear you. I am always with you.” Romans 8:26 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.” I believe the Holy Spirit impressed the importance of praying about deer specifically. During the drive I felt a quiet urgency to pray for protection. Because it was constant and steady without being alarming, I chose to heed the call and obey through prayer. Seeing the deer standing by the side of the road, I felt the animal was a symbol of the protection God supplied because I obeyed and cried out to Him. Although He didn’t need to prove Himself, God allowed me a special glimpse of the personal care He intimately chose for us that night. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. He is merciful and His provisions are perfect for our needs. God is gracious to us in our times of need, distress, or confusion. He is the Light in the Darkness, our Beacon of Hope. Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?” How often God provides for us. Daily, He goes before, around, and behind us, without our knowledge. He is constantly at work. The Lord knows each second of our day, what every need is and will be, and how He will provide. God understands where we are weak, where we need to be weakened, and when we will humbly submit to His providential care. Lamentations 3:25 says, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” As unease began to seep into my consciousness that night, I remember thinking that fear never comes from God. My prayers immediately began, forming a wall of spiritual protection between the devil’s schemes and God’s promise as spoken in Jeremiah 1:8, which says, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” It is so easy for our eyes to slip from the Lord. Don’t allow it to happen. We must live with purpose, each moment, with invisible blinders on, guarding our vision, just as trainers do with horses, for example. With blinders on, our gaze is directed up, singled to, and fixed on the Lord, who is able to calm us, protect us, and comfort us. With our attention on Him, it is diverted from a world of chaos and confusion. Nothing in this world or within our spirit is able to comfort or calm. Left alone, our weak fleshly body and mind will spiral to fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, worry, or a host of other emotions. Yet, with God, we have hope. We have release. We have relief. With God, we have promise. Even if we do not feel him, He is present. Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” In order to remember and draw from His strength, we must be and stay connected. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Purpose to spend time with the Father this week. Remain connected. Sit with Him in prayer and reflection. Read His word. Let Jesus know He is a priority. Ask Him to enable you to live the life He has purposed for you. Watch for the quiet ways He is at work in your life. It does not matter how busy our lives are. Excuses are easy to find. Peace, hope, joy, and love, as well as any other fruit of the Spirit, will not abide within us unless He does and we allow His mighty work within us and our life. Make an appointment with Jesus each day. Before you realize it, you will walk with Him intimately each moment. Prayers will easily slip from your mind, heart, and lips without realizing the thoughts or words because your spirit is intertwined with His. Time with Jesus is a gift, an honor we cannot forget to embrace each day. Look for new ways to spend moments with Him today, soak in His word, apply it in your life, and allow the Lord to expose to you new ways to live with eternal perspective. Dear Heavenly Father, our good and gracious Lord, thank you for Your help and comfort us to us. We have seen Your goodness. We watch for and hope in you. We trust that Your ears are open to our cries, calls, and pleas for help. Enable us to live in ways that show our devotion to You. Grow our walk with You so that we never leave Your presence. Grow our walk so that others will seek Your presence because of the way they see You in our lives. You are good. Help us to see You in each day and sing Your praises to those around us. May they see You in our words, actions, reactions, and in any circumstance we find ourselves in. Show us the ways You desire us to live with an eternal perspective beyond this world and help us to shine them to others through the way we embrace living with You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. Please share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. I’m very excited to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” will release February 3. I hope you will listen and share with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. You can find more details on my website at terrihitt.com. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 028 - Don't Grow Weary Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #028 – Don’t Grow Weary Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. Recently on social media, I’ve seen several friends who admitted that 2022 was not a great year for them. Are you also in a hard season? Maybe it’s a time of trouble for you personally. Or your child may be experiencing hardships. Your spouse or other loved ones may be going through illnesses or suffering. My heart is with you for where you find yourself this very moment. Whether you are living in a season of riches and prosperity through Christ or in a time of total dependence in Him, I understand. Each person has been in both places and will be again. But I want to remind you of the truth. Mothers, God sees the Holy work you do for Him. He sees the moments you feel you can’t go another day. He knows when you pour your heart into your child and don’t see the results you hope for. He understands your pain, frustration, helplessness, and confusion. He’s with you on the mountain and He’s ready to carry you through the valleys. Despite how you may feel, you are not alone. Romans 2:11 says, “For God shows no partiality .” You probably already know that our Heavenly Father is not a respecter of persons , but He is certainly a respecter of hearts . He loves us each the same, but He knows our hearts are varied. He sees inside to the core of everyone and knows what lies within us. God sees you intentionally mature your walk with Him; He watches you seek to show His heart, truths, and commands to your children. It is human to get weary, to be discouraged, or to feel alone. But remember, when those feelings hit, they are fueled by emotions . Emotions can be controlled through reliance on Him . Our emotions and feelings are simply how we feel . They are not indicators of truth unless they match the Word of God. Although God allows us individual feelings and emotions, we must recognize that they are not necessarily His truth. We must intentionally use them to steer us in the way we should pivot to draw nearer to Him. Obviously, sometimes we are weary because we are simply bone-tired from not getting enough rest. If your weariness comes from a place of feeling weary of life or you feel like you’re always under pressure, always behind where you should be, always less than, or always alone, do not give up. Look Up ! Physical weariness can be detrimental to your mind and body. Physical weariness can actually cause you to be easily misled or deceived. As I said, spiritual weariness is destructive to your mind and body, but especially to your soul . Spiritual weariness affects your eternity , as well as the eternal future of those around you, especially the little eyes who watch every move you make. I believe there are important questions to consider when you first begin to feel spiritually drained: 1. Are you seeking the world more than the Creator? 2. Do you believe feelings over God’s truth? 3. Are you lifting your emotions, feelings, and troubles to God or attempting to carry them alone? Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up .” Does your weariness cause: Anger? Depression? Loneliness? Hopelessness? If what we feel conflicts with what God’s truths expose, we must remember that He does not change . God does not move away from us. Use these times to adjust your alignment with Him and move in the direction He desires – toward Him. Here is a list of 13 actions to take when you realize you are growing weary spiritually or when the burdens of life seem to be crushing you down. Remember, you can listen now and look at the list or print it later from terrihitt.com. 1. Make time to read God’s Word . Even ten minutes spent studying the Bible instead of scrolling on the phone does wonders. The more time you spend with Him, the more you crave the Father and your personal time together. You find it easier to make time to be with Him. Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail .” 2. Make sure to get enough rest . Physical exhaustion makes every part of our mind and body weak. Look for ways to ensure you get better quality sleep or simply more of it. 3. Remember life is full of seasons . Nothing lasts forever. As hard as it gets to remember that truth when you are in the midst of turmoil, let yourself remember that your current season will pass. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me .” 4. Change your mindset . When the demands of your children seem overwhelming, remember that caring for them is service to the Lord. Ask for help. Find a trusted Christian friend who will at the very least pray with and for you to strengthen you in this time. Look for help in the areas you need. Allow help to step in where needed. Don’t allow anything to pull you away from growing in Christ . 1 Peter 5:6-8 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour .” 5. Study the demands in your life and learn to say, “no” when needed . Even to good things. If something is draining in this season, it is not worth doing. Your walk with Christ and your home life are the most important issues to handle. Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! ” 6. Assess what you can get rid of in your life . If something is no longer serving your growth in the Lord or is hindering your ability to have a mindset like Christ, it might be time to shelf the opportunity, at least for a season. Maybe you are in a season of family. Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do .” 7. Consider what may need to be added to your life . Perhaps you need lunch or coffee with a Christian friend, time alone with your spouse, a walk outdoors, a hot bath, a hobby, or a book. You may even enjoy letting things go and having old-fashioned play time with your children. Making a date to connect with them in this way daily does wonders for your relationship and the attitude of your children. Find their “love language” and place connecting with your children above a spotless home or gourmet dinner. One of the biggest blessings I have was making sure I included Bible study with my children daily. Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! ” 8. Talk to your spouse and let him know how to help you . Discuss, pray together, study God’s Word together, and find things to enjoy together. 9. Set your mind on things above . Claim and pray Colossians 3:2 , which says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ” Look for ways to live this verse. 10. Claim the hope and strength of Christ . Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me .” Ponder how much you believe this verse. Find ways to move closer to God through the hardships and trials that will enable you to allow God to carry you through anything you face. 11. Praise God, despite circumstances and continue to share the goodness of God . Even when times are tough, look back on what God has done and given in the past. Remember and focus on His truths in His Word and share. Praising despite difficulties lifts your spirits and those around you as they see the power of Christ at work in you. Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls .” 12. Talk to trusted believers . If you need support, you don’t need to air all your dirty laundry, but if you have friends, family, or a pastor who will listen to what you are enduring and give sound Biblical advice, consider sharing with them. Trusted believers are a gift from Him. 13. Pray the Word and commit to trusting and resting in God’s truths . Isaiah 40:29-31 says, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Stopping to critically assess your life and walk with Christ and the way it affects your children and spouse is critical . Out of any of the new year resolutions or habits a person might want to add, I believe viewing your present situation or circumstances through eyes set for eternity is the best way to spend your time . Psalm 63:1-4 says, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands .” Despite what this world preaches and pushes, we need Him. Our children need Him. Become more and more Christlike daily as you pursue Jesus for yourself, your children, and your family. 3 John 1: 4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Rethink this verse with your name and the names of your family members. Pray it daily and watch the hand of God change you, your desires, and your circumstances. Dear Heavenly Father, You reign in Heaven, yet also live within those of us who follow You. How great is Your love for us and Your sacrifice to be with us. Thank you for allowing us to know and fellowship with You. Thank you for sending your children to live and be trained by us! How hard it must be to see us flounder without Your perfect will and purpose. Help us to seek and follow You more earnestly with great intention to know and show You to our children. Help us deepen our personal walk with you this very moment. Be near to us and draw nearer as we turn our heart toward you. Help our children to find You irresistible because You reside within us and are shown so clearly through us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This and my “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? Did you know that when you review my podcasts on Apple, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcasts online so that more people are allowed to find and hear them. Will you please take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 109 - How Your Productivity is Holding You Back Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 109 – How Your Productivity is Holding You Back Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast offers you the biblical tools to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture. Just a quick reminder as we start, if you enjoy Purposed Parent Connected Child podcast episodes, would you please share this episode or others with a friend or family member? When you graciously take a moment to do that, and leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast, you are ensuring that others will find the podcast. When you do, you’re helping affect generations for Jesus. Now on to this episode about how your productivity is holding you back.. My middle daughter and I had a lovely, blessed trip to Florida in mid-September 2024. We went to a Christian business conference together and it could not have been a better trip. We were so grateful for the time together, the things we learned, and seeing friends we only knew online in person. Plus, we had the bonus of meeting new friends. It was such a perfect trip full of unexpected blessings. Except, about a week after I returned home I got very sick. I don’t think it was from the trip itself, although I know my resistance was very low. Truth be told, I only received about 2 hours of sleep per night and wasn’t able to eat as much as normal due to food allergies and intolerances. Of course, we also had two plane flights…and you know they say it’s a germ fest on a plane and in the airport. Also, the Monday after I returned, I had a well woman visit at the doctor’s office. I’m guessing that in my lowered resistance state I probably picked up a bug there. Regardless, when I say I was sick, I mean I was knocked off my feet and made to rest. It turned out that I had pneumonia. During this time, I also found out that I have mild heart disease. In fact, it was at a scheduled CT cardiac scan that they discovered both. Let me just admit that I don’t like to rest. I love to sleep, but whenever I wake up often through the night, I always seek the clock to see if it is late enough to get up for the day. It just feels like resting is such a waste of time. With more awake hours, I could get to see and enjoy my family and do the work God has inspired and purposed me to allow Him to complete through me. I love being awake! However, when I was sick with pneumonia, I felt like I was suddenly lazy and unproductive. It was ultra challenging to come home from such a dynamic business conference with so much new knowledge and inspiration, and ideas I wanted to implement, but then be forced to stop and rest. Because I didn’t want to be isolated from my girls during the day, I would usually take several naps a day on a large chaise in our great room off the kitchen. Our kitchen is a central hub that’s occupied most of the day by someone. By staying in the great room, I could be near them if I was needed, which took away some of the guilt I felt for being unable to do my usual chores and tasks. I could hear everyone visiting and feel like I wasn’t missing anything. Resting there also allowed me to see the world and not feel as isolated. The chaise sits beside a row of floor to ceiling windows where I could easily observe the weather, nature, and the neighbors. I was sick with that crazy pneumonia for nine weeks total! Of course, after about a month I was very slowly getting better every day, but it was extremely slow. I feel like I missed two months of my life. During most of that time I was too weak to take my usual daily walks with my middle daughter. The beautiful fall weather turned from the comfortable temps with beautiful leaves to chillier conditions with falling leaves and acorns crunching under my feet on the sidewalk by the time I was able to participate in one of my favorite activities again. Because life was literally passing me by daily, I knew I needed to humbly acknowledge that there must be a reason I was made to rest. Since I’m not a nervous or anxious person, I didn’t believe He was teaching me to relax, but there had to be many lessons God wanted me to learn. I decided to stop wishing I could get more work done and look for the opportunities He gave me while I was down. I also began appreciating my usual physical activity levels. Despite being an older mom, I usually get through the days with enough energy to keep up with my active girls. For some reason, God was calling me to focus not on them, but on myself. As I prayed for God to keep my attitude pleasant and my mind fixed on Him, I saw little ways He was blessing me daily. I was able to focus on things I didn’t normally have time to do with my business, and God provided people to help in ways that were nothing short of miraculous. His personal provisions proved that He was in charge and still wanted me to pursue the calling He gave me. His methods were perfect encouragement when I felt useless. He also showed me how He had already been caring for and protecting me when I received news from the doctor’s office about my heart health. Considering all that was happening made me understand that I didn’t usually take time to rest. My lack of focus on rest made me realize that there were things God commanded in the Bible that I was simply ignoring. All in all, I am a very balanced person. I plan my days so that I don’t work in ways that take away from my family, I make sure to read the Bible daily, study the Bible, and also enjoy a daily Bible study and prayer time with my family. Yet I had never studied rest and what God desired in that area. As you plan your new year, I want to share the ways God spoke to me and help you to make time to rest deeper in God for yourself. Society always shows us ways to do more, not less. Social media can make us believe we’re less than. Sometimes (like me) we’re our own worst critic because we feel lazy or unproductive if we take time to rest. But we must remember, even God rested. You have permission and a commandment from your Heavenly Father to do what He did on the seventh day. Rest. Let’s look at the perfect model and see how we can mold our lives more closely to His. The first thing I think of is how God Himself modeled rest. On the seventh day of creation He rested. Do you think God needed to rest? Definitely not. The Maker of Heaven and Earth modeled how He wants us to live. Genesis 2:2-3 says, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done .” Knowing that God prioritized and mentored the act of rest for us, I think it’s important that we ensure we know the full meaning of the word. The dictionary definition of “rest” is: “refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor, relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs, or a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquility .” One final statement on the meaning of the word “rest” carries special importance. It means “mental or spiritual calm.” If you look at the life of Jesus, you see that He also modeled rest. Mark 6:30-32 says, “The apostles returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves .” If we consider rest the way we see the Great I Am or Jesus do, we realize that rest is a physical and spiritual renewal for our mind, body, and soul. When we rest, we are able to reflect , renew , and rejuvenate . In our society, busy is a sort of status symbol. We wear the label “busy” with pride. On the flip side, rest is often thought of as laziness or incompetence. Then, the way we view rest is complicated by the weariness that comes from not resting. Think about how difficult it is to make good choices when you’re tired. For me, it’s most challenging to think wisely when I’m tired or hungry. Our health can easily decline when we don’t get enough rest. Our minds don’t work as well when we’re sluggish or worn out. I’ve found that I also eat more when I don’t get enough rest. I haven’t researched to see if I’m accurate, but I know my body. When I don’t get enough sleep, I crave more food like my body is trying to fuel up to stay awake. Another truth about tired is that when we don’t get enough rest we tend to get less done. Why? We simply can’t operate with optimal energy or enthusiasm when we haven’t gotten the rest we were fashioned and mentored to need. It’s really another reminder of the Bible verse in Galatians 6:7, which says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” When we choose to get little rest, we reap little. I find it interesting that the word “rest” is mentioned 548 times. Why would God model rest, command rest, and have the Bible speak of rest if it wasn’t important? Another beautiful truth to remember is that Jesus didn’t seek solace simply to be alone. Christ sought solace in the presence of God alone. Jesus mentored the way to rest. He mentored the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He showed us that rest means more than sleep . Rest is more than mending physically, mentally, or emotionally. Rest brings us spiritual healing from the Great Physician . Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light .” Because we live post Jesus, we now have the teachings of the New Testament and the Old. Of course, there are things in the Old Testament that modern day believers no longer have to follow. We are freed from rituals and practices though life in Christ. We don’t have to make burnt offerings because Jesus became the offering for God. But there is also much wisdom found in the pages and words of the Old Testament. We aren’t bound by the laws of the Israelites , but we also find blessed significance in the laws we have learned. Just as we don’t throw out the commandments God made to not steal or kill, we can step into the promise of rest on the Sabbath, as well as incorporating patterns of rest through our week. Here are twelve steps to help you focus on what matters for eternity and gain the rest that honors and pleases your Heavenly Father. 1. Pray for God to show you where you need to step into the promise of rest with Him. 2. Humbly submit to Christ as Savior and release burdens to God. 3. Prioritize the Bible. Read or listen daily. 4. Stay connected to God through prayer. 5. Work to keep regular sleeping habits. 6. Don’t eat heavily right before bed and get enough healthy foods and drinks. 7. Don’t sleep with your phone on and in your room. 8. Get out in nature regularly (if not daily). 9. Use gifts and talents God gave you. That’s makes “work” a blessing. 10. Use discernment and prayer before scheduling or committing to activities and learn how to say “no” without guilt and with guidance from God. 11. Practice Sabbath rest. Find a day or portion of the day to rest, or commit to resting after church on Sundays. It doesn’t mean you have to eat bon bons all day and do nothing, but you can. I found that doing activities or hobbies I don’t usually make time for are very enjoyable on a Sunday afternoon. 12. Enjoy time with God and family as you pray, play, and rest. As you pray over this list, God will expose areas He wants you to focus on. None of us will find perfect rest, especially if we’re not prioritizing the practice. But God is good. He desires that we seek and follow rest as He modeled and He will bless the efforts you give for Him. It’s such a blessing to look at the life of Jesus and find better ways to follow Him. He truly is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We’re so blessed to have a mentor to follow to become more Christlike every day. As this new year begins, enjoy the fruits of rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Your productivity won’t hold you back as you try to spin your wheels through fatigue or burnout. Instead, you’ll learn to rest in Him and enjoy fellowship and peace by slowing down. By the end of the year you will be much better rested and restored in the Lord with a renewed soul that rests in Him and makes you even more productive. Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Great I Am. We are so thankful that You sent Jesus to show us the way to You and create a path to Your arms. Thank you for Your sacrifice that we may live and have abundant lives. Please equip us to rest in the ways You desire. May we slow down to live more fully aware of the ways You provide and protect. May we slow down to have our souls restored. May we slow down to please You and humbly submit to Your ways. Thank you for showing us the way to a joyful and restful life. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Raising children is challenging. No one has all the answers because each child is unique as are parenting styles and family dynamics. By connecting with and knowing your children as you maintain purposed growth in Christ, you will be better prepared for any situation you face. That’s why you hear me share about the Set-Apart Collective in this podcast. I work with professionals who care about making Jesus known to their children. Are you a high-achieving woman who loves Jesus, but is so busy with the rush of work and daily life that you feel like you’re being drained like the water in your bathtub? Do you yearn to get closer to Jesus and show Him to your kids so you will create a love that will last into eternity? The desire is there, but your days spiral out of control before you even think about opening your Bible. Do you ever stop to think that you are the first Jesus your child will see? Let me remind you there is hope. There is a way you can be equipped to raise kids who chase Christ over culture. If you want a connected relationship with Christ and your children that leads them to your side and His feet, instead of them seeking validation from peers, I have an 8-step program to move you from frustrated to fulfilled. I will show you how to reflect Jesus in a way that attracts your family to a connected relationship that lasts into eternity. Remember, godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset you carry. If you don’t want peers and culture to be the main influence over your child, if you desire to parent to “prepare” your child for eternity with Christ, not repair your relationship with them, the Set-Apart Collective will arm you with a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You’ll also deepen your identity in Christ so you can mentor the way for your children to do the same. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family and you will have the tools to raise set apart kids as you parent the heart, not simply the behavior. Does this sound like a lifeline to help you be that set-apart mom God has entrusted you to be? Visit terrihitt.com/coaching and click the link for a free, no obligation conversation call with me. This is a strategic call where I will hear your biggest struggle and show you how to turn it into a blessing that will bring you closer to Christ and your children. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. One last thing to remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 022 - Mature Your Child Toward Perfection in Christ Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #022 – Mature Your Child Toward Perfection in Christ Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. Do you ever stop to think about the fact that: Every decision you make impacts the life of your child. Every decision you make exposes your relationship with God. When my husband and I told our family we were going to China to adopt our third child, a ten-month old baby girl in China when we were 44 years old, we weren’t met with approval. In the beginning we didn’t have the support of either set of parents. Although we were not old, we weren’t near the age we were when we began raising our first two children, and we weren’t the young age at which our parents began parenting, either. Since everyone in our family had children at an early age, the idea of beginning what was basically another family in our early forties (since our first two were completely raised and no longer living in the home with us), seemed crazy. Nowadays, it’s not at all uncommon to begin having children in your late thirties or early to mid-forties. In fact, even though our parents didn’t quickly approve, I think my mother was forgetting that her very own mother raised two biological children with her husband, my grandpa, then after the girls (my mother and my aunt) were raised, grandma got pregnant two more times, which brought my aunts. One is two years older than me and one who is one month older than me. In hindsight, as we’re now 17 years past bringing home our baby, and we’ve returned to China ten years later to bring home our then 9 year old daughter, I can see that the process of adoption grew my husband and I, as well as our parents. Our first two children also moved closer toward the perfection of God through lessons they learned. Each of us was transformed in ways only God can measure through our obedience to Him through this beautiful and holy step of love. Every decision you make can bring you closer to or away from the mirror image of God. Every decision you make can move your child closer to or away from reflecting the image of God. 1 Corinthians 15:49 says, “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. ” I treasure knowing that as we establish close relationship with Jesus, and move in humble obedience to His Word and ways, we are being crafted into image bearers of the Lord. As this transformational process continues, followers are able to grasp the special, specific purposes God individually desires for each of us. Matthew 5:48 reveals the words of Jesus, “’Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect .’” Obviously, no one on earth is or can be perfect. As much as we love our children, we know that they can sometimes be very far from perfect as they follow fleshly desires. So can we. How do we guide them? Let’s examine this verse spoken by Jesus. 1. Jesus is speaking of character . None of us will ever be flawless, so obviously our children won’t, but Jesus calls us to aspire to a character like Christ. As we react to and raise our children, we must be mindful of how our responses and training, as well as our example of daily living reflects the character of Jesus. 2. Jesus is speaking of holiness . In a world of sin and enticement that claims to fulfill our fleshly desires, we must remember to teach our children about the holiness of God. This doesn’t mean hammering them over the head with their unholiness each time they make a mistake, but living as examples of holiness for them to emulate. As we seek and follow the Lord in obedience, our children see what we desire and do. As we are devoted to the desires God carries and shows to us, we are better able to be examples of His mercy and light for our children to learn. The closer we are to Christ, the nearer they will be drawn to Him . 3. Jesus is speaking of maturity . Although it takes time and devotion to grow our maturity in Christ, as we seek and follow Him moment by moment, the changes made to our life become more and more evident. As our children grow and mature, they are able to witness the effects of submitting to holy living under God and see the level of love and devotion we offer Him. 4. Jesus is speaking of love . 1 John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. ” Our children will mature toward perfection as they submit to Jesus and experience and exhibit the love He carries for them. As we mature in our faith and obedience to the Lord, we are better equipped to mentor our children . Obviously, each day brings more opportunities to live and grow in Christ, but as we humbly submit to Him, we can live with assurance that we are growing in perfection through His strength. Are we perfect? No, but - Our character, holiness, maturity, and love are reflecting His perfection within us. Perfection, in the way we and our children can develop, doesn’t mean perfect as the world describes the word. To develop a more godly or Christlike character is the goal for each of us as parents and to set for our precious children to follow. Only Jesus can fulfill the ultimate perfection. Only He can set the example of what perfection consists of or looks like. As we follow Him, submit and cling to Him, draw our children nearer to Him, obey Him, and proclaim Him, they will be able to witness the Way, the Truth, and the Life and be drawn to Him for a true, deep, and eternal relationship. 1 John 3:2-3 says, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure. ” Our life under Christ is a process that transforms us to become more and more Christlike as we submit and follow Him through personal relationship . Our process of transformation won’t be complete until we stand face-to-face with Christ one day, but while we are on earth, we have the opportunity to continue growing in and through Him, striving toward His perfect purity of character and holiness. As we change, our children are changed. Their present and future are altered. As we draw nearer to Christ, and desire our children to mature in perfection with Him, we cannot ignore the effects of culture around us and the negative way these values and lies affect our children. On the last podcast, “Say NO to Ungodly Influences in Your Heart and Home,” we looked at a list of ways we may be allowing ungodly influences to penetrate our heart and the home of our children. In turn, this sets our children up to accept or ignore the ungodliness we tolerate. In fact, what we permit in the lives of our family now will become accepted and applauded in the future. Don’t let what culture pushes or idolizes affect your decisions. Only God’s Word and values should be used to discern what will touch and teach your children. One item I forgot to add to the list we reviewed in the last episode is the way culture has accepted and pushed LGBTQ agenda in recent years. While I believe this subject needs to be addressed with love and respect, because each person is made in God’s image and with His utmost care, I recognize and honor that the only guide to offer authentic truth and direction is the Bible, God’s Holy Word. If God says marriage is between one man and one woman, that is what we should build our life upon and teach to our children. As believers, we must focus on God, pleasing and following Him. To those who do not know Him, this is viewed as an act of hatred or aggression, however, if we treat those who do not agree with love as God would do, we do not need to agree with or condone what they do. Neither do we need to shrink away in fear or embarrassment as society would have us do. Each person in the world makes mistakes and sins against God in some way daily. To the Lord, those transgressions are not large or small in the way humans tend to categorize them. Sin is sin. Our Almighty, Sovereign Holy Father allows each of us to make our own decisions about whether or not we follow Him and how we will live our life. Keep looking to Him for guidance and direction. Our heart desire should be to please, honor, and obey Him and to teach our children to do the same. The acceptance of gay marriage in our culture was a slippery slope that has branched to include much more. Each step moves closer to the next thing, like a chain with many attached links. Although most gay individuals do not accept the agenda that is currently being pushed in our schools, such as transgenderism and sexual fluidity, the movement to accept gay marriage did start the process for more inclusion along the same lines. We need to remember that God does not command us to follow His guidelines simply to impose rules we may not understand, but to protect and provide for us. Whether we tell a lie, rob a bank, entertain impure thoughts, or lust after another of the same sex, God sees the sins as the same. While some say that “love is love,” their human opinion does not matter. The truth is that loving another person’s spouse, a person of the same sex in a sexual way, or an adult loving a minor in an impure way is simply and obviously not the same as the beautiful way a mother loves a child or a man loves his wife. Humans can label whatever we want to do in whatever fashion makes us feel good, but it does not change the truth of how our Holy God views and categorizes the act. Our children must be taught to know, love, honor, and obey Jesus in order to follow Him all the days of his or her life. This means respectfully and lovingly educating them in the words of the Bible - and first and foremost, modeling a genuine love and humble respect for and relationship with Jesus and others. Another topic I did not address in the recent podcast episode is abortion. I don’t understand how this is a touchy subject within the Christian community, but somehow, even believers are divided. God created and values life. Each fearfully, wonderfully made person was knitted together in the womb and the days of our life are seen and numbered for specific purposes. Who knows, perhaps the cure for cancer will never be found because the individual who would have found the prevention or cure was not allowed to live and was killed in the womb. Our children must read , study , and know the words in the Bible to begin to understand the mind of God and live within His holy commands to experience the freedom and joy only Christ can bring. In order to do so, we must be on the frontlines, learning and growing through Christ ourselves. We must value the Lord and cultivate a right and righteous relationship with Jesus so that we are able to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord. There is no greater honor than to be entrusted by God Himself to be a godly parent for the children He has entrusted to us. Proverbs 17:6 says, “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. ” Proverbs 23:22 says, “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old .” Do not look at your life or the ways of culture through worldly eyes and heart. Entrust your child to God alone and strive to be a mirror image of Him more and more each day so that you can mature yourself and your child to perfection through Christ. Dear Heavenly Father, only You are holy. Only You are good. This world feeds into the human need for more, for popularity, for acceptance, for riches, for indulgences. All we crave or pursue is actually found in and through You alone. When we trust in You, we find that You , the One who conceived and knitted us together knows the deepest needs of our heart and can fulfill us like no other. Please enable each of us to be the parent You desire. Equip us to be pleasing in every way to You and to help our children become a mirror image of You. Dear Father, help us to stay on the path You chose for us and to guide our children on the path You have carved for them. May they be holy, as You are holy. Help us to excise things from our life that displease You or harm our children now or in the future. We thank you for the loving care You are able to give to each one devoted to following You. Help our children to be one of them. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This and my “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Will you take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 130 - Are You Living With Eternal Perspective? Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 130 – Are You Living With Eternal Perspective? Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom so you can BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you’ll be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture. Just a quick reminder as we start, if you enjoy Purposed Parent Connected Child podcast episodes, would you please share this episode or others with a friend or family member? When you graciously take a moment to do that, and leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast, you are ensuring that others will find the podcast. When you do, you’re helping affect generations for Jesus. Now on to this episode that poses an important question: Are you living with eternal perspective? 1 John 2:25 says, “And this is the promise that He made to us—eternal life .” Eternal life. Forever Alive. No death. It’s impossible for our human mind to grasp the depth, the mercy, or the holiness of this promise. We cannot comprehend all that God has in store for those of us who humbly love Him, and follow Him with humble faith, love, and obedience. So many believers hear the words eternity, eternal life, or live with eternal perspective and have a moment of gratitude for the gift God promises. Yet, how many of us actually grasp those words and apply them to daily living? What does it even mean to purpose to live with a perspective beyond self and this world? 1 John 5:13 says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life .” When many people imagine the end of their life, they hope for something good. Christians can be certain of life with Christ in eternity, but we only have our limited human understanding of what it might be like. In fact, 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Some people don’t want to dwell long on thoughts about life after death because they begin to feel depressed or anxious. But hallelujah ! Because of Jesus, we can be assured of life eternal with Him and that it will be far beyond our miniscule expectations. The promise I read from 1 Corinthians 2:9 isn’t based on how we feel or what we hope for, but on God’s truth . If you have confessed and committed your life to Christ, you can rest in assurance through faith that you will have eternal life with Jesus. How beautiful that life will be…more exquisite than words can convey when you sit and really soak that promise in and take it to heart. As a long-time believer, I thought I was living with eternal perspective when my oldest daughter passed away. I already had a close, maturing relationship with God through Jesus. I loved Him, served Him, honored, and obeyed Him. Yet, when my beautiful child died unexpectedly at the age of twenty-nine, my life was forever altered. Suddenly one of my children was gone. She was living somewhere else - without me. She was in another place – somewhere I couldn’t go to visit her. She had moved into her eternal home. Never again would I see her gorgeous, light up a room smile. I’d never get to hug her again. I’d never share another conversation, listen to her musical laugh, and I’d never hear her witty jokes, funny thoughts, or get to offer her advice. Because I was so young when I had my firstborn, we used to tease that we’d grow old together. My heart squeezed with pain that she was gone before me and I wasn’t able to say an intentional last goodbye and hold her so tightly God would let her stay. My precious daughter was simply immediately gone . It was then that I understood living with one foot here on earth, and one firmly planted in Heaven. This is where God has me for now. One day it will be my time to go to be with Him forever in eternity. Right after my hug from Jesus, I want to see and hug my girl. Her death made me realize with surety that everything in this life is temporary, and begin to live like it. With one foot here and one foot creating a bridge to where my Jesus and my Jaime reside, I immediately changed my thought and living patterns. I don’t waste moments – each one carries a lesson or opportunity to grow in Him or nurture another for Him. Each moment is captive for Christ. I’m still far from perfect, but seek His perfect guidance moment by moment as I rest and abide in the Father’s arms. Are you living like I used to? Do you think you’re experiencing each moment with a perspective beyond this world? Or are you going through the motions of life just “believing in eternity” without the effects of seeing how thin the veil between worlds is? Are you living without intention that shows the Father you’re using the time He’s allotted for you with purpose for Him? There are four beautiful verses that offer hope, truth, and assurance for us now and in the future. Let me share them now. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few .” Jesus stressed that He knows how difficult it is to stay focused on following Him. Represented by the two gates are the two choices each person must face. Will you purpose to faithfully and intentionally follow Jesus or something else? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ” This verse captures truth about God’s plan. Who would sacrifice their beloved son? But God’s plans are never what we expect, yet somehow they are exactly what we need, even before we know or carry the ability to understand. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them .” Believers are not saved by our works, but we have been saved for the good works He will accomplish through us. As we mature our personal relationship and grow a godly lifestyle through maturing our Christian walk, the works are an outgrowth, an extension of Christ within us as He works through our humble, obedient spirit. John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also .” In these precious words from Jesus, we find assurance that our way to eternal life is secure . If your hope and faith are in Him, you can trust that He has personally prepared your way to and in life eternal. Jesus didn’t give specific details, but with faith, we don’t need them. Our trust is in Him and our future is with Him . Obviously, the promise of eternal life isn’t based on our works, but on His Word and His sacrificial act. Why wait for eternity to begin claiming this gift? You and I can live for eternity in the present. Right now. In ways that honor and please Christ. Jesus lived with His heart and mind fixed on eternity – not this world. This place was a temporary holding ground that enabled Him to fulfill the purpose God held for Him. How do you view this world? Do you live for fleshly desires or to fulfill God’s will? Do you live with your eyes fixed above, knowing Jesus could return at any moment? Do you live with a heart that longs to please your Heavenly Father? Do you live with a mind that honors and dwells on thoughts pleasing to God? Or are you getting through each day without grasping the significance of the moments you’ve been granted? Are you holding moments loosely and allowing the Father to craft them into the purpose He desires? Are you teaching your children to do the same as they watch the way you honor the life you’ve been given with such great cost? No matter the suffering Jesus faced, He never faltered. He never failed, because Jesus carried a godly and righteous view of eternity . Jesus lived backwards according to the way most humans live on earth. The Lord looked to the end of His earthly days to plan out what He did as He relied on, honored, and obeyed God fully. His life was defined by His longing for obedience under God and eternity with Him . When we live with Jesus’s mindset, we carry His mind and strength to cleanse our life of the sin that pulls us away from our Heavenly Father. It is only by His grace and Spirit within us that we can begin to understand and desire a life focused beyond this world. Then we can allow our relationship with Jesus to dictate our earthly walk and fellowship with Him and others. We can allow Him to show us what to count as important or worthy of attention. We consider what our life should look like under God and strive to live in ways so that others may detect His presence within us and be drawn to Him because of it. Especially our spouse and children. Would you like to know ways to ensure you live for eternity now? 1. Cling to Jesus – with an intentionally intimate and deepening relationship. Abide in the Father’s arms and live in the fullness of Christ’s sacrifice and with His mind and heartset. 2. Connect with prayer – Through intimate conversation with the Father throughout each day, set times to pray, scriptural prayers, and heartfelt musings, and remain connected to the Father through this lifeline to Him. Listen for His responses and guidance. Keep an open conversation and set times for deeper praise and petition. 3. Read, study, and share God’s word – Mature your walk and share Him and your testimony with others, whether they be friends, family, or strangers, not only through words, but in your actions, reactions, desires, and integrity. The way we present ourselves must be in alignment with how we live and how we treat family members, friends, and strangers. Our lifestyle must be in alignment with God’s Word. 4. Love the Lord - with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind and expose Him through words, actions, reactions, and desires. 5. Find and follow God’s will – Following and obeying the Lord, studying His word, and conversing through prayer, listening for His voice and direction, and heeding sound biblical advice are ways to find and follow the Lord. 6. Raise children to know and honor Him – As we draw nearer to Him, our children are drawn closer, as well. The same is true for your spouse. As you hear this list, does it seem overwhelming? I promise it’s not. As you seek the Father through relationship with Jesus and seek time with His Word daily, then converse with prayer and worship, you will find more and more time to continue. He begins to take priority over worthless tasks or time-suckers you may be wasting time on right now. Through this transformation, you will be centered on Christ most of all. As He flows through all that you are, you become more like Him. You view the world more as He does, and realize more of the desires God crafted within you. So often we scan the library and bookstores to find the perfect books to improve and change us or to change others. Books challenge and develop us, but not always in the ways God desires. The Bible is the single most important book ever written, yet so often we pass it by as we seek the newest fad or forget the true wisdom it holds. The keys to healthy, joyful living and the secrets to living with eternal perspective are written in every book the Bible contains. As a book lover and a reader, I understand the value of reading books with godly values, but please don’t overlook the most important and influential book. Don’t place it to be read last or when you think you have time. Make sure to read it first, then include other quality books that align with God’s morals and directives. The focus of your heart behind the desire to change or improve as a believer should be what directs and propels you to act. Place Christ at the forefront of daily thinking and witness the changes He makes in and through you. This self-development is the most important change you can make because the results matter for eternity. 1. Search the Scriptures 2. Humbly submit to Christ 3. Honor the Father 4. Serve how He calls 5. Witness the changes He makes in you and others because of your obedience Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others .” As you draw nearer to God through Scriptures, prayer, and relationship, your faith becomes a deeper love. It becomes one that humbles you to receive what Christ desires to accomplish within and through you. Are you using and truly believing the power of God’s Word? Luke 9:23 says, “And He said to all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me .” Dying to self is not something we can accomplish on our own. By trusting Jesus more each day as you grow your walk with Him, looking upward toward the eternal plan He has established, toward the eternity you will have with Him, you will be drawn to allow Him more access to your heart and home. Galatians 5:22-26 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another .” Living with eternal perspective takes the sting out of disappointments as we trust the Father. This eternal-driven mindset takes the competition out of daily life. We trust that our personal life holds a purpose no one else has. Likewise, we recognize that the lives of others are unique and purposed by the same Hand that crafted each individual with intention. The fruits we receive from the Holy Spirit thriving and growing within us become focused on serving others over self. Intentionally developing godly character qualities honors the Father who intentionally crafted each one of us with purpose. Jesus placed others before self, yet allowed God full reign over His life. Each step we take toward following Christ moves us closer to eternity as we live for it in the present. Grow in Him. Inhale Christ so you can exhale Him on your family. In time you will see a difference in your connection with Jesus and those you love. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit .” Dear Great and Glorious Heavenly Father, help us in Your Sovereign love for us, to view this world through Your eyes. May our treasures be placed under You because they are what You have deemed worthy of praise. Help us to decrease as we allow You to be increased within us. Lord, You tell us that if we hate our life in this world we will keep it for eternity. May we follow You as faithful servants yearning to honor and please You. May our minds be sober and our intentions pure as we cling to Your promises of tomorrow today. Help our life to be so transformed that the lives in our families are as well. May Your glory and grace be so evident in us that it shines through the lives of our spouse and children. May that cycle continue for generations. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. If you’re ready to become the godly mom God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. If you’re ready to be more intentional - to be purposed in preparing your children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ, contact me at info@terrihitt.com . I think you’ll be interested in my Set-Apart summer renewal for $197. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. Remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #102 – Resolution or Reflection Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Let’s talk about anticipation. I consider it one of the gifts we have in this life. Have you ever experienced the joy of planning a vacation or special event, awaited a holiday or birthday, perhaps a visit from or a surprise for a loved one? Each event carries the anticipation of what we hope for. Half of the fun is in the planning and anticipation. What if we carry that expectation into the new year in regards to our walk with Jesus? Each year people make New Year Resolutions. Sometimes they stick. Most of the time they’ve disappeared within days or weeks. What would you like your walk with Jesus to look like in the new year? What would you like it to be like at the end of your life? What do you want others to see in you? Do you desire a reflection of the Lord to shine for all to see and be drawn to Him? Over the last two years, through this podcast, I have shared interviews with many people who have spoken of their God stories about how the Lord has, or is, working in their life. I’ve shared practical tips and advice on deepening your walk with God through a personal relationship with Jesus, and how to continue growing the depth and width of your walk. Nothing gives me as much joy as finding ways to experience the fullness of joy that Christ has for each one of us Right now we are each sandwiched between Christmas and New Year’s. For some, it is business as usual as they continue their schedule without change or much thought. For others, they are in that glorious time of year in which they are off work and able to stay home before heading back off to work next week. For others, like me, it is a special time of year in which we are out of school until after the beginning of January and we are each busy getting things we normally don’t have time to do accomplished. I also use this time to think of the upcoming year. Each morning we awaken is a gift. Gratefulness abounds for me the moment I open my eyes. Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” I don’t want to journey into the new year without pondering with great anticipation what the Lord has for me. What work does God request that I allow Him to accomplish through me? I challenge each of us to look not for resolutions for the new year, but to sit with our Bible and in prayer as we seek the Lord and reflect on what He speaks in the silence. Which will deepen and mature your walk with Jesus? Resolution or Reflection? What will draw you nearer to God so that He will draw nearer to you? Resolution or Reflection? Think of what areas you need change or results in life. Will making a resolution help? Maybe. But with certainty, I promise that if you hand it to God and seek Him for guidance and reflection, He will show you the way to a true and lasting resolution. Not just a New Year’s resolution. How should you reflect with the Lord? Simply. 1. Find a quiet space 2. Sit alone with God 3. Seek Him 4. Converse in prayer 5. Listen 6. Respond When we ask for God to intervene and take control, to guide us in His will and ways, He does. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait patiently for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the Lord!” Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” No matter what you are facing in this moment or hour, God is present. He knows your situation and is waiting on you to turn to Him and continue to rely on His strength and wisdom. Heavenly Father, thank you for this moment in time. You are our lighthouse, our strong and mighty fortress. Thank you for allowing us to turn to You, dear Father, our Jehovah-Jireh. There is none like You. Our Great Provider. May we not focus on our trials, but accept Your provision, even when it is not what we expect. Help us to trust You more and more each moment. May we focus on a life with You that extends beyond the world that we can see and taste. Help us to crave eternity with You and our eternal home each day, as we continue to widen our hope and trust in You. We pray that You come quickly, dear Lord. Rescue us from this world that is farther from You than we even understand. We need You so much. May the new year bring us to our knees in search of greater relationship with You. May we experience Your mighty grace and compassion, may Your hand move in this land and in our hearts and homes as we resolve to reflect You in solitude and through our thoughts, attitude, words, and actions. Shine from us, Father because we seek and desire You above all else. Let us reflect on You, reflect Your nature, and resolve to mentor the way to You for others. May we live with anticipation of the glorious ways we will see you at work within and around us daily. In the precious and holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. Please share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. You can share my website, terrihitt.com and let others know that on it they will be able to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature their walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage them to raise or influence children and grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. I also invite you to listen to the top ten downloaded episodes of 2021. Is your favorite among them? Simply go to the link in the transcript of this episode (on my website and in the podcast notes) to see who made the list. I’d appreciate it if you would share the link with friends who may like to discover the podcast, too. Thank you for making God known in new and eternal ways. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KsuvrYwl4uP34lJmU5b0g I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 102 Resolution or Reflection Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #102 – Resolution or Reflection Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Let’s talk about anticipation. I consider it one of the gifts we have in this life. Have you ever experienced the joy of planning a vacation or special event, awaited a holiday or birthday, perhaps a visit from or a surprise for a loved one? Each event carries the anticipation of what we hope for. Half of the fun is in the planning and anticipation. What if we carry that expectation into the new year in regards to our walk with Jesus? Each year people make New Year Resolutions. Sometimes they stick. Most of the time they’ve disappeared within days or weeks. What would you like your walk with Jesus to look like in the new year? What would you like it to be like at the end of your life? What do you want others to see in you? Do you desire a reflection of the Lord to shine for all to see and be drawn to Him? Over the last two years, through this podcast, I have shared interviews with many people who have spoken of their God stories about how the Lord has, or is, working in their life. I’ve shared practical tips and advice on deepening your walk with God through a personal relationship with Jesus, and how to continue growing the depth and width of your walk. Nothing gives me as much joy as finding ways to experience the fullness of joy that Christ has for each one of us Right now we are each sandwiched between Christmas and New Year’s. For some, it is business as usual as they continue their schedule without change or much thought. For others, they are in that glorious time of year in which they are off work and able to stay home before heading back off to work next week. For others, like me, it is a special time of year in which we are out of school until after the beginning of January and we are each busy getting things we normally don’t have time to do accomplished. I also use this time to think of the upcoming year. Each morning we awaken is a gift. Gratefulness abounds for me the moment I open my eyes. Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” I don’t want to journey into the new year without pondering with great anticipation what the Lord has for me. What work does God request that I allow Him to accomplish through me? I challenge each of us to look not for resolutions for the new year, but to sit with our Bible and in prayer as we seek the Lord and reflect on what He speaks in the silence. Which will deepen and mature your walk with Jesus? Resolution or Reflection? What will draw you nearer to God so that He will draw nearer to you? Resolution or Reflection? Think of what areas you need change or results in life. Will making a resolution help? Maybe. But with certainty, I promise that if you hand it to God and seek Him for guidance and reflection, He will show you the way to a true and lasting resolution. Not just a New Year’s resolution. How should you reflect with the Lord? Simply. 1. Find a quiet space 2. Sit alone with God 3. Seek Him 4. Converse in prayer 5. Listen 6. Respond When we ask for God to intervene and take control, to guide us in His will and ways, He does. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait patiently for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the Lord!” Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” No matter what you are facing in this moment or hour, God is present. He knows your situation and is waiting on you to turn to Him and continue to rely on His strength and wisdom. Heavenly Father, thank you for this moment in time. You are our lighthouse, our strong and mighty fortress. Thank you for allowing us to turn to You, dear Father, our Jehovah-Jireh. There is none like You. Our Great Provider. May we not focus on our trials, but accept Your provision, even when it is not what we expect. Help us to trust You more and more each moment. May we focus on a life with You that extends beyond the world that we can see and taste. Help us to crave eternity with You and our eternal home each day, as we continue to widen our hope and trust in You. We pray that You come quickly, dear Lord. Rescue us from this world that is farther from You than we even understand. We need You so much. May the new year bring us to our knees in search of greater relationship with You. May we experience Your mighty grace and compassion, may Your hand move in this land and in our hearts and homes as we resolve to reflect You in solitude and through our thoughts, attitude, words, and actions. Shine from us, Father because we seek and desire You above all else. Let us reflect on You, reflect Your nature, and resolve to mentor the way to You for others. May we live with anticipation of the glorious ways we will see you at work within and around us daily. In the precious and holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. Please share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. You can share my website, terrihitt.com and let others know that on it they will be able to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature their walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage them to raise or influence children and grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. I also invite you to listen to the top ten downloaded episodes of 2021. Is your favorite among them? Simply go to the link in the transcript of this episode (on my website and in the podcast notes) to see who made the list. I’d appreciate it if you would share the link with friends who may like to discover the podcast, too. Thank you for making God known in new and eternal ways. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KsuvrYwl4uP34lJmU5b0g I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #061 – Seeking and Seizing Teachable God Moments Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Before we start the podcast today, I’d like to mention the upcoming Who Is Carter Foundation third annual Gala fundraiser on April 9th at 6:00 PM. The Brain Possible Podcast is fully funded and operated by this wonderful, nonprofit organization. Who Is Carter would love for you to be there in person or online! Your support at the gala ensures the ability to continue to bring you their podcasts, resources, and more into the coming year. There are two ways to attend: If you live in the Kansas City area, attend in person at The Bardot Luxury Event Space at 1616 Grand Avenue in Kansas City, MO. There will be great food, an inspiring program, live music, and unique auction items such as a stay at the Ritz Carlton, Cancun or a Guatemala fishing resort trip, and even a VIP meet-and-greet with Chiefs’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill! Of course, every available COVID-19 precaution will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. If you don’t live in the Kansas City area, or are more comfortable staying in, you can join the activities virtually! Tune in online on the evening of the 9th; you’ll even have full access to bid on silent auction items online! Visit whoiscarter.org/gala for more information and to purchase tickets. This wonderful organization I have mentioned on the podcast before looks forward to being with you on April 9! Thank you for considering attending the Who Is Carter Foundation Gala. Now, on to this week’s episode. Have you ever wished you knew more about Jesus? His days growing up? Imagine if He had kept a diary for us to read. I would treasure reading His day to day thoughts. At least we can learn so much about how to live through reading Jesus’s words recorded in the Bible and I am incredibly thankful for that. Of course, the more we study His words, really dig in theologically, the better we understand and can model our lives after His. Jesus must have sought and seized simple daily opportunities as teachable God moments. Just as I am sure our Heavenly Father would like us to do. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Capture all moments of life for Him. Loving Jesus is like breathing; He is the air we need to survive. The Lord cannot be compartmentalized; Jesus flows into every area of our life. As we shift our focus to continuous living with an eternal mindset that is aware of how we respond and how it affects others for Jesus, we live with a gentleness and respect for the Lord, people, and the world around us. We desire to share the hope that is in us through the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus. Today I simply want to share a few stories of everyday life with you. I often get comments from people saying they enjoy these glimpses into our life the best. I think people just like to see how other people use daily moments to love and honor God. I would love to hear your stories, as well. After listening to the podcast, feel free to email me through the link on my website at terrihitt.com. I would treasure hearing your stories of seeking and enjoying the teachable God moments with your children or of how God has matured you personally in your walk with Him. He tenderly and intimately personalizes special moments with each one of us who have eyes to see and hearts to experience and believe. This first story happened with my youngest about three years ago. I’m going to read it as I originally wrote it, almost in a diary form. Brooklyn admired my rings as I was putting on jewelry today. Remembering that I have other rings I don't usually wear anymore, she went to my jewelry box, hoping she could wear one of them. I've never been one to want big, fancy, expensive pieces, but what I have has sentimental value. She pointed to a blue ring and got it out to look at. With excitement, she discovered that it fit her middle finger. "Oh, that ring is special," I told her. "You picked out a good one. Bring it over to the light," I said. She followed me to the bathroom and we stood under the vanity lights. Still not quite bright enough for what I wanted to show her, I swiped my phone screen and brought up the flashlight. Shining it toward the top of the ring, we looked again. The blue surface now had a brilliant white star on top. "Oh, pretty!" she exclaimed. "That's a star sapphire," I said. "That ring is the first gift Daddy ever gave Mommy. He gave me that ring when we were dating," We went upstairs to a skylight and looked at the ring again in the bright sunlight. "Another reason that ring is so special is that it reminds me of Jesus," I said. "When the ring doesn't have light on it, you can't see the star inside. When you flash the light on it, the beautiful star shines." Brooklyn looked at me as I continued talking. "When people go out in the world, we all look the same. But when Jesus shines His light through us, other people can see it. They see Him in us, just like we see this star in the ring." She smiled, absorbing more truths that were unspoken to her for too long. We left for speech therapy together - a mommy with one of her special daughters and a little girl wearing a ring that will never outshine the beauty Jesus is growing inside of her. When I was driving later, tears gathered in my eyes as I thought about how God knew long ago that the ring Dennis gave me for Christmas when I was 17 would be a tool in our future daughter, Brooklyn's life to help shape and grow her in Him. We will continue looking for miracles and living in His grace. I deeply appreciate the way God goes before us. How beautiful, merciful, and good His ways are. We simply cannot fathom the love and care He has for us. I did not know Jesus when I was a teenager, yet God knew me and loved me enough to use a gift from my boyfriend to set a plan in place for our future youngest child to learn of Him in a special and deeper way over half a century later. Psalm 139:5-6 says, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Psalm 136:16 says, “Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.” This next story is one I shared on my blog. I will read it as I shared there. Earlier this week I heard words that I knew might one day be said. In 15 years of adoptive parenting, they had never been spoken to me. “You’re not my real mom.” Instead of pain, my first thoughts were “How can I help her? What is going on inside her mind and spirit?” Always so good with eye contact, my youngest did not meet my eyes this time. Even when we received her as ours after meeting for the first time in China, she had perfect eye contact. In fact, her gaze was so impressive that I knew we had a fireball in our family. I remained calm and kept my voice gentle. “Why do you say that?” I asked. “Why do you say I’m not your real mom?” “Because you are wearing make-up today,” she said. I began to laugh. I couldn’t help it. My youngest loves to stay home. Her perfect day includes me waking her up in the morning wearing no makeup and my “stay home” clothes. Yes, there is a distinct difference in the way I look at home and when I go out in public. Comfy clothes are all I wear at home. Not pajamas, but close – soft and warm clothes. Brooklyn wears her pajamas all day – every day, unless we go out. This was her unique way of telling me how dissatisfied she was with me. After hugging, I explained to her that I knew she didn’t like to go to the doctor. I promised her it would be an easy visit and that we could stay home – without makeup – the next day. The next morning after awakening her (of course in my no makeup, stay home attire), I asked her if her “real mommy” was back. She smiled and told me, “Yes. Mommy likes to stay home with me.” It’s so important for us to dig deep into the messages we hear. This world sends so many false messages. As I have matured in my walk with Christ, He has enabled me to get better at letting Him discern what I believe and how I control my responses. It is so important for us to read and study His word daily so that we are not controlled by our flesh. We can make time for what we deem important, and even fifteen minutes of study will increase our desire to know and follow where God calls. As we make His word a priority, we establish Him as a priority. Life can be so difficult and confusing. The only anchor we have is Jesus. Our responses, desires, and attitude, as well as actions are all a direct result from the time we spend with Him. We have to know our beliefs in order to live them. Our Savior must be alive inside of us in order for us to reflect Him. Things are not always what they appear to be. Words are not always defined by our interpretation. Let Jesus be the One to guide and influence what you prioritize, believe, and how you respond. He alone will keep us from being deceived in this world full of lies. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” So often we think we know what others mean or we project our thoughts onto them. Children teach us how beautiful simple conversation and honesty are. No wonder Jesus wants the children to come to Him. I remember writing this next piece because I was deeply touched by how God ministered to and taught me through my middle daughter. Before I begin reading it, let me share that I’m the kind of person who wants to help people. When I know someone is hurting, I immediately want to help them find a way to make things better. Yet, God often needs to do a work in or through us before pain can be erased. Often, our trials may not be just for us to learn and grow, but for the others who will see or participate and learn and grow through them. Our Heavenly Father is sovereign. God used a dishwasher to help me remember that sometimes we just need to stand in the pain with others as we trust and allow Him to work. Here’s the next story: Our family washes dishes by hand (after our dishwasher stopped working several years ago). People actually get anxious when I admit that we didn’t run out to replace this appliance immediately. They say they couldn’t imagine living without a dishwasher. Do I miss it? Sometimes I definitely do! On the days we are in and out of the house with just enough time to eat and spread dirty dishes everywhere, I really miss it. Most days, no. Why? I cherish the time spent with my family while completing chores together. We have a system. Usually, I wash and rinse dishes, and Marissa dries and puts them away. Many times, my husband will join in to help dry and put the dishes away, too. While we take care of dishes, Brooklyn folds and puts away the laundry we washed that day (she brings it to the kitchen to work on). May I share that she doesn’t just fold it. The items look professionally pressed. She “hand irons” pieces as she folds, lovingly forming soft creases in the fabric that express her deep gratitude for us, her beloved family. My mother’s eye observes and treasures special qualities God blessed us with in our home, and the way we commit their use to one another in His honor. We usually have the best discussions while everyone is gathered together without distractions. Often, we sing and dance while music is played and we always find something to laugh about. Even the dogs join in. Can you believe our Mini Schnauzer loves us to sing to her? One day last week, the girls and I were listening to a variety of songs as we worked. Naively, I chose one that I had not listened to in years. Instruments sounded the opening chords of a piece I used to enjoy with my oldest daughter, Jaime in her teen years. A realization pierced me. I have officially lived twice as long as Jaime. My age is 58 years. My beloved daughter died at age 29. Then, another thought occurred. Jaime was born when I was 18. It has been 10 years since she passed away. That means I have now lived a total of 28 years of my life without her. Now I have lived a little over half of my life without her. My heart seized at the realization. I wept. My pain wasn’t expressed in a loud, sobbing cry, but with a quiet, resigned sadness that understands I cannot change anything, yet accepts that sorrow will always line my soul with the painful loss only God has carried me through. Soon, the years will begin adding up so that I have lived more and more of my life without her. It’s not supposed to be that way. Children are supposed to live longer than parents. The imperfections in this world could rip apart our relationship with God. Yet, He doesn’t desire it to. “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.” Psalm 91:4 He created us to desire Him. Not only in the good times. A best friend cradles and carries you. They never leave your side in the hardest moments. That is Jesus. My best friend. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. Because His compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 As my silent tears exposed my grief, Marissa tightly hugged me. We shared the longest embrace I can remember. Wishing she could erase my pain, yet understanding that I had to embrace this season of it, my daughter simply and bravely stood with me in it. She acknowledged my grief and loved me in it. Just like Jesus does. Our broken dishwasher was a catalyst for the continued work the Lord was crafting in my personal journey, as well as in our family connection. The multi-faceted mystery of God is so much more than we see or imagine. Faith continues growing in our home. In our lives. In our hearts. In the actions of my children. I am immensely thankful for the love we share each day. I’m also grateful for the tears. “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 Just like me. Just like you. “You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in your book?” Psalm 56:8 Jesus is so concerned about our pain that He lovingly keeps track of what we do and what happens to us, storing our tears in a bottle, personally and intimately caring about every single event that occurs in our lives. Beautiful examples are modeled for us to follow for others. Marissa couldn’t store my tears or pain in a bottle, but she could stand with me. In the pain. No words needed. Just like Jesus. Living with eternal perspective means that we must condition ourselves to look for Jesus in the ordinary pockets of life. Hopefully, the more get accustomed to living that way, we get better and eventually live more with that mindset than without. My next piece exposed my desire to protect my daughter, but without the mind and heartset that Jesus would have me model for her. We must strive to adjust and keep all areas in our life focused on Him properly. Yet, even through our mistakes, Jesus knits good together despite the tattered threads of our unraveling attempts to be like Him. Let me expose my mistake and the way God redeemed it through working a good work in me for my daughters to see. Last week, I specifically asked God to humble me and allow me to become more like Him. As I whispered the words I truly meant, I knew that I was “asking for trouble.” Sometimes the prayers we offer to God can be scary. Just like when we pray for patience, I knew I would encounter both “painful” and “blessed” experiences ahead. I forgot to add the adjective, “embarrassing” to my list. As my Creator, God knows exactly what I need to become more like Him. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 It didn’t take long. Just a few days later I went to the county fair with my family. God was at work. I often reflect on my calling as a Christian and how that pertains to how I act and react to others daily. But, as at the fair, sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and we don’t think before we react. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us to walk worthy of the calling with which we are called. Sometimes, it’s hard. Obviously, it was for me that day at the fair. “Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1b-3 I had a few frustrating things happen, but the incident that triggered me to react the opposite of how I wish I would have…was…at the kiddie airplane ride. I’m not proud of my reaction. We stood in line while the multi-colored airplanes twirled, lifting small children high and low into the air. I watched my youngest daughter as she waited first in line. This was her fourth full summer with us. Almost four years of her life had now been spent in the company of a forever family who adores her instead of in a tiny crib with no human interaction. She adores family time. Absolutely treasures time with us. Going to fairs and carnivals is a delight for her. After waiting for the planes to stop spinning and letting other riders out, the operator opened the gate for her to enter the ride area. Then he stopped and asked her to measure her height at a sign near the entrance to the ride. A sign we had not seen. My girl was about an inch taller than the maximum height requirement. “She is wearing tennis shoes that make her about an inch taller,” I informed him. He shook his head. “No ride,” he said in limited English. “But she’s not really that tall,” I insisted. “The shoes make her taller.” “No,” he insisted as he continued shaking his head. “Are you serious?” I asked. “Whatever,” I remarked with frustration. “Let’s go,” I told my daughter as we got out of line. I couldn’t believe that he had let us wait in line all that time and then told her she was too tall, when she really wasn’t. Also frustrating was the fact that he wouldn’t admit that it was clear her shoes made her taller. My kids (and my husband) watched me as we left the line. They were a little surprised at my reaction. Actually, I was too. No one else was as frustrated as I was. Immediately, I thought about what a bad example I was being to my family and to the ride operator. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 I had a choice as to whether I wanted to be frustrated or to realize that this silly airplane ride didn’t really matter. I was acting like foolishly. My frustration began to evaporate. How could I remain frustrated when God was already speaking to me? Of course, the conversationalist that I am, I discussed the experience and my reaction with my kids while we were still at the fair. I want to think about how what I do affects others around me. My responses can draw someone to or push them away from Jesus. Drawing others to Him, just by allowing Him to shine, means everything to me. I’m so glad I prayed to be humbled. I wonder what is next… My prayer is now that I will handle being humbled with more visible grace and light as I allow Jesus to continue transforming me moment by moment. How often do you jump in to rectify a situation or protect a loved one without waiting to see what God may have planned? His mercy is never ending. I am incredibly thankful for the work He has done and is doing in me. I’ll share one more story today. I hope my mistakes and joys allow you to cling more closely to God and perfect your ability to see His grace, wisdom, and provisions in each moment of your day. When I gave birth to my two biological children, I never considered bonding and attachment. The gift naturally occurred. In my defense, I was not a seasoned mother. I was only 18 when I delivered my first child and 21 when my second child was born. Yet, I wonder if all older mothers give much consideration to the fact that not all babies have the same beginnings in life. Even when a child stays with their birth family, there is still a need for intentional and purposeful bonding and attachment. When we adopted an infant from China 26 years after having our second child, we had obtained many years of parenting experience, as well as ongoing early childhood education on trauma, bonding, and attachment. Our eyes and hearts were opened wide by our innocent baby girl and the needs she carried. Then, we adopted again ten years later, and brought home an older child. We were as prepared as we could be. That doesn’t mean we had all the answers, but we knew where to go. God has made all the difference. Each child is unique. Each family is unique. Each situation is unique. But I knew; God is always the same. He has carried us every step of the way. Our eyes and minds have been fixed on Him for wisdom, guidance, understanding, peace, love…everything. He makes all things possible. But not all things are easy. What undeserved blessings we have received! We've witnessed miracles. Loss and grief have mingled with new beginnings that only God could orchestrate. What brokenness we have watched God heal. Shortly after our youngest child was home, she was overwhelmed by emotions that could not be expressed, except through tears. Although she was unable to tell me what she was feeling, I wanted to stay near – and I sat on the floor of her bedroom with her. Our language was strange; she had never heard it before coming to America. Everything was completely different: the language, smells, foods, sounds, home, people, animals, and even the way we responded to her. Used to no attention, she was now cherished by strangers. Her emotions told me she was frightened, overwhelmed, and she was grieving all that she knew and understood. Although I knew this was completely normal for the situation we were in, I just wanted to be close to her, for her to realize that I wouldn’t leave her in the hard places. She would never be abandoned. She was treasured. It was hard. She wouldn’t let me hold her. She didn’t want to hear my voice. But she did let me sit near her. In fact, if I tried to move away, she wailed louder, confirming my instincts to stay. As I stayed close, the lyrics of the Casting Crowns song, “Just Be Held,” flowed through my mind, intermixed with fervent prayers as I begged my Heavenly Father to help her. “Hold it all together. Everybody needs you strong. But life hits you out of nowhere and barely leaves you holding on.” Yes. Both of us were trying to hold it together. She was struggling to find a way to keep her control. I was definitely praying as I sat with her or I would not be able to hold it together for her. It was extremely difficult to sit through all the wailing and not be able to do anything. My heart was breaking for all she was fighting and going through. I thought of how God sees us when we hurt and struggle. Song lyrics continued in my mind. “And not a tear is wasted. In time, you’ll understand. I’m painting beauty with the ashes. Your life is in My hands.” “Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place. I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held. Just be held. Just be held.” If only she could just let go and be held, I thought. But there was no way she could understand the changes her life was undergoing or the depth of our love for her already. I had to make sure I let go and let God handle the situation. I had no answers. I had to rely on Him to comfort her, unique to her needs, and individual to the plan He had for her life. I wanted her to realize that she was safe. That she could trust me - trust us. That with time, she could trust our love. God's love. Our family didn’t even know the way our love would deepen and evolve as we all bonded, attached, and grew together. Just as we cannot possibly fathom the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. He has a special love and relationship with each of us. We need to just let go and simply be held. Just accept. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 How many of us resist God and struggle for years? How many still do not release control and allow themselves to be held? How many do not realize their worth through Him? As we believe we have released control in one area, there is always another to work on. Nothing we experience in life is wasted. Not even one tear. “Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?” Psalm 56:8 “Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black, or white. They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Just as he adores them as grown-ups. No matter what we think or do. Let yourself be held. Experience transformation through Him. He truly is (more than) enough for all of our needs. Seek and seize the teachable moments God places before you and your children. Wear His eyes to see and experience His heart to believe. Father God, we thank you that you love us through our imperfections, but You don’t leave us there when we seek You. Thank you for offering a bridge for us to come straight to You through Jesus. Father, help us be more aware of Your presence in our life daily. Without You, we are nothing. God, we need You desperately! Help us to please You more each moment as we see and show You more clearly in our lives. Thank you for revealing Yourself through daily life, in the large and small moments that speak to us so intimately. Help us use those times, hard and easy, to cling more closely to You and shift our behaviors and thoughts to match Yours. In Your Precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. I’m thrilled to share that my latest free resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” has released! This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I encourage you to visit terrihitt.com to access and download it soon. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 061 Seeking and Seizing Teachable God Moments Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #061 – Seeking and Seizing Teachable God Moments Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Before we start the podcast today, I’d like to mention the upcoming Who Is Carter Foundation third annual Gala fundraiser on April 9th at 6:00 PM. The Brain Possible Podcast is fully funded and operated by this wonderful, nonprofit organization. Who Is Carter would love for you to be there in person or online! Your support at the gala ensures the ability to continue to bring you their podcasts, resources, and more into the coming year. There are two ways to attend: If you live in the Kansas City area, attend in person at The Bardot Luxury Event Space at 1616 Grand Avenue in Kansas City, MO. There will be great food, an inspiring program, live music, and unique auction items such as a stay at the Ritz Carlton, Cancun or a Guatemala fishing resort trip, and even a VIP meet-and-greet with Chiefs’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill! Of course, every available COVID-19 precaution will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. If you don’t live in the Kansas City area, or are more comfortable staying in, you can join the activities virtually! Tune in online on the evening of the 9th; you’ll even have full access to bid on silent auction items online! Visit whoiscarter.org/gala for more information and to purchase tickets. This wonderful organization I have mentioned on the podcast before looks forward to being with you on April 9! Thank you for considering attending the Who Is Carter Foundation Gala. Now, on to this week’s episode. Have you ever wished you knew more about Jesus? His days growing up? Imagine if He had kept a diary for us to read. I would treasure reading His day to day thoughts. At least we can learn so much about how to live through reading Jesus’s words recorded in the Bible and I am incredibly thankful for that. Of course, the more we study His words, really dig in theologically, the better we understand and can model our lives after His. Jesus must have sought and seized simple daily opportunities as teachable God moments. Just as I am sure our Heavenly Father would like us to do. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Capture all moments of life for Him. Loving Jesus is like breathing; He is the air we need to survive. The Lord cannot be compartmentalized; Jesus flows into every area of our life. As we shift our focus to continuous living with an eternal mindset that is aware of how we respond and how it affects others for Jesus, we live with a gentleness and respect for the Lord, people, and the world around us. We desire to share the hope that is in us through the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of Jesus. Today I simply want to share a few stories of everyday life with you. I often get comments from people saying they enjoy these glimpses into our life the best. I think people just like to see how other people use daily moments to love and honor God. I would love to hear your stories, as well. After listening to the podcast, feel free to email me through the link on my website at terrihitt.com. I would treasure hearing your stories of seeking and enjoying the teachable God moments with your children or of how God has matured you personally in your walk with Him. He tenderly and intimately personalizes special moments with each one of us who have eyes to see and hearts to experience and believe. This first story happened with my youngest about three years ago. I’m going to read it as I originally wrote it, almost in a diary form. Brooklyn admired my rings as I was putting on jewelry today. Remembering that I have other rings I don't usually wear anymore, she went to my jewelry box, hoping she could wear one of them. I've never been one to want big, fancy, expensive pieces, but what I have has sentimental value. She pointed to a blue ring and got it out to look at. With excitement, she discovered that it fit her middle finger. "Oh, that ring is special," I told her. "You picked out a good one. Bring it over to the light," I said. She followed me to the bathroom and we stood under the vanity lights. Still not quite bright enough for what I wanted to show her, I swiped my phone screen and brought up the flashlight. Shining it toward the top of the ring, we looked again. The blue surface now had a brilliant white star on top. "Oh, pretty!" she exclaimed. "That's a star sapphire," I said. "That ring is the first gift Daddy ever gave Mommy. He gave me that ring when we were dating," We went upstairs to a skylight and looked at the ring again in the bright sunlight. "Another reason that ring is so special is that it reminds me of Jesus," I said. "When the ring doesn't have light on it, you can't see the star inside. When you flash the light on it, the beautiful star shines." Brooklyn looked at me as I continued talking. "When people go out in the world, we all look the same. But when Jesus shines His light through us, other people can see it. They see Him in us, just like we see this star in the ring." She smiled, absorbing more truths that were unspoken to her for too long. We left for speech therapy together - a mommy with one of her special daughters and a little girl wearing a ring that will never outshine the beauty Jesus is growing inside of her. When I was driving later, tears gathered in my eyes as I thought about how God knew long ago that the ring Dennis gave me for Christmas when I was 17 would be a tool in our future daughter, Brooklyn's life to help shape and grow her in Him. We will continue looking for miracles and living in His grace. I deeply appreciate the way God goes before us. How beautiful, merciful, and good His ways are. We simply cannot fathom the love and care He has for us. I did not know Jesus when I was a teenager, yet God knew me and loved me enough to use a gift from my boyfriend to set a plan in place for our future youngest child to learn of Him in a special and deeper way over half a century later. Psalm 139:5-6 says, “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Psalm 136:16 says, “Give thanks to him who led his people through the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever.” This next story is one I shared on my blog. I will read it as I shared there. Earlier this week I heard words that I knew might one day be said. In 15 years of adoptive parenting, they had never been spoken to me. “You’re not my real mom.” Instead of pain, my first thoughts were “How can I help her? What is going on inside her mind and spirit?” Always so good with eye contact, my youngest did not meet my eyes this time. Even when we received her as ours after meeting for the first time in China, she had perfect eye contact. In fact, her gaze was so impressive that I knew we had a fireball in our family. I remained calm and kept my voice gentle. “Why do you say that?” I asked. “Why do you say I’m not your real mom?” “Because you are wearing make-up today,” she said. I began to laugh. I couldn’t help it. My youngest loves to stay home. Her perfect day includes me waking her up in the morning wearing no makeup and my “stay home” clothes. Yes, there is a distinct difference in the way I look at home and when I go out in public. Comfy clothes are all I wear at home. Not pajamas, but close – soft and warm clothes. Brooklyn wears her pajamas all day – every day, unless we go out. This was her unique way of telling me how dissatisfied she was with me. After hugging, I explained to her that I knew she didn’t like to go to the doctor. I promised her it would be an easy visit and that we could stay home – without makeup – the next day. The next morning after awakening her (of course in my no makeup, stay home attire), I asked her if her “real mommy” was back. She smiled and told me, “Yes. Mommy likes to stay home with me.” It’s so important for us to dig deep into the messages we hear. This world sends so many false messages. As I have matured in my walk with Christ, He has enabled me to get better at letting Him discern what I believe and how I control my responses. It is so important for us to read and study His word daily so that we are not controlled by our flesh. We can make time for what we deem important, and even fifteen minutes of study will increase our desire to know and follow where God calls. As we make His word a priority, we establish Him as a priority. Life can be so difficult and confusing. The only anchor we have is Jesus. Our responses, desires, and attitude, as well as actions are all a direct result from the time we spend with Him. We have to know our beliefs in order to live them. Our Savior must be alive inside of us in order for us to reflect Him. Things are not always what they appear to be. Words are not always defined by our interpretation. Let Jesus be the One to guide and influence what you prioritize, believe, and how you respond. He alone will keep us from being deceived in this world full of lies. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” So often we think we know what others mean or we project our thoughts onto them. Children teach us how beautiful simple conversation and honesty are. No wonder Jesus wants the children to come to Him. I remember writing this next piece because I was deeply touched by how God ministered to and taught me through my middle daughter. Before I begin reading it, let me share that I’m the kind of person who wants to help people. When I know someone is hurting, I immediately want to help them find a way to make things better. Yet, God often needs to do a work in or through us before pain can be erased. Often, our trials may not be just for us to learn and grow, but for the others who will see or participate and learn and grow through them. Our Heavenly Father is sovereign. God used a dishwasher to help me remember that sometimes we just need to stand in the pain with others as we trust and allow Him to work. Here’s the next story: Our family washes dishes by hand (after our dishwasher stopped working several years ago). People actually get anxious when I admit that we didn’t run out to replace this appliance immediately. They say they couldn’t imagine living without a dishwasher. Do I miss it? Sometimes I definitely do! On the days we are in and out of the house with just enough time to eat and spread dirty dishes everywhere, I really miss it. Most days, no. Why? I cherish the time spent with my family while completing chores together. We have a system. Usually, I wash and rinse dishes, and Marissa dries and puts them away. Many times, my husband will join in to help dry and put the dishes away, too. While we take care of dishes, Brooklyn folds and puts away the laundry we washed that day (she brings it to the kitchen to work on). May I share that she doesn’t just fold it. The items look professionally pressed. She “hand irons” pieces as she folds, lovingly forming soft creases in the fabric that express her deep gratitude for us, her beloved family. My mother’s eye observes and treasures special qualities God blessed us with in our home, and the way we commit their use to one another in His honor. We usually have the best discussions while everyone is gathered together without distractions. Often, we sing and dance while music is played and we always find something to laugh about. Even the dogs join in. Can you believe our Mini Schnauzer loves us to sing to her? One day last week, the girls and I were listening to a variety of songs as we worked. Naively, I chose one that I had not listened to in years. Instruments sounded the opening chords of a piece I used to enjoy with my oldest daughter, Jaime in her teen years. A realization pierced me. I have officially lived twice as long as Jaime. My age is 58 years. My beloved daughter died at age 29. Then, another thought occurred. Jaime was born when I was 18. It has been 10 years since she passed away. That means I have now lived a total of 28 years of my life without her. Now I have lived a little over half of my life without her. My heart seized at the realization. I wept. My pain wasn’t expressed in a loud, sobbing cry, but with a quiet, resigned sadness that understands I cannot change anything, yet accepts that sorrow will always line my soul with the painful loss only God has carried me through. Soon, the years will begin adding up so that I have lived more and more of my life without her. It’s not supposed to be that way. Children are supposed to live longer than parents. The imperfections in this world could rip apart our relationship with God. Yet, He doesn’t desire it to. “He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.” Psalm 91:4 He created us to desire Him. Not only in the good times. A best friend cradles and carries you. They never leave your side in the hardest moments. That is Jesus. My best friend. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. Because His compassions fail not, they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 As my silent tears exposed my grief, Marissa tightly hugged me. We shared the longest embrace I can remember. Wishing she could erase my pain, yet understanding that I had to embrace this season of it, my daughter simply and bravely stood with me in it. She acknowledged my grief and loved me in it. Just like Jesus does. Our broken dishwasher was a catalyst for the continued work the Lord was crafting in my personal journey, as well as in our family connection. The multi-faceted mystery of God is so much more than we see or imagine. Faith continues growing in our home. In our lives. In our hearts. In the actions of my children. I am immensely thankful for the love we share each day. I’m also grateful for the tears. “Jesus wept.” John 11:35 Just like me. Just like you. “You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in your book?” Psalm 56:8 Jesus is so concerned about our pain that He lovingly keeps track of what we do and what happens to us, storing our tears in a bottle, personally and intimately caring about every single event that occurs in our lives. Beautiful examples are modeled for us to follow for others. Marissa couldn’t store my tears or pain in a bottle, but she could stand with me. In the pain. No words needed. Just like Jesus. Living with eternal perspective means that we must condition ourselves to look for Jesus in the ordinary pockets of life. Hopefully, the more get accustomed to living that way, we get better and eventually live more with that mindset than without. My next piece exposed my desire to protect my daughter, but without the mind and heartset that Jesus would have me model for her. We must strive to adjust and keep all areas in our life focused on Him properly. Yet, even through our mistakes, Jesus knits good together despite the tattered threads of our unraveling attempts to be like Him. Let me expose my mistake and the way God redeemed it through working a good work in me for my daughters to see. Last week, I specifically asked God to humble me and allow me to become more like Him. As I whispered the words I truly meant, I knew that I was “asking for trouble.” Sometimes the prayers we offer to God can be scary. Just like when we pray for patience, I knew I would encounter both “painful” and “blessed” experiences ahead. I forgot to add the adjective, “embarrassing” to my list. As my Creator, God knows exactly what I need to become more like Him. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 It didn’t take long. Just a few days later I went to the county fair with my family. God was at work. I often reflect on my calling as a Christian and how that pertains to how I act and react to others daily. But, as at the fair, sometimes our emotions get the best of us, and we don’t think before we react. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us to walk worthy of the calling with which we are called. Sometimes, it’s hard. Obviously, it was for me that day at the fair. “Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1b-3 I had a few frustrating things happen, but the incident that triggered me to react the opposite of how I wish I would have…was…at the kiddie airplane ride. I’m not proud of my reaction. We stood in line while the multi-colored airplanes twirled, lifting small children high and low into the air. I watched my youngest daughter as she waited first in line. This was her fourth full summer with us. Almost four years of her life had now been spent in the company of a forever family who adores her instead of in a tiny crib with no human interaction. She adores family time. Absolutely treasures time with us. Going to fairs and carnivals is a delight for her. After waiting for the planes to stop spinning and letting other riders out, the operator opened the gate for her to enter the ride area. Then he stopped and asked her to measure her height at a sign near the entrance to the ride. A sign we had not seen. My girl was about an inch taller than the maximum height requirement. “She is wearing tennis shoes that make her about an inch taller,” I informed him. He shook his head. “No ride,” he said in limited English. “But she’s not really that tall,” I insisted. “The shoes make her taller.” “No,” he insisted as he continued shaking his head. “Are you serious?” I asked. “Whatever,” I remarked with frustration. “Let’s go,” I told my daughter as we got out of line. I couldn’t believe that he had let us wait in line all that time and then told her she was too tall, when she really wasn’t. Also frustrating was the fact that he wouldn’t admit that it was clear her shoes made her taller. My kids (and my husband) watched me as we left the line. They were a little surprised at my reaction. Actually, I was too. No one else was as frustrated as I was. Immediately, I thought about what a bad example I was being to my family and to the ride operator. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 I had a choice as to whether I wanted to be frustrated or to realize that this silly airplane ride didn’t really matter. I was acting like foolishly. My frustration began to evaporate. How could I remain frustrated when God was already speaking to me? Of course, the conversationalist that I am, I discussed the experience and my reaction with my kids while we were still at the fair. I want to think about how what I do affects others around me. My responses can draw someone to or push them away from Jesus. Drawing others to Him, just by allowing Him to shine, means everything to me. I’m so glad I prayed to be humbled. I wonder what is next… My prayer is now that I will handle being humbled with more visible grace and light as I allow Jesus to continue transforming me moment by moment. How often do you jump in to rectify a situation or protect a loved one without waiting to see what God may have planned? His mercy is never ending. I am incredibly thankful for the work He has done and is doing in me. I’ll share one more story today. I hope my mistakes and joys allow you to cling more closely to God and perfect your ability to see His grace, wisdom, and provisions in each moment of your day. When I gave birth to my two biological children, I never considered bonding and attachment. The gift naturally occurred. In my defense, I was not a seasoned mother. I was only 18 when I delivered my first child and 21 when my second child was born. Yet, I wonder if all older mothers give much consideration to the fact that not all babies have the same beginnings in life. Even when a child stays with their birth family, there is still a need for intentional and purposeful bonding and attachment. When we adopted an infant from China 26 years after having our second child, we had obtained many years of parenting experience, as well as ongoing early childhood education on trauma, bonding, and attachment. Our eyes and hearts were opened wide by our innocent baby girl and the needs she carried. Then, we adopted again ten years later, and brought home an older child. We were as prepared as we could be. That doesn’t mean we had all the answers, but we knew where to go. God has made all the difference. Each child is unique. Each family is unique. Each situation is unique. But I knew; God is always the same. He has carried us every step of the way. Our eyes and minds have been fixed on Him for wisdom, guidance, understanding, peace, love…everything. He makes all things possible. But not all things are easy. What undeserved blessings we have received! We've witnessed miracles. Loss and grief have mingled with new beginnings that only God could orchestrate. What brokenness we have watched God heal. Shortly after our youngest child was home, she was overwhelmed by emotions that could not be expressed, except through tears. Although she was unable to tell me what she was feeling, I wanted to stay near – and I sat on the floor of her bedroom with her. Our language was strange; she had never heard it before coming to America. Everything was completely different: the language, smells, foods, sounds, home, people, animals, and even the way we responded to her. Used to no attention, she was now cherished by strangers. Her emotions told me she was frightened, overwhelmed, and she was grieving all that she knew and understood. Although I knew this was completely normal for the situation we were in, I just wanted to be close to her, for her to realize that I wouldn’t leave her in the hard places. She would never be abandoned. She was treasured. It was hard. She wouldn’t let me hold her. She didn’t want to hear my voice. But she did let me sit near her. In fact, if I tried to move away, she wailed louder, confirming my instincts to stay. As I stayed close, the lyrics of the Casting Crowns song, “Just Be Held,” flowed through my mind, intermixed with fervent prayers as I begged my Heavenly Father to help her. “Hold it all together. Everybody needs you strong. But life hits you out of nowhere and barely leaves you holding on.” Yes. Both of us were trying to hold it together. She was struggling to find a way to keep her control. I was definitely praying as I sat with her or I would not be able to hold it together for her. It was extremely difficult to sit through all the wailing and not be able to do anything. My heart was breaking for all she was fighting and going through. I thought of how God sees us when we hurt and struggle. Song lyrics continued in my mind. “And not a tear is wasted. In time, you’ll understand. I’m painting beauty with the ashes. Your life is in My hands.” “Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place. I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held. Just be held. Just be held.” If only she could just let go and be held, I thought. But there was no way she could understand the changes her life was undergoing or the depth of our love for her already. I had to make sure I let go and let God handle the situation. I had no answers. I had to rely on Him to comfort her, unique to her needs, and individual to the plan He had for her life. I wanted her to realize that she was safe. That she could trust me - trust us. That with time, she could trust our love. God's love. Our family didn’t even know the way our love would deepen and evolve as we all bonded, attached, and grew together. Just as we cannot possibly fathom the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us. He has a special love and relationship with each of us. We need to just let go and simply be held. Just accept. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1 How many of us resist God and struggle for years? How many still do not release control and allow themselves to be held? How many do not realize their worth through Him? As we believe we have released control in one area, there is always another to work on. Nothing we experience in life is wasted. Not even one tear. “Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record?” Psalm 56:8 “Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black, or white. They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Just as he adores them as grown-ups. No matter what we think or do. Let yourself be held. Experience transformation through Him. He truly is (more than) enough for all of our needs. Seek and seize the teachable moments God places before you and your children. Wear His eyes to see and experience His heart to believe. Father God, we thank you that you love us through our imperfections, but You don’t leave us there when we seek You. Thank you for offering a bridge for us to come straight to You through Jesus. Father, help us be more aware of Your presence in our life daily. Without You, we are nothing. God, we need You desperately! Help us to please You more each moment as we see and show You more clearly in our lives. Thank you for revealing Yourself through daily life, in the large and small moments that speak to us so intimately. Help us use those times, hard and easy, to cling more closely to You and shift our behaviors and thoughts to match Yours. In Your Precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. I’m thrilled to share that my latest free resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” has released! This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I encourage you to visit terrihitt.com to access and download it soon. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast. Episode #011 – Abundance Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Forced changes in our nation over the last several weeks have shaped a new definition of abundance in the minds of most Americans. If you ponder the definition of the word, you most likely think of “a very large quantity of something” or “plentifulness of good things,” or “prosperity.” Throughout our years of marriage, my husband and I have shared times of ease and of difficulty. Getting married right out of high school with only $1,000 in savings was hard. Within the first year we had a baby and new expenses, medical bills, plus my health took a hit. After suffering for a few years with health issues, I had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 22. By then, we had two children and a lot more medical bills and expenses. I look back at those early years with wonder at how we survived. Before we knew God was caring for us, He was. My in-laws were there to help in many ways, and they prayed for us daily. Gradually, my health improved, and I began babysitting at home until our children were a little older and then I had to go to work outside of the home. We were working very hard to get out of debt. I remember paying about $100 total a month (which was a lot), breaking payments into $5 per medical specialist we owed just to keep them from calling collections on us. It was all we could afford. The Lord definitely provided miracles for us multiple times where we had no idea what we would do. Then, in later years, after our first two children were young adults, and we were in the last months of our first adoption from China, we needed $9,000.00 for the remaining expenses and travel money we needed to bring our infant daughter home. We prayed together daily through our “paper pregnancy” and this was one of the many requests we lifted to the Lord. After praying specifically about this need for about two weeks, my husband was called into his boss’s office at work and received a bonus check. After taxes and tithing, the amount was exactly $9,000.00. Matthew 6:11 says, “Give us this day our daily bread.” On our second adoption, I was no longer working outside of the home as I left my job the week before we left for China the first time. We had sucked through savings when we had to pay for the unexpected funeral of our oldest daughter and then my husband was laid off his job for almost two years. We honestly had no idea how we would pay for another adoption. The cost had risen substantially from ten years earlier, yet we knew with a certainty that God was calling us to obey and adopt. It was clear that God had a plan and we needed to bring home our last child. We knew it was our obligation to be clear on His calling and then step out in obedience. We were absolutely certain that God would provide everything we needed because of what He tells us in His word and faithfulness to us in the past. During this time, God blessed us with many loving friends and family members who donated small amounts that added up to help enormously. He also prompted two special friends to give large amounts that surprised and blessed our hearts immensely. We were recipients of several small grants from various organizations and a matching grant that complimented the giving of friends and family I mentioned earlier. Yet, just one week before our travel date, we were still in need of $3000.00. As I sat in a meeting with hospice discussing arrangements for my mother with Alzheimer’s, who had suddenly taken a turn for the worse, I received a call from one last organization. They wanted to let me know that they had a last-minute grant for us in the amount of $3,000.00. Only God. Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” We stepped out in abundant obedience and let God manage the abundant details. Through the years, God has proven to me that I have taken times of abundance for granted. The more we made financially, sometimes I expected more. It doesn’t matter whether I felt like we were doing things with our money that God would approve of or not. What was critical is that I began to feel entitled to what I had. Life insurance is a great example of what I mean. Earlier I mentioned my husband’s job loss. It was when the economy took a dip about ten years ago and was the only income source our family had. My husband and I had made a pact that I would remain a stay-home mother as we raised our second family. It was extremely important to us to honor that promise we made to God and each other. Due to his job loss, we had to purchase COBRA (Continuation Coverage Assistance), which was extremely expensive. In addition, my insurance eligibility was suddenly questioned. It took months of work, a doctor visit with different blood tests, and petitioning from a rheumatologist and me before the insurance company decided they would insure me. I knew God heard our urgent prayers. I remembered each time I had complained about insurance premiums and co-pays being so expensive in the past and appreciated the blessing of just being covered now, despite it costing much more money. God had changed my heart while still providing care. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” Everything we experience in life, whether we are ignoring the Lord or following Him intentionally, can be used to deepen our faith and understanding of Him and to allow us to draw nearer to Him so He will draw nearer to us. I consider that ultimate abundance. The majority of us in the United States live abundant lives. Especially in comparison to much of the world. Because of that, even if we live with what we consider to be grateful hearts, we may not live with an abundant awareness that everything we have is truly a gift provided by God. Deuteronomy 8:17-18a instruct us, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Everything is formed by His hands and comes to us from His hands. Often, when times are plentiful, we take things for granted without realizing it. We neglect to remember that our prosperity is not to be credited to our own wit, determination, or power. God allows and gives us all that we are and have. Although His love for us is intense and lasting, He rightfully expects us to manage all that He gives us in ways that will be pleasing to Him and with a remembrance that it is all from and for Him. God gives and takes for seasons and purposes that allow His abundant work to be completed in and around us. What God allows us to possess must be used for Him. If our lives are full of abundance, He has entrusted those gifts to us for a purpose at this time. The more we receive from His hands, the higher our responsibility to use our time, understanding, and resources becomes. Often, when our gifts and resources are financial, we find it is easy to become self-reliant and to forget what we have is a gift. It may or may not continue to be entrusted to us. We are to have open hands and an open heart with all we receive from God. Mark 10:23 says, “Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When we already possess everything we could want and have the means to purchase anything we desire, it can be difficult to recognize our abundant need for a Savior. It is also easy to convince ourselves that the gifts and abundance we have are for our pleasure. Yet, when God has entrusted a resource to us, He expects us to use it for others to glorify His name and bring others to Him. 1 Peter 4:10-11a says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” How loving God is to endow us with gifts and talents! He could have allowed none of us to enjoy abilities that bring joy and pleasure. That He enables us to serve Him with them is further evidence that His love for us is extravagant and of course, abundant. Have you noticed that when you use what God has gifted you for selfish purposes just how little pleasure is felt? When we exercise generosity and serve others with what we have received, fullness of joy and gratitude flood in and propel us to give more. I have a friend who lives in South Carolina. During the last four years that I have known her, I have witnessed her embody giving with a beautiful spirit of grace. When our youngest celebrated our first birthday home with us, this friend ordered her a beautiful cake that was shipped to us. This past Christmas I received a late Christmas gift in the mail. It was a beautiful Christian Planner that I now use for work in this ministry. Who do you think it was from? Yes, it was also sent from this same South Carolina friend. She always looks for ways to give and enables others to feel seen and honored. I have been immensely blessed in being a recipient of her personalized care and generosity. She has found a way to show the principle of giving with a whole heart that has caused me, and I am sure many others, to feel abundantly loved. Joy and contentment are eternal. When we allow God to fill us with the ability to live and give joyfully with what He provides and strive to honor Him with it, we will also have the abundant peace that accompanies joy and contentment. Philippians 4:11b-13 says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Is it easy to live with abundant contentment? No, not easy, but possible. To embody continuous contentment, we must make a choice to rely on the Holy Spirit alive in us to teach the behavior needed to ignore circumstances, or emotions, and build our resistance to complaining or searching for more. The Greek word for contentment is also translated as “satisfied, adequate, competent, or sufficient” in the New Testament. God’s will is for us to be abundantly satisfied despite circumstances. Galatians 5:22-25 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” Living with abundance is not just about money or contentment mindsets. Jesus gives us the ability to fully live with abundant hearts, thoughts, peace, gratitude, joy, hope, love, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control, and contentment. Because of Him, our minds and emotions can be free to live with the abundance He intends for us. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” When we strive to live closely with Jesus, He opens our eyes and minds, as well as our heart, to see and firmly believe that an abundant life is built on what we claim through and because of Him. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” I think something extremely important in the verses I mentioned from Colossians is found in what comes next in verse 3, which says, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Surrendering to Him each and every moment is crucial if we desire an abundant life. Abundant surrender. We cannot recognize and we will not claim all He intends for us if we are not becoming more like Him daily. I want my will to be bent and shaped to His. Less of me and more of Jesus is the chant I keep reminding myself daily. I have recognized that Jesus is the key to fulfilling the abundant desires God placed in me when I was a thought in His heart. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” My abundance has been found in following Him with a willing heart and obedient steps. Psalm 36:8 says, “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.” Through living with an abundant and obedient heart, we are able to allow others to see and taste what God has done and claim Him for themselves. God does not love any of us more than the other. He desires abundance through Him for every single one of us. When we look at what abundant means in the Greek translation, we see, “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than one would expect or anticipate.” What does that mean for followers of Jesus? He promises us a life that is much greater than we could ever imagine. How can that be? Think of all of the intelligent and highly creative minds this world has ever held. Not a single one of us can conceptualize what God has in store. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Wealth, power, and privilege are not priorities in the eyes of Jesus. The King of Kings left His throne to come to this broken world for us. The usual way this world thinks is opposite of the way God’s mind or kingdom operates. Obviously, some Christians have been blessed with wealth and power for a purpose, however, many of us are faithfully seeking what He calls us to count as abundant. Each breath we take, our loved ones, our health, the ability to have an occupation, and so much more that we have been given, are all abundant blessings. Simply knowing Jesus as our personal Savior is the most abundant provision and miracle we have been offered. God calls us to seek spiritual abundance with Him as the focus rather than rely on or chase after worldly abundance. If He looks after the sparrow, and cares for its every need, if He clothes the fields, how much more will He provide for us? We must be faithful to fix our minds and hearts on Jesus; God will abundantly care for the rest. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” As we continue to desire to be more Christ-like, and be stretched and grown through our walk with Him, we have an ever-present hope and promise. When we stand before Jesus one day, we will finally experience the grace and joy of a faithful life that has proven to be amply fulfilled by His passionate, abundant love for us. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, God does provide abundantly. He knows the details of our lives and desires good for us. He also expects abundance from us in return. He desires abundant trust and demands abundant obedience. He longs for us to desire Him with abundant passion. He seeks our abundant gratitude for His loving grace. He wants us to be abundantly content with all He has given and taken away. He wants us to surrender willingly and abundantly to Him. Thank you so much for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 011 Abundance Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast. Episode #011 – Abundance Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Forced changes in our nation over the last several weeks have shaped a new definition of abundance in the minds of most Americans. If you ponder the definition of the word, you most likely think of “a very large quantity of something” or “plentifulness of good things,” or “prosperity.” Throughout our years of marriage, my husband and I have shared times of ease and of difficulty. Getting married right out of high school with only $1,000 in savings was hard. Within the first year we had a baby and new expenses, medical bills, plus my health took a hit. After suffering for a few years with health issues, I had to have a hysterectomy at the age of 22. By then, we had two children and a lot more medical bills and expenses. I look back at those early years with wonder at how we survived. Before we knew God was caring for us, He was. My in-laws were there to help in many ways, and they prayed for us daily. Gradually, my health improved, and I began babysitting at home until our children were a little older and then I had to go to work outside of the home. We were working very hard to get out of debt. I remember paying about $100 total a month (which was a lot), breaking payments into $5 per medical specialist we owed just to keep them from calling collections on us. It was all we could afford. The Lord definitely provided miracles for us multiple times where we had no idea what we would do. Then, in later years, after our first two children were young adults, and we were in the last months of our first adoption from China, we needed $9,000.00 for the remaining expenses and travel money we needed to bring our infant daughter home. We prayed together daily through our “paper pregnancy” and this was one of the many requests we lifted to the Lord. After praying specifically about this need for about two weeks, my husband was called into his boss’s office at work and received a bonus check. After taxes and tithing, the amount was exactly $9,000.00. Matthew 6:11 says, “Give us this day our daily bread.” On our second adoption, I was no longer working outside of the home as I left my job the week before we left for China the first time. We had sucked through savings when we had to pay for the unexpected funeral of our oldest daughter and then my husband was laid off his job for almost two years. We honestly had no idea how we would pay for another adoption. The cost had risen substantially from ten years earlier, yet we knew with a certainty that God was calling us to obey and adopt. It was clear that God had a plan and we needed to bring home our last child. We knew it was our obligation to be clear on His calling and then step out in obedience. We were absolutely certain that God would provide everything we needed because of what He tells us in His word and faithfulness to us in the past. During this time, God blessed us with many loving friends and family members who donated small amounts that added up to help enormously. He also prompted two special friends to give large amounts that surprised and blessed our hearts immensely. We were recipients of several small grants from various organizations and a matching grant that complimented the giving of friends and family I mentioned earlier. Yet, just one week before our travel date, we were still in need of $3000.00. As I sat in a meeting with hospice discussing arrangements for my mother with Alzheimer’s, who had suddenly taken a turn for the worse, I received a call from one last organization. They wanted to let me know that they had a last-minute grant for us in the amount of $3,000.00. Only God. Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” We stepped out in abundant obedience and let God manage the abundant details. Through the years, God has proven to me that I have taken times of abundance for granted. The more we made financially, sometimes I expected more. It doesn’t matter whether I felt like we were doing things with our money that God would approve of or not. What was critical is that I began to feel entitled to what I had. Life insurance is a great example of what I mean. Earlier I mentioned my husband’s job loss. It was when the economy took a dip about ten years ago and was the only income source our family had. My husband and I had made a pact that I would remain a stay-home mother as we raised our second family. It was extremely important to us to honor that promise we made to God and each other. Due to his job loss, we had to purchase COBRA (Continuation Coverage Assistance), which was extremely expensive. In addition, my insurance eligibility was suddenly questioned. It took months of work, a doctor visit with different blood tests, and petitioning from a rheumatologist and me before the insurance company decided they would insure me. I knew God heard our urgent prayers. I remembered each time I had complained about insurance premiums and co-pays being so expensive in the past and appreciated the blessing of just being covered now, despite it costing much more money. God had changed my heart while still providing care. Deuteronomy 8:2 says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” Everything we experience in life, whether we are ignoring the Lord or following Him intentionally, can be used to deepen our faith and understanding of Him and to allow us to draw nearer to Him so He will draw nearer to us. I consider that ultimate abundance. The majority of us in the United States live abundant lives. Especially in comparison to much of the world. Because of that, even if we live with what we consider to be grateful hearts, we may not live with an abundant awareness that everything we have is truly a gift provided by God. Deuteronomy 8:17-18a instruct us, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Everything is formed by His hands and comes to us from His hands. Often, when times are plentiful, we take things for granted without realizing it. We neglect to remember that our prosperity is not to be credited to our own wit, determination, or power. God allows and gives us all that we are and have. Although His love for us is intense and lasting, He rightfully expects us to manage all that He gives us in ways that will be pleasing to Him and with a remembrance that it is all from and for Him. God gives and takes for seasons and purposes that allow His abundant work to be completed in and around us. What God allows us to possess must be used for Him. If our lives are full of abundance, He has entrusted those gifts to us for a purpose at this time. The more we receive from His hands, the higher our responsibility to use our time, understanding, and resources becomes. Often, when our gifts and resources are financial, we find it is easy to become self-reliant and to forget what we have is a gift. It may or may not continue to be entrusted to us. We are to have open hands and an open heart with all we receive from God. Mark 10:23 says, “Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When we already possess everything we could want and have the means to purchase anything we desire, it can be difficult to recognize our abundant need for a Savior. It is also easy to convince ourselves that the gifts and abundance we have are for our pleasure. Yet, when God has entrusted a resource to us, He expects us to use it for others to glorify His name and bring others to Him. 1 Peter 4:10-11a says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” How loving God is to endow us with gifts and talents! He could have allowed none of us to enjoy abilities that bring joy and pleasure. That He enables us to serve Him with them is further evidence that His love for us is extravagant and of course, abundant. Have you noticed that when you use what God has gifted you for selfish purposes just how little pleasure is felt? When we exercise generosity and serve others with what we have received, fullness of joy and gratitude flood in and propel us to give more. I have a friend who lives in South Carolina. During the last four years that I have known her, I have witnessed her embody giving with a beautiful spirit of grace. When our youngest celebrated our first birthday home with us, this friend ordered her a beautiful cake that was shipped to us. This past Christmas I received a late Christmas gift in the mail. It was a beautiful Christian Planner that I now use for work in this ministry. Who do you think it was from? Yes, it was also sent from this same South Carolina friend. She always looks for ways to give and enables others to feel seen and honored. I have been immensely blessed in being a recipient of her personalized care and generosity. She has found a way to show the principle of giving with a whole heart that has caused me, and I am sure many others, to feel abundantly loved. Joy and contentment are eternal. When we allow God to fill us with the ability to live and give joyfully with what He provides and strive to honor Him with it, we will also have the abundant peace that accompanies joy and contentment. Philippians 4:11b-13 says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Is it easy to live with abundant contentment? No, not easy, but possible. To embody continuous contentment, we must make a choice to rely on the Holy Spirit alive in us to teach the behavior needed to ignore circumstances, or emotions, and build our resistance to complaining or searching for more. The Greek word for contentment is also translated as “satisfied, adequate, competent, or sufficient” in the New Testament. God’s will is for us to be abundantly satisfied despite circumstances. Galatians 5:22-25 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” Living with abundance is not just about money or contentment mindsets. Jesus gives us the ability to fully live with abundant hearts, thoughts, peace, gratitude, joy, hope, love, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control, and contentment. Because of Him, our minds and emotions can be free to live with the abundance He intends for us. Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” When we strive to live closely with Jesus, He opens our eyes and minds, as well as our heart, to see and firmly believe that an abundant life is built on what we claim through and because of Him. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” I think something extremely important in the verses I mentioned from Colossians is found in what comes next in verse 3, which says, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Surrendering to Him each and every moment is crucial if we desire an abundant life. Abundant surrender. We cannot recognize and we will not claim all He intends for us if we are not becoming more like Him daily. I want my will to be bent and shaped to His. Less of me and more of Jesus is the chant I keep reminding myself daily. I have recognized that Jesus is the key to fulfilling the abundant desires God placed in me when I was a thought in His heart. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” My abundance has been found in following Him with a willing heart and obedient steps. Psalm 36:8 says, “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.” Through living with an abundant and obedient heart, we are able to allow others to see and taste what God has done and claim Him for themselves. God does not love any of us more than the other. He desires abundance through Him for every single one of us. When we look at what abundant means in the Greek translation, we see, “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, a quantity so abundant as to be considerably more than one would expect or anticipate.” What does that mean for followers of Jesus? He promises us a life that is much greater than we could ever imagine. How can that be? Think of all of the intelligent and highly creative minds this world has ever held. Not a single one of us can conceptualize what God has in store. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” Wealth, power, and privilege are not priorities in the eyes of Jesus. The King of Kings left His throne to come to this broken world for us. The usual way this world thinks is opposite of the way God’s mind or kingdom operates. Obviously, some Christians have been blessed with wealth and power for a purpose, however, many of us are faithfully seeking what He calls us to count as abundant. Each breath we take, our loved ones, our health, the ability to have an occupation, and so much more that we have been given, are all abundant blessings. Simply knowing Jesus as our personal Savior is the most abundant provision and miracle we have been offered. God calls us to seek spiritual abundance with Him as the focus rather than rely on or chase after worldly abundance. If He looks after the sparrow, and cares for its every need, if He clothes the fields, how much more will He provide for us? We must be faithful to fix our minds and hearts on Jesus; God will abundantly care for the rest. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” As we continue to desire to be more Christ-like, and be stretched and grown through our walk with Him, we have an ever-present hope and promise. When we stand before Jesus one day, we will finally experience the grace and joy of a faithful life that has proven to be amply fulfilled by His passionate, abundant love for us. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, God does provide abundantly. He knows the details of our lives and desires good for us. He also expects abundance from us in return. He desires abundant trust and demands abundant obedience. He longs for us to desire Him with abundant passion. He seeks our abundant gratitude for His loving grace. He wants us to be abundantly content with all He has given and taken away. He wants us to surrender willingly and abundantly to Him. Thank you so much for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #100 – Journey to Hope - Interview with Dwyatt Gantt Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Did you notice the episode number in the title? One hundred. That means there have been 100 Live With Eternal Perspective episodes! What a blessed journey I have been honored to travel as I stepped forward in obedience when I heard God call me to podcast. Our gracious Heavenly Father amazes me weekly as He continues to grow and deepen my maturity and relationship with Him through producing each episode. If you have enjoyed or grown through any of the Live With Eternal Perspective podcasts, give our Almighty God the glory! I knew absolutely nothing about podcasting when I began, but my heart was focused on obeying where I heard God calling me to walk. He has made sure the resources I need are available at each step. When we trust and follow the Lord, we see that His vision is always larger than we imagine and the blessings more abundant! God doesn’t seek the equipped to serve Him. Our Heavenly Father yearns for us to release self, doubt, fear, and anything that hinders or holds us back from stepping out for and through Him. He desires to complete us as we completely trust, love, and obey Him. Walking in faith through trusting the Lord is one of my favorite ways to obey God. It is exactly what my husband and I chose to do back in 2004 when we began our adoption journey. It was the definitely one of the biggest blind steps of faith we had taken so far. Why is that important? That piece of our faith and life journey is why it is an honor for me to share my special guest with you today. Dwyatt Gantt also lives each day to hear and follow where he believes God is calling him to go. Because of faith and obedience, Dwyatt’s life, and miracles of God, intertwined with ours and with thousands of others. Dwyatt Gantt is the Founder and Executive Director of Children’s Hope International, and is committed to the mission of compassionately engaging in changing the lives of the vulnerable, orphans, sick, weak, and the poorest of children and families. The organization places its hope in God and the staff is intent on taking His love to those whose hope has died. Through strongly focusing on children who are orphans, abandoned and forgotten, often sick or with special needs, or families struggling with debt and despair because of the health of their children, this non-profit organization brings hope and relief with Dwyatt at the helm. Dwyatt is also the proud patriarch of four children, seven grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren. When my husband and I knew for certain that God had a daughter for us in China back in early 2004 and we began completing all of the paperwork, it was the local branch of Children’s Hope that guided us as extended family. Every person on staff was a true joy to know and an absolute pleasure to work with. Through personal guidance and monthly meetings designed to educate and equip parents as we walked the precious journey we were privileged to travel, we experienced joy and peace as the trajectory of our lives was forever changed. Please enjoy this very special episode of Live With Eternal Perspective as I speak with Dwyatt about the way God has provided him with a purpose and passion that was written on his heart long before Dwyatt realized it was there. Listen as Dwyatt shares how God revealed Himself and the blind faith journey his life was to take. As he says in the interview, “Discover your purpose and never let it go.” -----------------------------------------------INTERVIEW-------------------------------------------------- Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid of an unknown future with a known God.” Dwyatt has captured this quote as inspiration and lived it well. Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Dwyatt believes he discovered his purpose at age 50. He doesn’t want you to wait that long. What is God whispering to you? Are you ready to take a blind faith journey with the Lord carrying you every step of the way? Dear God, our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, our Creator and Keeper, our Provider and Protector, how Great You are. Thank you for placing us on this earth with a purpose straight from You. May we discover more clearly day by day what you have for us to do in Your name and through Your will and ways as we draw nearer to You. Help us cling to You through good and bad, easy and hard. Through persecution may we rise up in Your strength and may we be concerned with what concerns You. May we wait upon You to have our strength renewed, may we mount up with wings like eagles, may we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint because we humbly rely on Your strength and provision. Thank you Father, for Your goodness and grace. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. I have two requests. If you are able, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review to push the podcast out for more people to find. Without good reviews, others won’t hear the episodes designed to mature walks with Christ and equip all to live for eternity now. You can also share podcast episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. You can share my website, terrihitt.com and let others know that on it they will be able to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature their walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage them to raise or influence children and grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 100 Journey to Hope Interview with Dwyatt Gantt Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #100 – Journey to Hope - Interview with Dwyatt Gantt Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Did you notice the episode number in the title? One hundred. That means there have been 100 Live With Eternal Perspective episodes! What a blessed journey I have been honored to travel as I stepped forward in obedience when I heard God call me to podcast. Our gracious Heavenly Father amazes me weekly as He continues to grow and deepen my maturity and relationship with Him through producing each episode. If you have enjoyed or grown through any of the Live With Eternal Perspective podcasts, give our Almighty God the glory! I knew absolutely nothing about podcasting when I began, but my heart was focused on obeying where I heard God calling me to walk. He has made sure the resources I need are available at each step. When we trust and follow the Lord, we see that His vision is always larger than we imagine and the blessings more abundant! God doesn’t seek the equipped to serve Him. Our Heavenly Father yearns for us to release self, doubt, fear, and anything that hinders or holds us back from stepping out for and through Him. He desires to complete us as we completely trust, love, and obey Him. Walking in faith through trusting the Lord is one of my favorite ways to obey God. It is exactly what my husband and I chose to do back in 2004 when we began our adoption journey. It was the definitely one of the biggest blind steps of faith we had taken so far. Why is that important? That piece of our faith and life journey is why it is an honor for me to share my special guest with you today. Dwyatt Gantt also lives each day to hear and follow where he believes God is calling him to go. Because of faith and obedience, Dwyatt’s life, and miracles of God, intertwined with ours and with thousands of others. Dwyatt Gantt is the Founder and Executive Director of Children’s Hope International, and is committed to the mission of compassionately engaging in changing the lives of the vulnerable, orphans, sick, weak, and the poorest of children and families. The organization places its hope in God and the staff is intent on taking His love to those whose hope has died. Through strongly focusing on children who are orphans, abandoned and forgotten, often sick or with special needs, or families struggling with debt and despair because of the health of their children, this non-profit organization brings hope and relief with Dwyatt at the helm. Dwyatt is also the proud patriarch of four children, seven grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren. When my husband and I knew for certain that God had a daughter for us in China back in early 2004 and we began completing all of the paperwork, it was the local branch of Children’s Hope that guided us as extended family. Every person on staff was a true joy to know and an absolute pleasure to work with. Through personal guidance and monthly meetings designed to educate and equip parents as we walked the precious journey we were privileged to travel, we experienced joy and peace as the trajectory of our lives was forever changed. Please enjoy this very special episode of Live With Eternal Perspective as I speak with Dwyatt about the way God has provided him with a purpose and passion that was written on his heart long before Dwyatt realized it was there. Listen as Dwyatt shares how God revealed Himself and the blind faith journey his life was to take. As he says in the interview, “Discover your purpose and never let it go.” -----------------------------------------------INTERVIEW-------------------------------------------------- Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid of an unknown future with a known God.” Dwyatt has captured this quote as inspiration and lived it well. Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Dwyatt believes he discovered his purpose at age 50. He doesn’t want you to wait that long. What is God whispering to you? Are you ready to take a blind faith journey with the Lord carrying you every step of the way? Dear God, our gracious and loving Heavenly Father, our Creator and Keeper, our Provider and Protector, how Great You are. Thank you for placing us on this earth with a purpose straight from You. May we discover more clearly day by day what you have for us to do in Your name and through Your will and ways as we draw nearer to You. Help us cling to You through good and bad, easy and hard. Through persecution may we rise up in Your strength and may we be concerned with what concerns You. May we wait upon You to have our strength renewed, may we mount up with wings like eagles, may we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint because we humbly rely on Your strength and provision. Thank you Father, for Your goodness and grace. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. I have two requests. If you are able, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review to push the podcast out for more people to find. Without good reviews, others won’t hear the episodes designed to mature walks with Christ and equip all to live for eternity now. You can also share podcast episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. You can share my website, terrihitt.com and let others know that on it they will be able to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature their walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage them to raise or influence children and grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 100 - Purposed Parenting to Build Generational Faith and Leave an Eternal Legacy with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright and Riggin Wright Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 100 – Purposed Parenting to Build Generational Faith and Leave an Eternal Legacy with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright and Riggin Wright Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast deepens your walk with Jesus and your children, and equips you to become a set-apart woman raising children to chase Christ over culture. Today I have the joy of sharing a conversation with two special guests. My first guest, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. She’s the daughter of Daniel and Anne Graham Lotz and granddaughter of Billy and Ruth Graham. Following graduation from Baylor University in Waco, TX, she married Steven Wright, a high school football coach, and they have three daughters: Bell, Sophia, and Riggin. Rachel-Ruth teaches a weekly women’s Bible Study that originated at the University of North Carolina and now, through Zoom, has gone worldwide. She also shares God’s Word at numerous events around the country. She serves on the Board of Directors for AnGeL Ministries, in addition to chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry. Her passion for leading children to Jesus and getting them into God’s Word helped to inspire her mother’s first children’s book, Heaven: God’s Promise for Me. She has co-authored two books with her mother, Jesus Followers, and Preparing to Meet Jesus. Rachel-Ruth feels called to encourage others to fall in love with Jesus through the teaching of His Word. My second guest, Riggin Wright is the daughter of Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright and Steven Wright. She’s a high school senior. Riggin is very involved in sports and just like her mom, enjoys sharing the love of Jesus. Riggin also leads a Bible study at her school. In our conversation we discuss how to be a purposed parent and the importance of building generational faith so we can leave an eternal legacy that honors God and points our children straight to the heart and feet of Jesus. We share personal family stories and how we learned to parent the heart not simply the behavior. You’ll hear us discuss how parenting requires complete surrender and inviting God to renew us daily. We also discuss why women must stop striving to be good moms, so they can become godly moms and how we are responsible to pray for God to claim the hearts of our children, but that starts with our personal walk with Christ. ____________________________ INTERVIEW_______________________________ (Read full interview notes at Apple Podcast transcripts) Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending us Your Son, Jesus and allowing us the privilege of choosing You. Thank you that we can enter into Your presence at any time and find You waiting and already steps ahead of us. Thank you for depositing the Holy Spirit inside those who belong to You and enabling us to shake off self and step into being more Christlike moment by moment, day by day. Father, equip us as mothers to raise the children You so lovingly entrusted to us in ways that bring you delight and glory. Help us to remember that we are unable to parent in any way that pleases, but that through You we are equipped. Empower us with the mercy, grace, love, insight, understanding, wisdom, and strength we need. Remind us to rest in Your ever capable arms and seek Your guidance and guard as we parent Your special blessings to us. May we ever long for You and seek You first above all things so that we can brightly shine Your truths and a desire for You for our children. Help us be purposed and consistent in the way we seek and obey You and in the ways we receive Your great provisions to parent. It is all from You and for You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Raising children is challenging. No one has all the answers because each child is unique as are parenting styles and family dynamics. By connecting with and knowing your children as you maintain purposed growth in Christ, you will be better prepared for any situation you face. That’s why you hear me share about the Set-Apart Collective in this podcast. I work with professionals who care about making Jesus known to their children. Are you a high-achieving woman who loves Jesus, but is so busy with the rush of work and daily life that you feel like you’re being drained like the water in your bathtub? Do you yearn to get closer to Jesus and show Him to your kids so you will create a love that will last into eternity? The desire is there, but your days spiral out of control before you even think about opening your Bible. Do you ever stop to think that you are the first Jesus your child will see? Let me remind you there is hope. There is a way you can be equipped to raise kids who chase Christ over culture. If you want a connected relationship with Christ and your children that leads them to your side and His feet, instead of them seeking validation from peers, I have an 8-step program to move you from frustrated to fulfilled. I will show you how to reflect Jesus in a way that attracts your family to a connected relationship that lasts into eternity. Remember, godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset you carry. If you don’t want peers and culture to be the main influence over your child, if you desire to parent to “prepare” your child for eternity with Christ, not repair your relationship with them, the Set-Apart Collective will arm you with a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You’ll also deepen your identity in Christ so you can mentor the way for your children to do the same. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family and you will have the tools to raise set apart kids as you parent the heart, not simply the behavior. Does this sound like a lifeline to help you be that set-apart mom God has entrusted you to be? Visit terrihitt.com/coaching and click the link for a free, no obligation conversation call with me. This is a strategic call where I will hear your biggest struggle and show you how to turn it into a blessing that will bring you closer to Christ and your children. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. One last thing to remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 082 - The Dangers of Raising a Good Kid Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 082 – The Dangers of Raising a Good Kid When I was young, I often heard the phrase, “be a good girl” from my parents. After I became a young mom at the age of eighteen, I was told to “raise a good child.” As I love to do, I thought I’d look up the definition of the word “good.” Did you know that the word “good” is described as upright , righteous , and obedient? Of course, it’s easy to recognize that these are wonderful qualities. Yet, you and I must stop and consider what gives authority to create the description of the word? Better yet, who defines good ? Who has the authority to call you or me or our children upright, righteous, or obedient? Any person could add whatever spin they desire to the definition of these words, right? However, there is One who has final authority on word meanings. God alone knows what is defined as good , righteous , upright , or obedient . Of course, our Heavenly Father desires that we raise children who carry these qualities. However , He wants the defining actions or characteristics the child carries to be in alignment with what He calls good. When our holy, sovereign, righteous God calls anything good or upright, we trust His evaluation. If we move past our opinion or the dictionary definition and pick up God’s holy Word , we learn what God calls good or righteous. Then we understand that His Word gives much insight and instruction . Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will .” Renewing your mind cannot be completed through following the patterns of the world . If you learn or study worldly wisdom and thoughts, you begin to apply its practices and beliefs and allow them to transform your thought processes. Or you can take a better way. A godly way. Renew your mind through the goodness and truth of God’s Word . Matthew 19:17 says, “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Now I’ll share a passage from 2 Peter 1:3-9 which says, “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. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” As you heard in the verses, the Bible instructs us to escape the corruption in this world. Trying to renew the mind through the thoughts and practices of humans or the culture we live in will never bring transformation of what is rightly called good by God . The goodness of man is measured by inferior and untrue standards, but the goodness of God is supported by faith and increasingly built upon by fruits of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:8-10 which says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Scripture teaches why it’s dangerous to mentor mere goodness to your children. Your actions as a believer and parent should reflect your faith and how you are building it through your relationship with Christ . Your life should be morally above reproach so your lifestyle, desires, and the way you parent reflects God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth. You can only accomplish that through Christ. God’s holy Word and truths prove it is dangerous to strive to raise a good kid. Without Christ, none of us are righteous or good. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” If God tells us He has shown what is good, and requires that we act justly and walk humbly with Him, we understand that to walk with the world and its definitions of righteousness or goodness will be the opposite of God’s definition and desire. Ephesians 4:20-24 says, “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” What a beautiful analogy to put off our old self as we put on the new self through Christ. As our attitude and desires are transformed , we are able to mentor God’s goodness to our children, not the definition the world gives. There was a period in my life when I wanted to make sure I was a good person. A good woman. A good wife. A good daughter. A good mother. As my relationship with Jesus matured, I understood that limiting myself to “good ” was “ungodly .” God calls believers to a much higher standard than good. Good isn’t enough for God. It’s true that in the beginning, God proclaimed what He made to be good. However, God is proclaiming His creations are good, not that we individually or collectively are. He spoke the title of good over what He made by His intelligent and perfect design. Everything God makes is good. Yet, in this sinful, fallen world, it didn’t take long for God’s creations to choose sin. Without Christ indwelling you , it is much more difficult for your children to pursue Christ. Without the Holy Spirit within you , there is no godliness for your children to see and emulate. Without Jesus, you and your children are unable to claim the status of “godly,” or “good.” So how do you move from desiring a good life to building a godly life? Only through Christ. Once you recognize your need for God, you begin to realize the need for His perfect Son. Jesus came to pay the price for your sin. He came to pay the ransom for the sins of your children. Once you realize the need for a Savior, and accept the free gift Jesus offers, you are able to live with His Holy Spirit within. You are no longer bound to the world or the sinful temptations. Through relationship with Christ, the Holy Word, and prayerful conversations with God, you can experience a shift from good to godly. That is, if you are seeking Him and a humble, obedient, close connection moment by moment. What you desire must be held up to a mirror, so to speak, as you look at how your desires are reflected against what God calls for you in His holy Word. How you parent must also be held against God’s standards of what is good and righteous. Have you wasted time pursuing what this world calls good? Have you only allowed God access to your dreams and desires, your life, the way you work, live, or parent in small degrees? I wish I could profess to be one of those people who surrendered fully in the moment they accept Christ, but the truth is that each of us have varying degrees of surrender throughout our lifetime. We never reach that finish line in this life. We are so very far beneath God, and so far from Him, that our lifetime should be focused on pursuing deeper relationship with Him and continuing to surrender self. Just as the layers of onion are peeled away exposing more, as we surrender to God we see that there is so much more to offer Him of self. Are you wasting moments striving to be “good” instead of godly? Are you damaging the relationship between your children and Jesus by mentoring the world’s definition of good instead of God’s godliness? Maybe you’re a believer who loves God, but you’re unsure of how to disciple your children in ways that cause your child to build a faith that will last. Or maybe you dream of being a mother one day and wonder how to start building faith that lasts in your children. I remember being in that spot. I didn’t yet understand that the Christian walk is a beautiful relationship between God and man. I didn’t understand the command in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 , which says, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates .” I assumed that what I was doing to teach my children about Jesus was enough. In reality, they were learning my limited non-discipled faith, and since I was not growing as well as I should have been, they were only able to mimic a portion of my faith, not being discipled well to chase Christ for themselves as children. They were living a narrow view of good instead of the godly goodness of our Heavenly Father . I remember when God clearly showed me how to shift from good to godly parenting and how important it was to Him. The fact that God entrusted His children to me and to you is beyond belief. Mere fallen humans parenting God’s children is a miracle. The role we carry as mothers and spiritual advisors is one we cannot complete in our own strength or by being a good person or mother. The privilege we have been bestowed is one I take very seriously and I pray you do, too. You may have heard of The Set-Apart Collective, where I mentor women in their walk with Christ, help them grow godly mindset through my Motherhood Mindset Model™ and help them create a unique parenting formula based off of my Purposed Parenting Plan™. Because you are a listener of this podcast, I want to share that if this episode resonates with you, please contact me for a very special offer only for listeners. I want your mind and heart to be anchored on Christ through all obstacles. I want to see your family stand on the firm foundation of Christ together. When deep waters swirl around you, when tragedy and troubles plague your home, I want your grip secure on that three-fold cord that keeps Jesus in the center of all. No matter what happens, you will be committed to raising your children and growing with your spouse for Christ. It is time to rise and raise children who know and honor God. How long will mothers sit back and watch as children follow peers over parents or Christ? It doesn’t matter how good a parent you are or want to be. God calls you to be a holy, godly mother. There is nothing greater you can do than fix your heart and mind above and focus on raising His children for Him . Whether you are not yet a mother, but know you want to be in the future, whether you are expecting, or whether you have an infant, toddler, preschooler, or elementary aged child, you have influence. The time to start with purposed practices for Christ is now . Raising a good, typical child should not be your goal. Listen to that still, small voice inside that desires each child to know and serve Him with love and respect. The church alone isn’t going to raise your children to love and serve God fully. It is the day by day moments that will define you and your children, your family as a whole. Did you know that the Greek word for church means, "called-out ones?" The children entrusted to your care were hand-chosen by God to be under your mentorship. He is trusting that you will find every way possible to be the godliest woman and mother you can be so that you will raise called out, or set-apart individuals who bless His Spirit. Stop being a good mom and don’t raise good kids. Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are good. Thank you for showing us the way to You through Jesus and for ensuring that we understand Your definition of good and righteous. Father, we know we don’t deserve Your mercy and kindness, yet You extend it to us over and over through our lifetime. Help us to recognize Your goodness in our life. Help us to make Your goodness known to our children and to extend it to our spouse. Please protect us from the danger of raising good children. Let our children be set-apart and help them see You in us and desire You with a heart set on love and humble obedience to You and Your will and ways. May we please you as we parent and help us hear Your voice in ways that guide us and our children deeper into Your loving, faithful arms. Don’t let us be good women who raise good kids. Let us be set-apart for godliness through Christ. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Supporting and encouraging mothers to rest in Christ and pursue a holy relationship with Him so they purposely raise set-apart children is the cry of my heart. Godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries. That’s why I’ve created the Set-Apart Collective. Have you decided peers and culture won’t be the main influence over your child? Would you like to parent to prepare your child for eternity with Christ, not to repair a relationship? In the Set-Apart Collective, you will deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family. The Set-Apart Collective is open now. Please send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information or look online at terrihitt.com/setapart. We can also set up a 15 minute call to chat about details. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. If you connected in some way with this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? It only takes a minute or so and makes a big difference in people finding the podcast. You and I know that the best reviews are by word of mouth, so would you please choose a friend to recommend the show to? Let them know that the podcast is found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Imagine the change we will see in the way mothers parent for Christ if they learn to be intentional, too. Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection. Previous Next

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Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #058 – Building Biblical Self-Esteem Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. I have been blessed over the last five years that we’ve had our youngest daughter home, to help her build self-esteem through who God desires her to be. Neglected for most of her life, learning to view herself with a higher esteem was not easy, and did not come naturally to her. However, once she knew whose she was through the sacrifice of Jesus, viewing herself through His eyes and building worth based on Him became tangible for her. How do we build biblical self-esteem? Many of us can think of someone with offensively high self-esteem. We know that often that conceit really masks low esteem of self. Or sometimes that inflated ego is because the person has been gifted with looks, wealth, or power that takes the place of God in their life. A person can begin to wrap identity in items, instead of who God created them to be through Him. Instead of a godly, biblical humility, they can achieve isolation, heartache, suffering, and mistakes or regret. In the book of Genesis, we learn the story of Cain, who was the first child born to Adam and Eve. Cain’s selfish, jealous heart is revealed when we read about the weak offering he made to the Lord. In contrast, his brother, Abel gave the best he had, exposing his contrite and grateful heart. Cain clearly did not give from a heart full of love and devotion to God. I find it interesting that in Hebrew, the name Cain sounds like the verb translated “I have acquired.” Cain wanted to achieve and collect all he could for himself, then pass the leftovers to God. Cain carried a secular, inflated self-esteem. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” Had Cain built his inflated self-worth and confidence on God and His provisions, he may have carried an attitude and heartset like his brother, Abel, who desired God to receive the very best he had. Abel was pleased to offer a sacrifice made on God’s terms and desires because he held a respectful, honoring, and humble mindset of his position with his Heavenly Father. Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 says, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” But can our self-esteem drop too low? Then, there’s the flip side - those who build their worth on what they have learned the world expects. Some people have self-esteem so low that they are critical of every detail about themselves. Neither type of person is very enjoyable to be around for an extended time. Yet, I understand how easy it is to fall victim and get into the habit of harsh judgement on yourself. When we place more value on what others think of us (or what we perceive them to think), we will never “feel” good enough. Self-esteem built through this method can be formed through many means. Sometimes it is the way a person is raised. Often it comes from the experiences we had with people we thought were our friends, our accomplishments, talents, financial worth, opportunities, appearance, relationships, spouse, or children. Living with confidence, appeal, and worth created through a worldly perspective pulls us away from God as we rely on life experiences, people, thoughts, feelings, and emotions to build and inflate our self-esteem. We know culture and trends change quickly. Esteem for self through this method finds few highs and usually settles into depressing lows. When we do not cling to the Lord and view or respect ourselves as He sees us, we miss the opportunity to experience life with the fullness God purposed for us. We are each specially designed by God. He highly values us, no matter what we think of Him. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” What do we do if we do not want to possess or project a bloated self-esteem, yet we do not desire to live with low or no confidence? How do we build esteem for self that biblically follows what God desires for us? Jesus was the perfect example of living with confidence in God, not self. Romans 12:3 says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Jesus lived with the humble mind and heart of a servant. His only desire was to bring glory to the Father. Jesus placed the truth of who God is foremost in His life and obeyed every call made for Him. Glory was not something He craved or chased. Jesus lifted all praise, worship, honor, and glory to God. Yet, Jesus is worthy of living a life of high self-esteem. As the word is defined, self-esteem means a favorable impression of oneself or an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself. Jesus could never live with an over-inflated ego, because He is worthy of everything. Yet, Jesus is our perfect model of exactly how God desires our esteem to be built. Philippians 2:3-11 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 2 Corinthians 10:17 says, “As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” Through the life model Jesus left for us to follow, He demonstrated perfect humility, love, and obedience that can only exist through the strength of God. Esteem others more highly than yourself. Ephesians 4:17-32 says, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This can seem impossible. People will always let us down somehow. They hurt us, offend us, and betray us. It isn’t always strangers. Sometimes it is our spouse, child, parent, extended family member, a co-worker, or someone we considered to be a best friend. Yet, there is hope and healing through Jesus. Apart from Him we can do none of this. Jesus is our model for forgiveness. If He forgave each one of us, you and me, for all we have or will do, we can learn to forgive others. Eventually, we can even view them as worthy in Christ’s eyes and heart. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus can we achieve the mindset of Christ, which removes the “self” from our esteem and shifts it to Christ and all He made. We then understand the following important life shifts. 1. Only God is perfect. 2. Each one of us is a sinner who can only be saved by the grace of Jesus. 3. As we mature in Christ, we will model our life after Him and see ourselves as He does. 4. Because Jesus extended grace to us, we can offer it to others, and allow ourselves grace when needed, as well. 5. We can construct personal esteem through humility modeled by Jesus and strengthened by a healthy relationship with God and the value He places on us. Unless we honor, love, and obey God through an intentional, growing relationship, we cannot understand or appreciate the worth God sees in us and purposed for us and cannot build godly self-esteem. When we study the word and connect through prayer, praise, and worship, we set God in His rightful place and honor what He values above this world or ourselves. We see the worth in others and build a healthy esteem by fruits of the Spirit, and God’s values and expectations that drive us to seek Him for fulfillment, value, and worth. Through this strong and maturing relationship we allow God to fulfill us with the desires He placed in us. Esteem is built by a committed, consistent, Creator who yearns for each of us to shine for Him, not selfish personal glory. Romans 12:1-8 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 says, “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Construct your worth and esteem of self on God’s view of you. Allow Him to work through you to hold that esteem to a biblical value and use God’s heart and mind to penetrate your life and carry you to do the work He has purposed for you. Father God, thank you that none of us should have to search this world for our worth . Help us not to build our self-esteem on secular values and keep us from forming warped opinions of ourselves or others, but let us strive to view all You have created with the love and worth You deem us to hold. Enable us to seek and worship You with the praise You deserve and please You with the value we place on You first, others next, and then self. Thank you for sending Jesus to model exactly what we need to do to live a life pleasing to You. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and encourage you to raise or influence children to chase Jesus instead of this world. Be sure to sign up for my email list to be notified when my next resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” releases soon. This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to Jesus and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 058 Building Biblical Self-Esteem Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #058 – Building Biblical Self-Esteem Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. I have been blessed over the last five years that we’ve had our youngest daughter home, to help her build self-esteem through who God desires her to be. Neglected for most of her life, learning to view herself with a higher esteem was not easy, and did not come naturally to her. However, once she knew whose she was through the sacrifice of Jesus, viewing herself through His eyes and building worth based on Him became tangible for her. How do we build biblical self-esteem? Many of us can think of someone with offensively high self-esteem. We know that often that conceit really masks low esteem of self. Or sometimes that inflated ego is because the person has been gifted with looks, wealth, or power that takes the place of God in their life. A person can begin to wrap identity in items, instead of who God created them to be through Him. Instead of a godly, biblical humility, they can achieve isolation, heartache, suffering, and mistakes or regret. In the book of Genesis, we learn the story of Cain, who was the first child born to Adam and Eve. Cain’s selfish, jealous heart is revealed when we read about the weak offering he made to the Lord. In contrast, his brother, Abel gave the best he had, exposing his contrite and grateful heart. Cain clearly did not give from a heart full of love and devotion to God. I find it interesting that in Hebrew, the name Cain sounds like the verb translated “I have acquired.” Cain wanted to achieve and collect all he could for himself, then pass the leftovers to God. Cain carried a secular, inflated self-esteem. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” Had Cain built his inflated self-worth and confidence on God and His provisions, he may have carried an attitude and heartset like his brother, Abel, who desired God to receive the very best he had. Abel was pleased to offer a sacrifice made on God’s terms and desires because he held a respectful, honoring, and humble mindset of his position with his Heavenly Father. Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 says, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” But can our self-esteem drop too low? Then, there’s the flip side - those who build their worth on what they have learned the world expects. Some people have self-esteem so low that they are critical of every detail about themselves. Neither type of person is very enjoyable to be around for an extended time. Yet, I understand how easy it is to fall victim and get into the habit of harsh judgement on yourself. When we place more value on what others think of us (or what we perceive them to think), we will never “feel” good enough. Self-esteem built through this method can be formed through many means. Sometimes it is the way a person is raised. Often it comes from the experiences we had with people we thought were our friends, our accomplishments, talents, financial worth, opportunities, appearance, relationships, spouse, or children. Living with confidence, appeal, and worth created through a worldly perspective pulls us away from God as we rely on life experiences, people, thoughts, feelings, and emotions to build and inflate our self-esteem. We know culture and trends change quickly. Esteem for self through this method finds few highs and usually settles into depressing lows. When we do not cling to the Lord and view or respect ourselves as He sees us, we miss the opportunity to experience life with the fullness God purposed for us. We are each specially designed by God. He highly values us, no matter what we think of Him. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” What do we do if we do not want to possess or project a bloated self-esteem, yet we do not desire to live with low or no confidence? How do we build esteem for self that biblically follows what God desires for us? Jesus was the perfect example of living with confidence in God, not self. Romans 12:3 says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Jesus lived with the humble mind and heart of a servant. His only desire was to bring glory to the Father. Jesus placed the truth of who God is foremost in His life and obeyed every call made for Him. Glory was not something He craved or chased. Jesus lifted all praise, worship, honor, and glory to God. Yet, Jesus is worthy of living a life of high self-esteem. As the word is defined, self-esteem means a favorable impression of oneself or an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself. Jesus could never live with an over-inflated ego, because He is worthy of everything. Yet, Jesus is our perfect model of exactly how God desires our esteem to be built. Philippians 2:3-11 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 2 Corinthians 10:17 says, “As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” Through the life model Jesus left for us to follow, He demonstrated perfect humility, love, and obedience that can only exist through the strength of God. Esteem others more highly than yourself. Ephesians 4:17-32 says, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This can seem impossible. People will always let us down somehow. They hurt us, offend us, and betray us. It isn’t always strangers. Sometimes it is our spouse, child, parent, extended family member, a co-worker, or someone we considered to be a best friend. Yet, there is hope and healing through Jesus. Apart from Him we can do none of this. Jesus is our model for forgiveness. If He forgave each one of us, you and me, for all we have or will do, we can learn to forgive others. Eventually, we can even view them as worthy in Christ’s eyes and heart. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus can we achieve the mindset of Christ, which removes the “self” from our esteem and shifts it to Christ and all He made. We then understand the following important life shifts. 1. Only God is perfect. 2. Each one of us is a sinner who can only be saved by the grace of Jesus. 3. As we mature in Christ, we will model our life after Him and see ourselves as He does. 4. Because Jesus extended grace to us, we can offer it to others, and allow ourselves grace when needed, as well. 5. We can construct personal esteem through humility modeled by Jesus and strengthened by a healthy relationship with God and the value He places on us. Unless we honor, love, and obey God through an intentional, growing relationship, we cannot understand or appreciate the worth God sees in us and purposed for us and cannot build godly self-esteem. When we study the word and connect through prayer, praise, and worship, we set God in His rightful place and honor what He values above this world or ourselves. We see the worth in others and build a healthy esteem by fruits of the Spirit, and God’s values and expectations that drive us to seek Him for fulfillment, value, and worth. Through this strong and maturing relationship we allow God to fulfill us with the desires He placed in us. Esteem is built by a committed, consistent, Creator who yearns for each of us to shine for Him, not selfish personal glory. Romans 12:1-8 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 says, “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Construct your worth and esteem of self on God’s view of you. Allow Him to work through you to hold that esteem to a biblical value and use God’s heart and mind to penetrate your life and carry you to do the work He has purposed for you. Father God, thank you that none of us should have to search this world for our worth . Help us not to build our self-esteem on secular values and keep us from forming warped opinions of ourselves or others, but let us strive to view all You have created with the love and worth You deem us to hold. Enable us to seek and worship You with the praise You deserve and please You with the value we place on You first, others next, and then self. Thank you for sending Jesus to model exactly what we need to do to live a life pleasing to You. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and encourage you to raise or influence children to chase Jesus instead of this world. Be sure to sign up for my email list to be notified when my next resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” releases soon. This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to Jesus and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #074 – Brandon Janous Interview Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Believers in Christ often think we live with an eternal perspective, yet we don’t comprehend the depth and weight of eternity until we face death in some form. Whether it is through the passing of a loved one, or the impact of an illness, we each encounter moments where we must confront the truth of our mortality. On today’s podcast, I share a conversation with Brandon Janous. Because Father’s Day is coming soon, I knew this was the perfect time to introduce you to Brandon. As you hear the story of his family, you will meet a man who made the choice to allow God to carry him through the most difficult season of his life. Brandon is living the definition of what a godly and committed father practices. Placing his family before himself and allowing God to have center place in his life. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” A believer does not grieve as one without hope. I think you’ll be encouraged by this episode and see the difference the faith of one woman made in the lives of those left to navigate this uncertain world. Because of his relationship with Jesus, Brandon is continuing the legacy left by his wife, Rachel and allowing others to be drawn nearer to Christ by his testimony. The truth is that we are here to point the way to Jesus. You’ll hear that in the podcast today. ----------------------------------- Interview with Brandon Janous --------------------------------------- I hope you enjoyed this episode and that you will ponder the words of Rachel Janous, “I know that I’m dying, and I’m at peace with that. At this point, all I have left to give is Jesus and that’s more than enough.” Rachel’s words are a truth that we each need to intentionally put into perspective each moment of our life. Allow the viewpoint she shared with Brandon to remind you of the basic fact that Jesus is more than enough and our focus should never stray from striving to live in ways that point others to Him and allow us to be ready to meet Him in eternity. Life is full of heartache and beauty, mixed with pain, grief, and suffering, but a peace that passes understanding is available any time we look to Him and release our burdens into His capable and willing hands. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 074 Brandon Janous Interview Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #074 – Brandon Janous Interview Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Believers in Christ often think we live with an eternal perspective, yet we don’t comprehend the depth and weight of eternity until we face death in some form. Whether it is through the passing of a loved one, or the impact of an illness, we each encounter moments where we must confront the truth of our mortality. On today’s podcast, I share a conversation with Brandon Janous. Because Father’s Day is coming soon, I knew this was the perfect time to introduce you to Brandon. As you hear the story of his family, you will meet a man who made the choice to allow God to carry him through the most difficult season of his life. Brandon is living the definition of what a godly and committed father practices. Placing his family before himself and allowing God to have center place in his life. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” A believer does not grieve as one without hope. I think you’ll be encouraged by this episode and see the difference the faith of one woman made in the lives of those left to navigate this uncertain world. Because of his relationship with Jesus, Brandon is continuing the legacy left by his wife, Rachel and allowing others to be drawn nearer to Christ by his testimony. The truth is that we are here to point the way to Jesus. You’ll hear that in the podcast today. ----------------------------------- Interview with Brandon Janous --------------------------------------- I hope you enjoyed this episode and that you will ponder the words of Rachel Janous, “I know that I’m dying, and I’m at peace with that. At this point, all I have left to give is Jesus and that’s more than enough.” Rachel’s words are a truth that we each need to intentionally put into perspective each moment of our life. Allow the viewpoint she shared with Brandon to remind you of the basic fact that Jesus is more than enough and our focus should never stray from striving to live in ways that point others to Him and allow us to be ready to meet Him in eternity. Life is full of heartache and beauty, mixed with pain, grief, and suffering, but a peace that passes understanding is available any time we look to Him and release our burdens into His capable and willing hands. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. https://www.instagram.com/brandonjanous/ https://www.facebook.com/brandon.janous

< Back Godly Motherhood Podcast Episode 137 - How to Parent Kids to Be IN the World, But Not OF It Welcome to Godly Motherhood Podcast – Episode 137 – How to Parent Kids to Be IN the World, But Not OF It Welcome to the Godly Motherhood podcast. If you’re a mom, you can’t parent in your strength. The Good News is that you aren’t supposed to. On this podcast I’ll mentor how to rest and abide in the Father’s arms. Through Him, you’ll be carried - and capable of raising each unique child entrusted to your care as you teach them to chase Christ over culture moment by moment. This is Episode 137 – How to Parent Kids to Be IN the World, But Not OF It Before we start, I want to share that my new book deals with the topic we’re discussing on this episode. In my book, “The Good Mom Trap: Break the Lie That Good Parenting Creates Godly Kids” I share Biblical truths, personal stories, and what I’ve learned about raising kids to follow the Way instead of the world - to help you avoid traps. The book releases December 2, 2025. To be among the first to hear updates and hear the latest news and updates, visit https://www.terrihitt.com/book Now on with this episode. Just last week, Christian influencer, podcaster, and activist Charlie Kirk was murdered. While Heaven rejoices, many in this world grieve and weep. I keep thinking of Charlie’s precious children and wife, and the tremendous loss they face. But the world has also suffered a great loss. While not as intimate a loss as those who personally knew and loved him face, we have lost a man of courage and conviction. It grieves my heart to hear slanderous comments about Charlie and the work he did. I’ve seen countless quotes by him twisted and taken out of context. So, if you’re hearing to lies swarming on social media, go listen to his full recordings. There are videos being passed that have been edited or shortened to cause division, and I’ve never heard Charlie make the horrible remarks people are sharing at this time. You must make your own decision about this man, whom I’ve only heard use his life to bring people together, not tear them apart. Who based his beliefs off God’s Word, and used his time to bring others to know the words and principles of God - and use them well in daily life. While I didn’t know Charlie personally, I respected his ability to invite anyone to debate, encouraging civil discussion with wisdom – even with those who often spewed hatred. Charlie remained calm, pointing others to God’s truths, Word and commands. Charlie had a crucial ability to think critically. This is a non-negotiable necessity not being taught in schools or even in many homes nowadays, and it is the first step in preparing children to be IN the world, but not OF it. Every Christian parent should intentionally raise children to carry the ability to think critically – and biblically. We must mentor how strong conviction in God’s truths. We must raise our kids to have deep desire to know God and pursue Him through a relationship with Jesus. To work to make Him known to the world. To know and understand the Word and point others to it. One of the most important qualities Charlie Kirk had was to pursue knowledge and use biblical, critical thinking to ascertain whether that knowledge matched Scripture. If you’re a Christian mom worried about secular culture, don’t focus on shielding your kids FROM the world . Equip them to shine the light and truth of Christ IN it. But the question moms carry is “how?” How do we raise kids to honor God in a world far from what He commands? The last quality I mentioned Charlie carrying is one of the top priorities parents must carry and teach as they raise kids to stand against culture and for Christ. If you aren’t using biblical, critical thinking yourself - and mentoring to your children how to use it, you’re already behind. Unless you and your children can easily understand and verbalize why they believe what they do, they’re likely to become a victim of indoctrination, be easily swayed by peers, teachers, society, or be swayed to follow any sort of “religion” (in quotation marks) the world offers. It is IMPERATIVE to know WHY we stand - for WHO we stand for. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” These words must be taken seriously. When I looked at the instructions in these words from God, I took a good look at how I was parenting. Although I professed to love the Lord, and I called Jesus my Savior, I realized how I fell short of digesting the urgency of God’s commands when I raised my first set of kids. How about you? Are you consistently parenting the way these verses command? Your love for God, your desire to honor and obey Him must be evident in your actions, reactions, words, and desires. Your fears, your praises. In the way you teach your children of Jesus and how to follow Him. To place Him first. So many parents believe they’re doing a good job because they go to church each week and they tell their kids to read their Bible. They talk about being a Christian family, but how is that faith being exhibited in the home? In society? At work? At school? Do actions, desires, words, and reactions match how Scripture calls? Is Scripture studied enough to know? Many people think they follow Jesus, but what they believe and the way they live and vote are actually in opposition to what God’s Word says. Many Christians take the Bible to the other extreme and shut off contact with anyone who does anything the Bible calls sin. Listen to this passage from John 8. “but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and He sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test Him, that they might have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and wrote with His finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more He bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” How powerful this verse is! Jesus boldly stayed true to Scripture. He knew each person dealt with personal sins. However, He didn’t choose to stay away. He shared Truth and Life. Yet, He didn’t condone the sins. He was in their midst, yet commanded them to go and sin no more. In modern day context, this could be adultery or homosexuality, as two examples. Society, with hearts not seeking and following Scripture fails to see sin in front of them. However, Jesus would assert that both are sins God hates. He would share God’s truths and commands, yet tell them to go and sin no more. He wouldn’t accept and agree. He would call out the sin, love them, yet not condone what they did. He wouldn’t accept the lifestyle into policy or persuade others it was the way God made them. Or make excuses. Your kids need to hear you speak the truths of Scripture – and witness you live the commands of God. Deuteronomy 4:9 also carries clear instructions on how to please and honor our Heavenly Father and raise the children He entrusted to us. This verse says, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children .” Remember God’s Truths and commands as found in Scripture. Cling to them as guidance for your soul and life. For your parenting. Again, putting Him first. How well are you doing that? How well are you mentoring and guiding your children in this command? How are you exhibiting your identity in Jesus as Savior? Each one of us must secure identity in God through Jesus. We must live in complete assurance of WHOSE we are - and let everything that pours from us flow through His eternal lens. Use the way God has provided for you, strengthened you, carried you. Use everything that’s wrapped up in your relationship with God this far. Remember how He has provided, where you have faltered, and how God has carried you. Use your trials, your failures, your triumphs in ways that strengthen and mature your relationship (with God and your kids) and the foundation you’re laying for your children and the house of faith they are building. Of course, be age appropriate. Weave God effortlessly into your days and nights. He is present. Don’t hit your kids over the head with rules and regulations, but with gentle love and grace, with discipleship born from love and understanding of God’s Word, and adherence to His commands. Don’t neglect discipline. Use it to disciple for Him. Continue your growth moment by moment, so they will, too. Inhale Christ so you exhale Him with ease and clarity. 1 John 4:13 says, “By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit .” Scripture tells us the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The more you study His Word, the better you live and teach the Word. The more you soak His Word into your being, the way you act and react is transformed, the way you seek the Father’s wisdom in how to parent for Him is refined, and the way you hear His instructions is clarified. He fills you with the strength and stamina you need to parent His children for His ways, and not the world. Matt. 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell .” There is nothing on this earth that is worth giving more attention than God or family. Learn to treat your family the way God desires you to treat them. Being the best friend of your children, giving them too many material goods, or depriving them so you don’t spoil them are ways that we over or under-indulge. As you deepen your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and practice abiding in His capable arms, as you capture a mindset like Christ, you parent kids who are in the world, but not of it. Kids who seek Him first and are thankful for what they have. Your kids must live in the world. Teach them to BE and STAY secure and strong in the Word. Parent with godly confidence to instill godly confidence in your kids. This comes from purposely studying God’s character, will, and ways. Purposely consider and PLAN what you want the end of your life and the life of your children to look like, or you won’t receive godly results. You must intentionally reflect on what God would desire for your children. Seek His discernment , knowledge , wisdom , and understanding on how to parent the children He has entrusted to your care. He created them with a purpose and purposely entrusted them to you at this time. In order to raise kids who are IN the world, but not OF it, YOU have to be a set-apart woman. First you must understand what the term, set-apart means. The basic definition is “to do something that makes someone, or oneself, noticeable, remarkable, or distinct in comparison to someone or something else.” That means distinctively different or set-apart from this world we live in. Set-apart also means to be sanctified . In simple form, it means something or someone is sanctified when it’s used for the purpose God intends. So, when you live according to the purpose or design God intended for your life, you’re sanctified. More clearly defined, that means when you’re pursuing and following Jesus - and His ways and will . The Greek word translated “sanctification” means holiness . This means that when we’re sanctified, we’re made holy. As believers and followers of Jesus, we know that He is the one sanctifying us. God calls us to know Him, to become more like Him, to become holy, as He is holy and He allows us to be transformed by Him and through Him by our relationship with Jesus. Obviously, we never reach the holiness of God, but through the transforming sacrifice and sanctification of Jesus, we can become more Christ-like moment by moment. Then you are able to make Christ known to your children. To equip your children to be set-apart. To be sanctified. The deeper you pursue , know , and follow Jesus, the more He is shown to your children. The first Jesus your children see is the Jesus they see within you. Your children will desire whatever is appealing to them. Make a life lived with Jesus appealing. Your relationship with God through a maturing and deepening walk with Jesus matters very much. Since you desire your children to know and grow in Jesus, you must raise them to be set-apart, to be what God intended for them. This can only be accomplished with intentional parenting reliant on the holy power and direction of Christ within you. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God .” The New Living Translation version makes understanding the importance of this verse for a set-apart life much easier. The NLT version translates the same verse this way, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect .” To be a set-apart parent raising a set-apart child, you must purpose to think and live differently . You can’t seek, mimic, or prioritize the behavior, customs, or culture of this world. You must purpose to allow , and invite God to transform you into a new woman, a new parent, moment by moment, day by day. Over and over again with a humble, submissive heart and spirit. You have to be present in the day to day, making hard choices about friends, limits, gaming, television - and the list goes on. For example, one of the top complaints I hear from moms is how their pre-teen and teen girls dress. We must lay a foundation for our girls to desire modest dressing. In fact, if this is an area, you struggle with, I recommend sending me a message at info@terrihitt.com In my Set-Apart Collective Program, we discuss issues just like this one. Remember, your strength, discernment, and guidance for parenting will be found through the sanctification of Jesus and the Holy Spirit alive within you. His power exists to live a set-apart life and be a set-apart parent. His will within you changes the way you think , what you crave , what you believe , and how you react . Through His life-changing, set-apart power, you are able to raise children who will be set-apart and sanctified for Him. Kids who live a power testimony of His love and grace. Also, use Scripture to guide your prayer life. Here are 4 verses crafted into Scriptural prayers. Use Bible verses to submit to - and invite the powerful presence of God to reside within you as you prayerfully live and parent. Galatians 5:16 - Heavenly Father, my great and glorious God, Your Word instructs me to walk by the Spirit, and I won’t gratify the desires of the flesh. How I need Your power. Equip me, Father. Carry me so that you reside strongly within me. Keep me from shifting to the left or the right. Keep me in Your perfect will and strength to shine you in ways that draw my children and spouse to You. Ephesians 2:10 – Precious Heavenly Father, You say I am your masterpiece. You assure me that I am created anew in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! Enable me to do the good things You planned for me long ago. May my life influence and instruct my children in all of Your ways, not the world. Galatians 2:20 – Precious Father, I know that my old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. May all I do bring glory and honor to You and teach my children to desire and follow You. 1 Peter 2:9 – Merciful Heavenly Father, You assure me through Your Word that I am chose n. Carry me, enable me to intentionally and bravely show others Your goodness because You have called me out of the darkness and into Your wonderful light. May my life truly reflect You in all I am and do. May my children do the same. Show me how to make You clearly known to them in ways they cannot resist. Rest in His power. Parent in His power. Your walk with Jesus matters . The way you love Him and present Him to your watching children reflects the way you feel about Him, the way you trust Him. Your set-apart walk affects the way you present Jesus daily. With the power of Christ working within you, your child will begin to shine the light of Christ and live a life set-apart from others in ways that are pleasing to God and your heart. 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” I don’t strive to have what society considers “typical children” or “typical teens.” I would feel I failed God if I heard those words spoken to me. My heart would be shattered. Don’t settle for what this culture cheapens. Life is meant to be so much better than what this broken world offers or tempts us with. Your child, our children deserve what God purposed them to be, do, and have. Their calling is higher than this unstable and sinful world can give. Here are five basic steps to help you build a lifestyle that sets your children up to follow the Way, instead of the world. 1. Show Jesus – Your joyful relationship with Jesus, the way you seek and follow Him with obedience and love will attract your child. The level of depth and maturity in your walk with Jesus will guide your life as it influences your child’s. As you read God’s word, share His word with your children through reading the Bible and discussing it together, and make it applicable to life situations, your child begins to assimilate the mind and desires of God. 1 Peter 1:16 says, “For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy .” 2. Make Time – Make time to be with the Father alone and with your family. Be attuned to your child, each precious and unique child you have been gifted. Be present. Put down your phone. Stop working. Delay chores. Look them in the eyes. Wrap your arms around them often. Love them in their language. Do your children need to be invited into your space or are they always welcome? Do they know it? Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Even teens who act like they only want to be with friends cherish a close relationship with parents. It’s never to late to mend and strengthen yours. 3. Tame your Tongue and Tone – Does joy or aggravation shine from you? Does your child see love in your eyes and actions? Are you a constant complainer? Or do your days radiate gratitude? 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” 4. Be Consistent – In character, relationship, parenting, integrity, and pursuit of Jesus. Let them see your loving pursuit of Jesus and the ways He continues to mature you and transform you. Humbly give God the glory. Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.” 5. Stay Involved – Guide, don’t hover. Allow maturity at proper times. Don’t hold on too long, but don’t push too fast. Know friends and set examples for the type of friends to connect with and the type of friend to be. Make godly life and parenting choices and guide your children to put God first when making decisions, not as a chore, but because they love and honor Him and desire to please their Heavenly Father. Set Jesus as the example for both of you to follow. John 17:15-18 says, “I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. Just as You sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world .” In order to raise set-apart children who are in the world, but are not worldly , you must set that as a priority to achieve. Before work, school, or any other obligation or desire you carry. You must be the example of Christ your children see. A set-apart parent grows depth of love for and maturity in the Lord and seeks to pass that legacy and blessing to their children and grandchildren. If your children are already grown, you continue in maturing your Christian walk and relationship with God through Jesus. Breathe Him in and breathe Him out. Once you’re living a set-apart life, it becomes your family lifestyle. Again, if your child is older or already a teen or adult, remain steadfast in your pursuit of Christ and in living a godly life that reflects Jesus and gives honor and glory to the changes He is making in your life daily. Remain prayerful and consistent. James 5:16b says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results .” Christ’s work within you will attract your child to Him. His ongoing transformation of your life will help your children to see their need for a Savior who transforms and mends relationships. Only the sanctifying power of Jesus will transform the desires and life of your child as he or she turns and submits to Him. With anxiety and depression in kids and teens at an all-time high, this next verse should give assurance. Isaiah 54:13 says, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Remember, your conviction and connection to God’s Word will affect your children, young or older, day by day. You cannot lead your children to the Way unless YOU live the Word. Equipping your kids to be IN the world, but not OF it begins with YOUR walk with Christ. May this be your prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, gracious and glorious God, equip me to follow Your example. Enable me to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. Extract any hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Help there be no obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving and praise. Don’t let me partner with darkness, as I am now a light for You. May I live as a child of light in goodness, righteousness and truth, and what pleases You. May I be very careful how I live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Take away foolishness that takes me from Your good and perfect will. Help me be filled with Your Spirit, always giving You thanks for everything. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. I have a free resource you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. Time is short. Leave a legacy that lasts into eternity. Unless you’re purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. Focus on eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #120 – What the Lord Requires Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. Living with eternal perspective is something we honor in our home. Not only because that is the name of this podcast, but because each of us believes in the importance of viewing each day with eyes set on eternity. This podcast has been a beautiful tool in our home, and because of it, my daughters and husband are also much more aware of ways we can shift our mindset and attitude toward Christ and seek to allow Him first importance in our daily activities and plans. Watching my girls grow in Christlike character is a gift. I’m sure you understand the joy when you witness the changes Jesus makes on the surrendered heart of your child. As we watch our children allow Jesus into their life and submit to Him to alter the mindset and desires they carry, we more clearly understand the responsibility a parent carries to make Jesus known. There is really nothing else that compares with preparing ourselves and our children for eternity. Sometimes we can be so wrapped up in daily living that we miss what God calls for us. The simplicity and complexity of raising a child to know, love, honor, and follow Christ is the greatest gift He can bestow on parents. It’s easy to forget exactly what God truly requires of us when we get lost in the hustle of life instead of keeping eyes fixed above. I believe that serving God is of utmost importance, especially when He is calling us to such a high task. Truly, obedience is key. However, we only create busywork, not an honoring service for Him if we are not simply spending time in the presence of Jesus to know Him. John 12:1-8 says, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.” What I notice the most about these verses is that Mary was loving, humble and teachable. Through her actions, she proved what was important in her heart; what her mind was focused on. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This humble follower of Christ recognized that she must be more occupied with Jesus than for Him. Another verse that shows us to fix our attention and heart on Jesus is found in Luke 10:41, which says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was so consumed with doing for Jesus that she lost opportunities to be with Him. How can we know how to please God if we do not know Him? If only we could continually live with the childlike faith God calls us to carry. Christian life shouldn’t be complicated. Our stubbornness, pride, ego, greed, fears, wickedness, and sins separate us from the ability to fellowship with our Father as we should. Have you made your walk with Christ harder than it should be? Have you complicated your salvation thinking you have to serve or do in order to please God? I remember when I first became a Christian I was so eager to serve! I joined so many committees. I don’t remember ever stopping to ask God what direction He had for me to follow or how He would like me to serve. I loved everything I was doing and I recall that I had great joy in doing what I could for God. But was I making my walk harder than it should have been? Wouldn’t I have matured my walk with Jesus sooner if I had stopped to be present with Him and be discipled properly? My point is that we can easily and unknowingly make our walk with God way more complicated than it has to be with self-imposed rules, objectives, or agendas. Would you like a good reminder of what the life of a believer should really look like? Micah 6:6-8 says, “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 1. Be just - God is calling us to be consistent, virtuous, honest, innocent, and righteous. The only way we can mature in those qualities and be pleasing to God is through the Holy Spirit actively working within us. 2. Love mercy - We are each in need of mercy. We know we are incapable of receiving the life-saving mercy we need without Jesus. Through Christ we can receive it and are also able to extend God’s grace to others. 3. Walk humbly with God - Walking is an active, not sedentary state. Our Heavenly Father asks us to humbly move with Him. To walk with someone means to keep step and stay at an even pace together. Our Father extends a personal fellowship with His followers to walk in step with Him. Almost every evening I am able to take a walk with one of my daughters. It is one of the highlights of my day. Each walk carries a variety of emotions and stories that grow and deepen our bond with each other. Serious conversations and laughter accompany every step and I know our relationship would not be the same without these walks. Just as we cannot grow closer to God unless we walk humbly with Him. For some, the summer months are slow and easy, for others, the days are wild and busy. Whichever summer day you encounter, please make it a point to put God first. Grow your relationship with Jesus this summer through intentional time spent walking with Him. Here are 5 steps to make sure you know Jesus more clearly before summer is over. 1. Allow the Heavenly Father to enter your mind when you wake up and pray to Him as you start your day. 2. Allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate your thoughts and actions through each day and help you choose what activities you should spend your time on. 3. Speak of and to Jesus as you work or play. Allow prayers to flow from your heart and mind through the day as you converse with God in gratitude and appreciation of whatever enters your life. 4. Make time to be in God’s word at some point each day. You cannot know Him unless you spend time with Him. Scripture makes Him known. 5. Before you fall asleep each evening, speak humble prayers to God to close the evening with Him foremost on your mind. Dear Heavenly Father, Your goodness is overwhelming, especially in light of our sinful nature. Thank You for Your mercy and love for us. May we grow closer to You daily as we intentionally and humbly walk in step with You. May we act justly, despite how we are treated because we are so close to You that You pour from us before self. May we accept and exhibit mercy, from You, ourselves, and others in ways that honor and please You. May we walk humbly by Your side in sweet fellowship and praise that pleases You and shines for others to see, drawing them ever nearer to You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I suggest Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast episode 12, “Values in a World of Immorality” and it can be found on the Terri Hitt website. I hope you will listen to this new podcast, especially if you are raising children or influencing grandchildren. Please follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 120 - What the Lord Requires Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #120 – What the Lord Requires Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. Living with eternal perspective is something we honor in our home. Not only because that is the name of this podcast, but because each of us believes in the importance of viewing each day with eyes set on eternity. This podcast has been a beautiful tool in our home, and because of it, my daughters and husband are also much more aware of ways we can shift our mindset and attitude toward Christ and seek to allow Him first importance in our daily activities and plans. Watching my girls grow in Christlike character is a gift. I’m sure you understand the joy when you witness the changes Jesus makes on the surrendered heart of your child. As we watch our children allow Jesus into their life and submit to Him to alter the mindset and desires they carry, we more clearly understand the responsibility a parent carries to make Jesus known. There is really nothing else that compares with preparing ourselves and our children for eternity. Sometimes we can be so wrapped up in daily living that we miss what God calls for us. The simplicity and complexity of raising a child to know, love, honor, and follow Christ is the greatest gift He can bestow on parents. It’s easy to forget exactly what God truly requires of us when we get lost in the hustle of life instead of keeping eyes fixed above. I believe that serving God is of utmost importance, especially when He is calling us to such a high task. Truly, obedience is key. However, we only create busywork, not an honoring service for Him if we are not simply spending time in the presence of Jesus to know Him. John 12:1-8 says, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.” What I notice the most about these verses is that Mary was loving, humble and teachable. Through her actions, she proved what was important in her heart; what her mind was focused on. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This humble follower of Christ recognized that she must be more occupied with Jesus than for Him. Another verse that shows us to fix our attention and heart on Jesus is found in Luke 10:41, which says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was so consumed with doing for Jesus that she lost opportunities to be with Him. How can we know how to please God if we do not know Him? If only we could continually live with the childlike faith God calls us to carry. Christian life shouldn’t be complicated. Our stubbornness, pride, ego, greed, fears, wickedness, and sins separate us from the ability to fellowship with our Father as we should. Have you made your walk with Christ harder than it should be? Have you complicated your salvation thinking you have to serve or do in order to please God? I remember when I first became a Christian I was so eager to serve! I joined so many committees. I don’t remember ever stopping to ask God what direction He had for me to follow or how He would like me to serve. I loved everything I was doing and I recall that I had great joy in doing what I could for God. But was I making my walk harder than it should have been? Wouldn’t I have matured my walk with Jesus sooner if I had stopped to be present with Him and be discipled properly? My point is that we can easily and unknowingly make our walk with God way more complicated than it has to be with self-imposed rules, objectives, or agendas. Would you like a good reminder of what the life of a believer should really look like? Micah 6:6-8 says, “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 1. Be just - God is calling us to be consistent, virtuous, honest, innocent, and righteous. The only way we can mature in those qualities and be pleasing to God is through the Holy Spirit actively working within us. 2. Love mercy - We are each in need of mercy. We know we are incapable of receiving the life-saving mercy we need without Jesus. Through Christ we can receive it and are also able to extend God’s grace to others. 3. Walk humbly with God - Walking is an active, not sedentary state. Our Heavenly Father asks us to humbly move with Him. To walk with someone means to keep step and stay at an even pace together. Our Father extends a personal fellowship with His followers to walk in step with Him. Almost every evening I am able to take a walk with one of my daughters. It is one of the highlights of my day. Each walk carries a variety of emotions and stories that grow and deepen our bond with each other. Serious conversations and laughter accompany every step and I know our relationship would not be the same without these walks. Just as we cannot grow closer to God unless we walk humbly with Him. For some, the summer months are slow and easy, for others, the days are wild and busy. Whichever summer day you encounter, please make it a point to put God first. Grow your relationship with Jesus this summer through intentional time spent walking with Him. Here are 5 steps to make sure you know Jesus more clearly before summer is over. 1. Allow the Heavenly Father to enter your mind when you wake up and pray to Him as you start your day. 2. Allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate your thoughts and actions through each day and help you choose what activities you should spend your time on. 3. Speak of and to Jesus as you work or play. Allow prayers to flow from your heart and mind through the day as you converse with God in gratitude and appreciation of whatever enters your life. 4. Make time to be in God’s word at some point each day. You cannot know Him unless you spend time with Him. Scripture makes Him known. 5. Before you fall asleep each evening, speak humble prayers to God to close the evening with Him foremost on your mind. Dear Heavenly Father, Your goodness is overwhelming, especially in light of our sinful nature. Thank You for Your mercy and love for us. May we grow closer to You daily as we intentionally and humbly walk in step with You. May we act justly, despite how we are treated because we are so close to You that You pour from us before self. May we accept and exhibit mercy, from You, ourselves, and others in ways that honor and please You. May we walk humbly by Your side in sweet fellowship and praise that pleases You and shines for others to see, drawing them ever nearer to You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I suggest Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast episode 12, “Values in a World of Immorality” and it can be found on the Terri Hitt website. I hope you will listen to this new podcast, especially if you are raising children or influencing grandchildren. Please follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #093 – Interview with Emily Hladik – Understanding American History – Part 1 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Over the last several weeks, I’ve interviewed several wise and knowledgeable leaders in the homeschool industry. The key is that they are not only able to assist in the world of home education, but love Jesus. The wisdom and understanding they share about knowing children, giving them a full and rich education, and raising them to know and honor Jesus is what sets them apart. I’m excited to introduce another new guest on the podcast today. Emily Hladik is a wife, a follower of Jesus, and a homeschool mother who shares her passion for truth through eLearning to reach the next generation of American patriots. Emily began teaching as an adjunct college instructor of political science and history in 2004 and has a Master of Education and a BA in Political Science and History. She has also served as the Challenge 1 Director in the Classical Conversations community. Emily doesn’t care much for shopping and decorating, but is passionate about Jesus, history, politics, and is the founder and curriculum creator of Great American Studies. I appreciate her directness and wise views on history and what we must do to honor and uphold it in society today. Please join me as we converse about the Lord, politics, history, life, children, parenting, and more. Emily has a contagious spirit for all the topics we discuss, but especially Jesus, politics, and history. I think you’ll enjoy hearing her sound and principled thoughts, ideas, and values. As you listen to Part 1, please bear with the audio at around the 22 through 25 minutes mark. As you know, technology can be tricky, but Emily shares wise advice and experiences, so I hope you’ll adjust your volume where needed and hear the eternal value in our conversation. -------------------------------------------------INTERVIEW ------------------------------------------------ I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Emily and I hope you did, as well. I invite you to listen next week as we wrap up the interview with Part 2. You can learn more about Emily or Great American Studies at https://www.greatamericanstudies.com or on Facebook at Great American Studies. https://www.facebook.com/greatamericanstudies/ Emily’s courses are great for home or traditionally educated students, as well as parents who want to refresh their mind on history learned long ago. I plan to complete her course with my family soon. Father God, you have given us so much. You alone are good, holy, sovereign, and always present. We need You so much more than we can comprehend. Help us see You in each moment of our days. Help us to seek Your face as we navigate this world. May we live in sync with Your values and seek Your wisdom before our own or that of this world. May we please You with our thoughts, actions, and words because they are a reflection of Yours. Help us to view history with your heart and eyes and a gratitude for all You have allowed. Cause us to get involved where you call or support others You put in place for such a time as this. May our lives honor and reflect You to a world with blind eyes. We love You, Lord. Help the world see You within us and move ever closer to You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As always, please feel free to let me know if you have specific questions I may be able to answer or if you need information or encouragement about a specific topic related to the podcast or interviews. You can reach me at info@terrihitt.com. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 093 - Understanding American History - Interview with Emily Hladik - Part 1 Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #093 – Interview with Emily Hladik – Understanding American History – Part 1 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Over the last several weeks, I’ve interviewed several wise and knowledgeable leaders in the homeschool industry. The key is that they are not only able to assist in the world of home education, but love Jesus. The wisdom and understanding they share about knowing children, giving them a full and rich education, and raising them to know and honor Jesus is what sets them apart. I’m excited to introduce another new guest on the podcast today. Emily Hladik is a wife, a follower of Jesus, and a homeschool mother who shares her passion for truth through eLearning to reach the next generation of American patriots. Emily began teaching as an adjunct college instructor of political science and history in 2004 and has a Master of Education and a BA in Political Science and History. She has also served as the Challenge 1 Director in the Classical Conversations community. Emily doesn’t care much for shopping and decorating, but is passionate about Jesus, history, politics, and is the founder and curriculum creator of Great American Studies. I appreciate her directness and wise views on history and what we must do to honor and uphold it in society today. Please join me as we converse about the Lord, politics, history, life, children, parenting, and more. Emily has a contagious spirit for all the topics we discuss, but especially Jesus, politics, and history. I think you’ll enjoy hearing her sound and principled thoughts, ideas, and values. As you listen to Part 1, please bear with the audio at around the 22 through 25 minutes mark. As you know, technology can be tricky, but Emily shares wise advice and experiences, so I hope you’ll adjust your volume where needed and hear the eternal value in our conversation. -------------------------------------------------INTERVIEW ------------------------------------------------ I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Emily and I hope you did, as well. I invite you to listen next week as we wrap up the interview with Part 2. You can learn more about Emily or Great American Studies at https://www.greatamericanstudies.com or on Facebook at Great American Studies. https://www.facebook.com/greatamericanstudies/ Emily’s courses are great for home or traditionally educated students, as well as parents who want to refresh their mind on history learned long ago. I plan to complete her course with my family soon. Father God, you have given us so much. You alone are good, holy, sovereign, and always present. We need You so much more than we can comprehend. Help us see You in each moment of our days. Help us to seek Your face as we navigate this world. May we live in sync with Your values and seek Your wisdom before our own or that of this world. May we please You with our thoughts, actions, and words because they are a reflection of Yours. Help us to view history with your heart and eyes and a gratitude for all You have allowed. Cause us to get involved where you call or support others You put in place for such a time as this. May our lives honor and reflect You to a world with blind eyes. We love You, Lord. Help the world see You within us and move ever closer to You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As always, please feel free to let me know if you have specific questions I may be able to answer or if you need information or encouragement about a specific topic related to the podcast or interviews. You can reach me at info@terrihitt.com . Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. https://www.facebook.com/greatamericanstudies/ https://www.greatamericanstudies.com

Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 097 - Thanksgiving Praise Listen to Episode

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Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #118 – Biblical Friendship and Connection Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. As my middle daughter has grown, it has been a joy for me to witness the types of friends she chooses. Over the last year, I’ve delighted in the depth of her friendships with people, especially those who love Jesus and are also trying to grow a life that honors and pleases Him. Would you agree that friendship is a blessing? Close friends are an extraordinary gift. I’ve always been intrigued by people, their stories, their dreams, their backgrounds, and beliefs. Listening to others enables us to grow individually and display empathy, sympathy, and feel a sense of connection, even if for a brief period of time. Experience has taught me that some people are meant to stay acquaintances, some are friends for a season, and some are God-sent companions who become family as our relationship spans many years and distances. One of my greatest joys in relation to long friendships is that whenever we have been apart for a great many months or sometimes years, whenever we talk again, it feels like there was never a separation. We are able to pick up where we left off, and although time has passed, and we have continued developing as individuals while away from each other, our hearts are still intertwined. God certainly values friendship. Have you ever noticed how many friendship stories the Bible contains? Just to name a few, I think of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18, 19, and 20. Then, 2 Samuel 1 and 9 show us how their relationship endured even after the death of Jonathan. The story of Ruth and Naomi has always been special to me, and in Ruth 1:16-17, we see the love Ruth carries for her mother-in-law and close friend, Naomi. Daniel 2:49 shows us a way Daniel looked out for his friends. 2 Kings 2:2 shows Elisha looking out for Elijah. Although his friends were imperfect and didn’t always offer godly perspective, Job 2:11-13 shows that Job’s friends did the best they knew how as they came to be with him in his time of need. Philippians 2:19-23 shows how highly Paul thought of his younger friend, Timothy. Friendship is obviously biblical and is of great importance to our Heavenly Father. John 15:13-15 speaks of the greatest friendship in history as it says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” This passage of scripture shows us that Jesus considers His followers to be His chosen, beloved friends. By laying His life down for us, Jesus has already proven that He is our ultimate best friend. As we step forward in obedience and spread His love to others through the Holy Spirit working within us, we can draw closer to the type of friend He desires us to be to Him and to others. What a miracle that as our friend who loves and cares deeply for us, Jesus makes everything the Father has taught Him known if we care to pay attention to Him. Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” Obviously, Jesus calls us to care for others, not just our friends. Besides, if we didn’t extend love to those we come into contact with, how would we ever find new friends? Those who have built deep friendships with people understand that what they have together is a treasure, and if your friends are also believers, there is a depth and purity that cannot be found by those who don’t pursue Christ. There’s also a spirit-led ability to see from the perspective of the others if difficulties arise. Without Christ, we are unable to handle disagreements in ways that genuinely please the Lord each time. Imagine your best friends and the relationships you have shared over time. Just as each person is unique, our closest friends will bring out different aspects of our personality. You know who you think of calling if you want to discuss biblical or political issues, who will help you deepen your walk with Christ, who will make you laugh, who will tell you when you are wrong, and who will simply listen when you need a shoulder to cry on or a sympathetic ear. Jesus is able to do all of this, but also much, much more. I often imagine what it must have been like for the disciples as they walked this earth with Jesus at their side. Christ’s inner circle of men were privileged to learn from and fellowship with Him directly. The relationship we have available to us now through salvation in Christ is even more intimate, because Jesus inhabits followers through the deposit of the Holy Spirit within us. This guarantee of eternal worth and value allows us to abide with Jesus now and live with anticipation of a glorious fellowship to come. Although I much prefer the Holy Spirit residing within me, and I know how desperately I need Him, I’m still intrigued by the relationship Jesus held with his disciples. The term “disciple” in Christianity refers primarily to a dedicated follower of Jesus. We see this term used in Acts, within the New Testament, and of course, in the gospels. In that time period, being a disciple meant the “follower of a teacher.” The student would actively imitate the life and teachings of their master. They deliberately desired, and took action to become, a replica of their teacher. Are you actively trying to become a replica of Christ? Isn’t that what we are supposed to do as we follow Him as believers? If you are not purposely leaning into and relying on Christ, what is stopping you? Through the blessed benefit of the resurrection, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, abiding within to enable us to become more like Christ as we release self and allow Him to disciple us. It sounds so easy, yet our pride and ignorance make it so hard. How do we maintain and deepen this great friendship we have been blessed to receive with Jesus? How do we live as a student who becomes a replica of Jesus, our teacher and friend? Connection is the answer. In John 15:1-27, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both Me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father—He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, for you have been with Me from the beginning.” What are 9 truths we receive from this passage of scripture? 1. Jesus, the true vine, is the Source of all life. 2. Jesus tells us of two types of branches, those that bear fruit and those that are barren. Just as we cannot tell the character of a person by simply looking at them, branches may appear the same until one fails to yield fruit. 3. No branch is able to bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine. Christians cannot survive and mature in their faith unless we remain connected to the true vine, Jesus. Abiding in and continuing to seek Jesus, deepening our walk with Him moment by moment, is the only way to bear fruit that honors and glorifies God. 4. As we remain connected to the vine through Bible study, prayer, worship, and seeking Jesus in all we do, we view the world through an eternal lens as Christ did, expectant of the work the holy Spirit is unfolding within and through us daily. 5. Joy and love are natural grown through abiding in deepening relationship with Jesus. Jesus desires us to have full, abundant lives! 6. Christ tells us that His followers are His beloved friends. Because He has already laid His life down for us, Jesus has proven His love for us. We must choose whether to serve the Lord and allow us to love one another in the ways He has taught through humble, obedient, sacrificial lifestyles. 7. The love and sacrifice of Jesus calls us to bear fruit, to live out the gospel through obedience to the Holy Spirit within us, and to share the gospel with love and humility. Believers have a strong calling to become lifelong disciples of Jesus, not merely superficial believers, and to endure what the world may throw at us with the grace of Christ, knowing He is our shield and strength. 8. Persecution should, unfortunately, be expected. If the world hated Christ, it will certainly hate those who exemplify Him. 9. Just as Jesus promised and sent His disciples the Spirit of Truth to testify through the oral and written testimony of the apostles, we have the provision of the Holy Spirit within us to disciple, embolden, and equip us for the purpose we are to serve under Christ. Jesus, our best friend, loves at all times and gave the greatest sacrifice a friend can give for us, whether we choose Him or not. As we draw nearer to Jesus, He draws nearer to us and we begin to understand the depth and width of His everlasting, sacrificial love. Jesus calls us His friend, but He is actually so much more. Knowing that moment by moment we must release self and choose to become a clearer version of Christ daily, let’s look at 6 practical facts that help ensure we remain maturing on the vine of Christ. 1. Choose friends wisely, especially your closest ones. As we are reminded in this episode, friends are incredibly important. If we tend to become like those we are around, we want our friends to reflect Christ and for our friendships to stretch and grow us in godly ways. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 2. Although we can be away from good friends for a time and still pick up where we left off, we must remain connected to Christ. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Jesus spoke of being the vine because He knew the disciples would understand the concept He was trying to make clear. Vines were common in that day as the economy was based on producing and maintaining healthy crops. Vines grow from a central branch which is rooted deep in the soil. Smaller branches then spread from this deep-rooted main branch and bear the fruit. Just as fruit on the vines cannot live apart from the source of sustaining life, we cannot live healthy, productive, godly lives without remaining connected to our central branch, and Source of Life, Jesus, who enables us to thrive through His love and nourishment. 3. Keep His commands. This world has no power over us unless we allow it. Rely on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit within you in every way. 1 John 2:27 says, “But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” The word abide is used in the Bible more than 100 times. Nineteen of those references are used in 1 John alone. Abide in this verse is calling us to continue or remain in relationship with Christ – abide in Him. If we do so, we are empowered to believe and obey the truth that sets us free and also enabled to love Him and others. In this verse from 1 John we are also reminded of the power of abiding in Christ. The powerful, life-giving word of God, is sufficient for the wisdom from Christ that we need and the application of all things. The Holy Spirit reveals the truths of God for those who seek and abide in Christ. 4. Love with a sacrificial love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Only through the strength and empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us and a strong, connected life with Christ can we begin to offer the unselfish and sacrificial love of Jesus. 5. If the world hates us, it hated Jesus first. If they see Him in us, they will hate us. Matthew 10:22 says, “And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Only through abiding in Christ will be able to withstand the hatred and persecution of this world. Even when we abide in Him, our flesh calls to retaliate or condemn others, especially when they hurt us or those we love. As we remain connected to the vine of Christ, the Holy Spirit reproduces the life of Christ within us, transforming us into a clearer vision of His image, enabling the Spirit to conquer our fleshly nature. 6. Jesus leaves us two important weapons - the Holy Spirit within us and the Holy Spirit-inspired Bible will enable us to remain connected to Him and to be able to receive and communicate His love as we obediently follow Him. John 14:15-21 says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” Friends are such a blessing and I have several godly women in my life that I cherish. Like you probably do, I feel it is a gift to sit down and talk with friends of the same mindset and encourage each other as we travel life in this world. Each friend I have is a treasure and a gift that I know God has placed in my life for specific reasons. I pray we always seek God together and reveal Him to each other more clearly as time marches on. Yet, Jesus is the very best friend any of us can have. Whether you have several friends or you feel like no one understands you, know that Christ does. Trust His word and the sacrifice Jesus offered willingly for you. Seek greater connection with Him as you choose to remain connected to the vine, our Source of Life. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. We praise You for Your goodness, generosity, and sacrifice to and for us. Help each of us listening to this podcast episode to seek and follow You with a sacrificial love that allows us to begin a deeper walk with You and to become a clearer image of Christ each day. Help us to be fruitful as we remain attached to Your vine. Produce more fruit within us and use it for Your good pleasure. May we draw ever nearer to You and trust that You are drawing nearer to us, enabling us to shine You more clearly and sincerely, drawing others to You. Thank you for being our guide, advisor, and friend. You are all we need. Help our lives to reflect that truth. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen, follow it, and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 118 - Biblical Friendship and Connection Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #118 – Biblical Friendship and Connection Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. As my middle daughter has grown, it has been a joy for me to witness the types of friends she chooses. Over the last year, I’ve delighted in the depth of her friendships with people, especially those who love Jesus and are also trying to grow a life that honors and pleases Him. Would you agree that friendship is a blessing? Close friends are an extraordinary gift. I’ve always been intrigued by people, their stories, their dreams, their backgrounds, and beliefs. Listening to others enables us to grow individually and display empathy, sympathy, and feel a sense of connection, even if for a brief period of time. Experience has taught me that some people are meant to stay acquaintances, some are friends for a season, and some are God-sent companions who become family as our relationship spans many years and distances. One of my greatest joys in relation to long friendships is that whenever we have been apart for a great many months or sometimes years, whenever we talk again, it feels like there was never a separation. We are able to pick up where we left off, and although time has passed, and we have continued developing as individuals while away from each other, our hearts are still intertwined. God certainly values friendship. Have you ever noticed how many friendship stories the Bible contains? Just to name a few, I think of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18, 19, and 20. Then, 2 Samuel 1 and 9 show us how their relationship endured even after the death of Jonathan. The story of Ruth and Naomi has always been special to me, and in Ruth 1:16-17, we see the love Ruth carries for her mother-in-law and close friend, Naomi. Daniel 2:49 shows us a way Daniel looked out for his friends. 2 Kings 2:2 shows Elisha looking out for Elijah. Although his friends were imperfect and didn’t always offer godly perspective, Job 2:11-13 shows that Job’s friends did the best they knew how as they came to be with him in his time of need. Philippians 2:19-23 shows how highly Paul thought of his younger friend, Timothy. Friendship is obviously biblical and is of great importance to our Heavenly Father. John 15:13-15 speaks of the greatest friendship in history as it says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” This passage of scripture shows us that Jesus considers His followers to be His chosen, beloved friends. By laying His life down for us, Jesus has already proven that He is our ultimate best friend. As we step forward in obedience and spread His love to others through the Holy Spirit working within us, we can draw closer to the type of friend He desires us to be to Him and to others. What a miracle that as our friend who loves and cares deeply for us, Jesus makes everything the Father has taught Him known if we care to pay attention to Him. Jesus said in Mark 12:30-31, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.” Obviously, Jesus calls us to care for others, not just our friends. Besides, if we didn’t extend love to those we come into contact with, how would we ever find new friends? Those who have built deep friendships with people understand that what they have together is a treasure, and if your friends are also believers, there is a depth and purity that cannot be found by those who don’t pursue Christ. There’s also a spirit-led ability to see from the perspective of the others if difficulties arise. Without Christ, we are unable to handle disagreements in ways that genuinely please the Lord each time. Imagine your best friends and the relationships you have shared over time. Just as each person is unique, our closest friends will bring out different aspects of our personality. You know who you think of calling if you want to discuss biblical or political issues, who will help you deepen your walk with Christ, who will make you laugh, who will tell you when you are wrong, and who will simply listen when you need a shoulder to cry on or a sympathetic ear. Jesus is able to do all of this, but also much, much more. I often imagine what it must have been like for the disciples as they walked this earth with Jesus at their side. Christ’s inner circle of men were privileged to learn from and fellowship with Him directly. The relationship we have available to us now through salvation in Christ is even more intimate, because Jesus inhabits followers through the deposit of the Holy Spirit within us. This guarantee of eternal worth and value allows us to abide with Jesus now and live with anticipation of a glorious fellowship to come. Although I much prefer the Holy Spirit residing within me, and I know how desperately I need Him, I’m still intrigued by the relationship Jesus held with his disciples. The term “disciple” in Christianity refers primarily to a dedicated follower of Jesus. We see this term used in Acts, within the New Testament, and of course, in the gospels. In that time period, being a disciple meant the “follower of a teacher.” The student would actively imitate the life and teachings of their master. They deliberately desired, and took action to become, a replica of their teacher. Are you actively trying to become a replica of Christ? Isn’t that what we are supposed to do as we follow Him as believers? If you are not purposely leaning into and relying on Christ, what is stopping you? Through the blessed benefit of the resurrection, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, abiding within to enable us to become more like Christ as we release self and allow Him to disciple us. It sounds so easy, yet our pride and ignorance make it so hard. How do we maintain and deepen this great friendship we have been blessed to receive with Jesus? How do we live as a student who becomes a replica of Jesus, our teacher and friend? Connection is the answer. In John 15:1-27, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both Me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’ “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of Truth who goes out from the Father—He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, for you have been with Me from the beginning.” What are 9 truths we receive from this passage of scripture? 1. Jesus, the true vine, is the Source of all life. 2. Jesus tells us of two types of branches, those that bear fruit and those that are barren. Just as we cannot tell the character of a person by simply looking at them, branches may appear the same until one fails to yield fruit. 3. No branch is able to bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine. Christians cannot survive and mature in their faith unless we remain connected to the true vine, Jesus. Abiding in and continuing to seek Jesus, deepening our walk with Him moment by moment, is the only way to bear fruit that honors and glorifies God. 4. As we remain connected to the vine through Bible study, prayer, worship, and seeking Jesus in all we do, we view the world through an eternal lens as Christ did, expectant of the work the holy Spirit is unfolding within and through us daily. 5. Joy and love are natural grown through abiding in deepening relationship with Jesus. Jesus desires us to have full, abundant lives! 6. Christ tells us that His followers are His beloved friends. Because He has already laid His life down for us, Jesus has proven His love for us. We must choose whether to serve the Lord and allow us to love one another in the ways He has taught through humble, obedient, sacrificial lifestyles. 7. The love and sacrifice of Jesus calls us to bear fruit, to live out the gospel through obedience to the Holy Spirit within us, and to share the gospel with love and humility. Believers have a strong calling to become lifelong disciples of Jesus, not merely superficial believers, and to endure what the world may throw at us with the grace of Christ, knowing He is our shield and strength. 8. Persecution should, unfortunately, be expected. If the world hated Christ, it will certainly hate those who exemplify Him. 9. Just as Jesus promised and sent His disciples the Spirit of Truth to testify through the oral and written testimony of the apostles, we have the provision of the Holy Spirit within us to disciple, embolden, and equip us for the purpose we are to serve under Christ. Jesus, our best friend, loves at all times and gave the greatest sacrifice a friend can give for us, whether we choose Him or not. As we draw nearer to Jesus, He draws nearer to us and we begin to understand the depth and width of His everlasting, sacrificial love. Jesus calls us His friend, but He is actually so much more. Knowing that moment by moment we must release self and choose to become a clearer version of Christ daily, let’s look at 6 practical facts that help ensure we remain maturing on the vine of Christ. 1. Choose friends wisely, especially your closest ones. As we are reminded in this episode, friends are incredibly important. If we tend to become like those we are around, we want our friends to reflect Christ and for our friendships to stretch and grow us in godly ways. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 2. Although we can be away from good friends for a time and still pick up where we left off, we must remain connected to Christ. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” Jesus spoke of being the vine because He knew the disciples would understand the concept He was trying to make clear. Vines were common in that day as the economy was based on producing and maintaining healthy crops. Vines grow from a central branch which is rooted deep in the soil. Smaller branches then spread from this deep-rooted main branch and bear the fruit. Just as fruit on the vines cannot live apart from the source of sustaining life, we cannot live healthy, productive, godly lives without remaining connected to our central branch, and Source of Life, Jesus, who enables us to thrive through His love and nourishment. 3. Keep His commands. This world has no power over us unless we allow it. Rely on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit within you in every way. 1 John 2:27 says, “But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” The word abide is used in the Bible more than 100 times. Nineteen of those references are used in 1 John alone. Abide in this verse is calling us to continue or remain in relationship with Christ – abide in Him. If we do so, we are empowered to believe and obey the truth that sets us free and also enabled to love Him and others. In this verse from 1 John we are also reminded of the power of abiding in Christ. The powerful, life-giving word of God, is sufficient for the wisdom from Christ that we need and the application of all things. The Holy Spirit reveals the truths of God for those who seek and abide in Christ. 4. Love with a sacrificial love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Only through the strength and empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us and a strong, connected life with Christ can we begin to offer the unselfish and sacrificial love of Jesus. 5. If the world hates us, it hated Jesus first. If they see Him in us, they will hate us. Matthew 10:22 says, “And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Only through abiding in Christ will be able to withstand the hatred and persecution of this world. Even when we abide in Him, our flesh calls to retaliate or condemn others, especially when they hurt us or those we love. As we remain connected to the vine of Christ, the Holy Spirit reproduces the life of Christ within us, transforming us into a clearer vision of His image, enabling the Spirit to conquer our fleshly nature. 6. Jesus leaves us two important weapons - the Holy Spirit within us and the Holy Spirit-inspired Bible will enable us to remain connected to Him and to be able to receive and communicate His love as we obediently follow Him. John 14:15-21 says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” Friends are such a blessing and I have several godly women in my life that I cherish. Like you probably do, I feel it is a gift to sit down and talk with friends of the same mindset and encourage each other as we travel life in this world. Each friend I have is a treasure and a gift that I know God has placed in my life for specific reasons. I pray we always seek God together and reveal Him to each other more clearly as time marches on. Yet, Jesus is the very best friend any of us can have. Whether you have several friends or you feel like no one understands you, know that Christ does. Trust His word and the sacrifice Jesus offered willingly for you. Seek greater connection with Him as you choose to remain connected to the vine, our Source of Life. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus. We praise You for Your goodness, generosity, and sacrifice to and for us. Help each of us listening to this podcast episode to seek and follow You with a sacrificial love that allows us to begin a deeper walk with You and to become a clearer image of Christ each day. Help us to be fruitful as we remain attached to Your vine. Produce more fruit within us and use it for Your good pleasure. May we draw ever nearer to You and trust that You are drawing nearer to us, enabling us to shine You more clearly and sincerely, drawing others to You. Thank you for being our guide, advisor, and friend. You are all we need. Help our lives to reflect that truth. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen, follow it, and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #027 – An Uncomfortable Life Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. One of the greatest perks of being a podcaster is that no one can see me. I can record without wearing makeup, dressed in my shabby “stay home” clothes, and my hair barely finger combed. Nobody at home cares, and my youngest actually prefers this mommy look and attire. If I am just staying at home, dressing this way is ultra-comfortable! Do you have favorite, comfortable attire? Is it what you usually only wear at home? Or do you always dress that way? I admit that I am picky. I don’t like pajamas that twist, sleeping on sheets with wrinkles in them, or socks that slide and pinch my toes with the sock seam. Who can stand anything that binds or pulls? Being comfortable keeps a person cheerful, at ease, and contented, while discomfort is disturbing, even painful at times. When I am extremely uncomfortable, it ends up being all I can think about. There are times, however, when we need to accept discomfort, even welcome it. Distress or displeasure are not feelings we would normally desire, so why would we consider inviting unease or hardship? If we desire to grow in our relationship with God, it is imperative that we learn to embrace feeling uncomfortable and we express gratitude through it. Let’s look to the Bible for some insight. Here’s an easy question. Can you think of any Biblical characters that lived a life of ease? No. Do you know why? You might remember that Jesus forewarned us in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” No one lives without sorrow, unease, persecution, or discomfort. But did you catch the good news? Although Jesus warned us that this world carries tribulation, He also promised us that we could have peace through Him during trials. He also reminded us that He has already overcome the world. In Romans 8:28 we learn this, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Jesus has gone before us, preparing us for trials by warning of upcoming adversity, allowing the Holy Spirit inside us to help us to pray when life gets so complicated that we do not have the words, and encouraging us to learn that for those who love God, and are called according to His purpose, all things will work together for good. After laying such established groundwork for us, He continues strengthening us by revealing that He has already overcome the world. Remember when I mentioned Bible characters earlier? I stated that I couldn’t think of anyone who lived a life without trials or hardship. Just a sprinkling of them were Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, David, John the Baptist, Paul, and, of course, Jesus. None of them could boast of a life of ease, especially not Jesus, yet comfort was never a priority for Him. Jesus’s greatest goal was obedience to God. Affliction and adversity did not distract Him. This world can bring unfathomable pain and suffering. So much is beyond our control. There are many days when I whisper to myself, “Jesus, come. Save us from ourselves.” We understand that we are supposed to accept hardship and pain, but knowing doesn’t make it easy. Abuse, neglect, financial difficulties, marital problems, starvation, temptation, child trafficking, sickness, temptation, pain, anxiety, depression, failure, confusion, betrayal, discouragement, death, and the list can go on and on. Sometimes we are victims to what life brings, other times, we cause our own grief and difficulties. There are times when God must intercede and possibly discipline us by allowing us to experience discomfort. But through everything, God will work it together for good when we love Him and are called according to His purpose. Despite all of it, our lives are intertwined and God allows us to affect and encourage one another through the good, bad, easy, and hard. No matter what we must endure, Jesus does walk through the pain and suffering with us. He knows suffering, the loneliness and hardship, the feeling of betrayal, the pain, and loss. He is waiting for each one of us to personally ask Him to take our load, and wants to encourage us and carry us through. Jesus suffers when we suffer. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If God, who loves us, allows us to endure adversity, shouldn’t we ask ourselves why? Something positive must come from the difficulty and anguish. Because they certainly don’t feel good and it is tough to understand how they could be for any good. What could the benefits be? 1. We gain empathy – when we experience grief, suffering, or are uncomfortable because of what we have experienced, we are changed. We better understand the thoughts and feelings of others and can actually hurt with and for them in ways never before possible. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” 2. We are humbled – through our experiences, pain, or hardship, we better understand that the world does not revolve around us. We are opened to the sovereignty of God and able to modestly accept the calling of Jesus to place others before ourselves. We realize that all we have, whether great or moderate, is from God’s hand and provision. Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” 3. We see God’s strength and provision – When we suffer, and still praise and trust in Him, we experience God’s provision. How will we know what He can do for us personally (beyond reading His word) unless we witness it? Just as we can never out give God, He will meet us where we are and provide exactly what we need (and sometimes more). Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” And Matthew 6:31-34 says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 4. We rely on God – As we lean more on God, we gain more trust and faith. We release more to Him and continue deepening our walk with and through Him. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 5. We are prepared for eternity – As we mature our relationship with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit working inside us, we capture each moment for eternity and prepare for our eternity with Him. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 6. We allow God to work through us to affect another for Him. As we are better equipped to live with an eternal perspective, others around us, family, friends, and strangers benefit from the light God projects from our life, which strengthens their walk with the Lord at the same time. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Christ was uncomfortable. He suffered. We are uncomfortable. We suffer. Romans 8:12-17 says, “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” It is often easier to believe through hindsight that there are blessings in suffering, but the longer we build and deepen our faith, we trust God’s word, and begin to notice signals from the promptings of the Holy Spirit that we need to become uncomfortable. Would we really ever want to feel a spirit of unease? Why in the world would we desire to be annoyed, miserable, or distressed? Hebrews 6:1a says, “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.” Let’s uncover a few ways we can benefit from feeling uncomfortable. 1. We may need to be made aware of danger. There may be a danger hidden in something we are doing, in someone we know, or in a way only God is aware of. The Holy Spirit guides and prompts, and we must be attentive by being attuned to the stirrings within. Psalm 138:7 says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” 2. We may need to uncover or remove an ungodly habit. When we belong to Jesus, He relentlessly pursues us to return to Him when we stray. If we possess a habit or desire that does not come from Him, He will alert us with feelings that make us uncomfortable. It is true that if we do not heed those warnings, we can eventually tune His voice out, but He never leaves us and we will never experience peace through those activities. 2 Timothy 2:22 says, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 3. We may need to become more aware of others in need. Sometimes the stirrings in our spirit are meant to awaken us to others. We are not meant to live only for ourselves. Matthew 22:37 says, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” 4. We may need to discover a new way of thinking or doing that is more in alignment with God’s character. If we want to live with eternal perspective, we must crave Jesus and love Him with an intensity that propels us to mature each day, allowing Him to transform and mold us to be more like Him. Ephesians 2:3 says, “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” 5. We may need to learn how to think or process feelings or emotions in a way that honors and models Jesus. The fruits of the spirit do not come naturally. We are so far from where Jesus desires us to be. His ways are so much higher and purer. Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 6. We may need to be stretched in order to become capable of handling greater responsibilities through the Lord. God may be calling you to speak out or to stay silent. He may be calling you to begin or end something. He may be calling us to forgive or to love someone. Through our maturation process in the Lord, we have to expect to be stretched beyond what we can imagine fulfilling in our own strength so we can fully experience His. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul." 7. We may need to develop a stronger reliance on God. If we run from or neglect to build or mature our relationship with God, we will always have distress somewhere in our soul. Nothing on this earth will ever fulfill or aid us as He can. Psalm 63:1 says, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” There may be additional purposes for the uneasiness God allows in our spirit. Jeremiah 16:19 says, “Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.” We may need to be corrected, restrained, or purified. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” If we desire to follow Jesus more closely and develop a heart like His, there are certain questions we should ask ourselves when discomfort settles in our spirit and we are not sure why it is there. 1. Do my family and friends know I follow Jesus? Do they recognize Him in me? 2. Do I only rely on a Sunday sermon to grow my walk and mature my relationship with Jesus? 3. Do I feel challenged? The gospel should pull us in directions that run opposite to this world. Our flesh wants to satisfy self, so the words and direction from God should stretch us throughout our life. We will never complete Christian maturity in this lifetime. 4. Do my family and friends continue see new and positive differences in me since I committed my life to following Christ? 5. Do I live with gratitude or do I feel entitled to what I have and always look for more? 6. Do I turn blind eyes toward something that God would like me to see as He does? 7. Do I find my identity in Christ and reflect that knowledge in the way I live? 8. Do I constantly complain and fault others instead of allowing Christ to work to change me? We must allow ourselves to feel discomfort. In a society that quickly wants to alleviate and cover anything that doesn’t satisfy or feel good now, we sometimes have to force ourselves to stop and experience the feelings and emotions. Acknowledge the pain, distraction, anxiety, doubts, fears, and heartache. Let go of ego or pride and humbly turn to Him. He is waiting. Take your needs to God and give them to Him to carry them. Ask Him to uncover your heart and motives. Notice what is causing your emotions and feelings. What are your habits? What are your triggers? As you dig deeper into these things and work backwards to find out more about what they were caused by and are causing in your life, you will find how they affect your beliefs and your relationships with God, as well as with others. Lift those burdens to Him. Surrender. Ask the One who created you and who knows everything about you, for His perfect guidance, direction, wisdom, insight, and clarification. Do not hide your discomfort or pain. Don’t run from it. Continue praying through the difficulties and immerse yourself in scripture. Trust that there is a purpose for what you have or are enduring. Continue praying and listening for Him. Remain obedient to what He calls. Live with gratitude, despite the obstacles that come from deciphering what you are going through. Remember that there are many seasons in life. Nothing will last forever, despite how it feels right now. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Where do you want to change? Who do you want to become? Mark 14:33 says, “He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.” Jesus, while in the Garden of Gethsemane, felt such profound and intense emotions. The bible says He was troubled, exceedingly sorrowful, and deeply distressed. Our Savior described Himself as overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death and was so afflicted that He sweat blood. The anguish He felt is nothing we have ever experienced. Through it all, what was His constant state? He sought His Father. He continued looking Up. He desired obedience and remained fixed on eternity and what the Father needed Him to do. Isaiah 33:2 says, “Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” We do not know when heartache will crush us. There are not always warnings before disaster hits, but as Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Yet, sometimes we do know adversity will come because we have not dealt with something we need to or we have neglected our walk with the Lord. Many reasons could apply, but God is faithful. Psalm 43:5 says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God.” The most significant action we can take at any time is to worship and praise God. Do not forget to focus on and keep your gaze lifted toward Him. Regardless of whether we feel angry, fearful, sad, overlooked, confused, or distraught, He is always present and waiting. He understands and desires our devotion and adoration. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” God please help us allow You to make us uncomfortable. Help us welcome the uneasiness that you sometimes use to call our attention to what matters in Your heart. Pursue us until we can no longer resist You, so that we yearn for You, Father above all else and we actively follow You with a passion to be more like You daily, looking forward to eternity and striving to already live like we are there. Amen. Did you enjoy this episode? Would you like others to hear weekly encouragement and learn how to live with more eternal perspective? Right now, because this podcast is new, listeners can’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. You can help them find it by leaving a quick review and rating for the show and by sharing about the podcast on social media or word of mouth. Can you think of a friend or family member who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them. Until next week, keep looking Up and finding new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 027 An Uncomfortable Life Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #027 – An Uncomfortable Life Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. One of the greatest perks of being a podcaster is that no one can see me. I can record without wearing makeup, dressed in my shabby “stay home” clothes, and my hair barely finger combed. Nobody at home cares, and my youngest actually prefers this mommy look and attire. If I am just staying at home, dressing this way is ultra-comfortable! Do you have favorite, comfortable attire? Is it what you usually only wear at home? Or do you always dress that way? I admit that I am picky. I don’t like pajamas that twist, sleeping on sheets with wrinkles in them, or socks that slide and pinch my toes with the sock seam. Who can stand anything that binds or pulls? Being comfortable keeps a person cheerful, at ease, and contented, while discomfort is disturbing, even painful at times. When I am extremely uncomfortable, it ends up being all I can think about. There are times, however, when we need to accept discomfort, even welcome it. Distress or displeasure are not feelings we would normally desire, so why would we consider inviting unease or hardship? If we desire to grow in our relationship with God, it is imperative that we learn to embrace feeling uncomfortable and we express gratitude through it. Let’s look to the Bible for some insight. Here’s an easy question. Can you think of any Biblical characters that lived a life of ease? No. Do you know why? You might remember that Jesus forewarned us in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” No one lives without sorrow, unease, persecution, or discomfort. But did you catch the good news? Although Jesus warned us that this world carries tribulation, He also promised us that we could have peace through Him during trials. He also reminded us that He has already overcome the world. In Romans 8:28 we learn this, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Jesus has gone before us, preparing us for trials by warning of upcoming adversity, allowing the Holy Spirit inside us to help us to pray when life gets so complicated that we do not have the words, and encouraging us to learn that for those who love God, and are called according to His purpose, all things will work together for good. After laying such established groundwork for us, He continues strengthening us by revealing that He has already overcome the world. Remember when I mentioned Bible characters earlier? I stated that I couldn’t think of anyone who lived a life without trials or hardship. Just a sprinkling of them were Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, David, John the Baptist, Paul, and, of course, Jesus. None of them could boast of a life of ease, especially not Jesus, yet comfort was never a priority for Him. Jesus’s greatest goal was obedience to God. Affliction and adversity did not distract Him. This world can bring unfathomable pain and suffering. So much is beyond our control. There are many days when I whisper to myself, “Jesus, come. Save us from ourselves.” We understand that we are supposed to accept hardship and pain, but knowing doesn’t make it easy. Abuse, neglect, financial difficulties, marital problems, starvation, temptation, child trafficking, sickness, temptation, pain, anxiety, depression, failure, confusion, betrayal, discouragement, death, and the list can go on and on. Sometimes we are victims to what life brings, other times, we cause our own grief and difficulties. There are times when God must intercede and possibly discipline us by allowing us to experience discomfort. But through everything, God will work it together for good when we love Him and are called according to His purpose. Despite all of it, our lives are intertwined and God allows us to affect and encourage one another through the good, bad, easy, and hard. No matter what we must endure, Jesus does walk through the pain and suffering with us. He knows suffering, the loneliness and hardship, the feeling of betrayal, the pain, and loss. He is waiting for each one of us to personally ask Him to take our load, and wants to encourage us and carry us through. Jesus suffers when we suffer. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” If God, who loves us, allows us to endure adversity, shouldn’t we ask ourselves why? Something positive must come from the difficulty and anguish. Because they certainly don’t feel good and it is tough to understand how they could be for any good. What could the benefits be? 1. We gain empathy – when we experience grief, suffering, or are uncomfortable because of what we have experienced, we are changed. We better understand the thoughts and feelings of others and can actually hurt with and for them in ways never before possible. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” 2. We are humbled – through our experiences, pain, or hardship, we better understand that the world does not revolve around us. We are opened to the sovereignty of God and able to modestly accept the calling of Jesus to place others before ourselves. We realize that all we have, whether great or moderate, is from God’s hand and provision. Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” 3. We see God’s strength and provision – When we suffer, and still praise and trust in Him, we experience God’s provision. How will we know what He can do for us personally (beyond reading His word) unless we witness it? Just as we can never out give God, He will meet us where we are and provide exactly what we need (and sometimes more). Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” And Matthew 6:31-34 says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 4. We rely on God – As we lean more on God, we gain more trust and faith. We release more to Him and continue deepening our walk with and through Him. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 5. We are prepared for eternity – As we mature our relationship with God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit working inside us, we capture each moment for eternity and prepare for our eternity with Him. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 6. We allow God to work through us to affect another for Him. As we are better equipped to live with an eternal perspective, others around us, family, friends, and strangers benefit from the light God projects from our life, which strengthens their walk with the Lord at the same time. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Christ was uncomfortable. He suffered. We are uncomfortable. We suffer. Romans 8:12-17 says, “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” It is often easier to believe through hindsight that there are blessings in suffering, but the longer we build and deepen our faith, we trust God’s word, and begin to notice signals from the promptings of the Holy Spirit that we need to become uncomfortable. Would we really ever want to feel a spirit of unease? Why in the world would we desire to be annoyed, miserable, or distressed? Hebrews 6:1a says, “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.” Let’s uncover a few ways we can benefit from feeling uncomfortable. 1. We may need to be made aware of danger. There may be a danger hidden in something we are doing, in someone we know, or in a way only God is aware of. The Holy Spirit guides and prompts, and we must be attentive by being attuned to the stirrings within. Psalm 138:7 says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” 2. We may need to uncover or remove an ungodly habit. When we belong to Jesus, He relentlessly pursues us to return to Him when we stray. If we possess a habit or desire that does not come from Him, He will alert us with feelings that make us uncomfortable. It is true that if we do not heed those warnings, we can eventually tune His voice out, but He never leaves us and we will never experience peace through those activities. 2 Timothy 2:22 says, “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” 3. We may need to become more aware of others in need. Sometimes the stirrings in our spirit are meant to awaken us to others. We are not meant to live only for ourselves. Matthew 22:37 says, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” 4. We may need to discover a new way of thinking or doing that is more in alignment with God’s character. If we want to live with eternal perspective, we must crave Jesus and love Him with an intensity that propels us to mature each day, allowing Him to transform and mold us to be more like Him. Ephesians 2:3 says, “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” 5. We may need to learn how to think or process feelings or emotions in a way that honors and models Jesus. The fruits of the spirit do not come naturally. We are so far from where Jesus desires us to be. His ways are so much higher and purer. Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 6. We may need to be stretched in order to become capable of handling greater responsibilities through the Lord. God may be calling you to speak out or to stay silent. He may be calling you to begin or end something. He may be calling us to forgive or to love someone. Through our maturation process in the Lord, we have to expect to be stretched beyond what we can imagine fulfilling in our own strength so we can fully experience His. Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." Psalm 138:3 says, "In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul." 7. We may need to develop a stronger reliance on God. If we run from or neglect to build or mature our relationship with God, we will always have distress somewhere in our soul. Nothing on this earth will ever fulfill or aid us as He can. Psalm 63:1 says, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” There may be additional purposes for the uneasiness God allows in our spirit. Jeremiah 16:19 says, “Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.” We may need to be corrected, restrained, or purified. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” If we desire to follow Jesus more closely and develop a heart like His, there are certain questions we should ask ourselves when discomfort settles in our spirit and we are not sure why it is there. 1. Do my family and friends know I follow Jesus? Do they recognize Him in me? 2. Do I only rely on a Sunday sermon to grow my walk and mature my relationship with Jesus? 3. Do I feel challenged? The gospel should pull us in directions that run opposite to this world. Our flesh wants to satisfy self, so the words and direction from God should stretch us throughout our life. We will never complete Christian maturity in this lifetime. 4. Do my family and friends continue see new and positive differences in me since I committed my life to following Christ? 5. Do I live with gratitude or do I feel entitled to what I have and always look for more? 6. Do I turn blind eyes toward something that God would like me to see as He does? 7. Do I find my identity in Christ and reflect that knowledge in the way I live? 8. Do I constantly complain and fault others instead of allowing Christ to work to change me? We must allow ourselves to feel discomfort. In a society that quickly wants to alleviate and cover anything that doesn’t satisfy or feel good now, we sometimes have to force ourselves to stop and experience the feelings and emotions. Acknowledge the pain, distraction, anxiety, doubts, fears, and heartache. Let go of ego or pride and humbly turn to Him. He is waiting. Take your needs to God and give them to Him to carry them. Ask Him to uncover your heart and motives. Notice what is causing your emotions and feelings. What are your habits? What are your triggers? As you dig deeper into these things and work backwards to find out more about what they were caused by and are causing in your life, you will find how they affect your beliefs and your relationships with God, as well as with others. Lift those burdens to Him. Surrender. Ask the One who created you and who knows everything about you, for His perfect guidance, direction, wisdom, insight, and clarification. Do not hide your discomfort or pain. Don’t run from it. Continue praying through the difficulties and immerse yourself in scripture. Trust that there is a purpose for what you have or are enduring. Continue praying and listening for Him. Remain obedient to what He calls. Live with gratitude, despite the obstacles that come from deciphering what you are going through. Remember that there are many seasons in life. Nothing will last forever, despite how it feels right now. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Where do you want to change? Who do you want to become? Mark 14:33 says, “He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.” Jesus, while in the Garden of Gethsemane, felt such profound and intense emotions. The bible says He was troubled, exceedingly sorrowful, and deeply distressed. Our Savior described Himself as overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death and was so afflicted that He sweat blood. The anguish He felt is nothing we have ever experienced. Through it all, what was His constant state? He sought His Father. He continued looking Up. He desired obedience and remained fixed on eternity and what the Father needed Him to do. Isaiah 33:2 says, “Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.” We do not know when heartache will crush us. There are not always warnings before disaster hits, but as Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Yet, sometimes we do know adversity will come because we have not dealt with something we need to or we have neglected our walk with the Lord. Many reasons could apply, but God is faithful. Psalm 43:5 says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God.” The most significant action we can take at any time is to worship and praise God. Do not forget to focus on and keep your gaze lifted toward Him. Regardless of whether we feel angry, fearful, sad, overlooked, confused, or distraught, He is always present and waiting. He understands and desires our devotion and adoration. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” God please help us allow You to make us uncomfortable. Help us welcome the uneasiness that you sometimes use to call our attention to what matters in Your heart. Pursue us until we can no longer resist You, so that we yearn for You, Father above all else and we actively follow You with a passion to be more like You daily, looking forward to eternity and striving to already live like we are there. Amen. Did you enjoy this episode? Would you like others to hear weekly encouragement and learn how to live with more eternal perspective? Right now, because this podcast is new, listeners can’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. You can help them find it by leaving a quick review and rating for the show and by sharing about the podcast on social media or word of mouth. Can you think of a friend or family member who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them. Until next week, keep looking Up and finding new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

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Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 015 Rachel Hauck Interview Listen to Episode http://www.rachelhauck.com

Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #069 – In Pursuit of Godly Truth – Interview with Professor William Wagner - Part 2 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Last week I began a conversation with Professor William Wagner, President of Salt and Light Global Ministry. If you listened, you know we were just getting started. This week we continue where the conversation left off and delve much deeper into the concerns of culture, not only in America, but through the world. If you are a believer of Jesus and a follower of Christ, I urge you to listen to this conversation with a prayerful heart that calls out to God to open your eyes where they may be blinded and to open your heart where it may be closed from His truths. As we continue our journey with the Lord, we must desire to be changed by Him moment by moment, to access the ability that comes from Him, to readily recognize deceit in the world. The battle of contending for the faith God desires for us will require those who profess Christ as Savior to keep ourselves centered in our love and obedience to Him, despite the costs. He is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless through His wisdom and power. We must keep our minds and hearts focused on Him. Three verses come to mind as so promising and critical in maintaining our godly walk through Jesus. Psalm 53:2 says, “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” 1 Chronicles 22:19a says, “Now set your heart and soul to seek the Lord your God.” 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.” Let’s begin Part 2 of my conversation with Professor William Wagner, a man who loves Jesus and strives to honor, obey, and please Him. I pray that as you listen to us speak the words of the Lord become clearer to you and empower you to follow and shine Him even more closely. ---------------------------------Interview with Professor Wagner--------------------------------------- In my conversation with Professor Wagner, he said, “If we’re going to win this battle, it’s going to be in the pews.” I agree. Our hearts must be so entwined with God’s that deceit and ploys of Satan are perfectly clear. Throughout history, God has worked through ordinary men and women who obediently followed His calling for them. Where is God calling you? What is He allowing to become more clear in your life? Just as we spoke about today, God always leaves a remnant. Are you part of it? Boldly and humbly move where He calls and continue using His discernment to guide and grow you. Terms may have been redefined in this world, but God never changes. Commit to reading His word and maturing in your walk with Him so that the moral relativity of culture does not confuse or sway you from the truths He so clearly sets before us. Precious, Holy, Heavenly Father, we bow before You, humbly acknowledging our distance from You and ask that You build up a most holy faith within us. As we pray by Your Holy Spirit, please show us mercy and keep our focus on our Lord Jesus growing. We have strayed so far from where You would have us be. Snatch us from the fires of this fleshly world. Please keep us from stumbling even more greatly, and make us able to stand in the presence of Your glory blameless and with great joy as we face You, our God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. May we shine and proclaim Your glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Turn us away from the filth, lies, and apathy of the culture of this world and cause us to crave You and Your truths and break the bonds of deception we have allowed to entwine and captivate us. In Your glorious and merciful name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to the first episode of my interview with Professor Wagner – Part 1 of our conversation that aired last week. You can find it at terrihitt.com, where you can listen or read transcripts of episodes and find several free resources specially designed to mature your walk with Jesus and influence children to choose Jesus over culture. I pray that this podcast always draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 069 In Pursuit of Godly Truth Part 2 Listen to Episode Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #069 – In Pursuit of Godly Truth – Interview with Professor William Wagner - Part 2 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Last week I began a conversation with Professor William Wagner, President of Salt and Light Global Ministry. If you listened, you know we were just getting started. This week we continue where the conversation left off and delve much deeper into the concerns of culture, not only in America, but through the world. If you are a believer of Jesus and a follower of Christ, I urge you to listen to this conversation with a prayerful heart that calls out to God to open your eyes where they may be blinded and to open your heart where it may be closed from His truths. As we continue our journey with the Lord, we must desire to be changed by Him moment by moment, to access the ability that comes from Him, to readily recognize deceit in the world. The battle of contending for the faith God desires for us will require those who profess Christ as Savior to keep ourselves centered in our love and obedience to Him, despite the costs. He is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless through His wisdom and power. We must keep our minds and hearts focused on Him. Three verses come to mind as so promising and critical in maintaining our godly walk through Jesus. Psalm 53:2 says, “God looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.” 1 Chronicles 22:19a says, “Now set your heart and soul to seek the Lord your God.” 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.” Let’s begin Part 2 of my conversation with Professor William Wagner, a man who loves Jesus and strives to honor, obey, and please Him. I pray that as you listen to us speak the words of the Lord become clearer to you and empower you to follow and shine Him even more closely. ---------------------------------Interview with Professor Wagner--------------------------------------- In my conversation with Professor Wagner, he said, “If we’re going to win this battle, it’s going to be in the pews.” I agree. Our hearts must be so entwined with God’s that deceit and ploys of Satan are perfectly clear. Throughout history, God has worked through ordinary men and women who obediently followed His calling for them. Where is God calling you? What is He allowing to become more clear in your life? Just as we spoke about today, God always leaves a remnant. Are you part of it? Boldly and humbly move where He calls and continue using His discernment to guide and grow you. Terms may have been redefined in this world, but God never changes. Commit to reading His word and maturing in your walk with Him so that the moral relativity of culture does not confuse or sway you from the truths He so clearly sets before us. Precious, Holy, Heavenly Father, we bow before You, humbly acknowledging our distance from You and ask that You build up a most holy faith within us. As we pray by Your Holy Spirit, please show us mercy and keep our focus on our Lord Jesus growing. We have strayed so far from where You would have us be. Snatch us from the fires of this fleshly world. Please keep us from stumbling even more greatly, and make us able to stand in the presence of Your glory blameless and with great joy as we face You, our God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. May we shine and proclaim Your glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Turn us away from the filth, lies, and apathy of the culture of this world and cause us to crave You and Your truths and break the bonds of deception we have allowed to entwine and captivate us. In Your glorious and merciful name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to listen to the first episode of my interview with Professor Wagner – Part 1 of our conversation that aired last week. You can find it at terrihitt.com, where you can listen or read transcripts of episodes and find several free resources specially designed to mature your walk with Jesus and influence children to choose Jesus over culture. I pray that this podcast always draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Professor William Wagner holds the academic rank of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Prior to joining academia, he served with distinction in all three branches of the federal government, including as a federal judge. https://www.facebook.com/SaltLightGlobal/ https://www.slgwitness.com/

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 021 - Say NO to Ungodly Influences in Your Heart and Home Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #021 – Say NO to Ungodly Influences in Your Heart and Home Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. As I look back in review of my life, I recognize ways I was been deceived and sometimes followed self instead of my Savior. Especially in my 20’s and early 30’s, when I was younger in the faith, I grew well in some areas and was ignorant in others. I was not discipled properly, and because of that, like each of us, I followed the propensity to follow what looked or seemed right due to lack of biblical training. Don’t let this happen to you or your child. Everyone needs proper discipleship. Whether you have a son or daughter who has confessed Jesus as their personal Savior and is beginning a walk with Him or have a child who has been following Jesus for some time, godly mentorship is crucial . Since I desire to intentionally seek God’s wisdom and direction so that my intentions and actions will be pleasing to Him, I am focused on maturing my faith daily. I’m sure you desire to do the same. If not, please listen to the influences we will discuss today. Perhaps one or more has become a stumbling block that hinders your walk and in extension, will do the same to your precious child as they watch and learn from you. Each one of us is susceptible to falling daily and need to keep our eyes on Jesus. As we purposely look for things that need to be eliminated from our lives to gain godly wisdom and grow our Heavenly relationship, we experience the truth that the Christian walk is a lifestyle that evolves as our faith and obedience stretches and deepens. On this episode today, I want to draw attention to ungodly influences or practices that might reside in your heart and home. Some have become so ingrained in our culture that it is hard for people to recognize they are coasting in a walk with Jesus or drifting away from God. If left unaddressed, these things will affect your walk with Christ, separating you from strong relationship with Him, but also touch and shape those you meet, as well as those you love. Please pray that as you listen, your spirit will be pricked in areas God may be calling you to submit or obey by removing them from your life, so you may humbly please and follow Him as He desires. As I write this podcast, I’m also asking God to alert me to areas I need to remove from my life or repent to Him. This episode is heavy on Scriptures, because God’s Word is our hope and strength, a gift from the Almighty to us, a lifeline of hope, guidance, and strength. Please take notes if you desire and remember that you may also visit terrihitt.com to print a transcript of this episode to save the verses you hear for future reference, because God’s word to us is so powerful and healing. It simply is the sustenance we need daily. Of course, Scripture is the way our heart and mind hears the gift of salvation. It allows us to grow our relationship with God through Christ. God opens us to His truths and exposes the deception of this world through His holy Words. Every believer has heard that truth, but not everyone believes and practices what God shares and commands. A person will never be convicted and transformed apart from the power of God and His holy Word. I’ve compiled a list that I believe touches every human in some way. As you listen, prayerfully seek God’s direction and guidance to see if He may be calling you to remove, repent, or restructure your walk with Him in some way. Ask Him to guard your children, your parenting, and guide you to clearly follow Him so your children will witness the way you honor and obey God. Pray that your children will humbly and willingly live within His boundaries with joy. Ungodly Influences That May Exist in Your Heart or Home: 1. Attitude – 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths .” Without humbly seeking and clinging to Jesus, our attitude is subject to a roller coaster of emotions. Only a steady focus on Christ can protect believers from a wash of emotions or thoughts that move far from where our Heavenly Father calls us to abide . 2. False Preachers – 1 John 4:1-6 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore, they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.” Our world is full of false preachers and those who proclaim to follow Christ yet lead others far from what His Word teaches and commands. It is imperative to be in God’s holy Word daily, and to purposely grow your knowledge of, understanding of, and obedience to Scripture moment by moment. When you walk through each day, your thought process should revert to what God says about topics and situations . Study His character and commands so that you recognize false teachings immediately – from others and within your thought process. Just as the serpent deceived Adam and Eve by twisting God’s truths, he is out to swindle each human and rob us of a joy-filled, obedient life here and for eternity. 3. Influencers - Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another .” Just because someone has a strong social media presence, is a Hollywood star, a famous athlete, or a popular pastor it does not mean they practice what they preach. I have found that not everyone with a social media account lives the way they show online. Neither does everyone without an online presence. Each of us are influencers to another in some way. Especially if you are a parent. Strive to be a genuine reflection of Jesus . The way to do so is to know Him intimately through the Bible and prayer. Our walk with Christ grows stronger by seeking and abiding in Him . Let His influence be the guiding factor and influence in your heart and home. 4. Activities – (Language, Alcohol, Drugs, Pornography, Adultery, or Addictions – too much of something or anything done with the wrong intentions – food, shopping, exercise, etc.) - Proverbs 3:32 says, “For the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in His confidence .” So many people struggle with secret sin. God sees and knows all. Whether it is an addiction or something that is threatening to become one, or if it something that a person is doing despite what God’s Word commands, freedom is only found once we submit and humbly ask forgiveness from God. It is only when we realize we are hurting the Lord through our sin that we can rely on His strength to follow Christ through the steps to freedom . It may be a moment-by-moment submission to God or a one-time release, but He is present. He cares. God’s strength is enough for anything . 5. Entertainment (Books, Movies, Music, Magazines, Games) -Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect .” Just as in #4, Christ has paid the price for our sins; He is more than enough to release any of us from what He calls unpleasing or sinful. Most of the entertainment available in our society is filthy. If you even look at advertisements, you see how far from Christ we have moved. Our children see what is available as normal unless they are taught to seek what is godly and holy. They will likely desire what you are drawn to. This includes, not only entertainment, but characteristics, morals, and dedication to growing their relationship with Jesus. 6. Friends - 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals .” Those we surround ourselves with become heavy influences on our beliefs, attitude, actions, and reactions. In extension, they affect those we love. Our lives influence others. Be careful to lead others to Christ through your beliefs, words, attitude, motives, and actions . 7. Décor and Decorations – John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Our homes should be a godly place of refuge for all who enter, especially for those who live within the walls. The type of décor we use silently expresses our belief system, memories, morals, and desires . Decorations used for holidays show our character and exposes where our walk is with Christ. Do you showcase items that would be pleasing to Him if He were visiting unexpectedly? Remember, He is within the walls of your home and sees into your heart. What joy our homes can be filled with if we let His heart speak to ours and we allow the light of the Holy Spirit within to guide us in our décor and decoration choices. 8. Addictions - James 4:4 says, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God .” Addictions are the ways humans in need of healing look for fulfillment in excessive and sometimes hurtful, damaging, or neglectful ways . When we desire too much or fall into habits that draw us away from God’s best for us or His holy commands, it is time to focus on strengthening our personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Only Jesus and His omnipotent strength can rescue and release us from the pain and bondage of any type of addiction. Only He can fill the gaps or hurts in our character or emotions that we desperately seek and try to fill with other things. 9. Relationships - Proverbs 12:26 says, “One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray .” Sometimes we simply need to let go of the past, forgive, and enjoy relationships with those in our life. At other times, we need to let go of the past by releasing people from our life. Because God knows motives, hearts, and situations, our relationship with Jesus is a beautiful and godly guide to whether we should be growing or going. Our identity in and through Jesus is where we find our strength and wisdom to treat ourselves and others as He would direct . Model godly relationships for your children and let them witness Christ work in your life through them. 10. Bitterness – Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled .” When we stop to practice true thankfulness for what we do and what we do not receive because we trust in God and His sovereignty, we are able to find identity and recognition through Him, instead of this world . When we center our thoughts, feelings, and emotions on Him, bitterness does not find soil to plant roots. 11. Unforgiveness – Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. ” Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we have seen perfect forgiveness modeled. When we practice what He proclaims, we can draw upon His strength to endure what this life brings without allowing unforgiveness to overtake our spirit . 12. Ungodly Character – Ezekiel 36:26 says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Our belief system, values, motivations, and attitude form and expose the character we exhibit . If we trust in God and continue to seek personal relationship with Jesus, respect God’s Word and authority in our life, and seek to please and honor Him, the ungodliness we naturally turn toward will transform more and more into a reflection of Christ. Ephesians 5:3 says, “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints .” 13. Pridefulness – Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall .” Our culture celebrates pride while God despises the practice. Each human must battle the fleshly inclination to follow and exalt self. The key to conquering pride lies within whether we rely on self or Christ to eradicate it . While some suffer more from pride than others, even the smallest form can lead to devastating destruction. 14. Indifference - Revelation 3:15-16 says, “’I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth .’” God yearns for our heart but gives us free choice. Within that freedom, He desires that we be cold or hot. Either desire Him or not. God does not want a lukewarm spirit that claims to love Him yet does nothing to mature in Him, exhibit that love, or serve Him with a cheerful heart. 15. Idleness - 1 Timothy 5:13 says, “Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” As we draw nearer to God in our personal relationship through Jesus, we are more prone to use our time wisely for Him and serve others more freely in His name . 16. The Occult - Leviticus 19:31 says, “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God .” I recognize more of this in our culture and world daily. Don’t you? As the forms are sometimes clearly visible and sometimes sneakily creeping into our lives or the lives of our children through various forms, the devil wastes no time seeking to steal, kill, and destroy as God’s Word warns. Horoscopes, most young adult books and even children’s books, especially the popular the Harry Potter series, which desensitizes us and our children to the practice of evil and witchcraft, astrology, communication with the deceased, crystals, mediums, and those who offer healing through mediums, Quija boards, seances, channeling, magic, tarot cards, psychic hotlines, and evil décor all are an abomination to the Lord and through His word. Our sovereign and Holy Father instructs us to stay far from the occult without compromise . The list is long; I pray I highlighted most of what we need to watch out for. Where do you find your hope? Your guidance and strength? Proverbs 3:5-8 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me .” God is not willing that any should perish, as Scripture clearly tells us. His guidelines are a fence of protection to keep us far from harm and safe in His perfect protection. Galatians 5:19-24 says, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires .” Dear Heavenly Father, God only You are holy. Only You are worthy. How far we are from You! Help us to find our way to You in deeper and godlier ways. Carve the impurities from our life and equip us to be the mentors and guides our children and grandchildren need. Father, we need You! Thank you for Your holy Word and the difference it makes in the life of one committed to You. May we reflect You so lovingly and accurately that our children passionately seek and follow You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast. Both of my podcasts may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and are also part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? If you believe the content you hear should be heard so that more people can raise or influence children for Christ, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? Please also follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and purposely connect with your child and Christ. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 075 - Embrace Being an Imperfect Parent but Don't Stay There Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 075 – Embrace Being an Imperfect Parent But Don’t Stay There Godly over good parenting. Have you heard that term before? I speak of it often. In fact, it’s become one of my favorite ways to connect with someone when we talk about parenting. Why? One of the greatest joys of my life has been finding out the truth about parenting. It wasn’t until I began to see the holy privilege bestowed by God when He allows one to become a parent that I also felt one of the deepest sorrows of my life. How did something so joyous bring such sorrow? Sorrow is described as a type of grieving or regret . The fact that the definition labels sorrow as a form of grief speaks to the depth of remorse. But did you know that there are different types of sorrow ? One is a human , fleshly sorrow , the other a godly sorrow . 2 Corinthians 7:10-11a says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. ” What exactly is godly sorrow? The Bible refers to godly sorrow as sorrow that is prompted or produced by the Holy Spirit and aligns with the will of God . It is God, by His grace, who grants our saving faith, which includes repentance from sin. 2 Timothy 2:25 says, “He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth .” The repentance I felt over parenting brought a godly sorrow that was brought by my deepening walk with Christ. Knowing Christ more intimately dropped the ego from my parenting skills. By the world’s standards I was an excellent parent, but by God’s measure, I was not the godly parent He calls each believer to be. Believers know that true repentance cannot occur unless genuine sorrow for the sin committed is felt. In fact, godly repentance identifies the salvation of a believer. One following Christ as Savior and in a maturing relationship with Jesus will continue to repent of sins as awareness of fleshly desires and actions are recognized and committed. This allows a deepening walk and the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in the life of the believer. On the other hand, what is referred to as human sorrow is simply remorse that is not in alignment with God’s will . Perhaps the person becomes remorseful because they were caught in an act or they didn’t reach an intended result. Perhaps their pride is wounded by the actions of another or by something they personally did or didn’t complete. When someone carries this type of human sorrow, joy, peace, hope, or any of the fruits easily identifiable in the life of a believer aren’t identified. Instead, the person may experience feelings such as depression, despair, hopelessness, self-pity, embarrassment, or anger. When we are genuinely repentant, however, our attitude changes. Righteousness is pursued eagerly. We desire Christ to cover and carry us. No longer indifferent to sin, evil, or deception, our character and desires shift closer to Christ’s as the Holy Spirit continues redeeming work within us. We grieve that our actions and desires once brought pain and dishonor to our Heavenly Father. We are filled with gratitude for the work Jesus performed on the cross, allowing us to approach the Father and restore relationship with Him. As the Holy Spirit continues a transforming work within, we long for holiness to define our nature and realize it can only come through the life-saving power of Christ as we continue to humbly submit with love and reverence to Him. This is what happened to me after raising my first set of children. My husband and I were good parents when we raised our first set of children, very good in the eyes of the world. Beginning our family at the age of 18, we were often told that we were mature for our years and wise in many areas. While it felt wonderful to receive the praise of others, their words didn’t bring the joy that I later learned came from purposely parenting to please and honor the Lord. I learned how sorrow can pertain to parenting. As humans, none of us are perfect. No one can claim 100% skillful parenting the way God would call. First, humans will never reach the perfection of Christ. Second, we live in a fallen world, and no matter how well a person attempts to parent, human desires, meaning the parent’s, the child’s, siblings, family, friends, or strangers, events, needs, wants, mistakes, etc. will interject or interfere in some way. Life isn’t easy and raising humans to adulthood is not a task to embark on without seeking and remaining steadfast to God and His will for the parents and the child. If I was such a good parent, why would I feel sorrowful about parenting? Am I blaming my first set of children or saying that they turned out to be “bad” kids? Definitely not. My thoughts don’t reflect on them at all, but totally on my husband and me. On this side of raising my first set, I can see how we were young and spiritually immature. In fact, I didn’t know Jesus as Savior until years later, and even then, it took me a while to really understand what being discipled meant. If you think about it logically, if I wasn’t growing in relationship with God through an intentionally deepening and maturing walk with Christ, how could I expect my parenting skills to draw my children to Him? I couldn’t exhale to my children what I hadn’t yet inhaled. As I grew in Jesus at the time, it was through sporadic readings of my Bible. There might be times I read often, then times of just seeing my Bible on the nightstand, letting it remind me of how much I loved Jesus, but I thought I didn’t have time to read. Just because I had a Bible in my house, that didn’t mean I was absorbing God’s holy wisdom and learning to use it is ways that drew my children to His feet. Did they know Jesus? Yes. We talked about God, but were they learning to depend on Him for every need as they grew a strong walk with Him? There’s a massive gap between children knowing mom and dad love and follow Christ and hearing their words of wisdom to train them versus seeing mom and dad live a maturing faith moment by moment and instilling God’s morals and truths to build a lifetime of trust and obedience to Christ and build their identity through Him. The tricky part is that I thought I was building that faith and trust in Christ. I’ve learned that without a purposed plan to raise each child in the truths of the gospel and the joy of the Lord, you are building your house on shifting sand. Matthew 7:24-26 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand .” When my kids were raised and my husband and I knew God was calling us to begin a second round of parenting with our baby girl from China, I felt the sting of repentant, godly remorse. Our Heavenly Father was speaking to my heart, telling me He had plans far different for this child than I ever imagined when I became a first time mom at eighteen. When He placed a desire within my husband and me to raise a baby after our first set of children were out of the house, I knew He had a purpose I had yet to understand. Growing up, I never even wanted children. Now I knew God was calling us to begin a second generation of parenting. My husband and I shared very specific desires and goals for what we would do the same and what we would do differently. We assessed our first parenting years in the ways we believed God’s eyes and heart would, then considered and prayed about what grieved and pleased Him. Our new baby would purposely see our faith and Jesus through our words, actions, reactions, desires, and deeds. We were committed to consistently raising her in ways that we prayerfully believed would delight the Lord as we sought and depended on Him. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you .” How can your children honor God if they don’t see you making that choice. As a parent models humble submission, love, and obedience to God, a natural extension of your child’s blossoming walk with God will be obedience and love toward you. We deeply desired our daughter to love God first through a relationship with Jesus, then we knew she would love and respect us, as well. In my Set-Apart Collective, I teach mothers a Motherhood Mindset Model and how to construct a Purposed Parenting Plan much like the one we created that enables them to parent and live with godly purpose and take thoughts and actions captive for Christ as they model the way for their children to do the same. Do you feel areas of godly parenting remorse? Whether you are a long time or new parent, you will never feel you have every aspect of parenting down. Even if your ego tells you how well you are doing, unless you are purposed in mentoring a lifetime of love and obedience to Christ in tangible ways that draw your child to Him and training your child how to live for Jesus, your parenting is in vain. The child in your care is on loan. The God who created the heavens and earth and knitted your child together in secret with a purposed plan for their life has entrusted that child to your care to raise for Him. Are you up to the task? What are ways you can embrace being an imperfect parent without staying there? Knowing God entrusted His children to your care, you must remember that He didn’t haphazardly choose you or your child. With loving, trusting intentions, He placed you and each child you parent with you. Of course He knows you’re not able to raise children without Him. He is calling for you to give Him the sovereign place He deserves and allow Him to protect and provide moment by moment as you call out to Him. As you know, Adam and Eve were the first parents. They were also the first imperfect parents. You and I come from a very long line of imperfect caregivers. No one is able to raise children as God would call without reliance on Him in every aspect of the journey. The Bible recounts story after story offering examples of imperfect parenting and children who neglected to follow or obey God. In fact, Adam and Eve were the first disobedient children and they actually did have a perfect Father. Two imperfect parents did happen to raise a perfect Son, Jesus. No doubt, Mary and Joseph knew Jesus was special, but they were human. They would not know how to rear a child to become the Savior of the World, even if they had known God’s plan. God, in His goodness knew their hearts when He chose them. God knew the plan and purpose Jesus carried. God, in His Sovereignty chose the exact parents for Jesus to be raised by, knowing they would obediently, yet imperfectly choose to honor God and raise their Son for Him. God carried, guided, and guarded. You and I don’t know the plans God has for our children. We don’t know the eternal purpose they have on this earth. But it is through our God-given authority that we must prayerfully and humbly seek God’s arms to carry us moment by moment to raise His children for Him. Just as Jesus replied in Luke 2:49 which says, “Why were you searching for me?” He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house ,” you and I must constantly, prayerfully, and humbly be about our Heavenly Father’s business and show our children how to do the same in their life. This world doesn’t honor the gift of motherhood through eyes like God. The heart of the world doesn’t beat for mothers staying home with children. It doesn’t know the value of a mother working a long day at work to provide for her children, then praise that mother for intentionally finding a way every evening to draw the hearts of her children to the feet of Jesus. As a mother rests in the arms of God, she mentors the way to Christ for her children instead of ignorantly or accidentally teaching the ways of the world. Your sacrifice, obedience, prayers, Scriptural teachings, and godly actions taken moment by moment will be the seeds God will use to harvest in His time. To prepare the soil of your child’s heart for teachings to take root for God, there are important steps purposed mothers and fathers must take. 1. Realize that you are not enough. Praise God! You’re not meant to be. 2 Corinthians 3:5 says, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God .” God waits to carry you. His desire is to breathe Truth and light into your life and family. Place Him at the center of your family. 2. Become closer to God through a maturing relationship with Christ. It’s one thing to love God. It’s different to have communion with Him through Jesus. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him .” 3. Know and love your spouse and children through eyes and heart like God. To do that, you must first know and follow the Lord in humble obedience. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another .” 4. Put God first, then spouse, then children, then work. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength .” 5. Humbly honor God by reading or listening to His Word. Share His Word regularly, both individually and as a family. Speak truths to others, share the gospel, but also live in ways that show you follow Christ and give Him honor when people talk to you about the differences they see in you. Teach your child to pray and talk to God. Let your children hear you pray for them and ask them to pray for you. Pray together as a family daily. People often say they don’t have time, but I have found that when you place God first, you find you discover more time for Him. Proverbs 15:29 says, “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. ” 6. Let your child hear you bring God into daily conversations. Whether you’re in nature, at the store, in the car, in conversation, invite God in. Showcase God’s work in the events you are experiencing and help them form biblical critical thinking skills early in life. Set the groundwork for this process and see their skills grow as they do. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him .” 7. Teach God’s Truths and let your child see you live those truths with joy , not simply preach God’s Word to them. Isaiah 54:13 says, “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace .” 8. Parent with God-honoring authority, humility, and grace. Ask God to guide and guard your mind, heart, family, and decisions. Matthew 19:14 says, “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these .” This verse will pertain to your children, whether young or grown. It’s never to late to mentor a life that honors Christ for your child to see and learn from. I urge you to make time to assess your parenting . Assess your relationship with Christ. You may be like I was the first time I parented. Without knowing it, I was training my children to love Jesus, but rely more on self. Although we discussed Christ and knew we loved Him as Savior, looking back, moments weren’t held captive for Christ. Days slipped by without godly over good parenting to mold and shape my children into the image of Christ. Ask God to show you the way to His heart. Ask Him to guide your mind to think as His does and to show you how to reach the minds of your children for Him. Know that as you inhale Christ, you are able to exhale Him for others to breathe. Deepen and widen the roots of your maturity through relationship with Jesus and watch God work as only He can as you ask him to carry you. Dear Heavenly Father, there is none like You. How merciful and loving You are to seek us and never let us out of Your firm grasp. Through Jesus we know we have eternal life and that nothing can pluck us from Your mighty hand. How we need You! In our wisdom we sometimes think we are following You without knowing how far we begin to stray. Father, keep us near. Draw us closer when You see us begin to wander. Don’t let us rely on worldly wisdom or fleshly thoughts. Take our minds captive for Christ and allow us to see with Your eyes and feel with Your heart. We want to parent for You! We want to see the results of children raised to know, love, and honor You. May we be able to proclaim Your mighty works and show others the way to trust Your guidance in parenting. Help our children lead the next generation in deeper faith in You and a holy obedience. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. There’s so much more to dig into on this topic. If you find you’d like more information, please let me know. Send your questions and requests to info@terrihitt.com . Supporting and encouraging mothers to rest in Christ and pursue a holy relationship with Him so they purposely raise set-apart children is the cry of my heart. I believe godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries. That’s why I’ve created the Set-Apart Collective. Have you decided peers and culture won’t be the main influence over your child? Would you like to parent to prepare your child for eternity with Christ, not to repair a relationship? In the Set-Apart Collective, you will deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family. The Set-Apart Collective wait list is open now. The first group of women is currently growing together. Please send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. If you connected in some way with this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? It only takes a minute or so and makes a big difference in people finding the podcast. You and I know that the best reviews are by word of mouth, so would you please choose a friend to recommend the show to? Let them know that the podcast is found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Imagine the change we will see in the way mothers parent for Christ if they learn to be intentional, too. Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection. Previous Next

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< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast - Episode 039 - How to Stop, Breathe, and Live Simply Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast God has given me a desire to help you mature your relationship with Christ so you’ll raise set-apart children for Jesus. Today we’ll look at another way to be purposed in connecting with your child and Christ. Episode #039 – How to Stop, Breathe, and Live Simply Yesterday my middle daughter and I went to the bank late in the afternoon. As we waited in the drive-through, I looked at her and asked, “When we finished here, do you want to go to the park and swing?” Her eyes lit up like they did when she was 6 years old and I would ask the same question. “Really?” she asked. “Yes!” I replied quickly. We had so much fun. We swinged with our legs in sync with each other, pumped as hard and high as we could go, and twisted the swings sideways, twisting the chains tightly, then letting go and getting dizzy as we unwound. We had the park to ourselves and we reveled in the simple sweetness of spending time together outside with absolutely no cares. I have always stated that people would be happier and exhibit more joy if they took time to be in nature and enjoy activities like swinging and coloring. We left when children arrived with their mother, allowing them to take control of the swings, but that time we had alone in the park brought back such sweet memories of the many, many times we spent there as my girl grew up. Just as with other “last times” in our lives, I never knew the last time I took her to that park would be the final time she would run and play with the carefree life of a young girl. It felt so good to go back and enjoy that feeling together. When is the last time you took time to stop, breathe, and live simply? How regularly do you step outside to listen to the birds sing? Have you recently explored wooded trails or searched for insects to study in your backyard? Being so connected to nature is one of the ways to connect closer to God. I believe being outside allows our mind to connect with His love, creativity, passions, and longings. Our muscles unwind and relax, and out attitudes become softer. After all, we were created to be outdoors attuned to His creation. Philippians 4:12 says, “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want .” Sharing time in nature with our children, no matter their age, brings connection. Chores and jobs cease to exist for a time. Problems or concerns drift away as we experience freedom and fullness. Of course, you create connection with your child with any activity you do. There is just something special about fueling your body in nature. Spending time surrounded by the creations of God together, recognizing Him and His glory simply adds a special bond and beauty to your relationship. If you are a regular listener of this podcast or the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast, I have explained in previous episodes that I am taking time to fully enjoy summer. I plan to rerun some popular podcasts and create shorter new ones. It is my hope that you are outside with your family or are spending time relaxing and living simply with them. I hope you are allowing yourself to build what needs to be completed and are stopping to breathe in the sweet time you have with those closest to you and those you wish to be closer to. Make the time. Stop and enjoy life. Enjoy nature. Enjoy each other and praise the Fahter.You will be glad you did. Dear Heavenly Father, You are the One we need to make the most time for. You alone are the One who complete us, who created us for a purpose at this very time. We thank you for the gift of life and the gift of Christ. Help us to seek Him daily and allow a transformation of our soul to match His with a clarity seen by those around us. Please carry us and allow us to shine in new ways daily because we so clearly reflect You. Help us to make the time to pursue You and to show You clearly to our children. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This summer the episodes will be shorter and I may occasionally offer favorite replays as I spend time with my family and follow a special collective I believe God is calling me to complete for Him. Remember, this podcast, and the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast, may be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? Did you know that when you review my podcasts on Apple, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcasts online so that more people are allowed to find and hear them. Will you please take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #090 – Ignite the Fire of Learning with Sheila Carroll – Part 2 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Welcome back to the podcast this week. I pray you listened to Part 1 of my interview with Sheila Carroll last week. It was a wonderful introduction to Sheila and the insight God has given her into education. If you haven’t yet listened, please do so before you hear Part 2. If you’ve already heard Part 1, we are about to press in and learn some very useful tips that will help to ignite the fire of learning in your child and perhaps fan the flames for you as you are better equipped to trust the Lord to guide and provide for you in this precious journey we call home education. ----------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW --------------------------------------------------- Are you better equipped to home educate your child after hearing these episodes with Sheila? I pray God allowed you to hear the exact words you need to hear to take action in new ways or use encouragement offered to stay the course set before you. If you are in a season of life where you are teaching your child from home, rejoice! God is present. He is with you. He knows exactly what style of teaching you prefer, He knows exactly how each of your children are wired, and He desires simple obedience and trust from you, coupled with humility to seek Him in all ways to enable Him to work through each of you in ways you have not yet discovered. Homeschooling is one of the best blessings of my life. God has worked in numerous ways over the years I have stepped into the role of home educator. He has much more work to do, but He has been present every step of the way, going before us as I seek Him with a humble and ready heart. My children and I would not have the same relationship if I had chosen another method of education for them. I would not trade one hard or easy second of sacrifice, tears, laughter, love, or passion. I hope you will prayerfully consider the work God desires to do in your home and through you and your children. I invite you to join me next week as we begin another interview that is sure to bless and encourage, as well as uplift your spirits as you continue purposely teaching your children from home. Remember that what we are doing is holy work, ultimately purposed for the Lord and the blessings of homeschooling reaches well into the eternal heart and mindset of each of our children. Father God, You are precious to us. You are holy and sovereign. It is no mistake that we are educating our children from home for such a time as this. Father, protect our home. Protect our children. Culture attempts to sway and distract, it steals the joy and innocence of our children. It attempts to rob us of the purpose You have set in each of us. Father, we need You so much! Please ignite the passion of following Your beautifully set plans for us. Please ignite the joy of teaching as You light the joy of learning in our children. You alone hold the key. You know how we are made and how we think as mothers. You have hand-crafted each child we have the opportunity to teach, raise, or influence. We thank You for the mighty blessings and opportunities You have put before us. Make us able. Give us Your hope, trust, faith, and abilities to create and sustain or grow a healthy environment and atmosphere at home where we are joyous and insightful as we teach, and our children are joyous and blessed to be home. Help us remember to set You first and allow You to ignite a passion for You in our children. May they seek You, find You, and serve You well and with purpose and influence established by You. We thank You, Father for all You have set before us and the ways we will watch You work. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. I truly hope this interview series with Sheila uplifted and encouraged you as you find new ways to seek God, bring glory to Him as you raise and teach your children, and better equip you to run the race God is entrusting to you as you educate your child at home. Homeschooling is a long-distance race, not a sprint. As we seek God, rely on Him with a humble heart, and set a philosophy of education inspired by Him, we will find success in His eyes and experience a full and rich relationship with our Father and the precious children He has entrusted to us. Do not seek perfection, but seek Him, and love your children well as you discover the passions and purposes set inside them. Find ways to reach the love of learning God has instilled in them individually. Learn and teach in His strength, not your own. You may connect with Sheila online in the following ways: www.livingbookscurriculum.com www.charlottemasonhomeschooling.com www.sheilacarroll.com I invite you to listen next week when I introduce another wonderful leader in home education. I pray you find additional encouragement and desire to continue on your journey at home with your children as God leads the way. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 090 - Ignite the Fire of Learning with Sheila Carroll - Part 2 Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #090 – Ignite the Fire of Learning with Sheila Carroll – Part 2 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Welcome back to the podcast this week. I pray you listened to Part 1 of my interview with Sheila Carroll last week. It was a wonderful introduction to Sheila and the insight God has given her into education. If you haven’t yet listened, please do so before you hear Part 2. If you’ve already heard Part 1, we are about to press in and learn some very useful tips that will help to ignite the fire of learning in your child and perhaps fan the flames for you as you are better equipped to trust the Lord to guide and provide for you in this precious journey we call home education. ----------------------------------------------- INTERVIEW --------------------------------------------------- Are you better equipped to home educate your child after hearing these episodes with Sheila? I pray God allowed you to hear the exact words you need to hear to take action in new ways or use encouragement offered to stay the course set before you. If you are in a season of life where you are teaching your child from home, rejoice! God is present. He is with you. He knows exactly what style of teaching you prefer, He knows exactly how each of your children are wired, and He desires simple obedience and trust from you, coupled with humility to seek Him in all ways to enable Him to work through each of you in ways you have not yet discovered. Homeschooling is one of the best blessings of my life. God has worked in numerous ways over the years I have stepped into the role of home educator. He has much more work to do, but He has been present every step of the way, going before us as I seek Him with a humble and ready heart. My children and I would not have the same relationship if I had chosen another method of education for them. I would not trade one hard or easy second of sacrifice, tears, laughter, love, or passion. I hope you will prayerfully consider the work God desires to do in your home and through you and your children. I invite you to join me next week as we begin another interview that is sure to bless and encourage, as well as uplift your spirits as you continue purposely teaching your children from home. Remember that what we are doing is holy work, ultimately purposed for the Lord and the blessings of homeschooling reaches well into the eternal heart and mindset of each of our children. Father God, You are precious to us. You are holy and sovereign. It is no mistake that we are educating our children from home for such a time as this. Father, protect our home. Protect our children. Culture attempts to sway and distract, it steals the joy and innocence of our children. It attempts to rob us of the purpose You have set in each of us. Father, we need You so much! Please ignite the passion of following Your beautifully set plans for us. Please ignite the joy of teaching as You light the joy of learning in our children. You alone hold the key. You know how we are made and how we think as mothers. You have hand-crafted each child we have the opportunity to teach, raise, or influence. We thank You for the mighty blessings and opportunities You have put before us. Make us able. Give us Your hope, trust, faith, and abilities to create and sustain or grow a healthy environment and atmosphere at home where we are joyous and insightful as we teach, and our children are joyous and blessed to be home. Help us remember to set You first and allow You to ignite a passion for You in our children. May they seek You, find You, and serve You well and with purpose and influence established by You. We thank You, Father for all You have set before us and the ways we will watch You work. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. I truly hope this interview series with Sheila uplifted and encouraged you as you find new ways to seek God, bring glory to Him as you raise and teach your children, and better equip you to run the race God is entrusting to you as you educate your child at home. Homeschooling is a long-distance race, not a sprint. As we seek God, rely on Him with a humble heart, and set a philosophy of education inspired by Him, we will find success in His eyes and experience a full and rich relationship with our Father and the precious children He has entrusted to us. Do not seek perfection, but seek Him, and love your children well as you discover the passions and purposes set inside them. Find ways to reach the love of learning God has instilled in them individually. Learn and teach in His strength, not your own. You may connect with Sheila online in the following ways: www.livingbookscurriculum.com www.charlottemasonhomeschooling.com www.sheilacarroll.com I invite you to listen next week when I introduce another wonderful leader in home education. I pray you find additional encouragement and desire to continue on your journey at home with your children as God leads the way. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. http://www.livingbookscurriculum.com http://www.charlottemasonhomeschooling.com http://www.sheilacarroll.com

Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #006 – What Defines Me Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. In a world where there is confusion about life, death, and eternity, knowing what and why we believe what we do is vitally and eternally important. Why? Because I have to know my beliefs before I can live them. I suspect that most people listening to this podcast are already following Christ and enjoy listening to words of praise, inspiration, and encouragement to deepen their walk with Jesus. However, I can’t ignore the command in my spirit that leads me to clarify exactly what following Christ means. I don’t know for sure who may hear this podcast and I need to obediently follow what I believe the Holy Spirit is prompting me to share. Are you like me? I love to learn. I instinctively ask so many questions that close friends and family members joke about me. I found digging a little deeper into the terms Christian and Christianity interesting. Have you ever looked up the definition of the word, “Christian?” I never had before. I didn’t need to. As a believer, I know what the term means, but I decided to look. As a noun, the dictionary definition states that a Christian is “a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.” I will come back to this. As an adjective, it means “relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings.” So of course, I looked up, “Christianity.” The dictionary states that Christianity is “the religion founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ.” The Hebrew and Greek definitions of Christian mean, “Follower of Christ.” The word “Christ” is the root word of “Christian” and is defined as “the Messiah or anointed One, referring to Jesus Christ.” Next, I reflected on the difference between the dictionary definition and what the Bible shows that the word, “Christian” means. Of course, there may be more entries, but I found the term Christian used in Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. What caught my attention as the most telling is just one of those passages. Why? Because it reflects the way many people live today. Acts 26:28 says, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Although King Agrippa heard Paul relay his astonishing personal testimony of the truth of his conversion to following Jesus, he would not allow himself to be humbled enough to declare Christ as King. Many of us live the same way. Each of us needs to ask ourselves an important question. Have I let the truth of Jesus penetrate my heart? The gospel changes lives. It opens eyes and alters hearts and mindsets. It changes families and communities. It forces each of us to face behaviors and beliefs that are uncomfortable. Almost everyone dislikes change. We don’t want to be told what to do. We think we have control or we think we have time. The power and truth of the gospel moves people from living in darkness under the power of Satan and places us in the powerful, loving light of Jesus. It provides hope and secures our future if we choose to let Jesus penetrate our hearts and lives. If we think we are walking with Jesus and our life has not changed, we need to reassess our relationship. No one can face the truth of Christ, study His word and life, and remain unchanged. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” If we don’t know Jesus as our personal Savior, those words can be threatening and frightening. Because I‘ve already submitted to Jesus as the Lord of my life, I find the words promising, as well as a beautiful safeguard that will continue to grow and mold me in the proper ways, ensuring that I become more pleasing to God the more that I pursue Him and allow Him to work in and through me. The needed transformation took place in my life after I understood that I am a sinner who needed Jesus. I spoke a simple, yet very heartfelt prayer confessing to the Lord that I knew I had broken His laws and that sin separated me from Him. I repented and asked for forgiveness. I professed my knowledge and belief that Jesus, God’s Holy Son, died as my substitute. I thanked Jesus for forgiving me and cleansing me from unrighteousness. I invited Jesus to take control of my life and I asked Him to change me and enable me to live the way He desires. I accepted His promise of sending the Holy Spirit to reside in, and transform me, to be more and more like Him each day. I thanked Him for his sacrifice for me. If you need to ask Jesus into your life, please feel free to use what I prayed as a template for your own prayer. It shows that all you need is a simple, yet heart-felt prayer. I am also listing a few key verses that you can read to reference for more insight before you pray. Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, I John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13 A Christian is someone saved by the grace of Jesus and has accepted His gift as I stated in the example of my own prayer. Simply praying the prayer won’t get you into heaven, but it combined with the heart knowledge and desire to truly follow Jesus because you repent and confess your need for Him and acknowledge His merciful act of grace through dying as a substitute for your sin does. At the beginning of this episode, I stated that the dictionary defines a Christian as “a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.” The truth is that baptism is the way we publicly show we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. It is an act of obedience that should follow our heart change for Christ and should be done as soon as possible after salvation. Although the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us immediately, it definitely takes intentional effort on our part daily to ensure that our walk with the Lord continues to deepen and grow. He is faithful, but we are not. Just as with any relationship, we have to want it to flourish. Spending time deepening our walk with God is the best investment we can make for not only ourselves, but for our family. I know that as a follower of Jesus I can call myself a Christian only after I have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. Simply believing in and loving God or praying to Him did not make me a Christian. I lived until my early twenties under that mistaken assumption. Jesus tells us clearly in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” What I am stating is not my opinion; it is fact from God’s Holy word. Jesus makes the way to heaven very clear. Also, don’t be deceived into following religions that are act-based. Instead, build a relationship with the only One who can save you from unrighteousness. 1 John 4:15 states, “If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” God, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit all participate in the salvation experience. God, the Father sent His Son as a substitute for us, allowing us a glimpse of His eternal love. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer. Jesus is the Truth, the Hope, and the Message for this world. He is the Savior each of us needs, whether we understand it yet or not. Why do I believe this? The Bible tells us. I yearn for all to know and experience His truth and loving care through salvation. What a different world we would reside in if only hearts would be softened to Him. Satan’s power to deceive and the pride of too many cause a blindness that kills and destroys. Do you know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him? The second half of the dictionary definition of Christian states, “a believer in Christianity.” Just saying that you believe in Jesus does not make you a Christian. We must commit to Him and release control of our life to Him, as I said earlier in the example of what I prayed. Make sure that your eternal future is securely in His hands. God is so good to give us free will. I think that would be so difficult to do! God created each of us uniquely and intentionally. Instead of forcing us to acknowledge and love Him, He allows us to choose what we believe and what and who we will follow in this life. He allows us to choose whatever religion we desire. I actually dislike the word, religion, but treasure knowing that I have a relationship. My walk with God through Jesus is entirely relationship-based. I believe what the Bible states and I acknowledge the remarkable difference in my life through my attitude, thoughts, desires, and actions since I have come to know Jesus as my Savior and continue to mature in Him. I have learned through experience that what the Bible says is living and true. Jesus is alive and active in my life. Is He alive in yours? Another very important point I must raise in this episode is life after salvation. So, we pray a prayer asking Jesus to lead our life. What happens next? Unfortunately, this is where many people trip in their walk. I know I had wonderful intentions after choosing to follow Jesus. I made the mistake of following people, not Jesus. After they let me down, I faltered in knowing what to do next. I didn’t get the right discipleship needed to learn about Jesus and correctly grow my relationship. It took longer for me to understand and know Him deeply, and to release proper access to my life than it should have. If you are a new Christian, please do not hesitate to reach out for support to know the next steps to fully develop your understanding of Jesus. There is nothing magical or mysterious about following Jesus. It is actually incredibly simple. Jesus desires us to have the faith of a child. We just need to acknowledge our need for Him, accept His grace, and confess Him as the Lord of our life. The hardest part is afterwards. We have to work at the relationship like any other, and it is the most important one we will ever have. The fact that the gospel, the way to salvation through Christ is so uncomplicated, sometimes allows people to question whether they actually belong to Jesus and will live for eternity in heaven with Him one day. I will list a few Bible verses that I hope will reassure anyone who questions their future or might need to reevaluate whether they have entered into a relationship with Jesus. Revelation 3:20, John 10:27-28, Romans 8:38-39, 1 John 5:10-13, Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, and Ephesians 2:8-9, which is my favorite. It states, “For by grace you have been saved by faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Beyond the reassurances of scripture, the most effective way of ensuring our eternal walk with Jesus is secure is through the works He produces through us. A Christian lives and exhibits a changed life. God creates a good work in believers. Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Are you changing daily, becoming more Christ-like? Colossians 1:9b-11 says, “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” As believers, we are filled with knowledge and spiritual understanding by immersing ourselves in and studying God’s word and by keeping open communication with Him through prayer. Because of the Holy Spirit inside us, we are able to better discern God’s will. Wisdom and understanding can only come from the Lord and by following Him through a deepening relationship. The more intimately we know and understand God and His word; we will produce fruit for Him as we gain knowledge and grow in Him. We also gain fruits of the Spirit from Him. Instead of desiring and partaking in sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these, we possess and exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We persevere through trials as He carries us because we trust in Him. We praise Him in deeper ways because we understand He has plans for good and not to harm us. We believe the good He has for us is not strictly ours, but is the best for all as He intricately weaves lives and His glorious plans. We walk in faith, share the gospel, and help others to live lives that reflect Christ. We look at our present and future through the lens of eternal perspective and live in ways that exemplify His truths and in doing so, it is not a burden, but a joy. Here are several questions that are necessary to review if we have accepted Christ as our Savior and want to continue growing and shining for Him. 1. Do I intentionally and joyfully spend time in prayer throughout each day? Are my prayers living and breathing extensions of my thoughts and life as I raise my heart to God with gratitude before requests? God already knows us, but He desires intimacy, as well as honor in our lives. 2. Do I spend time in God’s word through reading my Bible each day? Podcasts, inspirational stories and blogs, etc. are wonderful ways to be encouraged and taught, but the most effective way to grow and deepen our walk is through consistent, personal time in His Holy word. 3. Do I place my spiritual growth behind more pressing duties in my life? God must be a priority. We know we make time for what we declare is important. 4. What are my first thoughts and desires when I awaken each morning? What about my last thoughts when I go to sleep? Make it a habit to talk to God as you go to sleep and to awaken with gratitude in your heart and on your lips as you start the day. Ask Him to guide and time your day. Ask Him to shine through you in every encounter. Ask for His patience, His love, whatever you know is lacking. Pray for the person who bad mouths you or the child bullying your son or daughter. Ask God to give you a heart for them, and to give them a heart for Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you. 5. Do I feel true joy in my life? Two important fruits of the Spirit we receive from walking with Jesus is pure joy and peace despite circumstances. Psalm 94:19 says, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comfort delights my soul.” 6. Have I found a Bible-believing church to mentor and encourage me or to invest in others? Am I using the gifts God has given me for Him? In order for my family and friends to know my beliefs, I have to live them. If they are not clear to me, they will be clear to no one else. We must take time to reflect on our life. 1. If I am in a relationship or have children they will not be positively influenced by me in eternal ways if I am not intentionally allowing the Lord to work through me. 2. Do my words reflect my beliefs and desire to grow in Jesus? 3. Do my actions reflect my beliefs and desire to grow in Jesus? 4. Am I allowing God to alter my thoughts? My thoughts reflect my words, attitude, and actions. Do I submit to them or to the Lord? 5. My emotions, attitude, words, and actions influence and affect my loved ones daily. Do I attract or repel them and others to the Lord? How does the world see me? Is my life authentic? Do I project a false image? Do I exude warmth? Do I come across as stand-offish? Am I kind or rude? Would others be attracted to Christ because they see Him in me? What I think about myself will affect how others see me and how they view Christ. Where do I find my worth? Jeremiah 1:5a says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Psalm 27:10 says, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” What are my strengths? Do I praise God for these qualities? Do I acknowledge that they are from Him and use them for Him? What are my weaknesses? Am I thankful that I have weaknesses that force me to rely on God? Do I ask God to strengthen these areas so that I may honor Him? Do I allow other people or circumstances to affect or influence my mindset and actions? Two verses beautifully instruct us in this area. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The other verse is Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we inherit daily change. Our relationship with Christ becomes experiential. He penetrates and alters our attitude, thoughts, and actions. He regulates our emotions and erases fears. We are no longer “in the body of Christ." We are living for Christ. We don’t just “identify” with Christ; we abide in and fellowship with Him. When we are tempted to become angry or hurt, or a variety of other emotions, we rely on Christ within us to enable our reaction to be what He desires, instead of allowing our fleshly responses to control us. Is this easy? Not always. We are human. But God is not. We must rely on His strength. God is able to do above and beyond what we can conceive. As we yield to Him, He modifies our instinctive responses and creates something new and beautiful within us. When we fail to respond in the ways that please Him, we repent and lean closer in reliance on Him. Philippians 4:8 offers sound advice for yielding to the life God desires for us. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Finally, a last set of ways to evaluate and discern the way we live. 1. What would others say defines me: Jesus or the world? What would my family say? 2. Which exposes my life focus as shown through my daily habits (Jesus or the world)? 3. What am I willing to do in order to change this definition of my current lifestyle? 4. Do I submit to advertisements that show me what to desire and how to live? 5. Are my values dictated more by social media or friends, rather than God? 6. What are my last actions before bed and my first actions upon awakening? 7. Do I rely more on God or myself throughout each day? 8. How have I reflected Jesus to others? 9. Am I embarrassed for others to know I follow Him? 10. Have I stepped out in faith and obedience where God has asked me to? 11. Do I have the same peace, joy, and hope through both good and difficult times? After a life conversion to follow Christ, we will not exhibit all of the above qualities immediately. It takes time to grow in our faith and dependence on God. The key is to immediately begin cultivating our trust through the ways already stated. As we pursue Him, He allows wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to flow into our lives. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. Ephesians 5:8-10 says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), and find out what pleases the Lord.” Thank you so much for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we will have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 006 What Defines Me Listen to Episode Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #006 – What Defines Me Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. In a world where there is confusion about life, death, and eternity, knowing what and why we believe what we do is vitally and eternally important. Why? Because I have to know my beliefs before I can live them. I suspect that most people listening to this podcast are already following Christ and enjoy listening to words of praise, inspiration, and encouragement to deepen their walk with Jesus. However, I can’t ignore the command in my spirit that leads me to clarify exactly what following Christ means. I don’t know for sure who may hear this podcast and I need to obediently follow what I believe the Holy Spirit is prompting me to share. Are you like me? I love to learn. I instinctively ask so many questions that close friends and family members joke about me. I found digging a little deeper into the terms Christian and Christianity interesting. Have you ever looked up the definition of the word, “Christian?” I never had before. I didn’t need to. As a believer, I know what the term means, but I decided to look. As a noun, the dictionary definition states that a Christian is “a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.” I will come back to this. As an adjective, it means “relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings.” So of course, I looked up, “Christianity.” The dictionary states that Christianity is “the religion founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ.” The Hebrew and Greek definitions of Christian mean, “Follower of Christ.” The word “Christ” is the root word of “Christian” and is defined as “the Messiah or anointed One, referring to Jesus Christ.” Next, I reflected on the difference between the dictionary definition and what the Bible shows that the word, “Christian” means. Of course, there may be more entries, but I found the term Christian used in Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16. What caught my attention as the most telling is just one of those passages. Why? Because it reflects the way many people live today. Acts 26:28 says, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” Although King Agrippa heard Paul relay his astonishing personal testimony of the truth of his conversion to following Jesus, he would not allow himself to be humbled enough to declare Christ as King. Many of us live the same way. Each of us needs to ask ourselves an important question. Have I let the truth of Jesus penetrate my heart? The gospel changes lives. It opens eyes and alters hearts and mindsets. It changes families and communities. It forces each of us to face behaviors and beliefs that are uncomfortable. Almost everyone dislikes change. We don’t want to be told what to do. We think we have control or we think we have time. The power and truth of the gospel moves people from living in darkness under the power of Satan and places us in the powerful, loving light of Jesus. It provides hope and secures our future if we choose to let Jesus penetrate our hearts and lives. If we think we are walking with Jesus and our life has not changed, we need to reassess our relationship. No one can face the truth of Christ, study His word and life, and remain unchanged. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” If we don’t know Jesus as our personal Savior, those words can be threatening and frightening. Because I‘ve already submitted to Jesus as the Lord of my life, I find the words promising, as well as a beautiful safeguard that will continue to grow and mold me in the proper ways, ensuring that I become more pleasing to God the more that I pursue Him and allow Him to work in and through me. The needed transformation took place in my life after I understood that I am a sinner who needed Jesus. I spoke a simple, yet very heartfelt prayer confessing to the Lord that I knew I had broken His laws and that sin separated me from Him. I repented and asked for forgiveness. I professed my knowledge and belief that Jesus, God’s Holy Son, died as my substitute. I thanked Jesus for forgiving me and cleansing me from unrighteousness. I invited Jesus to take control of my life and I asked Him to change me and enable me to live the way He desires. I accepted His promise of sending the Holy Spirit to reside in, and transform me, to be more and more like Him each day. I thanked Him for his sacrifice for me. If you need to ask Jesus into your life, please feel free to use what I prayed as a template for your own prayer. It shows that all you need is a simple, yet heart-felt prayer. I am also listing a few key verses that you can read to reference for more insight before you pray. Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, I John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13 A Christian is someone saved by the grace of Jesus and has accepted His gift as I stated in the example of my own prayer. Simply praying the prayer won’t get you into heaven, but it combined with the heart knowledge and desire to truly follow Jesus because you repent and confess your need for Him and acknowledge His merciful act of grace through dying as a substitute for your sin does. At the beginning of this episode, I stated that the dictionary defines a Christian as “a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Christianity.” The truth is that baptism is the way we publicly show we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. It is an act of obedience that should follow our heart change for Christ and should be done as soon as possible after salvation. Although the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us immediately, it definitely takes intentional effort on our part daily to ensure that our walk with the Lord continues to deepen and grow. He is faithful, but we are not. Just as with any relationship, we have to want it to flourish. Spending time deepening our walk with God is the best investment we can make for not only ourselves, but for our family. I know that as a follower of Jesus I can call myself a Christian only after I have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. Simply believing in and loving God or praying to Him did not make me a Christian. I lived until my early twenties under that mistaken assumption. Jesus tells us clearly in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” What I am stating is not my opinion; it is fact from God’s Holy word. Jesus makes the way to heaven very clear. Also, don’t be deceived into following religions that are act-based. Instead, build a relationship with the only One who can save you from unrighteousness. 1 John 4:15 states, “If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” God, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit all participate in the salvation experience. God, the Father sent His Son as a substitute for us, allowing us a glimpse of His eternal love. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer. Jesus is the Truth, the Hope, and the Message for this world. He is the Savior each of us needs, whether we understand it yet or not. Why do I believe this? The Bible tells us. I yearn for all to know and experience His truth and loving care through salvation. What a different world we would reside in if only hearts would be softened to Him. Satan’s power to deceive and the pride of too many cause a blindness that kills and destroys. Do you know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him? The second half of the dictionary definition of Christian states, “a believer in Christianity.” Just saying that you believe in Jesus does not make you a Christian. We must commit to Him and release control of our life to Him, as I said earlier in the example of what I prayed. Make sure that your eternal future is securely in His hands. God is so good to give us free will. I think that would be so difficult to do! God created each of us uniquely and intentionally. Instead of forcing us to acknowledge and love Him, He allows us to choose what we believe and what and who we will follow in this life. He allows us to choose whatever religion we desire. I actually dislike the word, religion, but treasure knowing that I have a relationship. My walk with God through Jesus is entirely relationship-based. I believe what the Bible states and I acknowledge the remarkable difference in my life through my attitude, thoughts, desires, and actions since I have come to know Jesus as my Savior and continue to mature in Him. I have learned through experience that what the Bible says is living and true. Jesus is alive and active in my life. Is He alive in yours? Another very important point I must raise in this episode is life after salvation. So, we pray a prayer asking Jesus to lead our life. What happens next? Unfortunately, this is where many people trip in their walk. I know I had wonderful intentions after choosing to follow Jesus. I made the mistake of following people, not Jesus. After they let me down, I faltered in knowing what to do next. I didn’t get the right discipleship needed to learn about Jesus and correctly grow my relationship. It took longer for me to understand and know Him deeply, and to release proper access to my life than it should have. If you are a new Christian, please do not hesitate to reach out for support to know the next steps to fully develop your understanding of Jesus. There is nothing magical or mysterious about following Jesus. It is actually incredibly simple. Jesus desires us to have the faith of a child. We just need to acknowledge our need for Him, accept His grace, and confess Him as the Lord of our life. The hardest part is afterwards. We have to work at the relationship like any other, and it is the most important one we will ever have. The fact that the gospel, the way to salvation through Christ is so uncomplicated, sometimes allows people to question whether they actually belong to Jesus and will live for eternity in heaven with Him one day. I will list a few Bible verses that I hope will reassure anyone who questions their future or might need to reevaluate whether they have entered into a relationship with Jesus. Revelation 3:20, John 10:27-28, Romans 8:38-39, 1 John 5:10-13, Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, and Ephesians 2:8-9, which is my favorite. It states, “For by grace you have been saved by faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Beyond the reassurances of scripture, the most effective way of ensuring our eternal walk with Jesus is secure is through the works He produces through us. A Christian lives and exhibits a changed life. God creates a good work in believers. Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Are you changing daily, becoming more Christ-like? Colossians 1:9b-11 says, “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” As believers, we are filled with knowledge and spiritual understanding by immersing ourselves in and studying God’s word and by keeping open communication with Him through prayer. Because of the Holy Spirit inside us, we are able to better discern God’s will. Wisdom and understanding can only come from the Lord and by following Him through a deepening relationship. The more intimately we know and understand God and His word; we will produce fruit for Him as we gain knowledge and grow in Him. We also gain fruits of the Spirit from Him. Instead of desiring and partaking in sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these, we possess and exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We persevere through trials as He carries us because we trust in Him. We praise Him in deeper ways because we understand He has plans for good and not to harm us. We believe the good He has for us is not strictly ours, but is the best for all as He intricately weaves lives and His glorious plans. We walk in faith, share the gospel, and help others to live lives that reflect Christ. We look at our present and future through the lens of eternal perspective and live in ways that exemplify His truths and in doing so, it is not a burden, but a joy. Here are several questions that are necessary to review if we have accepted Christ as our Savior and want to continue growing and shining for Him. 1. Do I intentionally and joyfully spend time in prayer throughout each day? Are my prayers living and breathing extensions of my thoughts and life as I raise my heart to God with gratitude before requests? God already knows us, but He desires intimacy, as well as honor in our lives. 2. Do I spend time in God’s word through reading my Bible each day? Podcasts, inspirational stories and blogs, etc. are wonderful ways to be encouraged and taught, but the most effective way to grow and deepen our walk is through consistent, personal time in His Holy word. 3. Do I place my spiritual growth behind more pressing duties in my life? God must be a priority. We know we make time for what we declare is important. 4. What are my first thoughts and desires when I awaken each morning? What about my last thoughts when I go to sleep? Make it a habit to talk to God as you go to sleep and to awaken with gratitude in your heart and on your lips as you start the day. Ask Him to guide and time your day. Ask Him to shine through you in every encounter. Ask for His patience, His love, whatever you know is lacking. Pray for the person who bad mouths you or the child bullying your son or daughter. Ask God to give you a heart for them, and to give them a heart for Him. Allow the Holy Spirit to transform you. 5. Do I feel true joy in my life? Two important fruits of the Spirit we receive from walking with Jesus is pure joy and peace despite circumstances. Psalm 94:19 says, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comfort delights my soul.” 6. Have I found a Bible-believing church to mentor and encourage me or to invest in others? Am I using the gifts God has given me for Him? In order for my family and friends to know my beliefs, I have to live them. If they are not clear to me, they will be clear to no one else. We must take time to reflect on our life. 1. If I am in a relationship or have children they will not be positively influenced by me in eternal ways if I am not intentionally allowing the Lord to work through me. 2. Do my words reflect my beliefs and desire to grow in Jesus? 3. Do my actions reflect my beliefs and desire to grow in Jesus? 4. Am I allowing God to alter my thoughts? My thoughts reflect my words, attitude, and actions. Do I submit to them or to the Lord? 5. My emotions, attitude, words, and actions influence and affect my loved ones daily. Do I attract or repel them and others to the Lord? How does the world see me? Is my life authentic? Do I project a false image? Do I exude warmth? Do I come across as stand-offish? Am I kind or rude? Would others be attracted to Christ because they see Him in me? What I think about myself will affect how others see me and how they view Christ. Where do I find my worth? Jeremiah 1:5a says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Psalm 27:10 says, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” What are my strengths? Do I praise God for these qualities? Do I acknowledge that they are from Him and use them for Him? What are my weaknesses? Am I thankful that I have weaknesses that force me to rely on God? Do I ask God to strengthen these areas so that I may honor Him? Do I allow other people or circumstances to affect or influence my mindset and actions? Two verses beautifully instruct us in this area. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The other verse is Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” When we yield to the Holy Spirit, we inherit daily change. Our relationship with Christ becomes experiential. He penetrates and alters our attitude, thoughts, and actions. He regulates our emotions and erases fears. We are no longer “in the body of Christ." We are living for Christ. We don’t just “identify” with Christ; we abide in and fellowship with Him. When we are tempted to become angry or hurt, or a variety of other emotions, we rely on Christ within us to enable our reaction to be what He desires, instead of allowing our fleshly responses to control us. Is this easy? Not always. We are human. But God is not. We must rely on His strength. God is able to do above and beyond what we can conceive. As we yield to Him, He modifies our instinctive responses and creates something new and beautiful within us. When we fail to respond in the ways that please Him, we repent and lean closer in reliance on Him. Philippians 4:8 offers sound advice for yielding to the life God desires for us. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Finally, a last set of ways to evaluate and discern the way we live. 1. What would others say defines me: Jesus or the world? What would my family say? 2. Which exposes my life focus as shown through my daily habits (Jesus or the world)? 3. What am I willing to do in order to change this definition of my current lifestyle? 4. Do I submit to advertisements that show me what to desire and how to live? 5. Are my values dictated more by social media or friends, rather than God? 6. What are my last actions before bed and my first actions upon awakening? 7. Do I rely more on God or myself throughout each day? 8. How have I reflected Jesus to others? 9. Am I embarrassed for others to know I follow Him? 10. Have I stepped out in faith and obedience where God has asked me to? 11. Do I have the same peace, joy, and hope through both good and difficult times? After a life conversion to follow Christ, we will not exhibit all of the above qualities immediately. It takes time to grow in our faith and dependence on God. The key is to immediately begin cultivating our trust through the ways already stated. As we pursue Him, He allows wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to flow into our lives. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. Ephesians 5:8-10 says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), and find out what pleases the Lord.” Thank you so much for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we will have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective.

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< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 017 - Purpose of School Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #017 – Purpose of School Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. When President Barack Obama presented his State of the Union Address several years ago, announcing a new challenge to redesign America’s high schools in order to better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech economy, I believe many who heard this promise missed the opportunity to ponder exactly what the real purpose of school is. Have you ever stopped to think about what you actually expect from a public school? Is the institutional public education system in America meeting your expectations and the needs of your unique child? As I continue this podcast episode, it will be apparent that I am a huge homeschool proponent. Please take what I say from this opinion and know that I trust each of the listeners of this podcast are prayerful about what God has for you and your family. I also trust that each family will very prayerfully seek God’s instruction on what is best for your children and not only what is convenient. I understand what it is like to work full-time outside the home. I felt like I did not have the opportunity to homeschool. We felt the extra income I brought in was needed. We also worked very hard to get to the point that I could quit that job and be able to survive without the additional income. I also know there are many mothers (and some fathers) who work full-time and homeschool their children. Remember that when you homeschool, you are freed from the constraints of public education and free to form what works for your family under God . Even though I will talk in this episode about how public school is currently established, remember that the freedom found in home education relieves you from building your home school as a replica of the education your child currently receives. Through the years, I found that the more I moved beyond how traditional education in public school was set up, and focused on our relationship with Christ, the needs of my children, the plans I had for them and their future, and considered their qualities, interests, and talents, the more successful our private school became. Public education, as it is constructed now, corrals your child for 7 – 8 hours of education a day beginning in grade school, then adds additional time of approximately an hour for homework after school. As children reach the middle and high school years, the hours spent in class or activities, practices, and sports climb even higher. When you add in the increased homework load and jobs, and we see that kids spend almost all of their waking hours away from home and family. It’s easy to assume that parents have virtually no influence over school-aged children unless they are home-educated. Our culture tends to push the myth that public education is the only way to prepare students for life, to allow them to acquire skills necessary to obtain a career after graduation. Yet is this actually true? Many feel the government education system now established in America merely pushes students along until graduation, in order to assure that “no child is left behind.” Even more distressing is the concern that 21st century schools have been exposed as progressively worsening indoctrination camps which fail to properly educate students, instead pushing agendas that divide families. Does it appear to you that public schools set up children for a successful future that equips them to reach their full and God-given potential? Or is it based on an assembly line mentality that moves children from grade to grade until graduation? Some think of homeschooling as an inappropriate substitution for education, citing low socialization of students as the negative mark against this method of education. I believe what proves homeschooling as the superior choice is the type of socialization students receive. Home-educated children aren’t hidden in a closet or dungeon with no social life. The majority of homeschooled children are supported by adults and other children, whether it be siblings or peers in co-ops or extracurricular activities and study groups, and focus on a different guideline or set of expectations for socialization, which enables them to become well-equipped in interactions and able to converse with a range of ages and interests. In addition, I’d like to ask those who feel homeschooled children lack a social life this question. What part of sitting at a desk for hours a day in an institutional atmosphere and being taught morals and ideals contrary to what your family believes and that do nothing to promote a strong relationship with God is superior to what a loving, observant, godly parent can provide for his or her child ? Most homeschoolers are actually closer to family, more mature for their age, converse with parents about life issues, are uninterested in blindly following culture, and most have not been introduced to inappropriate graphic sexualized teachings, communist and socialist brainwashing, or gender and identity confusion. Often educationally superior to the majority of publicly educated students in a variety of ways, including testing in the areas of language arts and literacy, authentic American history, and often Biblical studies, the home-educated child proves that a government-driven system interested in stripping genuine American history cannot be trusted to equip our children for a successful future that ensures God-given rights and talents. Americans are now right to question whether public schools are simply indoctrination camps that provide 9-5 childcare services and are paving the way for leftist ideology and dissolution of Christian values our country was founded upon. Parents must certainly begin asking important questions, if they are not already doing so. 1. What is the purpose of school? 2. Is my child receiving the education I want them to have? 3. Is the education my child receives appropriate in the eyes of God? 4. Does their education shape them to be and use the unique God-given potential inside them? Deuteronomy 6:6-8 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates .” The most important education your child will receive should come from you, the parent. Godly instruction is eternal. Relationship with God through Jesus will never be stripped away, it never fades, and only increases as your child deepens and matures their walk with God. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength .” The greatest gift a homeschool journey will bring you and your child is the opportunity to connect parent to child under God. A strong foundation built through intentional, consistent time in the Bible together is absolutely priceless. This relationship firmly constructed on the truths and training of God and with each other connected to and through Him is a blessing our Heavenly Father extends as we train our children in Him and seek His guidance on teaching and equipping them to know, love, honor, and obey Him. Am I saying that every homeschooled child is going to be a model Christian? No. Each person has free will, but a school crafted through an atmosphere of learning God’s word and truths in a loving, humble, household where parents live the life they preach lovingly and unwaveringly will draw the heart of your child to God in a way nothing else will. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them .” When we live with fullness of joy in a mature and growing walk with Christ, allowing our Heavenly Father to guide our heart and mind, attitude and emotions, our children see and reap the benefits as they are taught to learn and carry the same loving, humble walk with Christ. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord .” I know my home life and relationships with my children would not be the joy they are without homeschool. Our daily Bible studies are a highlight and necessity that has equipped us with spiritual growth and maturity at a level that would not have been possible otherwise. Psalm 34:11 says, “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. ” Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right .” Aside from the beautiful benefits of a gentle, godly atmosphere and training in the Lord each day, there are other advantages that come from teaching your child at home. Home education, however, is not a perfect solution without struggles. In fact, most mothers who make the choice to teach their children from home have many concerns or fears as they start the process. No one enters this area without wondering if they can do it. Part of the beauty in homeschooling comes from being right where God wants us. We are completely dependent on Him to make our school a success, if we choose to recognize Him as the one in control. I have been on my knees more times than I can count over the years. Through hardships and trying life situations, illness, adoption, deaths, and more, God has kept us on track and given us the opportunity to enjoy learning. We make our schedule fit our life, not shift our life to meet the demands of an institutional system . Are you one who has wondered whether you should elect to homeschool your children? Have you already started and are in need of encouragement? Homeschooling is as isolated or robust as we choose for it to be, but remember this: God is always there with you. He created your children. He formed my children. Each person is a unique and individual human being created for a purpose ordained by God Himself. As you homeschool, keep God front and center, seek His will with what and how you will teach. Ask Him to gift you with wisdom on what curriculum choices are best for your family. Allow time to seek His guidance and discernment, and allow time to hear His words and recognize His prompts to you. I’d like to list several important tips that helped us and that I believe may serve you in this season of beginning or continuing your school. Don’t worry about taking notes. You can find the transcript to this episode and all of the tips and information online at terrihitt.com. 1. Create a homeschool that seeks God first and strives to understand and obey His call. 2. Create a homeschool that respects the child. 3. Create a homeschool that serves the unique talents and interests crafted within your child. 4. Create a learning environment that fosters a love of learning. 5. Create a homeschool that allows children to make mistakes without condemnation or embarrassment. 6. Create a homeschool that focuses on the strengths and weaknesses your child is exhibiting and fosters what he or she needs to succeed with joy. Additionally, I believe you will want to create a homeschool that answers these questions (and whatever others you desire for your unique family). 1. Where do I want my child to be in his or her relationship with God at the end of their school years? 2. What type of relationship do I want with my child each school year? 3. What relationship do I want with my child when our school years together are over? 4. What do you want your child to be able to say about homeschooling together? 5. How do I want the love of Christ reflected in our homeschool and relationships together? 6. Do I observe and understand the ways my child learns? 7. Am I working to develop myself in order to reach the needs of my child? 8. How can I use our time together and the curriculum I choose to form the traits I desire my child to develop? 9. How can I strengthen the beautiful qualities God has already crafted inside my child? Near the beginning of our homeschool journey, I created a Mission Statement that still guides our time today. This statement hangs in our dedicated schoolroom, and serves as a reminder to me of the importance of setting and maintaining specific values and principles I desire to foster throughout the life of my children and myself. I am sharing it to help you imagine and craft a Mission Statement that best serves your family and enables you to keep your focus foremost in your mind through the years. “Our mission at GraceLight Academy is to study, understand, and instill the Lord Jesus Christ in our heart, words, thoughts, and actions and to recognize His love, provision, and guidance in our lives. We will also strive to instill and foster a lifelong love of learning and to gratefully use the gifts and talents He lovingly bestowed to us in ways that honor and glorify Him.” We also have a sign in our room that reads, “GraceLight Academy is dedicated to the Lord, for only He can make something out of nothing .” We have also crafted class rules that guided the early years of learning together and continue to be a foundational strength in our school. “At GraceLight Academy we listen carefully and respectfully to one another. We allow others time to talk, and we strive to please God as we learn from each other. When we don’t understand something, whether it is an old fact or something brand new, we ask questions and never feel ashamed. We want to learn. God gave us beautiful minds to use in ways that please and honor Him. We also take time to cuddle. God made us a family and we want to show our love for each other .” As I read this set of rules, I smile because I remember why I included the last portion. I wanted to ensure that while we continued on busy and sometimes hard schedules with family and life issues throughout seasons during the years, we would always make time to tell one another when we needed a time out of sorts to connect and enjoy each other. I never want the rush of life to rule our actions or reactions, but for love to be honoring and inclusive so that we always feel safe and joyful at home together. We also have a quote by Robert Collier on our wall. It reads, “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out .” One other quote hangs on another wall. It is entitled, “We Are a Family,” and is by G. Copeland. It reads, “Since before any of us were born, God planned for us to share our lives with each other. He knew exactly how our strengths and weaknesses would balance one another, and the depth of love, understanding, and commitment we would learn to feel. He knew that the richness of our separate characters would be developed through the hard times, and that mutual trust and respect would be born as a result of overcoming the trials together. He knew that we would laugh together and cry together. He knew we needed each…to hug, to help, to teach, to share…to love .” Of course, an American flag hangs in our schoolroom and our walls are also decorated with school and artwork, timelines, facts, and Bible verses that are meaningful to us and which support the focus of our school and life. I chose them when we began homeschooling so that the wisdom, attitude, and hope I desired would be what was shaped within each of us, and of course, each year we may add or subtract some of what hangs. I will share some of the Bible verses we chose now in the hope that it will inspire you to find what verses speak to you and help support the goals you have in your mind and heart. PROMISE : 1 Corinthians 15:58 , “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I chose this verse to remind us that when days are hard, learning is not easy, or life is complicated, we always have the promises of the Lord to sustain and encourage us. WISDOM : Proverbs 16:21 , “The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. ” I chose this verse to remind us that God’s wisdom is all we need. This world is not our home and we must keep our focus on Him through all we do. ATTITUDE : Proverbs 5:12-14, “You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors. And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.” I chose this verse to ensure we began our homeschool journey with the proper attitude and continued to grow it over the years in ways that honor and please God and bring us closer to Him and each other. HOPE : Isaiah 55:11 , “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” I chose this verse to remind us in good and hard times of life that no matter how we feel or what circumstances appear to be like, God is good. He is present. He goes before us, and so do the truths of His word. I wanted us to always seek Him and stand on His truths. Your homeschool should reflect your family, children, and goals. There is so much to be said on this topic alone! If you want to get a clearer understanding of home education, I suggest reading the Charlotte Mason Home Education series of books as they teach of a philosophy of education and formation of character. I also suggest using a majority of living books in your curriculum. As we see educational concerns and changes in public schools, more parents have made the choice to home educate their children. Please make sure you follow state regulations and guidelines to ensure that your school is established correctly from the beginning. I highly recommend that you find local educator groups to help guide you. For example, I am I member of Midwest Parent Educators. You can search online to see what may be in your area. I also highly recommend HSLDA, Home School Legal Defense Association. You can also find information about this excellent organization online. As a member, you gain access to help with almost any area of your homeschool questions and concerns. For example, they guide you to local groups, help with school planning, and can assist with guidance for high school, transcripts, and so much more. Remember to craft the school you prayerfully desire to build. My youngest had to begin learning English at the age of nine, undergo many surgeries and procedures, and didn’t really start to learn until she was ten years old because of spending her early years in an orphanage. We haven’t labeled her grade like a public school would. It can be annoying at times to answer the simple question about what year she is in, but we have found simplicity and freedom in allowing her to learn faster in some areas and take more time on others. Thus, her grade levels are mixed, but it works perfectly for her. Many children are learning in this way and I find it much superior to the traditional institutional learning. I also ask that you consider what works for your child. When President Obama gave his State of the Union address many years ago and spoke of preparing students for college, I believe he overlooked the simple fact that not all children need a college education. Some will be led to use their God-given abilities in other skilled areas. Some may follow their heart calling to be a stay-at-home mother and raising the next generation of children. Whatever your child is equipped for and prayerfully following with your guidance will be the path they are destined to take. Don’t let comments or questions from others deflate their excitement or alter the plans God has for them. Instead of asking recent high school graduates where they are going to college, we should inquire what plans they are pursuing next. There are people needed in skilled trades and I love that God made each of us with unique interests. Just because our culture has grown to expect college, it does not mean that it is the right choice for everyone, especially with the huge amount of debt and the indoctrination that can dangerously confuse those attending. However, if your child is in pursuit of a career that needs a college degree, know that a homeschool education is respected and admired by universities, just as a public education is. I hope this episode equips and encourages you in your understanding of the purpose of school. It is important to realize and remember that home education is established as a lifestyle that encourages the best of my children and prayerfully brings the best out in me as I continue to learn and grow, as well. There is so much more to be said about home education. In fact, there is too much information for several podcast episodes. If you have questions for me, I’m happy to help in any way I can. Please feel free to contact me at info@terrihitt.com . Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good. Thank you for entrusting Your children to us. Thank you for making each of them unique and beautifully, intentionally formed in the image of You. Father, we praise You for the opportunity to homeschool our precious children. Please protect our freedom and choice to home educate Your children and help us to start them off in the way they should go as we seek Your perfect ways for them individually all the days we are privileged to raise and influence them. Help us to see them as You do and equip them to follow the gifts and talents You have gifted to them. May they pursue You with love, honor, and loving devotion and follow the path You have set before them. Help us to never be a stumbling block for our children. Enable us to be godly encouragement that shines You and Your truths. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast. Both of my podcasts may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and are also part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. If you find value in what you hear through my podcasts, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. To hear episodes that deal with homeschooling or educating children, I suggest listening to the following episodes of the Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast: Episode 89, Ignite the Fire of Learning with Sheila Carroll – Part 1, Episode 90, Ignite the Fire of Learning with Sheila Carrol – Part 2, Episode 91, Interview with Charlene Notgrass – Notgrass History – Part 1, Episode 92, Interview with Charlene Notgrass – Notgrass History – Part 2, Episode 93, Interview with Emily Hladik – Understanding American History – Part 1, and Episode 94, Interview with Emily Hladik – Understanding American History – Part 2. You may easily find these episodes at terrihitt.com. Just click on “podcasts” and type in the topic or title you wish to hear about in the search bar at the top of the page. Please let me know if you would like more information on the topic of homeschooling. Also, have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? For those who have, I thank you so very much! If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. If you believe the content you hear should be heard so that more people can begin to deepen their walk with Jesus, live with eyes set on eternity, and raise or influence children for Christ, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? Please also follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

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< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast - Episode 066 - Specific Steps to Strengthen Connection to My Child and Christ Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 066 Specific Steps to Strengthen Connection to My Child and Christ I love hearing the sweet sounds of my daughter’s voices. Right now I can hear them in the living room as they play checkers together. I know the delight I get from listening to them converse is just a fraction of what God feels when He sees His children getting along and acting in ways that honor Him. While we know all children must learn to connect with respect, love, and grace, sometimes sibling connections are taken for granted. Since my girls weren’t sisters until the ages of 9 and 11, they had to learn to love one another. Their love was born through decisions and purposeful connection . Much like what we should do as parents. Although most of us automatically love our children before they are even in our arms, we still need to make choices that build meaningful and godly connection through the lifetime of our relationship. In the last Purposed Parent Connected Child Episode we discussed the importance of strong connection to your child. This is obviously a crucial step in parenting, but I believe the most important reason a parent should want strong connection with their child is simple. You want to be your child’s godly main influence in this loud and crazy world. No one is going to care about your child like you – as a loving, Christ-following parent. If you are a Bible-believing mother who desires your child to follow Jesus, you must be determined and prepared to stand against this world and the ungodly messages feeding into your child. Let’s face it, those messages are faster, louder, and sometimes a lot more attractive than how you quietly influence at home. That’s why building connection with your children must begin as early as you have them. In fact, I believe with all my heart that the best connection begins then because you are starting from the ground up. You’ve hopefully prepared the soil, which in this instance is what you carry in your mind and heart. Your thoughts and beliefs are what your child’s relationship with Christ will be built upon . You have to possess what you desire your child to have . Next, choose the materials you will build with. These will be your character, the mindset work you are completing through Christ’s truths, the plans you have made to raise this child for God, your relationship with your spouse, and your personal walk with Christ). Does that mean you’re out of luck if you don’t know Christ as Savior until your child is older? Absolutely not! But it does mean that you have a lot of work and prayer to accomplish. But then, that’s the definition of parenting! Since our last episode spoke about the importance of being connected to your child, we’ll use this episode to talk about different ways to build connection to your child. There is no way to capture every way of constructing strong connection in one podcast episode, but I’ll share some of my favorite ways with you. Have you ever stopped to ponder how much more influential you are in leading your child to Jesus when you share a solid connection with each other? I always enjoy sharing connection and relationship tips, because connection with children is a beautiful gift from the Father for the Father . Let’s start with ways to connect with a younger child. I’ll share some of my personal favorites. From the time my middle daughter was a baby, I enjoyed Bible lessons with her. Those lessons consisted mostly of singing short songs which were made up lyrics of Bible truths or songs set to familiar tunes like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star or Happy Birthday. We also played a lot of Bible music CD’s for children or classical instrumental music. I also regularly read “The Story of Jesus” to my baby, and it was the key to silencing her crying on the first night we brought her home from China at ten months of age. I also read the Bible aloud, so she was used to hearing Scripture. I prayed for her, but also when I was with her, I prayed over her, so she could hear the prayers. When she was one, I began sharing Bible verses with her. I would say the verse in a soft voice used for talking to babies and clap my hands or sway with movement to the verse. Motion and movement always kept her attention and the sound of my voice was soothing to her, making the verses more interesting. Of course, she can’t remember those days, but I know the seeds of faith were already being implanted in the soil of her heart. Because she was adopted when she was almost one year old, I was very concerned about ensuring that we bond and attach well. Everything I did was purposed , to connect her to me and to Jesus . I knew the first ten months of her life were deprived of emotional, mental, and spiritual stimuli. It was my job as a loving parent to stimulate her brain and help it connect neural pathways. Looking at connection through an eternal perspective, I knew that the work I was doing for my daughter and I ultimately translated to work for the Lord . Intentionally positioning her with confidence that I was safe and always there for her as I responded to needs also built a foundation for her that God was also safe. I spent many years doing art projects with her, playing with Play-Doh, dancing, singing, playing outside, using play kitchens, playing with dolls and stuffed animals, doing role plays, going on walks outdoors, and exploring nature together. Anything I could think of to increase time together and give us opportunities to talk and laugh was welcome. Most of our daily conversations would be directed back to God in some way, Praise, worship, stories of His love, stores of His provisions, Bible stories, any way God could be brought into the conversation and honored or thanked was grafted into our time together. Of course, homeschooling was a plus at our house. I’ll never regret the years we spent in our schoolroom together. They were absolutely some of the hardest, easiest, and most rewarding bonding times with my children. One of the best methods of building a strong connection with your child of any age is simply being present. I don’t mean sitting at home with them, but being engaged – with your attention , voice , reactions , and body language . Finding activities to do with your teen that are reflective of their interests or are common interests between the two of you, even activities that may build new interests are important to share together. Often teens will open up at night or when you are driving them in the car. Honestly, preteens or teens usually open up at the least convenient time for you, but remember how important those moments are for connection . To help a reluctant preteen or teen confide feelings, emotions, or thoughts, you may also take walks together, share a day trip, trade writing journals, play games, or do physical activities together, such as bowling, skating, basketball, or many other ideas. Another thing to mention is that all you do with younger children establishes the groundwork that will later bear the values and morals learned through the small and large interactions throughout their life . As your child approaches the teen years, their critical thinking skills sharpen and you will see thinking, morals, and values mesh. Good morals such as respecting elders, not cheating, lying, or stealing, as well as values such as integrity and kindness sink deeper into the soil of your child’s developing critical thinking skills. On the flip side, so do bad morals and values. Now let’s examine some strong ways to connect with an older child. I don’t know whether you think this way, but I’ve always felt that in some ways a child entering the teen years is almost like a toddler. Toddlers and teens can both whine, throw tantrums, not want to go to bed, be messy and selfish, and want independence, yet still need you. Both the toddler and teen find ways to express their needs, and they aren’t always what you would consider acceptable methods. Knowing your individual child is important. You are best able to decipher whether your child or teen needs food, whether they are tired, stressed, overworked, scared, or lonely. You will notice when behavior is ordinary or out of character and when it is worth investigating deeper. Just as when your child was a baby, your teen will show in various ways whether they feel their needs are being met. When your teen feels that needs are being met by you, trust and attachment occurs, and the cycle is repeated and strengthened. When children enter the teen years, it is harder for some parents than others. As a parent of four children, I can say that each of mine reacted differently to the process of maturing. However, the children I worked hardest to have a Christlike connection with are the ones who never exhibited “typical” teen behavior or attitudes. As we parent our growing child, it is very important to help them know who they are in Christ, even before they know Him as Savior. Self-esteem is a term we hear often, but I like to refer to it as “godly esteem.” Godly esteem focuses on Who created us, Who we belong to, and the God-given purpose we carry on this earth. Building godly esteem is critical for raising children who become productive, well-adjusted, loving adults who honor and obey God . If your teen exhibits many behaviors many in this world write off as “typical,” that is a definite red flag in my opinion, meaning there is connection work to do. You can listen to the Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast episode #063 – Stop Raising Typical Teens for my opinion in that area. My goal was always to step in sync with my child when they were young so that the later years would be an extension of the relationship we worked for earlier. Just like your walk with God develops intentionally over time, your child deserves attention and understanding. We need to parent in ways that help us see their unique, God-given talents and interests, then parent to help them see and strengthen what God has uniquely entrusted to them. Another aspect to consider is that every mother carries individual experiences that shape her and the way she loves, listens, laughs, and raises children. It is extremely important for a woman to evaluate her past, present, and future through a godly lens, comparing her experiences and beliefs against what Scripture, the ultimate source of truth teaches . A mother securely attached to Christ will better parent her child with connection through the difficulties of maturing, whether it be emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially. One of the most effective pieces of my Set-Apart Collective is the Motherhood Mindset Model that enables women to be cognizant of how they have been shaped by their past and how their thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs line up against God’s truths. As they work through the Mindset Model, they are able to become the mother and wife He created them to be as they allow God to transform their mind and thought patterns. Being an adoptive parent solidified another connection truth for me. Just because a child behaves a particular way doesn’t mean you understand the “why” behind the behavior. For example, when a child exhibits difficult behavior or has a sudden change in behavior, we need to stop and consider two things. One, what is my child conveying (or saying) with this behavior? Two, what is my child asking for through the behavior? Remembering these two points helps build solid connection. Instead of berating, ignoring, or punishing the child, a connected parent deciphers behavior and uses the opportunity to draw nearer to their child, to reach the heart of her child . Just because a mother works to construct connection, it doesn’t mean she babies or spoils her child. Finding the reason behind behavior doesn’t mean letting your child “walk all over you,” instead it simply means you are attuned and responsive . When I raised my last two, I also told them from the time they were young that we would need to be purposed in growing and maintaining a close relationship with God and each other . Every relationship takes work . When you let each other know you are willing to invest in each other with time, words, actions, love, grace, and respect, you are letting your child know they are important to you . It also shows them it is essential to be even more purposed at having a close relationship with God. You have also imparted to them the knowledge and desire to work at connected relationships . The most important factor in the close connection I have with my children has been God’s Word. Having the goal of reading the Bible together and praying together daily has cemented our faith and family connection. What beautiful work God does in families who commit to connection with Him and each other. I have many resources on prayer. If you’d like more information, please contact me. In the last podcast episode, “How to Strengthen Connection to My Child and Christ,” I stated that I believe children have replaced attachment with mom and dad for attachment to peers . That’s a concerning thought, because when parents lose the status of mentor or influencer in the life of their children, the home, then in turn, the world, is altered. That’s the result we are seeing in America today. Cultural (meaning society) influences have a stronger attraction than traditional family values and is more important to many teens. As kids follow kids, traditions, morals, values, and relationships suffer. Most importantly, parents lose the blessing of teaching their child the way Deuteronomy 6:5-9 , instructs, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates ." This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible and one I have taken to heart as a mother. In it, God gives specific instructions on how to make Him known to our children. It also offers beautiful, godly insight into how to build a firm foundation under our children and how to continue constructing a heart of faith and obedience to Christ for a lifetime. As you study the words in Deuteronomy 6:5-9, examine your mind and heart. Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart? Are there areas in your mind or heart that are closed off from God? Do you carry hurt or shame that needs to be worked out with God so that you can live fully present in the freeness and mercy of His agape love? Did you notice that God commands us to love Him with all of our heart , soul , and might ? This commandment means unreserved love with the whole heart. Agape love is committed to a humble connection with God. When we love like this, we freely obey God’s laws. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 also instructs us to keep the words God commanded in our heart . That means to hold them as a precious , sacred gift . All you and I think and do is directed by the condition of our heart . As we hold God’s words dear to our heart, we will meditate on them, absorb them in our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, actions, and reactions . Our obedience then flows from love and holy reverence rather than a formal need to follow God’s laws. As we read on in the passage, we notice God’s command to teach His words diligently to our children. As you go about your day, your love for God, your reverence, respect, and humble submission should be evident in your speech, attitude, and desires. His teachings should be on your lips as they flow from your mind and heart from the moment you rise and think of Him until you lay down to sleep with Him on your mind. Thoughts of God, prayers to Him, and obedience to Him should be as effortless as breathing. At the end of this passage in Deuteronomy, you see God instruct “to bind His words and teachings as a sign on the hand and as frontlets between the eyes.” He was instructing the Israelites to continue meditating on and also be directed by His commandments . In Biblical times, God’s instructions in this passage were taken quite literally as the Israelites wore boxes containing verses to their hands and foreheads. How does this speak to you and me regarding connecting with our children? It serves as a reminder to keep God’s Words foremost in our mind and to carry them out daily. It reminds us to allow the life-changing power of God’s truths to penetrate our own heart and mind so that we are living examples of Him to our children. It reminds us to carry out the love of God and allow Him to transform us moment by moment for our children to see and emulate. It binds us to God as we remember His mercy and grace and enables us to trust Him to extend that same mercy and grace to us as we parent the beautiful gifts He has allowed us to raise for Him. Dear Heavenly Father, Your sovereign, holy presence in our life is so needed. Thank you for drawing nearer to us as we draw nearer to You. I pray that You will help each person listening to this podcast to experience Your presence with their children in new ways as they purposely pursue passionate connection together under You. Help us as women to long for You as the deer longs for streams of water. May our spirit thirst for You and find what we need in Your arms. May we mentor that desire to our children and shine You in ways that bring them to You for eternity. Press Your commandments into our heart and mind so that we do not sin against You or cause our children to walk in ways that dishonor You. Help us model Christ with beauty and grace from You because we love and follow You so closely. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Do you have questions, comments, or suggestions for me to add in an upcoming podcast? Please feel free to let me know at info@terrihitt.com . Supporting and encouraging mothers to rest in Christ and pursue a holy relationship with Him so they purposely raise set-apart children is the cry of my heart. I believe godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries. That’s why I’ve created the Set-Apart Collective. Would you like to deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan? I want to share special news with my podcast listeners. The Set-Apart Collective wait list is open now. Send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information and a special code to receive a discount if you find you’d like to join the collective. It’s time for mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. If you connected in some way with this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? The best reviews are by word of mouth, so if you would also choose a friend to recommend the show to, imagine the change we could see in the way mothers parent for Christ. Please tell others that this podcast is found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place. Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #025 – Relationship or Religion? Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. If you have listened to a few of my podcasts, you probably already know that I am not a cold weather person and you understand how much I love spring and summer! I am filled with absolute delight this time of year. I’m really not that fond of the color green, but I definitely adore seeing all the lush leaves on the full trees outside. There are several plants in my kitchen, bringing in the feeling of being outdoors. Each one was specially chosen by a friend or family member who gifted it to me when I lost a loved one. I deeply appreciate the generosity of those who chose the special gifts, and it is nice to think of my loved ones when I see the plants, but I am absolutely not gifted with a green thumb. Watering my plants keeps them alive, but I don’t research the best care or do anything more than give them a drink them once every week or two. Because I don’t take the time to know and understand their needs, my poor plants merely survive, not thrive. This parallels what happens to each of us if we forget we are supposed to have a relationship with God, not serve Him through the motions of religion. Our Heavenly Father intended for us to experience so much more than many of us know with Him. Jesus came so that we would have a rich and fulfilling connection and build a life of reliance on God. Jesus is our living model, our sacrifice who came that we can experience a rich and generous life of joy and peace. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I don’t want to merely survive like my plants, but to flourish and prosper the way God intended when He sacrificed His life to set me free. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Without a living connection to Jesus we wither and fade to a useless leaf ready to fall from the branch. Have you ever been asked whether you are a religious person? A few times strangers have asked me that question after we meet and chat. I believe my answer surprises them. No, I tell them. I am not religious, but I do have a relationship with Jesus. Through Him, I am able, just as we are all able, to remain connected to the Source. Despite the conditions of our life, we will be able to enjoy the beneficial fruits of joy and love when we abide in Him through relationship. John 15:7-12 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The Lord wants us to have a reciprocal relationship with Him. His words must abide in us, His attitude and motives must abide in us because we abide in Him. Next, He requires that we model and extend that relationship to others. Jesus does not desire relations with one person over another. He longs for deep connection with every single one of us. Jesus wants every one of His followers to be the image of Him, live out His word and ways, share Him, and influence others for Him. We plant the seeds in the garden as we allow Him to shine through, transform, and work through us. He brings forth the harvest. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. If we just carry a spiritual mindset or religious motives, we miss the benefits of growing a true relationship with Jesus as life-long, mature disciples of our Lord. We risk walking with only casual or lukewarm lifestyles, or as unbelievers. Jesus, through His deep and purposed love for us, desires that we experience abundant lives, rich in Him. The definition Jesus held of abundance and what our culture believes it to be are not the same. The world preaches “self” or “abundance prosperity.” God word teaches us that He wants us to prosper, to have abundant lives. Abundance as defined by God would be hearts and souls tied to Him, drawing us nearer to Him, gaining fruits of the spirit and connecting us to Him in deep, supernatural ways through our body, mind, and spirit. Prosperity as this world craves is material-based through affluence, success, and wealth. Jesus came to the earth in the lowliest of ways, and lived a life without worldly wealth. It is not His desire that we follow Him in order to live a life of ease, comfort, or wealth. He wants us to follow Him because we trust, believe, and love Him, and want to spend the rest of our lives getting to know and following Him. He warned us that in this world we would suffer persecution and we understand that there is no guarantee of happiness, but through Him, there is joy. Deep and lasting joy that comes through a purposed and growing relationship. Let me add, there is nothing wrong with having wealth, but the sheer desire of money and the motivation to do anything to get it, forsaking the Lord, our family, or what God calls us to do is unbiblical. A true relationship with the Lord is not dissimilar to what we attempt with those we love and care for here on earth. We desire closeness and connection, we long to be understood, and we want to feel needed and appreciated. Those intimate connections and desires live within us because we were designed that way. God placed those needs inside us because He wants us to fill those longings with Him. He made us for relationship. Instead, we often forget Him and strive to fulfill our fleshly, worldly wants, giving little thought to God. We also fail to connect the emptiness we feel inside or our longings to possess more junk to our casualness and lack of relation with Him. Our walk with the Lord then slides down the slippery slope of little more than traditional holiday rituals or an occasional thought or prayer for something we want. Sometimes our walk with God is nothing more than a hollow attempt at mindless communion during Sunday services with no other thought of or connection with Him until the next week. We each also need to be careful not to fall into the trap of believing our attempts to do the “right” thing saves us. Simply moving through motions or checking off spiritual boxes on our mental to-do list will not give us a heart, mind, or spirit connection to the One who desires us above anything else. Not one of us can ever be good or righteous enough. That is the deception of living a religious lifestyle. Jesus paid the price for us to reach God. Our personal relationship with God is sanctified through Jesus alone. Our lives are permanently altered and transformed through His sacrifice, life instructions for us through the Holy Bible, and the Holy Spirit deposited inside us when we accept Him as our personal Savior and life mentor. When we do not understand the simplicity of God’s plan, it can cause us to thoughtlessly recite prayers or do actions that we believe make us appear holier. It can cause us to strive to do more performance-based activities for Him instead of finding and following the life mission He has specifically and intimately purposed for us. When we yield to Him and allow Him to transform and complete us, He will direct our lives and enable us to experience true freedom and joy as we mature through Him. A religious lifestyle mentality cripples our growth and understanding of God. Our Heavenly Father created us for relationship with Him. He is personal. He is intimate. He desires that we seek Him above all else. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Galatians 1:10 says, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Simply going to church or being active in church or being kind to others does not make us a Christian. A changed heart through the sacrifice of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that continues to transform us moment by moment as we yield to Him secures our eternal future. Matthew 7:21-23 says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” We must desire and intentionally pursue true relationship with God through Jesus in order to live with Him in eternity. God desires a deep, authentic relationship with us. He sees into our heart and understands our motives far better than we do. Without Him we are broken and incomplete. With Him, our hearts and minds are miraculously transformed. Have you seen the changes He has made on your life? In your thoughts? In your actions? If not, please begin to analyze your life, your desires, your motives, actions, and words. When the Holy Spirit indwells a person, change is inevitable as we yield to Him. Religion is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the purpose of the universe, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. It is also described as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects of a specific organization such as the Christian religion or the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices. It is also defined as the practice of religious beliefs or ritual observances of faith. Relationship is an emotional connection. Can we have a personal bond with our Heavenly Father through the observance and accomplishments of religion? Of course. Is our heart penetrated and our walk with the Lord strengthened through Jesus through the observance of religion? Maybe. Not necessarily. Relationship with God through Jesus is certain. The Bible tells us so. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Relationship through Jesus is the key to heaven and life. John 1:18 says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” Relationship is heart-based. God wants our heart, then He will transform the rest as we allow His work to continue in us. The battle between relationship versus religion may be one of the biggest hurdles non-believers face as they watch Christians to see if they can view a glimpse of Christ in us. Why? 1. When they see Christians attack other Christians. 2. When they feel attacked by Christians. 3. When they do not see a difference in the way we live. 4. When they sense that we are judging them. 5. When they feel like we only preach to them. Non-believers need followers of Jesus to stop following religion and reveal the relationship. 1. They need to see and believe that Christians can get along. 2. They need to feel safe around us. 3. They need to see a difference in the way we live (that matches what we say). 4. They need to feel that we accept them as valuable humans, even if we do not have the same beliefs. 5. They need to hear our words surrounded by love in action. When we fail to know Jesus through relationship, we cannot show Him with truth and love. Each of us have undoubtedly made mistakes in trying to show or share Jesus. The more time we spend in His word, in private time reflecting on and studying His word, in speaking to Him and listening for His words to us, in walking through obedience, and in serving others how He calls us to, we are better equipped to reflect and shine Him in a broken and dark world of people looking for what Jesus offers. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Psalms 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” As we ponder the differences between relationship versus religion, and the universal benefits of lavishing knowing Jesus through time invested in our relationship, let us consider this verse from 2 Corinthians 9:6, which says, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” In a world where none of us wish to reap sparingly, let us exhibit the difference between religion and relationship. May we intentionally sow for a bountiful return in and through Christ. Many on this earth are hurting, seeking relief from pain, anxiety, betrayal, and loss. They are in search of love, friendship, companionship, understanding, and much more. May we purpose that our lives be so rich in the abundance of Christ that others linger to learn more of what is within us because they cannot pass Him by. Did you enjoy this topic? Would you like others to hear one of the podcast episodes? If so, would you please make time to leave a review and rating for the show? In order for others to be able to hear about Jesus through this podcast, I need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift this podcast higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Right now, because the podcast is new and the following is small, listeners won’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. Please share this podcast on social media or with friends and family so that others will find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 025 Relationship or Religion Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #025 – Relationship or Religion? Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. If you have listened to a few of my podcasts, you probably already know that I am not a cold weather person and you understand how much I love spring and summer! I am filled with absolute delight this time of year. I’m really not that fond of the color green, but I definitely adore seeing all the lush leaves on the full trees outside. There are several plants in my kitchen, bringing in the feeling of being outdoors. Each one was specially chosen by a friend or family member who gifted it to me when I lost a loved one. I deeply appreciate the generosity of those who chose the special gifts, and it is nice to think of my loved ones when I see the plants, but I am absolutely not gifted with a green thumb. Watering my plants keeps them alive, but I don’t research the best care or do anything more than give them a drink them once every week or two. Because I don’t take the time to know and understand their needs, my poor plants merely survive, not thrive. This parallels what happens to each of us if we forget we are supposed to have a relationship with God, not serve Him through the motions of religion. Our Heavenly Father intended for us to experience so much more than many of us know with Him. Jesus came so that we would have a rich and fulfilling connection and build a life of reliance on God. Jesus is our living model, our sacrifice who came that we can experience a rich and generous life of joy and peace. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I don’t want to merely survive like my plants, but to flourish and prosper the way God intended when He sacrificed His life to set me free. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Without a living connection to Jesus we wither and fade to a useless leaf ready to fall from the branch. Have you ever been asked whether you are a religious person? A few times strangers have asked me that question after we meet and chat. I believe my answer surprises them. No, I tell them. I am not religious, but I do have a relationship with Jesus. Through Him, I am able, just as we are all able, to remain connected to the Source. Despite the conditions of our life, we will be able to enjoy the beneficial fruits of joy and love when we abide in Him through relationship. John 15:7-12 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” The Lord wants us to have a reciprocal relationship with Him. His words must abide in us, His attitude and motives must abide in us because we abide in Him. Next, He requires that we model and extend that relationship to others. Jesus does not desire relations with one person over another. He longs for deep connection with every single one of us. Jesus wants every one of His followers to be the image of Him, live out His word and ways, share Him, and influence others for Him. We plant the seeds in the garden as we allow Him to shine through, transform, and work through us. He brings forth the harvest. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. If we just carry a spiritual mindset or religious motives, we miss the benefits of growing a true relationship with Jesus as life-long, mature disciples of our Lord. We risk walking with only casual or lukewarm lifestyles, or as unbelievers. Jesus, through His deep and purposed love for us, desires that we experience abundant lives, rich in Him. The definition Jesus held of abundance and what our culture believes it to be are not the same. The world preaches “self” or “abundance prosperity.” God word teaches us that He wants us to prosper, to have abundant lives. Abundance as defined by God would be hearts and souls tied to Him, drawing us nearer to Him, gaining fruits of the spirit and connecting us to Him in deep, supernatural ways through our body, mind, and spirit. Prosperity as this world craves is material-based through affluence, success, and wealth. Jesus came to the earth in the lowliest of ways, and lived a life without worldly wealth. It is not His desire that we follow Him in order to live a life of ease, comfort, or wealth. He wants us to follow Him because we trust, believe, and love Him, and want to spend the rest of our lives getting to know and following Him. He warned us that in this world we would suffer persecution and we understand that there is no guarantee of happiness, but through Him, there is joy. Deep and lasting joy that comes through a purposed and growing relationship. Let me add, there is nothing wrong with having wealth, but the sheer desire of money and the motivation to do anything to get it, forsaking the Lord, our family, or what God calls us to do is unbiblical. A true relationship with the Lord is not dissimilar to what we attempt with those we love and care for here on earth. We desire closeness and connection, we long to be understood, and we want to feel needed and appreciated. Those intimate connections and desires live within us because we were designed that way. God placed those needs inside us because He wants us to fill those longings with Him. He made us for relationship. Instead, we often forget Him and strive to fulfill our fleshly, worldly wants, giving little thought to God. We also fail to connect the emptiness we feel inside or our longings to possess more junk to our casualness and lack of relation with Him. Our walk with the Lord then slides down the slippery slope of little more than traditional holiday rituals or an occasional thought or prayer for something we want. Sometimes our walk with God is nothing more than a hollow attempt at mindless communion during Sunday services with no other thought of or connection with Him until the next week. We each also need to be careful not to fall into the trap of believing our attempts to do the “right” thing saves us. Simply moving through motions or checking off spiritual boxes on our mental to-do list will not give us a heart, mind, or spirit connection to the One who desires us above anything else. Not one of us can ever be good or righteous enough. That is the deception of living a religious lifestyle. Jesus paid the price for us to reach God. Our personal relationship with God is sanctified through Jesus alone. Our lives are permanently altered and transformed through His sacrifice, life instructions for us through the Holy Bible, and the Holy Spirit deposited inside us when we accept Him as our personal Savior and life mentor. When we do not understand the simplicity of God’s plan, it can cause us to thoughtlessly recite prayers or do actions that we believe make us appear holier. It can cause us to strive to do more performance-based activities for Him instead of finding and following the life mission He has specifically and intimately purposed for us. When we yield to Him and allow Him to transform and complete us, He will direct our lives and enable us to experience true freedom and joy as we mature through Him. A religious lifestyle mentality cripples our growth and understanding of God. Our Heavenly Father created us for relationship with Him. He is personal. He is intimate. He desires that we seek Him above all else. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Galatians 1:10 says, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Simply going to church or being active in church or being kind to others does not make us a Christian. A changed heart through the sacrifice of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that continues to transform us moment by moment as we yield to Him secures our eternal future. Matthew 7:21-23 says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” We must desire and intentionally pursue true relationship with God through Jesus in order to live with Him in eternity. God desires a deep, authentic relationship with us. He sees into our heart and understands our motives far better than we do. Without Him we are broken and incomplete. With Him, our hearts and minds are miraculously transformed. Have you seen the changes He has made on your life? In your thoughts? In your actions? If not, please begin to analyze your life, your desires, your motives, actions, and words. When the Holy Spirit indwells a person, change is inevitable as we yield to Him. Religion is defined as a set of beliefs concerning the purpose of the universe, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. It is also described as a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects of a specific organization such as the Christian religion or the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices. It is also defined as the practice of religious beliefs or ritual observances of faith. Relationship is an emotional connection. Can we have a personal bond with our Heavenly Father through the observance and accomplishments of religion? Of course. Is our heart penetrated and our walk with the Lord strengthened through Jesus through the observance of religion? Maybe. Not necessarily. Relationship with God through Jesus is certain. The Bible tells us so. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Relationship through Jesus is the key to heaven and life. John 1:18 says, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.” Relationship is heart-based. God wants our heart, then He will transform the rest as we allow His work to continue in us. The battle between relationship versus religion may be one of the biggest hurdles non-believers face as they watch Christians to see if they can view a glimpse of Christ in us. Why? 1. When they see Christians attack other Christians. 2. When they feel attacked by Christians. 3. When they do not see a difference in the way we live. 4. When they sense that we are judging them. 5. When they feel like we only preach to them. Non-believers need followers of Jesus to stop following religion and reveal the relationship. 1. They need to see and believe that Christians can get along. 2. They need to feel safe around us. 3. They need to see a difference in the way we live (that matches what we say). 4. They need to feel that we accept them as valuable humans, even if we do not have the same beliefs. 5. They need to hear our words surrounded by love in action. When we fail to know Jesus through relationship, we cannot show Him with truth and love. Each of us have undoubtedly made mistakes in trying to show or share Jesus. The more time we spend in His word, in private time reflecting on and studying His word, in speaking to Him and listening for His words to us, in walking through obedience, and in serving others how He calls us to, we are better equipped to reflect and shine Him in a broken and dark world of people looking for what Jesus offers. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Psalms 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” As we ponder the differences between relationship versus religion, and the universal benefits of lavishing knowing Jesus through time invested in our relationship, let us consider this verse from 2 Corinthians 9:6, which says, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” In a world where none of us wish to reap sparingly, let us exhibit the difference between religion and relationship. May we intentionally sow for a bountiful return in and through Christ. Many on this earth are hurting, seeking relief from pain, anxiety, betrayal, and loss. They are in search of love, friendship, companionship, understanding, and much more. May we purpose that our lives be so rich in the abundance of Christ that others linger to learn more of what is within us because they cannot pass Him by. Did you enjoy this topic? Would you like others to hear one of the podcast episodes? If so, would you please make time to leave a review and rating for the show? In order for others to be able to hear about Jesus through this podcast, I need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift this podcast higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Right now, because the podcast is new and the following is small, listeners won’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. Please share this podcast on social media or with friends and family so that others will find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perpective Podcast Episode #004 – Eternity Driven Hearts Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. Thank you for entrusting and investing part of your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. We’ve been experiencing such beautiful winter weather where I live. I would be absolutely delighted if the weather would continue to stay this mild for the remainder of the season. I’m definitely not a cold weather girl, but I’ve made peace with winter this year because it’s been so good to me…at least this far. I live in an area with several hills and trees. Wooded areas surround our homes and a lake is in the center of the subdivision. I often see deer, raccoons, foxes, and even bobcats and coyotes. I can now reluctantly admit that although I don’t care for winter, when the snow comes, it looks absolutely beautiful. When I stand in my kitchen and look outside, I feel like I’m looking into a snow globe. Sometimes it’s easy for us to think of all the gorgeous views God gives us in this world (with the crystal white snow, lush trees, rainbows, brilliant skies, blue waters, exotic flowers…and all the unique and adorable animals, and think that this is as good as it can be. Except that we know God has promised in His word that there is so much more to come. He actually tells us in one of my favorite verses, found in 1 Corinthians, that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. Listen to this verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” Just ponder those verses. God promises us that what He has planned is far better than anything the greatest imaginative minds ever born could fathom and His timing is perfect and appropriate, even though we don’t understand and cannot grasp all that He is, has done, or can do. God has placed eternity in our hearts. This craving will not be satisfied through any experience in this world. Even the happiest person on earth who believes they are “living their best life” will never have complete fullness of joy without Christ as their Savior and center of it. Romans 8:18-25 is a long passage, but listen to the beauty and promise contained. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” Placing eternity in our hearts is so important to God that all of creation, even nature and animals, yearn for restoration with God. As humans made in God’s image, our Heavenly Father presents each of us with opportunities to serve Him and access His redemptive gift daily. Our eternity is secure with Him once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, yet He continues to bless us by allowing participation in His redemptive experience when we are watchful for, recognize, and seize moments to allow Him to flow through us and minister to others. One aspect of living with eternal perspective means caring for others enough to ask God to work through us and to be open to His prompts. Remember, God sometimes speaks softly. At times, we only hear His gentle whispers prompting our spirit. Sometimes He presses firm, persistent reminders in our thoughts. Other times, we might sense an almost audible voice. Just as we are all unique, the way God communicates is tailored specifically to each of us, His beloved children. Our personalities, our situations, our communication style, and relationship with the Lord must play a factor in how He talks to and shows Himself to us. When my oldest daughter died, I experienced God’s personal and intimate voice and touch through smell. I awakened at about 7:30 one Sunday morning. As I passed through our great room on my way to the kitchen, I was struck by an intense aroma. As most mothers can do, I recognized the scent as my oldest child. I still remember kissing her on the forehead at her hairline and smelling her unique smell when she was a baby. That very personal aroma stayed with her as she grew older. That morning it filled our great room all the way to the ceiling. There was absolutely no mistaking that it was my daughter. I actually stopped and looked up to the ceiling as I spoke. “God,” I said. “Why do I smell Jaime? Is something going to happen to her?” It scared me just because it was such an intense smell. Without going into the entire story right now, our daughter did pass away from complications of a genetic disorder that we discovered later in her life. The disorder had caused a thimble-sized blood clot in the left frontal lobe of her brain and she passed away from a seizure caused by the remaining scar tissue, even though she was still taking her blood thinner and anti-seizure medications. I believe God warned me with her scent 24 hours in advance. She died the next day about 7:30 in the morning. As my daughter was in her 20’s and living in an apartment, police officers came to tell me the news. As I stood in the doorway, I held my then youngest daughter, who was four years old. After absorbing the initial information, my thoughts turned to remaining calm and not disrupting Marissa’s life. I knew what the officers were going to tell me because God had warned me, probably for reasons I don’t understand, but also so that I could keep a posture of calm and peace for my child who had lived with enough upheaval in her short years. Inside, I was devastated, but grateful for the forewarning I had received. God speaks so personally to us. What an intimate relationship God desires with each of us. When the Lord called my husband and I to bring our middle daughter home from China, He whispered to me in a firm voice I readily recognized. I was getting into the car at the shopping mall. My husband was starting the vehicle as I sat in my seat and looked at him. “God just told me that I’m going to have another baby before I’m 45,” I told him. Since I underwent a hysterectomy at age 22, my husband asked, “Am I going to die and you’re going to marry a man with kids?” “No,” I shook my head. “We are going to have a baby.” He accepted my response so easily. We had two children, and had never planned to have another, and obviously we could not. Yet, he accepted what I said and we drove home. A few years later, God spoke to both my husband and me through visions at the same time. When we told each other about them, we called them dreams. They were about adopting a little girl from China. We knew God was at work. My last example today, although there are many others, is the year I awakened on New Year’s Day, 2013. The first thought on my mind that morning was that someone in my family was going to die before the year was over. It disturbed me to have this thought penetrate my mind as I started the day and a new year. Once you lose a child, fear can so easily overtake your life. It would be incredibly easy for me to let fear control me. Once a death this deep has invaded your world, you cannot forget that it exists. You cannot turn away from the knowledge that it visited once and has a foot in the door of your life. Yet, I am His. That glorious fact equips me with the privilege of intentionally handing the burden of that fear to Jesus daily. Any time fear begins to creep inside my thoughts, I immediately allow Him to carry my thoughts and emotions. His death and resurrection has released me from the bondage of fear. Because of the cross, nothing in this world should have a grip on me, except Jesus Christ. The longer I rely on His strength, the less time it takes to willingly release my weakness to Him. I actually became angry at God when he warned me of another death that morning in 2013 and I wrestled with God over the news. I told Him I didn’t want His warnings. I told Him I was tired of all the years of advance knowledge He had presented to me. I cried and later mourned the sweet connection I had with my Heavenly Father that I feared would now be forever gone. I became ashamed by my attitude and the fact that I had been bold enough to presume that I could tell God what He could or could not do in my life. Then, I repented and asked for forgiveness. I knew that God understood and already knew my feelings. He could handle them, but I wanted Him to know that I respected His authority in my life. I knew that He had presented me gifts that I would need. I was simply letting fear rule my emotions and I did not want to lose another loved one. Later that month my father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He died in September. The year was long and especially difficult, but I was thankful that God had forewarned me of trouble that was forthcoming. He knew I needed to prepare again. He is rich in mercy. It is up to me to accept responsibility to desire God and allow Him to grow my maturity as I seek Him through prayer and scripture. He graciously allows me to desire Him and be willing to let Him take control as I permit Him to carry me. I don’t believe God walks beside me. We are not partners. He is my Lord and I want Him to carry me through everything life delivers. I include Him in all areas of my daily life and enjoy knowing that He is ever-present in times of need and in times of joy. He does the very same for you. The craving God places in each of us is not a spiritual fix easily satisfied by inspirational words or quotes, meditation, or a walk in the woods, but a deep craving for more than this world offers. As we seek Him and continue developing all areas of our life through Him, He also places in each of us the desire for others to seek and find Him. That doesn’t mean we are all meant to be missionaries in far-off countries, but it does mean that we are created to care for others and their eternity. I believe that my biggest mission field is striving to live more like Christ daily. I have realized that the way I show Him in my words, actions, priorities, and lifestyle will either draw others to Him or pull them away from a relationship with Christ. Colossians 4:5 instructs us, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” This makes my heart ache as I think of the variety of people I meet each time I go somewhere. Do any of my deep longings for Jesus or my love for Him show at all? I don’t want them to think I am a nice person, or a spiritual person. I pray they see a light shine within me that pulls them straight to Christ. We do not know when Jesus will return. Not even Jesus knows! We understand that through this verse in Mark 13:32, “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” We are also told through Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” We can’t fathom what God has planned for us individually or as the collective world before His return, but we have faith and we trust, because of His word. We know with certainty that He has, and will make, everything occur appropriately in His perfect timing. We cannot see the work He is doing from beginning to end and much of what He does is such a mystery, as it should be. He is God. Yet, the closer we draw to Him gives us deepened clarity and understanding that we truly do have a hole in our hearts that is placed and shaped for Him alone. Ephesians 5:15-16 warn us, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” This verse should pierce our hearts as we think of our daily routines and the business we have let society push at us. I find my greatest peace when I deliberately slow our family activities down. It takes skillful balance to maintain joy and calm. I want my children and husband to live in a home filled with the peace and calm of Jesus, not a busy schedule that leaves us hoping for time with Him. Days flash by and turn into months and years before we realize we never made the time to do what really matters. God doesn’t wait. He knows that we will accomplish what we think is important. I want my priority to be a legacy of a giant sign flashing the name, “Jesus” for all to see. When I die, I want those who love me to mourn seeing Him through me daily, but be strengthened and encouraged to continue maturing their own walk with Him. Then I know I have modeled an eternity-driven heart and have lived with eternal perspective. Thank you for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we will have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 004 Eternity Driven Hearts Listen to Episode Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perpective Podcast Episode #004 – Eternity Driven Hearts Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. Thank you for entrusting and investing part of your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. We’ve been experiencing such beautiful winter weather where I live. I would be absolutely delighted if the weather would continue to stay this mild for the remainder of the season. I’m definitely not a cold weather girl, but I’ve made peace with winter this year because it’s been so good to me…at least this far. I live in an area with several hills and trees. Wooded areas surround our homes and a lake is in the center of the subdivision. I often see deer, raccoons, foxes, and even bobcats and coyotes. I can now reluctantly admit that although I don’t care for winter, when the snow comes, it looks absolutely beautiful. When I stand in my kitchen and look outside, I feel like I’m looking into a snow globe. Sometimes it’s easy for us to think of all the gorgeous views God gives us in this world (with the crystal white snow, lush trees, rainbows, brilliant skies, blue waters, exotic flowers…and all the unique and adorable animals, and think that this is as good as it can be. Except that we know God has promised in His word that there is so much more to come. He actually tells us in one of my favorite verses, found in 1 Corinthians, that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. Listen to this verse from Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.” Just ponder those verses. God promises us that what He has planned is far better than anything the greatest imaginative minds ever born could fathom and His timing is perfect and appropriate, even though we don’t understand and cannot grasp all that He is, has done, or can do. God has placed eternity in our hearts. This craving will not be satisfied through any experience in this world. Even the happiest person on earth who believes they are “living their best life” will never have complete fullness of joy without Christ as their Savior and center of it. Romans 8:18-25 is a long passage, but listen to the beauty and promise contained. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” Placing eternity in our hearts is so important to God that all of creation, even nature and animals, yearn for restoration with God. As humans made in God’s image, our Heavenly Father presents each of us with opportunities to serve Him and access His redemptive gift daily. Our eternity is secure with Him once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, yet He continues to bless us by allowing participation in His redemptive experience when we are watchful for, recognize, and seize moments to allow Him to flow through us and minister to others. One aspect of living with eternal perspective means caring for others enough to ask God to work through us and to be open to His prompts. Remember, God sometimes speaks softly. At times, we only hear His gentle whispers prompting our spirit. Sometimes He presses firm, persistent reminders in our thoughts. Other times, we might sense an almost audible voice. Just as we are all unique, the way God communicates is tailored specifically to each of us, His beloved children. Our personalities, our situations, our communication style, and relationship with the Lord must play a factor in how He talks to and shows Himself to us. When my oldest daughter died, I experienced God’s personal and intimate voice and touch through smell. I awakened at about 7:30 one Sunday morning. As I passed through our great room on my way to the kitchen, I was struck by an intense aroma. As most mothers can do, I recognized the scent as my oldest child. I still remember kissing her on the forehead at her hairline and smelling her unique smell when she was a baby. That very personal aroma stayed with her as she grew older. That morning it filled our great room all the way to the ceiling. There was absolutely no mistaking that it was my daughter. I actually stopped and looked up to the ceiling as I spoke. “God,” I said. “Why do I smell Jaime? Is something going to happen to her?” It scared me just because it was such an intense smell. Without going into the entire story right now, our daughter did pass away from complications of a genetic disorder that we discovered later in her life. The disorder had caused a thimble-sized blood clot in the left frontal lobe of her brain and she passed away from a seizure caused by the remaining scar tissue, even though she was still taking her blood thinner and anti-seizure medications. I believe God warned me with her scent 24 hours in advance. She died the next day about 7:30 in the morning. As my daughter was in her 20’s and living in an apartment, police officers came to tell me the news. As I stood in the doorway, I held my then youngest daughter, who was four years old. After absorbing the initial information, my thoughts turned to remaining calm and not disrupting Marissa’s life. I knew what the officers were going to tell me because God had warned me, probably for reasons I don’t understand, but also so that I could keep a posture of calm and peace for my child who had lived with enough upheaval in her short years. Inside, I was devastated, but grateful for the forewarning I had received. God speaks so personally to us. What an intimate relationship God desires with each of us. When the Lord called my husband and I to bring our middle daughter home from China, He whispered to me in a firm voice I readily recognized. I was getting into the car at the shopping mall. My husband was starting the vehicle as I sat in my seat and looked at him. “God just told me that I’m going to have another baby before I’m 45,” I told him. Since I underwent a hysterectomy at age 22, my husband asked, “Am I going to die and you’re going to marry a man with kids?” “No,” I shook my head. “We are going to have a baby.” He accepted my response so easily. We had two children, and had never planned to have another, and obviously we could not. Yet, he accepted what I said and we drove home. A few years later, God spoke to both my husband and me through visions at the same time. When we told each other about them, we called them dreams. They were about adopting a little girl from China. We knew God was at work. My last example today, although there are many others, is the year I awakened on New Year’s Day, 2013. The first thought on my mind that morning was that someone in my family was going to die before the year was over. It disturbed me to have this thought penetrate my mind as I started the day and a new year. Once you lose a child, fear can so easily overtake your life. It would be incredibly easy for me to let fear control me. Once a death this deep has invaded your world, you cannot forget that it exists. You cannot turn away from the knowledge that it visited once and has a foot in the door of your life. Yet, I am His. That glorious fact equips me with the privilege of intentionally handing the burden of that fear to Jesus daily. Any time fear begins to creep inside my thoughts, I immediately allow Him to carry my thoughts and emotions. His death and resurrection has released me from the bondage of fear. Because of the cross, nothing in this world should have a grip on me, except Jesus Christ. The longer I rely on His strength, the less time it takes to willingly release my weakness to Him. I actually became angry at God when he warned me of another death that morning in 2013 and I wrestled with God over the news. I told Him I didn’t want His warnings. I told Him I was tired of all the years of advance knowledge He had presented to me. I cried and later mourned the sweet connection I had with my Heavenly Father that I feared would now be forever gone. I became ashamed by my attitude and the fact that I had been bold enough to presume that I could tell God what He could or could not do in my life. Then, I repented and asked for forgiveness. I knew that God understood and already knew my feelings. He could handle them, but I wanted Him to know that I respected His authority in my life. I knew that He had presented me gifts that I would need. I was simply letting fear rule my emotions and I did not want to lose another loved one. Later that month my father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He died in September. The year was long and especially difficult, but I was thankful that God had forewarned me of trouble that was forthcoming. He knew I needed to prepare again. He is rich in mercy. It is up to me to accept responsibility to desire God and allow Him to grow my maturity as I seek Him through prayer and scripture. He graciously allows me to desire Him and be willing to let Him take control as I permit Him to carry me. I don’t believe God walks beside me. We are not partners. He is my Lord and I want Him to carry me through everything life delivers. I include Him in all areas of my daily life and enjoy knowing that He is ever-present in times of need and in times of joy. He does the very same for you. The craving God places in each of us is not a spiritual fix easily satisfied by inspirational words or quotes, meditation, or a walk in the woods, but a deep craving for more than this world offers. As we seek Him and continue developing all areas of our life through Him, He also places in each of us the desire for others to seek and find Him. That doesn’t mean we are all meant to be missionaries in far-off countries, but it does mean that we are created to care for others and their eternity. I believe that my biggest mission field is striving to live more like Christ daily. I have realized that the way I show Him in my words, actions, priorities, and lifestyle will either draw others to Him or pull them away from a relationship with Christ. Colossians 4:5 instructs us, “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.” This makes my heart ache as I think of the variety of people I meet each time I go somewhere. Do any of my deep longings for Jesus or my love for Him show at all? I don’t want them to think I am a nice person, or a spiritual person. I pray they see a light shine within me that pulls them straight to Christ. We do not know when Jesus will return. Not even Jesus knows! We understand that through this verse in Mark 13:32, “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” We are also told through Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” We can’t fathom what God has planned for us individually or as the collective world before His return, but we have faith and we trust, because of His word. We know with certainty that He has, and will make, everything occur appropriately in His perfect timing. We cannot see the work He is doing from beginning to end and much of what He does is such a mystery, as it should be. He is God. Yet, the closer we draw to Him gives us deepened clarity and understanding that we truly do have a hole in our hearts that is placed and shaped for Him alone. Ephesians 5:15-16 warn us, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” This verse should pierce our hearts as we think of our daily routines and the business we have let society push at us. I find my greatest peace when I deliberately slow our family activities down. It takes skillful balance to maintain joy and calm. I want my children and husband to live in a home filled with the peace and calm of Jesus, not a busy schedule that leaves us hoping for time with Him. Days flash by and turn into months and years before we realize we never made the time to do what really matters. God doesn’t wait. He knows that we will accomplish what we think is important. I want my priority to be a legacy of a giant sign flashing the name, “Jesus” for all to see. When I die, I want those who love me to mourn seeing Him through me daily, but be strengthened and encouraged to continue maturing their own walk with Him. Then I know I have modeled an eternity-driven heart and have lived with eternal perspective. Thank you for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we will have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective.

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