How many teens or college students can you name that have walked away from the Lord in just the past five years? My parents and I know of a lot, and it hurts to see it happening.
I started noticing several college age students walking away from the Lord when I was about fourteen years old. It broke my heart every time I heard of someone saying being taken off the membership list at our church because they weren’t living for God. As the years went by, I could see Satan working and turning the teens away. More and more often, I heard of another person who was not living for God. I wanted to do something, but felt like I couldn’t do anything.
My friend in the Amana Colonies then told me of a Bright Lights leaders’ training that was going to be going on in Cedar Rapids. I didn’t know a lot of what Bright Lights was at the time, but my parents and I thought it would be good for me to go to. So in October of 2009, I went to the week long leaders’ training. I really enjoyed it being there. There were about twenty-six girls there ranging from 14-25 years old. All but one of the girls were homeschooled. They came from all over the country. Most of them were from Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa, but there were some that flew in from Maine and Washington.
Bright Lights is a discipleship group for young girls who desire to live for the Lord. It teaches girls to live strong for the Lord during their teen years and the rest of their lives. BRIGHT stands for “Being Radiant In Godliness, Holiness, and Testimony.” Some of the lessons that it goes through is contentment, truthfulness, modesty, honoring your parents, turning your heart to your father, and purity. It was a Bible study started by a lady named Sarah Mally when she was seventeen years old, and has grown to be over 300 groups worldwide.
Sarah Mally taught most of the time during the leaders’ training, and several other leaders gave testimonies and taught as well. During that week, I learned a lot about how to lead a Bright Lights group, how to rightly divide the word of God especially as I teach, and and rewards and demands of any kind of ministry. I learned so much and was spiritually refreshed.
At the end of the week, I went home and told my parents that I wanted to start my own Bright Lights group for girls here in north Iowa. So I sent in a leader’s application and got permission from my pastor. In February of 2010, we had our first Bright Lights meeting with eight girls.
At first it was discouraging, because we had problems right away. But I got advice from others and God helped me take care of the problems. I’ve also had a lot of encouragement from other Bright Lights leaders and the staff at the main office in Cedar Rapids.
I also thought that Bright Lights would just be some way that I could help disciple young girls and help them to live for the Lord. But as I quickly found out, I have learned a lot as a leader that’s helped me grow spiritually. I’ve also been able to help train a few highschool girls how to teach in a small group setting.
What we do at a normal Bright Lights meeting is we first start with singing. We sing hymns and a few Bright Lights songs, because I want the girls to appreciate the good hymns that were written so long ago. After singing, I teach the Bible lesson, and then we split up into two small groups to discuss the lesson. We also do an activity such as a game, skits, and crafts, and then have snacks that the girls take turns making.
We do dress up during Bright Lights, so that the girls can learn to be young ladies at Bright Lights, and it helps makes the atmosphere as a time a worship God instead of casual and fun. I also try to teach the girls how to serve in the church and during Bright Lights. I don’t want the girls to just be getting more knowledge, but to put it into practice and make it part of their daily lives. If you’re not using the gifts and talents for serving the Lord, it is easier to slip in the spiritual walk and then eventually that leads to the path of not living for the Lord.
I also like to have the parents involved in the girls’ lives. After each Bright Lights meeting, I give the parents a letter telling about what we talked about in Bright Lights, so that the parents can continue to encourage thier daughters in those areas in their lives. I’ve also had some moms help out with Bright Lights meetings, and in November we’ll be doing a Father Daughter night. Parents have an important role in their daughters’ lives and even if they don’t know it, their daughters do look up to them. Without my parents, I definitely would not be the kind of person I am, and I probably would not have started Bright Lights.
Bright Lights has been good for me and it’s amazing to see the results and see how God works. Even though it does get discouraging at times, the outcome is amazing and God is glorified, which is more important. My prayer is that the young ladies in Bright Lights will see the importance of living for the Lord, make lifelong commitments in their lives, and be leaders in their youth groups and churches.
If you have a daughter between the ages of 10-14 and you would be interested in the Bright Lights group, please feel free to contact me at godseternalmasterpiece@gmail.com. There are Bright Lights groups all over the United States. We can see if there is one in your area!

Jennifer - daughter of Jesse and Becky

God’s Eternal Masterpiece - providing your family with godly, character building products for God’s glory!

I don’t know about you, but it is very easy for me to make great and mighty plans for our summer - only to see those plans dashed in a matter of days.  This summer I had hoped to spend time each day reading classical literature to my children each day under the shade tree.  I had also planned to review math with each child, spend one on one time with each of the 8 kids on mother/daughter or son outings, and build up their godly character through short, biblical character studies.  Somewhere along the line we were going to go to the beach, visit the fossil quarry nearby, and have at least 2 picnics a month after getting all the flower gardens weeded and the house cleaned from top to bottom.  Take a wild guess how much got done?!!!  Maybe 10% of my plans were fulfilled!

Instead of seeing my plans come to fruition, God had other plans.  We had several children who needed special attention come into our  home on various occasions during the last few months.  My kids thoroughly enjoyed having new playmates, but they also didn’t receive as much attention as I might have wished to give them.  The garden needed much more weeding than I dreamed possible, various homeschoolers dropped by for advice and counsel, our bookstore required more attention than we expected, we ended up taking 2 of our daughters to Chicago for National Talents for Christ competition, we became involved in preparations for Vacation Bible School, and the list goes on and on.  I was tempted to get discouraged as I realized another summer was flying by without my dreams and desires being fulfilled; however, it hit me like a ton of bricks that those were MY plans and MY desires.  They weren’t necessarily God’s plans.  God’s ways are always higher than our ways and it is vitally important that we remember that. 

Recently I reflected on what God has done in our children’s lives this summer.  Because of our trip to the National Talents for Christ competition, we saw our family bond together in amazing ways as we traveled in the car together.  The 2 older girls reviewed their scripture memory while we listened to them quote it.  We had plenty of time to listen to scripture on CD also while talking about God’s work in our personal and spiritual lives.  As we toured the Field Museum of History, we discussed the fallacies of evolution and God’s hand in ancient history up to the present age.  When we had other children in our home, God gave us the joy of seeing one of the little girls come to a saving knowledge of Christ.  What an eternal reward!  As we weeded the garden and harvested the blueberries and raspberries, the kids were able to open up to me, one by one, and tell me about their struggles and questions in understanding their daily devotions and their life in general.  Great strides in godly character were made there in the garden and in the kitchen while working on produce.  I saw my older daughters mature rapidly in their homemaking skills as they took on more of the home responsibilities as I did the business.  Our 11 year old asked to help out with God’s Eternal Masterpiece and she got more math review in than I could’ve ever given her if I had handed her a textbook.  She has become our little computer guru and loves to help us out with the bookstore inventory and processing.  We didn’t have time to get in the swimming lessons, but I discovered that the children learned how to swim on their own as they went out to play in the pool each day.  They now can do more with swimming than I ever dreamed was possible.  I can’t help but think that the Lord is chuckling as He sees me marveling in His work in our family’s summer life.  It is so nice to know that God will accomplish that which is good in His timing and with His power - not mine.  Do I still hope to get the beach and a picnic or two in?  Yes, but if it doesn’t happen, that’s OK.  There may be more important things to do that holds much more value in eternity.

I can’t help but come back to one of my favorite passages of scripture - Proverbs 3:5,6.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He SHALL direct your path.” 

Have a wonderful summer!!

Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

www.godseternalmasterpiece.com

Lately the Lord has been impressing upon me the importance of living a passionate life for Him.  I have just began reading the book “Passionate Housewives Desperate for God” by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald.  (We have it available in our bookstore at www.godseternalmasterpiece.com for those of you who also would like to get a copy of this excellent book.)  The authors emphasize that God’s Word has all the wisdom we need to be the passionate women God wants us to be.  Colossians 2:3 states, “In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”.  Yet, how many days go by when I am too busy to search God’s Word as I should for that wisdom?  Too many, I daresay.  Many times I find myself getting out of bed in the morning with a mile-long to-do list in my mind and yet, devotions and time with the Lord aren’t at the top of that list like they should be.  That must deeply sadden my Lord. 

That point was driven home strongly to me today when my youngest daughter came up to me and asked if I ever am going to start school with her.  “I want to spend time with you and get to know you better, Mommy” she said.  Ouch!  The storytimes on the couch and the quick conversations throughout the day just weren’t enough.  That made me think about how many times God is asking the same question of me.  He yearns for time with me each day.  I also have wondered if I’m passionate about mirroring Christ in my life or if I’m just “getting by”. 

God has an abundant life of joy and blessing available for us if we just seek Him and serve Him without excuses, without reservation, and without doubts.  I yearn to be the housewife portrayed in Proverbs 31 - one who is guiding her family in the ways of the Lord, one who portrays Christ in her community, and one who is blessed of the Lord.  As I am seeking to do this through a closer relationship with my heavenly father and daily devotions, my prayers resembles that of Psalm 119:33-40. 

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

Incline my heart unto thy testmonies, and not to covetousness.

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and revive thou me in thy way.

Establish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

Turn away my reproach which I fear; for thine ordinances are good.

Behold, I have longed after thy precepts; give me life in thy righteousness.

This week has been one of those weeks which are about as unplanned and hectic as they come.  My husband and I spent most of this week caring for sick children.  On Monday, our 6 year old was diagnosed with multiple allergies, which explains his discomfort for so long.  He is allergic to almost every tree and weed we have our our acreage.  Now that he is on proper medication, a revised diet, and  supplements, he is already showing much improvement.  Our 21 month old came down with the flu the next day and is still trying to recuperate from that.  I never dreamed we could use so much laundry and so many diapers in such a short period of time when a toddler is sick!  Today two of our teenagers came down with it also.  Needless to say, I’m disinfecting the house like crazy!  To top it off, God decided to bless us this week with lots of tomatoes, grapes, apples, and carrots which need to be canned for the winter!  Thank you Lord!  It wouldn’t be so bad except that I still can’t walk the best due to my fractured foot.  With our fall sale going on with God’s Eternal Masterpiece and with everything else on the platter - I have felt slightly stressed!  However, isn’t it so nice to know that we have a heavenly father who knows exactly how much we can handle?!!  I Peter 5:7 says “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you”.  That’s exactly what I’ve done this week.  I’ve given it over to the Lord and have relied on His strength.  It’s amazing to look back and see that we got through this week in 1 piece - just like the Lord wanted us to!  God is so good!  I have found 1 book (besides the Bible!) to be so helpful.  Finding God’s Path Through Your Trials by Elizabeth George encourages me to remember that God’s grace is sufficient to get me through all the situations that come my way.  When trials get too hard, God provides a way of escape.  (This book is presently in our store at www.godseternalmasterpiece.com)  I encourage you to read this book for yourself.  This weekend, as you have many things which God brings your way, may you too remember to lean wholly on the Lord for the strength you need.  He’s there to carry your burdens!

 Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece.

I have had several responses to the article I wrote last week concerning the importance of waiting on the Lord.  Some of these women are really struggling with depression and the feeling of despair.  I think I understand somewhat what they are saying now.  These past several weeks have been tough ones for me as well.  With all the financial burdens of a tight economy, the impact of raising children for the Lord 24/7, running a family business, missing my mother (who passed away almost a year ago), and having more things to do than I have time, it’s been easy to get discouraged.  My husband and my father recognized this long before I did.  As a result, my wise and loving husband decided that I needed a long overdue break.  Since it was our 20th anniversary, he sent the kids to our friend’s home and took me to the town where our courting days began.  For three days we spent time renewing our marriage and renewing the memories of days gone by.  I never dreamed that I was so burnt out until I was able to take a step back from it all.  After some much needed sleep, exercise, spiritual refreshment, and loving care from my husband, I am able to begin again with the important ministry of motherhood.  I have been reading one of the books we sell in our bookstore, “Lies Women Believe” and I have especially been interested in the section on “Emotions”. 

Psalm 42:5,6 says “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: For I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.  O my God, my soul is cast down within me: Therefore will I remember thee… (vs.8) yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.”

This passage reminds us that it is vitally important that when we are feeling down or overwhelmed, it is necessary to immediately turn to the Lord. No matter how things are going in our life, we should acknowledge God and ask Him to direct us in responding to the various situations properly.  Our goal is to glorify God in all we do and say.  We cannot do this if we are turning to other people or other things instead of going to God in His Word and in prayer.  There is a place for other people (as a means of encouragement).  In James, the importance of other believers ministering to those who are hurting is emphasized.  God has placed individuals in our lives for a purpose.  However, let’s make sure that going to God and seeking his desires is first in line.  God has given us so many promises that we can cling to.  For example:  God promises to always be with us (Matt.28:20).  Philippians 4:19 promises that God will meet all our needs.  John 14:27 states that we don’t have to fear, no matter what our circumstances are.  As my husband reminded me this week, “Phil. 4:6 tells us that we don’t need to worry about ANYTHING”.  We can’t forget I Thess. 5:18.  “Give thanks in all things”!  It’s mighty hard to be depressed if you are singing praises to the Lord!

As Nancy DeMoss stated in her book, “Lies Women Believe”, when we fix our minds on Christ and bring every thought into subjection to the Truth, the Holy Spirit sanctifies our emotions and grants supernatural grace, comfort, and peace.  II Corinthians 10:5 b says, “We take every thought to make it obedient to Christ”.  

This week, I have renewed my desire to the Lord to dwell on Him and not on the circumstances around me.  With God’s help, may I have renewed energy and strength as I learn to lean on God’s promises.  May you do likewise in the days ahead!   Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE; BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE!  Isaiah 26:3

*Various books mentioned are available through www.godseternalmasterpiece.com. 

Have you ever had a day, or maybe a week or more, where you feel that you are just too worn out to go on?  I’ve had one of those weeks.  In fact, it’s more than a week!  Somehow summer becomes much more busy than the school year, even though we are not homeschooling with all the subjects and textbooks, per say. 

As I came home today from teaching at Vacation Bible School, I happened to look over my garden.  Immediately a flood of despair came over me as I realized that the summer is half over and the poor garden (which is usually full of produce by now) is bedraggled and appears to have very little produce in it.  Of course, I do need to say that much of that is because it’s been under water for a great period of time, thanks to the floods and wet, cold spring.  However, that didn’t stop me from moaning!  When I went in the house, I heard children fussing because they were hungry and I saw a home in much need of spring (or maybe it’s now summer!) cleaning.  With the older children working at camp for much of the summer and with my husband and I putting in long hours in our business, the house cleaning has somewhat declined and those wonderful made-from-scratch meals have come to a halt.   The first thought that came into my mind was “Lord, I just can’t do this anymore.  I’m just too tired.” 

It was at that moment that the Lord placed a verse in my mind that has stuck with me all day.  II Corinthians 12:9 states, “And he said unto me, MY grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  As I have been thinking on this verse, I have realized that it is not until I come to a point of exhaustion that I humbly realize that no - I cannot do everything on my own.   In fact, I can’t do anything on my own.  God wants to show his glory and His power through me, but I must be willing to lean on Him and trust Him fully for the strength to continue on.  Our purpose here on earth is to bring glory to God in all we do and say.  When I turn to Him and rely on Him, I am glorifying Him and allowing Him to work through me. 

Our children are closely watching us to see how we respond to the tough, tiring circumstances each day.  I want my children to be able to say that their mommy leaned on the Lord for strength, not on her own strength.  It’s with humbleness and shame that I admit that many times I fail in that area.  However, it doesn’t stop me from confessing it to the Lord and trying again.  As Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  I have 7 precious children who God is presently allowing me to minister to and a precious husband who needs the support and strength of his wife.  My greatest desire is to one day hear my Lord say, “Well done, my child, well done.”  May we all keep our eyes on the Lord as we continue ministering for him in the fields he has placed us in - for with God, nothing is impossible. 

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

DON’T GIVE UP!  GOD STILL HAS GREAT THINGS HE PLANS TO DO THROUGH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

www.godseternalmasterpiece.com