When his wife saw the situation transpire ahead of her, she pulled herself and their children out of line.

Who knew if their passports might be “marked” too?

Unexpected situations expose where our identity is found.

Who defines you?

Who or what is the basis of your identity?

I propose we must believe what our Creator says about us.

We must let His Word, and His alone, define who we are.

And what does He say?

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” (Deut 7:6)

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26)

​In a podcast series on Biblical Self-Care, Dayle Annand and I discussed lies that limit our self-care. One of the lies had to do with this concept of identity.
​
​Here’s a paraphrase of Dayle’s thoughtful insight:

What defines the value of a piece of art?
Let’s consider Da Vinci’s Last Supper.
Let’s say today there is someone as, or more, talented then Da Vinci.
And let’s say this artist determines to duplicate Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

He does an amazing job.
To an untrained eye, you could not distinguish the duplicate from the original.

Then let’s say that each piece is for sale.
One would be of great value, yet the other would be priceless.
Why?

Because it is the creator who gives the art it’s value.
It’s deeper than the art itself (though it is wonderful).

And who or what gives you your worth and value?

You are created by God in His image!
​

​He is the Master Artist, and you are the art of His skilled hand.

He has made you on purpose, for a purpose.

He knit you together in your mother’s womb. (Ps 139)

He chose the specific time, and exact place for you to live. (Acts 17:26)

He set you apart as His own. (Deut 7:6, John 1:12, 1 Pet 2:9)

Then, so He could have unhindered relationship with you, He died for you. 
(John 3:16)

You are loved.

You are valued.

Do not let your spouse, parent, friend, role, affiliation, or anyone, or anything else define you.
​

What has this situation revealed about this couple’s identity?

In their own words…

“None of this is what we would have chosen.

It didn’t take long, however, to pivot and ask a question we have continued to ask since: 

what does this make possible?”

I teared up when I first read it as I reflected on their unwavering commitment to, and identity in, Christ alone.

The situation did not send them into a tailspin.

They didn’t ignore the feelings of shock, anger, and sadness that arose.

Yet their Lord determines their value and their way.

They submitted to Him, and He has seen them through.

By God’s grace, they are together again, continuing to serve the Lord, from yet another country.

Who defines you?

Believe what your Creator says about you.

Let His Word, and His alone, define who you are.

You will be better for it.

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Yet there was huge value in enjoying Dear Zoo with each child.

Repairing it meant that it could continue to serve our family and bring us joy.

In our self-care series we learned about the three steps of restoring a masterpiece.

Step two is: Repair It – Repair rips in the canvas, and fix cracked and peeling paint.

If you’ve been around Sanctuary of Home long, then you know that we’re not going to look at issues that need surface repairs, like mending children’s books.

Looking deeper, what needs repairs in your life?
What is cracked and peeling?
​

I invite you to engage in a brief exercise.

Grab a blank sheet of paper and a timer. Set the timer for one minute.

On one side of the sheet of paper, I invite you to answer the question:
Who has wronged me?

Start the timer and write for one minute. Simply make a list.

This is not regurgitating the wrong, simply identifying the who.

This could be as deep as a parent who rejected you, or as shallow as the person who stole your parking spot.

After that minute, I invite you to reset the timer for another minute.

This time turn your paper over and answer the question:
Who have I wronged?

Answering this will be easier for some, and more difficult for others.

It can be hard to consider that you’ve wronged another.

Yet we all have.

And this is part of whatever needs repairs in your life.

Make a list for one minute.

Again, this is not regurgitating the wrong done, rather who was injured.
Last, take that list and lay it before the Lord.

Begin with the list of those whom you have wronged.

Ask the Lord to forgive you for the wrong you have done, and for the grace to ask for forgiveness directly from the person whom you wronged.
​

Receive His grace.

“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5)

Then turn the page over, offer the list of those who have wronged you to the Lord.

You start with the other list because it is easier to forgive others when you remember that you also need forgiveness.

Put the Lord’s word in Matthew 6 into practice:

“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (vs.44)

One by one, ask for the Lord’s power and grace to forgive each person on this list.

If you aren’t in a place where your heart is ready to forgive, then ask the Lord to give you a desire to forgive that person.

Sometimes forgiveness is a process, yet it is also a command.

And it is a sure way to repair the rips in your canvas, and fix the cracked and peeling paint.

Forgiveness is an important part of self-care.

While the process may be exhausting at first, the result is restoration beyond your understanding.

Restore yourself with forgiveness today.

How has forgiveness restored you?
Please leave a reply below to share your thoughts.

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

She was Grandma Marguerite.

How welcomed, wanted, and treasured I felt with her!

Unknowingly, she taught me what it means to be a Home Maker.

She did this simply by being who she was and inviting me to be a part of it.

Outside as often as possible, she tended her plants, collected acorns for the squirrels, talked with passersby on the sidewalk, and in winter, she wrote messages in the snow, “Jesus loves you!”.

She prayed for us daily.
​

Are you living out your call to make your home?

It looks like embracing and living out who the Lord made you to be, while following what He’s called you to do.

That includes: teaching what is good, encouraging younger women to love those entrusted to them, being self-controlled, kind, and intentional with the home the Lord has provided you. (see Titus 2:3-5)

Simply inviting others into your home life, offers gifts beyond our understanding.

When you entered Grandma Marguerite’s world, you were loved, welcomed, inspired, strengthened, and encouraged.

You knew you belonged, were wanted, looked for, and missed when you 
were gone.

How a widow, living on the corner of a South Minneapolis neighborhood, out sweeping up acorns to feed the squirrels, can change a life! My life.
​

​At 96-years-old, Grandma Marguerite went Home.

I can’t imagine all the ways this Beautiful Woman has impacted my life.

Whose life are you impacting? Perhaps unknowingly.

Whose life can you impact?

Your home is the epicenter from which everything else flows.

The biggest impact you will have in this world will be in, and from, the home 
you make.

May Grandma Marguerite inspire you to make your home, and impact those the Lord has brought into the orbit of your life.

Make making your home a priority.

​Who has impacted you life, as Grandma Marguerite impacted mine?

Please tell us about him/her. Let's learn from them together.

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Yet Molly knew the joy running brought to her soul. She’d read about Olympic gold medalist Eric Liddell.

She’d seen the movie, Chariots of Fire, about his life.

She agreed with the portrayal of his character in the film, that when she ran, she felt God’s pleasure.

Secretly, she yearned for that gold medal herself – in the marathon.

It was a far-fetched desire. Almost unreachable, and yet, was it?
​

​It begins with an idea.

Writing it down brings it closer to reality.

Then telling someone.

Taking a step. And then another.

Continuing that pattern from Point A to Point B, until that big dream is much closer than ever seemed possible.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Eph 2:10 NLT)

You are loved.

You are created on purpose, for a purpose.

An original masterpiece of the Master Artist, be sure not to look at your neighbor and her purpose.

It’s not yours.

There is only one you.

Only you can do the good things the Lord planned for you long ago.

Will you dare to dream big?

To hold on to it, and not let it be extinguished?

Molly’s story is fiction. How would you end her story?

What’s the end to your big dream?

Can you imagine it? As you do for Molly?

Remember, Point B always becomes the next Point A. There are other big dreams out there. Stay the course.

With God all things are possible.

And ‘all’ means ‘all’.

Launch – Dream Big.

What is the next step you need to take for your big dream?

Write it down? Commit to faithfully pray about it? Tell a trusted friend?

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

It said, “Whoa. That was a bit harsh.”
​
We arrived at our destination. Pete told the children to go ahead of us.

“Here it comes,” I thought.

I already knew how I’d been acting. I didn’t need, nor want to discuss it.

Instead, he took me by surprise.

As we walked in, he put his arm around me and said, “How are you doing, Lovey?”

Uh?! Stunned, I remained silent.

I didn’t want him to be kind. I didn’t deserve it.
​
He continued, “You seem to be struggling. I love you. Remember, we love you. God loves you.
​You are loved.”

Pete reminded me of that.

Don’t we all need reminders?

How about you? Are you remaining in the Love of your Father today?

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (Is 49:16)

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jer 1:5)
​
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)
​

​You were created on purpose - for a purpose - in His Image.

No matter what you have done, nor what you will do, your status remains unchanged:

Loved.

No amount of ‘good’ can give you more, no amount of ‘bad’ can take it away.

This is Good News.

Underserved.

YOU are loved.

You ARE loved.

You are LOVED.

LOVED.

May you live in this truth today.
​
Amen.

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The announcement of “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” anticipated.

Something I had requested for my long-awaited baby shower, was wisdom from the mommas who had gone before me. 

I received much wise advice that day, yet one stands out, and it was this:
“The Lord is the perfect parent. He is our Father. If you ever need to know how to parent, ask Him. Model after Him.”
​

There are stacks of parenting books ranging from every philosophy and idea. Yet the Bible reveals the Father’s heart, and the place to start.

Point your children to The Key to Every Relationship – their relationship with their Creator and Perfect Father – God Himself.

Think about how the Father loves you. It’s lavish.

He calls you His treasured possession (Deut 7:6).

He tells you that you are chosen (John 15:16).

He says you are a part of His family. (Gal 3:26)

He affirms your security and belonging with Him when He promises He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut 31:8).
​
He reminds you that you are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
​

Obey the Father by teaching your children about Him.

Ideally do this in an environment of love, belonging, and trust.

Help them know their infinite worth and value made in His image.

No matter the age of your child – whether infant or adult – you can obey your Perfect Father and model after Him.
​
Would you be willing to seek your Perfect Father today?
​
Ask Him what action He’d like you to take with your child.

Obey.

Then be amazed by the fruit of the Lord’s blessing.

What is a way you would like to model the Father in your relationship with your children?

Share your thoughts below!

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Excited, I laced up my last tennis shoe and stepped into the late June air.

As I walked, I saw it: a wild daisy reaching for the morning sun.

Immediately I thought of my Sweet One, the one celebrated this special day.

Hers is an eye for beauty. If there is beauty to be captured, seen or discovered she will find it.

The rest of my walk became a mission to do the same.

Living in Central Minnesota, wild flowers are easy to come by.

Since this collection was for my Sweet One, I took great care with the different colors and varieties. Yet something was missing. 

 I turned toward home, taking a section of the Paul Bunyan Trail to see if I could contribute to the bouquet.

It exemplifies a truth I showed my daughter through my actions: she matters.

Home matters because it’s in the home that you first learn that you matter.

Home is the nucleus, the center, where you learn who you are, that you are loved, that you matter to God and you matter to the world.

You learn that you matter so much to Him that the very hairs on your head are numbered.
​
Home: where time, effort and energy have gone into making this space special for you, because you matter to God, you matter to me, you matter to the world.

This is what I showed my daughter that day.

Is it worth your time discussing, evaluating, dreaming, and cultivating your home?

If you want your loved ones to know how they matter, then the answer is: ‘Yes!’

In your home of origin, what was something that showed you that you matter?
​
Please share your thoughts below!

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“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…” (1 Peter 3:15)

What is your worldview?

“A worldview is the set of beliefs about fundamental aspects of reality that ground and influence all one's perceiving, thinking, knowing, and doing.”¹​

Sean McDowell does a great job simplifying worldview in just two minutes here.

Why does this matter?

Because your worldview impacts every single thing you think and do. 

It exposes where you trust the Lord, and where you don’t.

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, your ability to articulate your worldview, and understand that of others, will impact your witness.

Now that you have the why, let’s dive into books that will help you stand firm in Christ, and answer the questions that shape your worldview...
​

This is where my recommendations end, and I turn the remainer over to my husband, Pete Zepelak.

He is far more read in breadth and depth in the topic of Christian worldview than I am.

I’m confident you’ll enjoy his recommendations and commentary…
​

In a world that presents more lies and attacks to our faith, I find these an essential part of my
spiritual workout.

How prepared are you for these conversations?
​
[For a more in-depth discussion on worldview, listen to this message from John Stonestreet.]

¹​This is my favorite, most concise definition, which comes from what appears to be a term paper from Oregon State: Funk, Ken, What is Worldview?, 21 March 2001, https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~funkk/Personal/worldview.html

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Lord, alone, is the source and power behind true transformation.
​
Transformation that remains.

It begins with relationship with Him.
​
It continues with studying His word – personally with Him, and in community with others.

Walking this journey in community and accountability increases your staying power tenfold.

The Lord also uses the experiences of others. 

Through other people’s stories, He can encourage you, and offer you hope and practical ideas.

In the continuation of our book series, find the riches in these non-fiction gems, which the Lord can use to transform you from the inside out…
​

​The danger with books like these, is to consume them quickly, gaining lots of head knowledge, with little application.

Put up a caution sign:

SLOW.

Yes. Slow.

Which one of these books is the Holy Spirit nudging you toward?

Which one does He want to use next in your journey to make you more like Him?

Obediently choose that one.

Then slowly read through it, asking the Lord to transform you from the inside out.

Ask Him for courage to practice and apply the things you read.

Allow Him to ‘unstick’ you, to grow you, and to continue to form you into who He made you to be.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thes 5:24)

May it be so.

Amen.


Do you have other non-fiction recommendations that the Lord has used to transform you?
​Please share in the comments below.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

All Scripture references, unless otherwise indicated, are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

They lived, moved, and had their being.
​
They persevered.

They overcame enormous obstacles.

They changed their world.
​
Their character will inspire your character…and your children’s.
​
Because they stood up, spoke up, endured, and overcame – and it really happened – your confidence will grow that you, too, can do the same.

Your ordinary life matters.

Your children’s ordinary lives matter.

Meet these heroes and heroines who changed their world.

Then do the same…