There is a dirty word in our house. It starts with 'M' and ends with 'h'. It's the word 'Math'. My stomach ties up in knots at the mere mention of this word. Sadly, with two parents who talk for a living (Chris in sales, me in Bible teaching) our three children never had a chance to get the math gene. I visualize my kid's teachers shaking their heads and mumbling to themselves as they grade our homework, "Those poor kids."

Living in Katy means we are surrounded by over-achieving parents raising over-achieving children. Do you live in a community like this? Failure to achieve academic excellence and supreme sporting abilities is not an option. We hire tutors, coaches and mentors to sharpen our kids and give them the competitive edge.

This is good, right? I wonder, if in all our training and perfecting of kids, we're not somehow missing the point.

Proverbs 4:7 hits me right in the gut, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Did you see it? Read it again.

Some people think having your kid in the GT program is supreme. Some would argue select sports is supreme. Some think Chick-fil-a sandwiches are supreme. (Oops. Can you tell I'm hungry?) God says WISDOM is supreme. Where do you get a tutor for that?

Look in the mirror, parents. We are to be teaching our children how to gain wisdom. Wisdom comes from God. A life marked by peace, joy, and Jesus is evidence of wisdom.

Don't get me wrong, I want my kids to do their best academically, athletically, socially, (and all the other "ly's" out there). But more than anything, I want my children to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God. I pray my focus would start here. To grow in God's purpose and become all that God created them to be, we, as parents must demonstrate a life of wisdom.

Fortunately, for us God loves to grant wisdom. James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Do you need wisdom for living? Do you need wisdom for parenting your precious children? Ask God. Seek it with all that you have. Whatever it costs you, pursue wisdom and understanding.

What do you say, let's be known as the community that raises wise young people. Doesn't that sound good? Now, somebody bring me a Chick-fil-a sandwich...and a calculator.

Name Change

When I was in junior high my family spent a few days at a friend's house on Lake Conroe. The house was in a vacation community that included a fun swimming pool. Since my family didn't have our own pool, I was thrilled to get to spend all day swimming and jumping off the diving board. The downside to this otherwise perfect vacation was the fact that my older brother took to calling me "chicken legs" every time I got on that diving board.

You can imagine, at the tender age of 12, how fun it was being called names in front of all the folks at the pool. Needless to say, it didn't go over too well. From that point forward I was rather self-conscious about my skinny legs. That is, until I met my husband. Chris told me he thought my legs were beautiful. He said it was one of his favorite features! Wow! Suddenly I 'strutted' my stuff with a little more confidence. (Get it? 'Strutted', you know, like a chicken? Ha.)

It's amazing what a name change can do. In the book of Isaiah, the Lord God tells His people that He is going to change their name. The Israelites had been beat up by their enemies. They felt rejected, hopeless and downcast. They began to see themselves through the eyes of their enemies.

Hear what God said to them in Isaiah 62:2-4, "The nations will see your righteousness,and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called My Delight."

Wahoo! God is so good. What name has your enemy put on you? Do you see yourself as Rejected? Hopeless? Unforgiven? Afraid? Hear me, friend: THAT IS NOT YOUR NAME! God takes delight in you. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Your name is Accepted. Your name is Hopeful and Sure. Your name is Bold and Strong. Do you need a name change today? Don't let the enemy label you. His names are lies. God's name for you is true. Now get out there and strut that new name!

I Am Resolved

January 2, 2012. On your mark. Get set. GO! A new year is here and I guess it means we're all doing what we usually do - setting up a diet plan, rejoining the gym, and generally making other resolutions of self-improvement.

I like a new year because it fits my personality. You see, I'm a strong starter. You have a new project that needs leadership? I'm your girl. I'm the horse that bolts out of the gate at the race. The trouble is, I tend to lose steam after the second lap. Yes, I'm good at New Year's. It's year end I'm not so good at.

How did you close out 2011? How did you feel it went over all? I was so grateful for the wonderful memories my family got to make and the generous provision of the Lord. There were too many blessings to count. I have to admit, however, that I had a few regrets as well. Some projects I let fall to the wayside, ill-used words I let slip, bought a few too many pairs of shoes (is that possible?!). You've heard of the One-Year Bible? Well, I'm on the 9-year plan!

Whatever mistakes you made in 2011, remember that Jesus restores the fallen. Jesus doesn't ask us to make a resolution to try harder, instead He asks us to reaffirm our love for Him. Remember Peter? I can relate to Peter. He had a big mouth (but a big heart too). He denied Christ three times. He had to have felt he'd blown it as a disciple. Instead of guilting Peter, Jesus asked him to affirm his love.

Maybe you really blew it with God in 2011. Maybe you feel like it's too late or you've gone too far. Listen to what Jesus said to Peter in John 21:15, "So when they had eaten breakfast Jesus said to Peter, 'Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" Do you hear Jesus? He's not about humiliation or guilt or condemnation. He's about RESTORATION!

Jesus asks you, "Do you love me?" If your answer (like Peter's) is "Yes, Lord" then you are restored. Jesus longs for relationship with us. He wants us to love him.

As we begin a new year, it's great to set goals. Just remember Jesus is not asking you for resolutions to try harder. Henry Blackaby says, "If your resolve to obey God last year did not help you to be faithful, it will not make you successful this year."

My number one goal for 2012? To love Jesus more. I am resolved to love Him more than my schedule, responsibilities, money, friends, children, or anything else. Will you join me?