A Quiet Heart…

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” Ezra 7:10

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Ezra set his heart – he made a decision, firmly, and intentionally purposed in his heart – to study God’s Word.

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To study is “to apply oneself to acquiring a knowledge of (a subject); to examine or investigate carefully and in detail; to observe attentively; scrutinize; to read carefully or intently; to endeavor to learn; to consider.”  (Dictionary.com)  Studying implies an attempt to obtain a grasp of something by methodical or exhaustive thought.

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Joshua 1:8 instructs us that, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.” Meditating on Scripture requires reading actively and thoughtfully, and lingering over the truths found in God’s Word.  As we do this, those truths will fill our hearts and minds. The more we internalize God’s Word, the more it will influence our daily life.  

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Following Ezra’s example, the understanding that we gain from our study of and meditation on God’s Word should lead us to a life of obedience.

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Ezra set his heart to study God’s Word so that he could do it.

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James 1:22-25 tell us to “…be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

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A mirror is only an effective tool if we do something about the reflection that it offers.  It does not good to look in a mirror and discover that you have spinach in your teeth, or that your hair is sticking up, or your clothes are rumpled, if you walk away without even attempting to fix the problem.  In the same way, what good does it do to come to Scripture and be confronted with commands and principles that we are to obey, or sin that must be confessed and repented of, only to walk away and pretend as though nothing is wrong?

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Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “Those who can, do.  Those who can’t, teach.”  But, “Ezra set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” 

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Study.  Then do.  Then teach. 

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You cannot teach what you do not know.  And you should not teach what you will not do.  We must set our hearts to study God’s Word, and to practice what we have learned before we attempt to teach it to others.

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Study produces knowledge.  But, knowledge, without application, without obedience, without a change in thought or behavior will lead to arrogance.  Our knowledge must be turned into obedience.  And, as obedience leads to maturity, we are responsible to teach others.

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“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.”  ~Hebrews 5:12

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Have you intentionally and purposefully set your heart to study God’s Word, to do it, and to teach it?

Welcome to A Quiet Heart!  I’m so glad you stopped by.  My name is Veronica.  Please, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get to know each other…

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Ann Marie, of Household 6 Diva, is hosting a Blizzard Bloghop.  Right now, the outside temperature is hovering around 65, and snow is definitely not in the forecast.  This is as much “winter” as we get in the Southwest!  But, I don’t need to be snowed in to to meet some new blog friends!  (Right?)  And, if you need a break from the snow, I am more than happy to share some Arizona sunshine!

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About Me…
I was born into a Christian family.   Although my parents did not grow up in Christian homes, God saved them before I was born, and, they were committed to raising me, and my sister, according to biblical principles.  Through their faithful teaching and example, God graciously drew me to Himself at a young age.  I had a child’s understanding of the gospel, but, I repented of my sins, and professed Christ as my Lord and Savior.  What a blessing it has been to have practically my entire life to know, love, and serve my Savior!

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I attended The Master’s College, where I earned my degree in Biblical Studies, with an emphasis in Christian Education.  The Lord used my time at college, and this course of study, to increase my passion for His Word, to strengthen my desire to share His Truth with others, and to shape my worldview.

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About My Family…
Today, I am blessed to be a stay-at-home pastor’s wife and homeschooling mommy. 

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My husband, Jason, currently serves as the Associate Pastor at our church.  Although we have different versions of exactly when it happenened, we met in college.  This past summer, we celebrated 8 years of marriage.  I am so thankful for a husband who loves the Lord, is a dilligent student of God’s Word, and works hard to support his family.  What a privilege to share life with my best friend! 

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Together we have one precious little girl, Hannah Elisabeth.  I am humbled each day at the amazing opportunity and responsibility that the Lord has given me – to teach, train, care for, play with, comfort, pray for, and love our daughter.

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About My Blog…
The title of my site is taken from a quote by my favorite author, Elisabeth Elliot. 

“A quiet heart is content with what God gives.  It is enough.  All is grace.”

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Amidst the chaos of all that clamors for our attention, I am striving to have a quiet heart.  One that is passionately obedient to God’s Word, and content in the roles, responsibilities, blessings, and trials that my Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to give me…

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So, what do I write about?

• Bible Study, Devotional Thoughts, and Practical Application from Scripture passages that I am currently reading, studying, or teaching.
• Thinking Biblically about current events, culture, and pop-Christianity
• My thoughts and reflections on my pursuit of Biblical Womanhood…specifically as it pertains to Marriage, Mommyhood, and Modesty.
• Book Reviews
• Homemaking – Time Management, Recipes, Tips, and Projects
• Life in Ministry – Perspectives from a Pastor’s Wife
• Homeschooling – Goals, Adventures, and Lessons Learned

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It is my prayer that you will be challenged to think biblically and encouraged in your calling as a woman, and strengthened in your walk with Christ by what you read here. 

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Thanks again for stopping by!  Please be sure to leave a comment so I can visit you as well!

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If you would like to subscribe to A Quiet Heart, you can do so by e-mail, or in your favorite reader.  And, I can occasionally be found on Twitter and Facebook as well.

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Don’t forget to visit Household 6 Diva and join the Blizzard Bloghop fun!

The laundry piles (clean and dirty) are beginning to take over, and it is becoming a challenge to find something presentable to wear.  The dishes are threatening a mutiny in the kitchen!  And, there really isn’t room to walk in the play room, or Hannah’s bedroom (do so at your own risk!) – with all of the toys, books, crayons, beads, and tiny doll shoes scattered over every inch of the no-longer-visible carpet! 

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But, I know how to prevent this!  I’ve done it before.  So, what happened?!  I thought life was supposed to slow down after the holidays.  I thought I would get things back on track when life returned to “normal” (whatever that is).  But, it is the beginning of February.  And, I am still waiting for life to slow down, but, it keeps “happening.”  (Which almost always means that the housekeeping does not.)  So, I’m beginning to think that maybe it isn’t “life” that is too busy…Maybe it is me!?

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Maybe part of the problem is just the natural aftermath of holiday company, new Christmas gifts in need of homes (and older toys needing to be rotated out of circulation for a little while), and the process of transforming a “baby” room into a “big girl” room.  And, there were the Christmas parties and extra services, followed by getting the regular ministries up and running again after the start of the year.  Then, I managed to hurt my wrist falling down the stairs. (Yes, I’m a klutz.) Hannah had a rash and pinkeye. And, I came down with a hideous cold.  Yes, life happens.

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You know, I could probably get away with blaming just one of those factors for the state of my home right now. 

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But, I can’t.  Because, life does happen.  And, when I honestly evaluate the situation, I know that this did not happen overnight, or even as a direct result of any of those events.  It happened slowly…  Until I find myself overwhelmed by the chaos and clutter consuming my home, and the mere thought of conquering it seems almost impossible.

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Sound familiar?

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As a wife and mom, I am called to be a keeper at home.  But, that is difficult to accomplish when I am rarely at home.  Or, maybe I am at home, but my time is otherwise occupied.  Either way, when the dirt, clutter, and chaos takes over, it is a good indication that I am not doing my job…or, at the very least, I am not doing it well. 

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But, my calendar is full…of good things!   And, it seems like I am busy all day long.   But, busyness does not mean that I am using my time wisely.  Even good things can take up time that should be invested elsewhere.  (And, although there are aspects of Twitter and Facebook that I enjoy, I am convinced that these two forums have an ability to eat up time like nothing else, except maybe television…)

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So many things are clamoring for our time and attention these days – from the legitimate, necessary, and eternally valuable, to the frivolous, trivial, and, in some instances, downright irresponsible.  And, we need to make sure that we are using our time and energy wisely – and investing it in the right people, and the right place. 

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I am not really a New Year’s Resolutions kind of girl, but the beginning of this year marked our first year here – in our new home, new church, and new town!  So, it was a good time to step back and assess how and where I am investing my time, and how (or if) that reflects my biblical priorities. 

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And, do you know what I realized?  I realized that life is not going to slow down if I keep adding more things to our already-overflowing week.  And, it is okay to say no.  Yes, even to good things, like “ministry” opportunities.  Because, in this season and stage of life, my most important ministry is my family and my home.  I am a wife and mom to my husband and my daughter first.  I am a “pastor’s wife” second. 

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Because I believe that God has called me to be a wife and mother, the primary focus of my time and energy should be within the realm of my home: my husband, our daughter, and our house.  And, that gives me plenty to do each day.  So, I must be a wise manager of my time, resources, and energy.  And, being a wise manager includes knowing when, and what, to say yes to, and when it is better to say no. 

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For the past few weeks, I have been prayerfully revising our daily and weekly schedule.  And, in the process, I have said no to some great opportunities…in order to concentrate on some even better ones.

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“…and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” ~Titus 2:4-5

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What about you?  What does your day, or week, look like?  Do your activities accurately reflect the role(s) and priorities that God has called you to fulfill?

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From Unfashionable, by Tullian Tchividjian:

“The real tragedy here is that when professing Christians discard the Bible, they’re largely prevented from making a lasting difference in the world.  Why?  Because their standard is no different from the world’s.  Making that difference requires us to think and live differently than the world does, and the Bible alone – as revealed truth coming from outside us – is where we learn how to do it….

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Whether it’s athletic competition, entertainment, sex, money, politics, business, art, or science, our faith ought to inform every arena of thought and life.  Nowhere does the Bible say that the Christian faith is private, partial, and compartmentalized.  On the contrary, the Christian faith is public, pervasive, and complete (see 1 Corinthians 10:31).  And this faith is to be governed and fueled by God’s Word, not merely on Sundays, but every day and in every way.” (pgs. 38-39).

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I almost always read with a highlighter in hand, so that I can mark certain passages for future reference.  But, every once in a while, I come across a sentence, or a paragraph (or two!) that I think everyone needs to read.  So, I was excited to discover this blog carnival (through Lisa), which is hosted by Melissa, at Breath of Life.  The idea is to share a quote, or quotes that spoke to you during the week.  They can be from any written source (magazine, newspaper, blog, book).  The only requirement is that they be words you read.   

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Click here to see what gems others have found, and link up to share your favorites!

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him; sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
his miracles and the judgments he uttered.”

It has been a bit of a tough week around here!  Hannah started things off on Tuesday with a very red (or, maybe I should say pink?) eye.  I had a sneaking suspicion that she had been exposed to pink eye, so I wasn’t surprised.  But, we decided to watch her to see if it got worse.  Well, it didn’t really get worse, but it didn’t get any better, either.  So, on Wednesday morning, I made the (very unpopular) decision that she would not be leaving the house.  Did I mention that Wednesday is Cubbies.  Yeah.  She was not too happy about that.

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But, it turned out to be a smart move, because on Wednesday afternoon, I got hit with a nasty little cold.  It came on slowly…a scratchy throat, a few body aches…  But, by 6:30, I was in bed with a raging sore throat and a fever.

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When Thursday morning rolled around, Hannah’s eye was still red.  So, I called her doctor to try and get an appointment to have it checked out.  But, we couldn’t get her in.  After lunch, she started breaking out in an itchy, red rash.  It started as one small spot on her cheek/jaw…and proceeded to jump around to her chest, her tummy, her arms, legs.  We had an incident very similar to this last year, which we finally concluded was the result of an allergy to the pollen of some trees (that happen to be everywhere) here.  But, she hadn’t been outside in 3 days!  The itchy, red patches would show up, swell, and then disappear, only to reappear a few moments later on some other part of her body!  She was miserable.  We had tried a bath, a cold compress, baby eczema lotion, and other than dosing her with Benadryl (which according to the nurse I spoke with, was a completely unacceptable option), I was at a loss.  So, off to Urgent Care.  (I probably should have had them look at my throat while we were there, but I didn’t think about that until after we were in the car heading home.  Oops.) 

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The doctor promptly diagnosed her with pink eye (surprise, surprise!), and wrote us a prescription for eye drops.  And, after all the grief I gave my parents when I had pink eye at Hannah’s age, I was expecting big time payback…or at the very least, a major battle just to get these drops anywhere near her face…let alone actually in the offending eye!  But, no.  She laid perfectly still, blinked the drops into her eye, and giggled the entire time.  Crazy girl!  But, thankfully, the drops have been helping, and her eye is almost back to normal!! 

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The rash…well, according to the doctor, it is an allergic reaction…to…”something.”  The doctor did recommended Benadryl, and a few different soaps and topical creams, to help relieve the itching.  Unfortunately, it hasn’t solved the problem.  And, we still don’t really know what is causing the problem…  But, Hannah continues to have a cheerful attitude!  And, even though she is still blotchy and itchy (when the medicine wears off), it is hard  to tell that anything is wrong.

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Mommy on the other hand… I’m still not feeling so great.  It is hard enough to be sick and still be Mommy at the same time.  But, when something is wrong with my little girl, and I can’t do much of anything to make her feel better…well, it has been a rough couple of days!!  But, I could definitely learn something from my sweet girl’s example and her great attitude through all of this!!  I have the best kid, ever!!

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On a bit of a brighter note… The mailman delivered a special package today!  Actually, the mailman just left it the mailbox, and it was hand-delivered to me by this cute little messenger! 

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What was in the package?

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Yay!  Books!!  Dug Down Deep, by Joshua Harris – which I have been looking forward to reading since he first announced he was writing it!  Then, late last year I read the first chapter online, and I was hooked.  I can’t wait to…well, to finish it.  The other book is You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, by Lisa McKay.  This was a more recent addition to my wish list, after I discovered Lisa’s blog (The Preacher’s Wife).  But, I am excited to jump in to this one as well, and add them to the stack on my nightstand.

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So, although it looks like we may be in quarantine for a little while longer, things are starting to look up.  And, hey, at least I’ve got some great reading material to help get me through it!!

This morning, I read Al Mohler’s newest article.  Then I immediately posted a link to it on Twitter – which, I was surprised to discover, lost me a few followers!!  On to Facebook – where it may have caused a few to “unfriend” me, I don’t know.  Let’s see who I can alienate here, shall we?

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Have you ever heard of a book called The Shack?  Yeah, me too.

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Like many people, I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been told to read it.  And, because some of those recommendations were coming from trusted sources, I did consider it.  But, then I read several glowing reviews, absolutely praising Young’s depiction of God, and our relationship to Him her…  Wait? What?!  That’s right, her.  But, instead of peaking my interest, all these positive reviews accomplished was to send up one red flag after another about the theologically questionable content of this book…and quite honestly, the discernment of those so highly recommending it.

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I later found several lengthy reviews on the opposite end of the spectrum.  Each one, carefully, and point-by-point, denounced the numerous doctrinal and theological problems contained within this book. 

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For the record, no, I have not read it.  At one point, early last year, I had planned to.  Not because I had any real desire to do so, or because I thought I would enjoy it, or benefit from it.  But, because I wanted to be able to knowledgeably respond to “fans” of the book, who were so quick to buy in to this mistaken theology. 

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While I respect and appreciate so many of those who did take the time to read this book, and to honestly, and thoroughly critique it, I realized that I did not need to fill my mind with this “fictional account” in order to converse about it intelligently, or to deepen my relationship with God.  What I really needed to spend my time doing was filling my mind with God’s Word.  Because that is where we are going to encounter God…where we will discover God’s character, and His holiness, and His plan for us…In the Truth of His Word, not in some work of fiction.

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Whether you have read this book for yourself – liked it or hated it, or had it recommended to you ad nauseum, or if you are simply wondering what on earth I am babbling on about (fair question!), then you need to go and read why Al Mohler calls The Shack “A disastrous failure of evangelical discernment.”

It is once again time for 5 Minutes for Books’ What’s on Your Nightstand?  I love seeing what others are reading, and always end up adding another book (or five!) to my own list.

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This is the stack on my nightstand this month:

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The Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes

Unfashionable, by Tullian Tchividjian

Should We Leave Our Churches?, by J. Ligon Duncan & Mark Talbot

War of Words, by Paul Tripp

Worldly Saints, by Leland Ryken

Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore

The Joy of a Word-Filled Family, by John Barnett

So Much More, by Anna Sofia & Elizabeth Botkin

Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon

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And, of course, I am still keeping up with the Bible in 90 Days!

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Yes, I have quite a stack! 

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And, I couldn’t help myself.  I just ordered 2 more books (Dug Down Deep, by Joshua Harris, and You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes, by Lisa McKay), and I am eagerly anticipating their arrival.  There is also a third book in there that, technically, I ordered “for my husband.”  But, I am looking forward to getting my hands on it as well…when he is finished with it, of course.

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But, those will simply replace the two books that I have already finished.  I have been reading War of Words with my ladies Bible study group, and we will be discussing the last chapter next week!  (So, I am almost finished with that one!)  And, I recently finished So Much More, by the Botkin sisters, and I am currently working on a review, that I hope to post in the somewhat near future.

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I’d love to elaborate a little more on each book, but, the laundry pile is calling my name…loudly, and threatening to take over the entire house if I don’t get in there and do something about it!  Okay, not really, but the dryer is buzzing, so I’d better get back to work. 

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Don’t forget to link up over at 5 Minutes for Books, and let us know What’s on Your Nightstand this month!

We have had beautiful weather this past week.  Actually, I could rephrase that, and just say we have had “weather” this past week!  I know, I know, many people move to Arizona because it is (almost) always sunny.  But, I have to tell you, the rain has been a welcome change from the constant sunny weather forecasts…at least for this (now transplanted) California girl!!  I love rainy days…always have.  And, this week, I am so thankful for…

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…the gray, cloudy skies.

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…the sound of raindrops hitting the roof as I fell asleep each night.

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…quiet afternoons, watching the rain fall in sheets….sometimes even sideways!

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…the huge puddles, mini-lakes almost, it created in the run-off areas.

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…and the well-planned communities that direct the water away from our homes. (I hadn’t thought about this very important fact, until my friend pointed it out!! Thanks, for the reminder, Debbie!)

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…God’s protection, and a safe, (mostly) dry home during the heaviest parts of the storm, the flooding, and the tornado warnings!

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Although I’m not exactly thankful for the leaky window, I am thankful for a landlord who quickly takes care of problems like that.

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And, I am thankful for the cozy, quiet days at home…

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Playing games with my girl…

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Coloring pictures…

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having hot chocolate “tea” parties at snack time….

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And just snuggling on the couch watching movies.

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And, although the rain has (sadly) ended…It has left behind some amazing sunrises, and sunsets.

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“Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre!
He covers the heavens with clouds;
he prepares rain for the earth;
he makes grass grow on the hills.”
~Psalm 147:7-8 

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So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
~Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

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abor·tion (ə-bôr’shən) noun
The termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus; especially: the medical procedure of inducing expulsion of a human fetus to terminate a pregnancy. (Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.)  

[photo credit]

These statistics are from the Liberty Council, as quoted in Randy Alcorn’s post:

“Since that time [the 37 years since Roe v. Wade], approximately 50 million innocent and helpless children have been killed by abortion. About 1 in 5, or 20 percent, of our nation’s youth have had their lives ended by abortion. Minorities have also been hit hard by abortion. African-Americans account for about 12 percent of the population, but 37 percent of the 1.3 million abortions each year. Latinos make up about 15 percent of the population, yet account for about 22 percent of the annual number of abortions.” 

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There is no such thing as an unwanted child.

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For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
   my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them.
~Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)

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a⋅dopt (ə-dŏpt’) noun
To take into one’s family through legal means and raise as one’s own child. [Middle English adopten, from Old French adopter, from Latin adoptāre : ad-, ad- + optāre, to choose.]
(Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004.)

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“…learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow’s cause.”
~Isaiah 1:17 (ESV)

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“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
~James 1:27 (ESV)

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“And the King will answer them,
‘Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
~Matthew 25:40 (ESV)

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For more on the truth about abortion, check out abort73.

For more information on how you can get involved with orphan care, in your community or around the world, visit:

• Show Hope
• America World Adoption Association
• Orphan Sunday