Cypress And Myrtle

Blog

  • What the Children Taught Me: A Sunday School Journey

    Serving in the Sunday School ministry for over a year now has been one of the most unexpected blessings in my life. While the children are learning about God, I’ve realized—I’m learning just as much from them.

    We had a class full of 7–8 year old boys and girls—including a handful of highly energetic ones. So, you can imagine, it’s been quite a roller coaster ride—swinging between well-executed lesson plans and beautifully chaotic moments that no one could have planned for.

    But through it all, I’m deeply grateful for the amazing team of teachers and helpers in our class. We’ve had each other’s backs every step of the way—and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

    What amazes me even more is the number of teachers who have served faithfully for years—still showing up with the same love, passion, and joy week after week. Their quiet faithfulness inspires me and reminds me that this ministry is a marathon, not a sprint—one led and sustained by grace.

    Three Things I’ve Learned as a Sunday School Teacher

    1. You don’t need to have it all together to start.
    I used to think I had to be fully prepared, spiritually mature, and skilled before I could serve. But the truth is, the learning happens along the way. God teaches me even as I teach the children. He equips those He calls and He grows us through the process.

    2. Your heart matters more than your teaching skills.
    The kids may not remember every craft, every song, or every Bible story detail—but they will remember how you made them feel.

    Your love, patience, and care reflect the heart of Christ. It’s not just about the lesson you teach, but the way you live it out—through your listening ear, your warm smile, your gentle correction, and your kindness in the chaos.

    It’s not always easy especially when the children misbehave or things feel out of control. And to be honest, I’m still learning to speak with love in those moments.

    Patience doesn’t always come naturally, but I’m learning to lean on God’s grace more and more. And I trust that as He shapes me, He’s also working in the hearts of the little ones I’m called to serve.

    For some children, especially those who come from non-Christian homes or were brought by a friend or relative, you may be the closest representation of Jesus they’ve ever known. You may be the first glimpse of Jesus they ever see and that impression can shape their understanding of Him for life.

    3. Flexibility is part of faithfulness.
    Not every Sunday school class will go as planned and that’s okay. Sometimes we’ll spend more time calming a noisy room, comforting a tearful child, or simply following the Spirit’s unexpected lead.

    It may feel like a detour, but it’s just one class out of many and it might be the one they remember most.

    Little eyes and ears are always watching not just what we teach, but how we respond. How we handle disruptions, how we correct with grace, how we stay patient—those are the lessons that often speak the loudest.

    Being a Sunday school teacher is both a weighty responsibility and a beautiful privilege.
    It’s weighty, because souls are being shaped. It’s holy, because we’re planting seeds that grow into lifelong faith.

    But we are not alone in this. We serve with the One we are serving for.
    He sees. He strengthens. He goes before us into every lesson, every heart, every moment.

    Here are 3 key characteristics of God to encourage and uplift Sunday School teachers in their ministry.

    1. God is Faithful

    “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

    Lamentations 3:22–23

    Even when things feel repetitive or when progress seems slow, God is always working behind the scenes.

    He never forgets your labor of love. Your consistent investment in young lives is not in vain.

    2. God is Patient

    “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

    Psalm 103:8

    God’s patience is a model for teaching. Kids may struggle to listen, understand, or behave—but God reminds us to extend the same grace He gives us every day.

    We don’t have to be perfect; God equips us to reflect His love and patience, moment by moment.

    3. God is Our Helper

    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

    Psalm 46:1

    Whether we’re preparing lessons, dealing with rowdy children, or feeling spiritually dry, God is our ever-present helper.

    He doesn’t just call us, He equips us.

    When you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. He delights in strengthening you.

    Sometimes, as Sunday School teachers, we feel like we’re not making a huge difference. We wonder if we’re doing enough, or if we’re really reaching the children.
    But take heart—what little we offer to God, He multiplies.

    Just like the boy with five loaves and two fish, our simple efforts, when surrendered to God, can become something far greater than we imagine.

    “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

    Isaiah 55:11

    Even when it feels small—your time, your prayers, your love—it’s never wasted in God’s hands.

  • When Moms Become Marthas

    “I’ll relax after I finish cleaning” vs. “Let me relax first before I start cleaning.”

    There’s a trend going around comparing spouses personalities. A simple meme started a discussion among my friends, and one thing we all agreed on — most of us became Marthas after becoming moms.

    From planning to prepping to executing #momlife and household duties, the to-do list never ends. Even with automations and reminders, it still feels like we’re always playing catch-up. But deep down, we know we’re called to prioritize what truly matters first and foremost—the Lord.

    That’s why I was delighted when I came across this article by Our Daily Bread, Biblical Wisdom for Parents addressing this tension between being a “Martha” and a “Mary.”

    “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.”

    (Luke 10:41–42)

    Big idea from the article is that Mary and Martha weren’t in opposition but in tension. Jesus wasn’t rebuking Martha’s service, but her stress. The lesson is not to stop serving, but to serve from a place of abiding, not anxiety.

    The conclusion? We’re invited to be both.

    So, to all the Martha moms out here (myself included), here are some key takeaways and life applications:

    1. Our “many things” must be rooted in “the one thing”

    Motherhood constantly demands our attention; from school communications and toddler tantrums to the dishes in the sink, the growing pile of laundry, and late-night feedings. The to-do list never ends.

    But when we chase after everything without pausing for “the one thing”—sitting at Jesus’ feet—we eventually burn out.

    Jesus gently reminded Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:41–42)

    In our Martha-like moments, let’s not forget the Mary invitation:
    To be still. To listen. To rest in Him.

    How to apply:

    • Start your day with just 1 verse and 1 prayer.
      Example: Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God”.

    Reminder: Don’t chase perfection. Chase presence.

    2. Martha was distracted, not wrong

    Martha’s service was good but she let it distract her from what mattered most.
    In today’s terms, Martha could be the “default parent,” or the one who couldn’t relax until everything was done. Sound familiar? We’re not doing anything wrong but when distraction replaces devotion, our soul gets noisy.

    How to apply:

    • Create mini Mary moments in your day (e.g., when washing dishes, say thank-you prayers; during school drop-off).
    • Set an alarm on your phone—midday or anytime, just to stop and breathe in God’s presence.
    • Turn chores into worship: play worship music while you clean or meal prep.

    3. Jesus wasn’t condemning. He was inviting

    The tone in Luke 10 isn’t condemnation; it’s a loving redirection: “Martha, Martha…” He sees you, He understands.
    God isn’t asking moms to choose between spiritual or practical. He’s inviting us to do both, but with peace. It’s about His presence in our day.

    How to apply:

    • Reflect weekly: What’s one area where I’m striving in stress instead of serving in peace?
    • Say “yes” to help. Let others carry part of the load so you can rest and reset.

    Reminder: Replace guilt with grace. Missing devotion time doesn’t “cancel” our day. It reminds us to return.

    Points to ponder:

    1) How do you see yourself; more like Martha or Mary lately?

    2) Am I serving from a place of overflow or overwhelm?

    3) What would it look like to invite Jesus into my daily rhythms?

    We were never meant to carry it all alone.

    Jesus doesn’t ask us to serve from exhaustion. He calls us to serve from overflow. And that overflow starts when we take time to sit at His feet—even if it’s just for five quiet minutes.

  • Fear: The Silent Grip on Every Soul

    Fear comes in many forms.
    It can strike suddenly paralyzing us in an instant. Or it can linger like a low, relentless hum in the background of our lives. Sometimes it hides behind anger, pride, or control.

    No one on earth is immune to it.
    Neither rich nor poor, powerful or vulnerable, educated or uneducated—fear touches us all.

    I’ve watched both my daughters struggle with the fear of losing me. Tears in their eyes, voices trembling as they say, “Mummy, please don’t die.”
    Their little hearts gripped by a fear that’s far too big for them to carry. And honestly, it’s a fear that grips me too.

    Because what do you say when their deepest fear is one you can’t promise away?

    As a mother, I long to shield them from pain but I’ve learned since that this is where faith steps in.
    Faith in a Heavenly Father who promises to never leave them.

    A God who sees them, loves them, and holds their future when I no longer can.

    Fear was born in a garden.

    When Adam and Eve ate from the tree God told them not to, their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked.

    Shame entered. They hid.

    And for the first time in human history, fear took root in the human heart.

    Fear of exposure. Fear of punishment.

    What began as perfect communion was now marked by hiding and fear. And humanity has been wrestling with it ever since.

    But God…

    But God, in His omniscience, knew. He knew how fear would entangle our hearts. He knew how easily we’d be swayed by “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios.
    And in His mercy, He didn’t leave us without help.

    The Bible is full of encouragement for the fearful heart. One of the most repeated commands in Scripture is, “Do not be afraid.” Not because fear will never come, but because we’re never meant to face it alone.

    “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

    (Isaiah 41:10)

    “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

    (Psalm 56:3)

    “Perfect love casts out fear.”

    (1 John 4:18)

    God doesn’t shame us for being afraid. He meets us in it. He offers His presence, His promises, and His peace.

    Even Jesus…

    Even Jesus—fully God, yet fully man knew what it was to face fear.

    In the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion, He fell to the ground and prayed:

    “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” (Matthew 26:38)

    He pleaded with the Father:
    “If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)

    Jesus felt the weight of what was coming; pain, abandonment, the wrath of sin. He sweat drops of blood, a sign of extreme anguish.
    He didn’t deny His fear.
    He brought it to the Father.

    And in doing so, He showed us the most powerful way to confront our fears: through surrendered trust.

    Here are two applicable truths to help us deal with our fear.

    1. God’s Presence Is Greater Than Our Fear

    Fear magnifies in isolation when we feel like we’re facing the unknown alone. But Scripture reminds us over and over that God is with us, right in the middle of the fear.

    “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
    Isaiah 41:10

    God never promises a life free from fear but He does promise His presence. And His presence changes everything. We may still feel afraid, but we’re not abandoned. We’re not alone.

    2. We Face Fear by Trusting in God’s Character

    Fear feeds on uncertainty, but faith rests on the unchanging character of God.

    “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
    Psalm 56:3

    We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who God is; Faithful. Good. Sovereign.
    The more we anchor our hearts in His truth through Scripture, prayer, and recounting His faithfulness, the less power fear has over us.

    Finally, one night, after a terrible episode of fear losing her grandma, I sat beside my eldest as she cried. I taught her to surrender her fear to God.

    It was too heavy for her young heart to carry, so we prayed and gave it to the One who can. She found peace—not because the fear vanished, but because she trusted God with it.

  • Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

    In my previous post To the Introverted Woman Walking with God, I referenced Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

    But as I reflected more deeply on the verse, I realized that the word “fearfully” might need a closer look, especially in today’s context.

    When we hear fearfully, we often think of anxiety, dread, or something negative. But the original Hebrew meaning reveals something very different. Something full of awe, reverence, and deep intentionality.

    What Does “Fearfully” Mean in Hebrew?

    The original word translated as fearfully comes from the Hebrew word “yare” (יָרֵא). It doesn’t mean fear in the way we use it today. Instead, yare speaks of standing in awe before something great, powerful, and majestic. It describes a holy reverence, the kind of deep respect you feel in the presence of greatness.

    So when the psalmist says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” he isn’t saying we were created with fear or hesitation. He’s declaring that we were made with sacred intentionality. God crafted us with awe and reverence, like an artist stepping back to marvel at His masterpiece.

    A Look at Bible Translations

    Each Bible version brings out a different nuance of this truth:

    NIV: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

    NLT: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

    KJV: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

    ESV: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

    Each one points back to the same truth: you were not made casually but with divine care.

    What Does “Wonderfully” Mean?

    The word wonderfully comes from the Hebrew verb “pā·lāʾ” (פָּלָא), which means:

    • To be wonderful or extraordinary
    • To be set apart or distinguished
    • To be beyond human understanding

    This word is often used to describe the miraculous and marvelous works of God.

    So, when we bring the two Hebrew words together—yare and pā·lāʾ, the psalmist is saying:

    “I have been made with awe-inspiring reverence and set-apart wonder.”

    You were crafted with deep intention, not as an afterthought. Your design carries dignity and divine purpose. You are a reflection of God’s wisdom and creativity.

    But Can We Really Understand This?

    In truth, our human minds and emotions can’t fully grasp what it means to be “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We can study the words and unpack their meanings but the full weight of it is hard to comprehend.

    We’re talking about the Creator of the universe, all-knowing, all-powerful taking time to shape each of us personally. That kind of design, that kind of love, is something we’ll never fully be able to wrap our minds around.

    And yet… we can rest in it.

    Even when we don’t feel worthy. Even when we question our value. Or when the world tells us otherwise, remember; you were made with awe and wonder.

    A Bold Challenge

    So here’s the challenge:

    If God sees you as fearfully and wonderfully made, crafted with reverence and set apart with purpose how then will you begin to live it?

    Will you stop measuring your worth by the world’s standards?

    Will you speak to yourself with the same care your Creator used in forming you?

    Will you step into each day with the confidence that you are His masterpiece?

    Psalm 139:14—should shape how we think, speak, parent, work, and worship.