Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
Paul wrote this to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13. We're told in other parts of scripture to preach the gospel, to share the Good News, to tell others of the love of Jesus Christ.
Yesterday a van pulled into our driveway with a well-dressed couple inside. My husband noticed it and went to see what they wanted--we were working in the back yard and didn't realize they had been at the door already.
"Oh, hi! We didn't think anyone was home," the man said. "We left an invitation on your door."
"An invitation? To what?" my husband asked, as we had never seen these people before.
"To a resurrection day celebration!" The man replied.
"Oh," husband answered, "are you Jehovah Witnesses?"
"Yes, we are....."
And so the next twenty or so minutes passed with my husband sharing what he believes to be the Truth about Jesus Christ. They discussed scripture & tried to convince each other of the Truth as they each know it.
The woman in the passenger seat finally said "Can I tell you something? We often come acrossed people who say they are born again and saved, then they shut the door on us. You are the first person to try to lead me to Christ. Thank you."
My husband was stunned, pleased, saddened, hopeful. He planted a seed of Truth to the couple, along with their children and grandchildren who were also in the car and for that opportunity he was thankful. They pulled out of our driveway knowing that someone cares about their eternal destiny, maybe they'll start questioning and come to know the real Jesus.
We were saddened when we realized that we should be as bold and responsible as they are about spreading the Gospel. How many Christians that know the real Jesus do you know that gather their entire family into the car every Saturday morning and drive house to house to share what they know? What would happen if we did? Many of us think our daily walk is enough, or our blog is sufficient. These things are all good, but take a minute to imagine if as many of us "born again, saved" Christians as Jehovah Witnesses piled in our vehicles and went house to house on a regular basis to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Are we too busy? Too bashful? Would we feel foolish?
I'm spending some serious time in thought and prayer over this. Scripture makes it clear what we should do, regardless of our personalities or feelings. We need to stop being so busy, so bashful and start being bold about what God wants us to do.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
An Artist?
I just finished reading a very thought provoking post at www.aholyexperience.com . This is one of the few blogs that I read on a regular basis because I really learn something about myself.
Her son said everyone first wants to be an artist, until they show their work to someone who tells them it's no good.
I always enjoyed new crayons, coloring pictures, trying to draw things I imagined.
I remember art class in elementary school--don't smell the smelly markers, put a line here, do it like I do but don't copy your neighbor (?!), cut on the line......lucky anyone kept their creativity after that class!
I remember the teacher praising the "artists" in the class and generically looking over and grading the rest of the class.
In high school I took an art class and was so excited to be learning how to draw facial features. We had to draw the person sitting across from us. It didn't come naturally to me but I really enjoyed it anyway and hoped the teacher would push me to keep working and practicing. That didn't happen. Everyone made fun of each other's poor attempts and I don't know who felt worse, the one doing the drawing or the one being drawn.
That was the end for me. The years of my attempts at creating something from nothing were laughed at and pushed aside for the kids who really had talent. I was weak and lacked confidence and didn't want to try anymore, obviously I was not cut out to be an artist. I didn't want to be famous, I just wanted to be able to draw something and have it looked halfway good. I had things in my head, I just needed to know how to get them from my head to paper.
Now that I'm an adult I enjoy creating in the kitchen. Again, nothing too fancy but my family always smiles and eats too much of it so it must be good! I've always been encouraged in the kitchen and so I work at doing better and I enjoy it.
I look out my back window at an amazingly old and beautiful walnut tree we have affectionately named Wally. How I long to draw him. I imagine myself sitting down with a freshly sharpened pencil and a crisp white piece of paper and taking what's in my mind, what's right in front of me, and putting it to paper. I can see myself doing it and it turns out just like Wally. One time I did actually try it and it turned out like a bunch of lines on a piece of paper.
What if that art teacher had been an encourager? What if he had made sure all of us, and not just the real artists, had the tools to create the things we had inside of us?
After reading Ann's post today I'm renewed. I will not give up the dream of being able to draw what I see. I probably won't ever be in an art show, but I have things in my head that are just waiting to be put on paper.
Is there anything you have pushed aside because you were never encouraged, or worse, told you were no good at? Join me in giving it another try? Seek out an encourager, mentor, how-to book, someone who already has been successful--and don't let anyone snuff out your dream!
Her son said everyone first wants to be an artist, until they show their work to someone who tells them it's no good.
I always enjoyed new crayons, coloring pictures, trying to draw things I imagined.
I remember art class in elementary school--don't smell the smelly markers, put a line here, do it like I do but don't copy your neighbor (?!), cut on the line......lucky anyone kept their creativity after that class!
I remember the teacher praising the "artists" in the class and generically looking over and grading the rest of the class.
In high school I took an art class and was so excited to be learning how to draw facial features. We had to draw the person sitting across from us. It didn't come naturally to me but I really enjoyed it anyway and hoped the teacher would push me to keep working and practicing. That didn't happen. Everyone made fun of each other's poor attempts and I don't know who felt worse, the one doing the drawing or the one being drawn.
That was the end for me. The years of my attempts at creating something from nothing were laughed at and pushed aside for the kids who really had talent. I was weak and lacked confidence and didn't want to try anymore, obviously I was not cut out to be an artist. I didn't want to be famous, I just wanted to be able to draw something and have it looked halfway good. I had things in my head, I just needed to know how to get them from my head to paper.
Now that I'm an adult I enjoy creating in the kitchen. Again, nothing too fancy but my family always smiles and eats too much of it so it must be good! I've always been encouraged in the kitchen and so I work at doing better and I enjoy it.
I look out my back window at an amazingly old and beautiful walnut tree we have affectionately named Wally. How I long to draw him. I imagine myself sitting down with a freshly sharpened pencil and a crisp white piece of paper and taking what's in my mind, what's right in front of me, and putting it to paper. I can see myself doing it and it turns out just like Wally. One time I did actually try it and it turned out like a bunch of lines on a piece of paper.
What if that art teacher had been an encourager? What if he had made sure all of us, and not just the real artists, had the tools to create the things we had inside of us?
After reading Ann's post today I'm renewed. I will not give up the dream of being able to draw what I see. I probably won't ever be in an art show, but I have things in my head that are just waiting to be put on paper.
Is there anything you have pushed aside because you were never encouraged, or worse, told you were no good at? Join me in giving it another try? Seek out an encourager, mentor, how-to book, someone who already has been successful--and don't let anyone snuff out your dream!
Friday, January 29, 2010
I'm Baaaaaaccckkk!
Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much friut; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15: 5)
You may believe that you can do alot of things and do them all well. I have found that I can't. I can't be the woman God wants me to be unless I spend time with Him. As I spend time with Him I learn what He expects of me. He expects me to put Him first, my husband next, my children after that. If I'm going to be the best disciple I can be, the best wife I can be and the best mother I can be, then something has to go. Probably more than one thing would have to go for many of you, if you were to really look at things.
Unlike many women I talk to, I truly enjoy taking care of my husband, my children, my home. I used to believe I had to put a fancy name to what I do, in order to be acceptable to others. The term " family unit engineer" is one I have used, thinking I was being funny, but also because so many of the women I know have "real" jobs and I felt I needed a more appropriate title.
Over the last two months I have learned alot (though I have much more to learn) and now I'm back to try and be an encouragement to anyone who might stumble upon my little slice of cyberspace.
One of the things I learned is that since I am not ashamed to be called a housewife or stay-at-home-mom, I don't need a fancy title! I have the best job in the world! I get to spend all my time loving and taking care of the family God gave me. I also learned that you can't properly do that job and blog everyday, so I'll be blogging a couple of times a week rather than everyday.
Something else I learned is that you can't remain in Christ and not be changed! I read scriptures to my daughter and realize that I'm not living up to what He expects of me. He says that apart from Him I can do nothing! So, I either remain in Him and change my ways, or I'm apart from Him and I can't do anything. The house and everyone in it falls apart when I'm not abiding in Him. Sometimes I think I can hide from the Holy Spirit, or make excuses for sin--have you ever tried to hide or make excuses when your child wants to know why you do what you do? My effort to teach my daughters to be the best disciples they can be has had unexpected effects on me.
I have doubted my ability to be a good mother. God has shown me that it's not so much about me being a good mother, but being a mother is making me a better disciple. When I abide in Him I can see that and the focus is then off myself and back on Him, where it should always be.
Don't let anyone or anything take you away from Jesus--you can no nothing without Him.
You may believe that you can do alot of things and do them all well. I have found that I can't. I can't be the woman God wants me to be unless I spend time with Him. As I spend time with Him I learn what He expects of me. He expects me to put Him first, my husband next, my children after that. If I'm going to be the best disciple I can be, the best wife I can be and the best mother I can be, then something has to go. Probably more than one thing would have to go for many of you, if you were to really look at things.
Unlike many women I talk to, I truly enjoy taking care of my husband, my children, my home. I used to believe I had to put a fancy name to what I do, in order to be acceptable to others. The term " family unit engineer" is one I have used, thinking I was being funny, but also because so many of the women I know have "real" jobs and I felt I needed a more appropriate title.
Over the last two months I have learned alot (though I have much more to learn) and now I'm back to try and be an encouragement to anyone who might stumble upon my little slice of cyberspace.
One of the things I learned is that since I am not ashamed to be called a housewife or stay-at-home-mom, I don't need a fancy title! I have the best job in the world! I get to spend all my time loving and taking care of the family God gave me. I also learned that you can't properly do that job and blog everyday, so I'll be blogging a couple of times a week rather than everyday.
Something else I learned is that you can't remain in Christ and not be changed! I read scriptures to my daughter and realize that I'm not living up to what He expects of me. He says that apart from Him I can do nothing! So, I either remain in Him and change my ways, or I'm apart from Him and I can't do anything. The house and everyone in it falls apart when I'm not abiding in Him. Sometimes I think I can hide from the Holy Spirit, or make excuses for sin--have you ever tried to hide or make excuses when your child wants to know why you do what you do? My effort to teach my daughters to be the best disciples they can be has had unexpected effects on me.
I have doubted my ability to be a good mother. God has shown me that it's not so much about me being a good mother, but being a mother is making me a better disciple. When I abide in Him I can see that and the focus is then off myself and back on Him, where it should always be.
Don't let anyone or anything take you away from Jesus--you can no nothing without Him.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
From AARRRGGHHH to AAAAAAHHHHH
I love my simple life. This is the life I was made for. I am content with simplicity. I wish more people could find their way to this lifestyle.
With the holidays approaching there is an OVERWHELMING amount of advertising everywhere you look, including blogland. Whether it's stuff to buy or things to do, or places to go, ways to serve, there is a plethora of ideas. At first it's exciting to see all the different ways people celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. People are so creative and sometimes even frugal and I think "hey, we should do that!" It's not very long before I feel absolutely overwhelmed and inadequate. I end up confused, feeling like my children are getting the short end of the stick in numerous areas, like I'm not a good Christian or mom because I'm not doing all these neat crafts and projects. My head starts spinning because after a point there is so much information flying around that I have no idea why or how to do the holidays.
And that's when I step out of blogland, away from the homeschool devotionals and hear God speak to me. You see, satan is devious. Remember the prowling lion? He uses Christians to his advantage. He uses our desire to "do" for his glory. We think because there is a Christian title attached that satan couldn't possibly be around. What better time to catch us off guard? He loves for us to be confused and overwhelmed and to feel inadequate. He loves to see us so busy looking for ways to celebrate God, that we don't realize how he's attacking us.
God knows our hearts. We don't have to DO fantastic crafts or projects every day leading up to and during the holidays to please Him. He doesn't want us wrapped up in "doing holiday stuff." He wants us talking to Him and reading His Word and listening to Him. He wants us loving others and telling them about Him. The crafts and projects and other busy stuff may not be bad, but it sure might keep us too busy to concentrate on what really matters, not just at the holidays but every single day of the year--our RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.
I am so thankful that I have time to listen for God to speak to me. I wish more people would step out of the world and into the lifestyle God meant for us. I am truly tired of hearing how busy people are. Don't get fooled into thinking that if it's "Christian" then it must be okay. Too much of anything is not a good thing.
Stop "doing" so much. Listen for God to guide you. Step away from the feeling of AARRRGGGGHHH and into the AAAAAHHHHH of Christ's arms.
With the holidays approaching there is an OVERWHELMING amount of advertising everywhere you look, including blogland. Whether it's stuff to buy or things to do, or places to go, ways to serve, there is a plethora of ideas. At first it's exciting to see all the different ways people celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. People are so creative and sometimes even frugal and I think "hey, we should do that!" It's not very long before I feel absolutely overwhelmed and inadequate. I end up confused, feeling like my children are getting the short end of the stick in numerous areas, like I'm not a good Christian or mom because I'm not doing all these neat crafts and projects. My head starts spinning because after a point there is so much information flying around that I have no idea why or how to do the holidays.
And that's when I step out of blogland, away from the homeschool devotionals and hear God speak to me. You see, satan is devious. Remember the prowling lion? He uses Christians to his advantage. He uses our desire to "do" for his glory. We think because there is a Christian title attached that satan couldn't possibly be around. What better time to catch us off guard? He loves for us to be confused and overwhelmed and to feel inadequate. He loves to see us so busy looking for ways to celebrate God, that we don't realize how he's attacking us.
God knows our hearts. We don't have to DO fantastic crafts or projects every day leading up to and during the holidays to please Him. He doesn't want us wrapped up in "doing holiday stuff." He wants us talking to Him and reading His Word and listening to Him. He wants us loving others and telling them about Him. The crafts and projects and other busy stuff may not be bad, but it sure might keep us too busy to concentrate on what really matters, not just at the holidays but every single day of the year--our RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.
I am so thankful that I have time to listen for God to speak to me. I wish more people would step out of the world and into the lifestyle God meant for us. I am truly tired of hearing how busy people are. Don't get fooled into thinking that if it's "Christian" then it must be okay. Too much of anything is not a good thing.
Stop "doing" so much. Listen for God to guide you. Step away from the feeling of AARRRGGGGHHH and into the AAAAAHHHHH of Christ's arms.
Monday, November 23, 2009
ThanksGIVING, Not Taking
I've been struggling with what to write lately. I read other blogs and listen to what people are talking about and then I sit down to write and I just can't.
Daughters and I have been reading about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. Do you have any idea what it was really like? All these blogs I see have beautiful tables set, too much food planned, and the things they're thankful for.....a far cry from what life was like in 1621. Even in our thankfulness we are unaware of how incredibly blessed and spoiled we are.
I'm going through a time right now that I'm appalled with what people consider underpriveledged. Most of us have absolutely no idea what it means to have nothing, to go without, to want. We think if we don't have the newest gadget or the latest trends in clothes or a fancy coffee drink that we are really suffering. Heaven forbid we live in a house more than 5 years old! We have to have our own car. Teenagers scare me. Not only do they have no idea what it means to want, they aren't being taught what people went through for them to be here and have what they have now. What is that saying...those who don't know the past are doomed to repeat it?
This Thanksgiving day, find out what it was really like to be a Pilgrim and then I dare you to complain that you can't get cell service in certain places, or that there is nothing on that fabulously laid dinner table that you like, or that your master bedroom just isn't big enough for you. Find out how greatful you really should be.
Give Thanks, Take less.
Daughters and I have been reading about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving. Do you have any idea what it was really like? All these blogs I see have beautiful tables set, too much food planned, and the things they're thankful for.....a far cry from what life was like in 1621. Even in our thankfulness we are unaware of how incredibly blessed and spoiled we are.
I'm going through a time right now that I'm appalled with what people consider underpriveledged. Most of us have absolutely no idea what it means to have nothing, to go without, to want. We think if we don't have the newest gadget or the latest trends in clothes or a fancy coffee drink that we are really suffering. Heaven forbid we live in a house more than 5 years old! We have to have our own car. Teenagers scare me. Not only do they have no idea what it means to want, they aren't being taught what people went through for them to be here and have what they have now. What is that saying...those who don't know the past are doomed to repeat it?
This Thanksgiving day, find out what it was really like to be a Pilgrim and then I dare you to complain that you can't get cell service in certain places, or that there is nothing on that fabulously laid dinner table that you like, or that your master bedroom just isn't big enough for you. Find out how greatful you really should be.
Give Thanks, Take less.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Send The Lion Away Hungry!
It is written: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1Peter5:8)
Last night I had another dream but this time it wasn't the beauty of the house that I was admiring. I was inside the house looking out the window when I saw a lion. I wasn't the least bit scared because I knew he was outside and I was safe inside, with the doors closed. My girls were with me and were a little nervous until I assured them he couldn't get in a house with closed doors and windows.
The next thing you know, he's in the house! I calmly shooed the girls upstairs and followed behind them so that I was between them and the lion. Just when we felt safe again, there he was, like out of nowhere. We tried to be as quiet as possible and squeezed tightly together--I don't know, maybe trying to be invisible to him? Suddenly he was right behind me and he was licking my back! He never did bite or attack, just licked, like he was getting a taste.
I woke up quoting 1 Peter 5:8--I was a little startled that without even thinking, I was calling out scripture.
I'm no dream interpreter and symbolism is often lost on me, but I definetly spent the day more aware of the dangers of the devil. I know the doors and windows to my spirit are shut, but I realize how sneaky and devious and subtle satan is and we must never be caught unaware. We have an enemy and he is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I can't shut the doors and windows to my daughters' spirits, that's between them and God. But I can and must protect them while they are in my care. I can do this by being sure that they get a steady diet of God's Word and as little of satan's propaganda as possible.
Are your doors and windows shut? Are you aware of how that lion can find his way in, even when you think you've got everything closed up? Take time to think about ways he could possibly be getting to you, then tell him to forget it! Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11)and teach your kids to do the same. I'm certain that the reason the lion in my dream licked me and didn't bite or attack is because of the armor. I'm also certain that if I took the time to put it on every day like I should, he never would have been in my dream in the first place. I won't make that mistake again!!
So, we know we have an enemy, acting like a roaring lion. We also know that our protection from him is in Christ. If we stay where we should be--as close to Jesus as possible-- then that lion will have to go away hungry!
Last night I had another dream but this time it wasn't the beauty of the house that I was admiring. I was inside the house looking out the window when I saw a lion. I wasn't the least bit scared because I knew he was outside and I was safe inside, with the doors closed. My girls were with me and were a little nervous until I assured them he couldn't get in a house with closed doors and windows.
The next thing you know, he's in the house! I calmly shooed the girls upstairs and followed behind them so that I was between them and the lion. Just when we felt safe again, there he was, like out of nowhere. We tried to be as quiet as possible and squeezed tightly together--I don't know, maybe trying to be invisible to him? Suddenly he was right behind me and he was licking my back! He never did bite or attack, just licked, like he was getting a taste.
I woke up quoting 1 Peter 5:8--I was a little startled that without even thinking, I was calling out scripture.
I'm no dream interpreter and symbolism is often lost on me, but I definetly spent the day more aware of the dangers of the devil. I know the doors and windows to my spirit are shut, but I realize how sneaky and devious and subtle satan is and we must never be caught unaware. We have an enemy and he is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I can't shut the doors and windows to my daughters' spirits, that's between them and God. But I can and must protect them while they are in my care. I can do this by being sure that they get a steady diet of God's Word and as little of satan's propaganda as possible.
Are your doors and windows shut? Are you aware of how that lion can find his way in, even when you think you've got everything closed up? Take time to think about ways he could possibly be getting to you, then tell him to forget it! Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:11)and teach your kids to do the same. I'm certain that the reason the lion in my dream licked me and didn't bite or attack is because of the armor. I'm also certain that if I took the time to put it on every day like I should, he never would have been in my dream in the first place. I won't make that mistake again!!
So, we know we have an enemy, acting like a roaring lion. We also know that our protection from him is in Christ. If we stay where we should be--as close to Jesus as possible-- then that lion will have to go away hungry!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
My Treasure Is In Heaven
Most of the time I dream about great big, run down houses, or just plain houses. All of my life I have lived in nice houses, but nothing very fancy. I've always had enough, have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I don't envy those with amazingly beautiful homes, because they have given up something in order to have that.
I wrote the other day about God working on me as far as "stuff" goes. It seems that when I do get something new, it quickly ends up not so new, and I'm okay with that. The thing that is most important is that our family is together and we love Jesus. Sure, I'd love a different color on the walls in the living room, the bathroom to be finished, the floor in the dining room to be different, but I'm not willing to give up being home with my girls, teaching them what really matters, in order to have all that. My home will never "look" like the homes on HGTV, but it is warm, safe, comfortable, relaxing and happy.
The other night I had a dream about a house again. I wonder if God gave me the dream because He and I both know that I truly am content with having "enough", though it's not what the world considers enough. This time, the house was absolutely beautiful. It had all my favorite colors, all my favorite things, put together in ways I wouldn't have imagined to do. It was so cozy looking and feeling. It was better than anything I've ever seen on TV or in magazines. It was amazing. It still gives me the warm fuzzies when I think about it.
I woke up so excited thinking about the rooms in my dream. I have become so content with what I have, never imagining or really wanting anything more. I woke up remembering that Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us! This dream was a reminder that He is preparing a place just for me in Heaven with Him for eternity! I've known that since the day I was saved, but this dream made it personal to me. I've always imagined Heaven as a huge sanctuary with everyone worshipping God , singing and laughing--a glorified Gaither special! I never really thought of it as Him preparing a personal place for me.
Have you ever REALLY thought, personally, about Heaven? Would it change the way you do things on earth if you realized that Christ was preparing all that you can't even begin to imagine for you in Heaven? Can you be satisfied with less "stuff" here, take care of what matters eternally--your relationship with Christ--because nothing you have on earth matters except Jesus and love.
Is a picture perfect earthly house really worth your children, when you know that if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, He is preparing a glorious place for you? They say good things come to those who wait.......invest in you and your family's spiritual well-being, be content with less "stuff", build up treasures in Heaven, rather than on earth.
I wrote the other day about God working on me as far as "stuff" goes. It seems that when I do get something new, it quickly ends up not so new, and I'm okay with that. The thing that is most important is that our family is together and we love Jesus. Sure, I'd love a different color on the walls in the living room, the bathroom to be finished, the floor in the dining room to be different, but I'm not willing to give up being home with my girls, teaching them what really matters, in order to have all that. My home will never "look" like the homes on HGTV, but it is warm, safe, comfortable, relaxing and happy.
The other night I had a dream about a house again. I wonder if God gave me the dream because He and I both know that I truly am content with having "enough", though it's not what the world considers enough. This time, the house was absolutely beautiful. It had all my favorite colors, all my favorite things, put together in ways I wouldn't have imagined to do. It was so cozy looking and feeling. It was better than anything I've ever seen on TV or in magazines. It was amazing. It still gives me the warm fuzzies when I think about it.
I woke up so excited thinking about the rooms in my dream. I have become so content with what I have, never imagining or really wanting anything more. I woke up remembering that Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us! This dream was a reminder that He is preparing a place just for me in Heaven with Him for eternity! I've known that since the day I was saved, but this dream made it personal to me. I've always imagined Heaven as a huge sanctuary with everyone worshipping God , singing and laughing--a glorified Gaither special! I never really thought of it as Him preparing a personal place for me.
Have you ever REALLY thought, personally, about Heaven? Would it change the way you do things on earth if you realized that Christ was preparing all that you can't even begin to imagine for you in Heaven? Can you be satisfied with less "stuff" here, take care of what matters eternally--your relationship with Christ--because nothing you have on earth matters except Jesus and love.
Is a picture perfect earthly house really worth your children, when you know that if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, He is preparing a glorious place for you? They say good things come to those who wait.......invest in you and your family's spiritual well-being, be content with less "stuff", build up treasures in Heaven, rather than on earth.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I'll Testify!!!!
I heard a song on the radio today for only the second time, ever. I'm not exactly sure who it's by, but it's called "Somebody Ought to Testify". I am so moved by it. It's full of energy and talks about living for Christ and dying for Christ and the fact that somebody ought to testify about it! It's the kind of song that gets you off your seat and out of any foul mood you might have let yourself sink into. I think it should be a mandatory song on Sunday morning in church to get everyone fired up about worshipping our Creator. I doubt there is one believer who could hear this song and NOT get up and sing along. I would love to see the result of everyone adding it to their morning devotion time!
Here's an idea--unless you already do it, find a song that really moves you and start singing it (out loud) whenever you can! Don't worry about what the people around you will say--we're supposed to be FOOLS for Christ! Don't worry about what you sound like--we're supposed to make a JOYFUL NOISE!
Testify this week about Jesus. Tell somebody what He's doing in your life. Sing out loud about Him. Act like a fool, but make sure it's a fool according to the world. Make a joyful noise, but make sure it's JOYFUL!!!
Somebody ought to testify! Will it be you?
Here's an idea--unless you already do it, find a song that really moves you and start singing it (out loud) whenever you can! Don't worry about what the people around you will say--we're supposed to be FOOLS for Christ! Don't worry about what you sound like--we're supposed to make a JOYFUL NOISE!
Testify this week about Jesus. Tell somebody what He's doing in your life. Sing out loud about Him. Act like a fool, but make sure it's a fool according to the world. Make a joyful noise, but make sure it's JOYFUL!!!
Somebody ought to testify! Will it be you?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A Statement, A Test
My husband and I were talking recently about things that are important to us. I mean physical items that we have a connection to. I used to get so excited when I got something new, but within a matter of days (sometimes minutes), something bad would happen to it--ripped, stained, scratched, cracked--you name it! I couldn't keep anything nice.
There was a time when I had some real attachments to a few things, I couldn't imagine being without them. I have alot of pieces of furniture that have passed through the family, my dishes were my Grandmother's, I have a collection of pottery (that is no longer made) that a few loved ones have given me over the years. Basically, most of my stuff comes with a history, a story of who had it and how I got it. There was a time when it all meant too much to me.
When I started to notice that everything I got (and I'm not kidding--EVERYthing) ended up not so new within a short amount of time, I decided God was trying to show me something.
So, when hubby and I were talking about our "stuff", I told him that God had been working on me and that I wasn't truly attached to any physical item in our home. Sure, I really care about the things I have, but if I had to give something away or if something happened to any of it--I'd be okay.
Enter 3 year old. God really is funny, if you didn't already know that! Within minutes of that statement to my husband, my 3yo walked in and picked up a special jar that hubby gave me one Christmas filled with my favorite candy. There went the lid, down to the floor--all over the floor. The jar is still in tact, just no lid. He's funny, right? Was that a test to see if I meant what I said?
Enter 7 year old. Yep, I'm not kidding! She likes to fill her own plate for dinner now that she's a big girl. Tonight she's headed back to the table with mommy's pottery collection plate in her hand when somehow it flew right out of her hand, down to the floor--all over the floor! That beautiful plate that can't be replaced.
Unbelievable, right? Never make a statement unless you are ready to be tested! It's not so much that God wants to see if you mean it, He already knows our hearts. He wants us to make sure we know we mean it.
My little girl burst into tears when she saw the pieces of that plate, because she knows how much mommy likes it. Now she knows that mommy loves HER so much more than any silly plate. And I know that I really did mean it when I said I wasn't too attached to any of the "stuff" that I have. Thank you Lord, for showing me a little of my heart.
There was a time when I had some real attachments to a few things, I couldn't imagine being without them. I have alot of pieces of furniture that have passed through the family, my dishes were my Grandmother's, I have a collection of pottery (that is no longer made) that a few loved ones have given me over the years. Basically, most of my stuff comes with a history, a story of who had it and how I got it. There was a time when it all meant too much to me.
When I started to notice that everything I got (and I'm not kidding--EVERYthing) ended up not so new within a short amount of time, I decided God was trying to show me something.
So, when hubby and I were talking about our "stuff", I told him that God had been working on me and that I wasn't truly attached to any physical item in our home. Sure, I really care about the things I have, but if I had to give something away or if something happened to any of it--I'd be okay.
Enter 3 year old. God really is funny, if you didn't already know that! Within minutes of that statement to my husband, my 3yo walked in and picked up a special jar that hubby gave me one Christmas filled with my favorite candy. There went the lid, down to the floor--all over the floor. The jar is still in tact, just no lid. He's funny, right? Was that a test to see if I meant what I said?
Enter 7 year old. Yep, I'm not kidding! She likes to fill her own plate for dinner now that she's a big girl. Tonight she's headed back to the table with mommy's pottery collection plate in her hand when somehow it flew right out of her hand, down to the floor--all over the floor! That beautiful plate that can't be replaced.
Unbelievable, right? Never make a statement unless you are ready to be tested! It's not so much that God wants to see if you mean it, He already knows our hearts. He wants us to make sure we know we mean it.
My little girl burst into tears when she saw the pieces of that plate, because she knows how much mommy likes it. Now she knows that mommy loves HER so much more than any silly plate. And I know that I really did mean it when I said I wasn't too attached to any of the "stuff" that I have. Thank you Lord, for showing me a little of my heart.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Eyes That See
Many parents are proud of their children's success and have something tangible to show for it; a ribbon, a plaque, a trophy, certificate, some physical proof of the success.
I may never have a trophy of any sort to show off, but if she never wins any kind of award it doesn't matter to me, because my oldest has something more valuable. She has eyes that see God. I only pray my eyes would see as hers do.
Many weeks ago I began looking for a pair of shoes for myself. I went online and found the pair I wanted, but couldn't bring myself to buy them without trying them on first. A couple weeks later I had the chance to try them on, but didn't have the money to buy them. The next time I got online I found them, knew the size, but just couldn't buy them.....Last week my mom came for our weekly "meeting of the heirs" and handed me a bag and asked if I wanted what was in it. I looked inside and guess what I saw? Almost the exact shoes I had been "not" buying! She wore them once and they didn't fit well and they were mine if I wanted them.
When I told my 7 year old about it she responded with "I see God in that!" I have to say I was more excited over her view of the situation than I was over the shoes. Because they were from my mom, I didn't readily give God all the glory for filling my need--mom's know theses things, right? If the shoes had come from a stranger, I would have been jumping up and down in disbelief and awe of the way God takes care of us.
I thank God that I have a little girl who has learned to watch for and recognize the way our Heavenly Father works. She may never have a trophy that shows that, but I have a very nice, comfortable pair of shoes that will remind me for a long time that she sees Him. They will also remind me to jump up and down in disbelief and awe, no matter who the blessing comes from.
I may never have a trophy of any sort to show off, but if she never wins any kind of award it doesn't matter to me, because my oldest has something more valuable. She has eyes that see God. I only pray my eyes would see as hers do.
Many weeks ago I began looking for a pair of shoes for myself. I went online and found the pair I wanted, but couldn't bring myself to buy them without trying them on first. A couple weeks later I had the chance to try them on, but didn't have the money to buy them. The next time I got online I found them, knew the size, but just couldn't buy them.....Last week my mom came for our weekly "meeting of the heirs" and handed me a bag and asked if I wanted what was in it. I looked inside and guess what I saw? Almost the exact shoes I had been "not" buying! She wore them once and they didn't fit well and they were mine if I wanted them.
When I told my 7 year old about it she responded with "I see God in that!" I have to say I was more excited over her view of the situation than I was over the shoes. Because they were from my mom, I didn't readily give God all the glory for filling my need--mom's know theses things, right? If the shoes had come from a stranger, I would have been jumping up and down in disbelief and awe of the way God takes care of us.
I thank God that I have a little girl who has learned to watch for and recognize the way our Heavenly Father works. She may never have a trophy that shows that, but I have a very nice, comfortable pair of shoes that will remind me for a long time that she sees Him. They will also remind me to jump up and down in disbelief and awe, no matter who the blessing comes from.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Following Jesus
We just spent a few days with some friends. The kids had playmates close to the same age, moms had playmates of the same mindset and husband who usually can't stand extra noise and confusion in the house was happy as could be. Really, even though there were 5 kids in a house that usually only has 2, there wasn't what I would consider confusion. There was laughter and love and hugs. When there were squabbles over sharing a mommy would step in and guide proper behavior. There was no yelling by the adults at the children to go away, or to be quiet. For a few wonderful days we were a family with the same Father in need of some encouragement and reminding that we are not alone in this life God has called us to.
I'm purposing to smile more, be more vocally thankful for all the He is and does. These last few days had me smiling almost constantly and I am so thankful for the beautiful ways I see Him. I am so thankful that He has given me a friend that knows what things are truly important in this life. I thank God that He has given us both the strength and desire to go against the tide of this society and put our families and His Kingdom as the priorities that He designed them to be. I thank Him for showing me that there are children being raised with love and compassion and consideration, being taught to be respectful, loving, thoughtful. For showing me I'm not alone in my desire to raise my girls, and live life for His Kingdom, above all else.
People say there are many ways to live this life we are given and I agree, but they don't lead to the same place. I've seen women with thousands of dollars worth of wardrobe, hundreds of dollars in makeup, hours of career with children in daycare or at babysitter, living in multi-bedroom, media-room game-room filled homes, children attending best-that-money-can-buy schools, hair never out of place (or grey),maybe they even attend a mega-church in their Sunday best clothes......but I have also seen a woman choose a life that most women would be horrified by, a life that has none of the glory of the things I just mentioned--at least none of the worldly glory. She has chosen to follow Jesus in ways most people wouldn't dream of. While many women are sipping down half-calf-choca-mocha-skim-holdthecream-latte-whatever on their way to where ever they drop their kids on their way to their career that gives their life meaning......I know at least one woman who has chosen to spend time on her knees....
I often wonder what it would have been like to watch Jesus wash his disciples' feet. I think I saw a glimpse of it when I watched my friend washing out her baby's diaper, on her knees, in the toilet. Now that's following the heart of Jesus.
I'm purposing to smile more, be more vocally thankful for all the He is and does. These last few days had me smiling almost constantly and I am so thankful for the beautiful ways I see Him. I am so thankful that He has given me a friend that knows what things are truly important in this life. I thank God that He has given us both the strength and desire to go against the tide of this society and put our families and His Kingdom as the priorities that He designed them to be. I thank Him for showing me that there are children being raised with love and compassion and consideration, being taught to be respectful, loving, thoughtful. For showing me I'm not alone in my desire to raise my girls, and live life for His Kingdom, above all else.
People say there are many ways to live this life we are given and I agree, but they don't lead to the same place. I've seen women with thousands of dollars worth of wardrobe, hundreds of dollars in makeup, hours of career with children in daycare or at babysitter, living in multi-bedroom, media-room game-room filled homes, children attending best-that-money-can-buy schools, hair never out of place (or grey),maybe they even attend a mega-church in their Sunday best clothes......but I have also seen a woman choose a life that most women would be horrified by, a life that has none of the glory of the things I just mentioned--at least none of the worldly glory. She has chosen to follow Jesus in ways most people wouldn't dream of. While many women are sipping down half-calf-choca-mocha-skim-holdthecream-latte-whatever on their way to where ever they drop their kids on their way to their career that gives their life meaning......I know at least one woman who has chosen to spend time on her knees....
I often wonder what it would have been like to watch Jesus wash his disciples' feet. I think I saw a glimpse of it when I watched my friend washing out her baby's diaper, on her knees, in the toilet. Now that's following the heart of Jesus.
Monday, November 2, 2009
A Little Sleep
I long to be one of those people that rise early in the morning and settle in with their bible and have quality time with God. I make all sorts of excuses why I can't. I will say that I have tried to do it, but I will also say that I haven't tried very hard, or for very long.
This past week I have heard God asking me to try it again. I've seen it in my devotions, I've seen it in His Word, I've heard Him whispering "come on, you can do it, do it for Me."
I fight against His wooing. I like snuggling up in the flannel sheets, listening to the peace around me. I thought I could pray while I lay cozy in my bed, but I end up falling asleep! I've made excuses for too long. His Word warns us about loving sleep and what happens to those who love it. Proverbs 6:10-11 says that sleep leads to poverty. I believe that doesn't just mean financially, but spiritually also.
When you put something above or before The Almighty One, isn't that thing considered an idol? Remember what we're to do with idols? Throw it away like an old menstrual cloth! If I equate sleeping too much with that, I bet I can get out of bed tomorrow morning!! Not to mention the scripture that reminds us that we can do all things through Christ.
Well, here I am again trying to do something in my own strength when I should be relying on the strength of Christ. His Word is LOADED with help for us, if we would just be quick to go to Him, instead of making excuses or trying to do it for ourselves.
If it is His desire to meet with me in the early hours, He will give me the desire and strength to do it. Last night a little friend of mine came walking briskly toward me with a huge smile on his face and his arms wide open inviting me to pick him up and accept the love he wanted to give me....what if I looked forward to my early mornings with my Lord like that?
This past week I have heard God asking me to try it again. I've seen it in my devotions, I've seen it in His Word, I've heard Him whispering "come on, you can do it, do it for Me."
I fight against His wooing. I like snuggling up in the flannel sheets, listening to the peace around me. I thought I could pray while I lay cozy in my bed, but I end up falling asleep! I've made excuses for too long. His Word warns us about loving sleep and what happens to those who love it. Proverbs 6:10-11 says that sleep leads to poverty. I believe that doesn't just mean financially, but spiritually also.
When you put something above or before The Almighty One, isn't that thing considered an idol? Remember what we're to do with idols? Throw it away like an old menstrual cloth! If I equate sleeping too much with that, I bet I can get out of bed tomorrow morning!! Not to mention the scripture that reminds us that we can do all things through Christ.
Well, here I am again trying to do something in my own strength when I should be relying on the strength of Christ. His Word is LOADED with help for us, if we would just be quick to go to Him, instead of making excuses or trying to do it for ourselves.
If it is His desire to meet with me in the early hours, He will give me the desire and strength to do it. Last night a little friend of mine came walking briskly toward me with a huge smile on his face and his arms wide open inviting me to pick him up and accept the love he wanted to give me....what if I looked forward to my early mornings with my Lord like that?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Jesus Rules My World
Well, today is one of those days of the year that people who love the Lord have many opinions on. The only opinion that matters is God's. Check out what His word says: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)
Pretty straight forward, isn't it? You don't have to be a scholar, get out the concordance, dictionary, or do an indepth study, to understand that verse.
If you don't care for the KJV, the NIV says it this way:"Avoid every kind of evil"
I don't care who you are, we can all agree that the things associated with the devil are considered evil--witches, ghouls, goblins, etc. Not to mention the "trick" part of the day, which God also has something to say about. Peter points out in 1 Peter 2:22 that "He (Jesus) commited no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." We are to be like Him. When you trick someone, you are being deceitful. There is alot written about deceit--check it out sometime.
It doesn't matter if you and you family stay on the "good" side and dress up as "good" things. God's word says to abstain from all appearance of evil, to avoid every kind of evil. It doesn't matter how innocent you try to make it--it's evil.
Today, instead of giving in to public opinion and displeasing the one who gave you life, celebrate all that is eternally important. Choose to take a stand for The One who deserves love, honor, and respect. Tell someone that you are a son or daughter of the King and have nothing to do with your enemy's party.
You do have an enemy. 1 Peter 5: 8 tells us to "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Don't be deceived into thinking today is a harmless day of fun. The devil is laughing at the amount of Christians he can play with today because we don't realize how subtle and sneaky he is.
Jesus is the Ruler of my life and the only one that my family will celebrate.
Keep reading your bible so that you will not be led astray by your enemy.
Pretty straight forward, isn't it? You don't have to be a scholar, get out the concordance, dictionary, or do an indepth study, to understand that verse.
If you don't care for the KJV, the NIV says it this way:"Avoid every kind of evil"
I don't care who you are, we can all agree that the things associated with the devil are considered evil--witches, ghouls, goblins, etc. Not to mention the "trick" part of the day, which God also has something to say about. Peter points out in 1 Peter 2:22 that "He (Jesus) commited no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." We are to be like Him. When you trick someone, you are being deceitful. There is alot written about deceit--check it out sometime.
It doesn't matter if you and you family stay on the "good" side and dress up as "good" things. God's word says to abstain from all appearance of evil, to avoid every kind of evil. It doesn't matter how innocent you try to make it--it's evil.
Today, instead of giving in to public opinion and displeasing the one who gave you life, celebrate all that is eternally important. Choose to take a stand for The One who deserves love, honor, and respect. Tell someone that you are a son or daughter of the King and have nothing to do with your enemy's party.
You do have an enemy. 1 Peter 5: 8 tells us to "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Don't be deceived into thinking today is a harmless day of fun. The devil is laughing at the amount of Christians he can play with today because we don't realize how subtle and sneaky he is.
Jesus is the Ruler of my life and the only one that my family will celebrate.
Keep reading your bible so that you will not be led astray by your enemy.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Well, seasons change, the living room furniture arrangement changes, and so goes the blog!
I realize the background isn't very "simple" but it makes me smile. Lately I feel a little heavy and a little too serious, so......I'm making my blogland light and fun!
The Gospel is called the Good News and I intend to share some of it! God loves me and has shown it in many ways this week. Have you noticed how He loves you? I hear people talk about being "purposeful" in doing things. Whether it's exercise, reading the Bible, smiling, being thankful....there are so many things that I want to "purpose" to do.
This week the girls and I started a "Thankfulness List". It's amazing what things you realize you take for granted, when you purpose to be thankful. Sometimes I realize I haven't written anything down and I find myself deliberately looking for something to give thanks for. Oh, the things you SEE when you stop and look!!! This week I am most greatful to God for the eyes He gave me to see the wonder of His love all around. Not just my physical eyes, but the desire to see beyond the surface.
Since I have purposed to be thankful this week, I find I'm smiling more. This morning I was walking through the house when I realized I was frowning. Well, not really frowning, but definitely not smiling. I stopped and purposely smiled. I dare you to try it the next time you realize you haven't been smiling. It's a strange sensation to smile when noone else is around! But you know what? It changed my entire outlook! I almost wanted to go get on the treadmill!
So, here's my point: Lots of things will change, nothing ever stays the same...except for God. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow...whether we change our furniture, our outlook, our blogland space, our physical address, it doesn't matter. Jesus Christ died for every single person on the face of the earth and that will never change. God loves every single person on this earth and that will never change. Why not make the biggest change of all and invite Jesus into your life? When you do that, you can be sure that no matter how things in this world change, you have the security of a life in Heaven with the only One who will never change.
I realize the background isn't very "simple" but it makes me smile. Lately I feel a little heavy and a little too serious, so......I'm making my blogland light and fun!
The Gospel is called the Good News and I intend to share some of it! God loves me and has shown it in many ways this week. Have you noticed how He loves you? I hear people talk about being "purposeful" in doing things. Whether it's exercise, reading the Bible, smiling, being thankful....there are so many things that I want to "purpose" to do.
This week the girls and I started a "Thankfulness List". It's amazing what things you realize you take for granted, when you purpose to be thankful. Sometimes I realize I haven't written anything down and I find myself deliberately looking for something to give thanks for. Oh, the things you SEE when you stop and look!!! This week I am most greatful to God for the eyes He gave me to see the wonder of His love all around. Not just my physical eyes, but the desire to see beyond the surface.
Since I have purposed to be thankful this week, I find I'm smiling more. This morning I was walking through the house when I realized I was frowning. Well, not really frowning, but definitely not smiling. I stopped and purposely smiled. I dare you to try it the next time you realize you haven't been smiling. It's a strange sensation to smile when noone else is around! But you know what? It changed my entire outlook! I almost wanted to go get on the treadmill!
So, here's my point: Lots of things will change, nothing ever stays the same...except for God. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow...whether we change our furniture, our outlook, our blogland space, our physical address, it doesn't matter. Jesus Christ died for every single person on the face of the earth and that will never change. God loves every single person on this earth and that will never change. Why not make the biggest change of all and invite Jesus into your life? When you do that, you can be sure that no matter how things in this world change, you have the security of a life in Heaven with the only One who will never change.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Isaiah 30:22
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."(Isaiah 30:21)
Last night I was sitting on the couch watching a program that oldest daughter and I used to watch together. In the last few months there have been major changes in this show and Husband and I have directed her away from it to another, more appropriate one. Of course, I still felt I could watch it.
After the program started, daughter came downstairs asking if she could watch it with me. I sent her to ask dad. He was in the room behind me and as I listened to his reasons that she could not watch it I became convicted. It reminded me of the verse above, God was speaking to me through my hubby. I shut off the t.v. (not real willingly) and took an unhappy daughter to bed.
This morning as I'm reading my bible I came across (coincidence?) Isaiah 30:21. As I read the scripture, it was the next verse that stopped me dead in my tracks. Verse 22 says: Then you will defile your idols, overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!"
WOW! That's in the NIV bible. How disgusting!
God showed me that if a program is not good for my little girl because it has become too important to her and it definitely doesn't uphold any of our biblical values anymore, then it isn't any good for me, either. I was disgusted when my husband pointed out why we should step away from the program, I still enjoyed it. But it has become a little too important to us. This morning I'm realizing that I should be as eager to throw it away from our lives as I am an old menstrual cloth. What would it be like if we thought that way about everything that takes us away from our Lord? That's what He wants us to do, and expects us to do.
Ask God to show you what you are idolizing, and then ask him for the strength to throw it away like a menstrual cloth! I bet it will be easier to do, when you think about it like that.
Last night I was sitting on the couch watching a program that oldest daughter and I used to watch together. In the last few months there have been major changes in this show and Husband and I have directed her away from it to another, more appropriate one. Of course, I still felt I could watch it.
After the program started, daughter came downstairs asking if she could watch it with me. I sent her to ask dad. He was in the room behind me and as I listened to his reasons that she could not watch it I became convicted. It reminded me of the verse above, God was speaking to me through my hubby. I shut off the t.v. (not real willingly) and took an unhappy daughter to bed.
This morning as I'm reading my bible I came across (coincidence?) Isaiah 30:21. As I read the scripture, it was the next verse that stopped me dead in my tracks. Verse 22 says: Then you will defile your idols, overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!"
WOW! That's in the NIV bible. How disgusting!
God showed me that if a program is not good for my little girl because it has become too important to her and it definitely doesn't uphold any of our biblical values anymore, then it isn't any good for me, either. I was disgusted when my husband pointed out why we should step away from the program, I still enjoyed it. But it has become a little too important to us. This morning I'm realizing that I should be as eager to throw it away from our lives as I am an old menstrual cloth. What would it be like if we thought that way about everything that takes us away from our Lord? That's what He wants us to do, and expects us to do.
Ask God to show you what you are idolizing, and then ask him for the strength to throw it away like a menstrual cloth! I bet it will be easier to do, when you think about it like that.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Writing On The Wall
In my effort to keep things simple, I sometimes find myself "working" to keep it simple.
With the different holidays approaching and the fact that I wasn't raised with a biblical approach to them, I'm struggling with what I know now, and what I knew then. I want my girls to experience the same joy and excitement that I did. I want them to experience Christ, the right way, in them. I realized this week that I have been taking an all or nothing approach and sucking the fun right out of it all. I've been "working" so hard to figure it out that I haven't let God show me how to do it.
Today we are starting something new, in order to get our hearts and minds in line with what the next few months are all about. We are hanging 2 pieces of paper on the wall. ( Yep, right on the wall! What do you think the professional decorators would say about that?!) On one of them, we will keep a list of all the ways that God is showing His love for us throughout the day. On the other, we will keep a list of all the ways we can show love to others.
It's simple. Just a list on the wall. Not some fancy journal, not inside a computer program, the writing will be right there on the wall. There will be no work needed to figure it out--just a simple list of the ways we see God loving us. Constant reminders of the goodness of our Creator, and since we are made in His image--constant reminders of what we can be doing to pass along that love.
With the different holidays approaching and the fact that I wasn't raised with a biblical approach to them, I'm struggling with what I know now, and what I knew then. I want my girls to experience the same joy and excitement that I did. I want them to experience Christ, the right way, in them. I realized this week that I have been taking an all or nothing approach and sucking the fun right out of it all. I've been "working" so hard to figure it out that I haven't let God show me how to do it.
Today we are starting something new, in order to get our hearts and minds in line with what the next few months are all about. We are hanging 2 pieces of paper on the wall. ( Yep, right on the wall! What do you think the professional decorators would say about that?!) On one of them, we will keep a list of all the ways that God is showing His love for us throughout the day. On the other, we will keep a list of all the ways we can show love to others.
It's simple. Just a list on the wall. Not some fancy journal, not inside a computer program, the writing will be right there on the wall. There will be no work needed to figure it out--just a simple list of the ways we see God loving us. Constant reminders of the goodness of our Creator, and since we are made in His image--constant reminders of what we can be doing to pass along that love.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Whose Rules?
Here's a great scripture to memorize and hang up in a place that you spend a lot of time: "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord" (Numbers 11:1)
I have to admit I was throwing this scripture in my daughter's face today. And then, as usual, the Lord threw it in my face!
I have a certain 24 hours every month that I turn into.....a less than pleasant person to be around. God has blessed me with the wisdom to recognize what is happening, and while I can't seem to "control" it, I make sure it doesn't control me. It used to be more than 24 hours, but one day my daring, brave husband came up to me and told me my 24 hours was up. (Isn't he lucky I believe in boldly speaking the truth?!) Since then, my family knows that when I give the warning that mommy is a little unreasonable, the countdown starts. It's almost funny now. In fact it's become such a joke that it really takes the edge off and the 24 hours is actually down to about 12!
So, while I was using this scripture on my daughter, God was using it on His daughter.
I didn't start memorizing scripture until about a year ago. (deliberately and regularly, that is.) It you've never done it, I will tell you, it is one of the most important things you could do. What a difference it has made in my life. While I was wallowing in my hours of misery, that my husband and I decided I was allowed to have, God told me "...it displeased Him". Uh-oh. Now I'm getting a new verse in my head and it's popping up to tell me my behavior isn't pleasing my Lord. Guess my allowable hours are going to shrink even more!
Thank you God, for loving me enough to show me the truth.
I have to admit I was throwing this scripture in my daughter's face today. And then, as usual, the Lord threw it in my face!
I have a certain 24 hours every month that I turn into.....a less than pleasant person to be around. God has blessed me with the wisdom to recognize what is happening, and while I can't seem to "control" it, I make sure it doesn't control me. It used to be more than 24 hours, but one day my daring, brave husband came up to me and told me my 24 hours was up. (Isn't he lucky I believe in boldly speaking the truth?!) Since then, my family knows that when I give the warning that mommy is a little unreasonable, the countdown starts. It's almost funny now. In fact it's become such a joke that it really takes the edge off and the 24 hours is actually down to about 12!
So, while I was using this scripture on my daughter, God was using it on His daughter.
I didn't start memorizing scripture until about a year ago. (deliberately and regularly, that is.) It you've never done it, I will tell you, it is one of the most important things you could do. What a difference it has made in my life. While I was wallowing in my hours of misery, that my husband and I decided I was allowed to have, God told me "...it displeased Him". Uh-oh. Now I'm getting a new verse in my head and it's popping up to tell me my behavior isn't pleasing my Lord. Guess my allowable hours are going to shrink even more!
Thank you God, for loving me enough to show me the truth.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Friendly Is Friendly
Have you ever watched children? They are so friendly. They'll smile and talk to anyone. They want to hug and kiss everyone. We are born friendly and loving. That's what God intended for us. We were born loving one another as we love ourselves. Did you ever hear a 2 year old complain about her hair or weight? No! They love themselves! If they are exposed to their maker, the Lord, they automatically believe and love Him.
Now, have you ever noticed that the adult that is with the friendly child calls him a flirt when he's being naturally loving and friendly to a girl?
This happened to us the other day. A little boy was smiling, waving and talking to my youngest. The woman with him called him a flirt. I laughed and said to the little guy "tell her no, I'm just being friendly". She very firmly replied "No, he's being a flirt."
I've heard this so often that it makes me sad. Why does our society label natural behavior as something more than that. We've turned a natural behavior, that God intended for us to live out scripturally, into something sexual. As we get older, we are self-concsious of being friendly lest someone think we are "lookin for something".
The next time you see a little boy being kind to a little girl, will you encourage his sweetness and encourage others to view it the same way? Will you help change the attitudes of people who make it something sexual? Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has ulterior motives when they are loving and friendly. Sometimes they are simply being friendly.
Now, have you ever noticed that the adult that is with the friendly child calls him a flirt when he's being naturally loving and friendly to a girl?
This happened to us the other day. A little boy was smiling, waving and talking to my youngest. The woman with him called him a flirt. I laughed and said to the little guy "tell her no, I'm just being friendly". She very firmly replied "No, he's being a flirt."
I've heard this so often that it makes me sad. Why does our society label natural behavior as something more than that. We've turned a natural behavior, that God intended for us to live out scripturally, into something sexual. As we get older, we are self-concsious of being friendly lest someone think we are "lookin for something".
The next time you see a little boy being kind to a little girl, will you encourage his sweetness and encourage others to view it the same way? Will you help change the attitudes of people who make it something sexual? Contrary to popular belief, not everyone has ulterior motives when they are loving and friendly. Sometimes they are simply being friendly.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Hard Choices
I saw another ridiculous advertisement, this time during a football game. I'm not surprised. My husband and I have discussed the target group for game time alot lately--good ole football season. Aimed at hormonal, got-somethin-to-prove, testosterone-filled men. Have you noticed? BIG trucks, beer, half-naked ladies selling both! Oh yea, I forgot a certain enhancement product, too.
So, we can turn away when the ads are on. Can you make an even harder choice and turn away from the product they are selling? I guess ultimately the thing to do is get rid of the tv, but ads are everywhere and you can't avoid them completely; on the radio, on billboards, on things you buy....We are overrun with advertisements.
If you truly love the Lord and everything He stands for, and you say you'd give up your life for Him, will you also give up the product that is inappropriately advertised? Yesterday I chose to give up a certain brand of popcorn, today a certain taco has been added to the list.
Some people, I'm sure, think I'm being dramatic, but if I have high value on modesty, why would I spend my money on a product that is advertised in a near pornagraphic way? If I value respect, why would I spend my money on a product advertised by disrespectful teens? Let's remember who provides our money in the first place. Is that how we show honor to the Lord?
The narrow path. Have you heard about it? God wants us to make hard choices. Well, how hard are they if we truly love the Lord? It's about more than going to church on Sunday! It's about how we honor God in EVERYTHING we do, think, say, purchase, watch, read, sell, etc....
So, we can turn away when the ads are on. Can you make an even harder choice and turn away from the product they are selling? I guess ultimately the thing to do is get rid of the tv, but ads are everywhere and you can't avoid them completely; on the radio, on billboards, on things you buy....We are overrun with advertisements.
If you truly love the Lord and everything He stands for, and you say you'd give up your life for Him, will you also give up the product that is inappropriately advertised? Yesterday I chose to give up a certain brand of popcorn, today a certain taco has been added to the list.
Some people, I'm sure, think I'm being dramatic, but if I have high value on modesty, why would I spend my money on a product that is advertised in a near pornagraphic way? If I value respect, why would I spend my money on a product advertised by disrespectful teens? Let's remember who provides our money in the first place. Is that how we show honor to the Lord?
The narrow path. Have you heard about it? God wants us to make hard choices. Well, how hard are they if we truly love the Lord? It's about more than going to church on Sunday! It's about how we honor God in EVERYTHING we do, think, say, purchase, watch, read, sell, etc....
Friday, October 16, 2009
Nearly Naked--No Sale!
Tonight was meeting of the heirs night. We were all gathered in the living room talking and watching a food show. During a commercial break we were carrying on when suddenly everyone was looking at the television and everyone had a perplexed look on their face. I turned to see a man stripping down to his underwear while making popcorn. Mind you, this is the food network channel I'm talking about, not some of the channels you'd expect it from. We were all in agreement that we couldn't understand why it was necessary to have a man in his underwear in a popcorn commercial. They probably figured they would get people's attention by having a nearly naked man, and certainly sell more of their product. I wonder if they realized there would be people like me who will certainly NOT buy their product BECAUSE they had a nearly naked man trying to sell it to me.
Some may call me a prude and tell me to lighten up, but I know what values followers of Christ are supposed to uphold. I wonder, if everyone who claimed to love Jesus would stop buying this particular brand of popcorn, would they stay in business? If we would take a stand against all the garbage the world tries to make us deal with, what would the world be like? Should we really blame satan for all the evil in the world? Or are we responsible for allowing it to continue and progress?
IMAGINE!!! What an impact we could make if would draw the line with the secular world. Enough is enough! We don't want half (or whole) naked people selling us stuff. We don't want to hear the Lord's name in vain in movies and tv shows. We're not going to buy products or spend our money on anything that is in opposition to Christ. Can you imagine how different things would (could) be?!
What's really important to you? I've said it before and I'll say it again--"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15)
Some may call me a prude and tell me to lighten up, but I know what values followers of Christ are supposed to uphold. I wonder, if everyone who claimed to love Jesus would stop buying this particular brand of popcorn, would they stay in business? If we would take a stand against all the garbage the world tries to make us deal with, what would the world be like? Should we really blame satan for all the evil in the world? Or are we responsible for allowing it to continue and progress?
IMAGINE!!! What an impact we could make if would draw the line with the secular world. Enough is enough! We don't want half (or whole) naked people selling us stuff. We don't want to hear the Lord's name in vain in movies and tv shows. We're not going to buy products or spend our money on anything that is in opposition to Christ. Can you imagine how different things would (could) be?!
What's really important to you? I've said it before and I'll say it again--"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15)
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