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.
Friday, October 30, 2009
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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