Would you consider yourself rich?
Before you answer, let me share some statistics with you from our Pastor's sermon yesterday.
1.4 billion people in the world live on less than $1.25/day.
2 billion people in the world live on less than $2.00/day.
If you earn more than $25,000/yr, you earn more than 90% of the people in the world.
If you earn more than $80,000/yr, you earn more than 99% of the people in the world.
I was humbled by this and I hope you find yourself humbled, as well.
Are we thankful? Content? Are we giving to others? Are we spending what we have wisely? Is our money being used to help others or to horde for ourselves? As a Christian, am I giving abundantly to God's work?
This week, my bible study will be focused on these things. I invite you to do the same.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Family Tree
Last week, our bible study group read Matthew 1 which gives the genealogy of Jesus back to Abraham. The very next day, my daughter had an article to read in God World News about the genealogy of African Americans, and how they cannot trace their ancestors because of how they were taken from their homeland and sold as slaves. Both of these reinvigorated my interest in my own family tree. By the end of the day Friday, I had my family tree book out,I had compiled one many years ago, and had post-it notes all over my wall, mapping out my family tree. I am able to go back five generations from myself, in some cases.
On Saturday, I bought a tri-fold display board and transferred the names from the wall to the board. Now, once a day, I pull out the board, open it up, and just sit and look at it. I scan the dates; birth dates, wedding dates, death dates, immigration dates, and wonder what it was like living at that time.
What was the world like then? What was happening? What was daily life like? Why did they come to America in the first place? What was that journey like?
I'm compiling a list of questions for my grandparents, the only set left. In fact, who's left and who's not became glaringly apparent in this process, because I used one color of construction paper for those who have passed on, and another color for those who are still with us. It really showed me that time does go quickly, and generations pass without us realizing, and unless we are deliberate in knowing our legacy it will pass without us understanding.
I've been doing some research on-line and in books. I actually found a ship log with my ancestors names listed as passengers on a ship from Liverpool, England to New York City dated September 5th, 1839. My ancestors hail from various parts of Germany and Ireland. I have a Lutheran and Catholic faith legacy and I'm discovering that both came to America for religious freedom and to escape persecution and oppression because of their faith.
America was the place to come for freedom and to practice their faith freely, and I wonder what happened, because America seems to be increasingly hostile to Christianity. I wonder, too, if my generation, or one after me, will have to stand up for our faith and say enough at some point Where will we go to continue our faith legacy in freedom, if it becomes too hostile here to do so? More importantly, would I, or would they, stand firm against oppression and persecution? Would we hang onto our Truth base despite the hardships, and be willing to fight for what we believe, and fight for our way of life?
As I review the history, it gives glimpses of the future. Stories seem to swirl in repeating patterns. If we don't learn from past mistakes, we tend to repeat history. It is possible that what defined my ancestors as defenders of their faith, may define me as well. The struggles they incurred to provide a good future for their children may not be the same as the ones, I, or future generations will have to face, but the underlying theme may be similar, in that, a struggle may be incurred to preserve our legacy as Christians.
God wants us to remember the past. Remember His promises and faithfulness to all generations, and see our need for a Savior throughout history, so we continue to walk in obedience to Him, and stand firm on the teachings we were taught as children. It's critical that we teach our own children about God. Don't drop the ball and risk the heritage of the faith of our fathers becoming void in the generations to come. What a shame that would be to raise a generation without God as the head!
I'll probably have more to say on this topic as I continue this journey into my heritage. Until then, have an insightful day!
On Saturday, I bought a tri-fold display board and transferred the names from the wall to the board. Now, once a day, I pull out the board, open it up, and just sit and look at it. I scan the dates; birth dates, wedding dates, death dates, immigration dates, and wonder what it was like living at that time.
What was the world like then? What was happening? What was daily life like? Why did they come to America in the first place? What was that journey like?
I'm compiling a list of questions for my grandparents, the only set left. In fact, who's left and who's not became glaringly apparent in this process, because I used one color of construction paper for those who have passed on, and another color for those who are still with us. It really showed me that time does go quickly, and generations pass without us realizing, and unless we are deliberate in knowing our legacy it will pass without us understanding.
I've been doing some research on-line and in books. I actually found a ship log with my ancestors names listed as passengers on a ship from Liverpool, England to New York City dated September 5th, 1839. My ancestors hail from various parts of Germany and Ireland. I have a Lutheran and Catholic faith legacy and I'm discovering that both came to America for religious freedom and to escape persecution and oppression because of their faith.
America was the place to come for freedom and to practice their faith freely, and I wonder what happened, because America seems to be increasingly hostile to Christianity. I wonder, too, if my generation, or one after me, will have to stand up for our faith and say enough at some point Where will we go to continue our faith legacy in freedom, if it becomes too hostile here to do so? More importantly, would I, or would they, stand firm against oppression and persecution? Would we hang onto our Truth base despite the hardships, and be willing to fight for what we believe, and fight for our way of life?
As I review the history, it gives glimpses of the future. Stories seem to swirl in repeating patterns. If we don't learn from past mistakes, we tend to repeat history. It is possible that what defined my ancestors as defenders of their faith, may define me as well. The struggles they incurred to provide a good future for their children may not be the same as the ones, I, or future generations will have to face, but the underlying theme may be similar, in that, a struggle may be incurred to preserve our legacy as Christians.
God wants us to remember the past. Remember His promises and faithfulness to all generations, and see our need for a Savior throughout history, so we continue to walk in obedience to Him, and stand firm on the teachings we were taught as children. It's critical that we teach our own children about God. Don't drop the ball and risk the heritage of the faith of our fathers becoming void in the generations to come. What a shame that would be to raise a generation without God as the head!
I'll probably have more to say on this topic as I continue this journey into my heritage. Until then, have an insightful day!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Should A Comfort Letter Include A Christ Component?
This was a question in my women's bible study yesterday:
Should a comfort letter include a Christ component?
Most answered no because it might turn someone off and make them back away from you and your help. They thought this could happen with a non-believer and even with a Christian. So, they thought it best to try and help in other ways first, build a relationship, and hope to have an opportunity later to speak to them about the love of Christ.
I can see their point. Anyone who has stepped out in faith to speak truth for God to another has been rejected at some point. The other person has pushed back, walked away out of fear, leaving us to feel like we didn't help and we should have done it differently.
But, let me ask a few questions.
Where does true comfort lie?
Is it found in us or in our abilities to handle a situation? Do we have all the answers to life's tough questions?
Who has more compassion and love for another human being, me or God?
Can I really love someone else as much as God does? Can I really have enough compassion for someone else like God does?
We live in a sin sick world. All of the hurts, trials, discomforts, and evil of this world are due to sin. Sin that is our nature. Sin that is the root of the problem.
Sin is the explanation for all the problems of the world and Jesus is the solution to all those problems. Can we really help someone if we consciously avoid sharing the truth and the solution?
When someone is in need of comfort they usually are more open to the message of Jesus as Savior. When life is great they have no need for a Savior because everything seems to be ok around them.
But, in those dark places where things feel out of control, and you are drowning in sorrow, or guilt, or fear, your heart is open to any help. Why not share Christ and his hope with them!
They may accept God's gift of grace and his help and comfort. Or, they may not. They may be turned off and walk away. But, at least you used the opportunity you did have to share the gospel with them. It planted a seed that someone else may water down the road. We are not responsible for bringing another to faith, God is. But, God wants us to help through our words and our actions.
Preaching Christ can't be the only thing we do. We still need to love with action. Show compassion, listen, and love practically. I think we need both words and actions. Not our words but God's words.
Jesus is our example in all we do. Did he avoid speaking truth to the people he helped?
Let's not live in fear but boldly tell others where true healing and life is found. Let's face it, we might be running out of time.
Should a comfort letter include a Christ component?
Most answered no because it might turn someone off and make them back away from you and your help. They thought this could happen with a non-believer and even with a Christian. So, they thought it best to try and help in other ways first, build a relationship, and hope to have an opportunity later to speak to them about the love of Christ.
I can see their point. Anyone who has stepped out in faith to speak truth for God to another has been rejected at some point. The other person has pushed back, walked away out of fear, leaving us to feel like we didn't help and we should have done it differently.
But, let me ask a few questions.
Where does true comfort lie?
Is it found in us or in our abilities to handle a situation? Do we have all the answers to life's tough questions?
Who has more compassion and love for another human being, me or God?
Can I really love someone else as much as God does? Can I really have enough compassion for someone else like God does?
We live in a sin sick world. All of the hurts, trials, discomforts, and evil of this world are due to sin. Sin that is our nature. Sin that is the root of the problem.
Sin is the explanation for all the problems of the world and Jesus is the solution to all those problems. Can we really help someone if we consciously avoid sharing the truth and the solution?
When someone is in need of comfort they usually are more open to the message of Jesus as Savior. When life is great they have no need for a Savior because everything seems to be ok around them.
But, in those dark places where things feel out of control, and you are drowning in sorrow, or guilt, or fear, your heart is open to any help. Why not share Christ and his hope with them!
They may accept God's gift of grace and his help and comfort. Or, they may not. They may be turned off and walk away. But, at least you used the opportunity you did have to share the gospel with them. It planted a seed that someone else may water down the road. We are not responsible for bringing another to faith, God is. But, God wants us to help through our words and our actions.
Preaching Christ can't be the only thing we do. We still need to love with action. Show compassion, listen, and love practically. I think we need both words and actions. Not our words but God's words.
Jesus is our example in all we do. Did he avoid speaking truth to the people he helped?
Let's not live in fear but boldly tell others where true healing and life is found. Let's face it, we might be running out of time.
Monday, January 17, 2011
I want his plan!
For most of my life, I did what I wanted. I created my own plans and secured for myself the things I wanted to do or have in this life. I was self-sufficient, self-motivating, and very much in control of things. Or, so I thought.
Somewhere between my divorce from my first husband and my current marriage, I began to realize 'my way' wasn't bringing me the fulfillment and joy I had hoped it would. In fact, my life was pretty messy. My first marriage had dissolved and my children were struggling and I had to take a long, hard look at my life.
I had to ask myself some really tough questions. Was this really what life was all about? Is this all there is? What if? Those life pausing questions that really get you to think about where you have been, where you are going, and if you really like the path you're on, or not.
I determined I was not happy about where I had been and I didn't want to continue in the same direction but I didn't really know what to do differently. Then, I remembered something.
I had grown up in the church and attended a parochial grade school. I remembered the teaching of my youth. So, I dug out my bible, dusted it off, and opened it up for the first time in a really long time. I've been opening it daily ever since.
I realized that while I had been living my life and deciding what to do with it, I had never consulted him. I had never asked my Creator what I should do or if what I was doing was ok.
Over time, I realized God had plan for me. I didn't know what it was, and honestly, sometimes today, I still don't know all the details of the plan but I knew for sure, from his word, that there was a plan created just for me.
God, the Creator of the Universe, had a plan for me! And, I had a plan for me. Who's plan was better?
When I compared myself to how big and powerful God is, it didn't take long to see that God's plan had to be better than anything I could come up with. Even if I were successful in my own plan and achieved everything I ever wanted to do, I'd still fall short of all the blessings God had created for me to experience. So, I determined in my mind, that I wanted to know what God wanted for me and I didn't want to miss out on anything.
Determining, and following through on that determination, turned out to be two different things. I was naive about how hard it was going to be to turn that determination into a reality.
Tithing came first. God asked if I trusted him in the area of our finances enough to tithe back ten percent of what he had blessed us with. We worked toward that number, one percent at a time, until we were faithfully giving the ten percent each week. We have found that the more we give, the more the Lord gives us back. We have not been able to out give God. It didn't happen overnight, it was a process of trust and faith that took time for us to let go of control in this area.
One day, God asked if I would be willing to give up my career. He didn't demand it, he simply asked. I said no. I continued to say no for a long time. Although my mind had purposed to follow his plan, when it came right down to it, I wasn't willing to give up control so easily.
God began to show me how my career had become an idol to me. It was the place where I received my significance. I had sacrificed a lot in my family for the power, prestige, and affirmation of my job. I had worked really hard to get where I was and I couldn't just let that all go, just like that. I had plans, plans to be the first woman to do a lot of things in my company that typically were reserved for men. I was going to break the glass ceilings there and pave new ground. I wanted to be the first. There were two problems here. 1. I wanted to be first - not God; 2. It was my plan, not his.
Finally, I walked away and retired, only to be called back a month later, agreeing to come back on a part-time basis. I hung on for another year convincing myself it was God's will. Otherwise they wouldn't have called me back, right? In reality, it was me building my trust in God's plan as I let go in stages. He was gracious in my unbelief and patiently allowed me the time to grow in my faith.
After a few years at home in which I relearned how to spend my days, God posed another question to me. Would I be willing to give up my time in order to pour myself into my children through home schooling? Again, letting go took time but eventually I gave in and embraced his plan for our family, more importantly, for me.
These were three examples of leaps of faith I had to take in order to follow God's plan and not my own. I learned that to follow God's plan meant I had to completely give up on my own. I couldn't have it both ways. It was easier to purpose in my mind to follow his plan then it actually was to do it. Letting go of control is hard, really hard.
It's not a one time letting go, either. I am a stay at home, homeschooling mom today but I still have to relinquish control on a daily basis, sometimes on a hourly basis to maintain his path for me. I am tempted with the world's voice of having it all, or the draw toward worldly significance and materialism, or the inner need for more than this, that falsely leads me to think I made a mistake in giving over the reigns to God.
I struggle. A former co-worker gets a promotion and I think I could have really been somebody by now if I would have stayed working. Another person has free time to pamper themselves all day, and I wish I had more discretionary time. A new house, I might want that, too. The list that tempts me is very long. I get all mixed up when I fall off the path and start to be led by my own eyes, and soon I find myself wandering around in chaos and wonder how in the world did I get here again.
It says in the bible that God has goodness and blessing stored up for those who love and obey him. I want that goodness and blessing for me in my life. I want the peace, joy, and order that comes with living within his plan for me. I don't want the messy, chaotic life that is present when I am leading - although, I sometimes buy the lie that I would be better off doing it my way. But, that is a lie and a false comfort.
I am susceptible to temptation to deviate from the path just like everyone else. The only thing that keeps me from wandering too far away is the time I take daily to be in his word. I receive strength and encouragement in his word and I am reminded of his promises for me. I desire to be faithful but he knows I am weak. He remains faithful despite my short comings, and it's only because of his faithfulness that I am kept.
Somewhere between my divorce from my first husband and my current marriage, I began to realize 'my way' wasn't bringing me the fulfillment and joy I had hoped it would. In fact, my life was pretty messy. My first marriage had dissolved and my children were struggling and I had to take a long, hard look at my life.
I had to ask myself some really tough questions. Was this really what life was all about? Is this all there is? What if? Those life pausing questions that really get you to think about where you have been, where you are going, and if you really like the path you're on, or not.
I determined I was not happy about where I had been and I didn't want to continue in the same direction but I didn't really know what to do differently. Then, I remembered something.
I had grown up in the church and attended a parochial grade school. I remembered the teaching of my youth. So, I dug out my bible, dusted it off, and opened it up for the first time in a really long time. I've been opening it daily ever since.
I realized that while I had been living my life and deciding what to do with it, I had never consulted him. I had never asked my Creator what I should do or if what I was doing was ok.
Over time, I realized God had plan for me. I didn't know what it was, and honestly, sometimes today, I still don't know all the details of the plan but I knew for sure, from his word, that there was a plan created just for me.
God, the Creator of the Universe, had a plan for me! And, I had a plan for me. Who's plan was better?
When I compared myself to how big and powerful God is, it didn't take long to see that God's plan had to be better than anything I could come up with. Even if I were successful in my own plan and achieved everything I ever wanted to do, I'd still fall short of all the blessings God had created for me to experience. So, I determined in my mind, that I wanted to know what God wanted for me and I didn't want to miss out on anything.
Determining, and following through on that determination, turned out to be two different things. I was naive about how hard it was going to be to turn that determination into a reality.
Tithing came first. God asked if I trusted him in the area of our finances enough to tithe back ten percent of what he had blessed us with. We worked toward that number, one percent at a time, until we were faithfully giving the ten percent each week. We have found that the more we give, the more the Lord gives us back. We have not been able to out give God. It didn't happen overnight, it was a process of trust and faith that took time for us to let go of control in this area.
One day, God asked if I would be willing to give up my career. He didn't demand it, he simply asked. I said no. I continued to say no for a long time. Although my mind had purposed to follow his plan, when it came right down to it, I wasn't willing to give up control so easily.
God began to show me how my career had become an idol to me. It was the place where I received my significance. I had sacrificed a lot in my family for the power, prestige, and affirmation of my job. I had worked really hard to get where I was and I couldn't just let that all go, just like that. I had plans, plans to be the first woman to do a lot of things in my company that typically were reserved for men. I was going to break the glass ceilings there and pave new ground. I wanted to be the first. There were two problems here. 1. I wanted to be first - not God; 2. It was my plan, not his.
Finally, I walked away and retired, only to be called back a month later, agreeing to come back on a part-time basis. I hung on for another year convincing myself it was God's will. Otherwise they wouldn't have called me back, right? In reality, it was me building my trust in God's plan as I let go in stages. He was gracious in my unbelief and patiently allowed me the time to grow in my faith.
After a few years at home in which I relearned how to spend my days, God posed another question to me. Would I be willing to give up my time in order to pour myself into my children through home schooling? Again, letting go took time but eventually I gave in and embraced his plan for our family, more importantly, for me.
These were three examples of leaps of faith I had to take in order to follow God's plan and not my own. I learned that to follow God's plan meant I had to completely give up on my own. I couldn't have it both ways. It was easier to purpose in my mind to follow his plan then it actually was to do it. Letting go of control is hard, really hard.
It's not a one time letting go, either. I am a stay at home, homeschooling mom today but I still have to relinquish control on a daily basis, sometimes on a hourly basis to maintain his path for me. I am tempted with the world's voice of having it all, or the draw toward worldly significance and materialism, or the inner need for more than this, that falsely leads me to think I made a mistake in giving over the reigns to God.
I struggle. A former co-worker gets a promotion and I think I could have really been somebody by now if I would have stayed working. Another person has free time to pamper themselves all day, and I wish I had more discretionary time. A new house, I might want that, too. The list that tempts me is very long. I get all mixed up when I fall off the path and start to be led by my own eyes, and soon I find myself wandering around in chaos and wonder how in the world did I get here again.
It says in the bible that God has goodness and blessing stored up for those who love and obey him. I want that goodness and blessing for me in my life. I want the peace, joy, and order that comes with living within his plan for me. I don't want the messy, chaotic life that is present when I am leading - although, I sometimes buy the lie that I would be better off doing it my way. But, that is a lie and a false comfort.
I am susceptible to temptation to deviate from the path just like everyone else. The only thing that keeps me from wandering too far away is the time I take daily to be in his word. I receive strength and encouragement in his word and I am reminded of his promises for me. I desire to be faithful but he knows I am weak. He remains faithful despite my short comings, and it's only because of his faithfulness that I am kept.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2011 Focus
RELATIONSHIPS - GLORIFY - DESIGN
Relationships - Love the Lord and Love his People!
Glorify - Bring glory to God in all we say and do!
Design - Discover who we are in God's eyes and what His will is for us!
This is our mission statement as a family and in our home school. Our priorities!
Relationships - Love the Lord and Love his People!
Glorify - Bring glory to God in all we say and do!
Design - Discover who we are in God's eyes and what His will is for us!
This is our mission statement as a family and in our home school. Our priorities!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Shine A Light
I am so thankful for the sunshine today. The day just seems better when there is beautiful sunshine streaming through my windows.
However, the sunshine is also highlighting some not so appealing aspects in my home today. Dusty floors, dirty windows, splatter spots on the stove. All things I apparently didn't notice on the recent string of overcast days. Out of sight, out of mind.
I didn't see it before so it didn't bother me but today I am frantically cleaning up all those things that were brought to light. It seems a little overwhelming, trying to get it all done before the sunshine goes away again, and I won't be able to see it so readily.
As I am working away, I thought about how God's light shines into our hearts and reveals all those dusty, dirty, unappealing aspects to our sinful nature and bears to light that these present a problem for us.
Once revealed, we know they are there, we see them as unappealing, and we have an opportunity to accept God's help in cleaning these areas that were previously hidden from us.
Just like my household chores today, heart cleaning can seem like a never ending job. We clean up one area of our life and another spot is revealed.
We are definitely an undone people with much work to do. It takes a lifetime of walking in God's shining light and under his refining work to really get us all in order and cleaned up just right.
Holy! That's what they call it when God has removed all the dirt from our life and we are shiny clean - spotless!
This side of heaven we will always be undone, but less undone everyday, if we are allowing God to work in us, coming into full completeness as we cross from this life into eternal life in heaven.
Don't be discouraged at the amount of work left to do. Rather be thankful there is still daylight in which to work.
Be grateful the Lord of Lords has offered to come in and work in you for free!
Just like my home is a work in progress so is my heart.
However, the sunshine is also highlighting some not so appealing aspects in my home today. Dusty floors, dirty windows, splatter spots on the stove. All things I apparently didn't notice on the recent string of overcast days. Out of sight, out of mind.
I didn't see it before so it didn't bother me but today I am frantically cleaning up all those things that were brought to light. It seems a little overwhelming, trying to get it all done before the sunshine goes away again, and I won't be able to see it so readily.
As I am working away, I thought about how God's light shines into our hearts and reveals all those dusty, dirty, unappealing aspects to our sinful nature and bears to light that these present a problem for us.
Once revealed, we know they are there, we see them as unappealing, and we have an opportunity to accept God's help in cleaning these areas that were previously hidden from us.
Just like my household chores today, heart cleaning can seem like a never ending job. We clean up one area of our life and another spot is revealed.
We are definitely an undone people with much work to do. It takes a lifetime of walking in God's shining light and under his refining work to really get us all in order and cleaned up just right.
Holy! That's what they call it when God has removed all the dirt from our life and we are shiny clean - spotless!
This side of heaven we will always be undone, but less undone everyday, if we are allowing God to work in us, coming into full completeness as we cross from this life into eternal life in heaven.
Don't be discouraged at the amount of work left to do. Rather be thankful there is still daylight in which to work.
Be grateful the Lord of Lords has offered to come in and work in you for free!
Just like my home is a work in progress so is my heart.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Great Love
Psalm 86:13 For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths of the grave
Psalm 86 starts out with these words. . .
Hear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
This is our condition in life - poor and needy.
Not poor in a financial sense, although there are those that are.
Not needy in a material sense, although there are those that are.
But, poor and needy, in an universal spiritual condition affecting the entire human race.
When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, we all became poor and needy souls, in desperate need of rescue from our depraved state.
That depraved state brought down the death sentence for all of us by God's perfect judgment.
Thank God for a loving God, big enough to save us from the death sentence.
Thank God for His One and Only Son who obediently came down to this earth and took on all the sins, of all of humanity, on his shoulders in payment for us.
He redeemed us! He bought us back from Satan! He delivered us from the grave!
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave!
A LOVE like that requires a response from us.
Zealousness for his Word, for a relationship with Him, for doing his Work.
you have delivered me from the depths of the grave
Psalm 86 starts out with these words. . .
Hear, O LORD, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
This is our condition in life - poor and needy.
Not poor in a financial sense, although there are those that are.
Not needy in a material sense, although there are those that are.
But, poor and needy, in an universal spiritual condition affecting the entire human race.
When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, we all became poor and needy souls, in desperate need of rescue from our depraved state.
That depraved state brought down the death sentence for all of us by God's perfect judgment.
Thank God for a loving God, big enough to save us from the death sentence.
Thank God for His One and Only Son who obediently came down to this earth and took on all the sins, of all of humanity, on his shoulders in payment for us.
He redeemed us! He bought us back from Satan! He delivered us from the grave!
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave!
A LOVE like that requires a response from us.
Zealousness for his Word, for a relationship with Him, for doing his Work.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Valley Rescue
I FINALLY HAVE MY LIFE TOGETHER!
Sadly, at times, these words could not be further from the truth for me.
Do you know I like an ordered house? I like an ordered family. I like the outside world to see me in control. But the reality is, at times, it is all a cover for the turmoil that goes on in my heart. Some may look at my life and see no worry. I have a great husband, five daughters, two and 1/2 grandchildren (one on the way), and a comfortable home. What more could a woman want?
But, I am a woman in want, sometimes.
I am a grown woman but in many ways I am still a wounded child deeply affected by people who said they loved me but their actions or their presence (or lack of it) spoke otherwise. I am still a little girl who never felt perfect enough for anyone to love me like other people were loved. I have always been a comparer and I always calculate myself as coming up short.
So, I've spent my life being a people pleaser, morphing into who I thought others wanted me to be, in the hopes of being loved and having someone stick around. As a result, I am not always authentic. I have always been the caretaker of others but the one easily discarded or ignored. I can't make decisions for fear of making the wrong one and making someone else unhappy. Unhappy people = abandonment in my mind.
My life turned a huge corner when I met my husband. No one in this world has ever loved me the way he loves me. In fact, it was his example of unconditional love, that actually allowed me to let the Christ I had always known, come into my heart. Up until that time, my spiritual life mirrored my personal life. If I am unlovable by the people closest to me, then, I am unlovable by my Creator, as well. I knew God to be a gracious and loving God for everyone else in the world but not for me.
For eight years, or so, God has been recreating me. He's helped me clean up my life. He showed me all my self destructive ways. It's amazing what one will allow when they have no self worth. He's given me new purpose and direction.
I quit my job to be a stay at home mom four years ago. I still get calls from my former employer to come back to work but I don't need to be successful in the marketplace to define my worth anymore.
I obediently followed when God said to homeschool. He gave me the backbone and the strength to stand up to the opposing voices that quickly came our way when we decided to pursue his will. Pretty amazing for a people pleaser! But, it's Him whom I want to please these days, not others.
He's given me a desire to be a teacher of his word to other women and he faithfully has brought many wonderful women into my life to mentor.
We have made great progress, He and I.
Any, yet, despite all this progress, I spent this week going deeper and deeper into a dark place. Imagine two mountains with a valley in the middle. I was on top of one of those mountains on Monday, but by Friday night, I was wandering around in the valley wondering how I would ever get out.
I felt myself begin to slip on Tuesday and instead of looking up for help, I allowed myself to look down, knowing full well where this would lead. I let doubt lead to inadequacy, and inadequacy lead to unlovable, and unlovable lead to my abandonment history, and my self worth just plummetted.
"God can't use me. In fact, God doesn't even love me. I'm fooling myself in thinking he ever did. I'm living in a pipe dream if I think God ever cared for me. Look at you, no one has ever loved you. You don't matter to anyone, never did. God created me just to be miserable."
These are the lies my mind tells me when I allow myself to slip off the mountain; when I go to the dark place outside of God's truthful light. I get lost in the valley of the shadows of death. My poor husband has to deal with my crying and self pity, my short temper, and my withdrawal to safety - alone. I go underground and I am of no help to anyone.
But, then, God sends the Great Shepherd to come and rescue me. He picks me up and gently reminds me that he loves me. He cradles me in his loving arms as he treks me back up the mountain, back into the full light of God's truth. He reminds me he has always loved me and has always been there for me. He reminds me of who I am in him and the plans he has for me. By Sunday morning, we are almost to the top again. I wake up thankful for all he has blessed me with in the later half of my life, ready to let it all go and move on.
During church this morning, I lay it all down at his feet. The years of hurt, the years of being alone, the years of measuring short, the years wasted. I ask forgiveness for not trusting, for not believing. I ask for help in staying on the mountaintop. I ask for the freedom to fly and soar, to have the weight removed from me so I am weightless and free to do his will without restriction and fear.
Then, He gives me this vision:
1. Stop trying to figure out why your life was what it was. Accept it as it is.
2. Stop trying to test everyone's love for you as authentic. Accept it as it is.
3. Stop trying to move up in the world and instead look down. Look at the world and see all the people in the world that feel the same way you do - unlovable/not worthy/abandoned. Use what you know about me to reach them with my love and hope.
4. Instead of trying to gain worldly love and acceptance, be filled up with the love I give, and let MY love pour out of you into others. Take the focus off yourself and focus instead on loving others in the way I have loved you.
5. Use ALL I have given you (even the bad) to my glory!
My battle with self worth is not over. Satan will wage that war against me my whole life but God has given me a battle plan to win the war. Extend past myself, take the weapons of war he provides, focus on winning the battle, trust in Him. He will keep me safe and bring me victoriously to the end.
And if on the day when he returns, I am standing there before him with many more who once thought themselves unworthy but stand there that day because of Christ love shown through me to them, I will have run the race well.
Sadly, at times, these words could not be further from the truth for me.
Do you know I like an ordered house? I like an ordered family. I like the outside world to see me in control. But the reality is, at times, it is all a cover for the turmoil that goes on in my heart. Some may look at my life and see no worry. I have a great husband, five daughters, two and 1/2 grandchildren (one on the way), and a comfortable home. What more could a woman want?
But, I am a woman in want, sometimes.
I am a grown woman but in many ways I am still a wounded child deeply affected by people who said they loved me but their actions or their presence (or lack of it) spoke otherwise. I am still a little girl who never felt perfect enough for anyone to love me like other people were loved. I have always been a comparer and I always calculate myself as coming up short.
So, I've spent my life being a people pleaser, morphing into who I thought others wanted me to be, in the hopes of being loved and having someone stick around. As a result, I am not always authentic. I have always been the caretaker of others but the one easily discarded or ignored. I can't make decisions for fear of making the wrong one and making someone else unhappy. Unhappy people = abandonment in my mind.
My life turned a huge corner when I met my husband. No one in this world has ever loved me the way he loves me. In fact, it was his example of unconditional love, that actually allowed me to let the Christ I had always known, come into my heart. Up until that time, my spiritual life mirrored my personal life. If I am unlovable by the people closest to me, then, I am unlovable by my Creator, as well. I knew God to be a gracious and loving God for everyone else in the world but not for me.
For eight years, or so, God has been recreating me. He's helped me clean up my life. He showed me all my self destructive ways. It's amazing what one will allow when they have no self worth. He's given me new purpose and direction.
I quit my job to be a stay at home mom four years ago. I still get calls from my former employer to come back to work but I don't need to be successful in the marketplace to define my worth anymore.
I obediently followed when God said to homeschool. He gave me the backbone and the strength to stand up to the opposing voices that quickly came our way when we decided to pursue his will. Pretty amazing for a people pleaser! But, it's Him whom I want to please these days, not others.
He's given me a desire to be a teacher of his word to other women and he faithfully has brought many wonderful women into my life to mentor.
We have made great progress, He and I.
Any, yet, despite all this progress, I spent this week going deeper and deeper into a dark place. Imagine two mountains with a valley in the middle. I was on top of one of those mountains on Monday, but by Friday night, I was wandering around in the valley wondering how I would ever get out.
I felt myself begin to slip on Tuesday and instead of looking up for help, I allowed myself to look down, knowing full well where this would lead. I let doubt lead to inadequacy, and inadequacy lead to unlovable, and unlovable lead to my abandonment history, and my self worth just plummetted.
"God can't use me. In fact, God doesn't even love me. I'm fooling myself in thinking he ever did. I'm living in a pipe dream if I think God ever cared for me. Look at you, no one has ever loved you. You don't matter to anyone, never did. God created me just to be miserable."
These are the lies my mind tells me when I allow myself to slip off the mountain; when I go to the dark place outside of God's truthful light. I get lost in the valley of the shadows of death. My poor husband has to deal with my crying and self pity, my short temper, and my withdrawal to safety - alone. I go underground and I am of no help to anyone.
But, then, God sends the Great Shepherd to come and rescue me. He picks me up and gently reminds me that he loves me. He cradles me in his loving arms as he treks me back up the mountain, back into the full light of God's truth. He reminds me he has always loved me and has always been there for me. He reminds me of who I am in him and the plans he has for me. By Sunday morning, we are almost to the top again. I wake up thankful for all he has blessed me with in the later half of my life, ready to let it all go and move on.
During church this morning, I lay it all down at his feet. The years of hurt, the years of being alone, the years of measuring short, the years wasted. I ask forgiveness for not trusting, for not believing. I ask for help in staying on the mountaintop. I ask for the freedom to fly and soar, to have the weight removed from me so I am weightless and free to do his will without restriction and fear.
Then, He gives me this vision:
1. Stop trying to figure out why your life was what it was. Accept it as it is.
2. Stop trying to test everyone's love for you as authentic. Accept it as it is.
3. Stop trying to move up in the world and instead look down. Look at the world and see all the people in the world that feel the same way you do - unlovable/not worthy/abandoned. Use what you know about me to reach them with my love and hope.
4. Instead of trying to gain worldly love and acceptance, be filled up with the love I give, and let MY love pour out of you into others. Take the focus off yourself and focus instead on loving others in the way I have loved you.
5. Use ALL I have given you (even the bad) to my glory!
My battle with self worth is not over. Satan will wage that war against me my whole life but God has given me a battle plan to win the war. Extend past myself, take the weapons of war he provides, focus on winning the battle, trust in Him. He will keep me safe and bring me victoriously to the end.
And if on the day when he returns, I am standing there before him with many more who once thought themselves unworthy but stand there that day because of Christ love shown through me to them, I will have run the race well.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Human Judges: What should Their Agenda Be?
It's election time!
I've heard so many people comment on how this upcoming election is the most important election they have ever been a part of in their lifetime. There are many reasons why it's important but what should we be looking for in our elected leaders at this critical time?
Psalm 82:3-4 gave me some insight.
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Let's break those points down a little bit and see what, or who, might fall in each of these categories. This is just my quick glance. I'm sure you can connect the dots or add more of your own.
DEFEND THE CAUSE OF THE WEAK AND FATHERLESS:
1. Unborn Babies
2. Children without Fathers
3. Children, in general
4. Single Moms or Single Dads
5. Young Adults (18-24 yrs. of age)
6. Elderly
7. Disabled/Sick
8. Workers
9. Victims
10. Widows
11. Aliens
MAINTAIN THE RIGHTS OF THE POOR AND OPPRESSED:
1. Minorities
2. Unskilled/Uneducated
3. Disabled/Sick
4. Elderly
5. Uninsured
6. The people of other nations who live under oppressive governments, or are in war torn areas, or are living in severe situations like famines.
RESCUE THE WEAK AND NEEDY; DELIVER THEM FROM THE HAND OF THE WICKED:
1. Alcoholics/Drug Abusers
2. Depression/Suicidal Persons
3. Identity or Sexual Orientation Issues
4. Pornography
5. Adultery/Infidelity
6. Prisoners
7. False Religions
8. Fame seekers
9. Greed
10. Pride
Jeremiah 22:15-17
15 "Does it make you a king
to have more and more cedar?
Did not your father have food and drink?
He did what was right and just,
so all went well with him.
16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?"
declares the LORD.
17 "But your eyes and your heart
are set only on dishonest gain,
on shedding innocent blood
and on oppression and extortion."
The men and women we should elect into office should have a heart for God!
Their constitution should be one of subject to a higher power, God in heaven; and their motives should be to carry out the heart and agenda of God, to the best of their ability.
So, as we examine the issues at hand; the economy, jobs, budgets, health care, immigration, definition and right to life, defining the family, parental rights, education, etc., how do the representatives you have to choose from in your area sit on these issues; and how does their stance line up with God's Word?
Do your own values and perspectives line up with God's Word?
We will never find a perfect person to fill the roles of our government here on earth but we serve society best by choosing imperfect men and women who understand their position under heavenly authority.
May God give us all wisdom to discern God's heart and may his will be played out in our own lives and in the earthly nation we temporarily reside in.
I've heard so many people comment on how this upcoming election is the most important election they have ever been a part of in their lifetime. There are many reasons why it's important but what should we be looking for in our elected leaders at this critical time?
Psalm 82:3-4 gave me some insight.
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Let's break those points down a little bit and see what, or who, might fall in each of these categories. This is just my quick glance. I'm sure you can connect the dots or add more of your own.
DEFEND THE CAUSE OF THE WEAK AND FATHERLESS:
1. Unborn Babies
2. Children without Fathers
3. Children, in general
4. Single Moms or Single Dads
5. Young Adults (18-24 yrs. of age)
6. Elderly
7. Disabled/Sick
8. Workers
9. Victims
10. Widows
11. Aliens
MAINTAIN THE RIGHTS OF THE POOR AND OPPRESSED:
1. Minorities
2. Unskilled/Uneducated
3. Disabled/Sick
4. Elderly
5. Uninsured
6. The people of other nations who live under oppressive governments, or are in war torn areas, or are living in severe situations like famines.
RESCUE THE WEAK AND NEEDY; DELIVER THEM FROM THE HAND OF THE WICKED:
1. Alcoholics/Drug Abusers
2. Depression/Suicidal Persons
3. Identity or Sexual Orientation Issues
4. Pornography
5. Adultery/Infidelity
6. Prisoners
7. False Religions
8. Fame seekers
9. Greed
10. Pride
Jeremiah 22:15-17
15 "Does it make you a king
to have more and more cedar?
Did not your father have food and drink?
He did what was right and just,
so all went well with him.
16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
and so all went well.
Is that not what it means to know me?"
declares the LORD.
17 "But your eyes and your heart
are set only on dishonest gain,
on shedding innocent blood
and on oppression and extortion."
The men and women we should elect into office should have a heart for God!
Their constitution should be one of subject to a higher power, God in heaven; and their motives should be to carry out the heart and agenda of God, to the best of their ability.
So, as we examine the issues at hand; the economy, jobs, budgets, health care, immigration, definition and right to life, defining the family, parental rights, education, etc., how do the representatives you have to choose from in your area sit on these issues; and how does their stance line up with God's Word?
Do your own values and perspectives line up with God's Word?
We will never find a perfect person to fill the roles of our government here on earth but we serve society best by choosing imperfect men and women who understand their position under heavenly authority.
May God give us all wisdom to discern God's heart and may his will be played out in our own lives and in the earthly nation we temporarily reside in.
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Lesson for Parents
1 Samuel 3:13 (NIV)
For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them.
In 1 Samuel, Eli had two sons that were doing wrong. They were idolaters and immoral people although they were of a priestly family. The disobeyed God openly and Eli knew about it. According to the law at the time, Eli should have called for their deaths due to their sin but instead he only mildly rebuked them. The rebuke was not strong enough to turn them from their ways and they continued to do as they pleased. Eli became a party to the sin by failing to stop it and God deals harshly with them.
Eli's two sons are killed in battle, many more descendants were massacred at Nob, and the priesthood is later transferred from his family to the family of Zadok by Solomon (The Bible Reader's Companion).
Scary stuff, huh?
Parents are responsible for their children's behavior. We have a God given responsibility to teach them right and wrong. Right and wrong according to God's Word, not the ever-changing value system of the world.
This means, as parents, we need to first know what God's Word says about right and wrong. As situations arise, we need to search the scriptures for what to do or how to handle. It needs to be our moral compass, our guidebook in all things, the truth we hold up against the lies of the world.
We need to be in prayer, asking God to help us discern and navigate all the situations that arise, and to ask for faith, trust, and strength to adhere to biblical principles even when the rest of the world seems to be going a different direction.
I'm concerned that most of my peers would say that if their son or daughter wanted to have sex before marriage, they would advise them to use birth control. If the son or daughter is a minor, they might even take them to the doctor to help them procure birth control.
I've heard comments like "if you are going to do it, at least be smart about it", or "Don't ruin my life or yours by getting pregnant".
This is defeated parenting and does nothing to address to root of the sin.
However, the reason parents go this route is varied but includes: being too busy, succumbing to the pressures of society and it's ever-changing morals, not having a good grasp of God's Word on the matter, not wanting any sort of discomfort for themselves or their child, not wanting to give up a lifestyle or a reputation, or just a plain inability to deny their child anything, even if it's bad for them.
Do we as Christians acknowledge that sex outside of marriage is wrong according to the standard set by God? Do we acknowledge that God's standards are good and pure and meant for our own good, not as a means to limit us, or somehow deny us something good? Do we understand that sin left unchecked is very hazardous to our souls and can be life ending? Not just here but for eternity? Do we realize that when we look the other way, try to eliminate the consequence, or blatantly participate in allowing it to continue we become party to the sin and party to the destruction.
We need to take this seriously, parents! Not just in this scenario but in all things related to our children, to parenting, and to our own self discipline and character. You can apply this to anything.
If underage drinking is illegal, and we are called to obey the laws of the land and the leaders of the land, then it is wrong in God's eyes to permit your child to drink while he/she is underage. It is wrong for you to host an underage drinking party (even if you blindly think you are protecting them by having it in your home instead of somewhere else), and it is wrong to supply the alcohol for them.
We must tow the line ourselves and be a good example to follow. We must expect a higher behavior and character then the rest of society. We must teach God's Word and adhere to it ourselves.
Our children will make mistakes and we can love them through their consequences and continue to teach and hold them accountable without destroying them.
For it is in allowing sin to go unchecked that destroys, not the consequence. We must be willing to allow the consequence in the hopes of saving the soul. It is our duty to allow God to work in their lives. If we lead them to believe God doesn't care what they do, they will never see the need to turn to him for help, for repentance, or for salvation.
I pray we make time to do the necessary things to be the kind of parents God expects us to be. We can start today. We can make a commitment today to begin reading God's Word daily. We can begin praying for God to show us where we are failing or where we need to step it up. We can begin to spend more time with our kids so we can understand where they might be in trouble. We can talk openly with our kids about what God expects.
I am not perfect as a person or as a parent but I know One who is, and I trust in Him to the best of my ability to lead me.
For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them.
In 1 Samuel, Eli had two sons that were doing wrong. They were idolaters and immoral people although they were of a priestly family. The disobeyed God openly and Eli knew about it. According to the law at the time, Eli should have called for their deaths due to their sin but instead he only mildly rebuked them. The rebuke was not strong enough to turn them from their ways and they continued to do as they pleased. Eli became a party to the sin by failing to stop it and God deals harshly with them.
Eli's two sons are killed in battle, many more descendants were massacred at Nob, and the priesthood is later transferred from his family to the family of Zadok by Solomon (The Bible Reader's Companion).
Scary stuff, huh?
Parents are responsible for their children's behavior. We have a God given responsibility to teach them right and wrong. Right and wrong according to God's Word, not the ever-changing value system of the world.
This means, as parents, we need to first know what God's Word says about right and wrong. As situations arise, we need to search the scriptures for what to do or how to handle. It needs to be our moral compass, our guidebook in all things, the truth we hold up against the lies of the world.
We need to be in prayer, asking God to help us discern and navigate all the situations that arise, and to ask for faith, trust, and strength to adhere to biblical principles even when the rest of the world seems to be going a different direction.
I'm concerned that most of my peers would say that if their son or daughter wanted to have sex before marriage, they would advise them to use birth control. If the son or daughter is a minor, they might even take them to the doctor to help them procure birth control.
I've heard comments like "if you are going to do it, at least be smart about it", or "Don't ruin my life or yours by getting pregnant".
This is defeated parenting and does nothing to address to root of the sin.
However, the reason parents go this route is varied but includes: being too busy, succumbing to the pressures of society and it's ever-changing morals, not having a good grasp of God's Word on the matter, not wanting any sort of discomfort for themselves or their child, not wanting to give up a lifestyle or a reputation, or just a plain inability to deny their child anything, even if it's bad for them.
Do we as Christians acknowledge that sex outside of marriage is wrong according to the standard set by God? Do we acknowledge that God's standards are good and pure and meant for our own good, not as a means to limit us, or somehow deny us something good? Do we understand that sin left unchecked is very hazardous to our souls and can be life ending? Not just here but for eternity? Do we realize that when we look the other way, try to eliminate the consequence, or blatantly participate in allowing it to continue we become party to the sin and party to the destruction.
We need to take this seriously, parents! Not just in this scenario but in all things related to our children, to parenting, and to our own self discipline and character. You can apply this to anything.
If underage drinking is illegal, and we are called to obey the laws of the land and the leaders of the land, then it is wrong in God's eyes to permit your child to drink while he/she is underage. It is wrong for you to host an underage drinking party (even if you blindly think you are protecting them by having it in your home instead of somewhere else), and it is wrong to supply the alcohol for them.
We must tow the line ourselves and be a good example to follow. We must expect a higher behavior and character then the rest of society. We must teach God's Word and adhere to it ourselves.
Our children will make mistakes and we can love them through their consequences and continue to teach and hold them accountable without destroying them.
For it is in allowing sin to go unchecked that destroys, not the consequence. We must be willing to allow the consequence in the hopes of saving the soul. It is our duty to allow God to work in their lives. If we lead them to believe God doesn't care what they do, they will never see the need to turn to him for help, for repentance, or for salvation.
I pray we make time to do the necessary things to be the kind of parents God expects us to be. We can start today. We can make a commitment today to begin reading God's Word daily. We can begin praying for God to show us where we are failing or where we need to step it up. We can begin to spend more time with our kids so we can understand where they might be in trouble. We can talk openly with our kids about what God expects.
I am not perfect as a person or as a parent but I know One who is, and I trust in Him to the best of my ability to lead me.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Spirit of Truth
As we continue to Seek Christ this year and for the rest of our lives, we’ll hear the voice of lies that says we were made to be happy. I’m not buying it y’all. I know that we were made to Glorify God and to make Him known. We need to Seek Christ first and then joy will come. He’s so worth it, and I pray that our youth will understand this and live it. May we at the end of our lives say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” – 2 Timothy 4:7
These words were part of an email my husband received this morning. The sender is the youth leader at our church where my husband is a small group leader for sixth grade boys. The email is to prepare the small group leaders for the material that will be taught this week.
I found it so ironic that this week's topic is about listening to the Voice of Truth and how the 'pursuit of Jesus' is better than the 'pursuit of happiness', considering my own personal struggle with this idea the past two weeks.
It goes to show none of us are immune to the lies or competing voices. We need to fill ourselves up with the Word of God, hear the Voice of Truth, so we can discern the lies from the truth ourselves.
Pursue Christ instead of earthly treasure and you will find pure joy and lasting happiness!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Kept By the Spirit
My last blog post titled, Do the Lives of Others Look Good To You? was not really about who other people are or are not but had to do more with the state of my own heart at the time. I was being real about what I was struggling with at the moment.
For those of you who read my posts, this is what I want you to know about my last post:
My own heart was trying to deceive me and turn me from the path of God. My own heart was lying to me about what I need. My own heart was trying to destroy me. I was wrestling with my own heart.
But,
I was kept by the Spirit!
The world under Satan's control lies to us all the time. But, do we realize that our own hearts do the same? Our natural self is evil because of sin. We naturally want the things opposite of God. So, we are in a constant spiritual battle between our will and God's will.
Sometimes we give in to our own wills and begin to turn our backs to God. If we turn completely away and begin walking in the opposite direction, we will soon find ourselves wandering in the far off land - lost.
Christians do turn once in awhile. I believe they even begin walking and sometimes do get lost in the far off land.
However, the Holy Spirit living in us, sends us warning signals, convicts us of the fact that we have chosen the wrong direction, and will steer us back on course if we cooperate.
Cooperation = heeding the warning, turning back, and asking for forgiveness.
If we choose to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit and continue on our merry way, I am confident God will orchastrate a grand rescue to bring us back home. It says in the bible that not one of his can be snatched from his hand. So, whether it is Satan, the world, or our own hearts that lead us astray it is only temporary; God will prevail in the end because Jesus has paid the price for us and we are his treasured people.
So, I was turning.
The Holy Spirit used my husband's words to convict me.
I cooperated. I heeded the warning. I realized what I was walking towards was a lie, a fake substitute, a fleeting fulfillment. I had turned away from the truth, from the power to overcome, and from the only true source of peace and joy because I beleived a lie. I realized it only because of the power of the Holy Spirit to convict who lives in me.
I turned back to God. I repented of my sin and he restored me unto him.
I believe it's important for Christians to be real with other Christians. To be honest that we all struggle, that we're not perfect yet, and we all still need a Savior! It's even more important to point out the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us.
My bible verse for this blog is Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
I'm letting you know what he has done for me.
He has saved me from my own heart by his perfect truth. I have been kept by the Spirit!
Thank you Lord Jesus for your gift of salvation and for the gift of the Holy Spirit that continues to keep us until you return to gather us home!
For those of you who read my posts, this is what I want you to know about my last post:
My own heart was trying to deceive me and turn me from the path of God. My own heart was lying to me about what I need. My own heart was trying to destroy me. I was wrestling with my own heart.
But,
I was kept by the Spirit!
The world under Satan's control lies to us all the time. But, do we realize that our own hearts do the same? Our natural self is evil because of sin. We naturally want the things opposite of God. So, we are in a constant spiritual battle between our will and God's will.
Sometimes we give in to our own wills and begin to turn our backs to God. If we turn completely away and begin walking in the opposite direction, we will soon find ourselves wandering in the far off land - lost.
Christians do turn once in awhile. I believe they even begin walking and sometimes do get lost in the far off land.
However, the Holy Spirit living in us, sends us warning signals, convicts us of the fact that we have chosen the wrong direction, and will steer us back on course if we cooperate.
Cooperation = heeding the warning, turning back, and asking for forgiveness.
If we choose to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit and continue on our merry way, I am confident God will orchastrate a grand rescue to bring us back home. It says in the bible that not one of his can be snatched from his hand. So, whether it is Satan, the world, or our own hearts that lead us astray it is only temporary; God will prevail in the end because Jesus has paid the price for us and we are his treasured people.
So, I was turning.
The Holy Spirit used my husband's words to convict me.
I cooperated. I heeded the warning. I realized what I was walking towards was a lie, a fake substitute, a fleeting fulfillment. I had turned away from the truth, from the power to overcome, and from the only true source of peace and joy because I beleived a lie. I realized it only because of the power of the Holy Spirit to convict who lives in me.
I turned back to God. I repented of my sin and he restored me unto him.
I believe it's important for Christians to be real with other Christians. To be honest that we all struggle, that we're not perfect yet, and we all still need a Savior! It's even more important to point out the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us.
My bible verse for this blog is Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
I'm letting you know what he has done for me.
He has saved me from my own heart by his perfect truth. I have been kept by the Spirit!
Thank you Lord Jesus for your gift of salvation and for the gift of the Holy Spirit that continues to keep us until you return to gather us home!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Do the Lives of Others Look Too Good To You?
As a stay at home, homeschooling mom, I don't get out much.
This wasn't always the case, but, in recent years my life has gravitated away from a full time work schedule, a full time social schedule, and a full time 'me' schedule. Most days, I am very happy with my life as it evolves into what God has in store for me. But, I admit there are days I think I am missing out on something.
These feelings came out this past weekend as I talked with others at a funeral, of all places. While we waited for the family to return from the burial for the lunch that was to be served, we caught up with friends we hadn't seen in quite sometime. Former colleagues of mine, and their spouses. As I listened to their exciting stories and escapades, I started to feel a little envious.
It seems as my husband and I were trudging along raising children, everyone else was having the time of their life doing all sorts of things. Needless to say, most of my peers are ready to become empty nesters in the next few years, while our youngest is only two. They are beginning the process of pulling away from their children (or children pulling away from them - depending on whom you are talking to) and discovering what they like to do as a couple free from the daily routine of child rearing.
I used the phrase earlier, "trudging along" because it just seems like for the last few years it's been a tough road. Teenagers can make life difficult at times and so can a 2 year old. There always seems to be a temper tantrum going on, a rebellion that has to be squashed, or all our energy is needed to prevent someone from doing something too bad or getting too hurt. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming.
Apparently, life was feeling a little burdensome on my end this weekend but as I talked with my long lost friends, Oh, I sensed they didn't experience any burden. Envy set in. The entire ride home all I talked about was how good they had it.
My husband was very patience with me as I pointed out things.
"Did you see her designer purse?
"Do you know they go out to eat every Friday night and meet three other couples for drinks after their kids sporting events?"
"They go upnorth for the weekend and leave their teenagers home alone."
Later in the day, I was still talking about them. I noted how happy and carefree they seemed. They seemed to have so many friends. They seemed to have whatever they wanted and didn't seem to have any problems.
Now, my husband, a discerning christian man, calming points out to me that these very people I am so envious of, and want to aspire to be like (even if temporarily), are dead! "What is there to envy about death?"
I knew he was right. They were not saved individuals. They did not know Christ as their Savior. They seemed more carefree because they followed their own desires and fleshy wills. They did what they wanted, when they wanted, and however they wanted to do it because they answered to no one but themselves. I knew he was right but I still needed to wrestle with it in my mind a little longer. Maybe I just didn't want to let the fantasy go. Maybe I was trying to figure out a way to have Christ as my Lord and still have what they have.
God, as he always does, convicts me and then gently leads me to repentance. Then, after I have yielded my will back to him and humbly ask to be restored, he gives me an explanation. A piece of wisdom or understanding to reinforce what he is teaching me through the situation. For me, it usually happens when I am reading his word.
I have been reading a chapter a day in the Psalms. Today, Chapter 73 was up. By verse 2, I knew this was God's timing and God's personal words for me.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]
5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.
That's exactly how I was feeling. I almost, almost was willing to walk away from my faith for something that appeared to look better to me.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
I had acted bitterly toward God and my thinking was skewed and stupid. How awful of me to have forgotten what the love of a beautiful Lord is worth.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
What humility I felt knowing God did not hold my stupidity against me. He didn't leave me or forsake me even though I contemplated doing it to him. He gently reminded me of who he is, what he's done for me, and what it is worth. It is worth EVERYTHING!
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds
It is good to be near the Sovereign Lord!
It is easy to get enticed by the world and the things of the world, especially during a difficult time. I wanted to escape the current situation our family finds itself in at the moment. I wanted relief. I wanted to be someone else. I got tangled up and saw an escape route. I thought I'd take it instead of sticking it out like God wanted me to do.
I've discovered it's hot here in the fire of refinement but God has reminded me it is worth it!
He has kept me, restored me, renewed me, guided me, showed me the permanent relief yet to come, and the glory yet to be revealed!
I will tell of all your deeds!
This wasn't always the case, but, in recent years my life has gravitated away from a full time work schedule, a full time social schedule, and a full time 'me' schedule. Most days, I am very happy with my life as it evolves into what God has in store for me. But, I admit there are days I think I am missing out on something.
These feelings came out this past weekend as I talked with others at a funeral, of all places. While we waited for the family to return from the burial for the lunch that was to be served, we caught up with friends we hadn't seen in quite sometime. Former colleagues of mine, and their spouses. As I listened to their exciting stories and escapades, I started to feel a little envious.
It seems as my husband and I were trudging along raising children, everyone else was having the time of their life doing all sorts of things. Needless to say, most of my peers are ready to become empty nesters in the next few years, while our youngest is only two. They are beginning the process of pulling away from their children (or children pulling away from them - depending on whom you are talking to) and discovering what they like to do as a couple free from the daily routine of child rearing.
I used the phrase earlier, "trudging along" because it just seems like for the last few years it's been a tough road. Teenagers can make life difficult at times and so can a 2 year old. There always seems to be a temper tantrum going on, a rebellion that has to be squashed, or all our energy is needed to prevent someone from doing something too bad or getting too hurt. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming.
Apparently, life was feeling a little burdensome on my end this weekend but as I talked with my long lost friends, Oh, I sensed they didn't experience any burden. Envy set in. The entire ride home all I talked about was how good they had it.
My husband was very patience with me as I pointed out things.
"Did you see her designer purse?
"Do you know they go out to eat every Friday night and meet three other couples for drinks after their kids sporting events?"
"They go upnorth for the weekend and leave their teenagers home alone."
Later in the day, I was still talking about them. I noted how happy and carefree they seemed. They seemed to have so many friends. They seemed to have whatever they wanted and didn't seem to have any problems.
Now, my husband, a discerning christian man, calming points out to me that these very people I am so envious of, and want to aspire to be like (even if temporarily), are dead! "What is there to envy about death?"
I knew he was right. They were not saved individuals. They did not know Christ as their Savior. They seemed more carefree because they followed their own desires and fleshy wills. They did what they wanted, when they wanted, and however they wanted to do it because they answered to no one but themselves. I knew he was right but I still needed to wrestle with it in my mind a little longer. Maybe I just didn't want to let the fantasy go. Maybe I was trying to figure out a way to have Christ as my Lord and still have what they have.
God, as he always does, convicts me and then gently leads me to repentance. Then, after I have yielded my will back to him and humbly ask to be restored, he gives me an explanation. A piece of wisdom or understanding to reinforce what he is teaching me through the situation. For me, it usually happens when I am reading his word.
I have been reading a chapter a day in the Psalms. Today, Chapter 73 was up. By verse 2, I knew this was God's timing and God's personal words for me.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]
5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.
That's exactly how I was feeling. I almost, almost was willing to walk away from my faith for something that appeared to look better to me.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
I had acted bitterly toward God and my thinking was skewed and stupid. How awful of me to have forgotten what the love of a beautiful Lord is worth.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
What humility I felt knowing God did not hold my stupidity against me. He didn't leave me or forsake me even though I contemplated doing it to him. He gently reminded me of who he is, what he's done for me, and what it is worth. It is worth EVERYTHING!
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds
It is good to be near the Sovereign Lord!
It is easy to get enticed by the world and the things of the world, especially during a difficult time. I wanted to escape the current situation our family finds itself in at the moment. I wanted relief. I wanted to be someone else. I got tangled up and saw an escape route. I thought I'd take it instead of sticking it out like God wanted me to do.
I've discovered it's hot here in the fire of refinement but God has reminded me it is worth it!
He has kept me, restored me, renewed me, guided me, showed me the permanent relief yet to come, and the glory yet to be revealed!
I will tell of all your deeds!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Answer to Prayer
Our family is working through a difficult time. One day I broke down before my Lord and asked why. Why our family? Why now? Why us? I poured my heart out to him and laid my burden at his feet but I still wanted answers. I still wanted to know if there was a purpose in all of this. If there was a reason the circumstances will play out this particular way.
God was faithful and provided an answer to my prayer in the story of the blind man found in the book of John, chapter 9, of the bible. It came to me in two parts. The first part was for me. I knew it was God's answer as soon as I read it.
The second part was for another person in my family and it came as I read this story to a family member out loud. As I read, I expected the same revelation of understanding to be given (found in verses 1-3) that gave me so much peace but it wasn't until the end of the story that the revelation of peace came to the other person. I knew, too, as soon as I read verses 35-38 that this is the part of the message God wanted this person to have.
John 9:1-3
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
There was a purpose! God was going to take a life and change it through these circumstances! As a result, God's work would be displayed in this person's life for others to see and marvel at the transformation. This process may be quick, but I am more inclined to think, it will be a long process. But, it started here, in this circumstance, at this point in time. This is the defining moment that will bring about the work of God in this life.
I, also, believe how I handle the situation will display the work of God already taken place in my own life. He has prepared me for this time. He gives me strength now. He holds me up and gives me joy and peace in the midst of the difficult time. The work of God in me will be evident to those around me as they see me rise above the circumstance with hope and grace. Thank you Lord.
John 9:35-38
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
I believe that Jesus wants to reveal himself through these circumstances in a very intimate way to some who have never thought to look for him or have not yet found him. I don't believe he caused the situation but he allowed it, and there is heavenly purpose. Souls will meet the life source of our Living Lord and Savior and be saved and transformed! These very souls, made alive in Christ, will testify to the goodness of God's grace to others. It's all part of the great story of how God draws men onto himself.
How can I rebel against the work of God? I can't. I must rely on him for strength and continued grace to see us through. I trust in his promises and his love, but more importantly, in his power to turn this around for his purpose.
God was faithful and provided an answer to my prayer in the story of the blind man found in the book of John, chapter 9, of the bible. It came to me in two parts. The first part was for me. I knew it was God's answer as soon as I read it.
The second part was for another person in my family and it came as I read this story to a family member out loud. As I read, I expected the same revelation of understanding to be given (found in verses 1-3) that gave me so much peace but it wasn't until the end of the story that the revelation of peace came to the other person. I knew, too, as soon as I read verses 35-38 that this is the part of the message God wanted this person to have.
John 9:1-3
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
There was a purpose! God was going to take a life and change it through these circumstances! As a result, God's work would be displayed in this person's life for others to see and marvel at the transformation. This process may be quick, but I am more inclined to think, it will be a long process. But, it started here, in this circumstance, at this point in time. This is the defining moment that will bring about the work of God in this life.
I, also, believe how I handle the situation will display the work of God already taken place in my own life. He has prepared me for this time. He gives me strength now. He holds me up and gives me joy and peace in the midst of the difficult time. The work of God in me will be evident to those around me as they see me rise above the circumstance with hope and grace. Thank you Lord.
John 9:35-38
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
I believe that Jesus wants to reveal himself through these circumstances in a very intimate way to some who have never thought to look for him or have not yet found him. I don't believe he caused the situation but he allowed it, and there is heavenly purpose. Souls will meet the life source of our Living Lord and Savior and be saved and transformed! These very souls, made alive in Christ, will testify to the goodness of God's grace to others. It's all part of the great story of how God draws men onto himself.
How can I rebel against the work of God? I can't. I must rely on him for strength and continued grace to see us through. I trust in his promises and his love, but more importantly, in his power to turn this around for his purpose.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Blueberries or M&M's?
Have you ever noticed that foods that are naturally blue, red, and yellow are all good for you and encouraged to be a huge part of your daily diet but foods that are artificially colored blue, red, and yellow are usually very bad for you?
Compare blueberries and blue M&M's. One is a super food that improves your health and increases your energy. The other is a deceiving calorie packed, energy depleting snack that looks pretty but isn't at all good for us.
This reminds me that sometimes as Christians we settle for worldly things that appear to be life affirming but turn out to disappoint us in the end and are actually not good for us at all, instead of choosing the things of God which can be trusted to be exactly what we need, every time.
Don't be deceived by the shiny package of lies that the world uses to lure us away from God and his true life affirming gifts.
Compare blueberries and blue M&M's. One is a super food that improves your health and increases your energy. The other is a deceiving calorie packed, energy depleting snack that looks pretty but isn't at all good for us.
This reminds me that sometimes as Christians we settle for worldly things that appear to be life affirming but turn out to disappoint us in the end and are actually not good for us at all, instead of choosing the things of God which can be trusted to be exactly what we need, every time.
Don't be deceived by the shiny package of lies that the world uses to lure us away from God and his true life affirming gifts.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Fear and Ineffectiveness
I read these words this morning and wrote them down in my journal.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
This afternoon I was completing an application for a class I want to take through our church called Character Development. One of the questions on the application ask, 'why do you want to take this class?'. I wrote down four reasons, and it's reasons number three and four that reminded me of this verse from this morning.
Reason # 3: I feel Satan still uses my past to attack me and frustrate my usefulness for Christ. So, although I am afraid to be honest, I recognize the need to bring it to light so it can't be used against me in secret anymore.
Reason # 4: I don't want to hide behind a mask of who I think others want me to be. I want to be real.
Most of my adult life, I have hid my true self because I was afraid if people really knew me they wouldn't like me. My greatest fear has always been abandonment and it is deeply rooted since my childhood.
I really don't know how the class works but I have heard from others that it is pretty heavy stuff. They apparently take you all the way back to your childhood to understand how you were shaped and how that affects you today. I have heard that every week there is a woman crying and that you have to share some pretty personal things. Well, you can just imagine my fear. I have joked with others that I couldn't possibly take the class because I would take up the entire class myself or I'd be crying every week.
Under my cover of indifference through self depreciation, is really a great fear of being discovered. I have not been 100% sure if I am ready to exposed all those carefully hidden secrets, reopen old wounds, or put myself in such a vulnerable position. I alternate between thinking 'I can do it' to 'no, I can't'. I went as far as to request the application to at least see what it looked like, and find out what kind of questions they would ask. It wasn't anything too earth shattering, and it definitely did not give me any indication what to expect from the class itself, and yet, I sobbed as I tried to fill it out.
Do you know why I sobbed? It's not because of what you might think but rather because I saw for the first time how Satan had lied to me for most of my life with whispers that I was not good enough for God, or others, to love me. I had bought Satan's lie, and I had spent a lot of energy, for years, pretending to be on the outside who I thought I should be, and concealing the real me out of fear of being abandoned and left alone. This fear kept me believing that God couldn't love me and so I didn't pursue a relationship with him.
I cried because of the time lost being separated from a loving Father. My mind could actually go back through time, as if rewinding a video tape, to a specific moment in time; years earlier, to the beginning of buying the lie. My mind quickly worked it's way forward through time to the point when the lie started to lose it's power over me. It was like marking two spots on a timeline. I knew exactly when I bought the lie and I knew how long I held on to it. As I traveled in my mind, back and forth over those years, rewinding and fast forwarding the metaphoric video, I grieved over time lost and I felt cheated and robbed of how the first half of my life could have been!
Have you ever given something away only to find yourself in possession of it again? Well, I realized today, I am, at times, in possession of the lie even though I gave it away. It seems to keep coming back. Do you know why? Because Satan knows he can still hurt me with it. As long as I keep the catalyst hidden from others, he can use it against me. He can continue to get me to believe that I am not good enough. Even though I know better, and I have been reconciled to God through grace, Satan knows I have been hesitant to share with others those same things I have shared with God. The fear of others knowing, the fear of being judged, and the fear of being abandoned cause me to be ineffective for Christ at times.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
God is calling me to be made perfect through his perfect love. To trust him like never before. To take a risk, to face my fears, to be real with another person. He wants to show me that his perfect love is sufficient to release me and set me free to soar! I am thinking if I share with another Christian, and can be loved, despite (which can only happen because of the love of Christ), then Satan can no longer hold me captive in this area. This will help me with reasons number one and two on why I want to take this class.
Reason # 1: To be an effective Christ follower.
Reason # 2: To be an effective teacher for my children and any woman God brings into my life to mentor.
God is good!
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
This afternoon I was completing an application for a class I want to take through our church called Character Development. One of the questions on the application ask, 'why do you want to take this class?'. I wrote down four reasons, and it's reasons number three and four that reminded me of this verse from this morning.
Reason # 3: I feel Satan still uses my past to attack me and frustrate my usefulness for Christ. So, although I am afraid to be honest, I recognize the need to bring it to light so it can't be used against me in secret anymore.
Reason # 4: I don't want to hide behind a mask of who I think others want me to be. I want to be real.
Most of my adult life, I have hid my true self because I was afraid if people really knew me they wouldn't like me. My greatest fear has always been abandonment and it is deeply rooted since my childhood.
I really don't know how the class works but I have heard from others that it is pretty heavy stuff. They apparently take you all the way back to your childhood to understand how you were shaped and how that affects you today. I have heard that every week there is a woman crying and that you have to share some pretty personal things. Well, you can just imagine my fear. I have joked with others that I couldn't possibly take the class because I would take up the entire class myself or I'd be crying every week.
Under my cover of indifference through self depreciation, is really a great fear of being discovered. I have not been 100% sure if I am ready to exposed all those carefully hidden secrets, reopen old wounds, or put myself in such a vulnerable position. I alternate between thinking 'I can do it' to 'no, I can't'. I went as far as to request the application to at least see what it looked like, and find out what kind of questions they would ask. It wasn't anything too earth shattering, and it definitely did not give me any indication what to expect from the class itself, and yet, I sobbed as I tried to fill it out.
Do you know why I sobbed? It's not because of what you might think but rather because I saw for the first time how Satan had lied to me for most of my life with whispers that I was not good enough for God, or others, to love me. I had bought Satan's lie, and I had spent a lot of energy, for years, pretending to be on the outside who I thought I should be, and concealing the real me out of fear of being abandoned and left alone. This fear kept me believing that God couldn't love me and so I didn't pursue a relationship with him.
I cried because of the time lost being separated from a loving Father. My mind could actually go back through time, as if rewinding a video tape, to a specific moment in time; years earlier, to the beginning of buying the lie. My mind quickly worked it's way forward through time to the point when the lie started to lose it's power over me. It was like marking two spots on a timeline. I knew exactly when I bought the lie and I knew how long I held on to it. As I traveled in my mind, back and forth over those years, rewinding and fast forwarding the metaphoric video, I grieved over time lost and I felt cheated and robbed of how the first half of my life could have been!
Have you ever given something away only to find yourself in possession of it again? Well, I realized today, I am, at times, in possession of the lie even though I gave it away. It seems to keep coming back. Do you know why? Because Satan knows he can still hurt me with it. As long as I keep the catalyst hidden from others, he can use it against me. He can continue to get me to believe that I am not good enough. Even though I know better, and I have been reconciled to God through grace, Satan knows I have been hesitant to share with others those same things I have shared with God. The fear of others knowing, the fear of being judged, and the fear of being abandoned cause me to be ineffective for Christ at times.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
God is calling me to be made perfect through his perfect love. To trust him like never before. To take a risk, to face my fears, to be real with another person. He wants to show me that his perfect love is sufficient to release me and set me free to soar! I am thinking if I share with another Christian, and can be loved, despite (which can only happen because of the love of Christ), then Satan can no longer hold me captive in this area. This will help me with reasons number one and two on why I want to take this class.
Reason # 1: To be an effective Christ follower.
Reason # 2: To be an effective teacher for my children and any woman God brings into my life to mentor.
God is good!
Monday, August 9, 2010
We Don't Love Children, We Love Drywall
We Don't Love Children, We Love Drywall
I found this blog post on another website that promotes Beautiful Womanhood at http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/ that was so good I had to share it.
I found this blog post on another website that promotes Beautiful Womanhood at http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/ that was so good I had to share it.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Friends For the Journey
A dear friend of mine recently borrowed a book to me to read to my daughters. The Evergreen Wood by Alan and Linda Parry is an adaptation of The Pilgrim's Progress for children.
I read once that The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyon was the second best selling book of all time, after the bible, so I was very excited to read this to them.
As I read the final chapters to them today, I found myself learning a valuable lesson about the importance of perseverance and the role christian friends play in finishing the race. The race, of course, is the life of faith that leads to salvation and eternal life with Christ.
The road is long, the gate narrow. The journey is sometimes difficult, and we easily become lost, finding ourselves in a heap of trouble or danger, not seeing the way out. We need friends in our life who are on the same path as us, going in the same direction, with the same focus and end goal as we have, to support us along the way. We sometimes need encouragement, other times warnings, advice, a helping hand, or a buddy to help navigate the dark waters of life.
As a married woman, the greatest ally I have in my christian walk of faith is my husband, and I, his greatest ally. As I read the pages of this book out loud to my children, my own eyes teared up at the realization of how much I really need my husband, and how much he needs me.
We are companions to each other, partners in building a life and home together, co-parents of our children, partners in ministry, etc. but no greater calling is put upon us than to help the other become all that Christ intended them to be, and to help the other preserve faithfully to the end, where glory and honor and everlasting peace and joy await us both.
In the big picture of our life together, this our calling to each other, our high commitment, our vow - not to leave the other vulnerable to the enemy and jeopardize their faith. I am so thankful that my husband is a lover of Christ, and because he is, I am blessed in so many ways. My husband prays for me and the children everyday. We read the bible together. We try and live our lives in obedience to God the best we know how.
We are sinners, and fallen creatures, just like everyone else, the results of such are sometimes devastating and hurtful. It is sometimes difficult to rise above the problems of the day, but when we do, we are reminded of the vow and the end goal. Amazing forgiveness, patience, and love can be freely given despite the circumstances of the day when the heart, mind, and desires of Christ are also ours.
I heard a guest speaker on a radio program yesterday (Family Life Today) talk about praying for your spouse with just these simple words.
For a woman praying for her husband: Lord, help me hear him, support him, and serve him.
For a man praying for his wife: Lord, help me hear her, cherish her, and serve her.
I just heard this prayer yesterday but I have been praying it in my mind over and over ever since. I think the insight I received from this children's book today, is God answering my prayer, by allowing me to see my husband in a different light. Reminding me not to forget what his ultimate purpose is as my husband, nor what my purpose is as his wife.
Marriage, God's institution, is much more than what we look at it as on any given day. It's more than tax breaks, the splitting of duties, sharing the burden, or whatever else modern culture would like to define it as. God's institution has eternal implications for believers. We'd be wise not to lose sight of that, especially in the culture that we live in today.
I'd like to thank my dear friend for sharing this book with me. I am glad you are walking with me on this journey toward heaven, too. I need you and I am so grateful our lives have touched in this world.
To all my friends in Christ, I love you and I am thankful for your examples, your support, your weaknesses, and your love. May we all persevere to the end, and rejoice together as we sit at the banquet of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in heaven someday. Just imagine how much intimacy and love we will be able to have for each other in heaven! What joy awaits us!
I read once that The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyon was the second best selling book of all time, after the bible, so I was very excited to read this to them.
As I read the final chapters to them today, I found myself learning a valuable lesson about the importance of perseverance and the role christian friends play in finishing the race. The race, of course, is the life of faith that leads to salvation and eternal life with Christ.
The road is long, the gate narrow. The journey is sometimes difficult, and we easily become lost, finding ourselves in a heap of trouble or danger, not seeing the way out. We need friends in our life who are on the same path as us, going in the same direction, with the same focus and end goal as we have, to support us along the way. We sometimes need encouragement, other times warnings, advice, a helping hand, or a buddy to help navigate the dark waters of life.
As a married woman, the greatest ally I have in my christian walk of faith is my husband, and I, his greatest ally. As I read the pages of this book out loud to my children, my own eyes teared up at the realization of how much I really need my husband, and how much he needs me.
We are companions to each other, partners in building a life and home together, co-parents of our children, partners in ministry, etc. but no greater calling is put upon us than to help the other become all that Christ intended them to be, and to help the other preserve faithfully to the end, where glory and honor and everlasting peace and joy await us both.
In the big picture of our life together, this our calling to each other, our high commitment, our vow - not to leave the other vulnerable to the enemy and jeopardize their faith. I am so thankful that my husband is a lover of Christ, and because he is, I am blessed in so many ways. My husband prays for me and the children everyday. We read the bible together. We try and live our lives in obedience to God the best we know how.
We are sinners, and fallen creatures, just like everyone else, the results of such are sometimes devastating and hurtful. It is sometimes difficult to rise above the problems of the day, but when we do, we are reminded of the vow and the end goal. Amazing forgiveness, patience, and love can be freely given despite the circumstances of the day when the heart, mind, and desires of Christ are also ours.
I heard a guest speaker on a radio program yesterday (Family Life Today) talk about praying for your spouse with just these simple words.
For a woman praying for her husband: Lord, help me hear him, support him, and serve him.
For a man praying for his wife: Lord, help me hear her, cherish her, and serve her.
I just heard this prayer yesterday but I have been praying it in my mind over and over ever since. I think the insight I received from this children's book today, is God answering my prayer, by allowing me to see my husband in a different light. Reminding me not to forget what his ultimate purpose is as my husband, nor what my purpose is as his wife.
Marriage, God's institution, is much more than what we look at it as on any given day. It's more than tax breaks, the splitting of duties, sharing the burden, or whatever else modern culture would like to define it as. God's institution has eternal implications for believers. We'd be wise not to lose sight of that, especially in the culture that we live in today.
I'd like to thank my dear friend for sharing this book with me. I am glad you are walking with me on this journey toward heaven, too. I need you and I am so grateful our lives have touched in this world.
To all my friends in Christ, I love you and I am thankful for your examples, your support, your weaknesses, and your love. May we all persevere to the end, and rejoice together as we sit at the banquet of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in heaven someday. Just imagine how much intimacy and love we will be able to have for each other in heaven! What joy awaits us!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Summer Vacation - Road Trip
We're back from our road trip vacation where we logged over 3000 road miles with three kids ages 16,12,2 and survived! We went to Minnesota first for a family wedding, then on to De Smet, SD to the Laura Ingalls Homestead (my favorite), to Rapid City, SD (Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Bear Country, Custer State Park, Ironwood & Needles Highways), to Cody, WY, and Yellowstone National Park.
We weathered tornado warnings, hunkering down with other guest in the hotel's main floor where we were staying until the storm passed.
We surveyed the damage as we drove through the path of the storm the next day. There were trees and branches down through the entire state of Minnesota and very wet conditions.
We experienced temperatures reaching 102 degrees in some cities on our trip. Dry heat they tell us is better than the humid heat we are use to, but hot is still hot in my book.
I am afraid of heights. Let me rephrase that, I am desperately afraid of heights. Driving through the mountains, with steep grades and drastic drop offs, was a life threatening experience for me. I was in tears at times driving through the Buckhorn mountains to Cody, WY. I should have known better when the highway signs approaching the route we were going to take offered up another route that was safer with less grade. Seriously, there were three billboard sized signs suggesting another route. I begged my husband to heed the signs. He finally did - on the return trip! I had to endure the unsafe route on the trip to Yellowstone but we took the alternate on the way home. I have no pictures of the trip west through the Buckhorns because I was glued to the middle of the car and both of my hands were hanging on for dear life. Now, I know why they put those little handles above the window in the Jeep doors. I was petrified!
Our second night in our cabin (in the wooded mountains right outside of the East entrance to Yellowstone and an hour away from the next town),a ten minute rain spell produced one lightening bolt that hit the transformer that powered our cabin and the lodge that supported us. Did I mention this happened right at dinner time. Remember, the next town is 60 minutes away, the territory is mountainous and curvy, and the route not one I want to drive too often, much less in the dark. I was slightly worried I might not get an evening meal. However, we had a perfect dinner in the dark with the other guest. They were able to grill anything we wanted because that required gas, not electricity. Worked out ok.
During the power outage, everyone sat outside where it was lighter, so we all either saw or heard the car accident that happened at the end of the lodge driveway. Everyone was ok although they did take the pregnant lady to the ER to make sure. It was quite the night of excitement for the girls.
At one of our stop over cities on the drive home, we had interesting pool guests. A couple, ex-hippies, I'm guessing, spent the entire day in a routine that looked like this. Drink a can of beer while sitting at the table, go outside and smoke a cigarette, dive in pool and swim three laps, hug each other a few times, slide the cooler to the hot tub and enjoy beer and hot tub, slide cooler back to table, enjoy another beer, go outside for a cigarette, etc. This went on like clockwork all day. Oh, there was the minor interruptions when the guy had to take the cooler back to the hotel room to restock the supply, otherwise the routine was fairly consistent. To me, it just looked like a death sentence waiting to happen. I could not have survived it myself.
Thank God for my husband's laptop and a million DVDs checked out from the local library! Keeping the two year old entertained was critical in preventing her from kicking her sisters in the face every five minutes. In a car seat, the only thing she could really move was her arms or legs. So, kicking and pulling hair helped her pass the time. You can just imagine how well teenage girls handle shoes to the face and their hair being messed up. Now, that I think about it, it was funny. At the time though, not so funny.
Anyway, all kidding aside, we had an amazing trip. We were blessed to see God's beautiful country, the diversity in landscape, the clouds form into storms, and meet people from all over the United States and Canada. It was truly a memorable experience. I'm a history buff and there's so much history in the towns we traveled through to see and experience firsthand. However, as a Christian we had to filter out all the references to evolutionary theory and the suggestion that it took millions of years to form some of the things we saw. How about one major flood caused by God's anger at the world?
It's really beneficial to get the kids out into God's world and out from behind a textbook for a while. We were able to see things we had learned about in books and they came alive for us in a whole new way.
Hope you all are having an educational, relaxing, interesting, exciting summer vacation yourself.
We weathered tornado warnings, hunkering down with other guest in the hotel's main floor where we were staying until the storm passed.
We surveyed the damage as we drove through the path of the storm the next day. There were trees and branches down through the entire state of Minnesota and very wet conditions.
We experienced temperatures reaching 102 degrees in some cities on our trip. Dry heat they tell us is better than the humid heat we are use to, but hot is still hot in my book.
I am afraid of heights. Let me rephrase that, I am desperately afraid of heights. Driving through the mountains, with steep grades and drastic drop offs, was a life threatening experience for me. I was in tears at times driving through the Buckhorn mountains to Cody, WY. I should have known better when the highway signs approaching the route we were going to take offered up another route that was safer with less grade. Seriously, there were three billboard sized signs suggesting another route. I begged my husband to heed the signs. He finally did - on the return trip! I had to endure the unsafe route on the trip to Yellowstone but we took the alternate on the way home. I have no pictures of the trip west through the Buckhorns because I was glued to the middle of the car and both of my hands were hanging on for dear life. Now, I know why they put those little handles above the window in the Jeep doors. I was petrified!
Our second night in our cabin (in the wooded mountains right outside of the East entrance to Yellowstone and an hour away from the next town),a ten minute rain spell produced one lightening bolt that hit the transformer that powered our cabin and the lodge that supported us. Did I mention this happened right at dinner time. Remember, the next town is 60 minutes away, the territory is mountainous and curvy, and the route not one I want to drive too often, much less in the dark. I was slightly worried I might not get an evening meal. However, we had a perfect dinner in the dark with the other guest. They were able to grill anything we wanted because that required gas, not electricity. Worked out ok.
During the power outage, everyone sat outside where it was lighter, so we all either saw or heard the car accident that happened at the end of the lodge driveway. Everyone was ok although they did take the pregnant lady to the ER to make sure. It was quite the night of excitement for the girls.
At one of our stop over cities on the drive home, we had interesting pool guests. A couple, ex-hippies, I'm guessing, spent the entire day in a routine that looked like this. Drink a can of beer while sitting at the table, go outside and smoke a cigarette, dive in pool and swim three laps, hug each other a few times, slide the cooler to the hot tub and enjoy beer and hot tub, slide cooler back to table, enjoy another beer, go outside for a cigarette, etc. This went on like clockwork all day. Oh, there was the minor interruptions when the guy had to take the cooler back to the hotel room to restock the supply, otherwise the routine was fairly consistent. To me, it just looked like a death sentence waiting to happen. I could not have survived it myself.
Thank God for my husband's laptop and a million DVDs checked out from the local library! Keeping the two year old entertained was critical in preventing her from kicking her sisters in the face every five minutes. In a car seat, the only thing she could really move was her arms or legs. So, kicking and pulling hair helped her pass the time. You can just imagine how well teenage girls handle shoes to the face and their hair being messed up. Now, that I think about it, it was funny. At the time though, not so funny.
Anyway, all kidding aside, we had an amazing trip. We were blessed to see God's beautiful country, the diversity in landscape, the clouds form into storms, and meet people from all over the United States and Canada. It was truly a memorable experience. I'm a history buff and there's so much history in the towns we traveled through to see and experience firsthand. However, as a Christian we had to filter out all the references to evolutionary theory and the suggestion that it took millions of years to form some of the things we saw. How about one major flood caused by God's anger at the world?
It's really beneficial to get the kids out into God's world and out from behind a textbook for a while. We were able to see things we had learned about in books and they came alive for us in a whole new way.
Hope you all are having an educational, relaxing, interesting, exciting summer vacation yourself.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Why Homsechool? - An article explains for me.
Below is an encouraging article published in the Homeschooling Helper email I subscribe to that describes perfectly the reason we decided to homeschool. We can give you a list of reasons that we have discovered through our process to get here but the only one that truly matters is the fact that God has called us to it. This article explains it much better than I could ever do. Only he knows the plans he has for us.
The Compelling Purpose of Homeschooling
By Carole Adams
From the Homeschooling Helper
Parents choose to bring their children home for many reasons, which increase as secularism's rising tide assaults the family, children, and the nature of American education. When a neighbor asks why you homeschool, it is often difficult to state one major reason your family decided to create a handmade school when the neighborhood schools are "free" and convenient. Sometimes the quizzical looks remain in your mind, particularly on days when educating your children seems harder than other days.
The Real Reason Your root motivation to homeschool is the only sustaining reason to continue; you are educating by God's providence-by His calling, His preparation, and His purpose. What our faithful Father calls forth, He faithfully enables. He has led your family off destruction's path to a higher, often challenging, route for His supreme and eternal purpose.
The theme in the May/June 2010 issue of Homeschooling Today is the ark-the metaphor for God's move in this generation to bring millions of families "into the ark" of educational preservation. How exciting to be part of this historically significant movement. We cannot yet know the greater plan; however, like the sons of Issachar, we can see the signs of the times.
You and the Ark "But with thee, will I establish my covenant, and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. . . . Thus did Noah: according to all that God commanded him, so did he" (Genesis 6:18 and 22). God called Noah to build the ark, and He prepared Noah with specific instructions on a timeline. Noah was aware of God's requirements (like you when you began homeschooling). The Scripture says he was righteous and "walked with" God. Was it only to reward Noah that God called him and made His covenant with him? I don't believe so, because God always works generationally within His purpose for man's redemption. Noah knew he was playing a role in a larger purpose. In this case, the necessity of eradicating the overwhelming evil in the world imposed the equal necessity of saving a remnant. God's purpose of preserving righteousness from the "waters of the flood" remains today. Your homeschool, like Noah's ark, is an instrument in the great design of the Gospel; it is God's purpose in this generation.
That idea is large enough to sustain home-educating parents. We cannot maintain the effort only for escaping a hostile culture; the effort is too arduous and lonely. Let's consider the definition of ark.
Ark: "A small close vessel, chest or coffer, such as that which was the repository of the tables of the covenant among the Jews. . . . The vessel in which Moses was set afloat upon the Nile was an ark of bulrushes. 2. The large floating vessel, in which Noah and his family were preserved during the deluge" (Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary).
The imagery is inspiring! Your homeschool is a repository of the covenant and a vessel to preserve it. The word preserve raises further questions. What exactly is God preserving? A look again at the definition gives further understanding:
Preserve: "To keep or save from injury or destruction; to defend from evil. 2. To uphold; to sustain. 3. To save from decay; to keep in a sound state; as, to preserve fruit in winter. Salt is used to preserve meat. 5. To keep or defend from corruption; as, to preserve youth from vice" (Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary).
"And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood" (Genesis 7:6-8).
Preserving What God Values
Your homeschooling preserves the words of the covenant when you teach them to your children. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NKJV). Jesus, God's instrument to redeem mankind, stands quietly at the center of this generation, misunderstood and often unnoticed, but nevertheless, the dominant figure in history for the past twenty centuries. In Jesus alone, your children will find answers to the confounding questions of life. He alone satisfies the soul's awesome need for relevance, meaning, and completion at the deepest level. You have the calling, preparation, and purpose to preserve the covenant by teaching Jesus-the Word of God and the Bread of Life-to your children.
Noah Webster, in his 1823 "Letter to a Young Gentleman Concerning His Education," says the "first questions a rational being should ask himself, are Who made me? Why was I made? What is my duty? The proper answers to these questions, and the practical results, constitute . . . the whole business of life." He explains further that God's Word alone can give answers to life questions. Jesus alone has the proven ability to speak to, heal, and empower the individual to wholeness, strength, eternity, and the life we hunger for-the life that makes sense of human existence.
The Ark's Promise
"The Lord will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5 NKJV). As the old preacher says, we know the end of the story because we've read the book; it ends in victory! There is certainty in God's Word. It remains forever and never changes when trends, fads, styles, and fashions fade away. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV).
This is the surety of the covenant when life is unsure. Your homeschool's mission is generational, Gospel-driven, far-reaching, and full of promise. Do your children know what they are part of? Do they understand that they are preserving the covenant for the ages? Do they realize that beyond grammar and penmanship they have a story to tell about God's providence in their lives?
Introduce your children to Noah Webster, father of American Christian education, and let them grapple with the three questions he says are the "whole business of life." Something happens to us when we lift our eyes unto the hills toward God's governance of the universe and His perspective. Give your children this view and your homeschooling daily business will be elevated to a true mission, cooperating with the Holy Spirit according to God's purpose in your family. Your homeschool is an ark in this generation. God calls you, prepares you, and gives you a purpose. Count it a privilege!
The Compelling Purpose of Homeschooling
By Carole Adams
From the Homeschooling Helper
Parents choose to bring their children home for many reasons, which increase as secularism's rising tide assaults the family, children, and the nature of American education. When a neighbor asks why you homeschool, it is often difficult to state one major reason your family decided to create a handmade school when the neighborhood schools are "free" and convenient. Sometimes the quizzical looks remain in your mind, particularly on days when educating your children seems harder than other days.
The Real Reason Your root motivation to homeschool is the only sustaining reason to continue; you are educating by God's providence-by His calling, His preparation, and His purpose. What our faithful Father calls forth, He faithfully enables. He has led your family off destruction's path to a higher, often challenging, route for His supreme and eternal purpose.
The theme in the May/June 2010 issue of Homeschooling Today is the ark-the metaphor for God's move in this generation to bring millions of families "into the ark" of educational preservation. How exciting to be part of this historically significant movement. We cannot yet know the greater plan; however, like the sons of Issachar, we can see the signs of the times.
You and the Ark "But with thee, will I establish my covenant, and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. . . . Thus did Noah: according to all that God commanded him, so did he" (Genesis 6:18 and 22). God called Noah to build the ark, and He prepared Noah with specific instructions on a timeline. Noah was aware of God's requirements (like you when you began homeschooling). The Scripture says he was righteous and "walked with" God. Was it only to reward Noah that God called him and made His covenant with him? I don't believe so, because God always works generationally within His purpose for man's redemption. Noah knew he was playing a role in a larger purpose. In this case, the necessity of eradicating the overwhelming evil in the world imposed the equal necessity of saving a remnant. God's purpose of preserving righteousness from the "waters of the flood" remains today. Your homeschool, like Noah's ark, is an instrument in the great design of the Gospel; it is God's purpose in this generation.
That idea is large enough to sustain home-educating parents. We cannot maintain the effort only for escaping a hostile culture; the effort is too arduous and lonely. Let's consider the definition of ark.
Ark: "A small close vessel, chest or coffer, such as that which was the repository of the tables of the covenant among the Jews. . . . The vessel in which Moses was set afloat upon the Nile was an ark of bulrushes. 2. The large floating vessel, in which Noah and his family were preserved during the deluge" (Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary).
The imagery is inspiring! Your homeschool is a repository of the covenant and a vessel to preserve it. The word preserve raises further questions. What exactly is God preserving? A look again at the definition gives further understanding:
Preserve: "To keep or save from injury or destruction; to defend from evil. 2. To uphold; to sustain. 3. To save from decay; to keep in a sound state; as, to preserve fruit in winter. Salt is used to preserve meat. 5. To keep or defend from corruption; as, to preserve youth from vice" (Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary).
"And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood" (Genesis 7:6-8).
Preserving What God Values
Your homeschooling preserves the words of the covenant when you teach them to your children. "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NKJV). Jesus, God's instrument to redeem mankind, stands quietly at the center of this generation, misunderstood and often unnoticed, but nevertheless, the dominant figure in history for the past twenty centuries. In Jesus alone, your children will find answers to the confounding questions of life. He alone satisfies the soul's awesome need for relevance, meaning, and completion at the deepest level. You have the calling, preparation, and purpose to preserve the covenant by teaching Jesus-the Word of God and the Bread of Life-to your children.
Noah Webster, in his 1823 "Letter to a Young Gentleman Concerning His Education," says the "first questions a rational being should ask himself, are Who made me? Why was I made? What is my duty? The proper answers to these questions, and the practical results, constitute . . . the whole business of life." He explains further that God's Word alone can give answers to life questions. Jesus alone has the proven ability to speak to, heal, and empower the individual to wholeness, strength, eternity, and the life we hunger for-the life that makes sense of human existence.
The Ark's Promise
"The Lord will be their light, and they will reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 22:5 NKJV). As the old preacher says, we know the end of the story because we've read the book; it ends in victory! There is certainty in God's Word. It remains forever and never changes when trends, fads, styles, and fashions fade away. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8 NKJV).
This is the surety of the covenant when life is unsure. Your homeschool's mission is generational, Gospel-driven, far-reaching, and full of promise. Do your children know what they are part of? Do they understand that they are preserving the covenant for the ages? Do they realize that beyond grammar and penmanship they have a story to tell about God's providence in their lives?
Introduce your children to Noah Webster, father of American Christian education, and let them grapple with the three questions he says are the "whole business of life." Something happens to us when we lift our eyes unto the hills toward God's governance of the universe and His perspective. Give your children this view and your homeschooling daily business will be elevated to a true mission, cooperating with the Holy Spirit according to God's purpose in your family. Your homeschool is an ark in this generation. God calls you, prepares you, and gives you a purpose. Count it a privilege!
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