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.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
I Am Persuaded
I Am Persuaded
Kelly Crawford writes a blog called Generation Cedar. Kelly's family lost their home in the tornado outbreak in Alabama. Here is her response to the tremendous outpouring of love her family and others are receiving from the body of Christ.
Kelly Crawford writes a blog called Generation Cedar. Kelly's family lost their home in the tornado outbreak in Alabama. Here is her response to the tremendous outpouring of love her family and others are receiving from the body of Christ.
A Poem About How To Live Your Life
Not – How did he die?
But – How did he live?
Not – What did he gain?
But – What did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man,
Regardless of birth.
Not – What was his station?
But – had he a heart?
And – How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready
With a word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to
Banish a tear?
Not – What was his shrine?
Nor – What was his creed?
But – Had he befriended those
Really in need?
Not – What did the sketch in
The newspaper say?
But – How many were sorry
When he passed away?
Anonymous
But – How did he live?
Not – What did he gain?
But – What did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man,
Regardless of birth.
Not – What was his station?
But – had he a heart?
And – How did he play his God-given part?
Was he ever ready
With a word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to
Banish a tear?
Not – What was his shrine?
Nor – What was his creed?
But – Had he befriended those
Really in need?
Not – What did the sketch in
The newspaper say?
But – How many were sorry
When he passed away?
Anonymous
Friday, April 29, 2011
Has it really been that long?
It's been two months since I last posted something on my blog. I didn't realize it had been so long until a few friends commented that I must be busy because when they check my site there's nothing new there.
First of all, I'm humbled to know someone cares about what I think and have to say, or have been touched in some way by something in my blog. Thank you for your ear and compassion toward me.
With that said, "Life sure is busy sometimes!" Isn't it?
Let's see what have I been up to lately. . .
As you know, our family got a little bigger this past February with the birth of our granddaughter, Aubriana. I've written and erased many lines here trying to convey the events surrounding the transition in our home and I still can't put my finger on how to relay those things to the public yet. It's been a challenge, an adjustment, but also a huge blessing.
Our youngest daughter started speech therapy in our home twice a week. There was an evaluation process to go through, doctors visits, school visits, etc. to get her in the program. She's doing great but it's another thing that has to be done.
We're still homeschooling and it was that time of the year to begin to think and plan for next year. That required a lot of time, thought, and prayer - above and beyond.
My daughter who is trying to complete her senior year while being a new mom was taking an on-line course which meant she had the computer more than I did.
My husband has been traveling a lot this year for work but we were able to take a wonderful trip to Chicago for a four day weekend by ourselves - no kids. That was much needed. I'm waiting for him to come home from Baltimore today.
In addition to my women's bible study, I began mentoring a friend of my daughter's who is searching for answers to questions like who is God, etc. The birth of our granddaughter has brought many people into our home and has opened up a lot of opportunity for us to share the gospel with others. I am amazed at how God brings people to us, we don't even need to leave our home.
On top of all of that, my mind has been mush lately. There is a lot going on in our lives and sometimes I can't take another thing into my brain much less formulate a clear statement on something for my blog. We've had a long winter here in Wisconsin and have been cooped up inside too long. I need to get out and get some exercise and clear this brain fog.
No excuses - just explaining what has been up in my life and I hope to get back in the swing of things soon.
I hope all is well with all of you. I'll be back soon - don't give up on me!
God's Blessings!
First of all, I'm humbled to know someone cares about what I think and have to say, or have been touched in some way by something in my blog. Thank you for your ear and compassion toward me.
With that said, "Life sure is busy sometimes!" Isn't it?
Let's see what have I been up to lately. . .
As you know, our family got a little bigger this past February with the birth of our granddaughter, Aubriana. I've written and erased many lines here trying to convey the events surrounding the transition in our home and I still can't put my finger on how to relay those things to the public yet. It's been a challenge, an adjustment, but also a huge blessing.
Our youngest daughter started speech therapy in our home twice a week. There was an evaluation process to go through, doctors visits, school visits, etc. to get her in the program. She's doing great but it's another thing that has to be done.
We're still homeschooling and it was that time of the year to begin to think and plan for next year. That required a lot of time, thought, and prayer - above and beyond.
My daughter who is trying to complete her senior year while being a new mom was taking an on-line course which meant she had the computer more than I did.
My husband has been traveling a lot this year for work but we were able to take a wonderful trip to Chicago for a four day weekend by ourselves - no kids. That was much needed. I'm waiting for him to come home from Baltimore today.
In addition to my women's bible study, I began mentoring a friend of my daughter's who is searching for answers to questions like who is God, etc. The birth of our granddaughter has brought many people into our home and has opened up a lot of opportunity for us to share the gospel with others. I am amazed at how God brings people to us, we don't even need to leave our home.
On top of all of that, my mind has been mush lately. There is a lot going on in our lives and sometimes I can't take another thing into my brain much less formulate a clear statement on something for my blog. We've had a long winter here in Wisconsin and have been cooped up inside too long. I need to get out and get some exercise and clear this brain fog.
No excuses - just explaining what has been up in my life and I hope to get back in the swing of things soon.
I hope all is well with all of you. I'll be back soon - don't give up on me!
God's Blessings!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)