Be imitators of God (copy Him and follow His example), as well-beloved children (imitate their father). And walk in love, (esteeming and delighting in one another) as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God. ~ Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP
So what does one do the day after the biggest day of the year? There seems to be a lull around our house...don't get me wrong, we had a wonderful day yesterday, but all the joy, happiness and sheer ear to ear love that you felt yesterday deep down in your heart just may have all but faded away today. It's time to get back to reality. Work. Kids. Bills. More Bills. Maybe unemployment. Housework. Stress. More or less we are like deflated balloons. So what do you do starting December 26th? I think Ephesians 5:1-2 tell us clearly and I think I may have to post it on the fridge as our verse for 2010. We are supposed to be imitators of God; which for one means remembering what the 25th of December is all about and sharing that with the rest of the beaten down world all year long. Somehow, someway we need to find a real sense of what we felt during the day before and drag it with us throughout the new year instead of thinking, "Thank goodness that's over." If it wasn't for the birth of our Lord, there would never have been any real meaning to this life and we would never have been able to save ourselves from our sin ridden lives and ways. The joy and kindness you feel around December 25th needs to be felt around July 25th.....and March and April and October and all the rest of the crazy months. We need that love and we need that hope and just maybe we can be the catalyst to turn someones life around not only at Christmas time, but all year long if we would only remember. ~
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Just There
Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ~ 1 Peter 5:9
Have you ever given real thought to what the devil wants to do to you? While this whole nation is enveloped in a recession that looks to have lasting results with little relief we need to be on our guard more than ever to recognize and understand that the devil wants nothing but the absolute worse for us and our families as we try to wade our way through this sea of economical turmoil. These are desperate times for some and we need to help them resist Satan's worldly sin laced ways of getting through these times. When the news blares stories of women turning to "other ways" of income, or fathers robbing banks, or the many unnecessary suicide/homicides we have heard about all in the name of trying to make ends meet, or as a way to see a gleaming ray of hope it saddens my heart and it should grieve yours also. Let's reach out to the hurting and stand firm, persevere and continue to seek God's wisdom as we trudge through this fallen world. We need to repeat to ourselves constantly that there is a reason, even if we can not make any consorted sense out of what's going on, until we believe it in our bones and very being. Most of all, we need not be ashamed of what our past, present, future, or finances say about us...they DO NOT define us and they should not be given such position; we need to hang out some of our dirty laundry so that others can encourage us and so that we may be an encouragement to those who need to know they will get through this....but do not let it define you. Let's help one another resist, persevere and so remember that we are not alone...so reach out a helping hand even if it's just to be there. ~
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Love Snow
The first big snow of the year has arrived and we have made sure to have fun in it by sledding down the outside stairs off the deck and into the yard. The stuff is sticky enough to make a huge snowman family with plenty to spare piling up in the road ruts. Today I am assuming things will be better, but yesterday I couldn't get my van up to my house as the tires just spun in the slush/mud mix and caked the traction my studded tires once held. My prince of a husband had to come a rescue me, but after last night's freeze and today's continued dumpage of the white stuff, I am sure to be able to make it up the frozen tundra that only 24 hours ago was slop. Cody is down at Shorty's looking at ways we can incorporate pizza ovens; one of his many passions. On nights like last night I'm sure they're would be plenty of people who would love to stop, get dinner and make their way home with a warm, already made dinner when holed up for the night. I love these kinds of days; I love being shut into my home cozy and warm while watching the lights of cars creep along 131 in a slow line. After having worked (2) 12 hour days - 1 Wednesday and 1 Thursday - and being exhausted, there was nothing more relaxing for me than waking up Friday morning to the fluffy flurry of snow in the air and not having to drive in it. Just to enjoy it. I love snow! ~
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Pure Right
The character of even a child can be known by the way he acts - whether what he does is pure and right. ~ Proverbs 20:11
Have you ever watched a child in a grocery store throw a tantrum because they didn't get the gleaming candy bar in the check out aisle and wondered, What in the world? Why isn't that parent doing anything? At that moment we unfairly judge the character of that child, and the undoubtedly worn out mom when we simply don't even know the situation; don't worry, I've done it too. Here's the kicker; some of us adults act the same way; worse given some situations and we should know better. According to the scriptures, the character of even a small child can be revealed by the spoiled way he may act, by the screaming lungs, or maybe the quiet gentle spirit spurned on by giving and sharing. With that being said the question is, where do you think our children see the model of temper tantrums and greedy attitudes? If the acts of a child reveal what he does as pure and right, then don't you think all the more for adults. We need to check ourselves and purify our character so that we can be good models and exemplary examples of how someone with pure motives act. We need to love each other, treat our elders with respect, let others go first in line at the grocery store, remember our manners and bring back "please" and "thank you" and ditch the "give me" and "I deserve" attitudes. Above all else, treat others as you would want to be treated and let the character of God shine brightly through you - pure and right. ~
Have you ever watched a child in a grocery store throw a tantrum because they didn't get the gleaming candy bar in the check out aisle and wondered, What in the world? Why isn't that parent doing anything? At that moment we unfairly judge the character of that child, and the undoubtedly worn out mom when we simply don't even know the situation; don't worry, I've done it too. Here's the kicker; some of us adults act the same way; worse given some situations and we should know better. According to the scriptures, the character of even a small child can be revealed by the spoiled way he may act, by the screaming lungs, or maybe the quiet gentle spirit spurned on by giving and sharing. With that being said the question is, where do you think our children see the model of temper tantrums and greedy attitudes? If the acts of a child reveal what he does as pure and right, then don't you think all the more for adults. We need to check ourselves and purify our character so that we can be good models and exemplary examples of how someone with pure motives act. We need to love each other, treat our elders with respect, let others go first in line at the grocery store, remember our manners and bring back "please" and "thank you" and ditch the "give me" and "I deserve" attitudes. Above all else, treat others as you would want to be treated and let the character of God shine brightly through you - pure and right. ~
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Admit Oneself
Jesus said, "I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you." ~ John 13:15
How often do we treat others as Jesus has treated us? How often do we show the same love to others as Jesus shows to us? I'll be real honest, I can tell you that right now I am so mad at my husband that I could care less how I treat him. I feel like I am his own personal secretary and employee that he feels like he can just call on whenever he needs to make sure HIS crap gets done. I do things for him that I absolutely loathe, but do I get appreciation for it - very little, or so that's how it feels. I don't have him helping me with my job, or him helping me with my dreams and I surely don't EXPECT him to do anything just off the fly. See....it's real easy to get caught up in all the things that make me mad about my husband, but if I am to show him the same love that Jesus showed me, than I should be more than willing to do those things expected of me even if they are through cringed teeth with a resounding, "Sure honey." Now I don't think that people should be walked all over, but when we focus on everything that we do for others, it's hard to see what they have done for us. It's hard for me to see that my husband has covered my butt when I wrote a check that wasn't going to clear without his help; how about the fact that he's the one who gets up in the middle of the night if one of the kids wake up so that I can get extra sleep; what about the fact that he does dishes for me a couple of times a week without me asking; he also LOVES hanging out with his kids and for a lot of my friends' husbands that's a huge struggle; every time he goes to the store he makes sure to call me to see if I need anything and I honestly can't remember the last time I put gas in the van because if he drives it he always tops it off for me...just to name a few. So I guess if I had to compare the two, he does much better at loving me and people in general (how sad to admit) the way Jesus would want us too. Guess I have my work cut out for me, but I know that Jesus understands that this admittance in itself is a huge step and loves me no matter what....thank God! ~
How often do we treat others as Jesus has treated us? How often do we show the same love to others as Jesus shows to us? I'll be real honest, I can tell you that right now I am so mad at my husband that I could care less how I treat him. I feel like I am his own personal secretary and employee that he feels like he can just call on whenever he needs to make sure HIS crap gets done. I do things for him that I absolutely loathe, but do I get appreciation for it - very little, or so that's how it feels. I don't have him helping me with my job, or him helping me with my dreams and I surely don't EXPECT him to do anything just off the fly. See....it's real easy to get caught up in all the things that make me mad about my husband, but if I am to show him the same love that Jesus showed me, than I should be more than willing to do those things expected of me even if they are through cringed teeth with a resounding, "Sure honey." Now I don't think that people should be walked all over, but when we focus on everything that we do for others, it's hard to see what they have done for us. It's hard for me to see that my husband has covered my butt when I wrote a check that wasn't going to clear without his help; how about the fact that he's the one who gets up in the middle of the night if one of the kids wake up so that I can get extra sleep; what about the fact that he does dishes for me a couple of times a week without me asking; he also LOVES hanging out with his kids and for a lot of my friends' husbands that's a huge struggle; every time he goes to the store he makes sure to call me to see if I need anything and I honestly can't remember the last time I put gas in the van because if he drives it he always tops it off for me...just to name a few. So I guess if I had to compare the two, he does much better at loving me and people in general (how sad to admit) the way Jesus would want us too. Guess I have my work cut out for me, but I know that Jesus understands that this admittance in itself is a huge step and loves me no matter what....thank God! ~
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Called Us
When I was a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ~ 1 Corinthinas 13:11
Can you remember a defining moment in your life when you knew it was time to start acting like an adult? Do remember the "ah ha"moment when you realized you had great responsibility now as you turned the corner into adult hood? For me it was when the doctor handed me my first born son. I thought Oh my gosh, what am I doing? I am responsible for this little guy and I pray I don't let him down. I am truly a grown up now. Unfortunately, we still have what I can a bunch of grown up toddlers running around who could actually learn a thing or two from the four year old that they are responsible for. There is a fine line between thinking like a child and acting like a child and far to often we adults tend to do the latter. We need to realize that we are called to take the higher road as adults and sometimes that means extending graces were they are not always appreciated. I am amazed at the lack of tolerance we have for each other and the complete tantrums we throw when we don't get our own way. Instead of putting our childish ways behind us, all a lot of us have done is sub press them until we feel the need to get our own way. We need to put the childish act of selfishness behind us, leave it there, and show the next generation the best act of love; unselfishness and sacrifice. We need to be the hero in our relationships and step up to the plate instead of waiting for the other one to do it; we need to be gracious when overlooked for a job advance; and we need to be watching and guarding our tongues from gossip (just to name a few areas). After all, the biggest act of love was modeled for us thousands of years ago and now it's our responsibility to walk the walk we want our children to follow. It is not okay to act 4 when you're really 34 (unless, of course, you are playing with your children)...so lets start walking in the maturity that God has called us too. ~
Can you remember a defining moment in your life when you knew it was time to start acting like an adult? Do remember the "ah ha"moment when you realized you had great responsibility now as you turned the corner into adult hood? For me it was when the doctor handed me my first born son. I thought Oh my gosh, what am I doing? I am responsible for this little guy and I pray I don't let him down. I am truly a grown up now. Unfortunately, we still have what I can a bunch of grown up toddlers running around who could actually learn a thing or two from the four year old that they are responsible for. There is a fine line between thinking like a child and acting like a child and far to often we adults tend to do the latter. We need to realize that we are called to take the higher road as adults and sometimes that means extending graces were they are not always appreciated. I am amazed at the lack of tolerance we have for each other and the complete tantrums we throw when we don't get our own way. Instead of putting our childish ways behind us, all a lot of us have done is sub press them until we feel the need to get our own way. We need to put the childish act of selfishness behind us, leave it there, and show the next generation the best act of love; unselfishness and sacrifice. We need to be the hero in our relationships and step up to the plate instead of waiting for the other one to do it; we need to be gracious when overlooked for a job advance; and we need to be watching and guarding our tongues from gossip (just to name a few areas). After all, the biggest act of love was modeled for us thousands of years ago and now it's our responsibility to walk the walk we want our children to follow. It is not okay to act 4 when you're really 34 (unless, of course, you are playing with your children)...so lets start walking in the maturity that God has called us too. ~
Monday, September 21, 2009
World Changes
Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. ~ Romans 12:2 (MSG)
Wow! What makes you stand out in our self-absorbed, fearful, and way to harried, diverse and fancy free world? There are times when I can't answer that question and that scares me just a little; people should be able to see something totally different in us so called Christians. They definitely should be able to see more love than they see opposed to the handfuls of criticism and harsh judgement that seems to come with the title of "new believer". Whew! Did I just say that? I did, and I'm pointing my right index finger squarely in my frigid face as well as yours. We need to fix our attention on God and what He has rightfully required of his love bought children. We need to stand up for what He would stand up for and help the widows, the fatherless, the heartbroken, and the beaten down; yet still stand and feel the need for correct judgement in a fallen world. There are to many of us who sit in comfortable chairs, or wooden pews on a Sunday and say "AMEN!" to the sermon only to walk out and convene at a local diner and slam what so and so's doing instead of loving them. Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe we should be walked all over, but we need to be filling in huge gaps that are being left wide open in a world that is horrifically hurting. Yes, it's true, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Same is true with humans: We need to gently guide people to the living water and pray faithfully that they take that first drink (it's in God's hands than) instead of leaving them there when they don't meet our timeline. God never gave up on us; let's not give up on Him and his lost children. Grow to maturity and walk beside him and see how this world changes. ~
Wow! What makes you stand out in our self-absorbed, fearful, and way to harried, diverse and fancy free world? There are times when I can't answer that question and that scares me just a little; people should be able to see something totally different in us so called Christians. They definitely should be able to see more love than they see opposed to the handfuls of criticism and harsh judgement that seems to come with the title of "new believer". Whew! Did I just say that? I did, and I'm pointing my right index finger squarely in my frigid face as well as yours. We need to fix our attention on God and what He has rightfully required of his love bought children. We need to stand up for what He would stand up for and help the widows, the fatherless, the heartbroken, and the beaten down; yet still stand and feel the need for correct judgement in a fallen world. There are to many of us who sit in comfortable chairs, or wooden pews on a Sunday and say "AMEN!" to the sermon only to walk out and convene at a local diner and slam what so and so's doing instead of loving them. Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe we should be walked all over, but we need to be filling in huge gaps that are being left wide open in a world that is horrifically hurting. Yes, it's true, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Same is true with humans: We need to gently guide people to the living water and pray faithfully that they take that first drink (it's in God's hands than) instead of leaving them there when they don't meet our timeline. God never gave up on us; let's not give up on Him and his lost children. Grow to maturity and walk beside him and see how this world changes. ~
Sunday, September 6, 2009
What Concept
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." ~ Matthew 18:3-4
Have you ever wondered what kind of purposeful life you could have if you just listened to Jesus all the time? I've often thought Janine, your life would be so much easier if you would remember Jesus' promises and if you would just listen. The above scripture is one of those for me. If I would only listen to the plain truth in this verse and remember it I think my life would be so much easier and simpler. After all, I have never known God, or His Sovereign Son to lie to me, but if there was any doubt, He reassures me by saying, "I tell you the truth...". Therefore, I am led to believe if I could just come to Him like my children come to me than I would be better for it. This is the only instance in our harried lives where we are charged to act like little children no matter our age, our status, our successes, or our many failures. To give ourselves humbly to God ~ there is freedom in that. I don't know about you, but I plan on spending my eternity in a place of happiness, joy and constant praise to a worthy and glorious God. I don't want to spend my eternity in a place of gnashing teeth and burning brimstone...so, according to this scripture, I had better learn to humble myself before my God. After all, contrary to belief, this world is not all about you, or me, it's all about the one who created it and we need to be humble before a (and hold on to your hats, this is a new one for some of you) JEALOUS God. To let go of the ego and let ourselves lose control in the only one who has real control. This is humility and total freedom. Just as our young children rely on us for most of the guidance, direction and control in their lives, we need to rely on God for the guidance, direction and control in our lives so that we can become humble humans. After all, don't you want to be great? I do....so I'm going to learn to let go and humbly let God. What a concept. ~
Have you ever wondered what kind of purposeful life you could have if you just listened to Jesus all the time? I've often thought Janine, your life would be so much easier if you would remember Jesus' promises and if you would just listen. The above scripture is one of those for me. If I would only listen to the plain truth in this verse and remember it I think my life would be so much easier and simpler. After all, I have never known God, or His Sovereign Son to lie to me, but if there was any doubt, He reassures me by saying, "I tell you the truth...". Therefore, I am led to believe if I could just come to Him like my children come to me than I would be better for it. This is the only instance in our harried lives where we are charged to act like little children no matter our age, our status, our successes, or our many failures. To give ourselves humbly to God ~ there is freedom in that. I don't know about you, but I plan on spending my eternity in a place of happiness, joy and constant praise to a worthy and glorious God. I don't want to spend my eternity in a place of gnashing teeth and burning brimstone...so, according to this scripture, I had better learn to humble myself before my God. After all, contrary to belief, this world is not all about you, or me, it's all about the one who created it and we need to be humble before a (and hold on to your hats, this is a new one for some of you) JEALOUS God. To let go of the ego and let ourselves lose control in the only one who has real control. This is humility and total freedom. Just as our young children rely on us for most of the guidance, direction and control in their lives, we need to rely on God for the guidance, direction and control in our lives so that we can become humble humans. After all, don't you want to be great? I do....so I'm going to learn to let go and humbly let God. What a concept. ~
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Amen That
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ~ Philippians 2:1-2
Are you encouraged in your fellowship? Are you an encouragement? This verse hit me this morning in new ways that it never has before even though I've read it many times before. It amazes me how you can read the Scriptures over and over again and how various passages may jump out at you on any give day depending on what you need to hear. For me, this verse related to my marriage this morning. Your marriage? Yes, my marriage. You see I'm not always the encouraging spouse contrary to believe and I have an extremely hard time biting my tongue when my common sense doesn't jive with my husbands. I have been called to love my husband as Christ loves me and more than often I am the first one throwing the stones than trying to bless him with my words. We are one in Spirit and when it comes to the stress load of family, work and making it all come together I tend to be the one that wants to say "told you" instead of being united with him. I need to make Christ's joy complete not only in being like minded with other believers, but what about being like minded in love with my spouse? Don't misunderstand me, I don't have to agree with everything he does and when he asks me my opinion I need to give it even if it's not always what he wants to hear, but there is a tone in which I can express my opinion that can show love and there is a way to lovingly and compassionately disagree. We need to be on the same page with our spouses and if we can't be we need to pray that God would guide and direct us before we wound each other. The enemy loves that kind of destruction and we need to be guarded against the chaos he loves to create when we are not of the same like mindedness. No more! I will try my best to be an encouragement to my man! After all, there's enough in this world to knock him down and I don't need to be part of it. Amen to that! ~
Are you encouraged in your fellowship? Are you an encouragement? This verse hit me this morning in new ways that it never has before even though I've read it many times before. It amazes me how you can read the Scriptures over and over again and how various passages may jump out at you on any give day depending on what you need to hear. For me, this verse related to my marriage this morning. Your marriage? Yes, my marriage. You see I'm not always the encouraging spouse contrary to believe and I have an extremely hard time biting my tongue when my common sense doesn't jive with my husbands. I have been called to love my husband as Christ loves me and more than often I am the first one throwing the stones than trying to bless him with my words. We are one in Spirit and when it comes to the stress load of family, work and making it all come together I tend to be the one that wants to say "told you" instead of being united with him. I need to make Christ's joy complete not only in being like minded with other believers, but what about being like minded in love with my spouse? Don't misunderstand me, I don't have to agree with everything he does and when he asks me my opinion I need to give it even if it's not always what he wants to hear, but there is a tone in which I can express my opinion that can show love and there is a way to lovingly and compassionately disagree. We need to be on the same page with our spouses and if we can't be we need to pray that God would guide and direct us before we wound each other. The enemy loves that kind of destruction and we need to be guarded against the chaos he loves to create when we are not of the same like mindedness. No more! I will try my best to be an encouragement to my man! After all, there's enough in this world to knock him down and I don't need to be part of it. Amen to that! ~
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Through Growth
Once you were less than nothing; now you are God's own. Once you knew very little of God's kindness; now your very lives have been changed by it. ~ 1 Peter 2:10
Our backyard is huge and right now it is luscious as it's been mowed just this afternoon, but give it a few days and out of what looks like nothingness you'll see many Aspen trees trying to pop up. We have a group of four or five big Aspen trees in the middle of our yard and these little baby trees called "quakes" throw themselves up out of the ground as they take life and roots from the middle of the yard. That's how it is with us. We were once nothing. Only by grace and an amazing love that we will never understand from God above do we pop up to breath and live. We become God's children and his word and ways start to take root into our lives and we are able to persevere through his kindness. When we were on our own in this self serving world we had no idea what we were missing and there was no way we could understand the changed lives of others. Once we let that root take hold in our hearts and accept that amazing love that flows from the one true eternal king, we become changed and want to show off that new found freedom in Him. Just like the baby Aspen trees popping up out of the ground from and through the fresh new root system, we too can pop up and show off the new root system we have found. We need to grow and be unashamed of the changes that have taken place within us through him. Grow on! ~
Our backyard is huge and right now it is luscious as it's been mowed just this afternoon, but give it a few days and out of what looks like nothingness you'll see many Aspen trees trying to pop up. We have a group of four or five big Aspen trees in the middle of our yard and these little baby trees called "quakes" throw themselves up out of the ground as they take life and roots from the middle of the yard. That's how it is with us. We were once nothing. Only by grace and an amazing love that we will never understand from God above do we pop up to breath and live. We become God's children and his word and ways start to take root into our lives and we are able to persevere through his kindness. When we were on our own in this self serving world we had no idea what we were missing and there was no way we could understand the changed lives of others. Once we let that root take hold in our hearts and accept that amazing love that flows from the one true eternal king, we become changed and want to show off that new found freedom in Him. Just like the baby Aspen trees popping up out of the ground from and through the fresh new root system, we too can pop up and show off the new root system we have found. We need to grow and be unashamed of the changes that have taken place within us through him. Grow on! ~
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Change = Good
August has arrived; which means my family is getting geared up for mom to go to work and the boys are gearing up for school to start. What happened to the summer? This is the same question a lot of us are asking, but I really don't feel like I have had much of a vacation; well, maybe a working one. Cody and the boys went fishing this morning out at Stagecoach Reservoir and didn't catch a thing, but had a great time just being the boys and doing their thing (feeding crawdads). Now they are out in the garage doing some reorganization; which really just means moving things from one spot to another making things we don't use more accessible and appealing to the eye. It'll just be moved again in another couple of months to the other side of the garage, let's be real here. I enjoyed my time this morning alone trying to figure out how to unpack the rest of our stuff, catching up on some reading and doing some daily chores. Sometimes I feel a little lost when I'm left all alone; as if I'm not sure what to do when I don't have anything or anyone else to worry about. What a strange feeling. At lunch, Samuel let us know that he wished I didn't have to go to work Monday and all Isaac said to that was, "Well why not? That means school is starting soon!" Guess he's a little excited for his new upcoming adventure. Samuel can't wait for his little brother to be at school with him either...it'll be good and I know they will watch out for each other. The question is what will my husband do with all his time? For the first time in seven years he will also have a life changing experience when he realizes he has eight hours a day without anyone here with him. Wow! Somebody write this down on a calendar as I will never admit to it if you ask me if I said it, but I guess (and here it goes)............change is good. ~
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