Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Acts 28:31 (NIV)
So often I have the opportunity to preach the word of God, but it is often WITH great hindrance and I would venture to say there is no "bold" to any kind of my lifestyle evangelism even in the slightest. Throughout my day I could run into a gamut of people pushing their life along also, but how many of them truly know that I have a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ? God expects that the gospel and the Holy Spirit would continue to penetrate this world until the very end of time; that people would continue to preach of his love, grace, wisdom and unbelievable understanding and not just with our words, but with our actions. Loving each other, caring for each other, taking a meal to an elderly couple, or even helping a single mom care for her young children could all be ways in which to boldly show our love for Christ. Making triumphal noises to the Holy Spirit when He shuts down the sometime elusive enemy is a great proclamation for Christ's children and we need to shout it out and make a joyful noise! ~
Friday, August 26, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Exalted Lord
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
~ Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
While I may not always agree, or see where God is leading me, I always find that every one of His promises are true and He is far more faithful to me than I am to Him on a daily basis. While I sometimes forget all the wonders God has performed, I still can't deny that He has defeated evil principalities that have surrounded me and my family. Amazing comfort and peace has come to me in the midst of oppressing trails and puzzling pain; which can only be explained one way - the Holy Spirit. Thank you God that you have a perfect plan for me even when I feel like I have driven this train called life into the ditch. Thank you for being faithful in the good times and in the trials. Thank you for loving me even before I loved you. Praise be your name! Please help me to be mindful of everything you have done and help me to honor you always. In everything you have planned for me, good & bad, help me to give glory to you and exalt your glorious name always. Amen. ~
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Unjust Laws
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. ~ Isaiah 10:1-2 (NIV)
WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! Absolute ignorance turns their cheek on those in need (sound like a governing system you know ? Me too). Power turns evil when used only for personal gain instead of the betterment of the world in which we live. Our need for control and power has only created rebellion rapidly shouting for unmoral, ridiculous rights and laws. But to valiantly fight for such oppression of Gods laws is not only ungodly, but will have phenomenal repercussions in the long run. Hey, don't get mad at me, I'm just the messenger...pick up a Bible again America! Not to mention the fact that the Almighty God looks on the widows and fatherless with massive amounts of lavishing love and to prey on them is to prey of God. Please take a hard look at yourself; do you like to be in charge because it fees good to have huge amounts of control over people and to secure your gain, or do you enjoy power to help those who could use your unmerited favor? In your community their are probably plenty of widows and fatherless children along with countless other hurting people that you could help. Find them and reach out to them. Do not make anyone feel less of a person, or less important; they are also God's children and made in His image incredibly designed and unconditionally loved. WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! ~
WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! Absolute ignorance turns their cheek on those in need (sound like a governing system you know ? Me too). Power turns evil when used only for personal gain instead of the betterment of the world in which we live. Our need for control and power has only created rebellion rapidly shouting for unmoral, ridiculous rights and laws. But to valiantly fight for such oppression of Gods laws is not only ungodly, but will have phenomenal repercussions in the long run. Hey, don't get mad at me, I'm just the messenger...pick up a Bible again America! Not to mention the fact that the Almighty God looks on the widows and fatherless with massive amounts of lavishing love and to prey on them is to prey of God. Please take a hard look at yourself; do you like to be in charge because it fees good to have huge amounts of control over people and to secure your gain, or do you enjoy power to help those who could use your unmerited favor? In your community their are probably plenty of widows and fatherless children along with countless other hurting people that you could help. Find them and reach out to them. Do not make anyone feel less of a person, or less important; they are also God's children and made in His image incredibly designed and unconditionally loved. WOE TO AMERICA! WAKE UP! ~
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Bruised Reed
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice, he will not falter, or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.
~ Isaiah 42:3-4 (NIV)
God requires justice; maybe not here on this faltering earth while we are here, but one day He will bring forth his mighty justice. In the same way, he will protect the innocent and the weak during times of injustice and give them the courageous strength to toil on. The real hope, strength and peace comes from knowing that true justice will come and so we can let go of the vengeful thoughts we have and trust in Him. Come to grips with what you need justice about and pray to the Lord Almighty that He would clear your thoughts and that you would be able to let go of the wrongs done to you intentionally, or unintentionally through his awesome grace. Righteousness will be gladly given to those who put their hope and sometimes smoldering faith in Him. Please hold on and remember that only His children will win in the end and final justice will then take charge! ~
~ Isaiah 42:3-4 (NIV)
God requires justice; maybe not here on this faltering earth while we are here, but one day He will bring forth his mighty justice. In the same way, he will protect the innocent and the weak during times of injustice and give them the courageous strength to toil on. The real hope, strength and peace comes from knowing that true justice will come and so we can let go of the vengeful thoughts we have and trust in Him. Come to grips with what you need justice about and pray to the Lord Almighty that He would clear your thoughts and that you would be able to let go of the wrongs done to you intentionally, or unintentionally through his awesome grace. Righteousness will be gladly given to those who put their hope and sometimes smoldering faith in Him. Please hold on and remember that only His children will win in the end and final justice will then take charge! ~
Saturday, July 30, 2011
I Don't Need a Family Vacation......
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being CONTENT in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ~ Philippians 4:11-13
1. I don't need a big house;
I just need a roof over my head where I can fill loved and safe.
2. I don't need a fancy car;
just something to get me from point A to point B.
3. I don't need Starbucks coffee;
I just need something to lift me up.
4. I don't need a man;
I just need someone to listen and care about me.
5. I don't need a lot of money;
I just need enough to take care of my needs and some wants.
6. I don't need lots of flashy jewelry;
but a simple gold band would be nice.
7. I don't need Harry Potter;
I have my faith.
8. I don't need a clean toilet;
just some peace and quiet from the kids when I'm using it! Can I get an AMEN!
9. I don't need fine furniture;
just a soft place to rest, relax and snuggle with my kids and husband.
10. OK, I don't need a brand new dining room set,
but how about some chairs that don't have to be duck taped together.
11. I don't need gifts - who cares about gifts?
I cherish your friendship and time.
12. I don't need a lot of books,
just hand me my Bible please.
13. I don't need religion,
I need Jesus Christ with his salvation and amazing love.
14. I don't need lots of friends;
just a couple good quality ones who I can depend on.
15. In fact, I really don't even need a lot of GREAT friends;
I just need friends who will be there when I lose my patience with life.
16. I don't need portraits;
my boys' artwork gives Picasso a run for his money.
17. I don't need a spotless home;
I need a comfortable, inviting, "lived in" home.
18. I don't need a Ipod;
just give my boys a guitar and a microphone.
19. I don't need an email address - that's to impersonal;
my pen and paper work just fine.
20. I don't need anti-depressants;
I need someone to hear my inner cries and try to understand.
21. I don't need cheesecake;
I need some spice in my life - a change.
22. I don't need Tabasco Sauce;
but I do need some kind of kick in my pants!
23. I don't need new clothes;
I just need new found self-esteem for the ones I have.
24. OK, I don't need designer clothes,
but I do need some new clothes that fit - even if they are from the thrift store.
25. I don't need water to quinch my thirst;
I need the Living Water.
26. I don't need romance;
I need stability and security to know I am loved.
27. I don't need the beach;
just give me a hose and a plastic kiddy pool.
28. I don't need to map out my life - it's not in my hands;
I just need to trust.
29. I don't need a new body;
I just need to learn how to love this one.
30. I don't need makeup;
my husband believes I'm naturally beautiful.
31. I don't need a five course meal;
I've learned that pancake batter is good for just about any meal.
32. I don't need perfection;
I just need to know that I'm doing the best I can.
33. I don't need perfect grades from my son;
I just need him to know that his best is awesome!
34. I don't need your rage;
I have enough raw feelings of my own.
35. I don't need a lot of fanciful literature;
my some gives me great stories everyday.
36. I don't need eight hours of sleep;
one or two nights of good uninterrupted sleep would suffice.
37. I don't need a plasma big screen;
curled up in bed with my 3 inch screen and a wholesome TV classic is good enough for me.
38. I don't need to watch a scary movie for shock value;
sometimes all I have to do is look at the world we live in.
39. I don't need another diet;
I just need to quit going back for 3rd's and 4th's. It tastes so good!
40. I don't need to remind my husband of his mistakes;
I need to help him move through them ---for US.
41. I don't need a new life;
I need to find contentment in the one I have.
42. I don't need a lot of book knowledge;
I need common sense knowledge.
43. I don't need you to know all of my accomplishments;
I need to learn humility.
44. I don't necessarily need peace and quiet;
I need inner peace.
45. I don't need baby girls! I have two wonderful, amazing, beautiful, brilliant, caring,
compassionate, determined and devoted adult daughters thank you!
46. I don't need you to agree;
I just need to voice my thoughts.
47. I don't even need your advice;
I just want and need to be heard.
48. I don't need to relax;
I just need a break from needy people.
49. I don't need to trust you;
I need to trust Him - the one true God.
50. I don't need more children;
I love the two boys God gave me.
51. I don't need a cell phone;
I need to slow down and loosen my ties to the phone.
52. I don't need a wedding ring;
I need you to open up to my first.
53. I don't need an appointment book;
I just need dinner out with my good friends.
54. I don't need a watch;
the sun tells me when to go to bed and when to wake up.
55. I don't need a "Family Fun" night;
I need to learn to have fun with my family a little every night.
56. I don't need a fancy ring tone on my cellphone;
I just wish it would ring - HELLO!
57. I don't need the latest and greatest video game device;
playing a board game, or an outdoor game with my children is just as fun.
58. I don't need a lot of birthdays;
I just want to know that the ones I have count.
59. I don't need manipulation and guilt;
I need to learn to stand up for myself and my family.
60. I don't need to go to the movie theater;
I just need to find a good movie the whole family can enjoy together curled up on the couch.
61. I don't need a camper trailer;
some of our best adventures have been in our shelter of a tent under the massive sky.
62. I don't need a pillow feathered mattress;
I'm thankful I'm lucky enough to have a sheltered bed.
63. I don't need a high paying job to feel important;
I am happy to be employed by my two little gentlemen executives.
64. I don't need my children to be successful - that's all relevant;
I need them to be healthy and happy.
65. I don't need your undivided attention all the time;
I just want to be the first person you talk to when you come home instead of the computer.
66. I don't need a gym membership;
I just need to get outside and take a brisk walk in this great mountain air.
67. I don't need a lot of help;
just a few good friends that I can count on to take my kids when I need a moment.
68. I don't need to take more vitamins, or medicines;
I just need to wash my dirty hands more often.
69. I don't need my children to grow up;
I need to cherish these moments I have with them as little ones.
70. I don't need to be surrounded by people to feel loved;
I just need the love of God to fill me up.
71. I don't need everyone to like me;
I just need my kids to smile and know they are loved.
72. I don't need money and riches;
I just need my family around me.
73. I don't need TV everyday;
I just need someone to make me laugh.
74. I don't need answers;
I just need someone to listen to my questions.
75. I don't need a treadmill;
I find that if I run around outside with my kids it's just as exhilarating.
76. I don't need to be in control all the time;
I need to learn to let go a little and be spontaneous once in a while.
77. I don't need a successful career;
I need a family friendly job.
78. I don't need to be a nagging wife;
I need to be an encouragement to my man!
79. I don't need Scotch;
I have found that cheap wine is great!
80. I don't need your apologies;
I need you to accept me as me.
81. I don't need you to question;
I need your belief and trust.
82. I don't need beautiful skin;
I need a gorgeous character.
83. I don't need luke warm passion;
I need red hot desire.
84. I don't need retail therapy;
I need to get back to the basics of saving.
85. I don't need more "stuff";
I need contentment.
86. I don't need to run & hide;
I need to stand up and fight.
87. I don't need to "get a grip";
I need to learn to let go more often.
88. I don't need to be a dream killer;
I need to be a dream encourager.
89. I don't need to worry about what other people think;
I need to worry about what God thinks.
90. I don't need justification;
I need to believe in myself.
91. I don't need empty words;
I need genuine sincerity.
92. I don't need apathy;
I need empathy.
93. I don't need to be belittled;
I need to be encouraged.
94. I don't need company;
I need a good night of conversation with my sister.
95. I don't need a dog;
I think our hamster is a great pet for my boys.
96. I don't need your ego;
I need you to be real.
97. I don't need fortune and fame;
I need self-worth.
98. I don't need "toys" - they don't last;
I need quality time with my family.
99. I don't need "busyness";
I need to live simple and less hurried.
100. I don't need a big family vacation;
a family camping trip is just fine. ~
1. I don't need a big house;
I just need a roof over my head where I can fill loved and safe.
2. I don't need a fancy car;
just something to get me from point A to point B.
3. I don't need Starbucks coffee;
I just need something to lift me up.
4. I don't need a man;
I just need someone to listen and care about me.
5. I don't need a lot of money;
I just need enough to take care of my needs and some wants.
6. I don't need lots of flashy jewelry;
but a simple gold band would be nice.
7. I don't need Harry Potter;
I have my faith.
8. I don't need a clean toilet;
just some peace and quiet from the kids when I'm using it! Can I get an AMEN!
9. I don't need fine furniture;
just a soft place to rest, relax and snuggle with my kids and husband.
10. OK, I don't need a brand new dining room set,
but how about some chairs that don't have to be duck taped together.
11. I don't need gifts - who cares about gifts?
I cherish your friendship and time.
12. I don't need a lot of books,
just hand me my Bible please.
13. I don't need religion,
I need Jesus Christ with his salvation and amazing love.
14. I don't need lots of friends;
just a couple good quality ones who I can depend on.
15. In fact, I really don't even need a lot of GREAT friends;
I just need friends who will be there when I lose my patience with life.
16. I don't need portraits;
my boys' artwork gives Picasso a run for his money.
17. I don't need a spotless home;
I need a comfortable, inviting, "lived in" home.
18. I don't need a Ipod;
just give my boys a guitar and a microphone.
19. I don't need an email address - that's to impersonal;
my pen and paper work just fine.
20. I don't need anti-depressants;
I need someone to hear my inner cries and try to understand.
21. I don't need cheesecake;
I need some spice in my life - a change.
22. I don't need Tabasco Sauce;
but I do need some kind of kick in my pants!
23. I don't need new clothes;
I just need new found self-esteem for the ones I have.
24. OK, I don't need designer clothes,
but I do need some new clothes that fit - even if they are from the thrift store.
25. I don't need water to quinch my thirst;
I need the Living Water.
26. I don't need romance;
I need stability and security to know I am loved.
27. I don't need the beach;
just give me a hose and a plastic kiddy pool.
28. I don't need to map out my life - it's not in my hands;
I just need to trust.
29. I don't need a new body;
I just need to learn how to love this one.
30. I don't need makeup;
my husband believes I'm naturally beautiful.
31. I don't need a five course meal;
I've learned that pancake batter is good for just about any meal.
32. I don't need perfection;
I just need to know that I'm doing the best I can.
33. I don't need perfect grades from my son;
I just need him to know that his best is awesome!
34. I don't need your rage;
I have enough raw feelings of my own.
35. I don't need a lot of fanciful literature;
my some gives me great stories everyday.
36. I don't need eight hours of sleep;
one or two nights of good uninterrupted sleep would suffice.
37. I don't need a plasma big screen;
curled up in bed with my 3 inch screen and a wholesome TV classic is good enough for me.
38. I don't need to watch a scary movie for shock value;
sometimes all I have to do is look at the world we live in.
39. I don't need another diet;
I just need to quit going back for 3rd's and 4th's. It tastes so good!
40. I don't need to remind my husband of his mistakes;
I need to help him move through them ---for US.
41. I don't need a new life;
I need to find contentment in the one I have.
42. I don't need a lot of book knowledge;
I need common sense knowledge.
43. I don't need you to know all of my accomplishments;
I need to learn humility.
44. I don't necessarily need peace and quiet;
I need inner peace.
45. I don't need baby girls! I have two wonderful, amazing, beautiful, brilliant, caring,
compassionate, determined and devoted adult daughters thank you!
46. I don't need you to agree;
I just need to voice my thoughts.
47. I don't even need your advice;
I just want and need to be heard.
48. I don't need to relax;
I just need a break from needy people.
49. I don't need to trust you;
I need to trust Him - the one true God.
50. I don't need more children;
I love the two boys God gave me.
51. I don't need a cell phone;
I need to slow down and loosen my ties to the phone.
52. I don't need a wedding ring;
I need you to open up to my first.
53. I don't need an appointment book;
I just need dinner out with my good friends.
54. I don't need a watch;
the sun tells me when to go to bed and when to wake up.
55. I don't need a "Family Fun" night;
I need to learn to have fun with my family a little every night.
56. I don't need a fancy ring tone on my cellphone;
I just wish it would ring - HELLO!
57. I don't need the latest and greatest video game device;
playing a board game, or an outdoor game with my children is just as fun.
58. I don't need a lot of birthdays;
I just want to know that the ones I have count.
59. I don't need manipulation and guilt;
I need to learn to stand up for myself and my family.
60. I don't need to go to the movie theater;
I just need to find a good movie the whole family can enjoy together curled up on the couch.
61. I don't need a camper trailer;
some of our best adventures have been in our shelter of a tent under the massive sky.
62. I don't need a pillow feathered mattress;
I'm thankful I'm lucky enough to have a sheltered bed.
63. I don't need a high paying job to feel important;
I am happy to be employed by my two little gentlemen executives.
64. I don't need my children to be successful - that's all relevant;
I need them to be healthy and happy.
65. I don't need your undivided attention all the time;
I just want to be the first person you talk to when you come home instead of the computer.
66. I don't need a gym membership;
I just need to get outside and take a brisk walk in this great mountain air.
67. I don't need a lot of help;
just a few good friends that I can count on to take my kids when I need a moment.
68. I don't need to take more vitamins, or medicines;
I just need to wash my dirty hands more often.
69. I don't need my children to grow up;
I need to cherish these moments I have with them as little ones.
70. I don't need to be surrounded by people to feel loved;
I just need the love of God to fill me up.
71. I don't need everyone to like me;
I just need my kids to smile and know they are loved.
72. I don't need money and riches;
I just need my family around me.
73. I don't need TV everyday;
I just need someone to make me laugh.
74. I don't need answers;
I just need someone to listen to my questions.
75. I don't need a treadmill;
I find that if I run around outside with my kids it's just as exhilarating.
76. I don't need to be in control all the time;
I need to learn to let go a little and be spontaneous once in a while.
77. I don't need a successful career;
I need a family friendly job.
78. I don't need to be a nagging wife;
I need to be an encouragement to my man!
79. I don't need Scotch;
I have found that cheap wine is great!
80. I don't need your apologies;
I need you to accept me as me.
81. I don't need you to question;
I need your belief and trust.
82. I don't need beautiful skin;
I need a gorgeous character.
83. I don't need luke warm passion;
I need red hot desire.
84. I don't need retail therapy;
I need to get back to the basics of saving.
85. I don't need more "stuff";
I need contentment.
86. I don't need to run & hide;
I need to stand up and fight.
87. I don't need to "get a grip";
I need to learn to let go more often.
88. I don't need to be a dream killer;
I need to be a dream encourager.
89. I don't need to worry about what other people think;
I need to worry about what God thinks.
90. I don't need justification;
I need to believe in myself.
91. I don't need empty words;
I need genuine sincerity.
92. I don't need apathy;
I need empathy.
93. I don't need to be belittled;
I need to be encouraged.
94. I don't need company;
I need a good night of conversation with my sister.
95. I don't need a dog;
I think our hamster is a great pet for my boys.
96. I don't need your ego;
I need you to be real.
97. I don't need fortune and fame;
I need self-worth.
98. I don't need "toys" - they don't last;
I need quality time with my family.
99. I don't need "busyness";
I need to live simple and less hurried.
100. I don't need a big family vacation;
a family camping trip is just fine. ~
Friday, January 14, 2011
One Another
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ~ John 13. 34 (NIV)
Who do you love? How do you love? It's interesting to me that Jesus felt the need to give us a new command; evidently this has been a problem from the beginning of time. But why? Why is easier to be selfish and sometimes cold hearted rather than kind? What does it look like to love one another? When my oldest son lets his little brother play his Nintendo DS, that's showing love. When my husband delivers a meal to a hungry family, that's love. But sometimes those types of acts are few and far between. It's easier to say "no" and to keep to ourselves instead of reaching out. However, we are called to an absolute, life changing love - love AS CHRIST HAS LOVED YOU. That's heavy, I don't care who you are! Especially to our own families and our fellow believers. Now what does that look like? I'm embarrassed to say that for me, the ones I love the most are the ones who get the leftovers. So we must love one another; we must turn the unscathed cheek and offer it up. Don't get me wrong, we still need to be firm and tough in some situations, but we need to speak and actively act with love as our premises ALWAYS. This is not an easy task. In fact, it's a daunting, difficult task, but by daily choosing intentional love, I can only imagine the benefits. ~
Who do you love? How do you love? It's interesting to me that Jesus felt the need to give us a new command; evidently this has been a problem from the beginning of time. But why? Why is easier to be selfish and sometimes cold hearted rather than kind? What does it look like to love one another? When my oldest son lets his little brother play his Nintendo DS, that's showing love. When my husband delivers a meal to a hungry family, that's love. But sometimes those types of acts are few and far between. It's easier to say "no" and to keep to ourselves instead of reaching out. However, we are called to an absolute, life changing love - love AS CHRIST HAS LOVED YOU. That's heavy, I don't care who you are! Especially to our own families and our fellow believers. Now what does that look like? I'm embarrassed to say that for me, the ones I love the most are the ones who get the leftovers. So we must love one another; we must turn the unscathed cheek and offer it up. Don't get me wrong, we still need to be firm and tough in some situations, but we need to speak and actively act with love as our premises ALWAYS. This is not an easy task. In fact, it's a daunting, difficult task, but by daily choosing intentional love, I can only imagine the benefits. ~
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Only Remember
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. ~
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, 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! ~
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