So, a few years back, I wrote on how I planned to simply trust and obey. I've done my best, only it wasn't so simple.
It isn't so simple. For some of us, there is the knowledge that we are to do something, and this something is so incredibly exciting yet terrifying. For others, that something is waiting for it to be found. I believe there is this adventure waiting for us all.
In no way am I saying that what I have been through comes close to what others have- it is not about a comparison. That is what is so wonderful about God! He knows exactly where we need to be stretched, and he knows what we can take without being crushed. Meanwhile, he offers us really good things. These things will be missed if we are not looking for them.
I did and am doing what I believe God told me to do, I did it in a terrible world where we are dealing with really messed up people. One of those being myself. I did it, making myself a target for worry, anger, doubt, and the temptation to take a whole lot of revenge. My goal, however, was trust and live as close to Christ's example as possible.
Have you been there? Are you there now?
At the beginning of the journey, faith is romantic. It is exciting because you know how wonderful God is and how he will bring you through anything.
The seed is planted, but the weeds start to grow. They shoot up, choking out the light. They suffocate us and poke at us. They are so ugly. They are so strong and overpowering. And we think we might die. Literally, figuratively, physically, spiritually....mentally. Any one of these. We might just be goners, and our romantic story seems to suddenly stop with no good conclusion.
We think our faith has failed.
Others might see it as well.
God knows better.
My story is not over. I don't know my conclusion yet, and honestly, I hope it won't be for a while. This is my personal belief and experience.
What are we worried about? What do we think will be the end of us? Let me just put this thought in your mind.... What if there was a twist to the ending? What if at the very last second, we are saved? And what if everything that we'd suffered came together for good? What if it turned out to be the best story ever told? I think it may be. And that is the thought that will keep me going.
Showing posts with label faith project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith project. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Good Things
When I was a kid, I would lie awake at night for what seemed like hours. It's not really a problem anymore (big surprise). However, it is funny how the strange kid struggles affect our decisions as parents. I cannot go to sleep knowing that my children are awake.
This little boy is wide awake, therefore, so am I. I am too tired to do something productive, so I watch him. He makes things with his plastic tools and makes mouth sounds with every move. Mouth sounds are very important. When he gives me a present to open, if I do not do the mouth sounds, he corrects me and just opens the darn thing for me.
Max: Now I am going to make a cake. (mouth sounds) Now I am going to put glue on it.
Me: On your cake?
Max: No. It's your cake. (mouth sounds) now I use a saw.
I'm tired, but amused. He loves to cook. He also loves his tools. Such a dude.
Four is a great age, in my opinion. He is mature enough to observe so much, and still a cutie pie.
He is also a stinker.
(He just built me a table so I can eat my cake)
If there is a point to this, I'd like to tell you about some good things in my life, smack dab in the poorest days I've had.
1. My kids barely feel it. Whether it be hand-me-down clothes, (we home school- yeah, they think hand-me-downs are awesome), a fun outing with friends, Grandma and Grandpa's (a list of its own), or excitement out of doing things we have to in order to survive- like baking our own bread. Lots of bread. They are not at a loss for good times. This is due to people that are intentionally or unintentionally used by God, I have no doubt.
2. We get to be more creative. It's funny what we complained about when we had what we wish we had now. Thank God he put it on my heart before this struck to learn to be content. Now, we just roll up our sleeves and get creative. That is kinda fun. I hope it is not forgotten soon.
3. We are better at prioritizing. All of our resources have purpose when used correctly. Like time, money, and the things I bought when I had money. For example, in the past I might have made two trips away from home on a day like today: one to run errands and one to go to the birthday party. Instead, we did them all in one trip and saved a little gas.
4. I am more understanding to others that are hurting. That is self explanatory, I believe. Maybe God will use this when I am filled again.
5. I get to see God at work. He speaks, then he works. Sometimes he is quiet. I wonder if he is waiting to see if I will give up or gear up. Then, he speaks, he works. My redeemer speaks, than works. Job 19:25. Yes, God's word is alive and active in me. Is there anything more exciting?
I don't write these things to put a spotlight on my trials. I write because I know there is victory.
I think my boy is sleeping, and so must I. Here are some beautiful moments from September:
This little boy is wide awake, therefore, so am I. I am too tired to do something productive, so I watch him. He makes things with his plastic tools and makes mouth sounds with every move. Mouth sounds are very important. When he gives me a present to open, if I do not do the mouth sounds, he corrects me and just opens the darn thing for me.
Max: Now I am going to make a cake. (mouth sounds) Now I am going to put glue on it.
Me: On your cake?
Max: No. It's your cake. (mouth sounds) now I use a saw.
I'm tired, but amused. He loves to cook. He also loves his tools. Such a dude.
Four is a great age, in my opinion. He is mature enough to observe so much, and still a cutie pie.
He is also a stinker.
(He just built me a table so I can eat my cake)
If there is a point to this, I'd like to tell you about some good things in my life, smack dab in the poorest days I've had.
1. My kids barely feel it. Whether it be hand-me-down clothes, (we home school- yeah, they think hand-me-downs are awesome), a fun outing with friends, Grandma and Grandpa's (a list of its own), or excitement out of doing things we have to in order to survive- like baking our own bread. Lots of bread. They are not at a loss for good times. This is due to people that are intentionally or unintentionally used by God, I have no doubt.
2. We get to be more creative. It's funny what we complained about when we had what we wish we had now. Thank God he put it on my heart before this struck to learn to be content. Now, we just roll up our sleeves and get creative. That is kinda fun. I hope it is not forgotten soon.
3. We are better at prioritizing. All of our resources have purpose when used correctly. Like time, money, and the things I bought when I had money. For example, in the past I might have made two trips away from home on a day like today: one to run errands and one to go to the birthday party. Instead, we did them all in one trip and saved a little gas.
4. I am more understanding to others that are hurting. That is self explanatory, I believe. Maybe God will use this when I am filled again.
5. I get to see God at work. He speaks, then he works. Sometimes he is quiet. I wonder if he is waiting to see if I will give up or gear up. Then, he speaks, he works. My redeemer speaks, than works. Job 19:25. Yes, God's word is alive and active in me. Is there anything more exciting?
I don't write these things to put a spotlight on my trials. I write because I know there is victory.
I think my boy is sleeping, and so must I. Here are some beautiful moments from September:
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Anguish
Few times in my life have been reserved for this feeling. I believe anguish is a symptom of hopelessness. Hopelessness is a result of unfulfilled expectations.
During those times, though, I would flip furiously through my Bible and search for treasures that would get me through the next few moments. I found bunches of them, underlining scriptures, writing thoughts, and wearing out the covers in the process.
That is where I fell in love with Him. In anguish.
This is what He told me, over and over:
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither my ways your ways", says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:8-9
I did not understand how appropriate these verses were at the time.
In the middle of it all, nothing makes sense and I would give anything for something to stand on.
Then, after so long a time, something changes. Sometimes it is circumstances. Sometimes it is perspective. Sometimes, expectations.
We have lost the ability to look at things with a long term conclusion. After all, the best stories are the ones where we cannot figure out the ending, where we think there is no hope and suddenly there is. Can we trust that the ending is good?
In our recent hardship, we have had unbelievable peace. Most of the time. However, anguish has appeared to me in small doses. I don't want to talk about those times. But this is what God told me:
You prayed for this. You did not want a life of selfish, barely getting by. You wanted to learn to live fully, to not be dependent on material things. Trust me: you will get through this, and you will come out better than when you started.
In no way am I saying God is responsible for the bad things in our lives, but he does have a way of letting us see how bad things can be without trusting Him, which will eventually deepen our love for Him. I also think He delights in giving us a challenge to strengthen our own faith. We are still in this horrible world. The beauty of it all, though, is that He says that He will work all things for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And yes, I love Him. And yes, when I come out of my anguish, I see things differently. I see the bigger picture. I see the joy that is greater than the pain of anguish.
I wonder, while it breaks His heart to see us in pain, how does God feel when we have a triumphant victory? We cannot have that victory if there is no pain.
From what we know, this time is not completely over for us. But we also know that this is a small speck on the timeline of our lives and eternity. This is part of our story, our adventure, our quest to understand what is the fullest life possible. What is it like to not fear? How far can we go thinking like that? How many great stories will we be able to tell when it is all said and done? If this is accomplished, my anguish is worth it. My scars are precious.
During those times, though, I would flip furiously through my Bible and search for treasures that would get me through the next few moments. I found bunches of them, underlining scriptures, writing thoughts, and wearing out the covers in the process.
That is where I fell in love with Him. In anguish.
This is what He told me, over and over:
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither my ways your ways", says the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:8-9
I did not understand how appropriate these verses were at the time.
In the middle of it all, nothing makes sense and I would give anything for something to stand on.
Then, after so long a time, something changes. Sometimes it is circumstances. Sometimes it is perspective. Sometimes, expectations.
We have lost the ability to look at things with a long term conclusion. After all, the best stories are the ones where we cannot figure out the ending, where we think there is no hope and suddenly there is. Can we trust that the ending is good?
In our recent hardship, we have had unbelievable peace. Most of the time. However, anguish has appeared to me in small doses. I don't want to talk about those times. But this is what God told me:
You prayed for this. You did not want a life of selfish, barely getting by. You wanted to learn to live fully, to not be dependent on material things. Trust me: you will get through this, and you will come out better than when you started.
In no way am I saying God is responsible for the bad things in our lives, but he does have a way of letting us see how bad things can be without trusting Him, which will eventually deepen our love for Him. I also think He delights in giving us a challenge to strengthen our own faith. We are still in this horrible world. The beauty of it all, though, is that He says that He will work all things for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). And yes, I love Him. And yes, when I come out of my anguish, I see things differently. I see the bigger picture. I see the joy that is greater than the pain of anguish.
I wonder, while it breaks His heart to see us in pain, how does God feel when we have a triumphant victory? We cannot have that victory if there is no pain.
From what we know, this time is not completely over for us. But we also know that this is a small speck on the timeline of our lives and eternity. This is part of our story, our adventure, our quest to understand what is the fullest life possible. What is it like to not fear? How far can we go thinking like that? How many great stories will we be able to tell when it is all said and done? If this is accomplished, my anguish is worth it. My scars are precious.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
What I Wish I Would Ignore
In my thoughts the other day, I asked God why it was so hard for moms, particularly (but not limited to) stay at home moms, to understand their own value. We say it, some of us, but to really believe that doing dishes and laundry and making sure everyone brushed their teeth day after day is a noble task is nearly impossible.
The answer was clear as a bell to my soul, but less likely as eloquent coming from my fingertips. It was more of a picture than a sentence. But at my attempt to interpret, I think it is because we are looking for the wrong results.
We seek approval or evidence of accomplishment. A paycheck is nearly instant gratification, even an annual eval is something to work toward. But here I sit after a day much longer than 8.5 hours with no physical evidence of accomplishment and completely exhausted.
But God reminded me that He did not create us for deadlines and paychecks. He didn't make our children to become star athletes or make the honor roll. Even though these things are not bad, that is not how He measures our worth.
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."- Revelations 4:11
Our lives are for a fairly simple purpose. To just be the creation that we were meant to be. Can we take pleasure in simply being? Working out of necessity, yes. But in the midst of simply being? Can we let God take pleasure in that? I think it sounds delightful.
Incidentally, immediately after God answered the question that I was certain would take weeks to answer, our art class solidified my celestial conversation. The lesson began by comparing Hans Christian Anderson's The Emperor's New Clothes to modern art. Rather than thinking for themselves, people have depended on the popular vote to dictate what is good. The author continues:
Our lives are a story- the best kind, where the climax proves to be uncertain to the mind, but to the heart, relentless hope that the ending will be sweeter than imagined. An annual evaluation only would ruin the ending, and assigning an hourly wage would cheapen the experience, no matter the price.
And God takes pleasure in it, if we will let Him.
I want to ignore the opinions of others screaming the foolishness of this. I want to erase the magazine-inspired standards of homemaking, the process of success, the intellectual analysis of every stinking thing. Why do we need full articles written about a celebrity's choice of shoes? It is ruining this canvas.
I want to escape the need get a pat on the back or double digit "likes" on a post. God doesn't care about these things. Instead, HE is worthy of glory and honor produced in our lives by simply basking in the act of being.
In typical God fashion, this principle is inescapable if any value is put on His written word. I am reminded of one of my favorite verses:
The answer was clear as a bell to my soul, but less likely as eloquent coming from my fingertips. It was more of a picture than a sentence. But at my attempt to interpret, I think it is because we are looking for the wrong results.
We seek approval or evidence of accomplishment. A paycheck is nearly instant gratification, even an annual eval is something to work toward. But here I sit after a day much longer than 8.5 hours with no physical evidence of accomplishment and completely exhausted.
But God reminded me that He did not create us for deadlines and paychecks. He didn't make our children to become star athletes or make the honor roll. Even though these things are not bad, that is not how He measures our worth.
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."- Revelations 4:11
Our lives are for a fairly simple purpose. To just be the creation that we were meant to be. Can we take pleasure in simply being? Working out of necessity, yes. But in the midst of simply being? Can we let God take pleasure in that? I think it sounds delightful.
Incidentally, immediately after God answered the question that I was certain would take weeks to answer, our art class solidified my celestial conversation. The lesson began by comparing Hans Christian Anderson's The Emperor's New Clothes to modern art. Rather than thinking for themselves, people have depended on the popular vote to dictate what is good. The author continues:
"Art was intended to be sublime, to make us feel better about ourselves and to be uplifting, elevating man to a higher level. Art was intended to touch our hearts; to inspire us to think on those things which are good an pure. It seems as if with today's art, our hearts are set aside. Instead, the mind, or the intellect is what art strives to captivate."- Berry Stebbing, God and the History of ArtIn light of viewing ourselves as the creation and God as the artist, our critics, including ourselves, are taking the focus off the original intent of who we were made to be. My friends, there is glory in the seemingly dull repetition of our days.
Our lives are a story- the best kind, where the climax proves to be uncertain to the mind, but to the heart, relentless hope that the ending will be sweeter than imagined. An annual evaluation only would ruin the ending, and assigning an hourly wage would cheapen the experience, no matter the price.
And God takes pleasure in it, if we will let Him.
I want to ignore the opinions of others screaming the foolishness of this. I want to erase the magazine-inspired standards of homemaking, the process of success, the intellectual analysis of every stinking thing. Why do we need full articles written about a celebrity's choice of shoes? It is ruining this canvas.
I want to escape the need get a pat on the back or double digit "likes" on a post. God doesn't care about these things. Instead, HE is worthy of glory and honor produced in our lives by simply basking in the act of being.
In typical God fashion, this principle is inescapable if any value is put on His written word. I am reminded of one of my favorite verses:
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? - Matthew 6:28-30Let us have faith that in being who God created us to be, and living the story He has written for us, we will be bringing glory to God, and living an incredibly beautiful life.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Joy Breaks
I woke up pondering... to go to work or not to go... the forecast said it should have been drizzling freezing rain, but it was not. Work is 35 minutes away, and one windshield wiper needed to be replaced. I did not want to turn around once I got there... I played it safe. The snow did not start until 4:30.
I need to work. Suddenly, our income has dropped to next to nothing. Then a snowstorm hits. Missed opportunities.
Meanwhile, plans are in the works. Big plans. Big changes. They are almost so real it's hard to believe it has not happened yet.
Roller coasters of emotions have consumed me the last two weeks. Not the kiddie roller coasters.. the ginormous ones that drop hundreds of feet and loop-de-loop upside down.
And life goes on. Sore throats and late meals. Fights. Laundry.
Today, I am numb. I see messes of snowflake cut outs and snow ice cream spills, no clean pj's and unfinished projects.
Yet life does go on. Children need to play and smile and laugh and move around. And so do I.
I don't really know how it happens, but gloom seems to creep up like a shadow and follow me around until a ridiculous amount of time has passed and I have accepted that I need to simply make it until bedtime.
But I don't. I can choose joy. I love the realization (that I have to re-learn daily) that I don't have to be depressed about a lack of money or a disorganized home. So what? I can, at most any time, stop and accept my joy. I can read something funny or pillow fight my girls or eat cookies. Or ice cream.
I can eat my ice cream and stare at my gloom with a smile on my face.
"You prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies..."-Psalm 123:5
You know, that ice cream tastes even better when it is a victory celebration. Pillow fights are sweeter. Jokes are better. Don't forget to take joy breaks.
I need to work. Suddenly, our income has dropped to next to nothing. Then a snowstorm hits. Missed opportunities.
Meanwhile, plans are in the works. Big plans. Big changes. They are almost so real it's hard to believe it has not happened yet.
Roller coasters of emotions have consumed me the last two weeks. Not the kiddie roller coasters.. the ginormous ones that drop hundreds of feet and loop-de-loop upside down.
And life goes on. Sore throats and late meals. Fights. Laundry.
Today, I am numb. I see messes of snowflake cut outs and snow ice cream spills, no clean pj's and unfinished projects.
Yet life does go on. Children need to play and smile and laugh and move around. And so do I.
I don't really know how it happens, but gloom seems to creep up like a shadow and follow me around until a ridiculous amount of time has passed and I have accepted that I need to simply make it until bedtime.
But I don't. I can choose joy. I love the realization (that I have to re-learn daily) that I don't have to be depressed about a lack of money or a disorganized home. So what? I can, at most any time, stop and accept my joy. I can read something funny or pillow fight my girls or eat cookies. Or ice cream.
I can eat my ice cream and stare at my gloom with a smile on my face.
"You prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies..."-Psalm 123:5
You know, that ice cream tastes even better when it is a victory celebration. Pillow fights are sweeter. Jokes are better. Don't forget to take joy breaks.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Thrilling
"Jesus Christ is always unyielding to my claim to my right to myself. The one essential element in all our Lord’s teaching about discipleship is abandon, no calculation, no trace of self-interest."-Oswald Chambers
What I've learned, however, is that when we do let go and surrender everything,
"Faith is absolute trust in God - trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us." ~Oswald Chambers
along with the nearly insane mindset of trust,
No matter the circumstance, the Word of God is true- Let's say what God says: I do not lack, for my God supplies all of my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) I trust in the Lord with all my heart and I do not lean to my own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
In all of my ways I do acknowledge Him and He directs my paths. (Proverbs 3:6) -Joe McGee Ministries
knowing all of my needs are met by the one who knows me better than I know myself,
"The miracle is not that we do this work, but we are happy to do it"- Mother Theresa
and I come to a place where sacrifice begs enthusiasm,
"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls" -Mother Theresa
and then beyond where joy is a necessity,
"If we desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and therefore, through trial, be strengthened." -George Mueller
the fruit of the spirit becomes a fierce weapon,
"Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is." -George Mueller
and we wonder how anyone would survive otherwise,
it is then that we know One that has sacrificed honor and comfort for us, desires every part of us, delights in the raw beauty within us, has done everything in His power to beckon us, has prepared a purpose for our unique skills, lavished us with perfect promises, thrown our mistakes to the bottom of the sea, and has taken our humble sacrifice that is ourselves, refined them with fire, and produced a life beyond anything we could have come up with on our own strength. For He made us, and He knows what we really want and need.
As a woman, this is the place I must come where discontent stops and perfect peace reigns. My husband could not do this for me, but in this place his purpose for me is cherished, and mine for him. This is where true love can start- for God, for my spouse, for my children, and all relationships. I want this to be a constant truth in my life, and I pray in my daughter's lives as well.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
1 John 4: 18-21
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Promise.
I was having a hopeless morning the other day. This drought is trying it's best to get to me. Plus a few other things.
It was hard.
***************
I went for a short walk to pray. God said I needed patience, and to not always predict how He would keep his promises, just that He would.
I felt a little better.
***************
In an effort to beat the heat, we went to see Ice Age 30 minutes away from my parent's home.
When we exited the theater, rain drops were falling. Just a few, but it made me smile. The cloud formed and stayed a little bit ahead of us on the drive home. We could see streaks of rain...somebody was getting rain. That was good.
In the middle of our conversation, I said to my mom, "That is one of God's promises. We will prosper in what we put our hands to." Not even a minute later, there was a rainbow in the cloud. First one end of the arch, then the other, and then a double. All the way home the children oohed and ahhed over such a beautiful rainbow. When we got home, this was all that was left.
We didn't get rain that night. We got something better- a reminder of God's promises.
It was hard.
***************
I went for a short walk to pray. God said I needed patience, and to not always predict how He would keep his promises, just that He would.
I felt a little better.
***************
In an effort to beat the heat, we went to see Ice Age 30 minutes away from my parent's home.
When we exited the theater, rain drops were falling. Just a few, but it made me smile. The cloud formed and stayed a little bit ahead of us on the drive home. We could see streaks of rain...somebody was getting rain. That was good.
In the middle of our conversation, I said to my mom, "That is one of God's promises. We will prosper in what we put our hands to." Not even a minute later, there was a rainbow in the cloud. First one end of the arch, then the other, and then a double. All the way home the children oohed and ahhed over such a beautiful rainbow. When we got home, this was all that was left.
We didn't get rain that night. We got something better- a reminder of God's promises.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the water, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But it's leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will it cease from yielding fruit. -Jeremiah 17:7-8
Sunday, June 17, 2012
He's The Music, I'm The Lyrics
One movie we agree on is Music and Lyrics. It's not family friendly- we just like it.
I don't think that I will ever master how marriage works, but after ten years I have a better understanding.
I plan, I compose the day, I set goals, I make the meals (mostly), I am in charge over almost everything about this family.... but the art of it all is my planning is not the end of the matter. How this family environment works is ultimately up to the music....Dad.
The music can take the words in different directions, imply feeling, and enhance expression. It can make the lyrics or bring them to no meaning at all.
This has frustrated me at times, but alas, it is refreshing for me to put my thoughts, plans, and ideas out there and just see what happens. The responsibility of the end is his....and if he fails, it's God's, who is also the inspiration of the words.
We make a good team...me, him, and God. I wonder where this will take us in the next 10 years.
Now to His who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.... Ephesians 3:20
I don't think that I will ever master how marriage works, but after ten years I have a better understanding.
I plan, I compose the day, I set goals, I make the meals (mostly), I am in charge over almost everything about this family.... but the art of it all is my planning is not the end of the matter. How this family environment works is ultimately up to the music....Dad.
The music can take the words in different directions, imply feeling, and enhance expression. It can make the lyrics or bring them to no meaning at all.
This has frustrated me at times, but alas, it is refreshing for me to put my thoughts, plans, and ideas out there and just see what happens. The responsibility of the end is his....and if he fails, it's God's, who is also the inspiration of the words.
We make a good team...me, him, and God. I wonder where this will take us in the next 10 years.
Now to His who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.... Ephesians 3:20
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Be Still
Currently, the commotion around here is more than I like when I write, but appropriate for a small house with five children (my niece, Ellie spent the weekend with us). The good thing, though is that I usually have mulled everything over enough that I think I can get it down.
Writing helps me organize my thoughts. I've found it essential to making anything of what is in my head. Sometimes it is in a journal or a word document or a note to someone- or in blog form.
Today, with plenty of interruptions, I will get them down in abbreviated form as a result of thoughts that came in silence. God has given me big dreams with adequate talents. Anything lacking is made up for with dependence on his powerful plan.
We celebrated Pentecost today, which was a nice addition to my thoughts. Which is, in a nutshell, that whenever God reveals something to me in His silent voice, it is quiet in my physical surroundings and in my thoughts. Be still and know that I am God. I thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
So my challenge for this month (a month long goal for myself because most of it will not be spent in my own home) is to create a relaxing place to be still. I'll probably have more than one to accommodate different situations.
I love my deck as the sun is coming up in the morning before the household awakes. Couple that with a cup of coffee and I have a great start. It would be even better if I could get in a walk around the block...
We've moved our room to the basement, which I plan to make into a little studio for Sook and I- a place of refuge, probably a quiet time after lunch.
Every one's favorite spot in the house is on the couch in the living room. This is best for me right after the kids go to bed- so I'm available if they need me prior to falling asleep. Right now my living room is jumbled- very lived in but not so relaxing.
In a lifestyle filled with noise, activity, and interruptions, Mamas need quiet time. In a world where there is too much to do and too little time, quiet must be coveted, even fought for. More is accomplished, visions are created, prayers are said, and purposes revealed. The soul, mind, body, and spirit will be blessed. And a happy mama= a happy family.
Writing helps me organize my thoughts. I've found it essential to making anything of what is in my head. Sometimes it is in a journal or a word document or a note to someone- or in blog form.
Today, with plenty of interruptions, I will get them down in abbreviated form as a result of thoughts that came in silence. God has given me big dreams with adequate talents. Anything lacking is made up for with dependence on his powerful plan.
We celebrated Pentecost today, which was a nice addition to my thoughts. Which is, in a nutshell, that whenever God reveals something to me in His silent voice, it is quiet in my physical surroundings and in my thoughts. Be still and know that I am God. I thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
So my challenge for this month (a month long goal for myself because most of it will not be spent in my own home) is to create a relaxing place to be still. I'll probably have more than one to accommodate different situations.
I love my deck as the sun is coming up in the morning before the household awakes. Couple that with a cup of coffee and I have a great start. It would be even better if I could get in a walk around the block...
We've moved our room to the basement, which I plan to make into a little studio for Sook and I- a place of refuge, probably a quiet time after lunch.
Every one's favorite spot in the house is on the couch in the living room. This is best for me right after the kids go to bed- so I'm available if they need me prior to falling asleep. Right now my living room is jumbled- very lived in but not so relaxing.
In a lifestyle filled with noise, activity, and interruptions, Mamas need quiet time. In a world where there is too much to do and too little time, quiet must be coveted, even fought for. More is accomplished, visions are created, prayers are said, and purposes revealed. The soul, mind, body, and spirit will be blessed. And a happy mama= a happy family.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Relax.
The subject of health comes up often... in my professional and personal life. Everyone has an opinion and no one seems to agree completely. Anything and everything will kill you, and if you do one thing in the name of health, in 5 years they'll tell you it's fatal.
But it is important. And tricky.
Here's a thought:
My observations tell me that different people all over the world have different lifestyles and diets and most of them (that are adequately fed) are more healthy than Americans. Yet, Americans seem to think they can fix the health problem. They (and in "they", I mean "we") study and write articles and spend billions on doctor bills and meds that have horrible side effects and work so hard to pay the fees and dig for all the information that terrifies us about our environment and food and lack of exercise.....
and we end up with more doctor bills and meds and fears than in the first place. But at least we think we are smart.
There is a huge food industry. There is a big exercise industry. Some the products out there are great. Some are impossible. Some are simply not for me. Some are a scam.
But may I submit the suggestion that relaxing can be free, and that might be the thing we need to eliminate hundreds of diagnosis.
Note: I did not spend millions of dollars doing a study on this. Or any formal study at all.
I am not undermining the importance of exercise (which can be relaxing, by the way), and I am striving to eat as many whole foods as possible, but what I am saying is that the discussion of removing different types of stress is not as prevalent as what pill will fix what ailment. I believe that this should be the first step to a healthier lifestyle, and that diet and exercise should not contribute to our stress.
You may have heard someone say, "Worrying is a sin". Well, there are many verses in the Bible that speak on trusting and do not worry and have faith and pray. I also think that what we perceive as "knowledge" can become a god to us, (more important that God himself) which is clearly not God's plan. I believe God's instructions are there for our well being, so, with this in mind, and for the love of all the happy 90 something's out there....
here are a few ides to relax:
A teeny praying mantis, jumping from leaf to leaf. He let me study him for a long time, turning his head all around and observing me and the rest of this big world.
It takes some work to relax, or in other words, "labor to rest".....and put energy into your constructive, unique purpose!
When I practice these things, I my troubles fade and depression dissolves. My body is refreshed. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
But it is important. And tricky.
Here's a thought:
My observations tell me that different people all over the world have different lifestyles and diets and most of them (that are adequately fed) are more healthy than Americans. Yet, Americans seem to think they can fix the health problem. They (and in "they", I mean "we") study and write articles and spend billions on doctor bills and meds that have horrible side effects and work so hard to pay the fees and dig for all the information that terrifies us about our environment and food and lack of exercise.....
and we end up with more doctor bills and meds and fears than in the first place. But at least we think we are smart.
There is a huge food industry. There is a big exercise industry. Some the products out there are great. Some are impossible. Some are simply not for me. Some are a scam.
But may I submit the suggestion that relaxing can be free, and that might be the thing we need to eliminate hundreds of diagnosis.
Note: I did not spend millions of dollars doing a study on this. Or any formal study at all.
I am not undermining the importance of exercise (which can be relaxing, by the way), and I am striving to eat as many whole foods as possible, but what I am saying is that the discussion of removing different types of stress is not as prevalent as what pill will fix what ailment. I believe that this should be the first step to a healthier lifestyle, and that diet and exercise should not contribute to our stress.
You may have heard someone say, "Worrying is a sin". Well, there are many verses in the Bible that speak on trusting and do not worry and have faith and pray. I also think that what we perceive as "knowledge" can become a god to us, (more important that God himself) which is clearly not God's plan. I believe God's instructions are there for our well being, so, with this in mind, and for the love of all the happy 90 something's out there....
here are a few ides to relax:
- Pay attention to yourself. What are some things that cause anxiety, tension, anger, or fear? Are they things that can be eliminated? For instance, if you are tense after watching the news, maybe you can stop watching it. I don't watch the news anymore, and I shut off the computer if I am having a sensitive day.
- Think about what you enjoy! Is it something you can incorporate into your day? Yes, it should be a priority, reasonably speaking.
- FORGIVE. God loves us and takes care of us (and has forgiven us), so there is no need to hold on to unforgiveness. Your body will thank you.
- Laugh daily.
- STOP finding out what is wrong with everyone else. Find and work with the positives in each person and every situation. By doing this, you may even assist in improving someone else's perspective.
- Give out a whole lot of grace.
- Listen to relaxing sounds.
- Volunteer. I know there is a study out there proving the health benefits to this somewhere. Plus millions of testimonies.
- Cut out complaining altogether. As well as the need to be right all the time. Once and a while someone will say to me, "you are so fortunate that your life is not filled with drama...or, you don't have as many problems..." My first reaction is to go down the list of difficult people and situations I encounter regularly, but that just stirs up negative emotions, fears, worries, and anger. The reason someone seems as though they don't have problems is due to the way they handle them, not the lack of them.
- In general, a good attitude can fix the majority of problems. Take the responsibility for your attitude and don't blame a bad one on anything outside of yourself.
- Smile often. Sing. Dance if you like to.
- Exalt God over your problems. They are no big deal to Him, and He loves you!
- Enjoy nature. The other day, I picked the buds off my mother's mums. Yes, in May. Gardening is so relaxing to me, but I got a kick out of this chore because this is who I saw:
A teeny praying mantis, jumping from leaf to leaf. He let me study him for a long time, turning his head all around and observing me and the rest of this big world.
- Don't miss the little things. Or great big things we look right past, like the sunset. We have a wealth of natural resources available, but sometimes ignore them, while starving for wondrous things that delight the soul.
- Take a walk or jog.
- And, if you are willing to spend a few bucks, get a massage, go on vacation, or a drive, or maid service.
It takes some work to relax, or in other words, "labor to rest".....and put energy into your constructive, unique purpose!
When I practice these things, I my troubles fade and depression dissolves. My body is refreshed. The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Present
I've made it very clear to everyone that we were moving- but we haven't. And might not. I can't explain it, except that I didn't really want to, but felt that is the right thing. My desire grew and out of what I thought was obedience, I looked at houses and packed up boxes, fixed up our house (mostly) and prayed. A lot. But when the time seemed to be right, I couldn't find a house. And when I did find a house, my opportunity was gone.
And it seems as though nothing has changed.
Not that it is all bad, but there are things I want so badly I could scream. Like new carpet, which I was not going to replace until the last minute that we moved....but even more importantly, time.
Evenings with my husband- even days on a regular basis. Not days every once and a while so we drop what we were going to do to hang with Daddy. I mean consistent, off the clock evenings. And involving him in our learning- not where he goes and does his thing and we are off to do ours.
A comfortable place to drop the kids off so we get to leave. Maybe more than one date a year? Maybe time for friends?
And Ellie....there is a sense of loss as time goes by without her around.
******************************
I have a lot more thoughts on this but I'm so tired they are not coming together. I won't lie. I'm disappointed. I want some changes in my life. Yet I am very blessed. Sometimes our desires get in the way of the view of our blessings.
Tomorrow God's mercies will be new again. Tomorrow I'll get up and do my best to build up my family, no matter what my house or my schedule looks like. I can't change the past, I don't control of my future, but I do have the present and opportunity to do my best with it. And thank God I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control through the Holy Spirit. I can make the best of all situations, and even bless others in the process. This is better than staying in disappointment.
Oh, that I may honor God with my present.
And it seems as though nothing has changed.
Not that it is all bad, but there are things I want so badly I could scream. Like new carpet, which I was not going to replace until the last minute that we moved....but even more importantly, time.
Evenings with my husband- even days on a regular basis. Not days every once and a while so we drop what we were going to do to hang with Daddy. I mean consistent, off the clock evenings. And involving him in our learning- not where he goes and does his thing and we are off to do ours.
A comfortable place to drop the kids off so we get to leave. Maybe more than one date a year? Maybe time for friends?
And Ellie....there is a sense of loss as time goes by without her around.
******************************
I have a lot more thoughts on this but I'm so tired they are not coming together. I won't lie. I'm disappointed. I want some changes in my life. Yet I am very blessed. Sometimes our desires get in the way of the view of our blessings.
Tomorrow God's mercies will be new again. Tomorrow I'll get up and do my best to build up my family, no matter what my house or my schedule looks like. I can't change the past, I don't control of my future, but I do have the present and opportunity to do my best with it. And thank God I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control through the Holy Spirit. I can make the best of all situations, and even bless others in the process. This is better than staying in disappointment.
Oh, that I may honor God with my present.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
My Economic Plan
I'm pretty sure homemakers can and will change the world. But if not, at least they can change the world of those in their home.
I'm not a political kind of person. Not because I don't think it is important. I will cast an informed ballot, but I don't intend on losing sleep over the outcome.
I am labeled as a Pro-Life Republican, but I strongly believe that if you are going to vote that way, you can't be ignorant about the reality of a very troubled economy and society. People are hurting. And if I am going to vote for less government and more babies, I personally need to get involved in helping the hurting.
Imagine.....okay, I'm not so sure about your ideal, John Lennon. However, imagine if all of Jesus's followers actually did follow his example. 1) Did not have other gods before Him (money) and 2) Loved the Lord with all soul, heart, and mind and all their neighbors 3)Trusted that God would do as He says- "how much more will He take care of you?" 4) Laid down their lives, picked up their cross, and followed Him. Just for starters.
There is also a verse in there about feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.....caring for widows and orphans....
Would there even be debate within the government on social issues? I just wonder.
Now, I realize that I am jumping on a bandwagon that took off long before it hit me, and I am no where near where I need to be. Thousands of people are sold out to the idea of living to love others. I wish their stories were told more. But this is actually really good news for me because I can improve my economic situation simply by being obedient. No new skills are necessary.
But it takes a little shifting of the mind.
First, I need to spend time- time that I could be spending worrying about my day- just meditating on how big God is, how much He loves me and everyone in the world, and how He desires to pour out His blessings on us. God is good. Better than I've ever imagined. I wonder how big I can imagine.
After I have forgotten my worries and remembered my blessings, I can take on the world. I can encourage my husband who does have good work. I can bring up children that will have values to give to the world and not take.
I can pack up gently used clothes and pass them along. I can double my lasagna recipe and give one half away. I can recognize my excess and eliminate it. I can be resourceful in order to save, and in turn, give more.
I can encourage a healthy family, needing less medical intervention. I can make my food from scratch, saving money and improving health. I can make cleaning supplies, too! I can involve my whole family to instill these values.
I can teach them to volunteer and give. These things are good for the soul and body, and it has been proven that those who give and volunteer are healthier all around. If giving people are healthy, then they are not taking. And they can give more.
I can love, I can advocate, I can serve.
I can care for other children in need, maybe even to the point of adoption. This breaks a cycle of destruction and brings new hope for a child and possibly his or her children, also creating a better future for everyone.
These things are acts of faith in the greatness of God, which erase the fears and doubts. Acting in faith gets us out of the way and allows God to do mighty acts. And he can give me more resources that I could earn on my own in any economy.
Several months ago, I shared our decision to sponsor Rebka, a 10 year old girl in Ethiopia. This experience has been God ordained and full of joy. It's not just writing a check, but writing letters and providing needs. I almost feel as though she belongs as a part of our family, even though I've never met her face to face.
Sook and I fell in love with her in this picture:
And my dear friend hand delivered our first letter to her.
Then, another friend felt the call to head up a huge challenge to make dresses and send clothes to all the children of the Kechene Care Point, and God blessed her efforts above expectations! You can read her story here.
I am so excited to see people rise up for a group of children waiting to see how God loves them! And the thing that amazes me the most is that what they need is actually so little to us. It is do-able.
But now, more children are in need of school uniforms and shoes. The shoes these children wear would have been thrown out long ago by the average child in the U.S. One pair of shoes or one uniform is less than most of us would spend on clothes, yet means so much to a child. One pair is affordable to us. But many are needed. Would you give to these children too? If you would like to donate money for a uniform, click here and for shoes, click here.
Thanks!
I'm not a political kind of person. Not because I don't think it is important. I will cast an informed ballot, but I don't intend on losing sleep over the outcome.
I am labeled as a Pro-Life Republican, but I strongly believe that if you are going to vote that way, you can't be ignorant about the reality of a very troubled economy and society. People are hurting. And if I am going to vote for less government and more babies, I personally need to get involved in helping the hurting.
Imagine.....okay, I'm not so sure about your ideal, John Lennon. However, imagine if all of Jesus's followers actually did follow his example. 1) Did not have other gods before Him (money) and 2) Loved the Lord with all soul, heart, and mind and all their neighbors 3)Trusted that God would do as He says- "how much more will He take care of you?" 4) Laid down their lives, picked up their cross, and followed Him. Just for starters.
There is also a verse in there about feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.....caring for widows and orphans....
Would there even be debate within the government on social issues? I just wonder.
Now, I realize that I am jumping on a bandwagon that took off long before it hit me, and I am no where near where I need to be. Thousands of people are sold out to the idea of living to love others. I wish their stories were told more. But this is actually really good news for me because I can improve my economic situation simply by being obedient. No new skills are necessary.
But it takes a little shifting of the mind.
First, I need to spend time- time that I could be spending worrying about my day- just meditating on how big God is, how much He loves me and everyone in the world, and how He desires to pour out His blessings on us. God is good. Better than I've ever imagined. I wonder how big I can imagine.
If then God clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. -Luke 12:28-30
After I have forgotten my worries and remembered my blessings, I can take on the world. I can encourage my husband who does have good work. I can bring up children that will have values to give to the world and not take.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.- Philippians 4:4-9I can be picky about where I spend money. Some businesses are doing great things for others.
I can pack up gently used clothes and pass them along. I can double my lasagna recipe and give one half away. I can recognize my excess and eliminate it. I can be resourceful in order to save, and in turn, give more.
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Luke 12:32-34
I can encourage a healthy family, needing less medical intervention. I can make my food from scratch, saving money and improving health. I can make cleaning supplies, too! I can involve my whole family to instill these values.
I can teach them to volunteer and give. These things are good for the soul and body, and it has been proven that those who give and volunteer are healthier all around. If giving people are healthy, then they are not taking. And they can give more.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace about toward you, that you , always having all sufficiency in all things, may have abundance for every good work......
I can love, I can advocate, I can serve.
But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. -Matthew 23:11
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man to gain the whole world, and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?- Matthew 16: 25,26
I can care for other children in need, maybe even to the point of adoption. This breaks a cycle of destruction and brings new hope for a child and possibly his or her children, also creating a better future for everyone.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
-Matthew 5:3,4
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. Be he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doers of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. -James1:22-27
These things are acts of faith in the greatness of God, which erase the fears and doubts. Acting in faith gets us out of the way and allows God to do mighty acts. And he can give me more resources that I could earn on my own in any economy.
But many who are the first will be last, and the last first. -Mark 10:31
Several months ago, I shared our decision to sponsor Rebka, a 10 year old girl in Ethiopia. This experience has been God ordained and full of joy. It's not just writing a check, but writing letters and providing needs. I almost feel as though she belongs as a part of our family, even though I've never met her face to face.
Sook and I fell in love with her in this picture:
And my dear friend hand delivered our first letter to her.
Then, another friend felt the call to head up a huge challenge to make dresses and send clothes to all the children of the Kechene Care Point, and God blessed her efforts above expectations! You can read her story here.
I am so excited to see people rise up for a group of children waiting to see how God loves them! And the thing that amazes me the most is that what they need is actually so little to us. It is do-able.
But now, more children are in need of school uniforms and shoes. The shoes these children wear would have been thrown out long ago by the average child in the U.S. One pair of shoes or one uniform is less than most of us would spend on clothes, yet means so much to a child. One pair is affordable to us. But many are needed. Would you give to these children too? If you would like to donate money for a uniform, click here and for shoes, click here.
Thanks!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Ecclesiastes
This is my personal favorite book of the Bible. The meaning of life. I paraphrased it as to how it speaks to me today, at this part of my life. I am not a Bible scholar. I'm not trying to re-write the Bible. Solomon and the Holy Spirit say it perfectly. I, however, process it when I write. And I needed this today!
Nonsense. Everything is nonsense.
Does anything I do matter? I am one in billions and we will all die. Nature will continue to run it's course, but I will quickly be forgotten.
I can't change anything. People don't learn easily. They think in their youth they are wiser than presidents, but age will prove otherwise. Then they die and a new, ignorant generation starts.
I wanted the best life possible, so I bought self-help books and read the Internet articles to find the perfect way to do anything. The more I learned, the more I failed.
I thought maybe fun times would help. I went on vacation and got my hair done. I dressed up so people would notice me. I spent all my money to give me pleasure. All these things produced more work.
I said to myself:
As I age, I am wiser. I get impressive things and say witty remarks and get almost half way to the top at my peak. Then my body fails. I can't run as fast or endure marathons. And there I end up, as foolish as a baby.
I can build up organizations with all my wisdom, but what if I die? How do I know my purpose continues? My successor may use everything I built for evil. Then all my work is worthless.
Sometimes we thrive. Sometimes we wither.
Some things we start. Some things we end.
We light a candle and snuff it out.
We cry, we laugh.
We gather, we give away.
We get new things, we use them up.
We speak at one time, and hold our tongue when we want to scream.
We love the good and hate the evil- and sometimes it's all mixed together.
I suppose in eternity's eyes everything matters. The problem is we dont' get that view yet. So we should do what God puts in our hearts with a full commitment, then sit back and enjoy His blessings.
Everything matters to God. He takes our obedience as a small seed and breathes life into it, covers it with soil, sprinkles it with water, and it will flourish and multiply. This is what has happened from the beginning of time and will happen until the end.
Without God's spiritual seed of life, man is not different than the animals. They are born, they go through the motions, and they die. They see this and see the nonsense of life and begin to act like the animals they are. If they don't know that their spirit is different, why try?
Then I read the news of all of the bad. The bullied, the oppressed, the starving, the hate, the indoctrination of lies athat all lead to death. Who will help these? Is there any hope at all? Wouldn't it just be better to die?
Meanwhile others are cheating and greedily taking to obtain prosperity, keeping a blind eye to those that hurt. They work so hard for all they want and say, "we earned it so why would I share?" They do not realize that it is God who provides.
They bargin with God and don't hold up their end of the deal- and keep what is really a gift. So don't get mad at God if He takes it away.
It is better to fear God.
If I envy someone with a little more, and work day and night to attain it, I'll just end up envying someone with evern more. This lifesyle won't satisfy me.
All of my anbundance turns into a curse.
Everything carnal is enjoyed for a brief time, but then brings death.
So only look to God to satisfy, and have joy.
It's a shame when a man is born wealthy and has nothing to work for. His thanksgiving is not said and his wealth is not cherished. He does not know how to keep what he has and is burdened when someone else consumes it, or dies before he distributes it.
There are those that have everything- children, wealth, and honor, yet are not filled. Wouldn't it be better to be born dead?
If all we do is purely for survival of our flesh, our soul will never be satisfied. But when we have a desire, it is better to see it come to pass than to just sit around and think about it.
A man is only a man, with select privileges and limited time. He cannot overpower, out think, or manipulate God. He is too consumed with nonsense.
It is good to be honorable and die quickly before we mess it up.
Sorrow and sadness is necessary to increase honor. It hurts to be rebuked by someone wise and it feels good to hear foolish praise. It is better to hurt. Listening to lies that improve self esteem will only oppress you.
Stay humble, be patient, and the end will be wonderful. Don't embrace anger. It will cause you to do foolish things.
Wisdom makes life better, and is more helpful than knowledge alone.
Just don't think you are wiser than God.
But even righteousness will not produce satisfaction. Sometimes wickedness wins. Don't be too righteous. Or too wicked. Just. Fear. God.
No one is perfect. But learing from God improves the quality of life.
Some people hurt you. Don't think too much about it. Especially since you have hurt others as well and would like that to be forgotten.
Don't put your trust in a list of goals to attain perfect righteousness and praise from others. God has already made us perfect, but we have destroyed it by our own plans. Only wisdom from God will give a supernatural peace.
Don't get too worked up over those that have authority over us. Just obey them until there is an appropriate time of judgement from a wise man. Those in authority cannot bind your spirit. You can still pray all you want. Once you die, man's authority will end.
And we all die.
Anger, getting even, pride, and envy will destroy your life. So you might as well enjoy whatever life throws at you until you die.
Life, in general sucks. There is only hope in the Spirit of Life. Once you die, you don't get another chance. So why waste it on strife?
If you have to live in this nonsense anyway, you might as well take your family and work and wisdom and enjoy it. Then die.
Don't be prideful of your skills. Stay humble. You don't know the future, and you don't know all of your weaknesses. With wisdom, the weak can overtake the powerful.
Precious things can be spoiled easily. So leave fools alone. Stand for what you believe in.
Scheming may cause your own destruction so just stay the course. Be discerning whom you listen to. Be picky. Be wise. Be respectful. Don't lose heart in any circumstance because everything changes. You don't know everything so just trust God.
Watch the sunset. Smell the flowers. Just don't forget your sorrows.
Don't excuse stupidity for the young. It's better that they know God and learn early in life. Youth can be mighty in wisdom.
Always remember God because every pleasant thing will perish. God is good and will never perish.
Nonsense. Everything is nonsense.
Does anything I do matter? I am one in billions and we will all die. Nature will continue to run it's course, but I will quickly be forgotten.
I can't change anything. People don't learn easily. They think in their youth they are wiser than presidents, but age will prove otherwise. Then they die and a new, ignorant generation starts.
I wanted the best life possible, so I bought self-help books and read the Internet articles to find the perfect way to do anything. The more I learned, the more I failed.
I thought maybe fun times would help. I went on vacation and got my hair done. I dressed up so people would notice me. I spent all my money to give me pleasure. All these things produced more work.
I said to myself:
As I age, I am wiser. I get impressive things and say witty remarks and get almost half way to the top at my peak. Then my body fails. I can't run as fast or endure marathons. And there I end up, as foolish as a baby.
I can build up organizations with all my wisdom, but what if I die? How do I know my purpose continues? My successor may use everything I built for evil. Then all my work is worthless.
Sometimes we thrive. Sometimes we wither.
Some things we start. Some things we end.
We light a candle and snuff it out.
We cry, we laugh.
We gather, we give away.
We get new things, we use them up.
We speak at one time, and hold our tongue when we want to scream.
We love the good and hate the evil- and sometimes it's all mixed together.
I suppose in eternity's eyes everything matters. The problem is we dont' get that view yet. So we should do what God puts in our hearts with a full commitment, then sit back and enjoy His blessings.
Everything matters to God. He takes our obedience as a small seed and breathes life into it, covers it with soil, sprinkles it with water, and it will flourish and multiply. This is what has happened from the beginning of time and will happen until the end.
Without God's spiritual seed of life, man is not different than the animals. They are born, they go through the motions, and they die. They see this and see the nonsense of life and begin to act like the animals they are. If they don't know that their spirit is different, why try?
Then I read the news of all of the bad. The bullied, the oppressed, the starving, the hate, the indoctrination of lies athat all lead to death. Who will help these? Is there any hope at all? Wouldn't it just be better to die?
Meanwhile others are cheating and greedily taking to obtain prosperity, keeping a blind eye to those that hurt. They work so hard for all they want and say, "we earned it so why would I share?" They do not realize that it is God who provides.
They bargin with God and don't hold up their end of the deal- and keep what is really a gift. So don't get mad at God if He takes it away.
It is better to fear God.
If I envy someone with a little more, and work day and night to attain it, I'll just end up envying someone with evern more. This lifesyle won't satisfy me.
All of my anbundance turns into a curse.
Everything carnal is enjoyed for a brief time, but then brings death.
So only look to God to satisfy, and have joy.
It's a shame when a man is born wealthy and has nothing to work for. His thanksgiving is not said and his wealth is not cherished. He does not know how to keep what he has and is burdened when someone else consumes it, or dies before he distributes it.
There are those that have everything- children, wealth, and honor, yet are not filled. Wouldn't it be better to be born dead?
If all we do is purely for survival of our flesh, our soul will never be satisfied. But when we have a desire, it is better to see it come to pass than to just sit around and think about it.
A man is only a man, with select privileges and limited time. He cannot overpower, out think, or manipulate God. He is too consumed with nonsense.
It is good to be honorable and die quickly before we mess it up.
Sorrow and sadness is necessary to increase honor. It hurts to be rebuked by someone wise and it feels good to hear foolish praise. It is better to hurt. Listening to lies that improve self esteem will only oppress you.
Stay humble, be patient, and the end will be wonderful. Don't embrace anger. It will cause you to do foolish things.
Wisdom makes life better, and is more helpful than knowledge alone.
Just don't think you are wiser than God.
But even righteousness will not produce satisfaction. Sometimes wickedness wins. Don't be too righteous. Or too wicked. Just. Fear. God.
No one is perfect. But learing from God improves the quality of life.
Some people hurt you. Don't think too much about it. Especially since you have hurt others as well and would like that to be forgotten.
Don't put your trust in a list of goals to attain perfect righteousness and praise from others. God has already made us perfect, but we have destroyed it by our own plans. Only wisdom from God will give a supernatural peace.
Don't get too worked up over those that have authority over us. Just obey them until there is an appropriate time of judgement from a wise man. Those in authority cannot bind your spirit. You can still pray all you want. Once you die, man's authority will end.
And we all die.
Anger, getting even, pride, and envy will destroy your life. So you might as well enjoy whatever life throws at you until you die.
Life, in general sucks. There is only hope in the Spirit of Life. Once you die, you don't get another chance. So why waste it on strife?
If you have to live in this nonsense anyway, you might as well take your family and work and wisdom and enjoy it. Then die.
Don't be prideful of your skills. Stay humble. You don't know the future, and you don't know all of your weaknesses. With wisdom, the weak can overtake the powerful.
Precious things can be spoiled easily. So leave fools alone. Stand for what you believe in.
Scheming may cause your own destruction so just stay the course. Be discerning whom you listen to. Be picky. Be wise. Be respectful. Don't lose heart in any circumstance because everything changes. You don't know everything so just trust God.
Watch the sunset. Smell the flowers. Just don't forget your sorrows.
Don't excuse stupidity for the young. It's better that they know God and learn early in life. Youth can be mighty in wisdom.
Always remember God because every pleasant thing will perish. God is good and will never perish.
The secret to a good, meaningful life is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
For Real
Today I read the kid's version of "Heaven is for Real" to my children. I cried. I always cry during things like that so Savannah had to finish it for me.
It hit me how I marveled at a three-year old's account of heaven and the similarities of it's description in the Bible. Why would I marvel at that?
I mean, it's all right there in the Bible, the book that I claim to take as God's word. This has happened since college. Before that, I don't know if I had an actual conversation with God. More like, "I know He's out there.......somewhere...." And then when I really needed Him He showed up and it shocked me.
We see the things of God as mysteries. And some things He has kept mysterious to us. However, so many things are plain as day on the pages in front of me. God is for real. God's love is for real. The hugeness of God is for real. The wonderfulness of God is for real.
Yet it is so hard for me to just accept. As I've pondered these things I've concluded we've been lied to so much and have not questioned those lies that the real truth is so unreal. We pray and ask God to fix our problems and immediately doubt that he'll answer us. Yet we get mad at God when it looks like He didn't. Who lies to us? Satan. The author of lies. It says so in the Bible. Satan is for real.
Do you know why I cry when I read about how much God loves me? Because it's so hard for me to believe. I've done some bad things in my life. On my own, I am certainly not worthy of my relationship with God. But really the lies I've been told were nothing about what I've done, rather whom I was. And what do those lies accomplish? Stopping mighty things dead in their tracks.
Now I know God has done and will do mighty things through me, as anyone who is willing. But if I had not overcome the lies, I would be easily defeated. But God is big, and he already won so I don't have anything to fear. It says so in the Bible.
Believing lies hides our immense blessings. When compared to many in the world and even more in our history, I've got to be in the .001% of the most blessed people ever born. And with that comes responsibility. But unless I realize this, I cannot take that responsibility.
But even if I wasn't living in these blessings, I still would have the benefits of salvation available to me, which is worth more than ten million bucks.
And that is why complaining is so offensive to God (the Bible says so).
So what I want is to live as though nothing God has told me comes as a surprise because it is reality. And anything that is contrary to God's promises is what I doubt. I want to stop crying whenever God speaks to me, because that is what He does. And I want my children to learn to expect answered prayers, victories, and the realizations of their life as an adopted child of God. For if I live like that, they will more likely see it as real.
I want to know what is real.
It hit me how I marveled at a three-year old's account of heaven and the similarities of it's description in the Bible. Why would I marvel at that?
I mean, it's all right there in the Bible, the book that I claim to take as God's word. This has happened since college. Before that, I don't know if I had an actual conversation with God. More like, "I know He's out there.......somewhere...." And then when I really needed Him He showed up and it shocked me.
We see the things of God as mysteries. And some things He has kept mysterious to us. However, so many things are plain as day on the pages in front of me. God is for real. God's love is for real. The hugeness of God is for real. The wonderfulness of God is for real.
Yet it is so hard for me to just accept. As I've pondered these things I've concluded we've been lied to so much and have not questioned those lies that the real truth is so unreal. We pray and ask God to fix our problems and immediately doubt that he'll answer us. Yet we get mad at God when it looks like He didn't. Who lies to us? Satan. The author of lies. It says so in the Bible. Satan is for real.
Do you know why I cry when I read about how much God loves me? Because it's so hard for me to believe. I've done some bad things in my life. On my own, I am certainly not worthy of my relationship with God. But really the lies I've been told were nothing about what I've done, rather whom I was. And what do those lies accomplish? Stopping mighty things dead in their tracks.
Now I know God has done and will do mighty things through me, as anyone who is willing. But if I had not overcome the lies, I would be easily defeated. But God is big, and he already won so I don't have anything to fear. It says so in the Bible.
Believing lies hides our immense blessings. When compared to many in the world and even more in our history, I've got to be in the .001% of the most blessed people ever born. And with that comes responsibility. But unless I realize this, I cannot take that responsibility.
But even if I wasn't living in these blessings, I still would have the benefits of salvation available to me, which is worth more than ten million bucks.
And that is why complaining is so offensive to God (the Bible says so).
So what I want is to live as though nothing God has told me comes as a surprise because it is reality. And anything that is contrary to God's promises is what I doubt. I want to stop crying whenever God speaks to me, because that is what He does. And I want my children to learn to expect answered prayers, victories, and the realizations of their life as an adopted child of God. For if I live like that, they will more likely see it as real.
I want to know what is real.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
How Big Is God?
I don't know how old I was when I prayed to let God into my life. I know where I was, and that I was young. It wasn't made into a big deal. I was already in love with God.
The God I fell in love with I learned about in my home, by way of the radio. He was huge. He gave me goosebumps. However, while dusting and sweeping, I would hear stories of divine protection and provision. Huge miracles and blessings, taken place in the modern day. One I remember in particular was a missionary family was surrounded by enemies, and they were for sure to be overtaken. Suddenly, they turned and ran away. Later the family had found out that their enemies had seen a much greater army surrounding their house. But the family knew no army was there, except something unseen to them.
The God I fell in love with was mighty, powerful, able to do anything. But what I saw were Christians that complained, worried, feared, compared themselves to others, and made me feel very small. Some of them. Others were kind. Very few lived what they said they believed. If that was the only God I ever saw, I would never have wanted to be a part of Him. The God I fell in love with and the God I saw in those around me were very different. I was confused. I stumbled my way through life, my nose in the Bible and my feet in the world, but not going the same direction. Trying to live up to the religious and worldly standards all at once, and trying to make sense of how God fit in to all of it.
I saw God at work once and a while. Mediocre prayers were answered. I was left thinking there has to be more to this. If God sent Jesus to Earth to die on a cross, there has to be something much bigger behind all of this. Fed up with my life, I was determined to live every day for a year learning as much as I could about what the Bible says, and trusting it as law. I wanted to determine: Do I believe this or not?
That was a year and a half ago. At times, I've failed. Worried. Became discouraged. And angry. But even in my failures I have learned so much about God I just can't let him go. He is whom I fell in love with and more. He uses the weak to do mighty things. He answers my prayers. My sins have been made void. Through Him, I am a conqueror in all things. All things. Even the things I haven't had the guts to do until now, or even now.
And I take a look at my own life and think, which God to people see in me?
I want others to see the big God. I want to set no limits.
Have you read 58:Fast Living yet?
Have you read Isaiah 58 lately?
In the book, the author describes what first century Christians did to take care of the poor. Unbelievable. Some of the church today continues this sacrifice, but it isn't the norm. What if it was?
What does unconditional love look like? What does it mean?
What does no limits look like?
What does reckless abandonment look like?
What does the completion of God's promises look like?
What did Jesus's sacrifice actually benefit me? How can I use it to make a difference?
Does anyone else get excited about this? Do we just dream about heaven or do we take advantage of the favor we have right here, right now.
Do we really believe what we say we believe?
God doesn't fit in the worldly world or religion. He is way bigger than those things. He uses prostitutes and kings. He values shepherds and priests, so long as they trust Him. He has a plan for me. So excuse me if my choices seem odd. My sights are not on fitting in.
All this makes me giddy.
My goal is to find out how big God really is. I might not attain it in my lifetime, but I'm going to enjoy trying.
The God I fell in love with I learned about in my home, by way of the radio. He was huge. He gave me goosebumps. However, while dusting and sweeping, I would hear stories of divine protection and provision. Huge miracles and blessings, taken place in the modern day. One I remember in particular was a missionary family was surrounded by enemies, and they were for sure to be overtaken. Suddenly, they turned and ran away. Later the family had found out that their enemies had seen a much greater army surrounding their house. But the family knew no army was there, except something unseen to them.
The God I fell in love with was mighty, powerful, able to do anything. But what I saw were Christians that complained, worried, feared, compared themselves to others, and made me feel very small. Some of them. Others were kind. Very few lived what they said they believed. If that was the only God I ever saw, I would never have wanted to be a part of Him. The God I fell in love with and the God I saw in those around me were very different. I was confused. I stumbled my way through life, my nose in the Bible and my feet in the world, but not going the same direction. Trying to live up to the religious and worldly standards all at once, and trying to make sense of how God fit in to all of it.
I saw God at work once and a while. Mediocre prayers were answered. I was left thinking there has to be more to this. If God sent Jesus to Earth to die on a cross, there has to be something much bigger behind all of this. Fed up with my life, I was determined to live every day for a year learning as much as I could about what the Bible says, and trusting it as law. I wanted to determine: Do I believe this or not?
That was a year and a half ago. At times, I've failed. Worried. Became discouraged. And angry. But even in my failures I have learned so much about God I just can't let him go. He is whom I fell in love with and more. He uses the weak to do mighty things. He answers my prayers. My sins have been made void. Through Him, I am a conqueror in all things. All things. Even the things I haven't had the guts to do until now, or even now.
And I take a look at my own life and think, which God to people see in me?
I want others to see the big God. I want to set no limits.
Have you read 58:Fast Living yet?
Have you read Isaiah 58 lately?
In the book, the author describes what first century Christians did to take care of the poor. Unbelievable. Some of the church today continues this sacrifice, but it isn't the norm. What if it was?
What does unconditional love look like? What does it mean?
What does no limits look like?
What does reckless abandonment look like?
What does the completion of God's promises look like?
What did Jesus's sacrifice actually benefit me? How can I use it to make a difference?
Does anyone else get excited about this? Do we just dream about heaven or do we take advantage of the favor we have right here, right now.
Do we really believe what we say we believe?
God doesn't fit in the worldly world or religion. He is way bigger than those things. He uses prostitutes and kings. He values shepherds and priests, so long as they trust Him. He has a plan for me. So excuse me if my choices seem odd. My sights are not on fitting in.
All this makes me giddy.
My goal is to find out how big God really is. I might not attain it in my lifetime, but I'm going to enjoy trying.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Strange Sight
When Sook and I first met, I noticed stares. I don't know if it was my imagination or if there was something that interesting about us. Like that we were so good looking.......or we didn't share the same skin color. Probably the latter. (My husband would say the former. Fruitcake.)
I don't notice stares anymore. Maybe I don't because there aren't any- or maybe I just don't care .
Sometimes I forget I'm in the middle of a mixed marriage. I've become the minority in my house with my blue eyes and light brown hair, but I truly don't see it. And though I marvel at my children's cute chubby cheeks and Asian eyes, I see something else much more important. I can't see it with my eyes, but it's there. I see their spirit. I see sweetness, spunkiness, curiosity, and compassion.
Something happens when you get to know and love a person so well. The lens of vision focuses on a part you cannot see. The other is still there, it's just a little blurred.
That is how God see me. He looks past my glasses and split ends. He is blind to my scattered brain. He does not define me based on my cooking or driving skills. He doesn't even think less of me when I am a horrible brat. Because He has paid for my sins and shortcomings, I look to Him as if sin had no effect. He sees me as I was made to be. Beautiful and successful, just like all of us humans. I receive that. I love that. I love God for that, because I know how I look otherwise.
But what I have seen now is astonishing. God is showing me how He sees others, too. How He sees the children in the foster care system at my work, with all the potential in the world. How He sees bullies, filled with His compassion. How He sees my sister without Fragile X. Intelligent and stunning. How He looks past all of our insecurities and absurd behavior. They are still there. But they are not who we are.
Race, disease, mistakes, popularity, status, and flaws do not define those who choose to take on the image of Christ. We can reject the negative definitions people put on us, and embrace the lovely, kind, true, and noble.
What would our world look like if we saw each other this way, and treated each other accordingly?
I don't notice stares anymore. Maybe I don't because there aren't any- or maybe I just don't care .
Sometimes I forget I'm in the middle of a mixed marriage. I've become the minority in my house with my blue eyes and light brown hair, but I truly don't see it. And though I marvel at my children's cute chubby cheeks and Asian eyes, I see something else much more important. I can't see it with my eyes, but it's there. I see their spirit. I see sweetness, spunkiness, curiosity, and compassion.
Something happens when you get to know and love a person so well. The lens of vision focuses on a part you cannot see. The other is still there, it's just a little blurred.
That is how God see me. He looks past my glasses and split ends. He is blind to my scattered brain. He does not define me based on my cooking or driving skills. He doesn't even think less of me when I am a horrible brat. Because He has paid for my sins and shortcomings, I look to Him as if sin had no effect. He sees me as I was made to be. Beautiful and successful, just like all of us humans. I receive that. I love that. I love God for that, because I know how I look otherwise.
But what I have seen now is astonishing. God is showing me how He sees others, too. How He sees the children in the foster care system at my work, with all the potential in the world. How He sees bullies, filled with His compassion. How He sees my sister without Fragile X. Intelligent and stunning. How He looks past all of our insecurities and absurd behavior. They are still there. But they are not who we are.
Race, disease, mistakes, popularity, status, and flaws do not define those who choose to take on the image of Christ. We can reject the negative definitions people put on us, and embrace the lovely, kind, true, and noble.
What would our world look like if we saw each other this way, and treated each other accordingly?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Waiting
As we shopped in the used book store the other day, Mom and I rummaged through old play scripts. She picked up a book of advent plays. A perfect touch to our advent envelopes.
The first advent play, and our activity for today, was themed "waiting"
Waiting for the prophecy to come true.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light as dawned. Isaiah 9:2
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
People waited for hundreds of years before it came true. And then it did.
Do you think they just gave up?
How many kept the faith?
Mama has been sick once, twice, three times. Today was hard. Yesterday in my journal I wrote: "Tomorrow I will bless your socks off. It has already been commanded."
I looked around in my kitchen, which was a disaster due to painting the cabinets, and stayed that way due to feeling sick.
"Will this ever look clean again?"
"Will we ever have the chance to move?"
"Will we ever see financial peace?"
"Will my prayers ever be answered?"
And a faint but very real reply said, "It has already been commanded. It is done."
The kids enthusiastically decorated construction paper trees.
More messes were made.
Max was introduced to his first coloring book.
He just wanted to line up the crayons.
Mom and Dad are tired.
Deep in thought while washing a load of dishes, Savannah came up behind me to share one of her many stories. I caught a glimpse of her smile.
So many prayers have been answered.
And until the realizations of my answered prayers show themselves to me, I shall wait. In hope and expectation, not giving up.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Siestas and Tapas
The summer before my senior year in college, I was privileged to spend eight weeks in Spain. It was a Spanish 4 class trip. I am surprised they let me go. When I told my Spanish 3 teacher that I was going, she said, "Good. You need the practice." Ha.
I can't speak Spanish- and I never really could. I have many stories of the stupid American girl trying to make her way through Granada. But I got a B in the class!
I have a secret. I didn't really go for the class.
Oh, it was worth whatever it took to get there. The food, the wine, the flowers, the cobblestone street I walked on to have a high carb breakfast and coffee, it was divine. I learned much more than what the class taught me.
I noticed that overall they didn't have as much as I was used to. Most families lived in apartments, they walked or took the bus- but didn't drive a car, and had no air conditioning. And they were okay with that. I don't remember grumbling (unless it was about stupid Americans). People were friendly, relaxed, and content.
All of the shops closed from 2-6 for "siesta time" which included a large lunch that would last over an hour because of lively talk and a few glasses of wine. Next, there was time for a siesta (a nap), and then refreshed and back to work they go.
Often times, our evening meals were tapas: small meals that went well with a drink or two. There was dancing, sometimes in the town plaza, random guitar players, and wonderful music.
I have wondered if the reason why, in a country where most meals include bread dipped in olive oil and wine as their water, the people are so much thinner and healthier? Could it be due to their attitudes and priorities? Siestas and tapas?
I have heard it said several times in one way or another that God is not so interested in our goals, but in the process. Do we value the process? Are we wishing for the goal so that our lives will be better, or are we interested in having a better life as is- right now?
What would that look like here? Siestas really are not an option- but chillin' with my kiddos next to dozens of reminders of what needs to be done provides some rest. What about a coming together at a meal to talk, engage in people, laugh? Is it possible in our culture? I think so, but it may seem a little weird to people around us. But I'm already weird, so who cares?!
We work so hard so that we can relax. Please, don't get me wrong. I value hard work. But maybe our hard work is for the wrong reasons. Maybe there is a better way. Maybe we need to enjoy the process, see God at work in every day little things. Value people more than money. Learn to put up our feet when work is staring you in the face. Stay healthy and happy. Hear from God - and tell Him what we think. Thank Him for what we see now that we've actually looked. Rest in His promises.
Summer and I have agreed that Tuesdays are her night to say up a little later with me. She insists that it is with me, and I'm glad that she does.
This week we played Angry Animals, cuddled, and made this picture together:
I can't speak Spanish- and I never really could. I have many stories of the stupid American girl trying to make her way through Granada. But I got a B in the class!
I have a secret. I didn't really go for the class.
Oh, it was worth whatever it took to get there. The food, the wine, the flowers, the cobblestone street I walked on to have a high carb breakfast and coffee, it was divine. I learned much more than what the class taught me.
I noticed that overall they didn't have as much as I was used to. Most families lived in apartments, they walked or took the bus- but didn't drive a car, and had no air conditioning. And they were okay with that. I don't remember grumbling (unless it was about stupid Americans). People were friendly, relaxed, and content.
All of the shops closed from 2-6 for "siesta time" which included a large lunch that would last over an hour because of lively talk and a few glasses of wine. Next, there was time for a siesta (a nap), and then refreshed and back to work they go.
Often times, our evening meals were tapas: small meals that went well with a drink or two. There was dancing, sometimes in the town plaza, random guitar players, and wonderful music.
I have wondered if the reason why, in a country where most meals include bread dipped in olive oil and wine as their water, the people are so much thinner and healthier? Could it be due to their attitudes and priorities? Siestas and tapas?
I have heard it said several times in one way or another that God is not so interested in our goals, but in the process. Do we value the process? Are we wishing for the goal so that our lives will be better, or are we interested in having a better life as is- right now?
What would that look like here? Siestas really are not an option- but chillin' with my kiddos next to dozens of reminders of what needs to be done provides some rest. What about a coming together at a meal to talk, engage in people, laugh? Is it possible in our culture? I think so, but it may seem a little weird to people around us. But I'm already weird, so who cares?!
We work so hard so that we can relax. Please, don't get me wrong. I value hard work. But maybe our hard work is for the wrong reasons. Maybe there is a better way. Maybe we need to enjoy the process, see God at work in every day little things. Value people more than money. Learn to put up our feet when work is staring you in the face. Stay healthy and happy. Hear from God - and tell Him what we think. Thank Him for what we see now that we've actually looked. Rest in His promises.
Summer and I have agreed that Tuesdays are her night to say up a little later with me. She insists that it is with me, and I'm glad that she does.
This week we played Angry Animals, cuddled, and made this picture together:
I said, "Summer, you look like a princess singing next to the river."
And she said, "Well, yes but I'm a princess eating a hamburger."
I'd much rather be looking at a princess singing by the river eating a hamburger.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Royal Living
I have so many life thoughts in my head, one post will not cover all of it. I'm running the risk of someone possible taking me wrong- I'm all about balance. Most of the time. In some areas I'm crazy radical- at least compared to my surroundings. So today I'm just talking about one aspect of life. It's a lesson that I really needed to learn.
Accepting gifts, favor, blessings.
Somehow I got it in my head that living without was more righteous. At first, it seemed that I was more self sacrificing and content, because I could live anywhere, in any circumstance. I wasn't picky. This can be a good thing.
However, as my dreams and my family grew, it turned into self pity, bitterness, and jealousy. I got in a huge rut that seemed as if it would never go away. I couldn't bless anyone because I was always in need. I was miserable.
What I didn't know was how to receive blessings. But when I started to humble myself (yes, I need humbling. It takes humility to receive!) and to learn more about who God was and what He wanted to do in my life, I was looking at life through different glasses.
As a follower of Christ, I am saved. I have received salvation.
What is salvation? From my understanding, and according to various sermons and Bible footnotes, "salvation" in Hebrew and Greek means deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, and soundness of mind.
Other words connected to salvation are: justification, redemption, grace, propitiation (the sacrifice of Christ that appeases divine wrath), imputation (transfer of Christ's righteousness to me), forgiveness, and sanctification (set apart, made holy).
Whoa. I hadn't been living like I had all of that. This means, if I am worried about....anything (money, health, safety, my sins) I was not living as though I had received salvation. It's like a pretty gift sitting on a mantel containing value beyond imagination.....unused. Or if you had nothing and was handed an invitation to move into a royal palace and live as one of them. You show your friends and tell them about this wonderful opportunity for you. You carry it around with you wherever you go, put pictures of the Royal Family up on your wall, and collect all kinds of information about what it is like to live in royalty, yet you never actually go.
Maybe you don't know the way. But then again, if you know the awesomeness of this invitation, wouldn't you do everything you can to get there?
Maybe you are scared they won't like what they see. Maybe you don't really believe their guarantee that all un-royalness will be left at the door, and you will be adopted in as pure royalness. No questions asked.
Maybe you are comfortable in your poverty and are scared of leaving it.
Maybe you don't really understand what it means to be royalty.
I am grafted in to God's family. I want to know all of the benefits that go along with that. But it doesn't stop here.
I am finding that God knows me personally- he is the one who created me. He knows the things I love and he knows my shortcomings. He provides perfectly in a way that is tailored to me. My individual needs, loves, joys, gifts, and responsibilities- in accordance with His word. Sometimes it is circumstantial, many times he blesses me through other people.
I am slowly learning what it means to be a part of God's family. Each perfect revelation reminds me that my heavenly father is the perfect provider, and I am more than happy to receive it.
There is more to this story but I'd like to point out that God drew me in by his incredible love. He showed me where I was and then what was waiting for me, upon my acceptance. I pray that my children come to this realization earlier in life than I did.
Here are some verses to ponder:
Genesis 15:3 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His given power as given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, but which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He mad us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
From: How He Loves (listen to it here)
He is jealous for me.
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are
And how great your affections are for me.
Oh, How He loves us oh,
Oh, How He loves us,
How He loves us, oh
Accepting gifts, favor, blessings.
Somehow I got it in my head that living without was more righteous. At first, it seemed that I was more self sacrificing and content, because I could live anywhere, in any circumstance. I wasn't picky. This can be a good thing.
However, as my dreams and my family grew, it turned into self pity, bitterness, and jealousy. I got in a huge rut that seemed as if it would never go away. I couldn't bless anyone because I was always in need. I was miserable.
What I didn't know was how to receive blessings. But when I started to humble myself (yes, I need humbling. It takes humility to receive!) and to learn more about who God was and what He wanted to do in my life, I was looking at life through different glasses.
As a follower of Christ, I am saved. I have received salvation.
What is salvation? From my understanding, and according to various sermons and Bible footnotes, "salvation" in Hebrew and Greek means deliverance, safety, preservation, healing, and soundness of mind.
Other words connected to salvation are: justification, redemption, grace, propitiation (the sacrifice of Christ that appeases divine wrath), imputation (transfer of Christ's righteousness to me), forgiveness, and sanctification (set apart, made holy).
Whoa. I hadn't been living like I had all of that. This means, if I am worried about....anything (money, health, safety, my sins) I was not living as though I had received salvation. It's like a pretty gift sitting on a mantel containing value beyond imagination.....unused. Or if you had nothing and was handed an invitation to move into a royal palace and live as one of them. You show your friends and tell them about this wonderful opportunity for you. You carry it around with you wherever you go, put pictures of the Royal Family up on your wall, and collect all kinds of information about what it is like to live in royalty, yet you never actually go.
Maybe you don't know the way. But then again, if you know the awesomeness of this invitation, wouldn't you do everything you can to get there?
Maybe you are scared they won't like what they see. Maybe you don't really believe their guarantee that all un-royalness will be left at the door, and you will be adopted in as pure royalness. No questions asked.
Maybe you are comfortable in your poverty and are scared of leaving it.
Maybe you don't really understand what it means to be royalty.
I am grafted in to God's family. I want to know all of the benefits that go along with that. But it doesn't stop here.
I am finding that God knows me personally- he is the one who created me. He knows the things I love and he knows my shortcomings. He provides perfectly in a way that is tailored to me. My individual needs, loves, joys, gifts, and responsibilities- in accordance with His word. Sometimes it is circumstantial, many times he blesses me through other people.
I am slowly learning what it means to be a part of God's family. Each perfect revelation reminds me that my heavenly father is the perfect provider, and I am more than happy to receive it.
There is more to this story but I'd like to point out that God drew me in by his incredible love. He showed me where I was and then what was waiting for me, upon my acceptance. I pray that my children come to this realization earlier in life than I did.
Here are some verses to ponder:
Genesis 15:3 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His given power as given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, but which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He mad us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
From: How He Loves (listen to it here)
He is jealous for me.
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are
And how great your affections are for me.
Oh, How He loves us oh,
Oh, How He loves us,
How He loves us, oh
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