Two nights ago, I was doing the nightly devotions with Brayden and Spencer since Thomas was coming home late from work. When we finished, they said their prayers. Brayden uttered his usual prayer. When he finished, I said "Why don't you say something else too. Tell God something new." So, he went on to tell God he was "Holy, Grace, and King..." Then he said, "Mommy, what's grace?" I told him that grace and mercy were kinda alike. It's God doing good for us, just because he loves us--because He wants to, not because we deserve it. His answer to that was "Oh, just like Daddy!"---WOW!!! I'm so thankful to have a husband that is portraying and living out a real-life picture of God the Father to my sons. What a treasure!
P.S. I told Brayden, he was right and that God would be pleased with Daddy too for showing grace.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Nay-sayers
Acts 5:38-39 (a pharisee Gamaliel speaks to other pharisees concerning the apostles' fate) "Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
When God leads in a way that seems improbable, or even impossible, do not lose heart. It's human nature to analyze, criticize, and scrutinize possibilities. The world is full of "nay-sayers"---and it's a fight to not be one myself. We operate in a rational world of possibilities. However, God operates in an irrational, supernatural, world of promises. Take David, for example, who would pick a young musician, with no military experience, and lust to carry on the lineage of the Savior of the world? -No one would, but God did. Not because David deserved it, but because God planned it and promised it. God's purposes are not dependent on our actions (whew)! Does that mean we can do whatever we want and be blessed without consequence. Of course not, scripture doesn't support that at all. Read the whole story of David....sin always leads to death. However, God's plan is unwavering. God's plan came to be despite sin. There are many examples in scripture, countless...Abraham, Sarah, Rahab, Jacob, Joseph, Moses,Peter, Paul,... So stand firm, kneel humbly, and rest safely in the will of God. When you are doing God's work, be assured that God will bring it to completion (no matter what anyone else, or your human mind, tells you).
Acts 5:29 "We must obey God rather than men."
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
God, open my eyes to see your work clearly, to recognize your plan in my life today. May I embrace it boldly with confidence, knowing that your promises are true. Your word never fails.
When God leads in a way that seems improbable, or even impossible, do not lose heart. It's human nature to analyze, criticize, and scrutinize possibilities. The world is full of "nay-sayers"---and it's a fight to not be one myself. We operate in a rational world of possibilities. However, God operates in an irrational, supernatural, world of promises. Take David, for example, who would pick a young musician, with no military experience, and lust to carry on the lineage of the Savior of the world? -No one would, but God did. Not because David deserved it, but because God planned it and promised it. God's purposes are not dependent on our actions (whew)! Does that mean we can do whatever we want and be blessed without consequence. Of course not, scripture doesn't support that at all. Read the whole story of David....sin always leads to death. However, God's plan is unwavering. God's plan came to be despite sin. There are many examples in scripture, countless...Abraham, Sarah, Rahab, Jacob, Joseph, Moses,Peter, Paul,... So stand firm, kneel humbly, and rest safely in the will of God. When you are doing God's work, be assured that God will bring it to completion (no matter what anyone else, or your human mind, tells you).
Acts 5:29 "We must obey God rather than men."
Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
God, open my eyes to see your work clearly, to recognize your plan in my life today. May I embrace it boldly with confidence, knowing that your promises are true. Your word never fails.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Little Life Lesson
My oldest son kept asking for some "GoGos." He told me he saw them on a commercial. They were little tiny toy figurines that you can flick with your finger to play a game in which you try to knock other GoGos out of a circle. Anyway, we looked for these GoGos on more than one occasion and never saw any in stores. One day I was grocery shopping and there they were, hanging in a very unlikely location (no where near any toys). Needless to say, he was thrilled when I picked him up from school and surprised him with a pack of GoGos. He was so excited he took them over to a friends house that afternoon to play. Somehow in all the fun, one of the GoGos went missing. We searched everywhere, inside and out. No luck. This is a very tiny toy and the odds of it ever turning up were slim (plus these friends have a dog...a big enough dog to swallow it whole). That night he was still upset about it and I said, "You know, we should pray about this. God cares about things that are lost. The Bible is full of stories about searching for things that are lost until they are found. God knows what it feels like to miss something. He cares." My son tearfully answered "But He'll just say "no"---I know it." I explained that sometimes God does answer "no" or "wait" to our requests, but He always wants us to bring our requests to him. So we prayed. Several days passed. No GoGos. It was on his mind again one day in the car, so we prayed again. A couple more days passed---no sign of it. Deep down, I began to think we'd never find it. I even got another pack of GoGos and split it among both my older boys--hoping to remedy the situation. Then one day, we answered a knock at the door only to discover our neighbor standing there holding the little brown GoGo. She told us her boys said it was ours. She found it in the backyard (well within the dog's domain) and she didn't know what it was. WOW!!! God taught me and my son a little lesson that day. He does answer prayers. He cares about things that matter to us. It also made me see how sometimes, my faith is so small. I don't need to remedy situations that I bring to God. I should just give over the situation and leave it in His hands. Thank you God for protecting, keeping, and revealing that GoGo so that it could be returned. Thank you for growing my faith and showing me the importance of prayer! I love you!
My Portion
God assigns a portion, an inheritance, boundary lines---in a sense, a territory. How do I know? Ps 16. That's a huge honor. It's secure. It's personal (notice the word "my" the psalmist uses). I can't wait to know that fully, to see what God has planned/set aside for me. Some of it I get to see and know now. I'm very glad that He's included a husband, children, a home, and a job within my territory. Given my current territory in my job, I appreciated the verse "I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me." I took it literally (as I currently work 3rd shift) and smiled, but it also can mean that even in the dark times, the unclear times, the Word of God hidden and written on my heart offers me counsel and guidance. I have witnessed and found it to be true. I DO rest secure in His unfailing love and promises. I know the path of life--eternal and abundant. Shouldn't my words reflect that? Lord may my tongue rejoice! Take away and remove words of hopelessness, distruction, and pessimism. Replace them with words of vision, construction, and optimism.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Foreign Language
I've often thought it'd be cool to know another language. I'm amazed at people who are fluent in multiple languages. I've had classes in French, Latin, and Spanish...yet English is still the only one I can actually speak. I've heard that you really have to immerse yourself in a language to learn it. So, it's no wonder that people were "amazed and perplexed" on the day of Pentecost when they heard people speaking clearly in a non-native tongue. It's neat to think that the same Holy Spirit is living in me today. The possibilities in this life are endless. What I realized today is, God didn't ask his followers to "study-up." All He needed them to do was declare his wonders. When they did, it drew a crowd. God (H.S.) did all the interpreting too. Sounds like a pretty good arrangement to me.
God, help me to recognize your wonders today. Then give me the courage to declare them!
P.S.--- God showed me a rainbow today! I wondered at it and thought of all the promises God makes and how he keeps every single one. I was in the car. It was just me and Tyler. I even tried to capture it with my cell phone (to no avail & prob not the safest thing to do). So now I declare: Thank you God for your promises! You are always faithful!!!
God, help me to recognize your wonders today. Then give me the courage to declare them!
P.S.--- God showed me a rainbow today! I wondered at it and thought of all the promises God makes and how he keeps every single one. I was in the car. It was just me and Tyler. I even tried to capture it with my cell phone (to no avail & prob not the safest thing to do). So now I declare: Thank you God for your promises! You are always faithful!!!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Easter Idea
You’ve been invited to share in the Easter “Eggs”perience!
If you’ve ever been “Boo-ed” or sung carols to,
Here’s another way to share holiday cheer this year.
The story of Easter has long been told,
And it’s more than just bunnies and candy that’s sold.
It’s a story that everyone can join in.
It’s about God’s love and forgiveness of sin.
If you’ve had this experience before,
Here’s a chance to share it door to door.
If you haven’t had this experience just yet,
Today could be the day…no regrets!
Now pick 3 people with whom to share,
Spread the “Eggs”perience everywhere.
Share some treats and your story,
Every time you share, God gets the glory!
How To:
1. Fill in your story on the My Easter “Eggs”perience page.
(I had a page with blank lines, titled My Easter "Eggs"perience and
one just like it filled in with my story in each basket.)
2. Make 3 copies of these sheets and get some yummy treats to make 3 baskets to share.
3. Stick the egg page on your door, so that everyone knows you’ve done this before.
(I put clip art of a large Easter egg on a full sheet of paper in each basket)
Not sure if you have an “Eggs”perience to share? Here’s how you can:
* Recognize who God is. He loves you, He made you, He lives in Heaven, and He is holy (Holy = perfect, having no sin). John 3:16 “For God so loved the world…”
* Recognize that God has no part of sin. (Sin = anything we think/say/do that is wrong or contrary to God’s law) Isaiah 59:2 “…sins have separated you from God…”
* Know that sin is something that ALL people have. Rom 3:23 “for all have sinned…”
* Know that the cost of sin is great. “The wages of sin is death…”Rom 6:23 and separation from God. (Isaiah 59:2, James 1:13-15, Rev 21:7-8)
* Realize that God doesn’t want to be separated from you. He desires to have a relationship with you! God sent Jesus (His son) to die to pay the price for your sin, to take your punishment. Hebrews 9:22 “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Jesus never sinned, so he didn’t have to die for his own sin. He died to pay for yours. John 3:17 “For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
* Believe that Jesus is God’s son and that even though He died on the cross, He did not remain dead. Believe that He rose from the dead and in doing so, he took away the power of death and sin and offers us forgiveness and eternal life with Him in Heaven.
Romans 4:25 “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Justification= to pay for our sin/ make our sin “just-as-if it never happened”)
* PRAY! (That means just talk to God)---You can do it out loud or quietly, anywhere. Admit your sin to God, and tell Him you believe Jesus died for your sins, ask Him to come in and be a part of your life. John 1:12 “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved…”
* Tell someone! Now you have a story!! Be sure to share it! Grow in your faith by reading the Bible and finding other believers to support and encourage you!
Share your “Eggs”perience with someone this Easter!!
An Offering
Romans 6:13
"Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body as instruments of righteousness."
How?
mouth: speak kindness, life
sing
slow to speak
eyes: look at God's wonders
read
"oh be careful littles eyes what you see"---don't look upon evil
nose: ...still thinking on that one
hands: touch, hold (people are made for companionship)
make something
ears: be quick to listen
feet: go visit someone
follow (when appropriate)
lead (when appropriate)
"Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body as instruments of righteousness."
How?
mouth: speak kindness, life
sing
slow to speak
eyes: look at God's wonders
read
"oh be careful littles eyes what you see"---don't look upon evil
nose: ...still thinking on that one
hands: touch, hold (people are made for companionship)
make something
ears: be quick to listen
feet: go visit someone
follow (when appropriate)
lead (when appropriate)
February 21, 2011
"God saw all that He had made, and it was good."
What did I acknowledge God for today? What's very good, something to applaud. (MUCH!!) I took the kids to the zoo today and I saw with renewed awe, the creativity of God. WOW! What diversity, what beauty! To top it all off, the weather was perfect with a comforting breeze; yet powerful enough to make your heart race a bit, take your breath for a minute. I've stopped and taken time to look at my kids in silence. (When they don't know I'm watching)--Pure masterpieces! I've told them how they are "fearfully and wonderfully made." It's good to be reminded that God is creative, creator, and deserves our awe.
Lord, make me more aware of your beauty to behold on a daily basis. I attribute all credit and praise to you for these wonders! Make me "God-concious" at all times.
What did I acknowledge God for today? What's very good, something to applaud. (MUCH!!) I took the kids to the zoo today and I saw with renewed awe, the creativity of God. WOW! What diversity, what beauty! To top it all off, the weather was perfect with a comforting breeze; yet powerful enough to make your heart race a bit, take your breath for a minute. I've stopped and taken time to look at my kids in silence. (When they don't know I'm watching)--Pure masterpieces! I've told them how they are "fearfully and wonderfully made." It's good to be reminded that God is creative, creator, and deserves our awe.
Lord, make me more aware of your beauty to behold on a daily basis. I attribute all credit and praise to you for these wonders! Make me "God-concious" at all times.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Revelation
Matthew 26:57-68
The high priests question Jesus. They knew the written word of God, but somehow they missed the Son of God standing before them. I live in a time and place where the Bible is readily available to me, in many different translations. I see written evidence of Christ, his death and resurrection. Everything shows that Christ is who he says He is. So, how did they miss it? Was it just jealousy, desire for power, control? I always pictured the pharisees as mean, power hungry individuals (and maybe they were). However, verse 65 made me see a different side of them. When Jesus answered that He was the Christ, the Son of God, "The high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses?..." He tore his clothes! I've been upset before, but I've never torn my clothes over it. (Yes, this was a more common practice back then, but still...) This encounter with Jesus rocked his soul. Something about Jesus disturbed him. Could it be that he truly thought this man, Jesus, was defaming the name of God? Could it be that he had devoted his whole live to God, so much that he assumed he understood God's plan for humanity?-and the thought of an impostor was infuriating. Self-righteousness is hard to recognize. By definition, it seems right. Even on the cross Jesus said "Forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." People who devoted their lives to God, wouldn't intentionally order the murder of the Son of God. They just didn't see. To them, Jesus was an impossible candidate. After all, he had grown up among them. They knew of his family--very human (as far as they could tell). They knew his "home"--a far cry from Heaven. They were mistaken. In my heart I've judged the pharisees for years. I saw them as part of God's plan, but I saw them as cold-hearted religious leaders. Today I found some compassion towards them. I wonder how many times have I mistaken God? Am I so sure about what's right in my eyes, that I've missed God's revelation?--God revealing himself in a new way, an unexpected way. In this same passage Jesus says "In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Sometimes, I live as if the story is done. I know Christ has the victory, my soul has been saved, and His way is best. I try to live accordingly. However, I don't want to be so caught up in what I know about Christ and what I'm assured of, that I stop looking for him today. I should be watching and awaiting His return. I should be getting to know Him so well, that when He returns--I know him! Perhaps, I should even expect to be surprised. (His ways are not my ways). I don't want to mistake Him or deny Him.
Jesus, may I know you better every day. I don't want to just know about you, I want to know YOU! I want to know your character and your voice, so that I will not miss you when you show up in my day to day life--or when you return to establish your kingdom. Reveal yourself to me. Remove my perspective and perception, and replace them with your promises and plans.
The high priests question Jesus. They knew the written word of God, but somehow they missed the Son of God standing before them. I live in a time and place where the Bible is readily available to me, in many different translations. I see written evidence of Christ, his death and resurrection. Everything shows that Christ is who he says He is. So, how did they miss it? Was it just jealousy, desire for power, control? I always pictured the pharisees as mean, power hungry individuals (and maybe they were). However, verse 65 made me see a different side of them. When Jesus answered that He was the Christ, the Son of God, "The high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses?..." He tore his clothes! I've been upset before, but I've never torn my clothes over it. (Yes, this was a more common practice back then, but still...) This encounter with Jesus rocked his soul. Something about Jesus disturbed him. Could it be that he truly thought this man, Jesus, was defaming the name of God? Could it be that he had devoted his whole live to God, so much that he assumed he understood God's plan for humanity?-and the thought of an impostor was infuriating. Self-righteousness is hard to recognize. By definition, it seems right. Even on the cross Jesus said "Forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." People who devoted their lives to God, wouldn't intentionally order the murder of the Son of God. They just didn't see. To them, Jesus was an impossible candidate. After all, he had grown up among them. They knew of his family--very human (as far as they could tell). They knew his "home"--a far cry from Heaven. They were mistaken. In my heart I've judged the pharisees for years. I saw them as part of God's plan, but I saw them as cold-hearted religious leaders. Today I found some compassion towards them. I wonder how many times have I mistaken God? Am I so sure about what's right in my eyes, that I've missed God's revelation?--God revealing himself in a new way, an unexpected way. In this same passage Jesus says "In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Sometimes, I live as if the story is done. I know Christ has the victory, my soul has been saved, and His way is best. I try to live accordingly. However, I don't want to be so caught up in what I know about Christ and what I'm assured of, that I stop looking for him today. I should be watching and awaiting His return. I should be getting to know Him so well, that when He returns--I know him! Perhaps, I should even expect to be surprised. (His ways are not my ways). I don't want to mistake Him or deny Him.
Jesus, may I know you better every day. I don't want to just know about you, I want to know YOU! I want to know your character and your voice, so that I will not miss you when you show up in my day to day life--or when you return to establish your kingdom. Reveal yourself to me. Remove my perspective and perception, and replace them with your promises and plans.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Attitude
Phillipians 2:1-11
As a Christian, I don't act alone. It's nice to know that I'm on a team with other people. We have one goal, to do God's will, which is that all people will be reconciled with Christ. I need to rememeber that I am part of a team. I'm not on my own, and therefore I need to consider others before I consider myself. Phillipians 2:5 says "Your attitude should be the same a that of Christ Jesus." That's a high calling. I wonder what difference it would make if in every situation, opportunity, and relationship I had the attitude of Christ? I would expect, it would make all the difference. Jesus grew in wisdom, favor, and stature with God and men. I would assume that it had a lot to do with his attitude. Good, humble attitudes create fertile ground for learning, friendships, and opportunity. I pray that today, I will be mindful of my attitude. That I will be Christ-like towards my husband, children, neighbors, and co-workers. May the tone and words of my mouth be carefully chosen to confess "Jesus Christ is Lord."
As a Christian, I don't act alone. It's nice to know that I'm on a team with other people. We have one goal, to do God's will, which is that all people will be reconciled with Christ. I need to rememeber that I am part of a team. I'm not on my own, and therefore I need to consider others before I consider myself. Phillipians 2:5 says "Your attitude should be the same a that of Christ Jesus." That's a high calling. I wonder what difference it would make if in every situation, opportunity, and relationship I had the attitude of Christ? I would expect, it would make all the difference. Jesus grew in wisdom, favor, and stature with God and men. I would assume that it had a lot to do with his attitude. Good, humble attitudes create fertile ground for learning, friendships, and opportunity. I pray that today, I will be mindful of my attitude. That I will be Christ-like towards my husband, children, neighbors, and co-workers. May the tone and words of my mouth be carefully chosen to confess "Jesus Christ is Lord."
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
God's Priority
James 5:13-18
God, once again, I can come to you with many requests. It often amazes me at Your interest towards humanity. You desire for us to come to you with our troubles, our joys, and our sicknesses. All of which, we have on-going. I'm perplexed to think that the God of the universe beckons me (and every other individual on the planet) to make known our requests. I'm thinking about my own prayers and praises that I bring today. If God operated like I do, he'd say "Please don't interrupt me now, that can wait. Let me handle first things first." After all, that's how we as humans operate effectively-prioritize. My momentary trouble of having more bills than money; my joy of having become what I always wanted to be "a wife and mom" and now having the opportunity to pursue a career that I'm passionate about; and my sickness towards the pesky pollen that's in full bloom certainly could be seen as interruptions and not top priorities in the grand scheme of redeeming the world. But God doesn't prioritize like me. Thank God for that!! Quite frankly, I see no indication in scripture that God prioritizes needs at all. Rather than prioritizing, He supplies---ALL. The best part is, that He even sees past a symptomatic need to the real need. Sometimes we see the symptom of a need. God will handle the symptom by getting to the heart of the need. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Isn't it comforting to know that God offers righteousness! He willingly takes on our greatest need (to be made right with Him, through forgiveness) so that we can be powerful and effective by bringing every part of our life to Him! My mind may not be able to fully comprehend it, but I matter! All people matter to God! And what matters to us, matters to Him. But don't take my word for it, take His:
"Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Ps 55:22
God, once again, I can come to you with many requests. It often amazes me at Your interest towards humanity. You desire for us to come to you with our troubles, our joys, and our sicknesses. All of which, we have on-going. I'm perplexed to think that the God of the universe beckons me (and every other individual on the planet) to make known our requests. I'm thinking about my own prayers and praises that I bring today. If God operated like I do, he'd say "Please don't interrupt me now, that can wait. Let me handle first things first." After all, that's how we as humans operate effectively-prioritize. My momentary trouble of having more bills than money; my joy of having become what I always wanted to be "a wife and mom" and now having the opportunity to pursue a career that I'm passionate about; and my sickness towards the pesky pollen that's in full bloom certainly could be seen as interruptions and not top priorities in the grand scheme of redeeming the world. But God doesn't prioritize like me. Thank God for that!! Quite frankly, I see no indication in scripture that God prioritizes needs at all. Rather than prioritizing, He supplies---ALL. The best part is, that He even sees past a symptomatic need to the real need. Sometimes we see the symptom of a need. God will handle the symptom by getting to the heart of the need. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Isn't it comforting to know that God offers righteousness! He willingly takes on our greatest need (to be made right with Him, through forgiveness) so that we can be powerful and effective by bringing every part of our life to Him! My mind may not be able to fully comprehend it, but I matter! All people matter to God! And what matters to us, matters to Him. But don't take my word for it, take His:
"Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Ps 55:22
Because You Are Young
It's funny, I'm almost 30, but I still feel as young as I did when I was 16 (at least most days). When people ask me if I dread turning 30, I answer "No! Of course not! Lord willing, I'll be really old and really wise one day!" Then, I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses. 1 Timothy 4:12 "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." Young is relative. From my perspective, my children are young but when I think of my leaders/mentors in the faith, I feel young. I love learning and always have. However, this verse challenges me to be an example, to pass on what I have learned, to share what wisdom I have acquired thus far. (I don't have to be "very old" to do that).
In speech, I've learned that silence is sometimes best. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." I've also learned it's easier to be critical, but it's Christ-like to build up others.
In life, I've learned God is present in all circumstances. I've learned that not everything that happens is this life is "God's will." His will is being accomplished and will be completed upon his return. The great news is, He promises not to leave me alone along the journey. I've found Him faithful in that. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
In love, I've learned that a person's capacity to love is far greater than I ever imagined. God is love and he created us to love! When I step back and realize how many people are in my family, that I love so deeply, so much, and I never run out...it's really kind of amazing. Then, God brings other people into my life. People that I truly barely know or have contact with, but I genuinely have care and concern for. Or sometimes, it's people I don't even know at all. I just know or hear their story and it moves me to tears of joy, compassion, or concern. I realize I'm learning to love what God loves---people.
For me, faith and scripture have a strong bond. I believe God's word is true. Not matter what circumstances look like, I have have found God's word is always true. When my mind turns to doubt and falls short on faith, I go to the Bible. That is where God renews and strengthens my faith. I have found that when I'm in the Word daily, my faith is strong.
Purity also closely related to God's Word being in my life daily. Sometimes it's easy to do "Christian things" and ignore or overlook holiness. We are still living in a fallen world. Sometimes, by surrounding myself with Godly people, I forget that and put myself on autopilot and don't really take a close look at my heart. A heart that may harbor bitterness, jealously, or pride. God's word has to be the agent of change in my life! If it were up to me and my own ideas, I'd already be perfect. (LOL) I honestly try to do what is right, but I have to allow God to be honest with me--the end goal being holiness. So, I'm NOT perfect yet...and I'm a work in progress. However, I still can share what I do know.
The flip side, is to not be too proud to learn from the "young ones" either. I am convinced that part of the reason God made family and children, is to teach us more about his relationship with us. There have been many times my children have said things and God uses it to speak to me. Some that come to mind: "I have a broken heart and Jesus needs to fix it," "I'm ready to go to Heaven and see Jesus," "Jesus is coming, FOR REAL!," " How come grown ups never get punished for sin?" (of course there are consequences of sin, but do we really stop and recognize it or see it as such?), "God, thank you for growning more food and more food!", "I don't want to be an enemy of God." While I'm trying to teach them so much, I must be careful not to look down on them because they are young; and perhaps sometimes I must be the student!
(Please ignore all grammatical errors...this is a early, early morning/late night post)
In speech, I've learned that silence is sometimes best. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." I've also learned it's easier to be critical, but it's Christ-like to build up others.
In life, I've learned God is present in all circumstances. I've learned that not everything that happens is this life is "God's will." His will is being accomplished and will be completed upon his return. The great news is, He promises not to leave me alone along the journey. I've found Him faithful in that. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
In love, I've learned that a person's capacity to love is far greater than I ever imagined. God is love and he created us to love! When I step back and realize how many people are in my family, that I love so deeply, so much, and I never run out...it's really kind of amazing. Then, God brings other people into my life. People that I truly barely know or have contact with, but I genuinely have care and concern for. Or sometimes, it's people I don't even know at all. I just know or hear their story and it moves me to tears of joy, compassion, or concern. I realize I'm learning to love what God loves---people.
For me, faith and scripture have a strong bond. I believe God's word is true. Not matter what circumstances look like, I have have found God's word is always true. When my mind turns to doubt and falls short on faith, I go to the Bible. That is where God renews and strengthens my faith. I have found that when I'm in the Word daily, my faith is strong.
Purity also closely related to God's Word being in my life daily. Sometimes it's easy to do "Christian things" and ignore or overlook holiness. We are still living in a fallen world. Sometimes, by surrounding myself with Godly people, I forget that and put myself on autopilot and don't really take a close look at my heart. A heart that may harbor bitterness, jealously, or pride. God's word has to be the agent of change in my life! If it were up to me and my own ideas, I'd already be perfect. (LOL) I honestly try to do what is right, but I have to allow God to be honest with me--the end goal being holiness. So, I'm NOT perfect yet...and I'm a work in progress. However, I still can share what I do know.
The flip side, is to not be too proud to learn from the "young ones" either. I am convinced that part of the reason God made family and children, is to teach us more about his relationship with us. There have been many times my children have said things and God uses it to speak to me. Some that come to mind: "I have a broken heart and Jesus needs to fix it," "I'm ready to go to Heaven and see Jesus," "Jesus is coming, FOR REAL!," " How come grown ups never get punished for sin?" (of course there are consequences of sin, but do we really stop and recognize it or see it as such?), "God, thank you for growning more food and more food!", "I don't want to be an enemy of God." While I'm trying to teach them so much, I must be careful not to look down on them because they are young; and perhaps sometimes I must be the student!
(Please ignore all grammatical errors...this is a early, early morning/late night post)
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