“[Doing Good to All] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wordless Wednesday ~ Happy Birthday
“[Doing Good to All] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thoughtful Tuesday
Have you ever stopped and thought, "wow, where did the time go?" I often find myself wondering where the last day has gone. It seems that the older I get, the faster time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was walking around very pregnant with my almost 11 year old. Where have those years gone? They seem like such a blur. I can remember many things, but sadly there are many things I don't remember. I wish I could just slow things down. . .just a little bit. I know I can't, so I'll just do my best to enjoy my time with my girls before they grow up and begin their own lives.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday Meditations ~ How much was your debt?
The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that we've all sinned. Yep, all of us. Me, you, your pastor, your most admired person. . .every one of us. If you have taken that leap of faith, as I have, to make Jesus Savior and Lord of your life, those sins are forgiven. Isn't that great!?!
I could end this post here, but what fun would that be? Ok, so we've all sinned and if we chose Jesus, we've been forgiven. So, what's the problem? Why are there so many Christians running around with that 'holier than thou' mentality? My theory? They got comfortable. Yes, comfortable. . .with their faith. Humor me for a minute, would ya?
Think back to that day when you first accepted Christ. Do you remember how you felt? I know for some of us it can be difficult to remember, because it was so long ago. But try. . .try to remember how you felt. Wasn't it amazing? I know it was for me. I was 24 when I began to follow Christ. I had lived in the world quite a bit. So, I had a lot to let go of. . .a lot to place at the foot of the cross. The burden that was lifted from me was tremendous, and I was certainly grateful. As time passes, we can sometimes begin to forget all those things that were forgiven. It's just like any other relationship. We get comfortable and can sometimes take for granted all that has been done for us. We begin to expect the grace and mercy that God shows us.
One of the things I pray on a regular basis, is that I never get so comfortable with my relationship with Christ that I forget where He found me and brought me from. The Word says that (paraphrased) we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) I think that is so we won't forget where He brought us from. I mean, think about it. How difficult is it to forget about your testimony when you are sharing it all the time? Hello!?!
Yesterday during worship at church, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. God, ever so gently, reminded me of all those things He forgave me of. The big things, the small things, all of them. Not that I can really forget, but it's kinda nice to be reminded how much He loves me.
It's like that story of the woman with the alabaster box of oil found in Luke 7. Jesus goes over to a Pharisee's for dinner. This 'immoral woman' breaks into the dinner and sits at Jesus' feet and begins to weep. She washes Jesus' feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Then she pours out expensive oil on his feet. Now this is pretty significant because in Jesus' time they walked around in sandals. There weren't any paved roads or sewer systems. . .so you can imagine the filth that was on His feet. The Pharisees He's dining with kinda freak out that Jesus is letting this 'immoral woman' touch Him. So Jesus decided to tell them a little story. He asks them if there were someone with a $500 debt and someone with a $50 debt, and both debts were forgiven, which one would be more grateful. Well, duh. The $500 debtor of course, right?
Here's the thing. Your $50 debt may be a $500 debt to someone else and vice versa. So don't judge. When you see that 'fanatic' jumping around during worship, don't scoff. You don't know what God has forgiven them of. Don't judge other people's sins against yours. . .or anyone else's for that matter. The only One we should compare to is Jesus. Are we living like Jesus? Focus on yourself instead of others. How much was your debt? And how grateful are you that it was forgiven?
Here's a song that is just amazing in depicting this story. Take a listen and let me know what you think. I'm eager to read your comments!
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:47-48
I could end this post here, but what fun would that be? Ok, so we've all sinned and if we chose Jesus, we've been forgiven. So, what's the problem? Why are there so many Christians running around with that 'holier than thou' mentality? My theory? They got comfortable. Yes, comfortable. . .with their faith. Humor me for a minute, would ya?
Think back to that day when you first accepted Christ. Do you remember how you felt? I know for some of us it can be difficult to remember, because it was so long ago. But try. . .try to remember how you felt. Wasn't it amazing? I know it was for me. I was 24 when I began to follow Christ. I had lived in the world quite a bit. So, I had a lot to let go of. . .a lot to place at the foot of the cross. The burden that was lifted from me was tremendous, and I was certainly grateful. As time passes, we can sometimes begin to forget all those things that were forgiven. It's just like any other relationship. We get comfortable and can sometimes take for granted all that has been done for us. We begin to expect the grace and mercy that God shows us.
One of the things I pray on a regular basis, is that I never get so comfortable with my relationship with Christ that I forget where He found me and brought me from. The Word says that (paraphrased) we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) I think that is so we won't forget where He brought us from. I mean, think about it. How difficult is it to forget about your testimony when you are sharing it all the time? Hello!?!
Yesterday during worship at church, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. God, ever so gently, reminded me of all those things He forgave me of. The big things, the small things, all of them. Not that I can really forget, but it's kinda nice to be reminded how much He loves me.
It's like that story of the woman with the alabaster box of oil found in Luke 7. Jesus goes over to a Pharisee's for dinner. This 'immoral woman' breaks into the dinner and sits at Jesus' feet and begins to weep. She washes Jesus' feet with her tears and dries them with her hair. Then she pours out expensive oil on his feet. Now this is pretty significant because in Jesus' time they walked around in sandals. There weren't any paved roads or sewer systems. . .so you can imagine the filth that was on His feet. The Pharisees He's dining with kinda freak out that Jesus is letting this 'immoral woman' touch Him. So Jesus decided to tell them a little story. He asks them if there were someone with a $500 debt and someone with a $50 debt, and both debts were forgiven, which one would be more grateful. Well, duh. The $500 debtor of course, right?
Here's the thing. Your $50 debt may be a $500 debt to someone else and vice versa. So don't judge. When you see that 'fanatic' jumping around during worship, don't scoff. You don't know what God has forgiven them of. Don't judge other people's sins against yours. . .or anyone else's for that matter. The only One we should compare to is Jesus. Are we living like Jesus? Focus on yourself instead of others. How much was your debt? And how grateful are you that it was forgiven?
Here's a song that is just amazing in depicting this story. Take a listen and let me know what you think. I'm eager to read your comments!
Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:47-48
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Change your focus...
As I've stated before, my Big Girl's birthday is soon. I decided to celebrate her and the things I love about her not only on her special day, but also the 10 days leading up to it. Get it? 11 days, 11 years old? Well, I have learned a few things through this process.
1. I've got a pretty fantastic kid. No really...she's smart, beautiful, funny, kind and most importantly, loves Jesus with all her heart! Who could ask for better!?!
2. I've got a bit of work to do to be the mom she needs me to be...I'm not trying to be negative, but I know there's much room for improvement...and I'm ready to work for it.
3. It's really hard to focus on negative things when you are looking for positive, good traits about someone. While thinking on things that I love about my Big Girl, I find nearly impossible to get irritated, annoyed or angry with her about the few things in her that aren't so positive. (not negative, just not the most positive)
I challenge you to try intentionally focusing on positive things/traits about a person with whom a relationship is not easy. Write something about the person each day and see if your focus doesn't change and the relationship becomes easier...and more pleasurable...for both parties.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
1. I've got a pretty fantastic kid. No really...she's smart, beautiful, funny, kind and most importantly, loves Jesus with all her heart! Who could ask for better!?!
2. I've got a bit of work to do to be the mom she needs me to be...I'm not trying to be negative, but I know there's much room for improvement...and I'm ready to work for it.
3. It's really hard to focus on negative things when you are looking for positive, good traits about someone. While thinking on things that I love about my Big Girl, I find nearly impossible to get irritated, annoyed or angry with her about the few things in her that aren't so positive. (not negative, just not the most positive)
I challenge you to try intentionally focusing on positive things/traits about a person with whom a relationship is not easy. Write something about the person each day and see if your focus doesn't change and the relationship becomes easier...and more pleasurable...for both parties.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Friday, January 21, 2011
Foodie Friday ~ Yumminess
If you remember last week's 'Foodie Friday' post, I was on a mission to find 5 new recipes to clear out my freezer. Well, today, I am here to share one that was absolutely divine. As in, it may just be my new favorite recipe! I know there are some out there who are vegetarian and those who choose to not eat pork...and if that's you, I'm sad to say that this is not a recipe for you. Sorry, I'll do my best to put things up that are for you, too. Until then, this one is for you my carnivorous friends!
Sage pork chops from Allrecipes, aka deliciousness! Oh, I usually don't follow recipes to the tee, but the only thing I changed was I used prepared chicken broth vs. water and bouillon...because that's what I was using for my side dish. These pork chops were sooo tender...my hubby requested them again...just in a larger quantity! LOL!
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, feel free...I do love food...and I love to cook!
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8
Sage pork chops from Allrecipes, aka deliciousness! Oh, I usually don't follow recipes to the tee, but the only thing I changed was I used prepared chicken broth vs. water and bouillon...because that's what I was using for my side dish. These pork chops were sooo tender...my hubby requested them again...just in a larger quantity! LOL!
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, feel free...I do love food...and I love to cook!
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday Thankfulness ~ Church Home
Have you ever been at the place in your life where you feel like you don't belong...to anything? I've been there. It's not all that fun to be honest with you. There is an innate desire deep within all of us to belong. I believe it's no accident that the enemy loves to make us feel as if we don't belong. I think this is one of his strongest and most used tactics to pull us away from God.
During the time in my life when I felt like I belonged to nothing and no one, I spent my every moment (subconsciously) searching for that one place where I belonged...the one person to whom I belonged. I found where I thought I belonged, but I found myself still searching. Why? What was I searching for?
God...
You know, hindsight is a pretty funny thing. I became a believer while my husband was deployed. Coincidence? I don't think so...now. I really didn't think much of it then. Looking back, I realize now that God had to remove what my life revolved around in order to get my attention...to rearrange my priorities. And I'm so thankful He did. I found Him. I found my faith. And I found a new family. I found my (then) church home. God brought me to the place where I was to learn the basics of this Christian life. I grew up Catholic and He had to basically erase all that I knew from that and give me a whole new belief system. The church home He brought me to at that point in my faith had (and they may still have) amazing discipleship programs for new believers. It was where I needed to be at the time.
I would love to tell you that we felt the Lord calling us away from that church to another, but sadly, the call of the enemy was the one we heard the loudest. We just kinda started missing a Sunday here and there until eventually we just stopped. Finally, about 2 years later, God gave a word to a dear friend of mine that HE was grieved that I wasn't worshipping with His body...that I was the missing piece of this new church home. (A church I had never been to before!) Again, coincidentally (HA!), my hubby was deployed...and so I went. Oh the first time I walked in those doors!! I knew I was home. And so we stayed...for the next 3 years. Until God called us, via the USAF, to The Falls.
So you can imagine how important it was for us to hear the voice of the Lord about where our new church home would be. We sought and we listened...and we heard. If you'd like to read more about that whole process, check it out here and here.
I feel that it is crucial, especially in these end times, that we meet together and uplift one another. . .and worship our Creator together! I've heard it said that 'going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car' and I would totally agree with that...but I also believe what the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." So I encourage you, if you don't have a church home, ask God where He wants you to be. If you do have one, take the time to encourage others and make them feel like they belong. I know I like belonging.
Thanks God...
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
During the time in my life when I felt like I belonged to nothing and no one, I spent my every moment (subconsciously) searching for that one place where I belonged...the one person to whom I belonged. I found where I thought I belonged, but I found myself still searching. Why? What was I searching for?
God...
You know, hindsight is a pretty funny thing. I became a believer while my husband was deployed. Coincidence? I don't think so...now. I really didn't think much of it then. Looking back, I realize now that God had to remove what my life revolved around in order to get my attention...to rearrange my priorities. And I'm so thankful He did. I found Him. I found my faith. And I found a new family. I found my (then) church home. God brought me to the place where I was to learn the basics of this Christian life. I grew up Catholic and He had to basically erase all that I knew from that and give me a whole new belief system. The church home He brought me to at that point in my faith had (and they may still have) amazing discipleship programs for new believers. It was where I needed to be at the time.
I would love to tell you that we felt the Lord calling us away from that church to another, but sadly, the call of the enemy was the one we heard the loudest. We just kinda started missing a Sunday here and there until eventually we just stopped. Finally, about 2 years later, God gave a word to a dear friend of mine that HE was grieved that I wasn't worshipping with His body...that I was the missing piece of this new church home. (A church I had never been to before!) Again, coincidentally (HA!), my hubby was deployed...and so I went. Oh the first time I walked in those doors!! I knew I was home. And so we stayed...for the next 3 years. Until God called us, via the USAF, to The Falls.
So you can imagine how important it was for us to hear the voice of the Lord about where our new church home would be. We sought and we listened...and we heard. If you'd like to read more about that whole process, check it out here and here.
I feel that it is crucial, especially in these end times, that we meet together and uplift one another. . .and worship our Creator together! I've heard it said that 'going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car' and I would totally agree with that...but I also believe what the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." So I encourage you, if you don't have a church home, ask God where He wants you to be. If you do have one, take the time to encourage others and make them feel like they belong. I know I like belonging.
Thanks God...
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wordless Wednesday ~ The dentist isn't fun
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Parenting
Just my random thought for the day...
Do you have that one thing that you can hover over your kids' heads that always works? You know, that one thing that they love and don't want to lose...or that one thing that they are so afraid of that they will do anything not to have to face it? Last night while playing games at a friends house, I learned that I am that one thing that some people use. You know, the "if you don't stop doing that I'm gonna let so-and-so have at you!" Yep, that's me...I'm the threat...LOL! I guess I can be a little stern and hard in comparison to others. I'm in no way offended by this! I think it's hilarious!! My philosophy, if it works, keep doing it!
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Do you have that one thing that you can hover over your kids' heads that always works? You know, that one thing that they love and don't want to lose...or that one thing that they are so afraid of that they will do anything not to have to face it? Last night while playing games at a friends house, I learned that I am that one thing that some people use. You know, the "if you don't stop doing that I'm gonna let so-and-so have at you!" Yep, that's me...I'm the threat...LOL! I guess I can be a little stern and hard in comparison to others. I'm in no way offended by this! I think it's hilarious!! My philosophy, if it works, keep doing it!
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday Meditations ~ Grace
Author's Note: Everyone being off today totally threw my schedule off...hence the late post. Anyhow, I decided to start each week off right with Monday Meditations. This is where I will choose either a Bible Scripture or biblical subject to meditate on for the day or week. Comments are, as always, welcome and encouraged. Let's get a good discussion going!
Here's my favorite definition of grace: the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. (you can find more definitions here)
What does grace mean to me? Without God's grace, well, I would be going to hell in a handmade hand-basket. Romans 3:23 says, that "we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 says, "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." I interpret that to mean that without Jesus, I would never be able to go to heaven. I would never be able to have any sort of relationship with God. I would go to hell.
In reading elsewhere in the Bible, I have found that really and truly, none of us deserve anything but death and damnation. Now, I know we as humans categorize the severity of sin, but, God doesn't. Sin is sin, no matter how big or small. Sin separates us from God...period. I don't know about you, but being separated from the One who created me and sent His ONLY SON to die in my place doesn't sound like all that much fun.
Without grace, life wouldn't be worth much...to me anyway. I don't deserve it, but He loves me enough to give me His grace...WOW! How many times do we as humans fail to show even an inkling of this same grace to others...who either deserve it or not?
My challenge to you? Work at showing Grace to others. Those who do deserve it and those who don't. Those you love and those who drive you crazy. Those whose story you know and those whose story you don't know. You never know how much a small amount of grace can change a person's eternity.
I'd love to hear how God's grace has changed your life and how you showing grace to others has changed either you or them.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
Here's my favorite definition of grace: the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. (you can find more definitions here)
What does grace mean to me? Without God's grace, well, I would be going to hell in a handmade hand-basket. Romans 3:23 says, that "we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 says, "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." I interpret that to mean that without Jesus, I would never be able to go to heaven. I would never be able to have any sort of relationship with God. I would go to hell.
In reading elsewhere in the Bible, I have found that really and truly, none of us deserve anything but death and damnation. Now, I know we as humans categorize the severity of sin, but, God doesn't. Sin is sin, no matter how big or small. Sin separates us from God...period. I don't know about you, but being separated from the One who created me and sent His ONLY SON to die in my place doesn't sound like all that much fun.
Without grace, life wouldn't be worth much...to me anyway. I don't deserve it, but He loves me enough to give me His grace...WOW! How many times do we as humans fail to show even an inkling of this same grace to others...who either deserve it or not?
My challenge to you? Work at showing Grace to others. Those who do deserve it and those who don't. Those you love and those who drive you crazy. Those whose story you know and those whose story you don't know. You never know how much a small amount of grace can change a person's eternity.
I'd love to hear how God's grace has changed your life and how you showing grace to others has changed either you or them.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Hanger Tags ~ Craft
One thing that makes our lives easier is picking out school clothes for the entire week. We try to do this on Sunday evening. Closet space is a precious commodity, so trying to keep the clothes separated is difficult. I had an idea a few weeks ago to make some tags to label each day's outfit. Paper wouldn't last long enough (not with my kids anyway) and I tried laminating it with clear contact paper. It could have worked except the paper curled...grrr. So I thought...hmmm, let's look at the craft store and see what we can find. They had door hanger kits, but there were only 9 in a package (I needed 10) and the foam was too thick. For the same price however, there was a package of 40 (thinner) foam sheets. I also found some sticky glittery letters. Well, with the combination of those and a few other items, we came up with this.
 |
| Finished Product |
Step 1: choose your colors and cut each foam sheet in to 3 equal-ish parts.
 |
| They don't have to be perfect |
 |
| Again, perfection isn't the point. |
 |
| I found that pen works better than pencil |
 |
| Cut out the circle |
 |
| My Big Girl |
 |
| My Angel |
They had such a blast, I think they'll be more excited to sort their school clothes for the week. Hope y'all like it!
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
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