I love watching movies like Pride and Prejudice. I love the era, the dress, the opulence. In the case of Miss Elizabeth Bennett, there was no opulence however Mr. Darcy lived in a mansion. In alot of these type movies, there almost always seem to be meticulously trimmed hedges that form a most fabulous maze.
I love the parts where the girl just wanders in for a stroll then looses her bearings and ends up lost in the intricacy of the maze. The scene is heightened by a look of fear or ominous music. Alas, the master of the home comes to her rescue. Why can he do that? Because he live there, he has memorized the maze and he knows exactly how to rescue her. The beauty of it all is that he will always rescue her before darkness falls upon her.
As I read through my Bible this morning, a scripture I read was right on point with this.
Many times as we wonder along in life we may fall into a maze. We may go left with no relief or go right with no outlet. In fact, the deeper we go, the more trapped we get. We may stay in there so long that the darkness falls upon us.
How do we make it out of our self imposed mazes? We look to the Master. He has given us what we need to get out of our maze and follow him to an "A-mazing Journey." So if you feel lost, stuck, disoriented, or confused; if you fear darkness will fall upon you, know that He has given you what you need to live a life of godliness and keep you out of the maze. Rely on His divine power and His Word.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us his very great and precious promises so that through them, you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
But God Called Me To
A few seasons ago I taught a class called Total Forgiveness. It was not an easy class as there many issues that require forgiveness but our insistence to hold on keeps us hostage. This book by RT Kendall was a gift given to me by a dear friend.
The other day as we sat with a group of folks at a sporting event, I made a comment about a horrible play. You know...one of those "why are they playing him?"kind of comments. What ensued was a stabbing glare from a woman near me. I sunk at the thought of offending her or her child.
It truly ruined the evening for me because I felt such a burden to apologize. A friend told me "Forget it, it's all in the course of the game!" I knew different. I knew in my heart I needed to apologize but despite that, my heart and my head battled to do what I knew God was calling me to do.
When all was said and done, I approached the woman and apologized for my comment stating that my passion for the game at that moment overrode my brain. I apologized if I offended her or her son and asked her to forgive me.
The woman looked up at me, glared into eyes and with the venom of a rattler said "Forget it!" then turned and walked away. In her wake she left a defeated spirit. I thought of my lifetime experiences where a friend, a parent, a co-worker, a loved one or even a stranger rejected my sincere apology at one time or another. I thought of the ladies in the Total Forgiveness class, I thought of our "need" for revenge, I thought of Jesus crying out "Father forgive them for the know not what they do ."
Ultimately, I willed my legs to move and go on. Days later, the burden still on my mind I ask "why?" I wondered if i should have listened to my friend and just walked away. Why did I even approach her? The only answer I have is "because God called me to."
It is important that you know these things happen. Not everyone is going to accept your apology or extend you forgiveness but I learned in this class, when we forgive, it's not for them, it's to free you! So if you feel the need....ask for forgiveness-or forgive your captor, yes I said captor. Unforgiveness holds us hostage so let it go because when you release it, you are no longer captive. Do it because God said so.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
I'm in the King's Army
"I'm too young to march in the infantry, shoot the artillery, fly over land and sea, I'm too young to ride in the cavalry but I'm in the King's Army."
I remember singing that little chorus when I was a kid growing up in our small church. We sang it with the hand signs at open voice. Somehow, it seems much easier to believe as a kid that it does now.
We had a pretty hectic day yesterday. A day that adversely impacted a member of my family, a day that was packed with events, a day that lasted way beyond 24 hours. In times like these, it is important to support those you love. It was not unexpected. It is rarely unexpected because the more you sign up to serve in that army, the more you are attacked.
Sometimes, in the battle, you get caught in the crossfire. It is those times where it becomes most important to be equipped with the armor of God. Nothing can penetrate that shield of faith, helmet of salvation or breastplate of righteousness unless it goes through God first.
And you may be exhausted at "fighting the battle" to the point you want to give up. Let me just say this....don't!
Where would we be if Moses had given up? Instead, he persevered and saw the glory of God. What about Abraham? He held on until God fulfilled His promise of a son even if Abraham was in his 90's. And what if David would have feared Goliath like everyone else? The Philistines might have liked a different ending. Our God is an on time God...not our time, His time. He is the commander of this army!
There is no giant too big that God can't handle, and there is no army too powerful to subdue. Do not be afraid, take your position and hold on and see the deliverance of the Lord. After all, you're in the King's Army!
Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. 2 Chronicles 20: 15 & 17
I remember singing that little chorus when I was a kid growing up in our small church. We sang it with the hand signs at open voice. Somehow, it seems much easier to believe as a kid that it does now.
We had a pretty hectic day yesterday. A day that adversely impacted a member of my family, a day that was packed with events, a day that lasted way beyond 24 hours. In times like these, it is important to support those you love. It was not unexpected. It is rarely unexpected because the more you sign up to serve in that army, the more you are attacked.
Sometimes, in the battle, you get caught in the crossfire. It is those times where it becomes most important to be equipped with the armor of God. Nothing can penetrate that shield of faith, helmet of salvation or breastplate of righteousness unless it goes through God first.
And you may be exhausted at "fighting the battle" to the point you want to give up. Let me just say this....don't!
Where would we be if Moses had given up? Instead, he persevered and saw the glory of God. What about Abraham? He held on until God fulfilled His promise of a son even if Abraham was in his 90's. And what if David would have feared Goliath like everyone else? The Philistines might have liked a different ending. Our God is an on time God...not our time, His time. He is the commander of this army!
There is no giant too big that God can't handle, and there is no army too powerful to subdue. Do not be afraid, take your position and hold on and see the deliverance of the Lord. After all, you're in the King's Army!
Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. 2 Chronicles 20: 15 & 17
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Rock
Several months ago I injured my ankle. While running on some uneven ground (in pink rubber knee high boots), I strained my tendons in my ankle and knee. It caused me to use crutches for a couple of weeks. I was miserable.
When my doctor released me, he said "You still can not run for another three weeks and when you do run, it can only be on level ground."
I have run in alot of places. I have run on the beach, on mountain sides, in rock, on smooth surfaces, on inclines and on level ground. I have "never" injured my foot, ankle, or leg in the process. As I prepared to begin running all over again, I remembered what the doctor said "...on level ground...."
Seems simple enough right? I have done a pretty good job of avoiding inclines, cracks in slab, tree limbs and other objects. I has not been difficult to avoid those but those rocks....oh those rocks! I find that even the smallest one could bring me down.
To give you a visual, if you were trying to adhere two 2 x 4 pieces of wood and there was a rock between them, there is no way you could do it. I have found my self looking at the ground when I run or walk for that matter, to ensure that there are not rocks that could hinder my journey.
This morning as I walked to church, I found myself walking through the parking lot looking for rocks. One wrong step on a rock could set me back again. I was busy looking for rocks and trying to avoiding them when I remembered what Jesus told Peter.
"You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church." I couldn't help but ask my self, am I a rock that God can count on or am I just a stumbling block?
Whether you have given it thought or not, stepping on a small rock in your path could throw you off and bring you down; and a rock as a foundation could uphold your house. Ask yourself if you are the rock or stumbling block that is going to interrupt someone's journey or are you the rock Jesus called you to be?
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18
When my doctor released me, he said "You still can not run for another three weeks and when you do run, it can only be on level ground."
I have run in alot of places. I have run on the beach, on mountain sides, in rock, on smooth surfaces, on inclines and on level ground. I have "never" injured my foot, ankle, or leg in the process. As I prepared to begin running all over again, I remembered what the doctor said "...on level ground...."
Seems simple enough right? I have done a pretty good job of avoiding inclines, cracks in slab, tree limbs and other objects. I has not been difficult to avoid those but those rocks....oh those rocks! I find that even the smallest one could bring me down.
To give you a visual, if you were trying to adhere two 2 x 4 pieces of wood and there was a rock between them, there is no way you could do it. I have found my self looking at the ground when I run or walk for that matter, to ensure that there are not rocks that could hinder my journey.
This morning as I walked to church, I found myself walking through the parking lot looking for rocks. One wrong step on a rock could set me back again. I was busy looking for rocks and trying to avoiding them when I remembered what Jesus told Peter.
"You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church." I couldn't help but ask my self, am I a rock that God can count on or am I just a stumbling block?
Whether you have given it thought or not, stepping on a small rock in your path could throw you off and bring you down; and a rock as a foundation could uphold your house. Ask yourself if you are the rock or stumbling block that is going to interrupt someone's journey or are you the rock Jesus called you to be?
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Know for sure
It is amazing how often I have heard a scripture twisted to accomodate an individual's opinion or position. It's even more amazing how often scripture is taken out of context for the same reason. How can one know if what they hear is true? How can one know for sure? I say read the Word.
I was watching a local morning show several months ago and they did a story on a product for the hair that contained formaldehyde. They had conducted an investigation in which it was discovered that many hair salons were using this product and did not make the consumer aware of the ingredients it contained.
Customers were paying high prices for this process without having this knowledge. In one case, a salon owner of a pricey California salon was interviewed about his knowledge of the contents. He was asked why he was denying knowledge of this ingredient when customers asked. His response was "I lied to [customers] because they [makers of the product] lied to me. If I lied to them it's because I didn't know."
There are times when we as consumers can lose out if we are not told the truth. We can purchase a defective product, we can use products that are harmful, and we can lose in the end all because someone withheld information.
In life, it is important for us to know the truth. We do not know, and we can be in error if we do not study the word. If you are armed with the word of God, then you will know the truth. You will know for sure that what it says is true.
Jesus said "You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the Word of God."
Matthew 22:29
I was watching a local morning show several months ago and they did a story on a product for the hair that contained formaldehyde. They had conducted an investigation in which it was discovered that many hair salons were using this product and did not make the consumer aware of the ingredients it contained.
Customers were paying high prices for this process without having this knowledge. In one case, a salon owner of a pricey California salon was interviewed about his knowledge of the contents. He was asked why he was denying knowledge of this ingredient when customers asked. His response was "I lied to [customers] because they [makers of the product] lied to me. If I lied to them it's because I didn't know."
There are times when we as consumers can lose out if we are not told the truth. We can purchase a defective product, we can use products that are harmful, and we can lose in the end all because someone withheld information.
In life, it is important for us to know the truth. We do not know, and we can be in error if we do not study the word. If you are armed with the word of God, then you will know the truth. You will know for sure that what it says is true.
Jesus said "You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the Word of God."
Matthew 22:29
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I need your touch
I expected this morning when I woke I would take my father-in-law for his follow up doctor's visit. Instead, my son woke me up in the wee hours of the day telling me he was sick. He stated that he was not feeling well and was sick to his stomach.
I got out of bed and did the best I could for him but eventually took him to Urgent Care hoping for relief. He could not keep anything down and had severe pain in his stomach. His impatience at the office was overshadowed only by his pain.
When I got him home, he did not appear any better although he did sleep for a bit. When he awoke, he kept telling me "Mom, rub my stomach, it doesn't hurt when you rub it." I laughed at the absurdity of it but I sat and rubbed his belly like I did when he was younger.
I don't really believe that I have the power to stop a stomach ache merely by rubbing it. I believe that it was the power of "being mom" and "having security" that made him feel better. If mom is there, then everything will be better. So I stayed at his side and rubbed. He just needed to "feel me."
As I sat there rubbing his stomach, I travelled back to a time when I just needed to "feel God." I was at a point that nothing helped, no meds, no advice, no company....I just needed to know God was there...with me, beside me, holding his child. I needed his security, his power, his love.
Often at this age, mom's get in the way. Today, however, I was needed and I was glad that I could be there to fill the void of fear, pain, anxiety and the unknown. My son needed my touch and he reminded me of how much I need the touch of God's hand.
Heal me O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14
I got out of bed and did the best I could for him but eventually took him to Urgent Care hoping for relief. He could not keep anything down and had severe pain in his stomach. His impatience at the office was overshadowed only by his pain.
When I got him home, he did not appear any better although he did sleep for a bit. When he awoke, he kept telling me "Mom, rub my stomach, it doesn't hurt when you rub it." I laughed at the absurdity of it but I sat and rubbed his belly like I did when he was younger.
I don't really believe that I have the power to stop a stomach ache merely by rubbing it. I believe that it was the power of "being mom" and "having security" that made him feel better. If mom is there, then everything will be better. So I stayed at his side and rubbed. He just needed to "feel me."
As I sat there rubbing his stomach, I travelled back to a time when I just needed to "feel God." I was at a point that nothing helped, no meds, no advice, no company....I just needed to know God was there...with me, beside me, holding his child. I needed his security, his power, his love.
Often at this age, mom's get in the way. Today, however, I was needed and I was glad that I could be there to fill the void of fear, pain, anxiety and the unknown. My son needed my touch and he reminded me of how much I need the touch of God's hand.
Heal me O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14
Sunday, October 14, 2012
In this very room
Whew! Again, another busy week. My father-in-law was in the hospital, I worked a couple of days this week, bible study classes, school functions, and so on and so on. Everything ran to the very last minute. I was off to support our son at a football game while my husband was waiting to have his father discharged from the hospital and somewhere in the night we met.
We also had an unexpected trip we had to make this weekend-again, rearranging our schedule. As we returned home, we unloaded and I went to see my father-in-law as my husband went to the grocery store. I decided to change his sheets. I went to the linen closet and pulled out fresh sheets as he waited in the living room. I stripped his bed and for some reason, as I pulled the fitted sheet onto the side where my mother-in-law slept, I felt the mattress, closed my eyes and thought "In this very room."
"It was in this very room that I lost you. In this very room you had a massive stroke that took your life ten days later. In this very room your husband recognized what was happening and tried helplessly to come to your aid. As I stand here, I miss you because I know you would make things better-in this very room. "
I felt sad. I know there is nothing more in the world that my-father-in-law would want than her. A love so true, so pure, so missed. As I continued to make the bed, the tune and words to this song led me through the assignment.
In this very room-there's quite enough love for one like me,
And in this very room there's quite enough joy for one like me,
And there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom
For Jesus.....Lord Jesus, is in this very room.
At that moment I felt like I needed joy and hope and love. I needed that power to chase away that gloom and I realized that only her memory was there and she could no longer comfort me but Jesus...Lord Jesus was in that very room and He could.
In This Very Room was a song I sang with our church choir several years ago. It was beautiful then and it was beautiful today. Since I always sang it at church, "This Very Room" was always a sanctuary filled with numerous people. Some needing comfort, some needing joy, and others needing hope. But today, for me...."this very room" was my father-in-law's bedroom, and even there, Jesus....Lord Jesus, was in that very room.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepae a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3
We also had an unexpected trip we had to make this weekend-again, rearranging our schedule. As we returned home, we unloaded and I went to see my father-in-law as my husband went to the grocery store. I decided to change his sheets. I went to the linen closet and pulled out fresh sheets as he waited in the living room. I stripped his bed and for some reason, as I pulled the fitted sheet onto the side where my mother-in-law slept, I felt the mattress, closed my eyes and thought "In this very room."
"It was in this very room that I lost you. In this very room you had a massive stroke that took your life ten days later. In this very room your husband recognized what was happening and tried helplessly to come to your aid. As I stand here, I miss you because I know you would make things better-in this very room. "
I felt sad. I know there is nothing more in the world that my-father-in-law would want than her. A love so true, so pure, so missed. As I continued to make the bed, the tune and words to this song led me through the assignment.
In this very room-there's quite enough love for one like me,
And in this very room there's quite enough joy for one like me,
And there's quite enough hope and quite enough power to chase away any gloom
For Jesus.....Lord Jesus, is in this very room.
At that moment I felt like I needed joy and hope and love. I needed that power to chase away that gloom and I realized that only her memory was there and she could no longer comfort me but Jesus...Lord Jesus was in that very room and He could.
In This Very Room was a song I sang with our church choir several years ago. It was beautiful then and it was beautiful today. Since I always sang it at church, "This Very Room" was always a sanctuary filled with numerous people. Some needing comfort, some needing joy, and others needing hope. But today, for me...."this very room" was my father-in-law's bedroom, and even there, Jesus....Lord Jesus, was in that very room.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepae a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Not the same
Ever wonder where we would be if no one gave us a chance? I taught a group of kids the other day that had extremely short term goals....tomorrow. When I asked why, their reply was "why not?" Their role models had gone no further and this inspired them to believe that they were done.
When I think of the potential, I have to ask myself why those children wouldn't change their direction, why they wouldn't aspire to reach higher heights?
We are much like that ourselves. We live in situations that are self imposed when God offers so much more. He offers life and peace and happiness and goodness, and mercy and grace. Regardless of where we have been, what we have done, the model someone else has left us, God gives offers forgiveness and a changed life.
What if Paul had "stayed where he was?" What if he would not have come to Christ and remained one who persecuted followers of Christ? Paul's road would not have ended with eternal life. He could have continued to do that but God had a plan for him just like he does for each of us.
Others may fail us, role models may fade but God's plan will never disappoint us. Regardless of who we were in the past, or what road was laid out for us in this life, God's plan does not include failure. Many times, we fall back into our unbelief. Perhaps that is because the pull of the world, or someone who went before us is so strong.
I thank God that He has shown me the way and I pray for those whose unbelief keeps them where they are. There is so much ahead for those who chose the way of Christ. Paul gave the credit to Jesus Christ who gave him strength. God will us strength. My prayer is that everyone will come to know Christ and that their unbelief or "threat of the past" will not keep them from that. There is a promise for a better tomorrow.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:12-14
When I think of the potential, I have to ask myself why those children wouldn't change their direction, why they wouldn't aspire to reach higher heights?
We are much like that ourselves. We live in situations that are self imposed when God offers so much more. He offers life and peace and happiness and goodness, and mercy and grace. Regardless of where we have been, what we have done, the model someone else has left us, God gives offers forgiveness and a changed life.
What if Paul had "stayed where he was?" What if he would not have come to Christ and remained one who persecuted followers of Christ? Paul's road would not have ended with eternal life. He could have continued to do that but God had a plan for him just like he does for each of us.
Others may fail us, role models may fade but God's plan will never disappoint us. Regardless of who we were in the past, or what road was laid out for us in this life, God's plan does not include failure. Many times, we fall back into our unbelief. Perhaps that is because the pull of the world, or someone who went before us is so strong.
I thank God that He has shown me the way and I pray for those whose unbelief keeps them where they are. There is so much ahead for those who chose the way of Christ. Paul gave the credit to Jesus Christ who gave him strength. God will us strength. My prayer is that everyone will come to know Christ and that their unbelief or "threat of the past" will not keep them from that. There is a promise for a better tomorrow.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:12-14
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Keep Your Eye On The Prize
Recently I signed up for a Beth Moore bible study class at my church. My dear friend June facilitates the class and after teaching my own classes, I wanted to "be fed." I have to say that I highly recommend the Daniel Bible Study for those of you considering one.
One of the things that Beth "suggested" was that we evaluate ways that we might "defile" our bodies and she suggested that we abstain from that for a period of six weeks-the length of the first portion of the study. I thought about the "challenge" and had a couple of things that I considered abstaining from.
The one that kept coming to the top was.....popcorn. You might ask "Popcorn, really?" And some of you may think that I might have been mocking the idea but give me a second to give you my reasoning. For months I have been stuck on popcorn. I go to a specific store [I won't mention which] to purchase two bags of popcorn every other day.
On days I could not go, I would call my husband and ask him to pick some up on his way home. Some days, my husband would "surprise" me and just bring it home. I was hooked!!! We would retire to watch tv and I had to have my two bags of popcorn. This was every day!
I had the discussion with my husband about my choice and asked him if he thought my "sacrifice" was too childish. His response to me was "You giving up popcorn was more significant to you than if you had given up chocolate." You see, if I had given up chocolate it would have meant nothing...I'm not a big chocolate fan. But to give up popcorn....whew-that hurt!
What I found was that through the study, I grew more than I ever thought. In completing my first six weeks this past week, Beth Moore "gave me permission" to release myself from what I had withheld. I went to class knowing it was the end of the six weeks and you guessed it. I was ready to drive right out of church and go buy my bags. What I found however, was that she gave us a stipulation. You must do homework first!
As I was driving home, I was so ready to do my homework and I was going to do it all in one day! One would think that I was a "dedicated, honorable, committed to the study woman!" We would all like to think that. Unfortunately, my only thought was popcorn. I settled into to do my homework when I got disrupted by an emergency phone call. Once that was taken care of, I was driving home thinking "Stop and get popcorn!" The other side of me kept saying "Honor God-Daniel did."
As I drove, this thought came to mind "Keep your eye on the prize." That became my mantra. As it did, I thought of Paul and his challenge. What happened that my prize became popcorn? [This should be affirmation of what sacrifice this was].
I wondered what Paul would think if he knew my "prize" at this moment was popcorn? I was so close. I had done without for six weeks and now I was willing to sacrifice it before time. I could wipe out the entire purpose by purchasing popcorn too soon. I still had two days of homework to go. I just couldn't ruin it.
I drove home and went straight to homework. We had a busy evening and when I returned home, I had forgotten to go buy popcorn. I was finished with homework now and I was "free to eat it." I made my husband get dressed and we drove to buy popcorn.
I settled in and pulled out my bag-I had purchased three. I ate my bag with ease and enjoyed every bit of it. Sorry but I even lifted the bag to get every crumb.
As I sat there completely full of popcorn, I realized just how much I had not missed it. It was good don't get me wrong but somehow, the excitement, the need, the pleasure was missing. You see, I kept saying "keep your eye on the prize" thinking that the popcorn was the prize. I quickly discovered that the prize was the precious lesson I learned through the study.
Keep your eye on the prize of the Word of God. What an awesome study this has been. What awesome lessons I have learned, what awesome friendships I have cultivated, what awesome women I have met. Yes that is the prize.
So if you're sitting at home feeling like you're missing out, I highly recommend a ladie's bible study. I promise you they will stretch you and grow you like you never thought. Get up, do it and keep your eye on the prize!
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
One of the things that Beth "suggested" was that we evaluate ways that we might "defile" our bodies and she suggested that we abstain from that for a period of six weeks-the length of the first portion of the study. I thought about the "challenge" and had a couple of things that I considered abstaining from.
The one that kept coming to the top was.....popcorn. You might ask "Popcorn, really?" And some of you may think that I might have been mocking the idea but give me a second to give you my reasoning. For months I have been stuck on popcorn. I go to a specific store [I won't mention which] to purchase two bags of popcorn every other day.
On days I could not go, I would call my husband and ask him to pick some up on his way home. Some days, my husband would "surprise" me and just bring it home. I was hooked!!! We would retire to watch tv and I had to have my two bags of popcorn. This was every day!
I had the discussion with my husband about my choice and asked him if he thought my "sacrifice" was too childish. His response to me was "You giving up popcorn was more significant to you than if you had given up chocolate." You see, if I had given up chocolate it would have meant nothing...I'm not a big chocolate fan. But to give up popcorn....whew-that hurt!
What I found was that through the study, I grew more than I ever thought. In completing my first six weeks this past week, Beth Moore "gave me permission" to release myself from what I had withheld. I went to class knowing it was the end of the six weeks and you guessed it. I was ready to drive right out of church and go buy my bags. What I found however, was that she gave us a stipulation. You must do homework first!
As I was driving home, I was so ready to do my homework and I was going to do it all in one day! One would think that I was a "dedicated, honorable, committed to the study woman!" We would all like to think that. Unfortunately, my only thought was popcorn. I settled into to do my homework when I got disrupted by an emergency phone call. Once that was taken care of, I was driving home thinking "Stop and get popcorn!" The other side of me kept saying "Honor God-Daniel did."
As I drove, this thought came to mind "Keep your eye on the prize." That became my mantra. As it did, I thought of Paul and his challenge. What happened that my prize became popcorn? [This should be affirmation of what sacrifice this was].
I wondered what Paul would think if he knew my "prize" at this moment was popcorn? I was so close. I had done without for six weeks and now I was willing to sacrifice it before time. I could wipe out the entire purpose by purchasing popcorn too soon. I still had two days of homework to go. I just couldn't ruin it.
I drove home and went straight to homework. We had a busy evening and when I returned home, I had forgotten to go buy popcorn. I was finished with homework now and I was "free to eat it." I made my husband get dressed and we drove to buy popcorn.
I settled in and pulled out my bag-I had purchased three. I ate my bag with ease and enjoyed every bit of it. Sorry but I even lifted the bag to get every crumb.
As I sat there completely full of popcorn, I realized just how much I had not missed it. It was good don't get me wrong but somehow, the excitement, the need, the pleasure was missing. You see, I kept saying "keep your eye on the prize" thinking that the popcorn was the prize. I quickly discovered that the prize was the precious lesson I learned through the study.
Keep your eye on the prize of the Word of God. What an awesome study this has been. What awesome lessons I have learned, what awesome friendships I have cultivated, what awesome women I have met. Yes that is the prize.
So if you're sitting at home feeling like you're missing out, I highly recommend a ladie's bible study. I promise you they will stretch you and grow you like you never thought. Get up, do it and keep your eye on the prize!
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Happy Home
WOW! What a weekend. And what a season. Don't ever think that you will never have nothing to do. I have found that there will always be something to do, something that needs to be done, someone who needs your attention, someone who needs your help and on and on.
Every week I keep thinking "Next week will be better" and things just happen. I wake up thinking "I don't have anything on my calendar and before I know it, it's covered from wake up time to sleepy time.
This weekend, my husband and I facilitated a workshop at the Happy Home Conference in my church. What a blessing. God completely orchastrated that. I have to tell you though, in the weeks approaching the big date, I was feeling anxious. I was preparing for my ladies bible study class that I also lead, preparing for a Sunday School Class I was teaching that weekend, and making an "effort" to prepare for the workshop.
Each time I asked my husband about preparation he responded "God is so gonna show us what to say, what to do, how to lead." I have to admit I would walk away completely exhausted and doubting. Why would I do that? Doesn't the book of James say that "any who lack wisdom should ask?" And really? I needed wisdom on blended families? I have been living it for the last ten years. My anxiety was winning the battle.
Then just days before we presented, we got on our knees and prayed and then we went to work. What awesome material God directed us to. The title of the session was Oil and Water do Mix. What an awesome title when it describes us perfectly. I am the Oil, he the water. He is ever accepting and accomodating...Me? ever resistant. I am the subject of the two not mixing. Oil is heavy and resistant to the water that just wants to accept it.
I must say that in this position and with time, I learned three things:
First, I have learned to overlook offenses. I'm not talking about serious infractions, I'm referring to the petty stuff. Who cares if they don't wear socks when you want them to wear socks? In the end what will it matter? And if another parent wants to change a schedule, work with them. There are some things you just don't need to hold on to. Let it go! So someone gets the upper hand-don't hold on to it. All it will do is steal your joy! (Proverbs 19:11)
Second, I have learned to impress and instruct. As a blended family, there is nothing, nothing more important than the eternal future of your children. Regardless of the homes involved, yours must be the example. Teaching your children that Christ is first and foremost in your home is invaluable. Impressing and instructing are the things that stick in their hearts. Don't be discouraged if they walk away, don't be stifled by the "now" believe that in the future, they will look into their hearts and know what instruction they received and what you impressed upon them. Believe God's promises. (Deuteronomy 6: 5-7)
Lastly, there must be love. That can be difficult when we live in a self absorbed, competitive world. You have to believe that if God brought you together-all of you, He will see you through because love never fails despite the challenges. (1 Corinthians 13:8)
While the changes or acceptance may not be immediate, it will be obvious in the end. Again, I am OIL and those things worked for me but first, I had to be receptive.
God did not create divorce but He does extend grace and while we as adults have choices, children most likely do not. So if you're there-in the mix of a new blended family, hold on and trust the God of grace. His plan is for a family linked by grace. His plan is for a Happy Home!
The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Proverbs 3:33
Every week I keep thinking "Next week will be better" and things just happen. I wake up thinking "I don't have anything on my calendar and before I know it, it's covered from wake up time to sleepy time.
This weekend, my husband and I facilitated a workshop at the Happy Home Conference in my church. What a blessing. God completely orchastrated that. I have to tell you though, in the weeks approaching the big date, I was feeling anxious. I was preparing for my ladies bible study class that I also lead, preparing for a Sunday School Class I was teaching that weekend, and making an "effort" to prepare for the workshop.
Each time I asked my husband about preparation he responded "God is so gonna show us what to say, what to do, how to lead." I have to admit I would walk away completely exhausted and doubting. Why would I do that? Doesn't the book of James say that "any who lack wisdom should ask?" And really? I needed wisdom on blended families? I have been living it for the last ten years. My anxiety was winning the battle.
Then just days before we presented, we got on our knees and prayed and then we went to work. What awesome material God directed us to. The title of the session was Oil and Water do Mix. What an awesome title when it describes us perfectly. I am the Oil, he the water. He is ever accepting and accomodating...Me? ever resistant. I am the subject of the two not mixing. Oil is heavy and resistant to the water that just wants to accept it.
I must say that in this position and with time, I learned three things:
First, I have learned to overlook offenses. I'm not talking about serious infractions, I'm referring to the petty stuff. Who cares if they don't wear socks when you want them to wear socks? In the end what will it matter? And if another parent wants to change a schedule, work with them. There are some things you just don't need to hold on to. Let it go! So someone gets the upper hand-don't hold on to it. All it will do is steal your joy! (Proverbs 19:11)
Second, I have learned to impress and instruct. As a blended family, there is nothing, nothing more important than the eternal future of your children. Regardless of the homes involved, yours must be the example. Teaching your children that Christ is first and foremost in your home is invaluable. Impressing and instructing are the things that stick in their hearts. Don't be discouraged if they walk away, don't be stifled by the "now" believe that in the future, they will look into their hearts and know what instruction they received and what you impressed upon them. Believe God's promises. (Deuteronomy 6: 5-7)
Lastly, there must be love. That can be difficult when we live in a self absorbed, competitive world. You have to believe that if God brought you together-all of you, He will see you through because love never fails despite the challenges. (1 Corinthians 13:8)
While the changes or acceptance may not be immediate, it will be obvious in the end. Again, I am OIL and those things worked for me but first, I had to be receptive.
God did not create divorce but He does extend grace and while we as adults have choices, children most likely do not. So if you're there-in the mix of a new blended family, hold on and trust the God of grace. His plan is for a family linked by grace. His plan is for a Happy Home!
The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
Proverbs 3:33
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