I have a question to pose - a wonderment to express. I read a comment this morning that got me thinking. The comment indicated that sometimes we have to change our minds on spiritual issues. The change seemed to refer not to growth but to a re-establishment of what we believe. The comment further suggested that changing our minds regarding our belief system is actually a good thing to happen to us, especially for those of us who appear firm in what we believe.
There are a few things that have been tossing around in my mind (and I'd love to hear your comments and opinions on all of these things!).
The first thought I had was this...do we change our minds or do we grow?
When we accept Christ, we are so immature in things of Scripture and of God. We have our ideas, but we still have so much to learn. Some of us accept that we have much to learn and far to grow while others of us believe for a time that our fire and passion set us in a league of wisdom that might supersede what is truly there.
Whatever the case may be, I can look back over my life and see how much I've grown. But, lately I have also looked back and realized that the seeds of what I know now were there years ago. My thoughts and ideas have grown and matured - and some of the peripheral philosophies have changed. But I see it more as growth than as a changing of my beliefs.
So, what do you think? What do you see as you look back over your life?
As I passed through the first thought, I then wondered what was truly good for us? Is it better to be growing or to change our minds?
It almost strikes me that someone who changes his mind as he learns is a bit undependable. Not that we can't change, but if we believe one thing one day and something else the next, how can we avoid confusing those to whom we minister? In doing so, are we truly preaching the gospel, or are we simply sharing our idea of the day?
Now don't get me wrong. I know we'll change as we grow. And, I've looked back over things I've shared with people in the past and thought, "Wow, if I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have said that in that way. I would have said this instead." That's not exactly what I'm talking about. What I'm referring to here is following after fads of thought rather than truly growing through spiritual discipleship.
Another thought...if there is someone you look up to spiritually but disagree with on certain points, do you really want that person to change his mind in your favor?
If I respect someone, I want to know they are sound in their beliefs. I want to watch them grow and mature, and I acknowledge that such growth will produce introduction of new thoughts and ideas as well as a maturation of what's already there. But, do I really want them to change? Change indicates moving in a new direction. If I respect someone spiritually, it's because I see them going in the right direction, and I see Christ and His truth being reflected in them. To see them change their minds...well, that would introduce a lot of confusion.
I know ultimately we must follow Christ, period. But, even Paul said, "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." (1 Cor 11:1 NASB) When I see someone who is a very obvious imitator of Christ, I don't want them to change their minds about foundational truths they exemplify!
The final thought was this...if you acknowledge that you see a solid Christian example in someone else yet want that person to consider the possibility that they need to change, what is the motive?
Sometimes we acknowledge that we're struggling with something but truly don't want to accept that we have to get ourselves right to end the struggling. We almost want others we respect to change their ideas in order to justify where we are. If they change, we don't have to, because we've already convinced ourselves that they are right in their belief system. And that would make life easier for us.
So, those are my thoughts - my very raw thoughts. Possibly over the next few days I will refine them, and maybe even "change my mind!" HA! But, I wanted to throw them out there anyway and see if any of you had thoughts.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Flour Story: The Source
If you haven't read The Flour Story you might want to back up and read it before reading this post.
I really can't imagine even considering going into the kitchen to bake without knowing that I have a good supply of flour available to me. Whether it's cookies or cake, pies or bread, flour is a basic necessity.
I've always known there were different kinds of flours available, but I never dreamed that my basic level of baking would require me to be careful of what flour I used. After all, my bread recipes all worked beautifully with the bulk flour from Sam's. Why wouldn't everything else I baked? I'm no gourmet baker - I am good at what I bake, but I don't usually delve into the fancy baked goods. So, basic all-purpose flour should work just fine for me, right?
What I discovered when I went to make cookies, though, was that not all flour is created equal, even for a basic-level baker. For my cookies and biscuits, the Sam's flour just wasn't good enough.
For baking, I need to know about my flour to know what I will be able to bake with it. In our lives, we need to examine the source of our tools in the exact same way.
As Christians we are surrounded by a plethora of doctrines, theologies, books, teachings, preachings, and resources galore. But, how many times do we truly go through and examine them? We make a couple of assumptions regarding our resources.
First, we often assume that they are appropriate for all things. How wrong we are! A book that might be perfectly appropriate for one area of ministry might crash and burn in another. A sermon that applies to me today might not fit your need tomorrow. A ministry tool that works in one community to draw dozens or even hundreds to the Lord might actually have the opposite effect in another.
We have to analyze the source of our tools so that we might truly know the work in which those tools are effective. We cannot automatically assume that they are good because of the effectiveness they've had in the hands of a fellow believer.
Secondly, we assume that if they have the right name, they must automatically be effective. All-purpose flour in bulk from Sam's is the same as all-purpose flour in a smaller package at Wal-Mart, right? Wrong!
We must analyze the source of our tools. Sometimes the tools seem to be effective as we begin to use them, but then flaws begin to reveal themselves as we dig deeper. The best way to analyze those tools is to compare them to the Word of God itself. Do they line up completely? If not, how do they fail? How can we take what is good about them without compromising our standard to do all things by the Word of God?
Whatever the tool, we must go to the Source and know whether each and every tool lines up with His infallible Word.
I really can't imagine even considering going into the kitchen to bake without knowing that I have a good supply of flour available to me. Whether it's cookies or cake, pies or bread, flour is a basic necessity.
I've always known there were different kinds of flours available, but I never dreamed that my basic level of baking would require me to be careful of what flour I used. After all, my bread recipes all worked beautifully with the bulk flour from Sam's. Why wouldn't everything else I baked? I'm no gourmet baker - I am good at what I bake, but I don't usually delve into the fancy baked goods. So, basic all-purpose flour should work just fine for me, right?
What I discovered when I went to make cookies, though, was that not all flour is created equal, even for a basic-level baker. For my cookies and biscuits, the Sam's flour just wasn't good enough.
For baking, I need to know about my flour to know what I will be able to bake with it. In our lives, we need to examine the source of our tools in the exact same way.
As Christians we are surrounded by a plethora of doctrines, theologies, books, teachings, preachings, and resources galore. But, how many times do we truly go through and examine them? We make a couple of assumptions regarding our resources.
First, we often assume that they are appropriate for all things. How wrong we are! A book that might be perfectly appropriate for one area of ministry might crash and burn in another. A sermon that applies to me today might not fit your need tomorrow. A ministry tool that works in one community to draw dozens or even hundreds to the Lord might actually have the opposite effect in another.
We have to analyze the source of our tools so that we might truly know the work in which those tools are effective. We cannot automatically assume that they are good because of the effectiveness they've had in the hands of a fellow believer.
Secondly, we assume that if they have the right name, they must automatically be effective. All-purpose flour in bulk from Sam's is the same as all-purpose flour in a smaller package at Wal-Mart, right? Wrong!
We must analyze the source of our tools. Sometimes the tools seem to be effective as we begin to use them, but then flaws begin to reveal themselves as we dig deeper. The best way to analyze those tools is to compare them to the Word of God itself. Do they line up completely? If not, how do they fail? How can we take what is good about them without compromising our standard to do all things by the Word of God?
Whatever the tool, we must go to the Source and know whether each and every tool lines up with His infallible Word.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Flour Story
Several months ago my family decided to switch from store bought bread to homemade. Why? Well, because the really yummy bread from stores is pretty expensive, and homemade bread is yummier and cheaper! It's easy to make, especially with my handy dandy stand mixer, so it just became our habit.
We started with loaf bread and then expanded from there. I found a delicious recipe for hamburger and hot dog buns, and then we started making our own flour tortillas as well. We began experimenting with cinnamon rolls. Finally, I even managed to conquer the elusive art of making a pie crust that would actually stay together long enough to get it into the pie plate.
Making all of these things required a lot of flour. So, when we found a huge sack of flour at Sam's, we naturally thought it was a great idea to buy in bulk. We buy so many other items in bulk to save money, why not flour? And, it worked beautifully, especially with a little sifting!
About a month ago, we were headed to the Capitol for Home School Day. We were supposed to make a dessert for our representatives, and I knew that chocolate chip cookie bars would be the perfect solution. Easy, reliable, and all ingredients on hand. Besides, I had been making chocolate chip cookies for twenty years. What could go wrong?
Somehow, everything went wrong! I've overcooked cookies, undercooked cookies, and ended up with a texture that was not exactly what I wanted. But never in my life can I remember ruining a batch of chocolate chip cookies. But, that is exactly what happened. The whole batch was completely ruined - totally inedible!
All I could think was that I'd made some type of mistake with the recipe. I couldn't figure out what the mistake might have been, but that had to be the solution. We whipped up a batch of fudge and took that instead.
A couple of weeks later, I decided to try cookies again for a church activity. Again, they were ruined. Inedible. How could that have happened? On our way to the activity we stopped at Wal-Mart for a bag of Chips Ahoy. How heartbreaking!
After analyzing and re-analyzing we decided that the only thing we could imagine was that the flour was somehow wrong. Cheap flour wouldn't work for chocolate chip cookies. When an easy biscuit mix had the same problem this morning, our suspicions were confirmed. What worked for bread wouldn't work for cookies or biscuits.
Naturally quite a few spiritual applications have been flooding my mind related to this whole experience. And I will share them...in future posts! Yep, you have to come back!
In the meantime, keep these thoughts in mind...
We started with loaf bread and then expanded from there. I found a delicious recipe for hamburger and hot dog buns, and then we started making our own flour tortillas as well. We began experimenting with cinnamon rolls. Finally, I even managed to conquer the elusive art of making a pie crust that would actually stay together long enough to get it into the pie plate.
Making all of these things required a lot of flour. So, when we found a huge sack of flour at Sam's, we naturally thought it was a great idea to buy in bulk. We buy so many other items in bulk to save money, why not flour? And, it worked beautifully, especially with a little sifting!
About a month ago, we were headed to the Capitol for Home School Day. We were supposed to make a dessert for our representatives, and I knew that chocolate chip cookie bars would be the perfect solution. Easy, reliable, and all ingredients on hand. Besides, I had been making chocolate chip cookies for twenty years. What could go wrong?
Somehow, everything went wrong! I've overcooked cookies, undercooked cookies, and ended up with a texture that was not exactly what I wanted. But never in my life can I remember ruining a batch of chocolate chip cookies. But, that is exactly what happened. The whole batch was completely ruined - totally inedible!
All I could think was that I'd made some type of mistake with the recipe. I couldn't figure out what the mistake might have been, but that had to be the solution. We whipped up a batch of fudge and took that instead.
A couple of weeks later, I decided to try cookies again for a church activity. Again, they were ruined. Inedible. How could that have happened? On our way to the activity we stopped at Wal-Mart for a bag of Chips Ahoy. How heartbreaking!
After analyzing and re-analyzing we decided that the only thing we could imagine was that the flour was somehow wrong. Cheap flour wouldn't work for chocolate chip cookies. When an easy biscuit mix had the same problem this morning, our suspicions were confirmed. What worked for bread wouldn't work for cookies or biscuits.
Naturally quite a few spiritual applications have been flooding my mind related to this whole experience. And I will share them...in future posts! Yep, you have to come back!
In the meantime, keep these thoughts in mind...
- Know your source.
- Know the composition and intention of your tools.
- Don't assume that you are incapable simply because something you do fails.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
No More Slackers!
Last Thursday I had a morning appointment to meet someone at church. After a great visit and lunch, we arrived back at home right about the time we usually put Steven down for a nap and get started with school. Usually by that time, though, we've already done our read-aloud and history reading over lunch, something that everyone seems to greatly enjoy. So, on this particular day we were a bit behind.
Meanwhile, Steven's sinus drainage had caused him to get sick at lunch, so I knew that it wasn't going to be a matter of get home, put him down for a nap quickly, and get started on schoolwork. First I was going to need to clean him up, change his clothes, and make sure it really was just sinus drainage. Even after I got him to bed, I knew I also needed to take care of a couple of things on the computer before heading to school.
So, in order to maximize our afternoon, I handed the girls their writing assignments as soon as we walked in the door. Angie needed to copy her new spelling words and Olivia had a copywork assignment to do. After giving them their work, I headed to the back to take care of Steven.
I got Steven in bed and then sat down at the computer. Several times I heard the girls goofing off in the school room, but instead of going in there to check on them, I just hollered at them from the living room. That's almost always the wrong thing to do, and I know it. I just wanted to finish those last few things. Knowing the the girls weren't finished yet, I figured I'd tap out a couple of emails too while I was at it. Finally, forty-five minutes later, Angie came in with her completed spelling list, something that usually takes her ten minutes at the most. Thinking Olivia had to be done with her work, too, I headed back to the school room.
What I found did not make me happy. In forty-five minutes Olivia had written five words and Angela's spelling list was in the sloppiest writing I've ever seen from her! I fussed at the girls and told Olivia she would have to keep writing while I read to them.
I picked up the Bible and opened it to the new memory verse we were supposed to start working on that day. It was Proverbs 18:9. As I read it to myself, my jaw dropped! I looked at the girls with a very serious look and then looked back at the verse. In a calm, serious tone, I said, "This verse is so very appropriate." I read it to them and asked if they knew what it meant. I could tell by the look on Olivia's face that she understood it completely.
In fact, the verse didn't have to be explained to either girl. They both knew exactly how it applied to them and to what they had just done. Angela silently retrieved her spelling list from me and rewrote the sloppiest of the words. Olivia proceeded to complete a beautiful copywork assignment very quickly while I read aloud to them.
But the girls weren't the only ones convicted by the verse. I realized that I had not been diligent myself - I should have been out there with them long before, guiding them along. At the very least, I could have done my work at the school computer while supervising them. But, really, I didn't have to be on the computer as long as I had been.
And what about the days leading up to that day? I'd not been very diligent at home, claiming this excuse or that. I was slacking, and it was destructive.
I shared the verse with Doug the next morning, and he was stopped by it as well.
Needless to say, the girls and I learned that verse very quickly. And, it's been with us consistently since then. The Word of the Lord is alive and powerful, and it is great motivation to live right when we let it!
Meanwhile, Steven's sinus drainage had caused him to get sick at lunch, so I knew that it wasn't going to be a matter of get home, put him down for a nap quickly, and get started on schoolwork. First I was going to need to clean him up, change his clothes, and make sure it really was just sinus drainage. Even after I got him to bed, I knew I also needed to take care of a couple of things on the computer before heading to school.
So, in order to maximize our afternoon, I handed the girls their writing assignments as soon as we walked in the door. Angie needed to copy her new spelling words and Olivia had a copywork assignment to do. After giving them their work, I headed to the back to take care of Steven.
I got Steven in bed and then sat down at the computer. Several times I heard the girls goofing off in the school room, but instead of going in there to check on them, I just hollered at them from the living room. That's almost always the wrong thing to do, and I know it. I just wanted to finish those last few things. Knowing the the girls weren't finished yet, I figured I'd tap out a couple of emails too while I was at it. Finally, forty-five minutes later, Angie came in with her completed spelling list, something that usually takes her ten minutes at the most. Thinking Olivia had to be done with her work, too, I headed back to the school room.
What I found did not make me happy. In forty-five minutes Olivia had written five words and Angela's spelling list was in the sloppiest writing I've ever seen from her! I fussed at the girls and told Olivia she would have to keep writing while I read to them.
I picked up the Bible and opened it to the new memory verse we were supposed to start working on that day. It was Proverbs 18:9. As I read it to myself, my jaw dropped! I looked at the girls with a very serious look and then looked back at the verse. In a calm, serious tone, I said, "This verse is so very appropriate." I read it to them and asked if they knew what it meant. I could tell by the look on Olivia's face that she understood it completely.
In fact, the verse didn't have to be explained to either girl. They both knew exactly how it applied to them and to what they had just done. Angela silently retrieved her spelling list from me and rewrote the sloppiest of the words. Olivia proceeded to complete a beautiful copywork assignment very quickly while I read aloud to them.
But the girls weren't the only ones convicted by the verse. I realized that I had not been diligent myself - I should have been out there with them long before, guiding them along. At the very least, I could have done my work at the school computer while supervising them. But, really, I didn't have to be on the computer as long as I had been.
And what about the days leading up to that day? I'd not been very diligent at home, claiming this excuse or that. I was slacking, and it was destructive.
I shared the verse with Doug the next morning, and he was stopped by it as well.
Needless to say, the girls and I learned that verse very quickly. And, it's been with us consistently since then. The Word of the Lord is alive and powerful, and it is great motivation to live right when we let it!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
More Links
I just realized (even before Doug's comment!) that I did leave out my two absolute favorite links (I blame the kids - for some reason they thought they had to have lunch on time!)! I love that my wonderful hubby has really gotten into blogging over the last few weeks, because he has some really awesome thoughts. So, here are his links...
First we have one simple entitled Doug's Blog. This one has all sorts of things - random thoughts, sermon preparation, etc. Some of it's political, some of it's just thoughts. But, it's fun to read the things that go through his mind.
But the one I really look forward to is Toward the Horizon. Doug shares a quote, a thought, and brief thoughts on a series of Bible verses from his morning readings. I miss this one if I don't get to read it for whatever reason or if he doesn't get to post for whatever reason.
Enjoy!
First we have one simple entitled Doug's Blog. This one has all sorts of things - random thoughts, sermon preparation, etc. Some of it's political, some of it's just thoughts. But, it's fun to read the things that go through his mind.
But the one I really look forward to is Toward the Horizon. Doug shares a quote, a thought, and brief thoughts on a series of Bible verses from his morning readings. I miss this one if I don't get to read it for whatever reason or if he doesn't get to post for whatever reason.
Enjoy!
Links
I have many thoughts and posts in production right now - either started in my saved items or simply still in the form of notes in my planner. Stay tuned for those. But, for now, I wanted to share a few links with you. These are some blogs and sites that I have really enjoyed lately.
- The Choate Family - good friends of ours from seminary housing days, now serving as missionaries in the Solomon Islands. I credit them with introducing us to blogging. Why I recommend them...Sometimes it can be so much easier to teach our children about missions when there is a face to it. This family offers a beautiful face to every day life on the mission field. Also, Joanna has a phenomenal talent for compiling book lists! Just check out the "basket" lists on the side bar of the blog, and you will find an incredible collection of titles. She has blessed me so many times with incredible lists of books to supplement our school curriculum, the latest of which is sitting in my email inbox waiting to be printed and pored over. I haven't yet offered my deep thanks for those lists - thank you, dear friend! An email will be coming this week!
- Genco Journal - I have never had the privilege of meeting Ruthanne in person, but I'm going to very soon! :-) We're determined to put that together! Why I recommend her blog...Ruthanne is a homeschool mom who can put together some of the neatest crafts and projects. Just looking at the pictures of what her kids have done inspires me - and then she shares recipes. Yum! Her blog is a fun site for ideas, and I love that!
- Stephanie's Mommy Brain - in my world, Stephanie is the blog queen! A friend from college, she is a homeschooling mom who is very savvy when it comes to blogging. Why I recommend her...Besides having a wealth of information on her own blogs, she offers links galore! I have found so much in the way of useful information and useful websites thanks to her effort. She is also a great writer, and I greatly enjoy reading her posts. (And, I have had the privilege of being a guest writer on her blog, which has been fun!)
- Women by Grace - Stephanie referred me to this site, and I'm so thankful! Why I recommend it...Well, I must confess - I get to write on this one! :-) I am a weekly columnist, writing on parenting. But, there are so many other encouraging posts, columns, and links on this site. It has been a blessing to explore what has been shared on this blog and to follow the links.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Sibling Love
Late yesterday morning the sun came out after quite a few days of clouds and rain. The kids immediately flooded into the back yard for a long-awaited afternoon of outdoor play. I was in the kitchen making bread and watching them through the sliding glass door. They were playing together so well. I couldn't help but smile.
All I could think about was how much my kids really do love each other. Oh, they fight - pretty regularly, in fact. But, they absolutely adore each other. My girls have told me they would love to be twins just so they could do absolutely everything together. And, they dote on their little brother as much as any big sisters I know or could imagine. They adore him and he adores them.
When the three go their separate ways for class at church, the first thing they want when class is over is to find the other two. When one is alone, he or she can't wait for at least one of the other two to be free to play or read or interact in some way.
Oh, how they love each other!
In the New Testament, God calls Himself our Father. As I watched my three little darlings play, I couldn't help but wonder how God sees us when we interact with each other. Jesus said we are to come as little children. Scripture also calls us brothers and sisters in Christ. Can you imagine how our Father must feel when He sees us interact? Do we come together like siblings who truly love each other, despite our difference and occasional fights? Or do we distance ourselves like a teenage brother who doesn't want his kid sister hanging around?
It struck me that it's no wonder I long for and crave intimate communion with my brothers and sisters in Christ. There are some days I miss physically distant friends so much that it hurts. There are days when I feel like Steven, just waiting for his big sisters to be done with their chores so they can play with him. I just long for the interaction with my spiritual brothers and sisters.
I feel that way because that's the way I was made. There is nothing sweeter to this mama's heart than seeing my children love each other. My Father wants to see His children love each other too.
So, next time you're wanting that heart-to-heart talk, or that game of spades, or that shoulder to cry on, just remember you desire it because you were created for it. Your Father loves to see it. Come on, brothers and sisters! Let's enjoy one another!
All I could think about was how much my kids really do love each other. Oh, they fight - pretty regularly, in fact. But, they absolutely adore each other. My girls have told me they would love to be twins just so they could do absolutely everything together. And, they dote on their little brother as much as any big sisters I know or could imagine. They adore him and he adores them.
When the three go their separate ways for class at church, the first thing they want when class is over is to find the other two. When one is alone, he or she can't wait for at least one of the other two to be free to play or read or interact in some way.
Oh, how they love each other!
In the New Testament, God calls Himself our Father. As I watched my three little darlings play, I couldn't help but wonder how God sees us when we interact with each other. Jesus said we are to come as little children. Scripture also calls us brothers and sisters in Christ. Can you imagine how our Father must feel when He sees us interact? Do we come together like siblings who truly love each other, despite our difference and occasional fights? Or do we distance ourselves like a teenage brother who doesn't want his kid sister hanging around?
It struck me that it's no wonder I long for and crave intimate communion with my brothers and sisters in Christ. There are some days I miss physically distant friends so much that it hurts. There are days when I feel like Steven, just waiting for his big sisters to be done with their chores so they can play with him. I just long for the interaction with my spiritual brothers and sisters.
I feel that way because that's the way I was made. There is nothing sweeter to this mama's heart than seeing my children love each other. My Father wants to see His children love each other too.
So, next time you're wanting that heart-to-heart talk, or that game of spades, or that shoulder to cry on, just remember you desire it because you were created for it. Your Father loves to see it. Come on, brothers and sisters! Let's enjoy one another!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Blades of Grass
Yesterday I saw something that was pretty average and ordinary, but what I knew about it made it beautiful.
There is a fenced patio/garden off of the master bedroom in this house. It's one of those things that probably once upon a time was quite nice. But years and neglect have taken their toll, leaving it looking run down. A week or so ago, Doug and I began discussing moving some things off of our back patio into this enclosed area. The kids would then have more space to play, and it would be easier to keep the back patio swept clean.
As we contemplated exactly where we wanted to put everything, the kids started traipsing into the little area from the backyard. Knowing there were dips, holes, and uneven areas underneath the leaves, I grabbed a rake thinking I would quickly rake up the leaves to expose the uneven earth so the kids wouldn't trip and hurt themselves. I soon discovered, however, that it wasn't going to be a quick job! The layers of leaves were so very deep, revealing multiple seasons of build-up and neglect. I raked and Doug used the leaf blower and we worked for quite some time getting the leaves out of that little area. When all was said and done, we had an absolutely enormous pile of leaves to burn.
The garden area didn't look any less run down, but it did look much neater. And I figured that the little patches of monkey grass scattered here and there might grow and spread a little easier without the leaves blocked the sun.
That was nearly two weeks ago. Yesterday I was opening the shades in the girls' room. One of their windows looks out over that little garden, and I happened to notice something as I almost unconsciously looked out the window. One solitary blade of monkey grass had sprouted up in a section of garden where I truly didn't expect anything to grow! It stood there alone but proud, reaching toward the sky as if reveling in the victory of growth.
The sight made me smile. I'd had a part in that growth! I'd been able to clear away the piles of dead leaves blocking the growth. It wasn't an easy job, and it took a lot longer to do than I'd expected. But, seeing that blade grow was definitely worth it all. When I looked out today, two more blades had joined it, and I have a feeling that whole strip of earth will soon be covered with monkey grass.
God is working on the gardens of our lives in much the same way. He is raking away the things in our lives that block the growth. Sometimes it's a gentle blowing to move a light layer of leaves. Other times it's not quite so light. Sometimes it hurts when His rake hits our flesh and pulls away at the stubborn leaves that don't want to be moved. We must be tended if we are to grow.
The growth may seem small and slow at first, but before we know it we will have grown so incredibly, and through it we will be that much closer to beautiful perfection in Christ!
There is a fenced patio/garden off of the master bedroom in this house. It's one of those things that probably once upon a time was quite nice. But years and neglect have taken their toll, leaving it looking run down. A week or so ago, Doug and I began discussing moving some things off of our back patio into this enclosed area. The kids would then have more space to play, and it would be easier to keep the back patio swept clean.
As we contemplated exactly where we wanted to put everything, the kids started traipsing into the little area from the backyard. Knowing there were dips, holes, and uneven areas underneath the leaves, I grabbed a rake thinking I would quickly rake up the leaves to expose the uneven earth so the kids wouldn't trip and hurt themselves. I soon discovered, however, that it wasn't going to be a quick job! The layers of leaves were so very deep, revealing multiple seasons of build-up and neglect. I raked and Doug used the leaf blower and we worked for quite some time getting the leaves out of that little area. When all was said and done, we had an absolutely enormous pile of leaves to burn.
The garden area didn't look any less run down, but it did look much neater. And I figured that the little patches of monkey grass scattered here and there might grow and spread a little easier without the leaves blocked the sun.
That was nearly two weeks ago. Yesterday I was opening the shades in the girls' room. One of their windows looks out over that little garden, and I happened to notice something as I almost unconsciously looked out the window. One solitary blade of monkey grass had sprouted up in a section of garden where I truly didn't expect anything to grow! It stood there alone but proud, reaching toward the sky as if reveling in the victory of growth.
The sight made me smile. I'd had a part in that growth! I'd been able to clear away the piles of dead leaves blocking the growth. It wasn't an easy job, and it took a lot longer to do than I'd expected. But, seeing that blade grow was definitely worth it all. When I looked out today, two more blades had joined it, and I have a feeling that whole strip of earth will soon be covered with monkey grass.
God is working on the gardens of our lives in much the same way. He is raking away the things in our lives that block the growth. Sometimes it's a gentle blowing to move a light layer of leaves. Other times it's not quite so light. Sometimes it hurts when His rake hits our flesh and pulls away at the stubborn leaves that don't want to be moved. We must be tended if we are to grow.
The growth may seem small and slow at first, but before we know it we will have grown so incredibly, and through it we will be that much closer to beautiful perfection in Christ!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A Good Trim
I trimmed my hair today. First of all, yes, I trimmed it myself. No, it doesn't always look great, but I've cut my own hair for years and years (and Doug's, and the kids'). I think Angela was a baby the last time someone else (other than Doug - he cuts it sometimes) cut my hair. It's not that I don't like going to other people - it's just that it means working it in somehow. Working in child care and the cost and the time in my schedule. That's a lot of sacrifice for my family. If I do it myself, it's free, and I can work in fifteen minutes or so here or there while there's a gap in the day. Works for me! So, whether it's short or long, I do it myself. Lately I added coloring it to the list. Yes, I'm now a red-head. Doug likes it, and although it was a shock to me at first, I like it too. It's rather fun!
Okay, so back to the point. Today I trimmed it. It's been a very, very long time since I'd trimmed it. You see, quite some time ago I decided to grow it out. It had been short for a long time, and I was tired of having to keep it cut. I was tired of the style changing every time I trimmed it back. (It's hard to be consistent when you cut your own hair - just a warning if you decide to try it for yourself.) And, I was ready for pony-tails and braids again. So, I started the long process of growing it out. When it grew into a bob, I trimmed it regularly because of all of the unevenness from being boy-short in the back. Once I had it all evened up and it started growing past the bob stage, though, I stopped trimming it quite so regularly. It's not quite as easy to trim your own hair when it's long because it's harder to reach it in the back. I usually would think about it during the day when Doug was gone, so I never did think to ask him in the evenings if he would trim it for me. I just let it grew.
One thing to keep in mind is that my hair grows very unevenly. So, when it's not kept trimmed, the ends can look rather thin and unhealthy simply because there's not as much hair there as there might be an inch or two higher.
So, today I decided it was time to trim. I set to work, only to discover that I needed to trim a whole lot more than intended to get it all relatively even. Why? Because I'd waited so long to trim it, and there were so very many lengths to deal with! Once all was said and done, the hair that has been falling several inches below my shoulders was, well, not much past shoulder-length.
Am I upset? No - I like it this length. I can still wear a pony-tail, it works better pulled up in a clip (which is a style Doug likes, so I like to wear it that way), and it looks much thicker and healthier already. But, looking at the drastic length difference made me think...what needs to be trimmed in my life spiritually?
As we grow spirituallly, we sometimes let our discipline falter in certain areas. Without realizing it, we focus on preparing our Sunday school lessons, but pull back a little bit from our personal devotional Bible reading. We focus on praise and worship and neglect to intercede. We focus on making sure we are patient with our children, but tend to be a little more lax on discipline. We work hard to exercise our bodies, but forget to take the time to exercise our minds. We focus on strengthening relationships with people who are in need of godly friendships, but sacrifice a little more family time.
Are any of the things we focus on bad? No, but it causes that area of our lives to grow while others hold back a bit. So, our Sunday school lessons grow more difficult to prepare because we are not feeding ourselves quite as well. Our praise and worship is a little more empty because we are not seeking Him for the needs of others. Our patience runs thin because our children are testing it more and more. Our devotion to our bodies wanes because our minds are exhausted. Our external relationships become tense because they conflict with our family needs.
Occasionally we just need to refocus. If we do it on a regular basis, we will stay balanced. If we wait too long, we'll have to pull back a little further than we might have wanted to, and we might run the risk of becoming imbalanced in the opposite direction. Whether it's monthly, weekly, or even daily, let's evaluate where we are focusing and what we need to rebalance. Let's try to stay "trimmed" that we may grow evenly and steadily and be dependably useful in all we do.
Okay, so back to the point. Today I trimmed it. It's been a very, very long time since I'd trimmed it. You see, quite some time ago I decided to grow it out. It had been short for a long time, and I was tired of having to keep it cut. I was tired of the style changing every time I trimmed it back. (It's hard to be consistent when you cut your own hair - just a warning if you decide to try it for yourself.) And, I was ready for pony-tails and braids again. So, I started the long process of growing it out. When it grew into a bob, I trimmed it regularly because of all of the unevenness from being boy-short in the back. Once I had it all evened up and it started growing past the bob stage, though, I stopped trimming it quite so regularly. It's not quite as easy to trim your own hair when it's long because it's harder to reach it in the back. I usually would think about it during the day when Doug was gone, so I never did think to ask him in the evenings if he would trim it for me. I just let it grew.
One thing to keep in mind is that my hair grows very unevenly. So, when it's not kept trimmed, the ends can look rather thin and unhealthy simply because there's not as much hair there as there might be an inch or two higher.
So, today I decided it was time to trim. I set to work, only to discover that I needed to trim a whole lot more than intended to get it all relatively even. Why? Because I'd waited so long to trim it, and there were so very many lengths to deal with! Once all was said and done, the hair that has been falling several inches below my shoulders was, well, not much past shoulder-length.
Am I upset? No - I like it this length. I can still wear a pony-tail, it works better pulled up in a clip (which is a style Doug likes, so I like to wear it that way), and it looks much thicker and healthier already. But, looking at the drastic length difference made me think...what needs to be trimmed in my life spiritually?
As we grow spirituallly, we sometimes let our discipline falter in certain areas. Without realizing it, we focus on preparing our Sunday school lessons, but pull back a little bit from our personal devotional Bible reading. We focus on praise and worship and neglect to intercede. We focus on making sure we are patient with our children, but tend to be a little more lax on discipline. We work hard to exercise our bodies, but forget to take the time to exercise our minds. We focus on strengthening relationships with people who are in need of godly friendships, but sacrifice a little more family time.
Are any of the things we focus on bad? No, but it causes that area of our lives to grow while others hold back a bit. So, our Sunday school lessons grow more difficult to prepare because we are not feeding ourselves quite as well. Our praise and worship is a little more empty because we are not seeking Him for the needs of others. Our patience runs thin because our children are testing it more and more. Our devotion to our bodies wanes because our minds are exhausted. Our external relationships become tense because they conflict with our family needs.
Occasionally we just need to refocus. If we do it on a regular basis, we will stay balanced. If we wait too long, we'll have to pull back a little further than we might have wanted to, and we might run the risk of becoming imbalanced in the opposite direction. Whether it's monthly, weekly, or even daily, let's evaluate where we are focusing and what we need to rebalance. Let's try to stay "trimmed" that we may grow evenly and steadily and be dependably useful in all we do.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Frog
There is nothing reliable in what they say; their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue. Psalms 5:9 (NASB)
This verse struck me in my quiet time Friday morning. Then, as I sat down to check email, I saw something that really added to it. I will probably have more to say about this verse in coming days because several thoughts occurred to me as I read it, but I think this really says most of it...may I be like this frog to the world!
Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A big crowd gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began but no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as:
"Oh, WAY too difficult!!"
"They will NEVER make it to the top."
"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"
The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one, except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.
The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But one continued higher and higher and higher. He just wouldn't give up!
At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!
All of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.
It turned out that the winner was deaf.
[forwarded by JR]
today'sTHOT============================
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
This verse struck me in my quiet time Friday morning. Then, as I sat down to check email, I saw something that really added to it. I will probably have more to say about this verse in coming days because several thoughts occurred to me as I read it, but I think this really says most of it...may I be like this frog to the world!
Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.
A big crowd gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began but no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as:
"Oh, WAY too difficult!!"
"They will NEVER make it to the top."
"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"
The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one, except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.
The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But one continued higher and higher and higher. He just wouldn't give up!
At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!
All of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.
It turned out that the winner was deaf.
[forwarded by JR]
today'sTHOT============================
If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
=======================================
PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com
Monday, March 9, 2009
Immediately...Ann & Doug's Story
Last summer I went to church on a Wednesday night and heard something in the sermon that has stayed with me very vividly. I have no idea what the sermon was about, to be honest, but our pastor told us that when God works, He works immediately. It was exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time, because Doug and I were in a very discouraging waiting pattern.
A couple of things lately have made me remember that statement. First of all, I am praying for so many friends who are waiting - for jobs, for a change, for direction, for something. Most of them are feeling many of the same emotions Doug and I felt last year, and I am praying fervently for them. So, naturally, the statement comes to my mind frequently as I pray for the. The second thing is an opportunity I was given this past week.
Lately I have reconnected with an amazing woman I knew in college. This past week she invited me to write a guest post for her blog. The topic was being single, and it brought back so many memories of my time of singleness and the way God brought Doug and me together. Stephanie suggested I write the story, and with everything else floating through my thoughts and prayers, I agree that it's very appropriate.
When I started college, I was exceedingly confident that I would graduate and practically move straight into marriage to the man of my dreams. When I graduated from college, I had not had a single date, had no relationship prospects, and was very confused. I had been called to be a wife and mother. I had no other direction in life. What in the world was I going to do? Entering a relationship that led to marriage took time. What would I do in the meantime. Then God worked...immediately.
I was a part of a little group of students who had chosen to stick around town that summer. Some of us had graduated. Others were just spending the summer in town instead of moving home or elsewhere for the summer. Some of us went to church together. Some of us worked together. We weren't necessarily a tight group, but it was nice to have each other around during the quiet summer.
Doug was one of the students in that group. Through the last half of my senior year, Doug and I, who had known each other for quite some time, became friends. I had no interest in him other than friendship. I admired and respected him, but that was all. He was also engaged to be married to another mutual friend. It was natural that we would interact that summer, but only as friends.
One night he and his roommate invited my roommates and me over to their apartment for dinner. I just happened to be the only one who showed up. As we sat around hanging out that night, God spoke to me. He clearly told me that Doug was to be my husband. I can't describe it, because it was not a voice. It was even clearer than a voice. It was unmistakable. I honestly don't know how I maintained my composure - it probably helped that we were all watching a stupid movie at the time. All I can say is that I mentally argued with God. I told Him that He didn't know what He was talking about, and I reminded Him that Doug was engaged. He let me argue, and then He let me forget. Miraculously, that moment was totally blocked from my mind, completely erased from my immediate recollection. It would not be until after our wedding that I would remember that night.
In just over a week, Doug's fiance moved in to my apartment to stay during a summer school term, and within a few days she and Doug had broken off their engagement. Knowing she had a support group in town to help her through the break-up, I focused on being there for Doug while he dealt with the break-up. Our friendship deepened, but I still denied any changed in our relationship.
A few weeks later, Doug asked me if I wanted to go get Chinese food one Friday evening. He knew I loved Chinese, especially from a wonderful restaurant in Hot Springs called the Panda. He knew I couldn't resist, and he was right. But, he didn't expect one thing...he didn't expect me to ask if my roommates could tag along! I was so terrified! I had spent many hours alone with him - walking and talking, playing racquetball, bumming rides here or there. But, I was terrified that this was a date, and I wasn't ready for it!
I went home and rounded up whatever friends I could, including one who was kind enough to come even though she didn't like Chinese food! We spent a very tense, awkward evening driving to Hot Springs, eating dinner, and driving home. Doug didn't ask me out again.
Everything went back to normal, but Doug and I both knew it wasn't "normal." In fact, most people around us knew it wasn't normal. I could tell story after story of vague conversations, teasings and flirtations. But I fought it all until I could fight it no longer. It didn't take long.
July, 12, 1998, Doug and I finally agreed upon what we could not deny. We were a couple. Through the course of the next week we agreed upon something else. We were meant to be married. On July 19, we set a wedding date. We would be married five months later on December 19, 1998.
In a matter of two months I had gone from totally single and uncertain with absolutely no prospects to terrified of the prospect before me to engaged to be married. God worked immediately.
What are you waiting for? Does it seem that God's hand is being held back? Does it seem like you're waiting interminably? Hang on, and hang on tight because when He works, He will work immedately. It's coming. And it will be beautiful!
A couple of things lately have made me remember that statement. First of all, I am praying for so many friends who are waiting - for jobs, for a change, for direction, for something. Most of them are feeling many of the same emotions Doug and I felt last year, and I am praying fervently for them. So, naturally, the statement comes to my mind frequently as I pray for the. The second thing is an opportunity I was given this past week.
Lately I have reconnected with an amazing woman I knew in college. This past week she invited me to write a guest post for her blog. The topic was being single, and it brought back so many memories of my time of singleness and the way God brought Doug and me together. Stephanie suggested I write the story, and with everything else floating through my thoughts and prayers, I agree that it's very appropriate.
When I started college, I was exceedingly confident that I would graduate and practically move straight into marriage to the man of my dreams. When I graduated from college, I had not had a single date, had no relationship prospects, and was very confused. I had been called to be a wife and mother. I had no other direction in life. What in the world was I going to do? Entering a relationship that led to marriage took time. What would I do in the meantime. Then God worked...immediately.
I was a part of a little group of students who had chosen to stick around town that summer. Some of us had graduated. Others were just spending the summer in town instead of moving home or elsewhere for the summer. Some of us went to church together. Some of us worked together. We weren't necessarily a tight group, but it was nice to have each other around during the quiet summer.
Doug was one of the students in that group. Through the last half of my senior year, Doug and I, who had known each other for quite some time, became friends. I had no interest in him other than friendship. I admired and respected him, but that was all. He was also engaged to be married to another mutual friend. It was natural that we would interact that summer, but only as friends.
One night he and his roommate invited my roommates and me over to their apartment for dinner. I just happened to be the only one who showed up. As we sat around hanging out that night, God spoke to me. He clearly told me that Doug was to be my husband. I can't describe it, because it was not a voice. It was even clearer than a voice. It was unmistakable. I honestly don't know how I maintained my composure - it probably helped that we were all watching a stupid movie at the time. All I can say is that I mentally argued with God. I told Him that He didn't know what He was talking about, and I reminded Him that Doug was engaged. He let me argue, and then He let me forget. Miraculously, that moment was totally blocked from my mind, completely erased from my immediate recollection. It would not be until after our wedding that I would remember that night.
In just over a week, Doug's fiance moved in to my apartment to stay during a summer school term, and within a few days she and Doug had broken off their engagement. Knowing she had a support group in town to help her through the break-up, I focused on being there for Doug while he dealt with the break-up. Our friendship deepened, but I still denied any changed in our relationship.
A few weeks later, Doug asked me if I wanted to go get Chinese food one Friday evening. He knew I loved Chinese, especially from a wonderful restaurant in Hot Springs called the Panda. He knew I couldn't resist, and he was right. But, he didn't expect one thing...he didn't expect me to ask if my roommates could tag along! I was so terrified! I had spent many hours alone with him - walking and talking, playing racquetball, bumming rides here or there. But, I was terrified that this was a date, and I wasn't ready for it!
I went home and rounded up whatever friends I could, including one who was kind enough to come even though she didn't like Chinese food! We spent a very tense, awkward evening driving to Hot Springs, eating dinner, and driving home. Doug didn't ask me out again.
Everything went back to normal, but Doug and I both knew it wasn't "normal." In fact, most people around us knew it wasn't normal. I could tell story after story of vague conversations, teasings and flirtations. But I fought it all until I could fight it no longer. It didn't take long.
July, 12, 1998, Doug and I finally agreed upon what we could not deny. We were a couple. Through the course of the next week we agreed upon something else. We were meant to be married. On July 19, we set a wedding date. We would be married five months later on December 19, 1998.
In a matter of two months I had gone from totally single and uncertain with absolutely no prospects to terrified of the prospect before me to engaged to be married. God worked immediately.
What are you waiting for? Does it seem that God's hand is being held back? Does it seem like you're waiting interminably? Hang on, and hang on tight because when He works, He will work immedately. It's coming. And it will be beautiful!
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Mighty Leviathan
Have you read Job chapter 41 recently? If there is anything in this world you fear, I challenge you to read this chapter. The whole chapter discusses the might and power of the Leviathan, and it is quite the awesome picture. My mind conjured up story after story of hopeless and lost causes reported through the centuries in both history and fiction. I can just picture a group of men around a campfire, determined to eradicate the Leviathan and free their little village of the constant fear and terror under which they've lived. But the more he is described, the more it becomes obvious that there is no way to defeat him. There is no weapon powerful enough. There is no shelter strong enough. There is no scheme ingenious enough. There is no way to kill Leviathan.
What is your Leviathan? What in your life is your biggest fear? Your biggest anxiety? What thing in your life towers above you with such power and might that there seems to be no way to erase it - no way to find freedom?
In the midst of the graphic description of this horrendous beast, we find two little verses. If you're not paying attention, you might even miss them. But, of course, we all pay close attention when we read such things, right? Anyway, the verses in question are verses ten and eleven.
No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before Me? Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.It's just two verses in the middle of a 34-verse chapter. Two verses about Almighty God sandwiched between 32 verses about this horrific beast. Two verses that remind us that no one dares go against Leviathan, but Leviathan - and oh, by the way, everything else in the universe - belongs to God.
Essentially God was reminding Job that he really didn't have any right or ability to stand before God and demand answers. But, I see in these words a comfort as well in that nothing else can stand before God either. That means nothing that comes against me has any power against my God. Now, if that doesn't calm our fears, there is nothing that will!
What is your Leviathan? What in your life is your biggest fear? Your biggest anxiety? What thing in your life towers above you with such power and might that there seems to be no way to erase it - no way to find freedom?
In the midst of the graphic description of this horrendous beast, we find two little verses. If you're not paying attention, you might even miss them. But, of course, we all pay close attention when we read such things, right? Anyway, the verses in question are verses ten and eleven.
No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before Me? Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.It's just two verses in the middle of a 34-verse chapter. Two verses about Almighty God sandwiched between 32 verses about this horrific beast. Two verses that remind us that no one dares go against Leviathan, but Leviathan - and oh, by the way, everything else in the universe - belongs to God.
Essentially God was reminding Job that he really didn't have any right or ability to stand before God and demand answers. But, I see in these words a comfort as well in that nothing else can stand before God either. That means nothing that comes against me has any power against my God. Now, if that doesn't calm our fears, there is nothing that will!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Gift of Psalms
I wasn't sure what to expect as I began reading The Gift of Psalms:Devotional Wisdom from 50 of the Best Loved Psalms. What I found was refreshing. It is not an incredibly deep devotional. But, as I read each reading I found something that many modern devotionals lack. I found a true attempt to expound on each Psalm and then apply it to modern life. Author Lori Jones did not simply write her fluffy thoughts on each Psalm. Instead, she studied to discover the circumstances under which each Psalm was written so as to give the Psalms proper context. Then she shared her thoughts regarding how that context could translate into our modern lives. She followed each entry with a brief sample prayer to make the application even more personal.
Accompanying the book is the Psalms portion of The Word of Promise Old Testament Audio Bible. I am not a huge fan of audio presentations, but I do consider The Word of Promise presentation to be a well-made presentation.
If you are looking for an in-depth study of the Psalms, The Gift of Psalms is not the book to reach for. But, if you are seeking an encouraging devotional book to supplement a reading through the Psalms, I would recommend this book.
Accompanying the book is the Psalms portion of The Word of Promise Old Testament Audio Bible. I am not a huge fan of audio presentations, but I do consider The Word of Promise presentation to be a well-made presentation.
If you are looking for an in-depth study of the Psalms, The Gift of Psalms is not the book to reach for. But, if you are seeking an encouraging devotional book to supplement a reading through the Psalms, I would recommend this book.
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