I wanted to share some scripture which I found moving during the advance. Some of the statements below are from our guest lecturer, Martha Lawley.
- The deception: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22
- Our outward behavior stems from our hearts.
- "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove you from your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26
- God is calling us to know Him, not just know about Him. (Isaiah 43:10)
- "But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:7
- Our responsibility is to live in the grace we have been given through Christ and to allow God to work in our lives to accomplish His purposes.
- "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3
- See things from God's perspective.
- Sin hinders prayer.
- Allow Him in so that He can reorder your life for what He wants.
- Knowing Him and loving Him are intricately connected
- John 3:16
- God is not like us in that we can't attribute human characteristics to Him. (Numbers 23:19)
- "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
- Even if I were the only person on earth, the only sinner, Jesus STILL would have gone to the cross for me.
- Paul said "The love of Christ compels me"
- "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11
- "And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." 1 John 4:21
- The greater love of LESSER things gets in the way of loving God with all our hearts!
- One of the clearest measures of our love for God is shown in our relationships with other people.
- "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
- Transformation is messy but don't hide the mess! Be transparent.
- God has no need for undercover Christians.
- "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." 1 Timothy 4:15
- God transforms us in plain view of those around us so that we can reveal His grace and His glory!
- "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16
- "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14
- God doesn't just desire the absence of sin; His ultimate goal is the presence of a joy filled relationships.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Opposite of Retreat is Advance
My mother told me the men's ministry of her church wants to change what they call retreats to "advance". In other words, instead of going on a retreat, we're going on an advance. This the story of my advance.
Mom asked my sister-in-law, Mackenzie and me if we'd like to join her on a Christian women's retreat through her and Mackenzie's church. We both told her "yes" and thus set in motion a journey of faith I was not expecting.
Friday afternoon I meet mom and Mackenzie in Estes Park, Colorado for a late lunch. As we eat out on the terrace, I enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain weather and I'm not thinking much about our retreat. I have no real expectations going in except that there will be a lot of women there and will that make me nervous?
We arrive at the Emerald Lodge at the YMCA of the Rockies, receive our room keys, get settled and then head over to the confrence room. As women trickle in, the three of us sit there, talking amongst ourselves until somebody either Mom or Mackenzie knows comes over to say "hi". Worship begins and we're introduced to a song written specifically for this retreat by a woman with beautiful and haunting voice. We're also introduced to Martha Lawley who will be our guest speaker for the duration of the weekend.
We are dismissed to join our small groups which consist of six to seven women including a "group girlfriend" who will act as our group leader. I'm very quiet during small group time as I am nervous to say much about myself due to concerns I won't be accepted. So, I stay reserved and listen to the other women make conversation.
We make our way back up to the main room where we are to be dressed in our pajamas for a party. I feel like a fool because I'm enormous, have nothing cute to wear and am completely mismatched in my pajama selection. There is a woman wearing a genuine Nebraska Snuggie so I approach her and tell her I'm a fellow Husker fan and that my cat's name is "Osborne" after a former football coach at the university. She knows exactly what I am saying and my nerves subside slightly.
None of us sleep well that night and wake up a bit tired but ready to greet the day. Again, we go to the main room to worship and pray and I still feeling anxious because this is a large group of women of who very few I actually know. We sit down to listen to Martha speak during our first session. Her topic for the day will be "Lord, I want to know you". I take in what she has to say and see her words as very poingnant but I feel myself getting anxious and I start to feel nerves well up in me. This is generally the first sign I am approaching a panic attack but this time is different. I am able to calm down and enjoy the duration of the lecture.
The rest of the day I spend enjoying Mom and Mackenzie as we venture into the cold weather and drive up into Rocky Mountain National Park to view the elk. I realize during lunch time that the men's ministry from my own church family is also retreating at the YMCA. After nearly ten years of attending Timberline Church, I finally introduce myself to our senior pastor outside the mess hall.
Session two of our retreat is entitled "Lord, I want to love you" and this is where the change in my heart begins. I start to better understand the greatness of God's love for his children and that he knows and loves each one of us individually. God IS love. He knows me better than anyone in the whole world; better than my husband knows me, better than my dearest friends know me and better than my family knows me. The thought that EVERYTHING begins and ends with God's love is planted in my heart and mind. What really sinks this thought in is when we are asked to think of the person we love most in the world. For me, that is my husband, Jim. "Think about how much you love this person", Martha states. "Now, think about this: GOD LOVES THAT PERSON MORE."
Wow. What? Huge! How can I even begin to comprehend this and wrap my mind around it? I'm not meant to, I realize. God will always love me more than anyone else ever can and me loving Him means I may come to understand levels of love I have yet to experience. After this lecture, I am emotional and overwhelmed and I am uncertain how to process it all.
After small group, we return to the main room for worship and prayer time. The lights are dim, candles are flickering, music is soft and relaxing and scripture is read. Women get up one by one and read scripture to the rest of the group. Some cry during this time, some do not. I am on the floor, laying down and praying. The retreat has now changed to an advance. My heart is full, my faith grows and my cup runneth over.
"God is building something in me that is meant to last for eternity" is the thought that rings through for me during the lecture of session three: "Lord, I want to be like you." It's Sunday morning and although we slept quite well during the night, we are all spent from emotion and we're wrecked by the second worship song.
We learn that our "Sunday Portrait" as Martha puts it, can be a misrepresentation of our lives, if we allow it. If we choose to be different, that portrait will shine through our everyday actions which will represent Him and His glory! The more like Him we become, the more intimate our relationship with Him becomes. So simple and so profound all at the same time.
A lot of words have been written about my advance in the mountains, a lot of moving forward in my faith, a lot of emotions bubbled up and a lot of understanding still will occur in the future as I am fully aware that I will never, nor am I meant to ever understand His plan, His love and His mightyness! But, I'm surely going to try!
Mom asked my sister-in-law, Mackenzie and me if we'd like to join her on a Christian women's retreat through her and Mackenzie's church. We both told her "yes" and thus set in motion a journey of faith I was not expecting.
Friday afternoon I meet mom and Mackenzie in Estes Park, Colorado for a late lunch. As we eat out on the terrace, I enjoy the beautiful Rocky Mountain weather and I'm not thinking much about our retreat. I have no real expectations going in except that there will be a lot of women there and will that make me nervous?
We arrive at the Emerald Lodge at the YMCA of the Rockies, receive our room keys, get settled and then head over to the confrence room. As women trickle in, the three of us sit there, talking amongst ourselves until somebody either Mom or Mackenzie knows comes over to say "hi". Worship begins and we're introduced to a song written specifically for this retreat by a woman with beautiful and haunting voice. We're also introduced to Martha Lawley who will be our guest speaker for the duration of the weekend.
We are dismissed to join our small groups which consist of six to seven women including a "group girlfriend" who will act as our group leader. I'm very quiet during small group time as I am nervous to say much about myself due to concerns I won't be accepted. So, I stay reserved and listen to the other women make conversation.
We make our way back up to the main room where we are to be dressed in our pajamas for a party. I feel like a fool because I'm enormous, have nothing cute to wear and am completely mismatched in my pajama selection. There is a woman wearing a genuine Nebraska Snuggie so I approach her and tell her I'm a fellow Husker fan and that my cat's name is "Osborne" after a former football coach at the university. She knows exactly what I am saying and my nerves subside slightly.
None of us sleep well that night and wake up a bit tired but ready to greet the day. Again, we go to the main room to worship and pray and I still feeling anxious because this is a large group of women of who very few I actually know. We sit down to listen to Martha speak during our first session. Her topic for the day will be "Lord, I want to know you". I take in what she has to say and see her words as very poingnant but I feel myself getting anxious and I start to feel nerves well up in me. This is generally the first sign I am approaching a panic attack but this time is different. I am able to calm down and enjoy the duration of the lecture.
The rest of the day I spend enjoying Mom and Mackenzie as we venture into the cold weather and drive up into Rocky Mountain National Park to view the elk. I realize during lunch time that the men's ministry from my own church family is also retreating at the YMCA. After nearly ten years of attending Timberline Church, I finally introduce myself to our senior pastor outside the mess hall.
Session two of our retreat is entitled "Lord, I want to love you" and this is where the change in my heart begins. I start to better understand the greatness of God's love for his children and that he knows and loves each one of us individually. God IS love. He knows me better than anyone in the whole world; better than my husband knows me, better than my dearest friends know me and better than my family knows me. The thought that EVERYTHING begins and ends with God's love is planted in my heart and mind. What really sinks this thought in is when we are asked to think of the person we love most in the world. For me, that is my husband, Jim. "Think about how much you love this person", Martha states. "Now, think about this: GOD LOVES THAT PERSON MORE."
Wow. What? Huge! How can I even begin to comprehend this and wrap my mind around it? I'm not meant to, I realize. God will always love me more than anyone else ever can and me loving Him means I may come to understand levels of love I have yet to experience. After this lecture, I am emotional and overwhelmed and I am uncertain how to process it all.
After small group, we return to the main room for worship and prayer time. The lights are dim, candles are flickering, music is soft and relaxing and scripture is read. Women get up one by one and read scripture to the rest of the group. Some cry during this time, some do not. I am on the floor, laying down and praying. The retreat has now changed to an advance. My heart is full, my faith grows and my cup runneth over.
"God is building something in me that is meant to last for eternity" is the thought that rings through for me during the lecture of session three: "Lord, I want to be like you." It's Sunday morning and although we slept quite well during the night, we are all spent from emotion and we're wrecked by the second worship song.
We learn that our "Sunday Portrait" as Martha puts it, can be a misrepresentation of our lives, if we allow it. If we choose to be different, that portrait will shine through our everyday actions which will represent Him and His glory! The more like Him we become, the more intimate our relationship with Him becomes. So simple and so profound all at the same time.
A lot of words have been written about my advance in the mountains, a lot of moving forward in my faith, a lot of emotions bubbled up and a lot of understanding still will occur in the future as I am fully aware that I will never, nor am I meant to ever understand His plan, His love and His mightyness! But, I'm surely going to try!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Things you may not know about me...
* I've traveled to 13 countries (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Holland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Mexico, Bahamas, Netherland Antilles) and two principalities (Monoco and Lichtenstein).
* I've traveled to 22 states
* I've been on two Disney cruises
* I've been to Walt Disney World six times and can't count the amount of times to Disneyland
* I have a tatoo of a small flower on my big toe
* I lettered in tennis in high school
* I was the editor of the high school newspaper
* I used to have three water turtles (Sampson, Rosie and Toby) and a hedgehog (Penny)
* I know how to thread a movie through a projector and a movie theater
* I have skinny dipped
* I was baptized on my 31st birthday
* I'm still trying to read through the Bible, I'm about half way through.
* I occassionally have small panic attacks when I'm in a large group of people or on an airplane
* I have completed a sprint triathalon (1/2 mile swim, 12 mile cycle, 5K walk/run)
* I cried the day Tom Osborne (former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers) announced his retirement.
* One time, when I was just a tyke, I pooed in the backyard at my house because I didn't want to go back inside to use the restroom. I did get caught.
* I've lived in my current house for 12 years.
* I got the chicken pox when I was in the sixth grade by drinking out of a glass which was contaminated with the bugs. I was sick at the same time as my friend and my brother.
* I've seen Phantom of the Opera on stage four times.
I'm not really that interesting of a person but thought I'd share those tidbits about myself.
* I've traveled to 22 states
* I've been on two Disney cruises
* I've been to Walt Disney World six times and can't count the amount of times to Disneyland
* I have a tatoo of a small flower on my big toe
* I lettered in tennis in high school
* I was the editor of the high school newspaper
* I used to have three water turtles (Sampson, Rosie and Toby) and a hedgehog (Penny)
* I know how to thread a movie through a projector and a movie theater
* I have skinny dipped
* I was baptized on my 31st birthday
* I'm still trying to read through the Bible, I'm about half way through.
* I occassionally have small panic attacks when I'm in a large group of people or on an airplane
* I have completed a sprint triathalon (1/2 mile swim, 12 mile cycle, 5K walk/run)
* I cried the day Tom Osborne (former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers) announced his retirement.
* One time, when I was just a tyke, I pooed in the backyard at my house because I didn't want to go back inside to use the restroom. I did get caught.
* I've lived in my current house for 12 years.
* I got the chicken pox when I was in the sixth grade by drinking out of a glass which was contaminated with the bugs. I was sick at the same time as my friend and my brother.
* I've seen Phantom of the Opera on stage four times.
I'm not really that interesting of a person but thought I'd share those tidbits about myself.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tolerance and Convictions
An English author by the name of G.K. Chesterton once said, "Tolerance is a virtue of a man without conviction."
This is a very strong statement and has forced me to reassess my views of what constitutes tolerance. The dictionary definition of tolerance regarding the views of others is: The capacity for or the patience of recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others without sharing them. Basically, this differentiates between the thoughts and actions of a person from the person himself. In our politically correct society, tolerance has been given a new and warped definition: the beliefs and practices of others are equal in correctness and validity. This presents to quandary of moral relativism. We can deduce that the two definitions are far from the same. Thus, the above quote by Chesterton, comes into play.
In the current American culture, it is considered acceptable to be tolerant of the views of others with whom you may disagree but the "new tolerance" is applied her in not simply being tolerant of the rights of others to have different views. It is politically correct to perceive the views of others as equal to your own, therefore, leading to a loss of conviction. This would present a world where all is equal: actions, beliefs, cultures, lifestyles, truth claims. If all views are equal, where does that leave conviction?
I, for one, am not willing to compromise my convictions in order to apply "new tolerance" to the perspectives of others. Paul of Tarsus, in his letters to the church in Corinth, wrote that Christians are to practice tolerance and freedom of religious conscience within the church. The strong in faith should not judge the weak in faith; that is the job of our Lord. This does not mean that Christians must readily accept things of which God does not approve. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:12, 13b, "All things are lawful for me but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me but I will not be mastered by anything...Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body."
If one incorporates morals and beliefs, which are contrary to their own thoughts, into decisions and lifestyles, the person has then adulterated their core convictions. By integrating beliefs which are not of your own, loss of credibility of convictions will be the result. Because the "new tolerance" is what is accepted in our culture, incorporating beliefs of somebody else is deemed "open-minded". If one is not open-minded, he is labeled as intolerant, bigoted and shunned from discussions of convictions. Because of the inherent fear of being an outcast and labeled as "intolerant", people will loosen their convictions in order to fit into society. Again, this brings moral relativism into play. Are we willing to back down on our convictions, our core values and beliefs, just so we will be seen as tolerant and accepting, or do we need to revisit the original definition of "tolerance" and live by the teachings of the Bible? This begs the question of "if we are tolerant (new tolerance) of the sins of others, is that a sin in and of itself?"
I am of the camp of "exclusivism", meaning I believe Christianity to be the only way, the only truth and utterly complete but I am allow myself to be altered by the teachings of Jesus the Christ. The teachings do not change, I do. I do not hold the idea that other religions have validity based on the culture in which they are prominent because, that would invalidate my belief that Jesus is the ONLY way. If I were to say, "well, yes, I think my religion is the truth but if you put into context the other religions in their societies, they could be valid as well, but just not complete," I would, basically, be invalidating my own beliefs. My tolerant view comes into play when I pronounce that people have the right to follow whatever faith they choose, but I in no way believe if someone chooses something other than Christianity, that they are right. I will not change the validity of my values in order to equal those of others simply because they have the right to chose an alternate path.
The lesson of this post is to be cognizant and respectful of the rights of others to make a decision but hold strong to the convictions which lead you on the right path, the way of Jesus.
"Accept one another, then just as Jesus Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:17
This is a very strong statement and has forced me to reassess my views of what constitutes tolerance. The dictionary definition of tolerance regarding the views of others is: The capacity for or the patience of recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others without sharing them. Basically, this differentiates between the thoughts and actions of a person from the person himself. In our politically correct society, tolerance has been given a new and warped definition: the beliefs and practices of others are equal in correctness and validity. This presents to quandary of moral relativism. We can deduce that the two definitions are far from the same. Thus, the above quote by Chesterton, comes into play.
In the current American culture, it is considered acceptable to be tolerant of the views of others with whom you may disagree but the "new tolerance" is applied her in not simply being tolerant of the rights of others to have different views. It is politically correct to perceive the views of others as equal to your own, therefore, leading to a loss of conviction. This would present a world where all is equal: actions, beliefs, cultures, lifestyles, truth claims. If all views are equal, where does that leave conviction?
I, for one, am not willing to compromise my convictions in order to apply "new tolerance" to the perspectives of others. Paul of Tarsus, in his letters to the church in Corinth, wrote that Christians are to practice tolerance and freedom of religious conscience within the church. The strong in faith should not judge the weak in faith; that is the job of our Lord. This does not mean that Christians must readily accept things of which God does not approve. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:12, 13b, "All things are lawful for me but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me but I will not be mastered by anything...Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord; and the Lord is for the body."
If one incorporates morals and beliefs, which are contrary to their own thoughts, into decisions and lifestyles, the person has then adulterated their core convictions. By integrating beliefs which are not of your own, loss of credibility of convictions will be the result. Because the "new tolerance" is what is accepted in our culture, incorporating beliefs of somebody else is deemed "open-minded". If one is not open-minded, he is labeled as intolerant, bigoted and shunned from discussions of convictions. Because of the inherent fear of being an outcast and labeled as "intolerant", people will loosen their convictions in order to fit into society. Again, this brings moral relativism into play. Are we willing to back down on our convictions, our core values and beliefs, just so we will be seen as tolerant and accepting, or do we need to revisit the original definition of "tolerance" and live by the teachings of the Bible? This begs the question of "if we are tolerant (new tolerance) of the sins of others, is that a sin in and of itself?"
I am of the camp of "exclusivism", meaning I believe Christianity to be the only way, the only truth and utterly complete but I am allow myself to be altered by the teachings of Jesus the Christ. The teachings do not change, I do. I do not hold the idea that other religions have validity based on the culture in which they are prominent because, that would invalidate my belief that Jesus is the ONLY way. If I were to say, "well, yes, I think my religion is the truth but if you put into context the other religions in their societies, they could be valid as well, but just not complete," I would, basically, be invalidating my own beliefs. My tolerant view comes into play when I pronounce that people have the right to follow whatever faith they choose, but I in no way believe if someone chooses something other than Christianity, that they are right. I will not change the validity of my values in order to equal those of others simply because they have the right to chose an alternate path.
The lesson of this post is to be cognizant and respectful of the rights of others to make a decision but hold strong to the convictions which lead you on the right path, the way of Jesus.
"Accept one another, then just as Jesus Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:17
Friday, January 21, 2011
Give it to Jesus
I come home from work feeling sorrowful and possessing a boatload of self-pity for actions I've elected to partake in which are not in my character normally. I have let my emotions get the best of me and an uncontrolled attitude was the result. In other words, I screwed up and allowed myself to be someone I'm not. More importantly, I forgot to give my emotions over to Jesus and let Him take control. As Carrie Underwood would say, "Jesus, take the wheel" which I have neglected to do in a particular situation.
How can I do this? How can a person of faith, not remember to give Him control? Sure, I pray and I read devotionals and scripture, but in this particular set of circumstances, I have not given my heart to Him. That was then, this is now.
My husband, bless his heart, reminded me to "give it to Jesus". He reminded me to choose faith and Him and the rest will fall into place. Jim is such an astonishing person who possesses a beautiful heart of glory, love and kindness. He told me, I need to keep a prayer with me, so in times of need, I can refer back to that prayer for comfort and to remind me to talk to Jesus. To rely on Him. To trust Him. To give control to Him.
Simply after crying and talking to Jim, I feel lighter and I already feel Jesus in my heart. I feel the warmth. I know He's there, with me, always. Period.
I guess what I can take away from some of the emotions I've been feeling is this: faith is a work in progress. I can ALWAYS grow stronger in my faith, I can ALWAYS pray more. The bottom line is, to keep my faith. Step out in faith. Trust Him and trust my faith in Him.
How can I do this? How can a person of faith, not remember to give Him control? Sure, I pray and I read devotionals and scripture, but in this particular set of circumstances, I have not given my heart to Him. That was then, this is now.
My husband, bless his heart, reminded me to "give it to Jesus". He reminded me to choose faith and Him and the rest will fall into place. Jim is such an astonishing person who possesses a beautiful heart of glory, love and kindness. He told me, I need to keep a prayer with me, so in times of need, I can refer back to that prayer for comfort and to remind me to talk to Jesus. To rely on Him. To trust Him. To give control to Him.
Simply after crying and talking to Jim, I feel lighter and I already feel Jesus in my heart. I feel the warmth. I know He's there, with me, always. Period.
I guess what I can take away from some of the emotions I've been feeling is this: faith is a work in progress. I can ALWAYS grow stronger in my faith, I can ALWAYS pray more. The bottom line is, to keep my faith. Step out in faith. Trust Him and trust my faith in Him.
Monday, January 3, 2011
I choose..
This is simply a copy of a devotional by Max Lucado shared with my by my mother. It's wonderful and beautiful and offers guidance that I know I should apply to my own life.
I choose love...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace...
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. Any my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control...
I am a spiritual being... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. An then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
I choose love...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical...the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace...
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. Any my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control...
I am a spiritual being... After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. An then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
It's CHRISTmas time!
This is a wonderful time of year to be spent with family and friends. Gifts are exchanged, laughs are had, food is consumed and Jesus is frequently forgotten. Someone asked me recently what my favorite part of Christmas is and I answered, "Jesus is my favorite part of Christmas". And it's true; I could care less about gifts but I do care immensely about our Saviour, Jesus the Christ.
I love spending time with the family at any time of the year, especially this time. I enjoy seeing the kids faces light up when opening gifts, I enjoy the food and I really love the closeness I feel to Jesus. There's no feeling like the one I get at Christmas time.
Giving to people who can use our help was our way to do gifts for some this year. We decided that our money would be better spent if we put it towards Christian charities that will help people in impoverished countries.
We don't put up Christmas decorations much any more because of these two rebels:
Smalls, the dark one, she climbs up inside the tree, knocks the ornaments off and the tree finally tipped over and broke. She also has a tendency to "play" with my Christmas Village pieces.
All is well though, it's not about decorations anyway, it's about Him.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
I love spending time with the family at any time of the year, especially this time. I enjoy seeing the kids faces light up when opening gifts, I enjoy the food and I really love the closeness I feel to Jesus. There's no feeling like the one I get at Christmas time.
Giving to people who can use our help was our way to do gifts for some this year. We decided that our money would be better spent if we put it towards Christian charities that will help people in impoverished countries.
We don't put up Christmas decorations much any more because of these two rebels:
All is well though, it's not about decorations anyway, it's about Him.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
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