I have had the great privilege recently to spend a lot of time with various members of my family. We had a family day last week in which my Shorty, my Crew, & I stayed home & played games all day. A couple of weeks ago we spent parts of three days in a row with my parents, and some with my sister. Last night my sister spent the night. I love my family, & I love that my family lives relatively nearby-- at least sometimes! ;) I am truly thankful that my children have had the opportunity to see their grandparents more often than I was able to see mine as a child. =) But I LOVE that my "family" is not limited to the clan into which I was born, or even the clan into which I married. Each time I gather with God's people at our home church, I am with my family! I have brothers and sisters around the world and down through history that I will not have the opportunity to meet until eternity. What a reunion THAT will be! =) I can't wait! But in the meantime, I am grateful for the sisters I HAVE met & the way they encourage and challenge me on this side of glory!
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24
And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you." And he answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother."
Mark 3:31-35
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Happily Ever After
I love fairy tales! I grew up on "Once upon a time...". My favorite is... well, I'm not sure! ;) I am inspired by the sweet spirits of Cinderella, Snow White, Two-Eyes and others, in the midst of the harsh treatment they receive at the hands those who SHOULD be protecting them. I cheer for the prince, or pauper who rides in to save the day. And I smile & sigh when I get to the "happily ever after".
Sadly, most stories geared toward adults don't have "happily ever afters". I am always disappointed to get to the end of a story and discover that the hero doesn't get the girl, the world is not at rights, and things are still just trucking along... =( I was thinking about fairy tales this morning, maybe because one of the big themes in entertainment recently is to put a new spin on them. I was also thinking about how much sickness and sadness has touched those I love over the past year, and I was longing for Christ's return.
If we follow the fairy tale analogy, Jesus is the Prince Charming, and the church is the "damsel in distress". But I was thinking about where on the timeline of the story we'd fit. Most days it feels to me like I'm still Cinderella scrubbing floors, Sleeping Beauty dreaming, or Rapunzel in the tower. But as I pondered a bit more, my theology corrected me. Jesus said "It is finished." on the cross. His work of redemption is complete! So in reality, we are just a paragraph from our "happily ever after"! Lord Jesus, come QUICKLY!!! =)
I don't understand all of this, but I can't wait to find out!
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever." And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great." Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
Revelation 19:1-8
Sadly, most stories geared toward adults don't have "happily ever afters". I am always disappointed to get to the end of a story and discover that the hero doesn't get the girl, the world is not at rights, and things are still just trucking along... =( I was thinking about fairy tales this morning, maybe because one of the big themes in entertainment recently is to put a new spin on them. I was also thinking about how much sickness and sadness has touched those I love over the past year, and I was longing for Christ's return.
If we follow the fairy tale analogy, Jesus is the Prince Charming, and the church is the "damsel in distress". But I was thinking about where on the timeline of the story we'd fit. Most days it feels to me like I'm still Cinderella scrubbing floors, Sleeping Beauty dreaming, or Rapunzel in the tower. But as I pondered a bit more, my theology corrected me. Jesus said "It is finished." on the cross. His work of redemption is complete! So in reality, we are just a paragraph from our "happily ever after"! Lord Jesus, come QUICKLY!!! =)
I don't understand all of this, but I can't wait to find out!
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants." Once more they cried out, "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever." And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, "Amen. Hallelujah!" And from the throne came a voice saying, "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great." Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"-- for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
Revelation 19:1-8
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
It's All About "Want To"...
As the Fincher Homeschool year looms larger on the horizon of my life, I'm feeling my motivation retreat. I've had such a fruitful summer! I've sewn some-- not as much as I'd hoped... ;) I've done some SERIOUS remodeling in my house. But if you've been reading my blog much, you know that already. Here's the problem. School is so RESTRICTIVE for me! I have to devote half of my day to teaching four different grades at once! I feel like it literally sucks the LIFE out of me! =P And at the same time, I wouldn't trade teaching my children for a more open schedule-- most of the time. ;)
So I've been struggling the last couple of weeks, as I work us toward our school routine, to lasso my errant motivation. I've had more success some days than others. Today has started well, but I am weak & I tend to fall apart at the first obstacle. It's like I've said before: "I'm a work in progress."
He's Still Workin' On Me~ hymn
There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge [her] yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands
He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:1-3
So I've been struggling the last couple of weeks, as I work us toward our school routine, to lasso my errant motivation. I've had more success some days than others. Today has started well, but I am weak & I tend to fall apart at the first obstacle. It's like I've said before: "I'm a work in progress."
He's Still Workin' On Me~ hymn
There really ought to be a sign upon my heart
Don't judge [her] yet, there's an unfinished part
But I'll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands
He's still working on me
To make me what I need to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
'Cause He's still workin' on me
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Bedtime Blues
Bedtime has always been a hassle around the Fincher house. Part of this is due to the fact that, in the beginning, I didn't really have a good understanding of how to train my children. More recently bedtime has been difficult because my children are fearful. They are not so much afraid of the the "dark", as what may be lurking in the shadows, just out of sight. Or even worse, something they imagined, or saw on TV, or read about in a book!
I'll admit, I tend to be quite selfish when it comes to bedtime. After MANY hours of little people calling me, and needing me, and hanging on me, I just want the little bodies in their beds and the little voices silent for a little while before I take myself to bed! I have had little sympathy for the fears and "What if's...?"
I was reminded last night, after leaving the girls' room, of a prayer I made when I was just a little older than Adara is now. I asked the Lord to not let me forget, when I became a parent, what it felt like to be a kid. And then I remembered how scared I used to be to walk into dark rooms. I remembered some of the bad dreams I'd had & how hard it was to fall asleep afterwards. And then I thought, "I'm still no better." After a nightmare I still roll over & cuddle up just as close as I can get to Shorty. ;)
And I was reminded how little it really takes to soothe my children toward sleep. Sometimes it's a song, sometimes it's an extra story, or even *gasp* sitting in their room for a few minutes. Last night I sat in the room with the girls for 10 minutes and they all fell asleep. So as I've been writing this, it has occurred to me (again!) how much more effort it takes for me to be selfish & lazy... And how much it hurts my Crew and me! =P I really have a VERY SLOW learning curve....
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:13-14
I'll admit, I tend to be quite selfish when it comes to bedtime. After MANY hours of little people calling me, and needing me, and hanging on me, I just want the little bodies in their beds and the little voices silent for a little while before I take myself to bed! I have had little sympathy for the fears and "What if's...?"
I was reminded last night, after leaving the girls' room, of a prayer I made when I was just a little older than Adara is now. I asked the Lord to not let me forget, when I became a parent, what it felt like to be a kid. And then I remembered how scared I used to be to walk into dark rooms. I remembered some of the bad dreams I'd had & how hard it was to fall asleep afterwards. And then I thought, "I'm still no better." After a nightmare I still roll over & cuddle up just as close as I can get to Shorty. ;)
And I was reminded how little it really takes to soothe my children toward sleep. Sometimes it's a song, sometimes it's an extra story, or even *gasp* sitting in their room for a few minutes. Last night I sat in the room with the girls for 10 minutes and they all fell asleep. So as I've been writing this, it has occurred to me (again!) how much more effort it takes for me to be selfish & lazy... And how much it hurts my Crew and me! =P I really have a VERY SLOW learning curve....
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:13-14
Monday, August 27, 2012
Holiday
Today is LBJ's birthday. The only reason I know this is because I married a man who works for the State of Texas, and he gets today off. =) When I got up, I had every intention of practicing our school routine today... Instead I spent two hours with my God. I love how He opens up the riches of His Word when I take time to dig! I hate that I am so forgetful! I know that when I spend time in the Word, God is active in making me more like my Savior, and I want that! But I still end up letting other things crowd in! =P
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah
You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, "Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart." Then my spirit made a diligent search: "Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Selah
Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalms 77:1-20
To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah
You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, "Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart." Then my spirit made a diligent search: "Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?" Selah
Then I said, "I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalms 77:1-20
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Movies
I love watching movies with my family! I especially enjoy looking beyond the surface for the fingerprints of God in human creativity as we bear out His image. It is FASCINATING to me, to see how people reflect the God who made them, even unintentionally! =)
Shorty & I enjoy the fantasy genre, & are now introducing our Crew to some of it. Tonight we watched Thor. I was making popcorn in the kitchen when I heard this quote: "Do you swear to cast aside your selfish ambition and to pledge yourself only to the good of the realms?" This sounded so very similar to something my pastor said in his sermon this morning. "Christianity is making much of Jesus Christ through self sacrifice." One of his application points was to be happy with God bringing growth in others through you even when you receive no accolades.
The Lord has been talking to me about this at least all summer, maybe longer... I remember talking with a kid a few years ago, and thinking during our conversation that most of the world doesn't even know he's alive, and immediately thinking that the same is true of me! I am just a breath, a flower that fades, like the grass... And then this summer, the Lord has been really impressing on me that I need to think about myself less. Life is not about me, it is about God getting the maximum amount of glory!
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalms 23:3
And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness--look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:26-30
Shorty & I enjoy the fantasy genre, & are now introducing our Crew to some of it. Tonight we watched Thor. I was making popcorn in the kitchen when I heard this quote: "Do you swear to cast aside your selfish ambition and to pledge yourself only to the good of the realms?" This sounded so very similar to something my pastor said in his sermon this morning. "Christianity is making much of Jesus Christ through self sacrifice." One of his application points was to be happy with God bringing growth in others through you even when you receive no accolades.
The Lord has been talking to me about this at least all summer, maybe longer... I remember talking with a kid a few years ago, and thinking during our conversation that most of the world doesn't even know he's alive, and immediately thinking that the same is true of me! I am just a breath, a flower that fades, like the grass... And then this summer, the Lord has been really impressing on me that I need to think about myself less. Life is not about me, it is about God getting the maximum amount of glory!
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psalms 23:3
And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness--look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:26-30
Friday, August 24, 2012
Choices
I have had the following conversation, or something similar, with most of my children over the past week or two.
Child: I want to do that!
Me: You CHOSE to do something else, remember?
Child: Yeah. (sad face) But I want to do that, too!
Me: Well, life is full of choices, and you can't do everything.
Child: But I really wanted to do both.
Me: I'm sorry. But we can't do everything, so we have to decide what we want to do MOST, and be content with that.
I've been thinking about this in regards to myself for a couple of days. The end of my summer break is fast approaching. As I look around my house, and take mental stock of what I've accomplished, I've had to consider that I only have a limited amount of time and other resources. I've made a decision each week, or day, or half day how I would spend the time and resources at my disposal. I think it's been a good summer. It has been productive, in ways other than I expected! ;) I can't think of a single day that I would HONESTLY have chosen to change, if that were possible. =)
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:6-16
Child: I want to do that!
Me: You CHOSE to do something else, remember?
Child: Yeah. (sad face) But I want to do that, too!
Me: Well, life is full of choices, and you can't do everything.
Child: But I really wanted to do both.
Me: I'm sorry. But we can't do everything, so we have to decide what we want to do MOST, and be content with that.
I've been thinking about this in regards to myself for a couple of days. The end of my summer break is fast approaching. As I look around my house, and take mental stock of what I've accomplished, I've had to consider that I only have a limited amount of time and other resources. I've made a decision each week, or day, or half day how I would spend the time and resources at my disposal. I think it's been a good summer. It has been productive, in ways other than I expected! ;) I can't think of a single day that I would HONESTLY have chosen to change, if that were possible. =)
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:6-16
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Young Love
My girls have been watching the Disney "High School Musical" movies available on Netflix. In fact, if I'd let them, I think they'd watch both movies every day! They must get some of their viewing tendencies from their mama, as I watched 7 Brides for 7 Brothers every day for a month when I was younger! ;) If you've never seen the movies, the main theme is the love story between the 2 main characters. I was amused when watching them for the first time about 5 years ago because at the time, I was about 5 years into my marriage. I was marveling at how great the characters thought their love was for each other. I remember telling Shorty at the time that young people think their love is great because they don't KNOW anything more.
So now I'm 5 years farther into my marriage. I was laughing with my sister this past weekend, and I told her that I think Shorty is more into me now than he was when we got married. I know he prefers my company to anyone else's. =) He certainly knows me better & I know him better. We love one another better-- sometimes anyway! ;) And I love the way a friend recently talked to me about loving my husband. "Love is not primarily a feeling. Love is a commitment." Or to quote a song that was popular when I was a bit younger ;) "Love is a verb." So now that I'm quoting...
Now you're my whole life now you're my whole world
I just can't believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it's ever been
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.
I can just see you with a baby on the way
I can just see you when your hair is turning gray
What I can't see is how I'm ever gonna love you more
But I've said that before.
So now I'm 5 years farther into my marriage. I was laughing with my sister this past weekend, and I told her that I think Shorty is more into me now than he was when we got married. I know he prefers my company to anyone else's. =) He certainly knows me better & I know him better. We love one another better-- sometimes anyway! ;) And I love the way a friend recently talked to me about loving my husband. "Love is not primarily a feeling. Love is a commitment." Or to quote a song that was popular when I was a bit younger ;) "Love is a verb." So now that I'm quoting...
Now you're my whole life now you're my whole world
I just can't believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it's ever been
We've come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.
I can just see you with a baby on the way
I can just see you when your hair is turning gray
What I can't see is how I'm ever gonna love you more
But I've said that before.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Pet Peeve
Pet peeves may be a dangerous subject... I realized a couple of years ago that generally speaking, pet peeves are an outlet for pride. One of mine is the misspelling of the contraction "y'all". It is a PROPER contraction pairing the words "you" and "all", but MOST of the time, when I see it written, it looks like this: ya'll. This is not correct!!! ;) LOL!
Now this is not the point of my post. In the grander scheme of things, it matters not how y'all is spelled. =) But that seemed like a funny intro to another thing that has been bothering me lately: taking a verse out of context. You see, I grew up in the church, among Christians. There are LOTS of single verses, or even parts of verses that I am quite familiar with, but sometimes when I look for these familiar "verses" I find out that IN THEIR CONTEXT, they don't say what I thought they did! This has been disappointing for me in the past, and more recently, surprising. So now, rather than a rant, a word of encouragement... Please read your verses in context. Your life and walk will be richer that way! =)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Now this is not the point of my post. In the grander scheme of things, it matters not how y'all is spelled. =) But that seemed like a funny intro to another thing that has been bothering me lately: taking a verse out of context. You see, I grew up in the church, among Christians. There are LOTS of single verses, or even parts of verses that I am quite familiar with, but sometimes when I look for these familiar "verses" I find out that IN THEIR CONTEXT, they don't say what I thought they did! This has been disappointing for me in the past, and more recently, surprising. So now, rather than a rant, a word of encouragement... Please read your verses in context. Your life and walk will be richer that way! =)
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Grasshopper Fiasco
Reanna came to my room at about 1:40 this morning. She was terrified because she thought she had seen a grasshopper on her bed. In short order all 3 girls were awake & I spent the next hour searching for the grasshopper & then trying to calm them back toward sleep. I see more clearly my own sin struggles as I try to shepherd my children, and am also challenged to love them well-- especially when they interrupt my sleep! ;) I didn't start well last night, but we ended the hour with smiles & giggles, so maybe I finished well. This interruption has thrown off my routine for today. We are trying to get into the school schedule now BEFORE it's actually time to hit the books. I'm not very good at the "pre" in preparation. =/ Yesterday I totally missed my time of prayer & Bible reading, & it would have been so easy to just jump into my day, but I felt SO THIRSTY! (Obviously I'm speaking metaphorically, I felt thirsty spiritually.) So as I sat down & started thinking about all the work the Lord has put me through recently, this is what I prayed:
Thank you for the times of struggle. You know my sin nature fights against Your work of sanctification, & I am forgetful. Thank You for Your gentleness in the pruning & refining process. There are so many times when I look back & can see SO CLEARLY that You had applied JUST ENOUGH pressure, or removed JUST ENOUGH of a distraction. You have the power & the RIGHT to abandon me to my sin, but you are ALWAYS faithful to Your covenant. Thank You that You are faithful! Thank You that my comfort is not Your priority. Be more glorified in my life!
Thank you for the times of struggle. You know my sin nature fights against Your work of sanctification, & I am forgetful. Thank You for Your gentleness in the pruning & refining process. There are so many times when I look back & can see SO CLEARLY that You had applied JUST ENOUGH pressure, or removed JUST ENOUGH of a distraction. You have the power & the RIGHT to abandon me to my sin, but you are ALWAYS faithful to Your covenant. Thank You that You are faithful! Thank You that my comfort is not Your priority. Be more glorified in my life!
"Oh Father use my ransomed life
in any way You choose,
And may my song forever be
'My only boast is You!'"
Make me more like my Savior!
I realize that this could just be the preliminaries, & He could have a whole lot more in store for me, but for this moment, I can confidently say: "I trust my Father."
Monday, August 20, 2012
Slow Learner
Friday morning was really rough for me. I had a really good time in the Word, but then Shorty & I got crossways. =P It really messes up my day when Shorty & I are "off". Part of that is because of my sinful tendency to elevate my husband above the place God has established for him, and part of it is the "one flesh" principle. It just doesn't feel right-- because it's not-- to be at odds with my other half!
I'm kind of a slow learner, at least when it comes to spiritual things. God has to regularly make me revisit situations that stress a particular idol in my heart. Sometimes He hits 2 or 3 at once! =/ Friday it was like that. It took the wise words of a dear sister to encourage me to repentance & belief. I had read Ephesians 1 in my Bible time & was struck by a particular passage, but as I shared with my sister, I understood what the Lord was telling me, it just "wasn't sticking"!
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23
I had noticed in an earlier reading that the goal of Paul's prayer was that the Ephesian believers would KNOW God. There are three specifics that will lead to better knowing God. The thing that stood out to me Friday morning after having read the entirety of the letter to the Ephesians was that they were forgetting. Paul prays that they will 1) remember their hope, 2) remember who they are in Christ, and 3) remember the greatness of the power of their God. In my moments of trial, I was "forgetting" those same things even as they were running through my mind! I was living as though I didn't know my hope, who I am in Christ, and the power of my God.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I'm kind of a slow learner, at least when it comes to spiritual things. God has to regularly make me revisit situations that stress a particular idol in my heart. Sometimes He hits 2 or 3 at once! =/ Friday it was like that. It took the wise words of a dear sister to encourage me to repentance & belief. I had read Ephesians 1 in my Bible time & was struck by a particular passage, but as I shared with my sister, I understood what the Lord was telling me, it just "wasn't sticking"!
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23
I had noticed in an earlier reading that the goal of Paul's prayer was that the Ephesian believers would KNOW God. There are three specifics that will lead to better knowing God. The thing that stood out to me Friday morning after having read the entirety of the letter to the Ephesians was that they were forgetting. Paul prays that they will 1) remember their hope, 2) remember who they are in Christ, and 3) remember the greatness of the power of their God. In my moments of trial, I was "forgetting" those same things even as they were running through my mind! I was living as though I didn't know my hope, who I am in Christ, and the power of my God.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Date Night
Shorty & I were blessed with a date night last night thanks to one of the dearest couples we know. They insisted upon taking our sweet Crew for the evening, so we could get some much needed couple time. I was thinking about it last night-- actually this morning! ;) -- after we got in bed, & my brain was still awake. I wondered why it is so essential, for us anyway, to have dates. I came up with a couple of reasons. One is that on a date, even the "stay home" kind, Shorty & I are reminded of the things we like about each other. When we are constantly being parents, employees, church members, etc... we sometimes forget why it was that we got together to begin with. The other reason I thought of is that especially as our children have gotten older, and they sleep less, Shorty & I don't have much time to talk. And if you can't talk, it is very hard to stay on the same page! There are many things in our lives that would, intentionally or not, pull us apart-- but we PROMISED to stay together, and that takes work... and DATE NIGHTS! =)
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom." My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 2:8-16
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 9:9
The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, there he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away, for behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crannies of the cliff, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom." My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 2:8-16
Friday, August 17, 2012
Upsides
"This is Berk. It snows nine months out of the year and hails the other three. Any food that grows here is tough and tasteless. The people even more so. The only upsides are the pets. Other places have ponies and parrots... we have dragons."
This struck me as we were watching "How to Train Your Dragon" with the kids recently. Think about that statement again. Yucky, COLD weather all year, unappetizing food, and rough-around-the-edges people. I mean, what else is there?!? Ahhh-- but the pets! =) I mean, who's not fascinated with dragons? Well, you may not be. I'M fascinated with dragons. =) We played a game with the kids once during our family worship time where we were each asked what we would create, if we could create ANYTHING. I told them I'd create a dragon (Eragon style ;)). Okay, back to the point. In the quote, the idea is that yes, life here looks pretty crummy, but we have something AWESOME that makes the yuck less.
My "dragon" is hope in Jesus Christ. This life can be pretty yucky. =P Just turn on the news and you'll get a heavy dose of natural disasters, suffering, pain, and death. In fact, you don't even need the news! Just interact with people & one of these things will touch you. So what is hope in Jesus Christ? It is the gospel. Jesus is fully man & fully God. He was born as a human, on earth, in time. He lived a life of perfect obedience to God's standard. He paid the FULL penalty of God's wrath against the sins of His people when He died on the cross. And... HE'S COMING BACK!!! When He returns to His world, He will remove all the yuck & His church will live with Him FOREVER! =) That makes me happy! =)
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:16-23
This struck me as we were watching "How to Train Your Dragon" with the kids recently. Think about that statement again. Yucky, COLD weather all year, unappetizing food, and rough-around-the-edges people. I mean, what else is there?!? Ahhh-- but the pets! =) I mean, who's not fascinated with dragons? Well, you may not be. I'M fascinated with dragons. =) We played a game with the kids once during our family worship time where we were each asked what we would create, if we could create ANYTHING. I told them I'd create a dragon (Eragon style ;)). Okay, back to the point. In the quote, the idea is that yes, life here looks pretty crummy, but we have something AWESOME that makes the yuck less.
My "dragon" is hope in Jesus Christ. This life can be pretty yucky. =P Just turn on the news and you'll get a heavy dose of natural disasters, suffering, pain, and death. In fact, you don't even need the news! Just interact with people & one of these things will touch you. So what is hope in Jesus Christ? It is the gospel. Jesus is fully man & fully God. He was born as a human, on earth, in time. He lived a life of perfect obedience to God's standard. He paid the FULL penalty of God's wrath against the sins of His people when He died on the cross. And... HE'S COMING BACK!!! When He returns to His world, He will remove all the yuck & His church will live with Him FOREVER! =) That makes me happy! =)
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:16-23
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Happy
I like to be happy! I do my best to order my life in such a way as to make myself & the people in my life happy. The problem with this approach is that I often get angry when my plans go awry. Happiness is a great gift, but only so long as I submit to God's ultimate control over my days. I was pondering this recently when my plans for a day got rearranged. It just hit me that God ordered that day for me long before I was even born! And He is using that change of plans, and the sin that often surfaces to make me more like my Savior.
O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
Psalms 39:4-5
O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
Psalms 39:4-5
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Seasons
I love the seasons, & I'm almost always ready for the change of season when it comes! I was so excited for summer when our school year ended back in May. I couldn't wait to go swimming, do projects, get in some reading... =) Swimming has been a bit of a let-down for me this year, as I tend to get chilled... =( My projects ended up being different ones than what I had on my list. And I think I've read a total of 4 books over the summer-- that would have been a two week quota a few years ago! ;) I was thinking yesterday as I was painting my shelves that I will be glad for summer to be over! I'm so excited for the fall! Cooler temperatures, more spices in the menu, lower electric bill... ;) And I feel quite confident that in a few months I'll be talking about how I'm ready for winter, & bringing my snowmen out of hibernation! =)
This school year will be a real adjustment for me. I will have all 4 of my Crew in school for the first time. I'm excited, but a bit nervous about teaching 4 different grades at once! I'm also changing up our curriculum a bit, and trying something new there. It seems unreal that the "Babyland" season is so far behind me. And EVEN MORE unreal that I will soon have a teenager!-- Hey, three years gets shorter every year! ;) I loved naps when my Crew were all small. Now I LOVE that we have a whole shelf full of games that we can all play & enjoy TOGETHER! =) I LOVE that the Lord gives us seasons! Enjoy whatever season you are in, for now, because soon you'll be moving on...
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
This school year will be a real adjustment for me. I will have all 4 of my Crew in school for the first time. I'm excited, but a bit nervous about teaching 4 different grades at once! I'm also changing up our curriculum a bit, and trying something new there. It seems unreal that the "Babyland" season is so far behind me. And EVEN MORE unreal that I will soon have a teenager!-- Hey, three years gets shorter every year! ;) I loved naps when my Crew were all small. Now I LOVE that we have a whole shelf full of games that we can all play & enjoy TOGETHER! =) I LOVE that the Lord gives us seasons! Enjoy whatever season you are in, for now, because soon you'll be moving on...
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil--this is God's gift to man.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Daddy's Girl
I am very much a "daddy's girl". I even have a couple of pictures from my wedding day where I am sitting on his lap! =) I am SO THANKFUL that my Daddy lives nearby, that I am able to see him often, & that my children have the privilege to know him. He came over yesterday to help me put in shelves to finish off one of my projects. ;) And it was such a BLESSING to me because my house behaved in typical fashion, & what I thought I had, & was going to be able to do didn't work out. =P If I had been working by myself, I would have been pulling my hair out! It barely even phased Daddy, he just said, "Well, we have two options..."
Daddy was my first, and maybe favorite teacher. He taught me our need for a Savior, what a man should be like, how a woman should be treated, "reading, writing, and 'rithmetic", the value of hard work, how to drive... and I've probably drawn this list out way too long! ;) One of my favorite things that Daddy has done for me over the past 11 years has been that he encourages me to honor my Shorty. He is so faithful to remind me when we are together, that Shorty is my priority. =) I love my Daddy! <3
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20
Daddy was my first, and maybe favorite teacher. He taught me our need for a Savior, what a man should be like, how a woman should be treated, "reading, writing, and 'rithmetic", the value of hard work, how to drive... and I've probably drawn this list out way too long! ;) One of my favorite things that Daddy has done for me over the past 11 years has been that he encourages me to honor my Shorty. He is so faithful to remind me when we are together, that Shorty is my priority. =) I love my Daddy! <3
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tools
I love power tools! And I'm a fan of having the right tools for a job! ;) Reanna got a game for her birthday called "Hedbanz". If you've never seen it, it is an INCREDIBLY FUN game where you have a card with a picture stuck to your forehead & you have one minute to ask questions & try to guess what it is. While we were playing with my parents a few weeks ago, it struck me that the word "tool" can cover a BROAD spectrum of items. You see, we called everything-- from ladders, to toasters, to spoons, to pencils-- "tools". And it's true, a tool is something you use to reach a goal, and is not used up in the process.
Another reason that this has been on my mind is because we have been having discussions with our Crew about our "stuff". I read a book a few years ago about parenting, & in it, the author said they had done a survey in their church youth group asking the youth if their parents would be more angry if they broke a lamp or if they committed a sin. The answer was overwhelmingly breaking a lamp. That made me start thinking about how my (then small) children would answer that question. I had to rethink how I approached "stuff". It took a few years to formulate, but when Judah tore up a part of one of Chaya's toys, I was able to explain to him in a way that-- hopefully-- will help him have a healthy view of "stuff". I told him that God entrusts our things to us for two purposes: 1) to build up the church, and 2) to spread the gospel. And the reason that we should try to take care of the things we DO have is so that we can devote more time, energy, & resources to doing those two things, rather than having to replace things that we need, but didn't take care of.
This morning as I was praying & pondering what I've been reading in the Bible, I began thinking of all the "tools" God has entrusted to me. Obviously my "stuff" and my money, but also "my" time, my talents, my body. Everything I have has been given to me so that I can serve my King by building up His church, and spreading His gospel.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Another reason that this has been on my mind is because we have been having discussions with our Crew about our "stuff". I read a book a few years ago about parenting, & in it, the author said they had done a survey in their church youth group asking the youth if their parents would be more angry if they broke a lamp or if they committed a sin. The answer was overwhelmingly breaking a lamp. That made me start thinking about how my (then small) children would answer that question. I had to rethink how I approached "stuff". It took a few years to formulate, but when Judah tore up a part of one of Chaya's toys, I was able to explain to him in a way that-- hopefully-- will help him have a healthy view of "stuff". I told him that God entrusts our things to us for two purposes: 1) to build up the church, and 2) to spread the gospel. And the reason that we should try to take care of the things we DO have is so that we can devote more time, energy, & resources to doing those two things, rather than having to replace things that we need, but didn't take care of.
This morning as I was praying & pondering what I've been reading in the Bible, I began thinking of all the "tools" God has entrusted to me. Obviously my "stuff" and my money, but also "my" time, my talents, my body. Everything I have has been given to me so that I can serve my King by building up His church, and spreading His gospel.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Success
I had to start rethinking my definition of success last night. It's been a crazy busy week around our house & I got very little accomplished that was on my "to do" list. That's not to say we didn't do anything, just not the things I'd had planned. I like my list to consist of things I can point at, at the end of the day or week and say, "That's what I did today." This week had almost NONE of those things, and so, as I looked around my house last night & thought about all the things happening this weekend, I was stressed & a little irritated with myself. I was thinking, "I should have prepared more... been more diligent... worked longer..."
Shorty told me to relax, & reminded me of all the TIME I've spent this week with my people. When you count all the visits & all the time trying to help my Crew with new projects, That's "what I've done this week". It was just really hard for me to see for myself because I can't see it with my eyes! So, after Shorty talked to me for a little bit, and pointed out what I couldn't see, I figured I need to reevaluate my definition of success...
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:1-8
Shorty told me to relax, & reminded me of all the TIME I've spent this week with my people. When you count all the visits & all the time trying to help my Crew with new projects, That's "what I've done this week". It was just really hard for me to see for myself because I can't see it with my eyes! So, after Shorty talked to me for a little bit, and pointed out what I couldn't see, I figured I need to reevaluate my definition of success...
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:1-8
Friday, August 10, 2012
Big Toe
I love being married! My sister has often referred to me as a "happy little married person". =) Shorty & I got married 2 weeks after I graduated from high school. We've had bumps, but for the most part, we have enjoyed a happy marriage. I love sharing my life with Shorty! When something happens around the house or with the Crew, he is the first one I want to tell. And he feels the same way-- as evidenced by the number of texts he sends me on any given day! =) I can't imagine a greater gift this side of glory!
So, what does this have to do with a big toe? Well, when Shorty whistles at me, I often reply with, "What are you whistling at?" He gave various answers for a while, but one day he was feeling particularly silly and answered, "My big toe." I laughed and responded that the big toe gives you balance, so I could be his big toe. I just had to check my facts on that before I actually posted it though, so I googled the purpose of the big toe. It was really cool! Not only is the big toe essential for balance, it carries 40% of the weight on your foot and it supports your arches! Now I feel really special because I get the distinct privilege of being my Shorty's "big toe"! =)
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18-24
So, what does this have to do with a big toe? Well, when Shorty whistles at me, I often reply with, "What are you whistling at?" He gave various answers for a while, but one day he was feeling particularly silly and answered, "My big toe." I laughed and responded that the big toe gives you balance, so I could be his big toe. I just had to check my facts on that before I actually posted it though, so I googled the purpose of the big toe. It was really cool! Not only is the big toe essential for balance, it carries 40% of the weight on your foot and it supports your arches! Now I feel really special because I get the distinct privilege of being my Shorty's "big toe"! =)
Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Genesis 2:18-24
Thursday, August 9, 2012
I'm Rich
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Galatians 4:4-7
I read Galatians this morning. This really stuck out to me. As I was listening to a sermon recently, the pastor was talking about how adoption differed in Roman times, compared to how we think of adoption. He said that older, wealthy men would adopt a grown man to inherit their wealth, rather than have it return to the Roman government. So when a man was adopted a couple of things happened simultaneously. As soon as the papers were signed, or however they made it legal/official, the adopted son no longer had any debt AND he was an heir to great riches. I LOVE how God speaks to us using pictures and things we can understand! As soon as I received the gift of faith, my debt to God for my sin was cancelled through Christ! And because my sin has been paid for, I have a relationship with my Creator & King! I have access to the King! And the Spirit lives IN me!
I was thinking about how in Europe the monarchs would make alliances with one another. Usually the deal was sealed by sending a princess to the ally's court, & ultimately to marry one of their princes. Now I know that analogies always fall short, but the most lasting alliances were built on blood. God the Father sent God the Son to pay my sin debt with His blood, and then They sent God the Holy Spirit to live with me-- IN me! So I was pondering how I should live. I just tend to forget that I have the Spirit in me. I live too many days with little or no thought of my God, but He is faithful! =)
Galatians 4:4-7
I read Galatians this morning. This really stuck out to me. As I was listening to a sermon recently, the pastor was talking about how adoption differed in Roman times, compared to how we think of adoption. He said that older, wealthy men would adopt a grown man to inherit their wealth, rather than have it return to the Roman government. So when a man was adopted a couple of things happened simultaneously. As soon as the papers were signed, or however they made it legal/official, the adopted son no longer had any debt AND he was an heir to great riches. I LOVE how God speaks to us using pictures and things we can understand! As soon as I received the gift of faith, my debt to God for my sin was cancelled through Christ! And because my sin has been paid for, I have a relationship with my Creator & King! I have access to the King! And the Spirit lives IN me!
I was thinking about how in Europe the monarchs would make alliances with one another. Usually the deal was sealed by sending a princess to the ally's court, & ultimately to marry one of their princes. Now I know that analogies always fall short, but the most lasting alliances were built on blood. God the Father sent God the Son to pay my sin debt with His blood, and then They sent God the Holy Spirit to live with me-- IN me! So I was pondering how I should live. I just tend to forget that I have the Spirit in me. I live too many days with little or no thought of my God, but He is faithful! =)
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
I Want That!
I've spent a lot of time the last couple of weeks listening to sermons online. I especially enjoyed hearing the women from the Gospel Coalition's Women's conference. I have also been feeling a little down because I do not often get the kind of riches out of a text in my own personal Bible study that these women presented. Now it could be that they were preparing in these passages for months in advance-- in fact, I'm sure that is the case. The thing that bothers me about myself is that I KNOW that I am a better wife, mom, friend- you name it- when I am FULL of the riches of God's Word. It changes me, and I WANT to be changed! Well, sometimes. *shrug* There are lots of times that I just don't want to put forth the effort to dig. And that's the rub. I just need to quit moaning and start digging!
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Psalms 119:14-18
In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
Psalms 119:14-18
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Confession
Good Morning! Well-- you may not be reading this in the morning, but as I'm writing it is morning! =) I did not have a fantastic weekend. I was actually a little bluesy throughout the weekend, and as I began my prayer and Bible study time yesterday, I just felt dry... I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I was having a difficult time concentrating. As I read my Bible, I was encouraged in John 14 by Christ's promise to return for His people, as well as His encouragement that we KNOW Him & how to follow Him. I was still feeling kind of down, though.
I haven't been blogging long, but I had heard from lots of people that if you do blog, you should do it every day. The day I set up my blog, I had like 4 different things I wanted to write about-- but that seemed like a bit of overkill. ;) The trouble was, that by the following day I had forgotten half of them-- and they were good ideas! At least, I thought so. ;) Later that week I found out that I could save posts in draft form until I want to publish them! Woo Hoo! So I wrote like 3 things that day & published the one I liked the best! =) So there's my confession: I write ahead. ;) Now, how does that connect to my first paragraph?
When I finished my time in the Word yesterday, I sat down to blog & had about 4 ideas running through my head again. So I began to write, and the most WONDERFUL thing happened. As I was writing about the things God has been working me through, my blues went away. Thinking on God's Greatness just drove away my yucky downer attitude-- at least for a while. I've told you before that generally when God feeds me well, it means He's going to "work me out" in the near future. Within just a couple of hours I was yelling at my kids & worrying, but very quickly He convicted me & reminded me to "Believe in [Him]." I cannot understand why He is so patient with me!
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:1-6
I haven't been blogging long, but I had heard from lots of people that if you do blog, you should do it every day. The day I set up my blog, I had like 4 different things I wanted to write about-- but that seemed like a bit of overkill. ;) The trouble was, that by the following day I had forgotten half of them-- and they were good ideas! At least, I thought so. ;) Later that week I found out that I could save posts in draft form until I want to publish them! Woo Hoo! So I wrote like 3 things that day & published the one I liked the best! =) So there's my confession: I write ahead. ;) Now, how does that connect to my first paragraph?
When I finished my time in the Word yesterday, I sat down to blog & had about 4 ideas running through my head again. So I began to write, and the most WONDERFUL thing happened. As I was writing about the things God has been working me through, my blues went away. Thinking on God's Greatness just drove away my yucky downer attitude-- at least for a while. I've told you before that generally when God feeds me well, it means He's going to "work me out" in the near future. Within just a couple of hours I was yelling at my kids & worrying, but very quickly He convicted me & reminded me to "Believe in [Him]." I cannot understand why He is so patient with me!
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:1-6
Monday, August 6, 2012
Growing Pains
Growing is HARD WORK! It starts way back at the beginning, too. Moms suffer "growing pains" during pregnancy. These are variable, starting as early as the first weeks and being as mild as fatigue, and ranging to extreme discomfort toward the end and even feeling like you are being bruised from the inside out! I would assume that the baby in the womb suffers at least a bit of discomfort as well when his or her "hotel" goes from "roomy" to "cramped". ;)
Then there is one of the first BIG milestones for a baby: teething. Just the sight of that word may make some of you mama's cringe. =) We've probably all cried as our babies whine and moan through the teething process. Then in just a few years, you have to pull those little boogers out! =P For some kids, there are also leg cramps as their little muscles try to keep up with whatever else is growing.
Obviously I'm working out an analogy here. God chooses to speak to us in His Word using experiences and pictures we can understand. Now I know that all analogies fall short, but they are given to us to HELP us understand. God delights to make Himself KNOWN to us! So, growing pains: We all know that growing up physically is, or at least can be, painful. We seem to forget that "growing up" spiritually can, and often is, much more painful because our sin nature is so "sticky"! =P Be encouraged! If you are a believer, pain--> growth. And when we grow to be more like Christ, He is glorified. And that was why we were created!
What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Then there is one of the first BIG milestones for a baby: teething. Just the sight of that word may make some of you mama's cringe. =) We've probably all cried as our babies whine and moan through the teething process. Then in just a few years, you have to pull those little boogers out! =P For some kids, there are also leg cramps as their little muscles try to keep up with whatever else is growing.
Obviously I'm working out an analogy here. God chooses to speak to us in His Word using experiences and pictures we can understand. Now I know that all analogies fall short, but they are given to us to HELP us understand. God delights to make Himself KNOWN to us! So, growing pains: We all know that growing up physically is, or at least can be, painful. We seem to forget that "growing up" spiritually can, and often is, much more painful because our sin nature is so "sticky"! =P Be encouraged! If you are a believer, pain--> growth. And when we grow to be more like Christ, He is glorified. And that was why we were created!
What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Not enough time...
Time is such a relative thing! Remember when we were kids & summer felt like it lasted forever? Or how it felt like years between each Christmas? Or how a 15 minute car trip seemed to go on FOREVER? Now that I'm an adult each year seems to fly by faster than the year before!
There are SO MANY things that I'd like to do! I've got dozens of projects waiting for me to get around to them. There are stacks of books that I'd like to read. I'd like to learn a couple more languages... You get the idea! =) I'm sure each of you has a list of "like to's" as well. But the plain & simple fact of the matter is that I have a limited amount of time. There are only 24 hours in every day, only 7 days in each week, and only 52 weeks for each of my 29 years.
It has been a big struggle for me since Shorty & I had our first child to accept the time that has been given to me. My problem is that I want to do what I WANT to do, but what NEEDS to be done keeps getting in the way. Recently I have been convicted that I need to be content with the time that the Lord DOES entrust to me, & make the most of it, rather than wishing for more time.
A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
Psalms 90:1-17
There are SO MANY things that I'd like to do! I've got dozens of projects waiting for me to get around to them. There are stacks of books that I'd like to read. I'd like to learn a couple more languages... You get the idea! =) I'm sure each of you has a list of "like to's" as well. But the plain & simple fact of the matter is that I have a limited amount of time. There are only 24 hours in every day, only 7 days in each week, and only 52 weeks for each of my 29 years.
It has been a big struggle for me since Shorty & I had our first child to accept the time that has been given to me. My problem is that I want to do what I WANT to do, but what NEEDS to be done keeps getting in the way. Recently I have been convicted that I need to be content with the time that the Lord DOES entrust to me, & make the most of it, rather than wishing for more time.
A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!" For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers. For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
Psalms 90:1-17
Friday, August 3, 2012
Give No Offense...
I was reading in 1 Corinthians, & was struck anew by my responsibility to try NOT to offend. That can be a bit difficult, given my coffee flavored personality! It would be easier if I followed the advice, "Think twice, speak once." Sadly, my mouth often runs away before I've thought of how my comments may sound to my listener. =(
Our pastor said in a sermon recently that the message of Christianity can be offensive, but we should strive not to be offensive in our manner. That is a very fine line to walk! And being a sinner, I'm sure that even when I'm trying, I often fail. Praise be to God for His grace!!! Please, Christian brothers & sisters, remember that our own "little" sins are as horrific in the eyes of our God, as any "big" sins that we may prefer to harp on. Let's repent, & strive to bring the gospel to the lost with a spirit of love...
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
Our pastor said in a sermon recently that the message of Christianity can be offensive, but we should strive not to be offensive in our manner. That is a very fine line to walk! And being a sinner, I'm sure that even when I'm trying, I often fail. Praise be to God for His grace!!! Please, Christian brothers & sisters, remember that our own "little" sins are as horrific in the eyes of our God, as any "big" sins that we may prefer to harp on. Let's repent, & strive to bring the gospel to the lost with a spirit of love...
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Warts and All
The phrase "warts and all" has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I had never had a wart until about a year ago. Then all of a sudden I had a wart pop up on the middle finger of my right hand. It was really an "all of a sudden" kind of thing, too. One day it wasn't there, and the next day it was! =P
Here's the interesting thing. I've pondered how God is so faithful to show us the PEOPLE in the Bible "warts and all". We see them in their faithfulness, and also in their "near-stellar failures". ;) So here's the interesting thing about warts-- or mine, at least. When it first popped up, it hurt. It actually hurt a lot for a couple of weeks, but then it started to get calloused & it really didn't hurt most of the time-- unless my activity was pulling at the edges of it. But recently, Shorty & I ordered some green clay that is supposed to remove warts. I thought, "Great! No more bump on my middle finger!" =) I had no idea that it would actually HURT to have it removed! =P I mean, I knew that if I went to the doctor & had it burned off it would hurt, but I thought a little mud on it would be painless. When I put the green clay on the first night, it didn't hurt. It started to itch after a few minutes, but a little itch is easily ignored. By the following morning, though, my finger was very tender! The wart is going away, but it is a slow, and somewhat painful process.
And now I'm back to sanctification. God is just really working in me to make me aware of the sanctification process in my life, & I think trying to get through to me that it is painful because sin is SO MUCH a part of me! =P And as I ponder the depth of the sin that laces and taints EVERY part of my being, I AM AMAZED at God's patience with me! And amazed at the price He supplied through Christ to pay for my sin! =)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1 Peter 1:14-19
Here's the interesting thing. I've pondered how God is so faithful to show us the PEOPLE in the Bible "warts and all". We see them in their faithfulness, and also in their "near-stellar failures". ;) So here's the interesting thing about warts-- or mine, at least. When it first popped up, it hurt. It actually hurt a lot for a couple of weeks, but then it started to get calloused & it really didn't hurt most of the time-- unless my activity was pulling at the edges of it. But recently, Shorty & I ordered some green clay that is supposed to remove warts. I thought, "Great! No more bump on my middle finger!" =) I had no idea that it would actually HURT to have it removed! =P I mean, I knew that if I went to the doctor & had it burned off it would hurt, but I thought a little mud on it would be painless. When I put the green clay on the first night, it didn't hurt. It started to itch after a few minutes, but a little itch is easily ignored. By the following morning, though, my finger was very tender! The wart is going away, but it is a slow, and somewhat painful process.
And now I'm back to sanctification. God is just really working in me to make me aware of the sanctification process in my life, & I think trying to get through to me that it is painful because sin is SO MUCH a part of me! =P And as I ponder the depth of the sin that laces and taints EVERY part of my being, I AM AMAZED at God's patience with me! And amazed at the price He supplied through Christ to pay for my sin! =)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1 Peter 1:14-19
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Conspicuously Absent
If you've been reading my blog, you will have noticed that I am a thinker. I actually considered naming my blog "Thoughts Pondered". =) I have also mentioned that I get lots of time to think in the summer when I'm working on my many projects. Last week, I listened to many messages both from a recent women's conference that my pastor's wife attended, others by a pastor that a brother at church recommended, and also several sermons that I've missed at my home church in recent weeks.
A Scripture passage that seemed to be referenced often (it could just be that it was the one that stuck with me! ;)) was Romans 8:28-30:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30
I was talking to Shorty about this, & I asked him what was missing from that verse. I told him that I always want to insert "sanctified" between "justified" and "glorified". So I had been pondering that for several days last week... I told Shorty that I think "sanctified" is conspicuously absent because it is a process. I've never met a Christian who doesn't believe in God's work of making his people more like Christ. As I was thinking about it, the "foreknew" is something that is just innate to God, you know, the whole "omniscient" thing. =) The "predestined" and "called" are kind of immediately flowing from the "foreknew". And the "justified" and "glorified"-- (even though we are not glorified YET, it is a DEFINITE eventuality!)-- are both instantaneous.
But sanctification is a rather LLLOOOOONNNGGG process! ;) I mentioned yesterday that I was nervous about what God had in store for me. The general pattern holds: I had a rich meal in the Word, and then He REALLY worked out my spiritual "muscles". By the time Shorty came in at lunch, I was frazzled and no longer fighting my sin. But God is so FAITHFUL! One of the first things that Shorty said to me was, "I really enjoyed your blog this morning." And I went, "OOPS! Like I said, near-stellar failure!" =P But that comment served to draw me back into the battle, & my attitude improved. =) God is so GRACIOUS! =) And just like being glorified is CERTAIN, so is the process of sanctification. =)
A Scripture passage that seemed to be referenced often (it could just be that it was the one that stuck with me! ;)) was Romans 8:28-30:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 8:28-30
I was talking to Shorty about this, & I asked him what was missing from that verse. I told him that I always want to insert "sanctified" between "justified" and "glorified". So I had been pondering that for several days last week... I told Shorty that I think "sanctified" is conspicuously absent because it is a process. I've never met a Christian who doesn't believe in God's work of making his people more like Christ. As I was thinking about it, the "foreknew" is something that is just innate to God, you know, the whole "omniscient" thing. =) The "predestined" and "called" are kind of immediately flowing from the "foreknew". And the "justified" and "glorified"-- (even though we are not glorified YET, it is a DEFINITE eventuality!)-- are both instantaneous.
But sanctification is a rather LLLOOOOONNNGGG process! ;) I mentioned yesterday that I was nervous about what God had in store for me. The general pattern holds: I had a rich meal in the Word, and then He REALLY worked out my spiritual "muscles". By the time Shorty came in at lunch, I was frazzled and no longer fighting my sin. But God is so FAITHFUL! One of the first things that Shorty said to me was, "I really enjoyed your blog this morning." And I went, "OOPS! Like I said, near-stellar failure!" =P But that comment served to draw me back into the battle, & my attitude improved. =) God is so GRACIOUS! =) And just like being glorified is CERTAIN, so is the process of sanctification. =)
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