My husband’s journey and my own…

I have many thoughts about this past sixteen days during which Ryan has been in Africa. I have missed him so much. I can’t say that I enjoyed the time without him. It has been hard. However I do think that God used the time to open my eyes to some things that I didn’t see or maybe just didn’t appreciate as much before. He opened my eyes to the kindness and concern in so many of the ladies from church who offered an encouraging word, a loving rebuke, a shoulder to cry on, and many prayers on my behalf and on Ryan’s (as well as the other men on the trip). He opened my eyes to the reality that no matter what plans He has for me, that He designs His plans for my good and His glory in perfect unity. Though I have been taught this before, I didn’t realize how much I question this truth whenever my “world” is upset. He reminded me over the course of these past two weeks that He is not a vengeful God to His children, looking for an opportunity to smack them when they show weakness or sinful tendencies; but rather delighting in training them for their good and because it glorifies Him as our wonderful Heavenly Father, to be a good Father.

I was also able to see that there are some things that I just wouldn’t be able (or willing) to do when my husband is home, such as staying up till midnight painting and sanding and moving furniture for a week and a half straight (and as such I wouldn’t have accomplished as much as I did). If he were home I would have sat around relaxing with him and enjoying his presence and getting not much done (his colorblindness really hinders him from helping with the painting!). So I am thankful for how much God allowed me to get done.

I was reminded of so many of the little things that I take for granted and sometimes overlook (such as the ability to converse about our day without a time limit). But here is one neat thing that the Lord opened my eyes to: my husband actually does understand me and seeks to “live with his wife in an understanding way”! I often misinterpret this verse to mean that he should know my preferences and do sweet things that would minister specifically to me, like buy me roses and loving cards. But this past few weeks I saw instead that my husband actually knows my needs and my weaknesses and he does his very best to lead and guide me (not just his wife in the general sense but me: Betsy) in the way that will help me to become more like Christ. The way he loves me and lives with me is very unique to who I am. He does not interact with me the same way other men may interact with their wives, because I am not the same person as those other women. I am unique and he sees me (praise God) as a gift from God, and so he trys to understand me as God would have him, and then love, lead and teach me in the way that God would have him. Lord help me to rejoice in Your leadership of me through my husband and not to be motivated by a love of self!

How stupid I can be in my self-centered reasoning, but how kind God is to use times like these to reveal His ongoing kindness and provision! Praise God for His work in the hearts of His children! He is so gracious and merciful. I hope that when (Lord willing) my husband returns home that he will find a “newer” Betsy; one who is more helpful, joyful, humble, grateful and submissive; one who gladly accepts her husband’s leadership. May my heart be like my house: daily being made over on the inside and looking more beautiful than ever!

Funny Kid Pictures

I just hope that there is a really great piece of candy at the bottom of that dish which impels this baby to stick it's face in that dog dish, not simply water or even worse: dog food!

Something Worth Thinking About

This is a part of a sermon from Jonathan Edwards that I came across in a John Piper devotional, Pierced by the Word. It has had me thinking, as anything written by Jonathan Edwards does. In fact I have had to read it over multiple times to let it sink in (but maybe that is just me) and I continue to mull it over. So I say with John Piper: "Read this slowly and let it waken you to the true goodness of forgiveness and life."


The redeemed have all their objective good in God. God Himself is the great good which they are brought to the possession and enjoyment of by redemption. He is the highest good, and the sum of all the good which Christ purchased. God is the inheritance of the saints; He is the portion of their souls. God is their wealth and treasure, their food, their life, their dwelling place, their ornament and diadem, and their everlasting honor and glory. They have none in heaven but God; He is the great good which the redeemed are received to at death, and which they are to rise at the end of the world. The Lord God, He is the light of the heavenly Jerusalem; and is the "river of the water of life" that runs, and the tree of life that grows, "in the midst of the Paradise of God." The glorious excellencies and beauty of God will be what will forever entertain the minds of the saints, and the love of God will be their everlasting feast. The redeemed will indeed enjoy other things; they will enjoy the angels, and will enjoy one another: but that which they shall enjoy in the angels, or each other, or in anything else whatsoever, that will yield them delight and happiness, will be what will be seen of God in them.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Summary: Edmund and Lucy find themselves in Narnia again, this time accompanied by their spoiled cousin Eustace. They are reunited with Prince Caspian, who is now several years older. They set off on a voyage to discover what became of seven loyal knights that Caspian's uncle had banished during his reign as king of Narnia. They discover several unusual islands with a new adventure on each one. Eventually they discover the fate of all seven knights and Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace return home.

For a long time, this was my least favorite book in the series, which actually surprises me because now I love it! I think it was just a little over my head when I was younger. This book, as all of the others, is full to the brim of analogies I could go on and on about. However, since I am on some serious time constraints - and I'm sure you all are too - I will only focus on one today. You'll just have to read the book to find the others. :)
When the children first arrive in Narnia, Eustace is absolutely horrible. He hates it there and is always complaining and trying to cause trouble. He torments Reepicheep especially. Caspian, Edmund, and Lucy's patience is often tried with him but we see their constant struggle to remain kind to him. At one point, the Dawn Treader gets attacked by a sea monster and after the battle, they land on an island for repairs. Unwilling to help with the work, Eustace wanders off and discovers a hidden treasure trove. He puts on a bracelet he finds there and curls up and falls asleep. When he wakes up, he has been changed into a dragon. He is incredibly horrified by this change. He is scared to go back to the others in his new and terrible form, but he does and after they realize who he is, they make his life as easy as possible. This physical transformation sparks the beginning of change for Eustace. He starts making himself useful and is incredibly helpful in the ship repairs. Finally, the day before they are to set sail again, Aslan appears privately to Eustace. He asks him if he wants to become a human again. Of course, Eustace says yes and Aslan tells him that he has only to peel away the dragon scales on his body. Eustace desperately begins clawing at himself, peeling away layer after layer. He is in considerable pain but he wants to be human again so badly that he continues. Finally, it becomes evident that he is unable to peel away enough layers. Aslan then steps in and does it for him. With one deep and excruciatingly painful gesture, Aslan pulls away Eustace's dragon skin and he is human once more.
I love the picture here that no matter how hard we try to change ourselves, and how successful we may appear to be, in the end, only Jesus can save us from our sin. The relief and freedom that Eustace experiences after this transformation is beautiful.

Have a good week and a happy Monday - if that is possible when its snowing. Question: was there snow before the fall? I doubt it. :(

A Psalm of Encouragement

This past week has been difficult for me, with Ryan being in Africa. But God has opened my eyes to some dear friends who have been an awesome encouragement to me. Here is a Psalm that a friend pointed me to specifically as one to meditate on during trials and struggles. Though I have read it many times in the past, it has really blessed me this week and helped me to focus my thoughts on the Lord. May it bless you all too!

Psalm 34

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.
The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.
The face of the LORD is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones, Not one of them is broken.
Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Relationships –Pt 3

So what does it mean to show mercy in our relationships?

Again Ted Tripp and Tim Lane (from the book Relationships-- A Mess worth Making) make these main suggestions:

Mercy means you expect suffering in your relationships and are willing to endure it
Are you willing to be inconvenience and suffer for some else’s sake?

Mercy means you resist the temptation of favoritism
Truth is, we like whom we like and we stick to them. If we’re only comfortable showing hospitality to like minded people—we could show a little more mercy.

Mercy rejects a “personal happiness” agenda
As good trained Americans (living in America ) that we are, we are in the business of pursuing comfort, ease, relaxation, and happiness non stop. But are we willing to forgo those very things to bring comfort and ease to others?

Mercy means you overlook minor offences
Are you easily irritated by what other people say or do? We all have these annoyances that while we can be oblivious to them, we can be quite disturbed if others show their not so pretty side. Can you get over it?

Mercy means you live with a commitment to forgive
We will sin against others and inevitably they will sin against us. Offer what God offers you everyday.

Mercy does not compromise what is morally right and true
Here we don’t leave and turn our back from the sinner, or ignore the sin committed. We rather point them to God’s Law, God’s principles and persevere along side of them.

As I was writing this blog, I couldn’t but think about the many instances where Jaz, Betsy, and Nichole, have shown me mercy as we related to one another in this blog. Nichole stands out in my mind. When we first started this blog I new Nichole the least, but in time she got to know me close and personal as she faithfully editing my blogs and made me look like I knew where commas and periods belonged. Her tireless efforts to be flexible (especially with me…) were humbling and admirable. Her efforts, not mine, are what make her relationship to me a precious one. And today is her b-day--so happy birthday girl!!

I’ll end this with a quick announcement…

Today is my last day posting here at True Women. And though my relationship with these very especial friends of mine does not depend on this blog, I sure will miss interacting with them on a weekly basis. I don’t know if I’ll be back, but I’m sure if I ask nicely they’ll let me visit from time to time...They delight in serving our Lord via this blog. They don’t take their job lightly and mind you no one is asking or expecting them to—they just do it for the Lord. But now it’s my turn to become their most faithful reader and biggest fan and so I will!

Witty Wednesday

Hey all, I was going to find this video on youtube and post it here, but I ran out of time. Instead, I am posting you a link to the blog I found it on. Its really funny, there is an ending you won't see coming, and its only like a minute and a half long. So watch it!!!!! :)

Relationships – Pt 2

I remember going to the priest, one time as a teenager and confessing to him how I just couldn’t stand certain people and how I would get so irritated and annoyed by them. His response though shocking has resonated with me ever since as he uttered these words; “have you ever considered that others may find you irritating and annoying as well?” I was speechless…and you know that’s hard for me to do!! You may laugh, but all too often without even knowing or even intending we act as though we’re the greatest gift to society and not only that, we act as people’s holy spirit, and we expect them to “conform to ourselves.” We’re naturally bent to please ourselves. As women, we not only are good at making it all revolve around us, at times, but with our friend visiting every month you could be a victim of being at the wrong place at the wrong time…

When we consider all the relationships we come in contact with in our work place, at school, in our family, our extended family, our church family, our hobbies, we can get caught up in the agendas and logistics of it all and lose sight of the goal in our relationships. The goal is to reflect God at work in us. Unfortunately, the more I talk to women in particular, the more I hear how there’s a lack of tolerance for others, how loneliness is a real thing, and without a doubt how much they desire for better functioning relationships. We want mature relationships without the growing pains.

So, for time sake I won’t explore the million reasons why relationships are hard, though you know that at the heart of the matter is our sin of self-centerness.

But, what can we do to reflect Christ likeness in our relationships? Consider mercy. Mercy is like humility, we all desire it; we read books, we talk about it, we challenge others to do that (like me right now), but we wish talking and reading all about it would equal practicing them. But why do we find it so hard to practice mercy? Paul Tripp & Tim Lane put it this way, in their book:

“We want to think of ourselves as fundamentally different from the people who need mercy when, in fact, we are the same. We too are flawed people; we too need mercy every day of our lives. But it is more comfortable to think of ourselves as righteous and strong while others are needy and weak. So, when it comes to mercy, we are double-minded. We’d rather give mercy than need it, but even then, we wish the giving wasn’t so costly—and revealing.”

Not showing mercy reveals our love of other things rather than God and the things of God. But we’ve been treated with immeasurable amount of mercy from our Heavenly Father. Those of us saved by the blood of Christ know mercy wasn’t earned or deserved—it was a gift. And none of us would want God to stop showing us mercy. Showing mercy to others not only will change your relationships—but it will change you.

I’ll finish up on Thursday with some practical applications on how to show mercy to others.

So let’s get out there and show mercy to others today.

Prince Caspian

Summary: After spending a year back in their own country, Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy again find themselves in another world. They are not sure that they are in Narnia until, after spending a day on an unpopulated and unfamiliar island surrounded by the ruins of a castle, they discover an underground treasure chamber - the same underground treasure chamber, in fact, that was theirs when they ruled as kings and queens in Narnia. They then discover that many hundreds of years have past in Narnia since they were last there and that many changes have occured. Calmorians have overtaken Narnia and have driven out - or so they thought - all original Narnians, such as talking animals, dwarfs, etc. However, there is an underground army of native Narnians forming under the leadership of Prince Caspian, a Calmorian himself, who escaped his uncle, the ruling king of Narnia, when the king tried to have him murdered. Peter and Edmund help Caspian arrange to challenge the king to a personal dual between himself and Peter to try to prevent a battle between the two armies. The king accepts but, when he looses, one of his treacherous noblemen spurs his army into a fight anyway. During the dual, however, Aslan arrives and takes Susan and Lucy to gather up an army to join with Caspian's army. Because of this, the true Narnians win and retake control over Narnia. As Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy prepare to return to their own country, Asland tells Peter and Susan that they will never return to Narnia.

Comments:
This book is the shortest of the series and is one of my favorites for a single reason. Near the end, Aslan returns to Narnia and walks through the capitol city. As he walks the streets, he takes note of the oppressed, hurting, sick, and weak. These he sets free, heals, and stregthens and then they in turn drop everything they have and follow him into battle against the Calmorians - their own people. It is a beautiful picture of how God chooses his people; He truly has come to save the weak and the sick. As Aslan heals and frees, the intense thankfulness and instant change of alliegence is a perfect thing to behold. This scene is one of my two favorites in the whole series. The other doesn't come until The Last Battle.

Also, this is the book that introduces Reepicheep, everyone's favorite talking mouse. We see an interesting conflict in a character who is extremely proud but who loves Aslan more than anything else. The picture here, too, is clear: what is the point of a human who is proud? For, in ourselves, we are no better than an insignificant mouse. However, through the work of God in our lives, we can be mighty warriors but must never forget where our might comes from.

When the children first realize they are in Narnia and receive word by Trumpkin, a dwarf, that they are needed to help Caspian, they must make a long journey to where the prince is hiding. Along the way, Lucy sees Aslan and realizes that he is leading them a different way. However, when the others do not see her, they presure her to go along their original path and she follows. Disaster occurs. Only then do the others realize that they should have listened to Lucy and they go back the way she originally told them to. However, when Lucy sees Aslan after this, he reprimands her for not simply choosing to follow him alone when the others decided to go their own way. He reminds her that even if no one is is choosing to obey him, she must obey herself and that her wrong actions are not cancelled out because they were accompanied by others' wrong actions. This is a good reminder to us all.

Edmund, who in the first book was the brother that betrayed them all to the White Witch and was then redeemed when Aslan gave his life for him, was the only one who voted to follow Aslan with Lucy, even though he himself did not see Aslan. His reason for doing so was clear: the last time they were in Narnia, he did not believe his sister when she told of Aslan and everything bad happened because of it. Therefore, even though he didn't see Aslan, he was willing to obey anyway. It is a great picture of the truly repentent. Edmund's character is a wonderful example to us all of one who has tasted great sin and even greater forgiveness and chooses to honor his savior as best he can in all situations.

We Were Made For Relationships

I once heard that the babies of the family tend to be very friendly and practically have never met a "stranger." I am the baby of my family (thank goodness, after 8 kids...) and if you know me, you would know that, that is for the most part true of myself. I may lack in other places, but not in relationships or friendships. However, I pursue relationships sometimes without even giving a second thought. Last week Jasmine directed us to an article encouraging women to seek five specific types of woman relationships. I found it extremely helpful and encouraging but these words really caught my attention; "Look for a woman who makes her relationship with God a priority." I can honestly say I didn't seek these types of women in my life--they CAME to me! I've been richly blessed in that department, and is not due to my wise choices and irresistible personality, but rather God's mercy on me. The more I considered the subject of friendships and relationships I realized we cannot be best friends with everyone and have the privilege of having five real good friends. More often than not, what we have are relationships; you know the occasional visit to that friend of yours from High School or college, and then there are the relationships that take work to have, and the ones that are not so impressed by you and your talents and they make you grit your teeth... and the ones that we hide from, and of course the ones you wish you did not have to have...

In my search for more "bosom friend" relationships material, I found this very insightful book called Relationships A Mess Worth Making by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp. In only the first few pages he makes the argument that we must not be surprised that we (male and female) long for relationships. We were created in the image of God and in the Trinity we find a community of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Neat huh? I never thought of it that way. Good, I can breath easier now, my delight in relationships is not, after all, such a crazy idea to pursue. The authors go on to say that the problem with relationships is not that we have them, but that we don't give them their proper place. They quote C.S. Lewis with this:

When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God and instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased.

So, they make the point to say that this may not always be so clear to us, but the following could be evidences of reversing the order of things:

Letting go of a moment of hurt
Becoming defensive when challenged
Avoiding conflict out of fear
Being too political at work
Gossiping about people
Pursuing comfortable relationships and avoiding difficult ones
Doubting God when our relationships are messy
Envying other people's friendships
Controlling relationships out of a desire for security
Blowing up at people when our agendas are trampled
Living in bitter isolation in the face of disappointment


Okay my "bosom friends", we'll talk about this more next week. Have a safe and blessed weekend!!

Missing You…

My husband is in Cameroon Africa right now. It’s odd how my thoughts have changed since he has gone. I now think in 2 time zones simultaneously. I orient myself based upon what I am doing and what my husband might be doing at the same time. For example, while I am typing out this post it is late evening here and in Cameroon it is very early in the morning (say 5am-ish) so my husband is probably still sleeping or maybe just waking up. I pray that he has slept peacefully and gotten good rest so that he can be equipped for whatever the day may hold for him. I pray that he can accomplish much today and that He will honor and glorify God and minister faithfully to the Yongs and the other people he will encounter. I will continue in this manner of thought as I prepare for sleep and throughout the morning tomorrow; then I will start over again (Lord willing) tomorrow evening. In this whole circle of events, I liken our marriage to that of our relationship to Christ. And in that I am saddened as I realize how I am generally more moved to prayer over temporary and relatively inconsequential things, than over broader, eternal things… Kingdom type issues.

Peter said we are aliens and strangers in the world. And right now, I understand that. I feel like my world is upside down. My husband is on the other side of the world and I feel like I am present in the body but detached from the things going on around me (at least to a large degree). My other half is separated from me and I feel the loss (Lord willing- temporary as it may be). But isn’t this how I should feel every day, not because I’m apart from my earthly husband, but because I am separated from my heavenly husband Christ by this body of death… this body that cannot fully contain His glory. Shouldn’t I long for the reunion with my heavenly husband so much that I ache within my heart and lament the temporary limitations that restrict my full enjoyment of Him? Why don’t I find my thoughts straying very often in prayer to God that He would spread His gospel abroad to all the nations so that people may see His beauty which I so delight in? Why aren’t I drawn consistently to pray that He will do a good work today in the hearts of His missionaries and that He’ll refresh their spirits for His glory? How sad that I can’t help but be concerned for the good of my husband Ryan every waking moment, but am so often shallow in my thoughts, desires, affections, and subsequent prayers for the spread of the “light of the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ”. So to that end, though I am still missing my husband, I am also glad that God is using this period of separation to show me some things about myself that need to change and grow for the glory of God and for my own good as well as the good of those around me.

Have a blessed day and remember to enjoy your heavenly husband who gave Himself perfectly, sacrificially, and entirely for the redemption of our unworthy souls and to show forth the radiating beauty of God’s glorious plan.

America Has Chosen A President

Al Mohler wrote a very insightful article about, as he put it, The President. The American President. The only President. Our President.
The fact is American's get to choose the President and folks, we did. He wasn't my choice, nor many of yours, but he is in fact the choice of the people and ultimately God. We must view him and treat him and his family with the honor due to him. I think Al Mohler does a great job talking with Christians about how we are to respond now that the election is over. He says we would be foolish to think that as Christians we will not be frustrated or disappointed or that we won't have a long road ahead of us. We, as followers of Jesus, must still protect the unborn, elderly and infirmed no matter who our President is. With that said, we must still work to do all we can to come alongside our President. We must labor in prayer for him and his family. We must rejoice in his well being and celebrate this historic election. This article that Dr. Mohler wrote is well written, articulate and practical. Please give it your time. It is far better than anything I could write.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

I love to read.

I've been reading like a maniac since I was three years old and my mama taught me how. I own about 700 books (my own, not my family's) and I have read at least a couple thousand - and I am not counting Dr. Suess!! :) Why am I telling you this? Because I am about to do the first of seven book reviews on my all-time favorite series. And I want you to know that when I say that Chronicles of Narnia is my favorite series of all time, I am not saying it lightly.

I first encountered Narnia when I was really young - about six or seven. I was still living on Ranchito Ave (I'm not even sure if that is how you spell it!) at the time. Since then, I have read them no less than twice a year. People who don't believe in reading a book more than once will shudder when I say this, but its true and I am not ashamed.

I stronly believe that every person should read these books, especially younger kids, as they were written for children. My job in the next seven weeks is to convince you of this. (You can tell I am my father's daughter because I am starting a seven week series :) So here it goes:

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Narnia was written as an analogy, to teach biblical stories, truths, and theologies to children. Lewis wrote the first book for his goddaugter, Lucy, and named the main character in the first book after her.
Summary: A young girl named Lucy accidentally stumbles into another world while playing hide and go seek with her brothers and sister. She learns that an evil witch is making it so that it is always winter. When she goes back to her own country, she tells her siblings about her adventure, but they do not believe her and when she tries to show them, they cannot get into the country. Later, they are all able to get in and they discover that there is a prophecy that four humans from Earth - two boys and two girls - would come and rescue them from the evil witch. Of course, the witch sets out to destroy them. One of the brothers defects to the witch's side and betrays his siblings. Then Aslan, the great Lion King, comes and joins the other three and sacrifices himself to rescue Edmund (the brother who defected). He then comes back to life and defeats the witch's army and establishes the children as kings and queens of Narnia. They live there for many years until one day, while hunting, they accidentally stumble back into their own world and discover that no time has passed on Earth.
This book and The Last Battle I think are the heaviest as far as analogies go. I will try to keep this post short although I will warn you, I could talk about this book for hours. Some of the best analogies are:
1. Aslan, who is a portrayal of Jesus Christ, willingly sacrifices his life to save the others. He goes very meekly and humbly to die, although we do get to see that He is troubled beforehand by what he knows he will experience. There is a beautiful scene after he comes back to life.
2. Aslan speaks of the Great King over all the worlds. He says that he is in submission to his father, the King.
3. Lucy gets into Narnia first, all by herself. She gets in through a wardrobe she was hiding in during a game of hide and seek. Later, after she comes back, she brings the others into the wardrobe to see it for themselves, but there is only a normal back to it. Lucy is very confused and upset by this. Later, her brother Edmund revisits the wardrobe and finds himself in Narnia. After this, Peter and Susan are also able to get through. I think this is a great picture of how God chooses who He will save and what time He will save them. He chose to let Lucy see before any of the others and even though she preached the truth to them over and over, often in tears, it wasn't until later that He saw fit to open their eyes.
4. There is a great chapter you can use to discuss the value of a good reputation with your children. When Edmund goes to Narnia the first time, he visits alone, but Lucy goes in after him and she sees him there right as they are leaving. She is so excited because he can back up her story now, but he is upset that she was right all along and lies and says that they were just pretending. This obviously upsets Lucy even more and she is extremely difficult for her older brother and sister. She insists she is telling the truth and starts keeping to herself and crying a lot. Peter and Susan, worried about her, visit the Professor they are staying with and ask if he thinks that she might be mad. He says of course not and then asks a few questions about Lucy and Edmund's character. They both agree that up until now they would have always thought that Lucy was telling the truth and Edmund was lying but, in this case, she couldn't be telling the truth. The professor then gives them a very nice lecture on logic and tells them that accusing a person who has always been found truthful of telling a falsehood is a very serious matter and should not be undertaken without a very strong reason.

There is so much more I could go on about, but this post is getting long and it is getting late so I will end it. Join me next Monday for Prince Caspian (and don't be deceived if you saw the movie - the book is excellent!)

Exploring Wisdom

Do you think you’re wise and understanding? Does God think you’re wise and understanding? I was reading in James recently and here’s what I found. James 3:13 says “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” Take note of the wording here… “gentleness of wisdom”. The passage goes on to say in verses 14-16 : “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” Notice that godly wisdom does not co-exist with an arrogant and selfishly ambitious heart.

Then the passage continues in James 3:17 where it says: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” So if I thought I was wise, then I need to take a deeper look into what God says wisdom looks like. It’s easy to look at the “text book” definition of wisdom (skillfully living according to God’s word) and figure that we’re wise (or at least ‘pretty wise’). We reason “I’m a believer. I try to obey God. I read my bible. I train up my kids in the way they should go. I’m involved at church. I’m pretty wise!” But look at how James speaks of wisdom. Ouch… maybe I need to fine-tune my way of assessing whether I’m wise in God’s eyes.

Am I arrogant (or prideful)? - Do I seek to exalt God and His holiness and His purposes or do I seek my own glory?

Am I selfishly ambitious? - Do I seek my own good or my own plans and agenda before others? Do I submit (without complaint and much arguing/discussion) to my leaders?

Am I pure? - Would purity be a good way to describe my speech, thought life, deeds, the things I watch, listen to, partake of, or dream about?

Am I peaceable? - Do I seek/pursue peace or do I stir up strife? How often do I have to “iron things out” with people because of a disagreement? Do I find myself involved in disagreements and/or debates with my fellow believers often?

Am I gentle? - Do I run over other people’s feelings or do I handle other’s with care, showing (and feeling) grace and compassion for them. Do I forget that other people have real struggles and concerns, fears and heartaches? Do I speak sweetly but inside feel cold to those whom I interact with?

Am I reasonable? - Can people reason with me? Do I submit my thoughts/feelings to God’s standards of what is good, right, true and acceptable or do I always have to justify my deeds? Do I pursue order in my thoughts, my deeds and in my life/surroundings?

Am I full of mercy and good fruits? - Do I act out compassion and grace as God has shown to me? God calls us to “visit orphans and widows”, to “extend our hands to the poor”. Do I feel compassion for the lost or the person who offends my senses? Does humility and humble service characterize my thoughts and actions?

Am I unwavering? - Am I steadfast, consistent- holding firmly to the rock of God’s truth? Do I know God’s word enough to not be blown “here and there by every wind of doctrine”? * Note this is in harmony with gentleness, mercy and peace seeking. It does not contradict the others. We must hold firm to God’s word, truth and authority over our lives while still being gentle, peaceable and merciful.

Am I without hypocrisy? - Do I practice what I preach? Do I tell others to read scripture or submit or not be lazy or trust in God and then not do it myself? (And make excuses for it or lessen my own sin?)

Those cause me to think a little harder about whether I am so wise as I thought. Since the temptation arises to defend or justify myself rather than admit failure and repent before the Lord; I will close with another verse from James.

James 1:22-25 “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of a person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.”

On Their Way to Cameroon, Africa

6000 miles away, 7000 ft above sea level, two flights of at least 8 hrs each, lots of different smells, strange looks, and lots of people surrounding them is just the beginning of the journey a few men of our church embarked on today. A culture shock is an understatement; combine that with lack of sleep, tiredness, and a rush of emotions at every turn, this trip is expected to capture all their senses. The planning for this trip hasn’t been short of obstacles either; it has been challenging and nerve racking at times. But we serve a great God and in his time it all worked out.

Do remember them in your prayers; though it is a relatively short trip it is especially hard to be away from families. There are some real dangers to consider as well, but again, we trust that the cost and sacrifices made by these men and their families are worth it for the name of Christ. Also pray for our pastor Rick as he stayed behind to tend our local flock, and that my friends is no easy task considering he has two other jobs…Then again, what do I know?

I look forward to hearing from them and share their adventures with you. But for now, I thought it might be fun to share a few pictures of last trip to Cameroon, a different crew of men were priviledged to go. The story went like this: They laughed until they almost peed their pants; their chemistry was obvious and contagious to others, they faced lots of obstacles trying to accomplished what they went there to do, but at the end of the day I think their biggest contribution was to lift the spirits of those serving there, especially the Yong family. Enjoy!

Witty Wednesday

And Change We Will Get...

Ok, so the elections are over and thought you may be disappointed with the outcome there was at least one big win last night. Yeah, Proposition 8 was a winner! It bans gay marriages in California. It is certainly an answer to prayer. But now more than ever we need to pray and pray earnestly for our leaders. The future is uncertain, but we need not to worry for we serve the Chief of Shepherds.

I found a quote today by non other than Spurgeon that says "If we cannot believe God when circumstances seem to be against us, we do not believe Him at all." Isn't that the truth? When we get all we want, we do not need to exercise our faith and the trust we say we have in God. Well, now is our chance to get busy trusting and believing that God is the Maker of history.

Have a blessed day!!

Thoughts on Friendship

Over at Boundless, Suzanne Hadley writes about the 5 friends every woman should have.

1. The Intercessor

2. The Celebrator

3. The Encourager

4. The Teacher

5. The Questioner

A while back ago I came across this article and I would encourage anyone interested on becoming a better friend to read it. If you are interested on my initial reaction to this article, you can read it here.

Lately I have been pondering what makes a bad friend. You know, the kind of friend every woman wants to avoid!

I have been thinking about it because I want to avoid being such a person. I do not want to be the kind of person saying, " I really don't know why they avoid me all the time." or "I don't understand why we don't get together much anymore." or, " We used to be close and now they seem constantly annoyed by me." I guess this would seem somewhat selfish, but I think being a good friend and enjoying good God-given relationships, gives glory to God. It certainly provides opportunities to encourage one another to persevere until the day of the Lord. Whereas, if you are a bad friend, you will have a hard time maintaining any sort of meaningful, helpful relationships.

So, here are few types of friends I think we all avoid and should avoid being.

1. The Arrogant. This is the person who thinks very highly of his/her self. This person frequently compares themself to you and usually comes out on top. They spend much time showing off their wisdom, knowledge and superior preferences. Their thoughts and ways of doing things are always superior to yours. They make you feel like everything is a competition and that you are competing way out of your league. This person's mannerisms and tone of voice drives you crazy.

The rest of these are really outworkings of the arrogant.

2. The Wounder. Yes, Faithful are the wounds of a friend and deceitful are the kisses of an enemy, but COME ON.... it's not the only thing friends do. A friend is also friendly. Do you always feel compelled to correct? Have you ever thought of encouraging more than you correct or criticize? If the wounding must take place, is it out of a motive to express love and build them up in the faith? Do they understand it is for their good? Have you previously been encouraging and a faithful friend in other areas? If you are known for wounding, you will find yourself without friends, plain and simple.

3.The Belittler. This is someone who takes as many opportunities as they can to cut you down. You are a Belittler if the people around you always expect you to mock them and put down their ideas and way of doing things. They make fun of your job, education, family, recreation, hobbies- your general likes and dislikes. The belittler's children are always better than yours and the way they run their family is better as well.

4.The Gossip. This is an obvious one. This is the woman who has the attitude that Clairee (Steel Magnolias) had. " If you don't have anything nice to say, come sit by me". We need to avoid such a friend and avoid being such a "friend".

5.The instigator/meddler. This is the woman who loves to tell you how things should be done in your household. She doesn't mind mocking or criticizing your husband. She enjoys telling you that you and your husband are doing things wrongly.

I need to ask if I see myself in any of these. Do my friends see any of this? Maybe a good way to evaluate, would be to look around and see if I have any real friends. Do people avoid me? Have I been able to successfully maintain close relationships? If not, why not?

Election Tomorrow

I was preparing a 'Don't forget to vote!' post for today when I read one that was far better than the one I was writing. The Blazing Center, which is one of my favorite blogs to read, did an excellent post and said everything I was thinking. Here it is, please read it and don't just think 'yes! short post today!' Their posts are always pretty short and really well done - this one especially so. And don't forget to get out and vote tomorrow! Your vote is needed!