OK, I'll admit that we have been fans of the TV series "LOST". Over the years, we watched almost every week and we both said a collective "What????" after every episode. Even though we were usually confused, we enjoyed it just the same. This past week marked the series finale. I think we may start watching the series over again on video, because we still are confused!!
The one thing that hit me was the very end of the finale show where Jack is led by his father, who appears to be perfectly alive, into the sanctuary of a church. Jack is surprised that there are lots of people in there and then realizes that they are from the island. They are all happy and seem to be very much alive. (even though we know that some of them had died on the island long ago). Then Jack's Dad tells him that they all made a pact in the past to gather at this church after they had died. Since Jack died just moments before on the island, it appears that everyone was waiting for him since after his arrival all of them sat down in the pews. Then they all watch as Jack's Dad opens the doors of the church which lead to a very bright light, presumably "Heaven".
It caused me to think about what it will be like when we get to Heaven. I've been told that I will be greeted by friends and family members and that I will recognize them. Will it be "old home week" like it was for Jack? Will my Dad be there to give me a big hug? I can't be sure until I get there. But one thing is certain, I will meet Jesus my Savior face to face!! I am reminded of the old hymn..."when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout victory!!"
I can't wait!!!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wittty Wednesdays
Couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember ..
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure..'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so as not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks.
'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?'
'Sure..'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so as not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.'
'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.
Irritated, he says, 'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Eager looks, tear-filled eyes, pleadings for one more chapter, laughter and breaks to talk - that is what reading classical literature has done in my children. We have read through books like The Secret Garden, Black Beauty, Swiss Family Robinson, and Call of the Wild.
The latest, Call of the Wild, has been filled with anxious looks and tears, mostly as we have read of the depths of the cruelty and depravity of man and beast.
As we were reading the other day, something struck me - I am getting more out of it then I am certain the author intended.
As we read of a family coming from the gentle Southland to the harsh Arctic for adventure and to search for gold without a clue how to live and survive, thinking entirely too highly of themselves, relying on their own wisdom, and neglecting the counsel of those who have lived, loved, lost, and knew the terrain, many things flooded my mind. As we read on, we experienced with this family their hardships, and cringed as we saw what the 'toil of trace and trail' made them. The author (Jack London) said, "The wonderful patience of the trail which comes to men who toil hard and suffer sore, and remain sweet of speech and and kindly did not come to these two men and the woman." Oh did it strike my heart! What has '"trace and trail', or trials, and wrongs done to me, produced in me?
Has it produced the complaining, argumentative, angry, and bitter spirit it produced in these people?
Or, has God produced the inner beauty that is precious to him? That of a gentle and quiet spirit? A strength produced that stands firm, unshaken in times of trouble? Is my joy and peace founded upon The immortal, invisible, God only wise? The One as Romans 5:2 says, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."
These verses came racing to my head:
James 2:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
1 Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
The latest, Call of the Wild, has been filled with anxious looks and tears, mostly as we have read of the depths of the cruelty and depravity of man and beast.
As we were reading the other day, something struck me - I am getting more out of it then I am certain the author intended.
As we read of a family coming from the gentle Southland to the harsh Arctic for adventure and to search for gold without a clue how to live and survive, thinking entirely too highly of themselves, relying on their own wisdom, and neglecting the counsel of those who have lived, loved, lost, and knew the terrain, many things flooded my mind. As we read on, we experienced with this family their hardships, and cringed as we saw what the 'toil of trace and trail' made them. The author (Jack London) said, "The wonderful patience of the trail which comes to men who toil hard and suffer sore, and remain sweet of speech and and kindly did not come to these two men and the woman." Oh did it strike my heart! What has '"trace and trail', or trials, and wrongs done to me, produced in me?
Has it produced the complaining, argumentative, angry, and bitter spirit it produced in these people?
Or, has God produced the inner beauty that is precious to him? That of a gentle and quiet spirit? A strength produced that stands firm, unshaken in times of trouble? Is my joy and peace founded upon The immortal, invisible, God only wise? The One as Romans 5:2 says, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."
These verses came racing to my head:
James 2:2-3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
1 Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
As I continued to contemplate the dangers and tribulations that this family endured that produced bitterness, strife, foolishness and ultimately their death. I took stock of the little I have suffered in my life and began to cry out to My heavenly Father, who is the only one who can refine me, my heart, my speech, my character.
Monday, May 24, 2010
My will vs. God's will
This is the first summer in several years that I am able to get outside and enjoy God's creation. I am enjoying it so far, even though its been cloudy and cool outside. I thank the Lord every day for healing my leg!
Lately I have realized that I am enjoying it so much that I am causing myself to get extremely tired and have much pain. As some of you know, I have several autoimmune diseases as well as a hurt leg. When I over-do-it, these diseases cause me to become very tired and weak. I know that when I "crash" I need to slow down my activity and allow my body to rest. This is especially hard this summer since I want to get out and do things that I have been waiting so long to do.
I have also been doing much more with my hurt leg than I have in years. The surgeon told me to let pain be my guide as far as what I can and shouldn't do. I wasn't following that advice and now my leg and knee is so sore that I dread walking on it.
My point is that I am driving myself too hard because I want to do things that I think are necessary. I am not happy that I have restrictions. But, I need to remind myself that God promises to provide the strength to do what He wants me to accomplish each day, not necessarily what I think needs to be accomplished.
I need to accept that I have physical limitations now and that God has allowed these limitations for a reason. I realize that I am fighting against God and that is never smart.
Most everyone has a limitation of some kind. It could be physical or maybe it is a time issue. I think we all need to ask ourselves if what we want to do coincides with what God's will is. Otherwise, we are just like mice running around and around on a wheel but never getting anywhere.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Behold the Lamb
Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away
Slain for us - and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross
So we share in this bread of life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King
The body of our Savior Jesus Christ
Torn for you - eat and remember
The woulds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one
So we share in this bread of life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of love
Around the table of the King
The blood that cleanses ev'ry stain of sin
Shed for you - drink and remember
He drained death's cub that all may enter in
To receive the life of God
So we share in this bread of life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of grace
Around the table of the King
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
To respond, and to remember
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth
As we share in His suffering
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we'll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King
Slain for us - and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross
So we share in this bread of life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of peace
Around the table of the King
The body of our Savior Jesus Christ
Torn for you - eat and remember
The woulds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one
So we share in this bread of life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of love
Around the table of the King
The blood that cleanses ev'ry stain of sin
Shed for you - drink and remember
He drained death's cub that all may enter in
To receive the life of God
So we share in this bread of life
And we drink of His sacrifice
As a sign of our bonds of grace
Around the table of the King
And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
To respond, and to remember
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth
As we share in His suffering
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we'll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King
Words and Music by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townsend
We will be taking communion this week at Missio Dei. Let us begin even now to prepare our hearts.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Witty Wednesday
Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.
'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.
'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Colossians 3:12-15
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
I have been meditating on and praying through this particular passage of scripture, desiring for my life to be marked by compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all love.
I desire to be one known for pursuing the unity that we have been called to through our savior Jesus Christ. As I go before my heavenly Father in prayer today with this in mind, the Valley of Vision is guiding my prayers and thoughts, and repentance through this particular prayer:
Mighty God,
I humble myself for faculties misused, opportunities neglected, words ill-advised,
I repent of folly and inconsiderate ways, my broken resolutions, untrue service, and backsliding steps, my vain thought.
O bury my sin in the ocean of Jesus' blood and let no evil result from my fretful temper, unseemly behavior , provoking pettiness.
If by unkindness I have wounded or hurt another, do thou pour in the balm of heavenly consolation; if I have turned coldly from need, misery, grief, do not in just anger forsake me: If I have withheld relief from penury pain, do not withhold thy gracious bounty from me.
If I have shunned those who have offended me, keep open the door of thy heart to my need.
Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion, the reign of love my motive, the law of love my rule.
O thou God of all grace, make me more thankful, more humble; inspire me with a deep sense of unworthiness arising from the depravity of my nature, my omitted duties, my unimproved advantages, thy commands violated by me. With all my calls to to gratitude and joy may I remember that I have reason for sorrow and humiliation; O give me repentance unto life; cement my oneness with my blessed Lord, that faith may adhere to Him more immovably, that love may entwine itself round more tightly, that His Spirit may pervade more fiber of my being.
Then send me out to make Him known to my fellow-men.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.I have been meditating on and praying through this particular passage of scripture, desiring for my life to be marked by compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all love.
I desire to be one known for pursuing the unity that we have been called to through our savior Jesus Christ. As I go before my heavenly Father in prayer today with this in mind, the Valley of Vision is guiding my prayers and thoughts, and repentance through this particular prayer:
Mighty God,
I humble myself for faculties misused, opportunities neglected, words ill-advised,
I repent of folly and inconsiderate ways, my broken resolutions, untrue service, and backsliding steps, my vain thought.
O bury my sin in the ocean of Jesus' blood and let no evil result from my fretful temper, unseemly behavior , provoking pettiness.
If by unkindness I have wounded or hurt another, do thou pour in the balm of heavenly consolation; if I have turned coldly from need, misery, grief, do not in just anger forsake me: If I have withheld relief from penury pain, do not withhold thy gracious bounty from me.
If I have shunned those who have offended me, keep open the door of thy heart to my need.
Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion, the reign of love my motive, the law of love my rule.
O thou God of all grace, make me more thankful, more humble; inspire me with a deep sense of unworthiness arising from the depravity of my nature, my omitted duties, my unimproved advantages, thy commands violated by me. With all my calls to to gratitude and joy may I remember that I have reason for sorrow and humiliation; O give me repentance unto life; cement my oneness with my blessed Lord, that faith may adhere to Him more immovably, that love may entwine itself round more tightly, that His Spirit may pervade more fiber of my being.
Then send me out to make Him known to my fellow-men.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Looking forward to Heaven
Hi everyone! Happy Monday!
I would like to share with you something that the Lord taught me recently. As you probaly know, my Dad went to be with the Lord a little over a year ago. He had worked to restore a 1970 Dodge Challenger for several years before he passed. He went to great lengths to ensure that he used the proper replacement parts and when he was finished it was just beautiful!
In 2008 he found out that Dodge was comming out with a remake of the Challenger. He was so excited! The first year however, the car was only available in a few colors and since the car he had restored was bright red, he was going to wait until 2009 to get one because it was going to be available in Red.
When 2009 finally came, he found out that he had cancer. He still wanted to get the car but when he found out that he only had a short time to live, he decided that it would be more practical to get a new, reliable car that my Mom would like. I felt so bad for him.
Whenever I saw one of those new Challengers, I used to ask God why He took my Dad away. It made me feel sad because he never got to enjoy something that he had been waiting so long for. Then one day as I was passing by a car dealer, I saw a red Challenger, just like he had wanted. I started feeling sad as usual but God reminded me that my Dad is in Heaven with Him! He is perfectly happy! He isn't even thinking about cars or any earthly pleasure.
That totally changed my thinking. I was thinking in an earthly manner and not in an eternal manner. Being in Heaven is the ultimate reward! As Christians, I think we need to be storing up our treasure in Heaven. Afterall, life on earth is temporary but we will be with the Lord for all eternity!!
I would like to share with you something that the Lord taught me recently. As you probaly know, my Dad went to be with the Lord a little over a year ago. He had worked to restore a 1970 Dodge Challenger for several years before he passed. He went to great lengths to ensure that he used the proper replacement parts and when he was finished it was just beautiful!
In 2008 he found out that Dodge was comming out with a remake of the Challenger. He was so excited! The first year however, the car was only available in a few colors and since the car he had restored was bright red, he was going to wait until 2009 to get one because it was going to be available in Red.
When 2009 finally came, he found out that he had cancer. He still wanted to get the car but when he found out that he only had a short time to live, he decided that it would be more practical to get a new, reliable car that my Mom would like. I felt so bad for him.
Whenever I saw one of those new Challengers, I used to ask God why He took my Dad away. It made me feel sad because he never got to enjoy something that he had been waiting so long for. Then one day as I was passing by a car dealer, I saw a red Challenger, just like he had wanted. I started feeling sad as usual but God reminded me that my Dad is in Heaven with Him! He is perfectly happy! He isn't even thinking about cars or any earthly pleasure.
That totally changed my thinking. I was thinking in an earthly manner and not in an eternal manner. Being in Heaven is the ultimate reward! As Christians, I think we need to be storing up our treasure in Heaven. Afterall, life on earth is temporary but we will be with the Lord for all eternity!!
Witty Wednesday
An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great.. I would recommend it very highly..' The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'
The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.'
'Do you mean a rose?'
'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great.. I would recommend it very highly..' The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'
The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love? You know... The one that's red and has thorns.'
'Do you mean a rose?'
'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'
Thursday, May 13, 2010
By Faith
By faith we see the hand of God
In the light of creation's grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight
By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God's own hand
A place where peace and justice reign
We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight
By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave
By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth
By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name
In the light of creation's grand design
In the lives of those who prove His faithfulness
Who walk by faith and not by sight
By faith our fathers roamed the earth
With the power of His promise in their hearts
Of a holy city built by God's own hand
A place where peace and justice reign
We will stand as children of the promise
We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul's reward
Till the race is finished and the work is done
We'll walk by faith and not by sight
By faith the prophets saw a day
When the longed for Messiah would appear
With the power to break the chains of sin and death
And rise triumphant from the grave
By faith the church was called to go
In the power of the Spirit to the lost
To deliver captives and to preach good news
In every corner of the earth
By faith this mountain shall be moved
And the power of the gospel shall prevail
For we know in Christ all things are possible
For all who call upon His name
Amen. AMEN! I envy (in a non-sinful way!) the poetic gifts of the Gettys and Stuart Townsend. There are times when my heart seems full to burst and the only outlet I can think of is a song. And the verses I compose are sad, pitiful things next to songs like these.
As Christians, we have a rich history as our forefathers lived out logic defying faith in God. We are truly children of the promise and our lives should be lived in such a way that, if the promises were to fail, we would be viewed as ones to be pitied. We should "fix our eyes on Him, our soul's reward" and press towards the goal that is eternity with God.
I have only lived for 23 years but those 23 years have taught me that there is nothing in this world worth living for. Everything is saturated with sin, layers after layers of sin. Around each bend there is something new waiting to hurt and disappoint. Without the knowledge of God and His Gospel, I can honestly say that I would probably not be alive today. I've often marveled at how unbelievers manage to get out of bed in the morning...for without my Savior I wouldn't bother. There would simply be no point.
Sisters, we are children of an ancient promise, renewed every day. We have a hope that most do not, and yet so often we live as we don't. Our mouths declare our faith in God while our actions and thoughts and heart attitudes declare our skepticism. We believe that He is our soul's reward and yet we need so much more to keep us happy now. We speak of living a life of faith rather than sight but then make grandiose plans for our lives and crumble when something goes 'wrong.'
I have only lived for 23 years but those 23 years have taught me that there is nothing in this world worth living for. Everything is saturated with sin, layers after layers of sin. Around each bend there is something new waiting to hurt and disappoint. Without the knowledge of God and His Gospel, I can honestly say that I would probably not be alive today. I've often marveled at how unbelievers manage to get out of bed in the morning...for without my Savior I wouldn't bother. There would simply be no point.
Sisters, we are children of an ancient promise, renewed every day. We have a hope that most do not, and yet so often we live as we don't. Our mouths declare our faith in God while our actions and thoughts and heart attitudes declare our skepticism. We believe that He is our soul's reward and yet we need so much more to keep us happy now. We speak of living a life of faith rather than sight but then make grandiose plans for our lives and crumble when something goes 'wrong.'
Lord, you are my soul's reward, all that is necessary for my happiness. I confess multitudes of times when I despaired, when You saw fit to take something from me for my good and your glory, and I couldn't see how it would work out. I confess the times that I went searching for joy apart from You and Your being. I love you more than all else and I truly do not know how to exist apart from you. Keep me ever before the cross, Father. Bring me to my knees before your throne whenever I try to take control of my life. What a futile effort, to take control from you! Grow my knowledge of you, Father, until your presence is so big in my life that You fill every corner of my vision, 'til no matter where I turn, there you are. Come back soon, Lord Jesus, for I am weak. I long for the day when I can exist in your strength free from the blinders of sin. Come back soon. I love you.
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12"1-2
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Winner
The winner is...... Kendal Barriere! The post on Girl Talk yesterday was only 15 words! haha! They posted a video. Kendal's guess was 225 and Jill's was 247.
Thank you to all who participated. Thank you Kendal and Jill for seeing this contest all the way through.
Kendal, we aim to treat you to a girl's night out with us......... we shall see if you think that is a good prize afterward!;-)
I'll be contacting you soon with details.
Thank you to all who participated. Thank you Kendal and Jill for seeing this contest all the way through.
Kendal, we aim to treat you to a girl's night out with us......... we shall see if you think that is a good prize afterward!;-)
I'll be contacting you soon with details.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Children: Joy or Drudgery
* Tomorrow we will give official word about the contest.
Now a post from quite a while back :
Motherhood: This is a very broad and beautiful topic. I love reading, listening to people chat and listening to lectures on this topic, there is a lot of good stuff out there. The Bible of course is the best place to get information in this subject. The Bible is not silent, it is very clear about what a woman's role is in raising children and celebratory in the way it speaks of mothering and children. So, when you think of motherhood, what is that you think about? What comes to mind? Are you inclined to think of work, responsibility, burden, sacrifice, more work? If so, you are not alone. You are not alone because it is true; being a good mom is hard work and it takes sacrifice. One person said this about mothering: "No job on earth takes more physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual strength than being a good wife and mother. If a woman is looking for the easy life she might try teaching tennis, cutting diamonds, or joining a roller derby team. There is nothing easy about good mothering. It can be back breaking, heart wrenching, and anxiety producing. And that's just the morning."
Many mom's are probably saying “Amen”. We have all experienced sleepless nights, whether because we are feeding a newborn, have sick kids, or are worried sick about our older children who are struggling in this world.
But just because something is hard doesn't mean it is a joyless drudgery with very little pay off for all the work it takes.
In fact the Bible is clear that this task is neither joyless nor fruitless. But God knows our frame, He knows we are weak and selfish and easily discouraged, and He gives us Titus 2. Read Titus 2:3-5. Notice that phrase to love our children. That word love means tender affection. It means we enjoy our children, we are passionate about them, and desire to be around them and nurture them. We want their good above our own. You will also notice that it takes training. The older woman described in this passage is someone who is capable and willing to train others to have this kind of love for our children, because we get discouraged and lose this affection on the long, bumpy road called motherhood. That precious baby that you hold so gingerly and protectively at first, so easily becomes this energy sapping, body draining, sometimes heartbreaking burden. Why? Why don't we see motherhood the way we ,or if we do ,why do we find it hard to sustain the joy and passion we are called to? Why don't we “feel” fulfilled?
I am going to give you 4 reasons I think we have less than tender feeling in regards to motherhood. This is by no means extensive.
1. We do not meditate deeply on the love of God.
God loves His children, this is very clear. Eph. 5:1-2 says: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. God's love acts. Romans 5:8 says that He demonstrates His love in the sending of His own son for His enemies. He sent Him to die, to offer Himself as a sacrifice – a payment for our sins. For the sins of those who did not love Him. And Jesus willingly and lovingly gave Himself up. He knew no sin and was made sin on our behalf so that we who were far from God would be brought near to Him. We sin by disobeying and ignoring our greatest good- God. And yet, He sent Jesus to pay the wages we owe God for our sin so that we can enjoy God – the lover of our souls forever. He is good and those who are His get to experience this love and shepherding. He supplies all that we need according to His riches and glory. He nurtures our souls through His word and teaches through His Spirit. He disciplines us for our good, to bring about the peaceful fruit of righteousness in our lives. We know that if God gave us His only beloved Son he will not withhold any good thing from us. This includes discipline, so that we experience the ability to know more of His tender grace. Because even though His love is a choice, it is not without affection. Jesus wept over Jerusalem longing to protect them and gather them just like a hen would her chicks. This is kind of love we receive from God and the love that we are called to comprehend with all the saints. A love that cannot be measured. And this love that He lavishes on us should overflow to our children. We can tell them God loves them all we want, but we make it harder to understand and accept when we fall short in loving them.. We are the hands and feet of God's love.
2. We allow our culture to give us our view of children rather than the Word of God.
Our culture tells us that children will be a burden that isn't worth it. They hold you back from your full potential and leave you a less than adequate contributor to society. You are considered a large family if you have more than 2 children and a dog. You are expected to do better than raise children. Mothering in a sense is something to do in your spare time. But God paints a different picture about having children.
Psalm 127:3-5: Behold children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies at the gate.
God says he gave you a child as a GIFT! A child or children are rewards! They are good things and a precious thing to have. They are not burdens and just a load of work that isn't worth it. This is God's good gift and reward for you. Being a mommy isn't something to be ashamed of, it is something to rejoice about and love. Children are something to get excited about and thank God for. And for you guys with kids, let them know it. I love to tell my kids that they are special gift from God to me.
3. We neglect to raise them for God in His way.
If being a parent is such a good thing, why do we see so many parents tired, ashamed and angry especially as their children get older?
Proverbs 23:23-24 say: The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him. Let your mother and father be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.
You want to rejoice and be glad. Raise a wise son/daughter.
A foolish son is a grief and bitterness to the one who gives birth to him. Pr. 17:25.
So how do you raise a wise child? God says the rod and reproof. Pr. 29:15 says: The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
If a child, whether an infant and toddler, and young kid or a teenager is used to getting what he wants when he wants and is never given boundaries or these boundaries are always negotiable you can be certain to raise a fool. If your child lacks consequences to sinful and selfish acts you can be sure that you are raising a fool and worse than that the bible says in doing so you desire his death. And the only thing you can hope for is to be shamed.
So discipline your child while there is still hope. Do it for his good and because you love him. Give him his way and you will teach him that that there is very little consequence for bad decisions and there is little reason to have hope for that child.
Do not stop at discipline; you are also to nurture him in the Lord. Discipline is the first step and a continual companion to declaring the works of God to your child. (Read Psalm 78) Teach them to obey so that they will obey the gospel call. Speak much about Jesus in your home. Teach them the word and surround yourself and your children with the people of God. God's word is sharper than any two-edged sword. The word will lead your child to salvation. Talk about God and what He has done in your family and other's lives and talk about Him in what is going on in the world around you. Take every opportunity to point your children to the hope that does not disappoint. I find with my young children walks outside, sick family and struggling church members give great opportunities to speak about glorious grace and power of God. Discipline is an awesome time to teach about Jesus taking our disciplines that we deserve and teach them about the complete and wonderful forgiveness found in Jesus alone. Pray often for your child's salvation and walk with God. Pray in front of them so they hear your heart for them. God is the only one that can save. So plead with Him for your children and in faith train them, discipline them and talk about God with them because we know that this is the means God uses to lead our children to Him
4. Pride.
We love ourselves. Pride is self love- self worship. Pride says we are better than we are and makes us God's enemies. Pride is destructive and God is the one who destroys us because of it.
As parents or mom's to be, we must keep this in mind. Pride is a real joy killer!
Pride will say “I know”. Either out loud or in your heart.
Pride will cause you to compare yourself to other mom's and say you are better. Anytime you think you are something great, you can rest assure that pride is present in that moment.
Pride looks at Titus 2 where we are called to be trained and it looks around and says, “There is no one here who can offer me anything!”
Pride will make you a terrible student.
If you do not know anyone who you think can help you to be a better mother, you will be robbed of great joy and consistent tender feelings toward your children. Proverbs 13:10 says: Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those that receive counsel.
Did you get that? Receive counsel! Do you surround yourself with women who can teach you and are you receiving it. Or do you think you know it all or at least more than anyone else around you?
Surround yourself with women that look like the women described in Titus 2. Not perfect women, but women who are concerned with honoring the word of God, women who are learning and working toward and consistently, though not perfectly, living a disciplined life. Find a woman who is willing to open up her life to you – warts and all so she can come alongside you and warn you off of her mistakes and show the wisdom she has gained through experience and the word.
And I would challenge you to work towards becoming one of those women. Pride will keep you from it. So put away pride and listen and learn.
To those who want to be listened to and yet people don't want to, examine why. Is it perhaps because you come off arrogant and critical. Do you feel like it is your job to correct everybody else's children when the parent is standing right there, because you are God's gift to parenting after all? You make it harder for people to receive your counsel even when it's good when you act like that. And it robs you of the joy of helping other women experience the consistent joy of motherhood. You will find that even if your kids aren't perfect and you have flaws you are easier to listen to because you are tender, kind and humble.
Moms, let's love our children. Do not let any one tell you they are a burden, they are a joy. Being a mom is fun, fulfilling, rewarding. But it must be done God's way and we must guard against the things that rob us of that joy!
So, meditate deeply on the love God has lavished upon you and see how God views children and let that control your view of them and this task of mothering. Be a woman of His word, motherhood is no excuse to neglect it, a in neglecting the word you will be weak in your meditation and therefore; your love.
In faith, discipline and train your child God's way, so that you can be a rejoicing mother; rather than ashamed.
And humble yourself enough to surround yourself with women who can teach you and listen!
And then love passionately, deeply and tenderly. Your labor of love will be rewarding!
Now a post from quite a while back :
Motherhood: This is a very broad and beautiful topic. I love reading, listening to people chat and listening to lectures on this topic, there is a lot of good stuff out there. The Bible of course is the best place to get information in this subject. The Bible is not silent, it is very clear about what a woman's role is in raising children and celebratory in the way it speaks of mothering and children. So, when you think of motherhood, what is that you think about? What comes to mind? Are you inclined to think of work, responsibility, burden, sacrifice, more work? If so, you are not alone. You are not alone because it is true; being a good mom is hard work and it takes sacrifice. One person said this about mothering: "No job on earth takes more physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual strength than being a good wife and mother. If a woman is looking for the easy life she might try teaching tennis, cutting diamonds, or joining a roller derby team. There is nothing easy about good mothering. It can be back breaking, heart wrenching, and anxiety producing. And that's just the morning."
Many mom's are probably saying “Amen”. We have all experienced sleepless nights, whether because we are feeding a newborn, have sick kids, or are worried sick about our older children who are struggling in this world.
But just because something is hard doesn't mean it is a joyless drudgery with very little pay off for all the work it takes.
In fact the Bible is clear that this task is neither joyless nor fruitless. But God knows our frame, He knows we are weak and selfish and easily discouraged, and He gives us Titus 2. Read Titus 2:3-5. Notice that phrase to love our children. That word love means tender affection. It means we enjoy our children, we are passionate about them, and desire to be around them and nurture them. We want their good above our own. You will also notice that it takes training. The older woman described in this passage is someone who is capable and willing to train others to have this kind of love for our children, because we get discouraged and lose this affection on the long, bumpy road called motherhood. That precious baby that you hold so gingerly and protectively at first, so easily becomes this energy sapping, body draining, sometimes heartbreaking burden. Why? Why don't we see motherhood the way we ,or if we do ,why do we find it hard to sustain the joy and passion we are called to? Why don't we “feel” fulfilled?
I am going to give you 4 reasons I think we have less than tender feeling in regards to motherhood. This is by no means extensive.
1. We do not meditate deeply on the love of God.
God loves His children, this is very clear. Eph. 5:1-2 says: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. God's love acts. Romans 5:8 says that He demonstrates His love in the sending of His own son for His enemies. He sent Him to die, to offer Himself as a sacrifice – a payment for our sins. For the sins of those who did not love Him. And Jesus willingly and lovingly gave Himself up. He knew no sin and was made sin on our behalf so that we who were far from God would be brought near to Him. We sin by disobeying and ignoring our greatest good- God. And yet, He sent Jesus to pay the wages we owe God for our sin so that we can enjoy God – the lover of our souls forever. He is good and those who are His get to experience this love and shepherding. He supplies all that we need according to His riches and glory. He nurtures our souls through His word and teaches through His Spirit. He disciplines us for our good, to bring about the peaceful fruit of righteousness in our lives. We know that if God gave us His only beloved Son he will not withhold any good thing from us. This includes discipline, so that we experience the ability to know more of His tender grace. Because even though His love is a choice, it is not without affection. Jesus wept over Jerusalem longing to protect them and gather them just like a hen would her chicks. This is kind of love we receive from God and the love that we are called to comprehend with all the saints. A love that cannot be measured. And this love that He lavishes on us should overflow to our children. We can tell them God loves them all we want, but we make it harder to understand and accept when we fall short in loving them.. We are the hands and feet of God's love.
2. We allow our culture to give us our view of children rather than the Word of God.
Our culture tells us that children will be a burden that isn't worth it. They hold you back from your full potential and leave you a less than adequate contributor to society. You are considered a large family if you have more than 2 children and a dog. You are expected to do better than raise children. Mothering in a sense is something to do in your spare time. But God paints a different picture about having children.
Psalm 127:3-5: Behold children are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies at the gate.
God says he gave you a child as a GIFT! A child or children are rewards! They are good things and a precious thing to have. They are not burdens and just a load of work that isn't worth it. This is God's good gift and reward for you. Being a mommy isn't something to be ashamed of, it is something to rejoice about and love. Children are something to get excited about and thank God for. And for you guys with kids, let them know it. I love to tell my kids that they are special gift from God to me.
3. We neglect to raise them for God in His way.
If being a parent is such a good thing, why do we see so many parents tired, ashamed and angry especially as their children get older?
Proverbs 23:23-24 say: The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice and he who sires a wise son will be glad in him. Let your mother and father be glad, and let her rejoice who gave birth to you.
You want to rejoice and be glad. Raise a wise son/daughter.
A foolish son is a grief and bitterness to the one who gives birth to him. Pr. 17:25.
So how do you raise a wise child? God says the rod and reproof. Pr. 29:15 says: The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
If a child, whether an infant and toddler, and young kid or a teenager is used to getting what he wants when he wants and is never given boundaries or these boundaries are always negotiable you can be certain to raise a fool. If your child lacks consequences to sinful and selfish acts you can be sure that you are raising a fool and worse than that the bible says in doing so you desire his death. And the only thing you can hope for is to be shamed.
So discipline your child while there is still hope. Do it for his good and because you love him. Give him his way and you will teach him that that there is very little consequence for bad decisions and there is little reason to have hope for that child.
Do not stop at discipline; you are also to nurture him in the Lord. Discipline is the first step and a continual companion to declaring the works of God to your child. (Read Psalm 78) Teach them to obey so that they will obey the gospel call. Speak much about Jesus in your home. Teach them the word and surround yourself and your children with the people of God. God's word is sharper than any two-edged sword. The word will lead your child to salvation. Talk about God and what He has done in your family and other's lives and talk about Him in what is going on in the world around you. Take every opportunity to point your children to the hope that does not disappoint. I find with my young children walks outside, sick family and struggling church members give great opportunities to speak about glorious grace and power of God. Discipline is an awesome time to teach about Jesus taking our disciplines that we deserve and teach them about the complete and wonderful forgiveness found in Jesus alone. Pray often for your child's salvation and walk with God. Pray in front of them so they hear your heart for them. God is the only one that can save. So plead with Him for your children and in faith train them, discipline them and talk about God with them because we know that this is the means God uses to lead our children to Him
4. Pride.
We love ourselves. Pride is self love- self worship. Pride says we are better than we are and makes us God's enemies. Pride is destructive and God is the one who destroys us because of it.
As parents or mom's to be, we must keep this in mind. Pride is a real joy killer!
Pride will say “I know”. Either out loud or in your heart.
Pride will cause you to compare yourself to other mom's and say you are better. Anytime you think you are something great, you can rest assure that pride is present in that moment.
Pride looks at Titus 2 where we are called to be trained and it looks around and says, “There is no one here who can offer me anything!”
Pride will make you a terrible student.
If you do not know anyone who you think can help you to be a better mother, you will be robbed of great joy and consistent tender feelings toward your children. Proverbs 13:10 says: Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those that receive counsel.
Did you get that? Receive counsel! Do you surround yourself with women who can teach you and are you receiving it. Or do you think you know it all or at least more than anyone else around you?
Surround yourself with women that look like the women described in Titus 2. Not perfect women, but women who are concerned with honoring the word of God, women who are learning and working toward and consistently, though not perfectly, living a disciplined life. Find a woman who is willing to open up her life to you – warts and all so she can come alongside you and warn you off of her mistakes and show the wisdom she has gained through experience and the word.
And I would challenge you to work towards becoming one of those women. Pride will keep you from it. So put away pride and listen and learn.
To those who want to be listened to and yet people don't want to, examine why. Is it perhaps because you come off arrogant and critical. Do you feel like it is your job to correct everybody else's children when the parent is standing right there, because you are God's gift to parenting after all? You make it harder for people to receive your counsel even when it's good when you act like that. And it robs you of the joy of helping other women experience the consistent joy of motherhood. You will find that even if your kids aren't perfect and you have flaws you are easier to listen to because you are tender, kind and humble.
Moms, let's love our children. Do not let any one tell you they are a burden, they are a joy. Being a mom is fun, fulfilling, rewarding. But it must be done God's way and we must guard against the things that rob us of that joy!
So, meditate deeply on the love God has lavished upon you and see how God views children and let that control your view of them and this task of mothering. Be a woman of His word, motherhood is no excuse to neglect it, a in neglecting the word you will be weak in your meditation and therefore; your love.
In faith, discipline and train your child God's way, so that you can be a rejoicing mother; rather than ashamed.
And humble yourself enough to surround yourself with women who can teach you and listen!
And then love passionately, deeply and tenderly. Your labor of love will be rewarding!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Trivia contest results and introducing our "best of the blog" week
Hello ladies! Happy Monday!
By our count, Kendal and Jill are tied for first place in last week's trivia contest. Congratulations! So, here is the tie breaker question: guess how many words the Girl Talk blog will have in their post tomorrow!. Good luck to both of you!
This week we are continuing our celebration by having a "best of the blog" week. We have chosen some of our favorite blog entries and will be re-posting them each day this week. We hope you enjoy reading them.
Here is one of my past blog entries that Nichole nominated as one of her favorites. Enjoy!
My oldest son and his family were here for a visit recently. They were in the process of moving from California to North Carolina. By the time we saw them, they had been on the road for a month. That is a long time on the road for anybody but especially my grandson, Austin, who is 3 years old.
When they got here, I showed Austin his "very own room". He was so happy to have a place to call his and he enjoyed playing in his room with the toys we had put in there. He told me that he hadn't had his very own room in a long time. I think he really missed having a "home". He had been staying at hotels and my son and daughter-in-laws friend's homes for the past month.
Later that evening, I heard him saying his prayers with my son. He prayed for a new home. He apparently had been praying for a new home for a while. It must have been hard for him to pray every night for a new home for so long and not getting one. But, what he didn't realize was that they had already found a great house in North Carolina and they were going to be able to move in a week later. They showed him pictures of it but, to him, it was just pictures of a house.
I thought about how the answer to his prayer was "in the works" but he just didn't realize it. I think that sometimes we pray and pray for things but it seems like God isn't hearing us. When in actuality, He has heard our prayer and is bringing the answer in His timing, not always our timing.
The Bible says that God will provide for the needs of His children. We have to have faith in Him and keep on praying even when the answer is nowhere in sight. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us and we can take that to the "bank"!
I think about how happy Austin will be when he can actually go into the new home he prayed for for so long. It will be a day of rejoicing in the Lord!! I'm not sure if he will remember this time when he gets older or not, but if he does, it will be good for him to remember how God answered his prayers.
Whenever we find ourselves waiting on the Lord to answer our prayers, it would be good to remember how God has been faithful in the past. I think it helps to grow our faith. I recommend recording God's answers to your prayers or blessings so that you have something concrete to look back on. I know for me when the going gets tough, I tend to forget God's past faithfulness. Looking at my list helps me to hang on and keep praying and watching for God's answer. Give it a try.
By our count, Kendal and Jill are tied for first place in last week's trivia contest. Congratulations! So, here is the tie breaker question: guess how many words the Girl Talk blog will have in their post tomorrow!. Good luck to both of you!
This week we are continuing our celebration by having a "best of the blog" week. We have chosen some of our favorite blog entries and will be re-posting them each day this week. We hope you enjoy reading them.
Here is one of my past blog entries that Nichole nominated as one of her favorites. Enjoy!
My oldest son and his family were here for a visit recently. They were in the process of moving from California to North Carolina. By the time we saw them, they had been on the road for a month. That is a long time on the road for anybody but especially my grandson, Austin, who is 3 years old.
When they got here, I showed Austin his "very own room". He was so happy to have a place to call his and he enjoyed playing in his room with the toys we had put in there. He told me that he hadn't had his very own room in a long time. I think he really missed having a "home". He had been staying at hotels and my son and daughter-in-laws friend's homes for the past month.
Later that evening, I heard him saying his prayers with my son. He prayed for a new home. He apparently had been praying for a new home for a while. It must have been hard for him to pray every night for a new home for so long and not getting one. But, what he didn't realize was that they had already found a great house in North Carolina and they were going to be able to move in a week later. They showed him pictures of it but, to him, it was just pictures of a house.
I thought about how the answer to his prayer was "in the works" but he just didn't realize it. I think that sometimes we pray and pray for things but it seems like God isn't hearing us. When in actuality, He has heard our prayer and is bringing the answer in His timing, not always our timing.
The Bible says that God will provide for the needs of His children. We have to have faith in Him and keep on praying even when the answer is nowhere in sight. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us and we can take that to the "bank"!
I think about how happy Austin will be when he can actually go into the new home he prayed for for so long. It will be a day of rejoicing in the Lord!! I'm not sure if he will remember this time when he gets older or not, but if he does, it will be good for him to remember how God answered his prayers.
Whenever we find ourselves waiting on the Lord to answer our prayers, it would be good to remember how God has been faithful in the past. I think it helps to grow our faith. I recommend recording God's answers to your prayers or blessings so that you have something concrete to look back on. I know for me when the going gets tough, I tend to forget God's past faithfulness. Looking at my list helps me to hang on and keep praying and watching for God's answer. Give it a try.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Two Years Later
Wow, it is hard to believe that the True Women blog has been around for two years! I remember sitting in Betsy's sewing room with Jasmine and Esme brainstorming the colors and setup for the blog and deciding which days we preferred to blog on. I remember the nervous feeling in my stomach when we landed on May 5, 2008 as the date we would post our first blog, which I believe was a "Get to Know the Writers" post about me. I remember the hours Esme spent making me pose with some books in my living room, taking pictures after pictures for that post! Good times. :)
We've made a few changes along the way. Esme has stepped away to serve in other areas although I can assure all of you that she still provides us with lots of feedback and ideas! Betsy has also stepped back in order to better serve her family and her church down in Kentucky. We have much excitement for her and her family as they embark on this new phase of their lives and wish them well. Karen has joined our group and its been such a blessing to work with her!
One of my favorite aspects of writing/editing this blog is the way that I get to know the ladies working alongside me. Jasmine and I had a close relationship going in to this, but the blog really provided the means for me to develop significant friendships for Esme, Betsy, and Karen. It has been a huge blessing for me to get to know these women and grow in my love for them as sisters in Christ.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who read our blog. It still amazes me that people do! We have a lot of fun writing it and hope that you all enjoy it as well. Of course, we always love feedback from all of you so feel free to shoot one of us an email or leave a comment on one of the posts if you have any ideas.
I also want to thank Jasmine, Karen, Betsy, and Esme for the work they have put into the blog. It takes a surprising amount of work to come up with something to write about each week and they have done so admirably. Thank you so much for your thoughts and insight, ladies. I look forward to reading your posts each week!
God has blessed me so much through this blog and I thank Him every day for the work that He is doing in me through it.
Lord Bless,
Nichole
We've made a few changes along the way. Esme has stepped away to serve in other areas although I can assure all of you that she still provides us with lots of feedback and ideas! Betsy has also stepped back in order to better serve her family and her church down in Kentucky. We have much excitement for her and her family as they embark on this new phase of their lives and wish them well. Karen has joined our group and its been such a blessing to work with her!
One of my favorite aspects of writing/editing this blog is the way that I get to know the ladies working alongside me. Jasmine and I had a close relationship going in to this, but the blog really provided the means for me to develop significant friendships for Esme, Betsy, and Karen. It has been a huge blessing for me to get to know these women and grow in my love for them as sisters in Christ.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who read our blog. It still amazes me that people do! We have a lot of fun writing it and hope that you all enjoy it as well. Of course, we always love feedback from all of you so feel free to shoot one of us an email or leave a comment on one of the posts if you have any ideas.
I also want to thank Jasmine, Karen, Betsy, and Esme for the work they have put into the blog. It takes a surprising amount of work to come up with something to write about each week and they have done so admirably. Thank you so much for your thoughts and insight, ladies. I look forward to reading your posts each week!
God has blessed me so much through this blog and I thank Him every day for the work that He is doing in me through it.
Lord Bless,
Nichole
Witty Wednesday
Two elderly gentlemen from a retirement center were sitting on a bench under a tree when one turns to the other and says: 'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of aches and pains. I know you're about my age. How do you feel?'
Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.'
'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?'
'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'
Here is today's trivia question: Who was King just prior to King David?
Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.'
'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?'
'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet my pants.'
Here is today's trivia question: Who was King just prior to King David?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 2: Trivia question
We are continuing our trivia contest today. Go here to answer yesterdays trivia question. By the way, thank you for participating, Sherri. And now, for today:
The ruins of the Biblical City of Babylon is located in what modern day country?
Have a blessed Tuesday, Ladies!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
The ruins of the Biblical City of Babylon is located in what modern day country?
Have a blessed Tuesday, Ladies!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Monday, May 3, 2010
Use your spiritual gifts and introduction of our trivia contest
Good morning everyone!
This week marks the second anniversary of our True Woman blog. Boy has time flied by. To celebrate this milestone, we are having a trivia contest along with our normal entries this week. Whoever has the most correct answers at the end of this week, will win a very nice prize!!! (because of cost restraints, we can only award a prize to members of the Missio Dei Fellowship) In case of a tie, we will have some kind of "tie breaker".
So, please read the blog entry and trivia question and if you know the answer, click on "Comments" at the bottom of the page and give it your best shot. Please make sure that you enter your name before you click send so we know who's answer is who's. If you would like to leave a comment about the blog entry, please do that as well.
We hope that you enjoy our blog and continue to check in each day during the contest and after the contest.
So, put on your thinking caps....
I read a good saying by Henry van Dyke this week. He says "Use what talents you possess: The forest would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best". That is so true. God has given us all spiritual gifts to use to bring glory to Him. We just need to step out in faith and use them.
I encourage you to ask God where He would like you to use your gift for Him. If you are open and watching for opportunities, I believe that He will show you. I have found that it is very rewarding to use my gifts in service to the Lord. I think you will too.
And now the moment you have been waiting for....(drum roll)....
Can you name the 12 apostles? Who replaced the one who betrayed Jesus?
Good luck!!!
This week marks the second anniversary of our True Woman blog. Boy has time flied by. To celebrate this milestone, we are having a trivia contest along with our normal entries this week. Whoever has the most correct answers at the end of this week, will win a very nice prize!!! (because of cost restraints, we can only award a prize to members of the Missio Dei Fellowship) In case of a tie, we will have some kind of "tie breaker".
So, please read the blog entry and trivia question and if you know the answer, click on "Comments" at the bottom of the page and give it your best shot. Please make sure that you enter your name before you click send so we know who's answer is who's. If you would like to leave a comment about the blog entry, please do that as well.
We hope that you enjoy our blog and continue to check in each day during the contest and after the contest.
So, put on your thinking caps....
I read a good saying by Henry van Dyke this week. He says "Use what talents you possess: The forest would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best". That is so true. God has given us all spiritual gifts to use to bring glory to Him. We just need to step out in faith and use them.
I encourage you to ask God where He would like you to use your gift for Him. If you are open and watching for opportunities, I believe that He will show you. I have found that it is very rewarding to use my gifts in service to the Lord. I think you will too.
And now the moment you have been waiting for....(drum roll)....
Can you name the 12 apostles? Who replaced the one who betrayed Jesus?
Good luck!!!
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