Today is Veteran's Day. A day to honor our veterans of the United States Armed Forces who served to protect their beloved country, the United States of America, either domestically or on foreign soil. I have quite a few family members as well as friends who have served in the military. My father-in-law was a Marine at the tail end of WWII. Daddy was in the Army serving in foreign lands just at the tail end of the Korean War.
It is on days such as today and Memorial Day that I often wonder what my life would've been like had I successfully enlisted in the US Army in 1986 after graduation. I expect I might've somehow been involved in the Gulf War/Desert Storm a few short years later and who knows how much longer. I passed the ASVAB with "flying colors" (as I'm sure most have) and was presented with a choice of specialty training. The computer-technology industry was experiencing a huge boom at the time, and that was one of the things I thought to get into. However, my heart was not quite into that - Daddy strongly encouraged me to get into that, though, since I was a quick study with computers at the time. What I thought would be fascinating is if I were to learn to become a language interpreter. I had a couple of years of Latin under my belt, and at the time I was recognizing the Latin base in various "romance languages", and I figured that if given proper training, I would be a relatively quick study and be successful at it. I was ready to sign the dotted line, but I needed one more thing to qualify...a physical. For baseline, I was successful in every test they gave me. Except I have burn scars. The Army doctor at the time denied me enlistment. He and his colleagues figured that the burn scars would've been unbearable with the physical activity I would have had to endure. Of course I understood, but I was otherwise crushed.
What would my life be like had I successfully enlisted? Would I still be alive, even? Would I have been successful with communications or computer technology today? Would I have gotten training to become a language interpreter? What kind of an impact would the US Army have on me? What kind of an impact would I have had on anyone else? Would I have been thankful/grateful? Would something have happened that I would've resented my service? Who would I have fallen in love with and possibly married? What children would I have? Where would I be living? Would I have become a Christian while in service?
Yes, this is all coming from a very shy and rather introverted person. That said, I always enjoyed doing something and especially learning things, and if I happened to be helping a team, so be it. I was a rather lousy student in school but always loved learning on my own. I was the weird kid who did not socially concern herself much with what to do on Friday nights or the weekends. I read books. I read encyclopedias, and I read dictionaries.
I enjoy typing (even tho I'm not a fast typist by any stretch of the imagination!). I enjoy learning new things. I enjoy researching things of interest to me. I am fascinated by language! At one point I thought to be a teacher or even a doctor or nurse. I'm not good with smells, though, so scratch that!
So today, I am a medical transcriptionist. I listen to what doctors say and I create a medical record. The medical language is just as fascinating as any layman language to me. I get to research medical terms, and I get to learn about anything related to it. My sense of computer literacy has been drastically reduced to turning on the computer and praying it keeps on working! What do they say? "Use it or lose it"? Yeah, true story.
Today I am married to a wonderful gentleman and have been for 23 years, although we've been together 25. We have two sons, ages 20 and almost 15. We are not rich people, but we are doing all right. Our needs are met as needed. I have been a Christian for 23 years, and the impact of Christ on my life and that of my family is immeasurable, including directing my path no matter my plans. I must say I could not be happier.
So what would my life have been like had I successfully enlisted in the US Army? God only knows, and I daresay that's the best way to leave it.
~~"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9~~
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Monday, February 8, 2016
Wearing Another's Heart on My Sleeve
Do you cry at movies? Do you cry when you see or hear another
person cry? Do sad faces or voices
affect you? How about anger? Joy or happiness? What about uncertainty? Do you feel their emotions, too?
I've been told that I'm a rather empathetic person. Not just sympathetic, but empathetic. Pretty pathetic, huh? I must say that I struggle with accepting my empathetic nature. It is evidently a huge part of who I am. In some ways, empathy can be quite helpful in relating with others. In other ways, however, I see it as rather crippling trait for me and henders whatever help I might have been able to offer.
I've been told that I'm a rather empathetic person. Not just sympathetic, but empathetic. Pretty pathetic, huh? I must say that I struggle with accepting my empathetic nature. It is evidently a huge part of who I am. In some ways, empathy can be quite helpful in relating with others. In other ways, however, I see it as rather crippling trait for me and henders whatever help I might have been able to offer.
My church is richly blessed with Christians
who are passionate about their faith. These
Christians not only talk the talk, they walk the walk. These Christians can be better teachers that
the preacher, and I happen to believe that our pastor is an amazing preacher! Of our congregation, we have glorious members
who make up our older generations. These
ladies and gentlemen are exemplary Christians ~ not only for Christ, but for
themselves, their families, and out in their communities. Many of us want to be just like them when we
finish growing up.
There is one older couple, in particular, that I've had the extreme pleasure and honor to be in their company and get to know better than the others. This couple has served tirelessly as teachers and instructors of history and the Bible, and they are so full of knowledge, love, and grace. My Bible study group was particularly blessed in having this gentleman be our Bible study teacher for quite a few years. He officially retired a month or so ago, and we felt a compelling need to honor them with a special celebration luncheon.
The lunch was wonderful. Then came time to share what we felt is so special about them ~ making sure they know how much we appreciate them. I am telling you, these are some of the sweetest people you can ever get to know. Our gentleman is a rare man who speaks with emotion ~ his heart is very frequently on his sleeve. Over the years, he taught his lessons appropriately with his life experiences. His tales enabled us to see a focus that went beyond the words on the pages of the lessons. Among his experiences, he has blessed us with occasional glimpses into the true love he feels for his precious wife. THESE particular displays of love are what endear him to us. What an example they are! One of the stories remembered by us is a very early story in their relationship in which she was so sick that he thought he may lose her. He has told and retold this memory so vividly that one could not help but believe we are first-hand witnesses to the power of faith in action. He told the story again at this luncheon. Once again, *I'm* in tears. I had to excuse myself for a bit because *I* was overwhelmed. It is not that I did not want to hear the story again, but his heart is so tender and so sweet and so precious that I fail to understand what it is doing on MY sleeve! It goes beyond the "acceptable" dab my teary eyes and continue listening. It is so obvious that I do not have command of my own emotions. How is it that I tend to take on others' emotions, as well?
There is one older couple, in particular, that I've had the extreme pleasure and honor to be in their company and get to know better than the others. This couple has served tirelessly as teachers and instructors of history and the Bible, and they are so full of knowledge, love, and grace. My Bible study group was particularly blessed in having this gentleman be our Bible study teacher for quite a few years. He officially retired a month or so ago, and we felt a compelling need to honor them with a special celebration luncheon.
The lunch was wonderful. Then came time to share what we felt is so special about them ~ making sure they know how much we appreciate them. I am telling you, these are some of the sweetest people you can ever get to know. Our gentleman is a rare man who speaks with emotion ~ his heart is very frequently on his sleeve. Over the years, he taught his lessons appropriately with his life experiences. His tales enabled us to see a focus that went beyond the words on the pages of the lessons. Among his experiences, he has blessed us with occasional glimpses into the true love he feels for his precious wife. THESE particular displays of love are what endear him to us. What an example they are! One of the stories remembered by us is a very early story in their relationship in which she was so sick that he thought he may lose her. He has told and retold this memory so vividly that one could not help but believe we are first-hand witnesses to the power of faith in action. He told the story again at this luncheon. Once again, *I'm* in tears. I had to excuse myself for a bit because *I* was overwhelmed. It is not that I did not want to hear the story again, but his heart is so tender and so sweet and so precious that I fail to understand what it is doing on MY sleeve! It goes beyond the "acceptable" dab my teary eyes and continue listening. It is so obvious that I do not have command of my own emotions. How is it that I tend to take on others' emotions, as well?
"Rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
~~Romans 12:15~~
I guess there is nothing wrong with
me, but I cannot help but believe that sometimes my (??) emotions get away from
me. I feel like that, anyway. I would not mind being more like Counselor
Deanna Troi (Star Trek, The Next Generation), an empath who is able to feel
and/or understand emotions of others without being so directly and personally
affected. There are some people who seem to be like
that, but it's obvious I'm not one of them.
I guess it is too much to ask to be like a more fictional
character?? ((I have hoped and prayed such, believe it or not))
Sometimes it does not have to be
about a person around me who opens the teary flood gates. Singing certain songs or hymns can be awfully
overwhelming for me, as well. Personalizing
meaning either for myself or another person can do the same thing to me.
"Jesus
wept."
~~John 11:35~~
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Random Reflective Musings of 2014 into 2015
Wow. The year 2014 expediently draws to a close tonight. We're in for a fresh start...a fresh slate...a fresh beginning...a fresh realization that the year is mostly what we make of it, and it behooves us to look in the mirror and see what we can and, perhaps, should do differently to make 2015 the best year we can possibly ever have...or not...depending on how content you are with your station in life.
I'm not necessarily talking about New Year's Resolutions, although there is nothing wrong with that. New Year's Resolutions don't seem to resonate for me. However, I have some loose goals that I'd like to achieve, all with the knowledge that God is known to shake things up a bit in my life, sometimes for the seeming worse but, ultimately, for the better. Jeremiah 29:11-13 readily comes to mind:
There's a lot to be said about changing what you can change and having the wisdom to accept what you cannot change. Nationally, we're living in religious and political upheaval affecting a variety of social facets, horrifically void of true balance. On both extremes, accusations and charges are hurled at each other, leaving the American people at a point in which something WILL give--the American people are on the brink of being fed up of being ignored and essentially abandoned. Globally? Oh, wow, where do I start? Sometimes the advent of the Internet (thanks, Al Gore, lol) is a horrible thing. Eeeeeeev-er-y-th-ing is on the Internet--the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's good that there is technology to find out what the bad guys are doing, but it's bad when you cannot do anything about the situations, especially when it deeply matters to you. The few-millennia-old Middle East conflicts that are enjoying another swell of resurgence are enough to make anyone fearful and crazy. Growing world battles affecting America is reaching another all-time high.Will there ever be an end? I believe in God's due time, there will be. I'm resting in that promise because there is nothing else I can do.
My all-time favorite passage that discusses what we should have on our minds comes from Philippians 4:4-9, but specifically verse 8:
Amidst all the seeming evils in this world are people who make a positive difference in the lives of others. YouTube has been flooded with joyful moments that make you think, wonder, admire, laugh, and share. I think I've seen more animal YouTubes this year than reading all of National Geographic magazines I read as a kid, or watching all the Animal Planet shows combined. Animals are great teachers...sometimes not in such good ways, but teachers, nonetheless. Individually, but en masse, people have really good hearts, and there's so much joy watching people be good to each other. I think the theme of 2014 in some ways is, Pay It Forward. People are interested in the well-being of others. People want to lift other's spirits when they can. One person may not make that much of a difference to many, but for many that one person makes all the difference in the world.
There are a few things I'd like to accomplish for 2015. There are a few places I'd like to go. There are a few things I'd like to learn. There are a few things that inspire me, and I'd like to be an inspiration to others. I like making people feel better, even if the only thing I can do is listen or say a prayer. In 2015, I'd like to do more of that.
I'm content with my home life. There's always room for improvement, but I'm blessed in having a home when so many do not. Married life is good. Parenthood? Well, I could use some wisdom and grace to make me a better parent. With a teen and a tween in the house, things are liable to be a little bumpy in 2015, but I can put on my seatbelt and hang on like the next parent! I'm still entrusted to help raise them! (God help them, lol). I suspect my walk with my Lord will be a little challenging this year. I welcome the challenge. I may drag my feet in the gravel, but I'll eventually surrender and realize that this will help me have the best 2015 ever! My soul already prospers, now for my life to prosper, too, as in 3 John 2:
Have a most BLESSED and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I'm not necessarily talking about New Year's Resolutions, although there is nothing wrong with that. New Year's Resolutions don't seem to resonate for me. However, I have some loose goals that I'd like to achieve, all with the knowledge that God is known to shake things up a bit in my life, sometimes for the seeming worse but, ultimately, for the better. Jeremiah 29:11-13 readily comes to mind:
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.I've lost count how many times I've thought things were not going right, not going to *my* plan, but when I employ patience to ride the times out, things DO miraculously work out, and the results are better than I ever could've imagined.
There's a lot to be said about changing what you can change and having the wisdom to accept what you cannot change. Nationally, we're living in religious and political upheaval affecting a variety of social facets, horrifically void of true balance. On both extremes, accusations and charges are hurled at each other, leaving the American people at a point in which something WILL give--the American people are on the brink of being fed up of being ignored and essentially abandoned. Globally? Oh, wow, where do I start? Sometimes the advent of the Internet (thanks, Al Gore, lol) is a horrible thing. Eeeeeeev-er-y-th-ing is on the Internet--the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's good that there is technology to find out what the bad guys are doing, but it's bad when you cannot do anything about the situations, especially when it deeply matters to you. The few-millennia-old Middle East conflicts that are enjoying another swell of resurgence are enough to make anyone fearful and crazy. Growing world battles affecting America is reaching another all-time high.Will there ever be an end? I believe in God's due time, there will be. I'm resting in that promise because there is nothing else I can do.
My all-time favorite passage that discusses what we should have on our minds comes from Philippians 4:4-9, but specifically verse 8:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.If I concentrated on the news the way some of my friends do, I would be committed into an insane asylum. No joke. I don't have it in me to be saturated by such horrible news, as seems prevalent in this world. That does not mean I'm devoid of news...not at all. I just tend to put up a filter that keeps negative news from staying on my mind. If there is any way I can help with bad news, I'm more than happy to do it, but when I can't, I can't afford to be worried about what I cannot try to change. Pray without ceasing. I think that's what Paul says. THAT I can do!
Amidst all the seeming evils in this world are people who make a positive difference in the lives of others. YouTube has been flooded with joyful moments that make you think, wonder, admire, laugh, and share. I think I've seen more animal YouTubes this year than reading all of National Geographic magazines I read as a kid, or watching all the Animal Planet shows combined. Animals are great teachers...sometimes not in such good ways, but teachers, nonetheless. Individually, but en masse, people have really good hearts, and there's so much joy watching people be good to each other. I think the theme of 2014 in some ways is, Pay It Forward. People are interested in the well-being of others. People want to lift other's spirits when they can. One person may not make that much of a difference to many, but for many that one person makes all the difference in the world.
There are a few things I'd like to accomplish for 2015. There are a few places I'd like to go. There are a few things I'd like to learn. There are a few things that inspire me, and I'd like to be an inspiration to others. I like making people feel better, even if the only thing I can do is listen or say a prayer. In 2015, I'd like to do more of that.
I'm content with my home life. There's always room for improvement, but I'm blessed in having a home when so many do not. Married life is good. Parenthood? Well, I could use some wisdom and grace to make me a better parent. With a teen and a tween in the house, things are liable to be a little bumpy in 2015, but I can put on my seatbelt and hang on like the next parent! I'm still entrusted to help raise them! (God help them, lol). I suspect my walk with my Lord will be a little challenging this year. I welcome the challenge. I may drag my feet in the gravel, but I'll eventually surrender and realize that this will help me have the best 2015 ever! My soul already prospers, now for my life to prosper, too, as in 3 John 2:
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Have a most BLESSED and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Monday, December 22, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sigh, my typical Christmas activities haven't gone quite like I was hoping, but that's gonna be alright. There's not gonna be many goodies this year (I usually bake all kinds of cookies and breads--ain't happening). I don't have near the decorations up I normally do, but at least Hubby put out my Christmas lights. I HAVE gotten to enjoy my Christmas music. Some Christmas cards, believe it or not, are still waiting to be written! :O I still have no Christmas tree. Nuff said 'bout THAT!
Still, with my list of "Not Done" slowly turning into, "Ain't Gonna Get Done," I've greatly enjoyed a wonderful season that's "technically" drawing to a close in just a coupla of days. Since the birth of my younger son twelve years ago tomorrow, Christmas season kind of explodes with his birthday celebration as well as that of Jesus' birthday celebration..
I can't even say that my work has slowed me down from enjoying this season. It's been very comfortably slow. I guess I've just not had the sense of urgency to get things done this year. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, I suppose. I've read more. I've listened more. I've given more attention to people than I usually do. So many people are hurting this year. They've lost loved ones. They've had hard times. They've been sick. Some of them have passed away. I pray for God's Comfort which seems soooo especially needed during this time of year.
So what is it about Christmas that is so special to me? It's a celebration of when Jesus was born. No, he was most likely NOT "born" on December 25th, but that is what day was chosen by ancient Christians to celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. While the world lived on, a special Newborn Babe became born to Mary for Mankind in the City of David, Bethlehem, celestially marked by a special star. Simeon and Anna recognized that He was born to die for us and our sins, go to hell and back, and be resurrected in reconciliation between God and Man. God loved the world so much that He GAVE His only begotten Son as a Gift of Salvation--a cleansing from sin and a cancellation of its wage, death.. Jesus momentarily gave up his glory to come humbly in human flesh to teach God's Love for each and every one of us. His coming marked the beginning of the end of the Law and the beginning of a new heart and Spirit containing His Grace and Truth. Because of Jesus, we have the ability to enjoy a resurrection into eternal life, as well..
I can't say that I constantly think on these things, but when I do, I am overwhelmed with joy, peace, and love that my Savior has for me. Yes, I can confidently say that He loves me. He loves you, too!
There is a story about when Jesus visited sisters Martha and Mary. Martha became overly concerned about making sure that everything was done and done right to impress her company, but Mary merely sat at His feet to listen to Him. Jesus told Martha that she is worried too much and that Mary chose the needful thing at the time. The dishes can wait, the dust can become an art display, and I'm sure the laundry can use another tumble w/ a wet rag to dewrinkle before wearing. The cookies don't have to be made. The tree does not have to be up. The cards just might be ready for next year. And the music can always be played! It may be more needful to contemplate what Christmas is really all about. It may be needful to share His love with others. It may be more needful to be a vessel of comfort for someone else in need, be it fulfilling a need for them or being encouragement to them.
In the meantime, I wish each one of you a most blessed and MERRY CHRISTMAS.
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Still, with my list of "Not Done" slowly turning into, "Ain't Gonna Get Done," I've greatly enjoyed a wonderful season that's "technically" drawing to a close in just a coupla of days. Since the birth of my younger son twelve years ago tomorrow, Christmas season kind of explodes with his birthday celebration as well as that of Jesus' birthday celebration..
I can't even say that my work has slowed me down from enjoying this season. It's been very comfortably slow. I guess I've just not had the sense of urgency to get things done this year. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, I suppose. I've read more. I've listened more. I've given more attention to people than I usually do. So many people are hurting this year. They've lost loved ones. They've had hard times. They've been sick. Some of them have passed away. I pray for God's Comfort which seems soooo especially needed during this time of year.
So what is it about Christmas that is so special to me? It's a celebration of when Jesus was born. No, he was most likely NOT "born" on December 25th, but that is what day was chosen by ancient Christians to celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. While the world lived on, a special Newborn Babe became born to Mary for Mankind in the City of David, Bethlehem, celestially marked by a special star. Simeon and Anna recognized that He was born to die for us and our sins, go to hell and back, and be resurrected in reconciliation between God and Man. God loved the world so much that He GAVE His only begotten Son as a Gift of Salvation--a cleansing from sin and a cancellation of its wage, death.. Jesus momentarily gave up his glory to come humbly in human flesh to teach God's Love for each and every one of us. His coming marked the beginning of the end of the Law and the beginning of a new heart and Spirit containing His Grace and Truth. Because of Jesus, we have the ability to enjoy a resurrection into eternal life, as well..
I can't say that I constantly think on these things, but when I do, I am overwhelmed with joy, peace, and love that my Savior has for me. Yes, I can confidently say that He loves me. He loves you, too!
There is a story about when Jesus visited sisters Martha and Mary. Martha became overly concerned about making sure that everything was done and done right to impress her company, but Mary merely sat at His feet to listen to Him. Jesus told Martha that she is worried too much and that Mary chose the needful thing at the time. The dishes can wait, the dust can become an art display, and I'm sure the laundry can use another tumble w/ a wet rag to dewrinkle before wearing. The cookies don't have to be made. The tree does not have to be up. The cards just might be ready for next year. And the music can always be played! It may be more needful to contemplate what Christmas is really all about. It may be needful to share His love with others. It may be more needful to be a vessel of comfort for someone else in need, be it fulfilling a need for them or being encouragement to them.
In the meantime, I wish each one of you a most blessed and MERRY CHRISTMAS.
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Friday, April 18, 2014
GOOD FRIDAY 2014
There are so many thoughts about Good Friday. Many perspectives weigh in on one of a Christian's most reverent holy day.
A dear friend of mine said, last Sunday--Palm Sunday, her pastor asked a very thought-provoking question: This represents the LAST WEEK of Jesus' life on earth as the Son of man. If we knew that we only had a few days left to live, how would we spend them? Ouch. This is an excellent question. What if we knew what we had to face before we died? Could we do it? even if it was torturous?
I'm not about to sit here and tell you that I could undergo the torture our Saviour experienced between a possible Thursday and Friday before his crucifixion. I admit that I have a hard time standing accused of anything I did not do. If I did as I'm accused, I would like to think I'd be as the admonishing thief on the cross who reminded the scoffing thief that they are experiencing a just death, while Jesus was not. My threshold of pain is extremely weak, I'll readily admit. I could not endure the beatings and the scourging that took place during His trial. I am not physically strong. After becoming a walking pile of raw flesh, I could not comprehend ANY of His ability to carry his cross, with or without assistance. The crucifixion? What a final insult from mankind. I praise God that Jesus could see past all of this and ask of his Father, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." He knew The Divine Plan, and through His Father's might, was able to endure the sins of the world; past, present, and future; once and for all. He became the final sacrifice that did not just cover sins, but removed the bondage of sin once and for all.
Now comes the good news. The disciples had been with Jesus for a little over three years, and like the Israelites of the OT, and *I* today, they easily succumb to despair, hopelessness, and emptiness.What now? We gave up three years to follow This Man, and now He's dead. We gave up our livelihood to follow Jesus, and for what? Whether lack of faith or fleeting lack of memory (for me, oftentimes it's both), they have forgotten Jesus' Promise that He Will Rise Again on the Third Day!
I'm so thankful for that Third Day, Resurrection Day! It's the most marvelous day of all time and human history! The Man Who knew no sin became sin for all of mankind He went into the depths of hell so that we would not have to. He paid the ultimate price for our sins, and resurrected victorious, just as He promised His disciples! As believers in Christ Jesus, WE are victorious, too! We have a place in heaven. We have eternal life. Our sins are pardoned, and Grace and Truth brings us "real life." Our spiritual life manifests into our physical life. Our born-again spirits enables us to share with others what it means to be a Christian. How has Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection affected your life? Will you spend your last few days rejoicing in what Jesus has done for you, for me, for all of mankind?
If you knew these were your last days on earth, how would you spend them?
A dear friend of mine said, last Sunday--Palm Sunday, her pastor asked a very thought-provoking question: This represents the LAST WEEK of Jesus' life on earth as the Son of man. If we knew that we only had a few days left to live, how would we spend them? Ouch. This is an excellent question. What if we knew what we had to face before we died? Could we do it? even if it was torturous?
I'm not about to sit here and tell you that I could undergo the torture our Saviour experienced between a possible Thursday and Friday before his crucifixion. I admit that I have a hard time standing accused of anything I did not do. If I did as I'm accused, I would like to think I'd be as the admonishing thief on the cross who reminded the scoffing thief that they are experiencing a just death, while Jesus was not. My threshold of pain is extremely weak, I'll readily admit. I could not endure the beatings and the scourging that took place during His trial. I am not physically strong. After becoming a walking pile of raw flesh, I could not comprehend ANY of His ability to carry his cross, with or without assistance. The crucifixion? What a final insult from mankind. I praise God that Jesus could see past all of this and ask of his Father, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do." He knew The Divine Plan, and through His Father's might, was able to endure the sins of the world; past, present, and future; once and for all. He became the final sacrifice that did not just cover sins, but removed the bondage of sin once and for all.
Now comes the good news. The disciples had been with Jesus for a little over three years, and like the Israelites of the OT, and *I* today, they easily succumb to despair, hopelessness, and emptiness.What now? We gave up three years to follow This Man, and now He's dead. We gave up our livelihood to follow Jesus, and for what? Whether lack of faith or fleeting lack of memory (for me, oftentimes it's both), they have forgotten Jesus' Promise that He Will Rise Again on the Third Day!
I'm so thankful for that Third Day, Resurrection Day! It's the most marvelous day of all time and human history! The Man Who knew no sin became sin for all of mankind He went into the depths of hell so that we would not have to. He paid the ultimate price for our sins, and resurrected victorious, just as He promised His disciples! As believers in Christ Jesus, WE are victorious, too! We have a place in heaven. We have eternal life. Our sins are pardoned, and Grace and Truth brings us "real life." Our spiritual life manifests into our physical life. Our born-again spirits enables us to share with others what it means to be a Christian. How has Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection affected your life? Will you spend your last few days rejoicing in what Jesus has done for you, for me, for all of mankind?
If you knew these were your last days on earth, how would you spend them?
Monday, June 24, 2013
When Life and Faith Are "On the Line"
So many verses came to my mind as I anxiously watched Nik Wallenda walk a tightrope across the Grand Canyon.
Left up to me, I would not have watched, and I tried not to. Looking back, that glaringly demonstrated just how little faith I had in His capabilities for Nik. I'm not alone. C'mon, admit it...YOU thought he was outta-his-mind N-U-T-S just like I did, a devout Christian. What a laugh. What a pathetic laugh.
So why DID I watch? I watched because I was watching my husband's reaction to all of this. My husband seems to enjoy watching potentially dangerous shows, and the more death-sure, the better! "We're all inevitably gonna die sometime!" I am SO not wired like that.
There was something very different about THIS show, though. This involved a Christian gentleman of deep, genuine, devout, and evidently divine faith with God ... such profound faith we've not seen since Daniel in the Lion's den or the Furnace. Hubby is a people watcher. He is fascinated by how people handle themselves through extraordinary circumstances. This particular envelop wasn't even thought of before, let alone pushed and done. Nik Wallenda was literally putting his LIFE and FAITH on the line.
God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
LOL, while "sound mind" might've been in question here, it is wonderfully obvious that Nik has experienced Power and Love on his walk across the Grand Canyon. It was also obvious that God blessed him with a sense of amazing focus (this is the sound mind we need to speak more about,lol).
Rejoice ever more. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks. What better opportunity to do this than while doing this crazy stunt? I must say, though, it was VERY encouraging to listen to him chat with God. He DID give thanks to God for every little thing, any little thing he could think of...whatever crossed his mind, he gave thanks and praise. He was free about it, like this is an automatic practice for him. Out of the heart flows the issues of life. He did not speak panicked fear...he spoke confidence in His Saviour being with him literally every step of the way.
He had a few moments in which some outside forces could have given him trouble. A few times he asked the Lord to quiet the winds. ..."What manner of man is this, that even the winds and seas obey Him?" Even to this day, we often forget that the Lord can and does control the winds and other elements on this earth. It is obvious that Nik has practiced and has first-hand knowledge that only the Lord can control his environmental conditions.
Nik was very realistic in knowing when his mind was attempting to play tricks on him, when he needed to talk to himself, when he needed to quiet and rest his mind and body for a few moments. His father was extremely encouraging, gently urging him on, that he was in good shape, reminding him that whatever particular situation is nothing new to him, just refocus. The communication between father and son was soothing and comfortable. The communication between Father and son was even more comfortable.
When he reached near the end, I must readily admit (again, I know I'm not the only one!!) that everything I had just witnessed up to this point flew out the window the moment he stopped, air-kissed his family in celebration before he got to the last few feet and ran across the wire onto solid ground. Even my husband was extremely nervous about that last pseudo-stunt!! I mean, "DUDE, you're SO CLOSE...don't mess up NOW!!!!!"
Throughout it all, Hubby cheered him on, but he was also rooted in doubt that he could actually make it. Every step he took made him feel hopeful for him, but it also made him even more anxious for him, too! He reacted more about this event than anything I've ever seen him react. He actually told me that he would feel absolutely horrible if he had died while doing this (a very rare response from him about death in general). I'm so very thankful for the 10-second delay that programming was supposedly set for in case anything tragic happened, but the entire time was extremely intense and almost unbearable.
For me, watching this man of faith LIVING in faith, in face of what had to otherwise be insurmountable fear, was actually a pretty exhilarating experience! What was even more marvelous is the fact that Hubby watched, with his own eyes, a death-defying, divine-inspired, modern-day miracle, and HE KNEW IT! He actually said that, for all the training, knowledge, scientific studies, he saw that God had a Hand in this all along. I am praying for some dialogue with him. In the meantime, I need to straighten some things out for myself, too.
So, what about me? Watching this evidence of extraordinary faith play out has made me painfully realize just how little my faith truly was. I had forgotten that God is involved in our ev-er-y-day, ordinary lives, with typically ordinary little problems and even little "need" for faith. How shameful. Father, please forgive me for wandering away from you. Jesus, please help my mind match my spirit in knowing that you ARE WITH ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY in my life. I guess I thought of myself higher than I should've, as evidenced by someone who really and truly not only stepped out on faith, did something more miraculous than walking on water (which Jesus DID promise could happen!), but put his life and faith on the line for the world to see. To God be the Glory!
Left up to me, I would not have watched, and I tried not to. Looking back, that glaringly demonstrated just how little faith I had in His capabilities for Nik. I'm not alone. C'mon, admit it...YOU thought he was outta-his-mind N-U-T-S just like I did, a devout Christian. What a laugh. What a pathetic laugh.
So why DID I watch? I watched because I was watching my husband's reaction to all of this. My husband seems to enjoy watching potentially dangerous shows, and the more death-sure, the better! "We're all inevitably gonna die sometime!" I am SO not wired like that.
There was something very different about THIS show, though. This involved a Christian gentleman of deep, genuine, devout, and evidently divine faith with God ... such profound faith we've not seen since Daniel in the Lion's den or the Furnace. Hubby is a people watcher. He is fascinated by how people handle themselves through extraordinary circumstances. This particular envelop wasn't even thought of before, let alone pushed and done. Nik Wallenda was literally putting his LIFE and FAITH on the line.
God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
LOL, while "sound mind" might've been in question here, it is wonderfully obvious that Nik has experienced Power and Love on his walk across the Grand Canyon. It was also obvious that God blessed him with a sense of amazing focus (this is the sound mind we need to speak more about,lol).
Rejoice ever more. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks. What better opportunity to do this than while doing this crazy stunt? I must say, though, it was VERY encouraging to listen to him chat with God. He DID give thanks to God for every little thing, any little thing he could think of...whatever crossed his mind, he gave thanks and praise. He was free about it, like this is an automatic practice for him. Out of the heart flows the issues of life. He did not speak panicked fear...he spoke confidence in His Saviour being with him literally every step of the way.
He had a few moments in which some outside forces could have given him trouble. A few times he asked the Lord to quiet the winds. ..."What manner of man is this, that even the winds and seas obey Him?" Even to this day, we often forget that the Lord can and does control the winds and other elements on this earth. It is obvious that Nik has practiced and has first-hand knowledge that only the Lord can control his environmental conditions.
Nik was very realistic in knowing when his mind was attempting to play tricks on him, when he needed to talk to himself, when he needed to quiet and rest his mind and body for a few moments. His father was extremely encouraging, gently urging him on, that he was in good shape, reminding him that whatever particular situation is nothing new to him, just refocus. The communication between father and son was soothing and comfortable. The communication between Father and son was even more comfortable.
When he reached near the end, I must readily admit (again, I know I'm not the only one!!) that everything I had just witnessed up to this point flew out the window the moment he stopped, air-kissed his family in celebration before he got to the last few feet and ran across the wire onto solid ground. Even my husband was extremely nervous about that last pseudo-stunt!! I mean, "DUDE, you're SO CLOSE...don't mess up NOW!!!!!"
Throughout it all, Hubby cheered him on, but he was also rooted in doubt that he could actually make it. Every step he took made him feel hopeful for him, but it also made him even more anxious for him, too! He reacted more about this event than anything I've ever seen him react. He actually told me that he would feel absolutely horrible if he had died while doing this (a very rare response from him about death in general). I'm so very thankful for the 10-second delay that programming was supposedly set for in case anything tragic happened, but the entire time was extremely intense and almost unbearable.
For me, watching this man of faith LIVING in faith, in face of what had to otherwise be insurmountable fear, was actually a pretty exhilarating experience! What was even more marvelous is the fact that Hubby watched, with his own eyes, a death-defying, divine-inspired, modern-day miracle, and HE KNEW IT! He actually said that, for all the training, knowledge, scientific studies, he saw that God had a Hand in this all along. I am praying for some dialogue with him. In the meantime, I need to straighten some things out for myself, too.
So, what about me? Watching this evidence of extraordinary faith play out has made me painfully realize just how little my faith truly was. I had forgotten that God is involved in our ev-er-y-day, ordinary lives, with typically ordinary little problems and even little "need" for faith. How shameful. Father, please forgive me for wandering away from you. Jesus, please help my mind match my spirit in knowing that you ARE WITH ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY in my life. I guess I thought of myself higher than I should've, as evidenced by someone who really and truly not only stepped out on faith, did something more miraculous than walking on water (which Jesus DID promise could happen!), but put his life and faith on the line for the world to see. To God be the Glory!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
I've heard this for years, "...in like a lion, out like a lamb...", and, of course, I realize they're referring to March's environment and atmosphere. The month of March often begins in quite a bluster of wind like a roaring lion and sometimes rain, and then things quiet down near the close of March as a contented lamb bleating in a field for its mother.
During this time, I'm especially remembering that "lion" qualities and "lamb" qualities both are found in my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. He has an authoritative presence with a protective nature. He is also a humble being with a tender gentleness, obedient to carry out His Father's will for His life.
Jesus' ministry was based on his audience. With those who required a stern rebuke, he was as firm and steadfast as a lion. With those who were broken and weak, he was a gentle and kind as a lamb.
There is a prophesy that foretells the day in which a lion will lie down with the sheep. I can see that spiritually happening. One day we may actually see it really happen on this earth.
The end of THIS March happens to fall on Resurrection Day Sunday. On Good Friday, the Lamb of God was crucified to bear the sins of this world. Today, the Lion of Judah has returned to His place on the right hand of God, preparing a place for us who believe on Him and His Name, believing that He died for the sins of mankind, our personal ones included.
May all of us enjoy a perpetual March, whether it comes in as a lion or goes out as a lamb.
During this time, I'm especially remembering that "lion" qualities and "lamb" qualities both are found in my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. He has an authoritative presence with a protective nature. He is also a humble being with a tender gentleness, obedient to carry out His Father's will for His life.
Jesus' ministry was based on his audience. With those who required a stern rebuke, he was as firm and steadfast as a lion. With those who were broken and weak, he was a gentle and kind as a lamb.
There is a prophesy that foretells the day in which a lion will lie down with the sheep. I can see that spiritually happening. One day we may actually see it really happen on this earth.
The end of THIS March happens to fall on Resurrection Day Sunday. On Good Friday, the Lamb of God was crucified to bear the sins of this world. Today, the Lion of Judah has returned to His place on the right hand of God, preparing a place for us who believe on Him and His Name, believing that He died for the sins of mankind, our personal ones included.
May all of us enjoy a perpetual March, whether it comes in as a lion or goes out as a lamb.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
January 2013
Here we are again. It's another year.
Another new beginning.
Another clean slate.
Another opportunity to aim high for a better life.
The year 2012 wasn't too bad of a year for me. Actually, it was a pretty decent year. I received many wonderful blessings. I got to participate in some things I've not been able to do for many years. I got to meet some really great people this year.
Thankfully, my immediate family did not suffer loss last year. We all remained mostly healthy. Despite some wicked storms that have surrounded us last year, we still have a home. Hubby and I both had jobs all year last year (I was a little quiet in November, but I see that as a break I evidently needed). We made more trips to my folks' house (about 100 miles away) this year. I treasure those trips there because we already lost my husband's parents, and I want the boys to get to know mine for as long as they can. My parents get such a joy seeing us, especially their only grandchildren.
I do acknowledge that I have quite a few friends who struggled for much, if not all, of the year last year. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones, who lost their jobs, who faced urgent medical issues with the subsequent mountain of medical bills. My heart goes out to those who lost their pets. My heart goes out to those who suffered heartache for unnamed reasons. My heart goes out to those who feel hopelessness is their lot in life. I continue to pray that their outlook changes for the better in 2013.
There are some superstitious people who believe that 2013 will be bad luck. Well, I don't believe in "luck." Why anticipate an entire year will be doom and gloom simply because 13 happens to be a necessary number in our lives? In my opinion, that is no way to live. I believe that we have a huge contribution into how this year, or any year, for that matter, turns out for us. There are obviously unforeseeable events that can throw a monkey wrench into your plans (happens all the time for me, lol), but just start with a plan, and follow the path laid out for you to reach your goal. It can be done. As a Christian, I believe that God loves me and has my best interest at heart, whether it's joyful or grievous to me. Where there is sorrow at night (and sometimes the nights seem awfully long!), joy comes in the morning. Sometimes a loss means something better is about to take place, whether in this life or the next. We can make the plans, but I believe God really does order our footsteps. This comes to mind as I remember: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~~Jeremiah 29:11~~
I really haven't given much thought as to what I hope to accomplish this year. I have a few perpetual goals/resolutions...to lose weight and be healthy, to read my Bible through the year, to earn more money, to be able to let my boys participate in more activities, etc, etc, etc.........
However, I DO want to do something new this year. I read a post on Facebook (pictured above) about having a jar and filling it with great things that happen throughout the year. Either I need to find a HUGE jar, or by the end of the year I need to really mush those notes into the largest jar I own. ;) Either way, I'm actually looking forward to a great year, no matter what comes my way.
Here's to each of us enjoying a wonderful and Happy New Year of 2013. One of my favorite biblical "New Year" verses is Paul's greeting in 3 John 2~~
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Another new beginning.
Another opportunity to aim high for a better life.
The year 2012 wasn't too bad of a year for me. Actually, it was a pretty decent year. I received many wonderful blessings. I got to participate in some things I've not been able to do for many years. I got to meet some really great people this year.
Thankfully, my immediate family did not suffer loss last year. We all remained mostly healthy. Despite some wicked storms that have surrounded us last year, we still have a home. Hubby and I both had jobs all year last year (I was a little quiet in November, but I see that as a break I evidently needed). We made more trips to my folks' house (about 100 miles away) this year. I treasure those trips there because we already lost my husband's parents, and I want the boys to get to know mine for as long as they can. My parents get such a joy seeing us, especially their only grandchildren.
I do acknowledge that I have quite a few friends who struggled for much, if not all, of the year last year. My heart goes out to those who lost loved ones, who lost their jobs, who faced urgent medical issues with the subsequent mountain of medical bills. My heart goes out to those who lost their pets. My heart goes out to those who suffered heartache for unnamed reasons. My heart goes out to those who feel hopelessness is their lot in life. I continue to pray that their outlook changes for the better in 2013.
There are some superstitious people who believe that 2013 will be bad luck. Well, I don't believe in "luck." Why anticipate an entire year will be doom and gloom simply because 13 happens to be a necessary number in our lives? In my opinion, that is no way to live. I believe that we have a huge contribution into how this year, or any year, for that matter, turns out for us. There are obviously unforeseeable events that can throw a monkey wrench into your plans (happens all the time for me, lol), but just start with a plan, and follow the path laid out for you to reach your goal. It can be done. As a Christian, I believe that God loves me and has my best interest at heart, whether it's joyful or grievous to me. Where there is sorrow at night (and sometimes the nights seem awfully long!), joy comes in the morning. Sometimes a loss means something better is about to take place, whether in this life or the next. We can make the plans, but I believe God really does order our footsteps. This comes to mind as I remember: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~~Jeremiah 29:11~~
I really haven't given much thought as to what I hope to accomplish this year. I have a few perpetual goals/resolutions...to lose weight and be healthy, to read my Bible through the year, to earn more money, to be able to let my boys participate in more activities, etc, etc, etc.........
However, I DO want to do something new this year. I read a post on Facebook (pictured above) about having a jar and filling it with great things that happen throughout the year. Either I need to find a HUGE jar, or by the end of the year I need to really mush those notes into the largest jar I own. ;) Either way, I'm actually looking forward to a great year, no matter what comes my way.
Here's to each of us enjoying a wonderful and Happy New Year of 2013. One of my favorite biblical "New Year" verses is Paul's greeting in 3 John 2~~
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Monday, October 15, 2012
In Holiday Memory Fondness
This particular time of year is a time when I miss my parents-in-law the most. :(
It's been 10 years since FIL passed away, and 6 years since MIL passed away, both from different cancers.
FIL used to get such a huge tickle out of us visiting him, especially when T15 came along. The bond between them was precious to see. Some of their favorite times together was going to the "Big Cow" restaurant. It didn't matter if FIL wanted to go somewhere else, he'd always ask T15 where he wanted to go to eat, and he always replied, "The Big Cow!" There was a buffet restaurant we went to in OK that always had a huge cow in front of it. It has since closed down. The other fun thing was for Granddaddy and T15 to carve pumpkins. That was pretty much "their" specialty. Good times there. :)
MIL LOVED holidays, starting with Halloween. She always made a big to-do w/ almost all of the holidays, but Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were holidays she loved, Chris
I'm very proud to have married their son. I treasure the times we did get to spend with them. Though tears trickle down my face as I think of them, missing them, I have nothing but fond memories of both of them.
Till we all meet again in that home beyond the skies, their sweet memories linger on.
It's been 10 years since FIL passed away, and 6 years since MIL passed away, both from different cancers.
FIL used to get such a huge tickle out of us visiting him, especially when T15 came along. The bond between them was precious to see. Some of their favorite times together was going to the "Big Cow" restaurant. It didn't matter if FIL wanted to go somewhere else, he'd always ask T15 where he wanted to go to eat, and he always replied, "The Big Cow!" There was a buffet restaurant we went to in OK that always had a huge cow in front of it. It has since closed down. The other fun thing was for Granddaddy and T15 to carve pumpkins. That was pretty much "their" specialty. Good times there. :)
MIL LOVED holidays, starting with Halloween. She always made a big to-do w/ almost all of the holidays, but Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were holidays she loved, Chris
tmas being her favorite time to decorate. She hand made much of her decorations, and it was always fun to see what she'd put up the next year. She had an activity with each one of her grandchildren. As a matter of fact, in April she had Christmas plans for something with J9 that she never got to do--I don't even remember what it was, it was still in formation. That particular dream was cut off less than 2 weeks later. At least J9 got to meet his Gr'ma, but she passed away when he was only 3. I think he would've totally enjoyed his Granddaddy just like his brother did.
I'm very proud to have married their son. I treasure the times we did get to spend with them. Though tears trickle down my face as I think of them, missing them, I have nothing but fond memories of both of them.
Till we all meet again in that home beyond the skies, their sweet memories linger on.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
LET FREEDOM RING!
My younger son brought home a little Independence Day/4th of July project from church yesterday. The focus verse was very profound and got me to thinking.....
"Stand therefore in the LIBERTY wherewith Christ hath made us FREE, and be NOT entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~~ Galatians 5:1~~
What an apropos reminder. These freedoms we enjoy today are representative of the freedoms our forefathers fought to protect as they helped develop this budding nation. GOD "hath made us free" (inalienable rights). Our founding fathers DELIBERATELY set us apart from the rest of the world and the way it governs us.
We are living in an age in America in which our freedoms are being threatened by the likes of those who, as the Israelites of 1 Samuel 8 (particularly verse 5), seek to "be like other nations." Do we REEEEEALLY wanna go there???? I sure don't!!
I've heard a pastor paraphrase something said long ago: "We must USE our freedom to DEFEND our freedom, or we will LOSE our freedom."
"Stand therefore in the LIBERTY wherewith Christ hath made us FREE, and be NOT entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~~ Galatians 5:1~~
What an apropos reminder. These freedoms we enjoy today are representative of the freedoms our forefathers fought to protect as they helped develop this budding nation. GOD "hath made us free" (inalienable rights). Our founding fathers DELIBERATELY set us apart from the rest of the world and the way it governs us.
We are living in an age in America in which our freedoms are being threatened by the likes of those who, as the Israelites of 1 Samuel 8 (particularly verse 5), seek to "be like other nations." Do we REEEEEALLY wanna go there???? I sure don't!!
I've heard a pastor paraphrase something said long ago: "We must USE our freedom to DEFEND our freedom, or we will LOSE our freedom."
Benjamin Franklin warned, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety,
deserve neither liberty nor safety."
We are blessed in being able to BE GOVERNED by innate freedom and divine laws. We are blessed in being able to exercise our freedoms without fear of tyranny. However, as it seems we have grown apathetic as a nation, a darkness is settling in if we are not careful. We are slowly being micromanaged in areas of life that we should be governing for ourselves. As a nation, we are welcoming this trend. We are welcoming a false sense of security. I believe we need to be alert and vigilant to defend our inalienable freedoms before we lose it.
I will say something that raises serious ire among some of my friends, but I do believe it with all my heart: I do believe that our country is founded upon Judeo-Christian principles. God does not need to be directly named to recognize and acknowledge His essence and power in our nation! One of my favorite patriotic verses in the Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." ~~Psalm 33:12~~
God puts kings on thrones, and He removes kings. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
God puts kings on thrones, and He removes kings. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
There was a time in which we were self-disciplined or self-governed as a nation. There was little need for government to rule us.
At the close of the Continental Congress, a lady (presumably a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia) asked Dr. Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
At the close of the Continental Congress, a lady (presumably a Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia) asked Dr. Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?"
"A republic," answered Dr. Franklin, "if you can keep it."
The Declaration of Independence is the start of a great transformation into one of the greatest nations on earth. We need to be diligent to keep our government functioning as our forefathers intended it to function when they completed the task with the The United States Constitution.
Between Yankee Doodle Dandy, Stars and Stripes Forever, The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America, You're a Grand Old Flag, and a host of other classic patriotic songs, let us remember with renewed fondness what it means to BE an American and to have that American spirit! Let us remember the uniqueness we have enjoyed for 236 years.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!! LET FREEDOM RING!!
The Declaration of Independence is the start of a great transformation into one of the greatest nations on earth. We need to be diligent to keep our government functioning as our forefathers intended it to function when they completed the task with the The United States Constitution.
Between Yankee Doodle Dandy, Stars and Stripes Forever, The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America, You're a Grand Old Flag, and a host of other classic patriotic songs, let us remember with renewed fondness what it means to BE an American and to have that American spirit! Let us remember the uniqueness we have enjoyed for 236 years.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!! LET FREEDOM RING!!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Day After Flag Day
They could not believe that I would willingly offend a fellow American with my flag and what it stood for. After picking my jaw up off the floor, I got to thinking about it. Why not?? A flood of thoughts came to my mind about why I would willingly offend a professing American who does not appreciate our flag and what it stood for.
For ALL of our faults, I believe America is still the greatest nation in which I live. I believe that our nation represents and parallels a time similar to which God sent Abram to an unknown land, assuring him that He is choosing him and his wife, Sarai, to be the parents of His chosen people, even though they were barren. God needed to remove them from their familiar land, their family, their customs and cultures, so that He can give them a new life full of blessings. Our beginnings consisted of people who left their homes, their families, their cultures and their customs (although carrying some of them), to begin a new life in an unknown land.
Our colonies started much like the tribes of Israel. For the most part, each colony (tribe) had their own way of governing themselves, even among native inhabitants of the foreign land. This went on for about a hundred years, and then it became important to join the colonies together against a common enemy. This is much like Moses being chosen to free the Israelites from the Egyptian pharaoh. God gave them the victory; God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians. Despite insufficient resources, God delivered the colonies (like the Hebrews) from Europe/England (like Egypt) and they gained their Independence.
Now what?
Like the birth of the Law of Moses to the Israelites, the birth of our Constitution gave us an identity as the United States of America.
It took a little time before the people Israel were given the Laws of Moses. These laws were what helped create unity in a people. Not that the laws were always obeyed, but the uniqueness of the laws set these people apart. There universal laws (common laws which were divinely understood by mankind) and then there are laws of a people. In this case, we're speaking of the people of Israel. Some of the laws mentioned in the Talmud pertain to the making of the sons of Levi' priesthood raiment and the prayer shawl. From the inspiration of the prayer shawl eventually comes the flag of Israel.
Unlike Israel, our national flag came before our national constitution. The history of our American flag is an interesting study, in my opinion. The celebration of Flag Day is one of many reminders of how we've grown as a nation, encompassing everything about our nation. Our flag identifies not only our nation as a whole, but it also uniquely acknowledges our individual states that make up this nation via stars, and even stripes! Our flag acknowledges our beginnings (the 13 stripes for our 13 colonies) and our contemporary standing now (50 stars for all 50 states that make up our nation). While our colors were not clearly defined when our flag was developed, the Congress of Confederation in 1782 noted meaning for these same colors when developing the Great Seal of the United States. WHITE stood for purity and innocence, RED stood for valor and hardiness, and BLUE stood for vigilance, perseverance and justice. George Washington is often said to believe that the stars were taken from the skies, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified secession from the home/mother land. The original 13 stars were circular to indicate equality of the colonies-states, that none should be viewed above another.
For the fair youth of our nation, we have a very rich history initially developed by a determined people, passed onto determined generations, who learned how to live, and how to govern, and even how to be governed. Our United States Constitution is an extremely unique document which has seen very little change up to today. Our Constitution represents how we live, how we govern, and how we celebrate our history. While it seems to be hotly debatable, our Constitution largely represents the Providence of God for our nation. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." ~Psalm 33:12~ In our freedoms expressed by our founding fathers, we are a blessed nation from the smallest of us to the greatest among us.
Our flag represents EVERYTHING about America--our liberties, our blessings, our charity, our victories--EVERYTHING. Unlike our constitution, our flag is easily accessible for individuals to express our pride and patriotism in this greatest nation called The United States of America. To say that you are an American and you take these things for granted to the point that you are offended by our flag, and what we stand for, can be seen as treasonous. But we are a genteel, civilized folk...we can humbly escort you off our shores.
TREADING INTO UNDESIRABLE TERRITORY
Okay. I have about had enough of the broad brush stroke over people who happen to disagree about the acceptance of homosexuality. Yeah, I'm going there. I figure if you are going to dislike me (or worse) for having a disagreement with you, I might as well present you with my full canvas.
Let's get this straight up front: I DO NOT HATE OR DISLIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE OR PROFESS TO BE GAY.
Got that?
I'll say it again: I DO NOT HATE OR DISLIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE OR PROFESS TO BE GAY.
My issue is STRICTLY with homosexuality. NOT the PERSON.
EACH of us struggles with a stronghold of some nature, some are more prominent than others. EACH of us has issues we feel we can't overcome. EACH of us wonders if we are made to be the way we are. EACH of us struggles with worth in either God's eyes and/or society's (man's) eyes. Some people struggle with homosexuality. Even when they believe they must accept their condition, it's still a struggle no different than any other sin some of us may face in our lives.
I have some friends who are gay. I have witnessed goodness in these people as men would count goodness. One is a wonderful father to an adopted special-needs child. This child has blossomed under his care. He is a very dedicated father. His child's adventures have been very inspiring.
Another friend is also a very dedicated father to his family. His biological daughter is someone to be proud of. He gave his family his all. He is also a very intelligent man.
I have yet another friend who recently came out of the closet. He is an art genius.
Having said all of this, do I accept that they are gay? Yes. That is a part of them on which I choose not to focus because their personhood is SO MUCH greater than whether or not they are gay.
Do I accept their homosexuality? Absolutely NOT. This is where we respectfully part ways (yes, I said respectfully...it CAN happen).
Even before I became a Christian, I believed homosexuality is wrong. It's just wrong. It goes against the natural physical course of life via procreation, for starters. Biblically speaking, it's morally wrong. It is considered an abomination against God. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their wickedness.
Moving into deeper waters......
Do I support speaking out against homosexuality? YES.
Do I support harming homosexuals because of their lifestyles? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
NO ONE has any business in bullying, harming, and killing anyone because they are gay. THAT IS WRONG, especially in light of being Christians.
I do NOT support gay rights (legally adopting a lifestyle with the benefits after the manner of traditional marriage, which I do believe is designed by God Himself). However, I DO support human rights (being able to live without being harmed). I will not go out of my way to support gay marriage/relationships, but I don't believe they need to be harmed because of how they live.
Speaking only as a Christian, every one of us has an opportunity for redemption. NONE of us are better than another. Each one of us deserves a chance to live unless God takes us out first. If someone kills another because they don't approve of their lifestyle, then their rap sheet will include murder. Jesus warns us that if we take it upon ourselves to kill what we consider ungodly, thinking we are doing God's service, we run a huge risk for, at the very least, displeasing God. ~John 16:1-4~ Ouch.
Going in even deeper still...............
Do I believe homosexuality is a choice or something with which someone is born? Both.
I had always believed this, but I had always struggled with putting into words my thoughts on this matter.Then I heard a pastor expound on this very subject using Psalm 51:5 to illustrate his message.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. ~Psalm 51:5~
By Adam, sin came into the world for mankind. By Jesus, salvation came into the world for mankind.
David was born as a sinner. He was born with the nature to sin. We all are. David acknowledges, however, that he was shapen in iniquity. He acknowledges that he had influences that shaped how he thought about things and eventually into the acts he would perform. Alcoholism, adultery, murder, lying, are examples of ingrained tendencies which can be acted upon or rejected. If personal sin is not dealt with, then it eventually can become an issue of generational sin. More often than not, we are a product of our environment. If all you see is sin but you don't recognize it as sin and don't treat it as sin, then it can become a way of life for you, or develop into a tendency. Soon you have a generation who does not know they are sinning, and the sin then becomes perpetual because they see nothing wrong with what they are doing. Was I Born This Way? explains this so much better than I ever could.
Having said all of this, I do believe that we all deserve compassion. God calls us to treat each other better. We are all individuals who can greatly contribute to this world and to God's purpose, whatever that may be. If our focus is limited to unrighteously judging the sins others commit, then NONE of us would have any value, NO good would ever come to mankind, and that is sinful in God and men's eyes.
Let's get this straight up front: I DO NOT HATE OR DISLIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE OR PROFESS TO BE GAY.
Got that?
I'll say it again: I DO NOT HATE OR DISLIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE OR PROFESS TO BE GAY.
My issue is STRICTLY with homosexuality. NOT the PERSON.
EACH of us struggles with a stronghold of some nature, some are more prominent than others. EACH of us has issues we feel we can't overcome. EACH of us wonders if we are made to be the way we are. EACH of us struggles with worth in either God's eyes and/or society's (man's) eyes. Some people struggle with homosexuality. Even when they believe they must accept their condition, it's still a struggle no different than any other sin some of us may face in our lives.
I have some friends who are gay. I have witnessed goodness in these people as men would count goodness. One is a wonderful father to an adopted special-needs child. This child has blossomed under his care. He is a very dedicated father. His child's adventures have been very inspiring.
Another friend is also a very dedicated father to his family. His biological daughter is someone to be proud of. He gave his family his all. He is also a very intelligent man.
I have yet another friend who recently came out of the closet. He is an art genius.
Having said all of this, do I accept that they are gay? Yes. That is a part of them on which I choose not to focus because their personhood is SO MUCH greater than whether or not they are gay.
Do I accept their homosexuality? Absolutely NOT. This is where we respectfully part ways (yes, I said respectfully...it CAN happen).
Even before I became a Christian, I believed homosexuality is wrong. It's just wrong. It goes against the natural physical course of life via procreation, for starters. Biblically speaking, it's morally wrong. It is considered an abomination against God. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their wickedness.
Moving into deeper waters......
Do I support speaking out against homosexuality? YES.
Do I support harming homosexuals because of their lifestyles? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!
NO ONE has any business in bullying, harming, and killing anyone because they are gay. THAT IS WRONG, especially in light of being Christians.
I do NOT support gay rights (legally adopting a lifestyle with the benefits after the manner of traditional marriage, which I do believe is designed by God Himself). However, I DO support human rights (being able to live without being harmed). I will not go out of my way to support gay marriage/relationships, but I don't believe they need to be harmed because of how they live.
Speaking only as a Christian, every one of us has an opportunity for redemption. NONE of us are better than another. Each one of us deserves a chance to live unless God takes us out first. If someone kills another because they don't approve of their lifestyle, then their rap sheet will include murder. Jesus warns us that if we take it upon ourselves to kill what we consider ungodly, thinking we are doing God's service, we run a huge risk for, at the very least, displeasing God. ~John 16:1-4~ Ouch.
Going in even deeper still...............
Do I believe homosexuality is a choice or something with which someone is born? Both.
I had always believed this, but I had always struggled with putting into words my thoughts on this matter.Then I heard a pastor expound on this very subject using Psalm 51:5 to illustrate his message.
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. ~Psalm 51:5~
By Adam, sin came into the world for mankind. By Jesus, salvation came into the world for mankind.
David was born as a sinner. He was born with the nature to sin. We all are. David acknowledges, however, that he was shapen in iniquity. He acknowledges that he had influences that shaped how he thought about things and eventually into the acts he would perform. Alcoholism, adultery, murder, lying, are examples of ingrained tendencies which can be acted upon or rejected. If personal sin is not dealt with, then it eventually can become an issue of generational sin. More often than not, we are a product of our environment. If all you see is sin but you don't recognize it as sin and don't treat it as sin, then it can become a way of life for you, or develop into a tendency. Soon you have a generation who does not know they are sinning, and the sin then becomes perpetual because they see nothing wrong with what they are doing. Was I Born This Way? explains this so much better than I ever could.
Having said all of this, I do believe that we all deserve compassion. God calls us to treat each other better. We are all individuals who can greatly contribute to this world and to God's purpose, whatever that may be. If our focus is limited to unrighteously judging the sins others commit, then NONE of us would have any value, NO good would ever come to mankind, and that is sinful in God and men's eyes.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
In today's world, reaching a one-year anniversary can be quite a challenge. Hopefully they've had a wonderful year of wedded bliss fit for royalty!
The world watched as they married in a regal ceremony some little girls can only dream of. His mother before him experienced such a dream. Last year, Kate Middleton experienced the dream, too. I am glad to see them still adoring each other. I expect they'll be able to do so for a long time to come.
I continue to wish them both the best that life together has to offer them.
Happy Anniversary.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
JANUARY 2012
Okay, we've already got one week of the new month of the new year under our belt! How did it go??
Just a wild observation on my part...am I the only one who has had no trouble adjusting to writing the year 2012? Most other years, I've struggled for a week or even as long as a month to remember to write the number of the new year. :)
Just a wild observation on my part...am I the only one who has had no trouble adjusting to writing the year 2012? Most other years, I've struggled for a week or even as long as a month to remember to write the number of the new year. :)
I'm LOVING the arrival of 2012. I see so many dreams, I see so many possibilities, I see so many goals to set and meet. It's amazing.
That is not to say that 2011 was a totally bad year. Actually, I don't see it quite that way. Was it a year of hope? No, not really. Was it a year of smooth sailing? Lemme assure you...ABSOLUTELY NOT! Last year, for me, was a year of many transitions. The Bible talks of Israel going through birth pangs just before a transition is complete? Last year was my year of travail.
I've got a new job. I've got new decisions to make for my teenager heading into high school next year (AAAAACK!!!!!). I've got new personal goals. I see myself meeting those goals. I see the beginning of a new life for me and my family. :)
I've given up on making "New Year's resolutions." I have open-ended goals that I hope to check off at the end of the year or the beginning of next year.
Our weather is basically "back to normal" this year. By this time last year, we've already had a couple of "major" winter storm systems move through, with more to come--VERY strange weather for North Texas! : D I hope we get our cold spells this year. I would like to see some real snow this year. I love what the Bible tells us in Isaiah 1:18: "...though your sins be scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool." We are blessed to see cardinals during the winter time, and when you see them against the stark white snow, the contrast and the picture of that verse comes to life.
I've got a new job. I've got new decisions to make for my teenager heading into high school next year (AAAAACK!!!!!). I've got new personal goals. I see myself meeting those goals. I see the beginning of a new life for me and my family. :)
I've given up on making "New Year's resolutions." I have open-ended goals that I hope to check off at the end of the year or the beginning of next year.
Our weather is basically "back to normal" this year. By this time last year, we've already had a couple of "major" winter storm systems move through, with more to come--VERY strange weather for North Texas! : D I hope we get our cold spells this year. I would like to see some real snow this year. I love what the Bible tells us in Isaiah 1:18: "...though your sins be scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool." We are blessed to see cardinals during the winter time, and when you see them against the stark white snow, the contrast and the picture of that verse comes to life.
I enjoy the cold. It could be that I am blessed to be at home and don't hafta get out in the messy cold if I don't want to, but I enjoy the reason to wear sweaters, sweatpants and shirts, and jeans, and jackets (we didn't really need a "coat" until last year!) for this very short time of Texas year. Our hot days will be here sooooooon enough, and last as forever long, lol. :}
This is our time of soups, hot chocolate, roasts, and all kinds of cozy treats that only happen during this time of year.
This is our time for indoor activities such as reading, sewing (which I've gotta relearn, lol), art, playing games, etc. When I am outside, a walk in the crisp cold is more fun to me than sweltering in the summer heat.
This is our time of soups, hot chocolate, roasts, and all kinds of cozy treats that only happen during this time of year.
This is our time for indoor activities such as reading, sewing (which I've gotta relearn, lol), art, playing games, etc. When I am outside, a walk in the crisp cold is more fun to me than sweltering in the summer heat.
I pray that each one of you have a wonderful year this year, complete with prosperity of health, wealth, and happiness.
Monday, December 5, 2011
It's CHRISTMAS Time!
Okay, so we've established that fall is my absolute favorite season. Now we're heading into my most favorite holiday....CHRISTMAS!! :D
Keeping in mind that CHRISTmas and Resurrection Day are heart celebrations for many of us Christians, and we don't "need" the calendar day to determine whether to celebrate it or not (Romans 14:5-7). Indeed, Jesus was most likely not born "on" what we call Christmas day. However, I L-O-V-E seeing various manifestations of the Christmas holiday; and if the ancient Christian populations chose this day to do so, then I'm gonna roll with it, Baby!
There are decidedly Pagan elements of Christmas that we see today, but celebrating the birth of our Lord has a different avenue than what is secularly celebrated during this wonderfully conglomerate holiday season (again, Romans 14:5-7). The musical scene is different, the peace is different, the beauty of gifts is different, even the honorary attendant is different...if, indeed, there is one.
I acknowledge that, for some, this is also the most depressing time of year. They have experienced heartache that can't seem to mend, bitterness that can't seem to be broken, loss that they can't seem to recover, rejection they can't seem to challenge, addictions they can't seem to overcome, illness and sickness from which there seems to be no healing, oppression they can't seem to conquer, and loneliness they can't seem to fufill...the list goes on. My answer to this is not only to physically do what I or we can to help bring momentary comfort to these suffering people, but to encourage these people to also seek the Gospel and to personally receive It. It is indeed the greatest Gift for all of mankind. I readily admit that I have gone down the road of Been-There-Done-That, and going down Gospel Lane has been the greatest blessing in my life and continues to be so to this day.
I find myself singing Christmas hymns throughout the year, but I think that when you hear these hymns during the celebration season of Jesus' birth, there is a spirit that is particularly stirring within the heart of a Christian. There is a magical quality about it. It's as if the host of heaven is singing in yet another Christmas concert. Can you imagine the delight of the shepherds who were chosen to attend the first Christmas concert over 2000 years ago?? There are more details (heavenly as well as earthly) about Jesus' birth than for virtually any other person of the Bible.
I greatly enjoy Christmas. I enjoy the music. I enjoy the trees. I enjoy the decorations. I enjoy the goodies. I enjoy the company of those I love. I enjoy the fellowship of other Christians who celebrate Christmas with me. And, yes, I enjoy the gift exchanges.
One of my favorite activities is to drive around and see the lights. I love seeing homes lit up in the spirit of Christmas. Jesus had a particular star which pointed the way to Him, but it was hardly the only star in the sky! Our lights on houses remind me of the celestial stars that had to have shown particularly bright that night a couple of thousand years ago.
My favorite Christmas hymns and songs?
Carol of the Bells
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentleman.
Joy to the World
The First Noel
Angels, We Have Heard on High
Mary, Did You Know?
What Child Is This?
Silent Night
Little Drummer Boy
O, Little Town of Bethlehem
We Three Kings of Orient Are
Oh, Come All Ye Faithful
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Where's the Line to See Jesus?
The Twelve Days of Christmas
((the list goes on.... lol))
Not only do I love the songs themselves, but I love many of the various renditions of them, too! The Vienna Boy's Choir, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Celtic Woman, and a wonderful lady I'm blessed to be friends with is a beautiful singer, as well.
I found an interesting take on the Twelve Days of Christmas. This is one of those things that is not proven to be true in historical fact (a "truly" coded message for early Christians who could not openly worship as Christians), but Hugh D. McKellar in 1979 promoted a practical teaching opportunity and lesson as a means of teaching the catechism to young Catholics. This can help make learning about Christianity more meaningful, especially for young or new believers.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
"true Love" referring to God, Himself, bearing gifts to mankind.
"to me" is thought to mean the baptized believer.
A partridge in a pear tree..........Jesus.
Two turtle doves..........Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens..........Three kings bearing gifts.*
Four calling birds (or colly--blackbirds)..........The Four Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five gold/en rings..........Torah or Pentateuch, first five books of the Old Testament, Laws of Moses.
Six geese a-laying..........Six days of Creation.
Seven swans a-swimming..........Gifts of the Holy Spirit**
Eight maids a-milking..........The Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:3-10)
Nine ladies dancing..........The fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Ten lords a-leaping..........The Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping..........The eleven faithful disciples/apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming..........The twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.
This is a wonderful time of baking and cooking, too. There are favorite cookies we tend to only bake around Christmastime, Russian Teacakes and Ginger Cookies being more heavily requested. We bake a birthday cake for Jesus, as well. I love reading about, and seeing many traditions that take place around this world in celebrating Christmas. Almost every year we try to do a little something different. I also make a point of reading and/or seeing A Christmas Carol amost every year, too.
In remembering Jesus' birthday, there is also a sober reminder of WHY He was born--to save mankind from the sins of the world and to reconcile the relationship between God and man. As a Christian, this is the most beautiful gift for which none of us can repay.
Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Merry Christmas! "And God Bless Us, Every One." ~~Tiny Tim, from A Christmas Carol
*[personallly, I think this should better represent the three GIFTS of the kings--the King James Bible indicates that "kings", not "three kings", brought gifts to Jesus--however, the particular gifts mentioned are gold, frankinsense and myrrh--each representing each stage of Jesus' calling.]
** I admit I am not sure exactly what are counted as the 7 specific gifts of the Holy Spirit. I will need to research this further.
Keeping in mind that CHRISTmas and Resurrection Day are heart celebrations for many of us Christians, and we don't "need" the calendar day to determine whether to celebrate it or not (Romans 14:5-7). Indeed, Jesus was most likely not born "on" what we call Christmas day. However, I L-O-V-E seeing various manifestations of the Christmas holiday; and if the ancient Christian populations chose this day to do so, then I'm gonna roll with it, Baby!
There are decidedly Pagan elements of Christmas that we see today, but celebrating the birth of our Lord has a different avenue than what is secularly celebrated during this wonderfully conglomerate holiday season (again, Romans 14:5-7). The musical scene is different, the peace is different, the beauty of gifts is different, even the honorary attendant is different...if, indeed, there is one.
I acknowledge that, for some, this is also the most depressing time of year. They have experienced heartache that can't seem to mend, bitterness that can't seem to be broken, loss that they can't seem to recover, rejection they can't seem to challenge, addictions they can't seem to overcome, illness and sickness from which there seems to be no healing, oppression they can't seem to conquer, and loneliness they can't seem to fufill...the list goes on. My answer to this is not only to physically do what I or we can to help bring momentary comfort to these suffering people, but to encourage these people to also seek the Gospel and to personally receive It. It is indeed the greatest Gift for all of mankind. I readily admit that I have gone down the road of Been-There-Done-That, and going down Gospel Lane has been the greatest blessing in my life and continues to be so to this day.
I find myself singing Christmas hymns throughout the year, but I think that when you hear these hymns during the celebration season of Jesus' birth, there is a spirit that is particularly stirring within the heart of a Christian. There is a magical quality about it. It's as if the host of heaven is singing in yet another Christmas concert. Can you imagine the delight of the shepherds who were chosen to attend the first Christmas concert over 2000 years ago?? There are more details (heavenly as well as earthly) about Jesus' birth than for virtually any other person of the Bible.
I greatly enjoy Christmas. I enjoy the music. I enjoy the trees. I enjoy the decorations. I enjoy the goodies. I enjoy the company of those I love. I enjoy the fellowship of other Christians who celebrate Christmas with me. And, yes, I enjoy the gift exchanges.
One of my favorite activities is to drive around and see the lights. I love seeing homes lit up in the spirit of Christmas. Jesus had a particular star which pointed the way to Him, but it was hardly the only star in the sky! Our lights on houses remind me of the celestial stars that had to have shown particularly bright that night a couple of thousand years ago.
My favorite Christmas hymns and songs?
Carol of the Bells
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentleman.
Joy to the World
The First Noel
Angels, We Have Heard on High
Mary, Did You Know?
What Child Is This?
Silent Night
Little Drummer Boy
O, Little Town of Bethlehem
We Three Kings of Orient Are
Oh, Come All Ye Faithful
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Where's the Line to See Jesus?
The Twelve Days of Christmas
((the list goes on.... lol))
Not only do I love the songs themselves, but I love many of the various renditions of them, too! The Vienna Boy's Choir, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Celtic Woman, and a wonderful lady I'm blessed to be friends with is a beautiful singer, as well.
I found an interesting take on the Twelve Days of Christmas. This is one of those things that is not proven to be true in historical fact (a "truly" coded message for early Christians who could not openly worship as Christians), but Hugh D. McKellar in 1979 promoted a practical teaching opportunity and lesson as a means of teaching the catechism to young Catholics. This can help make learning about Christianity more meaningful, especially for young or new believers.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
"true Love" referring to God, Himself, bearing gifts to mankind.
"to me" is thought to mean the baptized believer.
A partridge in a pear tree..........Jesus.
Two turtle doves..........Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens..........Three kings bearing gifts.*
Four calling birds (or colly--blackbirds)..........The Four Gospels-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five gold/en rings..........Torah or Pentateuch, first five books of the Old Testament, Laws of Moses.
Six geese a-laying..........Six days of Creation.
Seven swans a-swimming..........Gifts of the Holy Spirit**
Eight maids a-milking..........The Beatitudes. (Matthew 5:3-10)
Nine ladies dancing..........The fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Ten lords a-leaping..........The Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping..........The eleven faithful disciples/apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming..........The twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.
This is a wonderful time of baking and cooking, too. There are favorite cookies we tend to only bake around Christmastime, Russian Teacakes and Ginger Cookies being more heavily requested. We bake a birthday cake for Jesus, as well. I love reading about, and seeing many traditions that take place around this world in celebrating Christmas. Almost every year we try to do a little something different. I also make a point of reading and/or seeing A Christmas Carol amost every year, too.
In remembering Jesus' birthday, there is also a sober reminder of WHY He was born--to save mankind from the sins of the world and to reconcile the relationship between God and man. As a Christian, this is the most beautiful gift for which none of us can repay.
Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Merry Christmas! "And God Bless Us, Every One." ~~Tiny Tim, from A Christmas Carol
*[personallly, I think this should better represent the three GIFTS of the kings--the King James Bible indicates that "kings", not "three kings", brought gifts to Jesus--however, the particular gifts mentioned are gold, frankinsense and myrrh--each representing each stage of Jesus' calling.]
** I admit I am not sure exactly what are counted as the 7 specific gifts of the Holy Spirit. I will need to research this further.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Aaaaaaaaah....AUTUMN!!
If you can't tell by the title of this entry, fall is my absolute favorite time of year! What's not to love about fall?? ((just humor me and agree with me, okay? lol))
THIS autumn, in particular, is an extremely WELCOME season this year! What, with 70-some-odd days of 100+ degree heat during the summer, highs of 89 would be a "cold front" enjoyed by me and many others!
Fall leads into the holidays. Once we get past Halloween (which is NOT my favorite holiday), it's all a slide downhill from there! :) It's time to break out the recipes for cookies, cakes and goodies usually reserved for "layering" weather. Christmas presents from me are usually baked goods. People seem to like them! Fall leads to hot chocolaty winters, too! My family is ready for the various soups and chilis that fall weather calls for, as well as creative snacks not usually bothered with any other time of year.
The colors of fall are spectacular. God's paintbrushes are super busy this time of year, dotting each tree with splashes of vivid color against the most brilliant of blue skies. It's a playful time for children and those who are children at heart! Leaves are for jumping into, crisp and vibrant. Pumpkin patches galore! Harvest festivals bring out the kid in you. All of it representative of God's amazing bounty for us all.
This is the season of sports, too! We're in the midst of football season, wrapping up baseball season, and soon to start basketball (if it hasn't already). Don't forget about hockey, too! This is a fun season to be outside. Of course, the most sporty I get is a walk, but those are a joy, too! :) Oh, what wonderful things you can see on a walk! :) Still, any reason to celebrate a sporting event, I'm pretty sure I can rustle up some enthusiasm! : D
It's about this time of year that I really start thinking of holiday plans. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my most treasured holidays. I love seeing my family and watching my boys get to know their grandparents and their local cousins, aunts and uncles. My nieces and nephews have pretty much grown up by now. I'm happy to watch them grow into adults.
When I was younger, my favorite things to do during the fall was draw or do some kind of art or craft. I wasn't particularly talented in these areas, but at the time I liked my sense of creativity. The most favorite thing to do during the fall was to curl up with a weekend's worth of books!! : D THAT was my thing! Sigh. I don't have as much time for that anymore. I sure do miss it. :}
No matter. Times change. Times morph into longer hours of darkness and fewer daylight hours. It's a time of transition into a more cozy and intimate time of year. It's time to embrace hibernation! : D But not for a few days yet. I've got more fall days to celebrate!
THIS autumn, in particular, is an extremely WELCOME season this year! What, with 70-some-odd days of 100+ degree heat during the summer, highs of 89 would be a "cold front" enjoyed by me and many others!
Fall leads into the holidays. Once we get past Halloween (which is NOT my favorite holiday), it's all a slide downhill from there! :) It's time to break out the recipes for cookies, cakes and goodies usually reserved for "layering" weather. Christmas presents from me are usually baked goods. People seem to like them! Fall leads to hot chocolaty winters, too! My family is ready for the various soups and chilis that fall weather calls for, as well as creative snacks not usually bothered with any other time of year.
The colors of fall are spectacular. God's paintbrushes are super busy this time of year, dotting each tree with splashes of vivid color against the most brilliant of blue skies. It's a playful time for children and those who are children at heart! Leaves are for jumping into, crisp and vibrant. Pumpkin patches galore! Harvest festivals bring out the kid in you. All of it representative of God's amazing bounty for us all.
This is the season of sports, too! We're in the midst of football season, wrapping up baseball season, and soon to start basketball (if it hasn't already). Don't forget about hockey, too! This is a fun season to be outside. Of course, the most sporty I get is a walk, but those are a joy, too! :) Oh, what wonderful things you can see on a walk! :) Still, any reason to celebrate a sporting event, I'm pretty sure I can rustle up some enthusiasm! : D
It's about this time of year that I really start thinking of holiday plans. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my most treasured holidays. I love seeing my family and watching my boys get to know their grandparents and their local cousins, aunts and uncles. My nieces and nephews have pretty much grown up by now. I'm happy to watch them grow into adults.
When I was younger, my favorite things to do during the fall was draw or do some kind of art or craft. I wasn't particularly talented in these areas, but at the time I liked my sense of creativity. The most favorite thing to do during the fall was to curl up with a weekend's worth of books!! : D THAT was my thing! Sigh. I don't have as much time for that anymore. I sure do miss it. :}
No matter. Times change. Times morph into longer hours of darkness and fewer daylight hours. It's a time of transition into a more cozy and intimate time of year. It's time to embrace hibernation! : D But not for a few days yet. I've got more fall days to celebrate!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
My Damascus Road, and My Journey Beyond
Today marks 17 years as a born-again Christian. Many fellow Christians have asked me about my born-again experience. They've asked for years, and I've never taken the time to write it down...until now.
Micro, Reader's Digest's Seriously Condensed Version~~I was lost in sin, tho I didn't really and truly understand that beyond mere words. A new friend took the time to not only witness to me Christ's Love that I felt in her home but patiently stayed with me as I got my bearings as a new creature in Christ. I received Jesus on Aug 28, 1994, less than a month before I got married. I've not looked back. I've experienced some highs and lows of being a Christian, and I honestly wouldn't trade a moment of it because it has all contributed to the person I've become. Christ has begun a new work in me, and I want to continue to improve.
Novel Version (and I DO mean "Novel", might wanna grab a cuppa som'n b/f you sit down to read this, lol)
We travelled a great deal as a young family, so settling into a church was not exactly a high priority while growing up. Couple this with parents who witnessed so much hypocrisy in the churches they grew up in that they figured my sister and I were better off not being exposed to such an environment (assuming it was everywhere). Occasionally I'd hear a verse that Mom said was in the Bible, or she'd repeat something her mom (my grandma) said came from the Bible, but I honestly don't remember a time when I actually read those words for myself...not as a youngster, anyway. Kind of ironic b/c I was an avid reader. I was a visual learner. You could tell me anything, but I didn't "get it" until I saw it for myself. The only Bibles I remember at my parents' house were the ones completely stuffed with family commentary...obits, stories, awards, etc. Translation? Look but don't touch. :(
In our travels, we'd find the customary Gideon Bibles along with the Book of Mormons (in some hotels, not all). I would pick them up and try to read them, but it was like reading Shakespeare, something that was not at all appealing to me (at the time). Where were the coloring books, huh? Where were books about butterflies, birds or fishies or treasures?? (lol, little did I realize I could've found these very things in the Bible then had I but known!)
I grow up a little bit, and I run into people who called themselves Christians. Some of them were pretty nice, but unfortunately, others were just as mean as they could be. Also unfortunately, the mean ones were the ones I remembered most. :( I have lost count how many times I "received Salvation" only to feel confused, abandoned and frustrated, not necessarily in that order. Only later did I learn that I experienced a variety of soil in my life! (see Matthew 13 to see what I mean) I've been scared into faith with the fire/brimstone, wrath-of-God messages...but they forgot the HOPE; I've been enticed into faith with "When you become a Christian, EVERYTHING in your life will be honky-dory!"; I've been seduced by "God is Love" messages only to receive a sucker punch in the spirit from professing Christians claiming that God's Love is completely conditional according to my works; I've been intellectually intrigued by "scholarly" Biblical topics like Rapture, Prophesy Revelation, Angels, etc, tho the seeming conflicts were extremely confusing. (I DID, however, always feel as though we just might meet Jesus in our lifetime, no other religious figure...strange, huh?) It seemed like I was supposed to have known everything there was to know about being a Christian right off the bat (I'm a new creature in Christ and all that). I had questions about things I've read in the Bible, and I felt like I was dealt the 5-second rule (moms know what I'm talking about here, lol)..."well, it's in the Bible in blah-blah-blah verse or passage." Okaaaaaay, I have a question ABOUT what I'm reading in the Bible! A bell sometimes goes off in their head that I'm not reading the Bible quite the way they are reading it. Occasionally, someone will slow up and try to explain something to me, but sometimes I left even more confused. When I tried to bring it up another time, I received the cold shoulder or the look down the nose like I was a total idiot. I don't mind not knowing something, but I don't take too kindly to being called or treated like I'm stupid or an idiot. So guess what? I turned my back on Christianity...or so I thought. Looking back now, I turned my back on professing Christians, not Christianity. My heart was indeed hardened.
You know that bullies (typically) hurt other people because they themselves are hurt, right? Well, basically I became a Christian bully. Looking back at this time now, I realize that I became a wrathful scorner, a scoffer, a reviler, and ultimately....a fool.
I spent some time spiritually wandering around...not really looking for anything (I didn't think at the time, anyway).... I've met some people who were Pagans (even witches), hung around them for a little while, learned some things, was fascinated by them, then moved on. Met some Native Americans who talked about their spiritual lives with me. Met some Buddhists who seemed to exemplify peaceful living. At any given point, I could've probably become a member of various religious experiences. All had pieces of truth with which I could identify, but none of them really felt particularly complete for me. It's only later that I can put a finger on what was going on with me at this time...God was allowing me to be an outside observer while removing any desire within me to partake of these seemingly sound ideologies.
In the middle of all of this, I have a few friends who I knew are Christians, and for various occasions I'd get them a Bible as a gift, and a King James Bible, at that! I didn't "seek" to get them KJ Bibles because at the time I wasn't aware of the differences among professing Bibles. Do you see God's Hand in this?? I do now. :)
I went through various phases of "trying" to be a Christian. I didn't like most Christians, but I was smart enough to know that there is something unique and special about their professing faith. I attempted to read the Bible many times. I'd read Scriptures quoted in various places; sometimes I got it, most times I didn't understand. I didn't know it at the time, but I was reading Scriptures through human eyes. The Scriptures basically read no differently than the hundreds of other books I've read, and I was an avid reader with a very vivid imagination. I thought I said Christiany things, did Christiany things, acted the way Christians are supposed to act. Although I'm glad I tried, I had no idea at the time that my human efforts were basically done in spiritual vain.
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" Matthew 7:11
I've spent a couple of years scanning groceries for one particular customer who seemed to seek me out when she shopped. After some time, I got to know her and her two very young children. She commented with amazement that both of her children were very shy and reserved around strangers, but that they seem to really like me and would even look for me when they enter the store. She got to where she was kind of comfortable inviting me to her home.
This was the start of my turning point.
I walked into her home and felt a presence I had NEVER felt before in my whole life. Her home was full of peace, full of joy, full of love...full of home. Her children were obviously happy there. Evidence of her Christian faith was throughout her home, a small token here and there. Her home was truly inviting in every sense of the word.
We had lunch, and we chatted about a variety of things, and then she guided the conversation to Salvation. She wanted to know where I stood as a Christian...or not. Can you say, "Put on the defense armor?" Oooooh, ye-ah, I did. Arms crossed over my chest, attitude, everything. However, as guarded as I felt about the topic of MY personal faith, I found myself actually trying to listen to her. She spoke with me as a fellow human being, not as an object or a poor sucker cornered for preaching.
I didn't get the sense of judgment from her. We talked for a good couple of hours (maybe 2 or 3), and she gradually got the sense that I had plenty of puzzle pieces, but I was unable to fit too many of them truly together. She sensed that I had been hurt by professing Christians, and she picked up that while I "knew" of Jesus, maybe even "believed" Jesus, but because of the actions of so many people in my life, I never came to TRUST Him. She illustrated trust and faith using a chair. If I didn't trust or have faith in that chair's ability to hold me, I would either sit down timidly (belief, but no trust) or not at all. However, if I am to put my trust in that chair's ability to hold me while I sit down, I would confidently sit in that chair without a second thought for security. She explained that Jesus is a FRIEND who supports us like that chair. We can rest on Him.
She also explained the gulf between man and God through sin...the sin beginning with Adam and individual's personal sin. Jesus is the bridge that reconciles man back to God. Jesus is the means by which we are cleansed of our sins. Those sins are removed from our lives when we allow Jesus to enter into our hearts. I've lost count how many times I've been "witnessed at" (trust me, there's a difference between being witnessed "to" and "at.") This time, Jesus was witnessed THROUGH me. Jesus was finally able to breach a stone wall that I didn't even know surrounded my heart. I now understand the passage in Ezekiel 36 where God says he will remove the stony heart and replace it with a fleshly heart. The burden of all that I have gone through in my life suddenly left me. I felt the weight of my world lifted from my heart, my body, and my spirit. I had no idea such a burden oppressed me! I melted from the sudden removal of that weighted burden. I could not dam the flood of tears that poured from my eyes, heart and soul. My friend's sowing occurred finally on "good ground."
Imagine my astonishment as I picked up the Bible to read it that night. I wasn't reading it just to read it. I wasn't even reading it just to acquire knowledge from it. I finally read the Bible as God spoke those words. Amazing words. My spiritual eyes became opened as I wore spiritual glasses for the first time in my life. His Words literally became ALIVE in my own soul. I finally understood what it meant to be "Spirit-filled." That doesn't mean I became "Super Sister Christian" with a big ol' fish or cross plastered on my chest and a white cape draped about my shoulders doing goody-goody things...that's nice and all, but I suddenly understood David's struggles in his life even as a man after God's own heart! I don't believe God expects us to be perfect, especially in the sense of how man would measure perfection, but He wants us to trust Him and His wisdom which is expressed in His Word. I understand that God indeed meets us where we are, and begins again the walk from where I left Him.
I've looked back over my life from time to time, and I've seen the Footprints of God in my life where I never noticed them before, not enough to acknowledge that it was Him, anyway. I've been told, and indeed I've read, that God does not answer a sinner's prayer. Personally, I beg to differ. I only love Him now because He first loved me! He showed mercy when I deserved consequences, He showed me grace at the most amazing times in my life. I genuinely believe that God preserved me from harm where I could easily have destroyed myself in sin. God sought me. I finally received His Son.
I had since married my husband. He is not a believer. Instead, I see myself in him before I finally gave my life to Jesus. I believe it is simply a matter of time before he becomes a believer, too. We've had struggles from being unequally-yoked, make no mistake about that. However, when I do my part as the wife of the family unit, I see the Lord's hand upon my husband's life for my sake. It took me a few years to understand the concept of submission. I was one of those women who balked at the idea of "obeying the husband" and that was even taken out of our wedding vows. Now I understand that I'm not submitting to my husband as an invitation for being a doormat, but when I do my part, God has a very interesting way of turning my husband according to His will which complements His will for me to obey him. Submission can indeed work in a marriage. Our strengths complement each other's weaknesses, proving to create a strong single unit...just as I believe God invisioned for us.
We have since had two sons, both of them being raised with Biblical training, and I take them to church with me. I do my best to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It has been rough going at times because my husband does not understand my convictions, but I do believe that God has His hands on my children (AND my husband!), just as He had his hands on me. No matter what tests my boys go through, they are developing testimony. No matter what trials may lay before them, I expect them to become triumphant! If they are ever victims of anything, they will eventually obtain victory.
Micro, Reader's Digest's Seriously Condensed Version~~I was lost in sin, tho I didn't really and truly understand that beyond mere words. A new friend took the time to not only witness to me Christ's Love that I felt in her home but patiently stayed with me as I got my bearings as a new creature in Christ. I received Jesus on Aug 28, 1994, less than a month before I got married. I've not looked back. I've experienced some highs and lows of being a Christian, and I honestly wouldn't trade a moment of it because it has all contributed to the person I've become. Christ has begun a new work in me, and I want to continue to improve.
Novel Version (and I DO mean "Novel", might wanna grab a cuppa som'n b/f you sit down to read this, lol)
We travelled a great deal as a young family, so settling into a church was not exactly a high priority while growing up. Couple this with parents who witnessed so much hypocrisy in the churches they grew up in that they figured my sister and I were better off not being exposed to such an environment (assuming it was everywhere). Occasionally I'd hear a verse that Mom said was in the Bible, or she'd repeat something her mom (my grandma) said came from the Bible, but I honestly don't remember a time when I actually read those words for myself...not as a youngster, anyway. Kind of ironic b/c I was an avid reader. I was a visual learner. You could tell me anything, but I didn't "get it" until I saw it for myself. The only Bibles I remember at my parents' house were the ones completely stuffed with family commentary...obits, stories, awards, etc. Translation? Look but don't touch. :(
In our travels, we'd find the customary Gideon Bibles along with the Book of Mormons (in some hotels, not all). I would pick them up and try to read them, but it was like reading Shakespeare, something that was not at all appealing to me (at the time). Where were the coloring books, huh? Where were books about butterflies, birds or fishies or treasures?? (lol, little did I realize I could've found these very things in the Bible then had I but known!)
I grow up a little bit, and I run into people who called themselves Christians. Some of them were pretty nice, but unfortunately, others were just as mean as they could be. Also unfortunately, the mean ones were the ones I remembered most. :( I have lost count how many times I "received Salvation" only to feel confused, abandoned and frustrated, not necessarily in that order. Only later did I learn that I experienced a variety of soil in my life! (see Matthew 13 to see what I mean) I've been scared into faith with the fire/brimstone, wrath-of-God messages...but they forgot the HOPE; I've been enticed into faith with "When you become a Christian, EVERYTHING in your life will be honky-dory!"; I've been seduced by "God is Love" messages only to receive a sucker punch in the spirit from professing Christians claiming that God's Love is completely conditional according to my works; I've been intellectually intrigued by "scholarly" Biblical topics like Rapture, Prophesy Revelation, Angels, etc, tho the seeming conflicts were extremely confusing. (I DID, however, always feel as though we just might meet Jesus in our lifetime, no other religious figure...strange, huh?) It seemed like I was supposed to have known everything there was to know about being a Christian right off the bat (I'm a new creature in Christ and all that). I had questions about things I've read in the Bible, and I felt like I was dealt the 5-second rule (moms know what I'm talking about here, lol)..."well, it's in the Bible in blah-blah-blah verse or passage." Okaaaaaay, I have a question ABOUT what I'm reading in the Bible! A bell sometimes goes off in their head that I'm not reading the Bible quite the way they are reading it. Occasionally, someone will slow up and try to explain something to me, but sometimes I left even more confused. When I tried to bring it up another time, I received the cold shoulder or the look down the nose like I was a total idiot. I don't mind not knowing something, but I don't take too kindly to being called or treated like I'm stupid or an idiot. So guess what? I turned my back on Christianity...or so I thought. Looking back now, I turned my back on professing Christians, not Christianity. My heart was indeed hardened.
You know that bullies (typically) hurt other people because they themselves are hurt, right? Well, basically I became a Christian bully. Looking back at this time now, I realize that I became a wrathful scorner, a scoffer, a reviler, and ultimately....a fool.
I spent some time spiritually wandering around...not really looking for anything (I didn't think at the time, anyway).... I've met some people who were Pagans (even witches), hung around them for a little while, learned some things, was fascinated by them, then moved on. Met some Native Americans who talked about their spiritual lives with me. Met some Buddhists who seemed to exemplify peaceful living. At any given point, I could've probably become a member of various religious experiences. All had pieces of truth with which I could identify, but none of them really felt particularly complete for me. It's only later that I can put a finger on what was going on with me at this time...God was allowing me to be an outside observer while removing any desire within me to partake of these seemingly sound ideologies.
In the middle of all of this, I have a few friends who I knew are Christians, and for various occasions I'd get them a Bible as a gift, and a King James Bible, at that! I didn't "seek" to get them KJ Bibles because at the time I wasn't aware of the differences among professing Bibles. Do you see God's Hand in this?? I do now. :)
I went through various phases of "trying" to be a Christian. I didn't like most Christians, but I was smart enough to know that there is something unique and special about their professing faith. I attempted to read the Bible many times. I'd read Scriptures quoted in various places; sometimes I got it, most times I didn't understand. I didn't know it at the time, but I was reading Scriptures through human eyes. The Scriptures basically read no differently than the hundreds of other books I've read, and I was an avid reader with a very vivid imagination. I thought I said Christiany things, did Christiany things, acted the way Christians are supposed to act. Although I'm glad I tried, I had no idea at the time that my human efforts were basically done in spiritual vain.
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" Matthew 7:11
I've spent a couple of years scanning groceries for one particular customer who seemed to seek me out when she shopped. After some time, I got to know her and her two very young children. She commented with amazement that both of her children were very shy and reserved around strangers, but that they seem to really like me and would even look for me when they enter the store. She got to where she was kind of comfortable inviting me to her home.
This was the start of my turning point.
I walked into her home and felt a presence I had NEVER felt before in my whole life. Her home was full of peace, full of joy, full of love...full of home. Her children were obviously happy there. Evidence of her Christian faith was throughout her home, a small token here and there. Her home was truly inviting in every sense of the word.
We had lunch, and we chatted about a variety of things, and then she guided the conversation to Salvation. She wanted to know where I stood as a Christian...or not. Can you say, "Put on the defense armor?" Oooooh, ye-ah, I did. Arms crossed over my chest, attitude, everything. However, as guarded as I felt about the topic of MY personal faith, I found myself actually trying to listen to her. She spoke with me as a fellow human being, not as an object or a poor sucker cornered for preaching.
I didn't get the sense of judgment from her. We talked for a good couple of hours (maybe 2 or 3), and she gradually got the sense that I had plenty of puzzle pieces, but I was unable to fit too many of them truly together. She sensed that I had been hurt by professing Christians, and she picked up that while I "knew" of Jesus, maybe even "believed" Jesus, but because of the actions of so many people in my life, I never came to TRUST Him. She illustrated trust and faith using a chair. If I didn't trust or have faith in that chair's ability to hold me, I would either sit down timidly (belief, but no trust) or not at all. However, if I am to put my trust in that chair's ability to hold me while I sit down, I would confidently sit in that chair without a second thought for security. She explained that Jesus is a FRIEND who supports us like that chair. We can rest on Him.
She also explained the gulf between man and God through sin...the sin beginning with Adam and individual's personal sin. Jesus is the bridge that reconciles man back to God. Jesus is the means by which we are cleansed of our sins. Those sins are removed from our lives when we allow Jesus to enter into our hearts. I've lost count how many times I've been "witnessed at" (trust me, there's a difference between being witnessed "to" and "at.") This time, Jesus was witnessed THROUGH me. Jesus was finally able to breach a stone wall that I didn't even know surrounded my heart. I now understand the passage in Ezekiel 36 where God says he will remove the stony heart and replace it with a fleshly heart. The burden of all that I have gone through in my life suddenly left me. I felt the weight of my world lifted from my heart, my body, and my spirit. I had no idea such a burden oppressed me! I melted from the sudden removal of that weighted burden. I could not dam the flood of tears that poured from my eyes, heart and soul. My friend's sowing occurred finally on "good ground."
Imagine my astonishment as I picked up the Bible to read it that night. I wasn't reading it just to read it. I wasn't even reading it just to acquire knowledge from it. I finally read the Bible as God spoke those words. Amazing words. My spiritual eyes became opened as I wore spiritual glasses for the first time in my life. His Words literally became ALIVE in my own soul. I finally understood what it meant to be "Spirit-filled." That doesn't mean I became "Super Sister Christian" with a big ol' fish or cross plastered on my chest and a white cape draped about my shoulders doing goody-goody things...that's nice and all, but I suddenly understood David's struggles in his life even as a man after God's own heart! I don't believe God expects us to be perfect, especially in the sense of how man would measure perfection, but He wants us to trust Him and His wisdom which is expressed in His Word. I understand that God indeed meets us where we are, and begins again the walk from where I left Him.
I've looked back over my life from time to time, and I've seen the Footprints of God in my life where I never noticed them before, not enough to acknowledge that it was Him, anyway. I've been told, and indeed I've read, that God does not answer a sinner's prayer. Personally, I beg to differ. I only love Him now because He first loved me! He showed mercy when I deserved consequences, He showed me grace at the most amazing times in my life. I genuinely believe that God preserved me from harm where I could easily have destroyed myself in sin. God sought me. I finally received His Son.
I had since married my husband. He is not a believer. Instead, I see myself in him before I finally gave my life to Jesus. I believe it is simply a matter of time before he becomes a believer, too. We've had struggles from being unequally-yoked, make no mistake about that. However, when I do my part as the wife of the family unit, I see the Lord's hand upon my husband's life for my sake. It took me a few years to understand the concept of submission. I was one of those women who balked at the idea of "obeying the husband" and that was even taken out of our wedding vows. Now I understand that I'm not submitting to my husband as an invitation for being a doormat, but when I do my part, God has a very interesting way of turning my husband according to His will which complements His will for me to obey him. Submission can indeed work in a marriage. Our strengths complement each other's weaknesses, proving to create a strong single unit...just as I believe God invisioned for us.
We have since had two sons, both of them being raised with Biblical training, and I take them to church with me. I do my best to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It has been rough going at times because my husband does not understand my convictions, but I do believe that God has His hands on my children (AND my husband!), just as He had his hands on me. No matter what tests my boys go through, they are developing testimony. No matter what trials may lay before them, I expect them to become triumphant! If they are ever victims of anything, they will eventually obtain victory.
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