Someone has said, "The present must forget the past by correction, or else the past will become a moral and spiritual liability for the future."
Consider some items that need to be forgotten: failures--they keep our faith from advancing; successes--they create pride (see Prov. 16:18); losses--they drag us down so we cannot serve the Lord the way we should; grievances--they produce false attitudes (see 1 Cor. 13:6); sorrows--God can heal all heartaches; discouragements--we need to remember Christ, not disappointments, thwarted hopes and plans.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
for today
Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to do the thing we fear.
I feel, in spite of all the promises of God, as helpless as a worm today? There's a special word, too: "Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you" (Isaiah 41:14, NIV).
(the above is excerpted from Elisabeth Elliot)
I may be exhausted and overwhelmed with all there is to do; however, God is in control. He will give me the strength and power to make it through. And while the prayer I utter is "Please, Lord, Help me!" He hears and knows. He knows what I need and knows all the issues. I can rest in Him and let Him lead.
I feel, in spite of all the promises of God, as helpless as a worm today? There's a special word, too: "Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you" (Isaiah 41:14, NIV).
(the above is excerpted from Elisabeth Elliot)
I may be exhausted and overwhelmed with all there is to do; however, God is in control. He will give me the strength and power to make it through. And while the prayer I utter is "Please, Lord, Help me!" He hears and knows. He knows what I need and knows all the issues. I can rest in Him and let Him lead.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
More thoughts for today...
Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember:
Amateurs...built the ark.
Professionals...built the Titanic
Remember:
Amateurs...built the ark.
Professionals...built the Titanic
Saturday, October 06, 2007
FOR-PD
I don't like the FOR-PD class I'm being forced to take.
~AND~
my job has been very frustrating. I keep praying for what God would have me do. I can't keep going the way things are.
Lord, please help!!!!!
~AND~
my job has been very frustrating. I keep praying for what God would have me do. I can't keep going the way things are.
Lord, please help!!!!!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Some good thoughts...
Jerry Bridges on Four Essentials to Finishing Well
Paul endured to the end but Demas, as far as we know, did not (2 Timothy 4:7,10), even though he was once a fellow worker (Philemon 1:24). This is a sobering thought because so many of us are still very young. Finishing well is guaranteed to none of us, apart from the grace of God. How can we, like Paul, endure by God's grace?
1) Daily time of focused personal communion with God. It must be daily, otherwise we will find ourselves drifting in the wrong direction. Demas was in love with this present world. Our time with God must build in us affections for God that trump the temptations to love this world. It's helpful to have a plan, but the plan must direct us to God himself.
2) Daily appropriation of the gospel. The gospel is for sinners. Before we spend time in communion with God, we must come to him with the attitude of the tax collector who prayed, "Have mercy on me, a sinner," and trust God alone to make us righteous. This alone will give us the confidence to approach God and have communion with him.
If we don't daily appropriate the gospel then we will begin to base our spirituality on our performance, which will eventually lead us either towards pride or despair. But reminding ourselves daily that we are sinners and that, by God's grace, we've been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, will equip us with true and pure motivation to continue following Jesus and renouncing the desire to love this world. We ought to work hard, not in order to earn God's approval but because we already have it.
3) Daily commit yourself to God as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1. The Old Testament sacrifice that Paul alludes to was daily performed by the priests. He carries that same significance over to new covenant saints. Our bodies are on loan from God, and we must daily re-consecrate ourselves to him. Just as Paul appealed to Philemon (Philemon 1:8-10), even though he had the right to command him, so also he appeals to us to give ourselves to God. The sheer wonder of the mercy of God should cause us to spontaneously give it, and this we will do if we daily bask in his love.
4) A firm belief in the sovereignty and love of God. Lamentations 3:37-38. Life is full of pains, through natural circumstances and the ill will of others. But God is sovereign over all such evils, and—by faith—we can give thanks for them. God is using them to conform us to the image of Christ and will never leave us or forsake us. The gospel and the promises of God will never fail, nor will he take them from us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John MacArthur on What can ensure an enduring ministry? Consider Paul.
Throughout the book of 2 Corinthians we see that Paul was a sufferer--overwhelmingly--both from outside and inside troubles. Yet at the end of his ministry he said that he had fought the fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.
How did Paul endure?
1) He embraced with all his heart the superiority of the new covenant. 2 Corinthians 3. Paul never lost his sense of the glory of God's grace to forgive, sanctify and save his people.
2) He embraced the reality that ministry is a mercy. 2 Corinthians 4:1. Paul acknowledged that he was the chief of sinners. His own salvation was an undeserved gift, as well as the grace given him to proclaim the gospel. Burnout in ministry is a misnomer. The real issue is that ministers have unrealistic (and unmet) expectations of deserving better treatment. It is a mercy that pastors don't stumble, that their wives and children don't desert them, and that their congregations don't abandon them.
3) He embraced the essential necessity of a pure heart. 2 Corinthians 4:2a. Paul had no secret sinful life. A hidden life of sin will be made known. Those who don't battle against sin on the inside will ultimately disappoint all whom they hope to minister to. You must study the Scriptures so that when sin is near, your conscience will not let you down.
4) He was certain of his responsibility to accurately handle the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 4:2b. He determined to never handle Scripture in an adulterated way. He had a relentless commitment to biblical fidelity. Those who manipulate the Scriptures and, therefore, the people of God, will not endure in effective ministry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is Hell the Absence of God? R.C. Sproul gives a masterful response to this common explanation:
It is common to say that hell is the absence of God. Such statements are motivated in large part by the dread of even contemplating what hell is like. We try often to soften that blow and find a euphimism to skirt around it.
We need to realize that those who are in hell desire nothing more than the absence of God. They didn't want to be in God's presence during their earthly lives, and they certainly don't want Him near when they're in hell. The worst thing about hell is the presence of God there.
When we use the imagery of the Old Testament in an attempt to understand the forsakenness of the lost, we are not speaking of the idea of the departure of God or the absence of God in the sense that He ceases to be omnipresent. Rather, it's a way of describing the withdrawal of God in terms of His redemptive blessing. It is the absence of the light of His countenance. It is the presence of the frown of His countenance. It is the absence of the blessedness of His unveiled glory that is a delight to the souls of those who love Him, but it is the presence of the darkness of judgment. Hell reflects the presence of God in His mode of judgment, in His exercise of wrath, and that's what everyone would like to escape.
I think that's why we get confused. There is withdrawal in terms of the blessing of the radical nearness of God. His benefits can be removed far from us, and that's what this language is calling attention to.
R. C. Sproul, The Truth of the Cross (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2007), pp. 157-158.
Paul endured to the end but Demas, as far as we know, did not (2 Timothy 4:7,10), even though he was once a fellow worker (Philemon 1:24). This is a sobering thought because so many of us are still very young. Finishing well is guaranteed to none of us, apart from the grace of God. How can we, like Paul, endure by God's grace?
1) Daily time of focused personal communion with God. It must be daily, otherwise we will find ourselves drifting in the wrong direction. Demas was in love with this present world. Our time with God must build in us affections for God that trump the temptations to love this world. It's helpful to have a plan, but the plan must direct us to God himself.
2) Daily appropriation of the gospel. The gospel is for sinners. Before we spend time in communion with God, we must come to him with the attitude of the tax collector who prayed, "Have mercy on me, a sinner," and trust God alone to make us righteous. This alone will give us the confidence to approach God and have communion with him.
If we don't daily appropriate the gospel then we will begin to base our spirituality on our performance, which will eventually lead us either towards pride or despair. But reminding ourselves daily that we are sinners and that, by God's grace, we've been clothed with the righteousness of Christ, will equip us with true and pure motivation to continue following Jesus and renouncing the desire to love this world. We ought to work hard, not in order to earn God's approval but because we already have it.
3) Daily commit yourself to God as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1. The Old Testament sacrifice that Paul alludes to was daily performed by the priests. He carries that same significance over to new covenant saints. Our bodies are on loan from God, and we must daily re-consecrate ourselves to him. Just as Paul appealed to Philemon (Philemon 1:8-10), even though he had the right to command him, so also he appeals to us to give ourselves to God. The sheer wonder of the mercy of God should cause us to spontaneously give it, and this we will do if we daily bask in his love.
4) A firm belief in the sovereignty and love of God. Lamentations 3:37-38. Life is full of pains, through natural circumstances and the ill will of others. But God is sovereign over all such evils, and—by faith—we can give thanks for them. God is using them to conform us to the image of Christ and will never leave us or forsake us. The gospel and the promises of God will never fail, nor will he take them from us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John MacArthur on What can ensure an enduring ministry? Consider Paul.
Throughout the book of 2 Corinthians we see that Paul was a sufferer--overwhelmingly--both from outside and inside troubles. Yet at the end of his ministry he said that he had fought the fight, finished the course, and kept the faith.
How did Paul endure?
1) He embraced with all his heart the superiority of the new covenant. 2 Corinthians 3. Paul never lost his sense of the glory of God's grace to forgive, sanctify and save his people.
2) He embraced the reality that ministry is a mercy. 2 Corinthians 4:1. Paul acknowledged that he was the chief of sinners. His own salvation was an undeserved gift, as well as the grace given him to proclaim the gospel. Burnout in ministry is a misnomer. The real issue is that ministers have unrealistic (and unmet) expectations of deserving better treatment. It is a mercy that pastors don't stumble, that their wives and children don't desert them, and that their congregations don't abandon them.
3) He embraced the essential necessity of a pure heart. 2 Corinthians 4:2a. Paul had no secret sinful life. A hidden life of sin will be made known. Those who don't battle against sin on the inside will ultimately disappoint all whom they hope to minister to. You must study the Scriptures so that when sin is near, your conscience will not let you down.
4) He was certain of his responsibility to accurately handle the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 4:2b. He determined to never handle Scripture in an adulterated way. He had a relentless commitment to biblical fidelity. Those who manipulate the Scriptures and, therefore, the people of God, will not endure in effective ministry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is Hell the Absence of God? R.C. Sproul gives a masterful response to this common explanation:
It is common to say that hell is the absence of God. Such statements are motivated in large part by the dread of even contemplating what hell is like. We try often to soften that blow and find a euphimism to skirt around it.
We need to realize that those who are in hell desire nothing more than the absence of God. They didn't want to be in God's presence during their earthly lives, and they certainly don't want Him near when they're in hell. The worst thing about hell is the presence of God there.
When we use the imagery of the Old Testament in an attempt to understand the forsakenness of the lost, we are not speaking of the idea of the departure of God or the absence of God in the sense that He ceases to be omnipresent. Rather, it's a way of describing the withdrawal of God in terms of His redemptive blessing. It is the absence of the light of His countenance. It is the presence of the frown of His countenance. It is the absence of the blessedness of His unveiled glory that is a delight to the souls of those who love Him, but it is the presence of the darkness of judgment. Hell reflects the presence of God in His mode of judgment, in His exercise of wrath, and that's what everyone would like to escape.
I think that's why we get confused. There is withdrawal in terms of the blessing of the radical nearness of God. His benefits can be removed far from us, and that's what this language is calling attention to.
R. C. Sproul, The Truth of the Cross (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2007), pp. 157-158.
Sufficient unto the day...
All our fears represent in some form, I believe, the fear of death, common to all of us. But is it our business to pry into what may happen tomorrow? It is a difficult and painful exercise which saps the strength and uses up the time given us today. Once we give ourselves up to God, shall we attempt to get hold of what can never belong to us--tomorrow? Our lives are His, our times in His hand, He is Lord over what wil1 happen, never mind what may happen. When we prayed "Thy will be done," did we suppose He did not hear us? He heard indeed, and daily makes our business His and partakes of our lives. If my life is once surrendered, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof"--and the work thereof. The evil is not a part of the yoke Jesus asks us to take. Our work is, and He takes that yoke with us. I will overextend myself if I assume anything more.
God chains the dog till night; wilt loose the chain
And wake thy sorrow?
Wilt thou forestall it, and now grieve tomorrow,
And then again
Grieve over freshly all thy pain?
Either grief will not come, or if it must,
Do not forecast;
And while it cometh, it is almost past.
Away, distrust;
My God hath promis'd; He is just.
--George Herbert, "The Discharge"
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof"--and the work thereof. The evil is not a part of the yoke Jesus asks us to take. Our work is, and He takes that yoke with us. I will overextend myself if I assume anything more.
God chains the dog till night; wilt loose the chain
And wake thy sorrow?
Wilt thou forestall it, and now grieve tomorrow,
And then again
Grieve over freshly all thy pain?
Either grief will not come, or if it must,
Do not forecast;
And while it cometh, it is almost past.
Away, distrust;
My God hath promis'd; He is just.
--George Herbert, "The Discharge"
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Doh!!!!!!!
Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them, shouting to please come out and give himself up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked "intellectual leadership". He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Illinois man pretending to have a gun kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines. The kidnapper then proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire investigators on Maui have determined the cause of a blaze that destroyed a $127,000 home last month - a short in the homeowner's newly installed fire prevention alarm system. "This is even worse than last year," said the distraught homeowner, "when someone broke in and stole my new security system..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A man walked in to a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Shop, and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Medford, Oregon, a 27-year-old jobless man with an MBA blamed his college degree for his murder of three people. "There are too many business grads out there," he said. "If I had chosen another field, all this may not have happened."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words, "Give me all your money or I'll shoot," the man shouted, "That's not what I said!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked "intellectual leadership". He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An Illinois man pretending to have a gun kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines. The kidnapper then proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire investigators on Maui have determined the cause of a blaze that destroyed a $127,000 home last month - a short in the homeowner's newly installed fire prevention alarm system. "This is even worse than last year," said the distraught homeowner, "when someone broke in and stole my new security system..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A man walked in to a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Shop, and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Medford, Oregon, a 27-year-old jobless man with an MBA blamed his college degree for his murder of three people. "There are too many business grads out there," he said. "If I had chosen another field, all this may not have happened."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each man in the lineup to repeat the words, "Give me all your money or I'll shoot," the man shouted, "That's not what I said!"
Sunday, September 02, 2007
God continues to teach...
Notes from John Piper
Why Do We Resist God's Sovereignty??
There are two ways that the soul can resist the truth of God's sovereign governance over all evil that is implied in Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
1. The soul can resist with an unbelieving and rebellious spirit that willfully resists God's right and power and wisdom in “meaning evil for good.”
2. The soul can resist with a humble mixture of love for God's holiness, justice, and love, on the one hand, and mental perplexity as to how these could be consistent with God's “meaning evil for good,” on the other hand.
#2 brings God's patient, merciful displeasure, leading eventually to greater light.
#1 brings God's punitive displeasure, leading eventually to death, if there is no repentance.
In other news of note, my dad--the chief of the clan--has entered the blogosphere with an interesting site devoted to all things Tweeddale. Check it out at tweeddaletributaries.blogspot.com
Why Do We Resist God's Sovereignty??
There are two ways that the soul can resist the truth of God's sovereign governance over all evil that is implied in Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
1. The soul can resist with an unbelieving and rebellious spirit that willfully resists God's right and power and wisdom in “meaning evil for good.”
2. The soul can resist with a humble mixture of love for God's holiness, justice, and love, on the one hand, and mental perplexity as to how these could be consistent with God's “meaning evil for good,” on the other hand.
#2 brings God's patient, merciful displeasure, leading eventually to greater light.
#1 brings God's punitive displeasure, leading eventually to death, if there is no repentance.
In other news of note, my dad--the chief of the clan--has entered the blogosphere with an interesting site devoted to all things Tweeddale. Check it out at tweeddaletributaries.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 26, 2007
He works in mysterous ways
School is back in session. I find myself back at CRHS desperately trying to make it all work. I don't understand why God still has me there. The place is frustrating and this year having to teach in the Black Box full time is just making the situation more intense. It is hard to not allow a black cloud envelope me and taint everything. I pray and seek God every chance I get. Maybe this will finally be the last year there, or God will show me the beauty of the place and show me I am to stay. I keep feeling like I'm not supposed to be comfortable there, though. I keep feeling like my time at CRHS is drawing to a close.
The following is an excerpt from a devotional I read this morning. It seems to speak about exactly what I'm going through. I do know that God is in control and that He will make all things work together for His good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God does things that are incomprehensible to us. He is infinite and we are finite. He is the Creator and we are the creatures. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isa. 55:9).
We must clearly understand this fact if we are going to have any peace of mind with regard to the everyday happenings of life and God's control over this universe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This excerpt is also perfect advice for everything right now...
Sometimes we are famished--confused, dry, upset by arguments and conflicting interpretations. To us the Savior says, "Come." If, without the solution to all our problems, we are willing simply to believe, He says, "Drink."
The following is an excerpt from a devotional I read this morning. It seems to speak about exactly what I'm going through. I do know that God is in control and that He will make all things work together for His good.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God does things that are incomprehensible to us. He is infinite and we are finite. He is the Creator and we are the creatures. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isa. 55:9).
We must clearly understand this fact if we are going to have any peace of mind with regard to the everyday happenings of life and God's control over this universe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This excerpt is also perfect advice for everything right now...
Sometimes we are famished--confused, dry, upset by arguments and conflicting interpretations. To us the Savior says, "Come." If, without the solution to all our problems, we are willing simply to believe, He says, "Drink."
Friday, August 24, 2007
A prayer...
Lord, be my Sun and Shield. Shine on me, protect me as I seek to live and witness to your truth. Forgive your children (especially those of us who have never faced lions, fire, or sword because of our faith) for our fears of petty loss. Remind me that it is in losing myself that I find You.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
This is amazing...
While in Hollywood a number of years ago I watched an artist doing work like this. It was amazing and his work was beautiful.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
from John Piper's "Sermon on the Fall of Satan"
The Fall of Satan and the Victory of Christ
When Satan deceives Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, obviously he is already evil. So where did he come from? How could a perfect being have ever sinned? And why does God tolerate him? The biblical answer to these questions actually creates more questions.
What does the Bible say about God's power over Satan?
*Satan is the "ruler of this world," but God is in ultimate control. (Daniel 4:17, Psalm 33:10)
*Satan does what Jesus tells him to. (Mark 1:27)
*The suffering that Satan causes is willed by God. (1 Peter 5:8-9, 3:17)
*Even though Satan is a murderer, God is still in charge of life and death. (Deuteronomy 32:39, James 4:15, Job 1:21)
*Satan causes suffering with God's permission. (Job 1:12)
*Satan tempts with God's permission. (Luke 22:31-32)
*Satan blinds, but God has ultimate power to give sight. (2 Corinthians 4:4-6)
*The whole Bible shows that God is sovereign over Satan. Whatever Satan does, God has a purpose for. So even though we don't have details on the event itself, we can safely conclude that God had a reason for permitting Satan's fall. Everything that *Satan has done from his first sin until now is part of God's perfect plan. And this is true without God being a sinner.
How could the devil and all the terrible things he does be a part of a perfect plan? The answer is that the glory of Christ is seen more magnificently in this world than if Satan had been destroyed 30 seconds after he first sinned.
So then, how should we relate to evil?
8 things to do with evil:
1. Expect evil. “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
2. Endure evil. “Love bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7; cf. Mark 13:13).
3. Give thanks for the refining effect of evil that comes against you. “Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 5:3-5).
4. Hate evil. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
5. Pray for escape from evil. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
6. Expose evil. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
7. Overcome evil with good. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
8. Resist evil. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
4 things to never do:
1. Never despair that this evil world is out of God's control. “[He] works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).
2. Never give in to the sense that because of random evil life is absurd and meaningless. “How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! . . . For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever” (Romans 11:33, 36).
3. Never yield to the thought that God sins, or is ever unjust or unrighteous in the way he governs the universe. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways.” (Psalm 145:17).
4. Never doubt that God is totally for you in Christ. If you trust him with your life, you are in Christ. Never doubt that all the evil that befalls you ”even if it takes your life” is God's loving, purifying, saving, fatherly discipline. It is not an expression of his punishment in wrath. That fell on Jesus Christ our substitute. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6).
When Satan deceives Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, obviously he is already evil. So where did he come from? How could a perfect being have ever sinned? And why does God tolerate him? The biblical answer to these questions actually creates more questions.
What does the Bible say about God's power over Satan?
*Satan is the "ruler of this world," but God is in ultimate control. (Daniel 4:17, Psalm 33:10)
*Satan does what Jesus tells him to. (Mark 1:27)
*The suffering that Satan causes is willed by God. (1 Peter 5:8-9, 3:17)
*Even though Satan is a murderer, God is still in charge of life and death. (Deuteronomy 32:39, James 4:15, Job 1:21)
*Satan causes suffering with God's permission. (Job 1:12)
*Satan tempts with God's permission. (Luke 22:31-32)
*Satan blinds, but God has ultimate power to give sight. (2 Corinthians 4:4-6)
*The whole Bible shows that God is sovereign over Satan. Whatever Satan does, God has a purpose for. So even though we don't have details on the event itself, we can safely conclude that God had a reason for permitting Satan's fall. Everything that *Satan has done from his first sin until now is part of God's perfect plan. And this is true without God being a sinner.
How could the devil and all the terrible things he does be a part of a perfect plan? The answer is that the glory of Christ is seen more magnificently in this world than if Satan had been destroyed 30 seconds after he first sinned.
So then, how should we relate to evil?
8 things to do with evil:
1. Expect evil. “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
2. Endure evil. “Love bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7; cf. Mark 13:13).
3. Give thanks for the refining effect of evil that comes against you. “Give thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 5:3-5).
4. Hate evil. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9).
5. Pray for escape from evil. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
6. Expose evil. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
7. Overcome evil with good. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
8. Resist evil. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
4 things to never do:
1. Never despair that this evil world is out of God's control. “[He] works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).
2. Never give in to the sense that because of random evil life is absurd and meaningless. “How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! . . . For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever” (Romans 11:33, 36).
3. Never yield to the thought that God sins, or is ever unjust or unrighteous in the way he governs the universe. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways.” (Psalm 145:17).
4. Never doubt that God is totally for you in Christ. If you trust him with your life, you are in Christ. Never doubt that all the evil that befalls you ”even if it takes your life” is God's loving, purifying, saving, fatherly discipline. It is not an expression of his punishment in wrath. That fell on Jesus Christ our substitute. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Hebrews 12:6).
Sunday, August 12, 2007
As the new school year begins...
The new school year starts tomorrow. I am a little fearful of what this year may hold. There are so many things that seem to be going on. I am trusting God, though, in all things. With His armor, strength and protection I will make it though this year. Today's devotional is my prayer for the coming year.
Christ My Armor
When faced with threat of any sort of invasion or attack, whether from human or spiritual foes, it is quite natural to draw back, throw up my guard, attempt to defend myself. The Christian has a far better defense--"Let Christ Jesus Himself be the armor that you wear" (Rom 13:14 NEB). Let me take my stand in Him, come to my enemy without fear, responding only in the power and with the love of Christ.
Who can hurt me then? And what hostility on earth or in hell can destroy me? That person whom I most dread to see, let me meet him as Christ meets him. Let Christ meet him. He is my armor, I am hidden in Him. My weakness, my fear, my hostility will be covered by his strength, his courage, his love.
Christ My Armor
When faced with threat of any sort of invasion or attack, whether from human or spiritual foes, it is quite natural to draw back, throw up my guard, attempt to defend myself. The Christian has a far better defense--"Let Christ Jesus Himself be the armor that you wear" (Rom 13:14 NEB). Let me take my stand in Him, come to my enemy without fear, responding only in the power and with the love of Christ.
Who can hurt me then? And what hostility on earth or in hell can destroy me? That person whom I most dread to see, let me meet him as Christ meets him. Let Christ meet him. He is my armor, I am hidden in Him. My weakness, my fear, my hostility will be covered by his strength, his courage, his love.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
God does answer...
This morning I was trying to pray. Trying is the important word, here. It felt like my prayers were all over the map. I kept getting distracted and getting "off course". Back to school on Monday has got me a little out of sorts. In many ways, I didn't know if I would be back at CRHS this year. I don't understand some of the things that are happening there; however, if God wants me at CRHS, I will commit to making the best of the experience. He has lessons He wants me to learn. When it is His time, He will deliver me from the situation.
As I finished praying this morning and started moving around a bit. As God does so frequently, I found some answers in my e-mail. Excerpts from the e-mail devotionals follow.
** To the frantic question, What do we do now? there is a very simple reply: Pray and sing.
** The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
-Anonymous
**"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
Earnestness in prayer does not involve physical gestures but a condition of the heart and will with regard to the purposes of God.
Perhaps here we may learn to examine our own prayers. Since Elijah's prayer was motivated by his desire to see God honored, God answered His servant.
In writing concerning prayer James said, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (4:3). Right motives are essential if our prayers are to be answered.
"For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29).
As I finished praying this morning and started moving around a bit. As God does so frequently, I found some answers in my e-mail. Excerpts from the e-mail devotionals follow.
** To the frantic question, What do we do now? there is a very simple reply: Pray and sing.
** The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
-Anonymous
**"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
Earnestness in prayer does not involve physical gestures but a condition of the heart and will with regard to the purposes of God.
Perhaps here we may learn to examine our own prayers. Since Elijah's prayer was motivated by his desire to see God honored, God answered His servant.
In writing concerning prayer James said, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (4:3). Right motives are essential if our prayers are to be answered.
"For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29).
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The answer is as easy as that...
Take Strength
These strong, simple words can be spiritual adrenaline for us when we need them. They were written by a man who knew what he was talking about, as he himself was in prison. He was writing to a young minister who was also suffering and evidently tempted by doubt, fear, even uncertainty of his call. The older man admonishes him very lovingly to take his share of suffering, take his share of hardship like a good soldier, and to take strength from the grace of God (2 Tm 2:1 NEB).
Where shall I ever find the strength I need to get through this experience, this ordeal, this day, this week? The answer is Take it! Take it from the grace which is ours already, in Christ Jesus.
"Here it is," He is saying, "Will you have some?"
"Yes, thank You, Lord. I'll take it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The answer is that easy..."take it".
I am concerned and a little stressed about the coming school year. There are so many things going on and it feels, already, that I am under the gun. However, I've come to realize that it is more important that I am "under the blood." God is in control and He knows all the stuff I'm dealing with. He knows the frustrations included in the situations. He knows, before it even happens, the difficulties I will face.
No matter what happens in the coming year...and for the rest of my life...all I must do is reach out and take the grace and strength God is offering. As the old Petra song says "...you see, Jesus and me, we are a majority and no matter how big the mountain it will have to go."
The mountain will go but I will remain...anchored to God.
These strong, simple words can be spiritual adrenaline for us when we need them. They were written by a man who knew what he was talking about, as he himself was in prison. He was writing to a young minister who was also suffering and evidently tempted by doubt, fear, even uncertainty of his call. The older man admonishes him very lovingly to take his share of suffering, take his share of hardship like a good soldier, and to take strength from the grace of God (2 Tm 2:1 NEB).
Where shall I ever find the strength I need to get through this experience, this ordeal, this day, this week? The answer is Take it! Take it from the grace which is ours already, in Christ Jesus.
"Here it is," He is saying, "Will you have some?"
"Yes, thank You, Lord. I'll take it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The answer is that easy..."take it".
I am concerned and a little stressed about the coming school year. There are so many things going on and it feels, already, that I am under the gun. However, I've come to realize that it is more important that I am "under the blood." God is in control and He knows all the stuff I'm dealing with. He knows the frustrations included in the situations. He knows, before it even happens, the difficulties I will face.
No matter what happens in the coming year...and for the rest of my life...all I must do is reach out and take the grace and strength God is offering. As the old Petra song says "...you see, Jesus and me, we are a majority and no matter how big the mountain it will have to go."
The mountain will go but I will remain...anchored to God.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Pop quizzes in life
Lately I've been posting quite a few Elizabeth Elliot devotions. It's not that I can't think these things for myself, it's more that she has said exactly what I was thinking, or that her words pointed out something that really struck me at the moment. I could paraphrase her words, and maybe sometimes I will; however, right now it seems that I could hardly say it any other way.
God is blessing me in so many ways. He is answering prayers. He is also teaching me. I don't know why I will be at CRHS this coming school year...I don't know how much longer God will have me there. He hasn't decided to let me in on those facts, instead He is asking me to trust Him...and so I shall. He is using this time to refine me and make me into the person He wants me to be. These times of growth and learning are never easy; however, it is never a situation that comes to stay ("And it came to pass..." 'It' never comes to stay, 'it' always comes to pass).
This is a time of 'quizzing' and with God's help it is a life quiz I will learn from, grow from and pass.
A Faith Untried
"A faith untried is no faith at all," someone has said. Today I declared my faith before a hundred women and came home to a startling piece of bad news. Hopes were dashed, plans ruined, over a seemingly trivial thing. We did not know what to do. "Trust me" is always the word at such a time. "But Lord, we did trust You. You answered us and everything was working so beautifully. Now this. What shall we do?" "Keep on trusting me. That is my assignment for you tonight. Commit your way to Me; trust in Me; stand still and see."
Why, of course, Lord! I see what You mean. How could I be sure I'm trusting You unless You keep giving me "pop quizzes"? These are the exams in the school of faith.
"More precious than perishable gold is faith which has stood the test. These trials come so that your faith may prove itself worthy" (1 Pt 1:7 NEB).
God is blessing me in so many ways. He is answering prayers. He is also teaching me. I don't know why I will be at CRHS this coming school year...I don't know how much longer God will have me there. He hasn't decided to let me in on those facts, instead He is asking me to trust Him...and so I shall. He is using this time to refine me and make me into the person He wants me to be. These times of growth and learning are never easy; however, it is never a situation that comes to stay ("And it came to pass..." 'It' never comes to stay, 'it' always comes to pass).
This is a time of 'quizzing' and with God's help it is a life quiz I will learn from, grow from and pass.
A Faith Untried
"A faith untried is no faith at all," someone has said. Today I declared my faith before a hundred women and came home to a startling piece of bad news. Hopes were dashed, plans ruined, over a seemingly trivial thing. We did not know what to do. "Trust me" is always the word at such a time. "But Lord, we did trust You. You answered us and everything was working so beautifully. Now this. What shall we do?" "Keep on trusting me. That is my assignment for you tonight. Commit your way to Me; trust in Me; stand still and see."
Why, of course, Lord! I see what You mean. How could I be sure I'm trusting You unless You keep giving me "pop quizzes"? These are the exams in the school of faith.
"More precious than perishable gold is faith which has stood the test. These trials come so that your faith may prove itself worthy" (1 Pt 1:7 NEB).
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Comfort in times of "need"...
Difficulties are Proof Contexts
Repeatedly I am asked variations of this question: Did the Lord comfort you or were you sometimes lonely or sad? It is not an either-or thing. If I had not been lonely and sad at times, how could I have needed, received, or appreciated comfort? It is the sick who need the physician, the thirsty who need water. This is why Paul not only did not deplore his weaknesses, he "gloried" in them, for they provided the very occasions for his appropriating divine help and strength.
It was in prison that Joseph knew the presence of the Lord.
It was in the lion's den that Daniel's faith was proved.
It was in the furnace that Daniel's three friends found themselves accompanied by a fourth.
We have plenty of "proof texts"--but in order to experience their truth we have to be placed in "proof contexts." The prison, the lion's den, the furnace are where we are shown the realities, incontestably and forever.
Repeatedly I am asked variations of this question: Did the Lord comfort you or were you sometimes lonely or sad? It is not an either-or thing. If I had not been lonely and sad at times, how could I have needed, received, or appreciated comfort? It is the sick who need the physician, the thirsty who need water. This is why Paul not only did not deplore his weaknesses, he "gloried" in them, for they provided the very occasions for his appropriating divine help and strength.
It was in prison that Joseph knew the presence of the Lord.
It was in the lion's den that Daniel's faith was proved.
It was in the furnace that Daniel's three friends found themselves accompanied by a fourth.
We have plenty of "proof texts"--but in order to experience their truth we have to be placed in "proof contexts." The prison, the lion's den, the furnace are where we are shown the realities, incontestably and forever.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Taken from a blog by John Piper...
The word “bridge” does not occur in the Bible. There may be two reasons. One is that God doesn’t build bridges, he divides seas. The other is that usually his people must pass through the deadly currents of suffering and death, not simply ride over them. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:2). They may drown you. But I will be with you in life and death.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Killed all day long. But not separated from Christ. We go through the river. Not over it. He went before us, crucified. He came out on the other side. He knows the way through. With him we will make it. That is the message we have for the precious sinners in the world. He died for your sins. He rose again. He saves all who trust him. We die, but because of him, we do not die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm learning a lot about trusting God and relying on his grace. The lessons about resting in Him have also been a major theme as of late. There has been a lot, both good and bad going on; however, of this I am certain...God is in control. No matter what may occur, He will sustain.
In many ways, yesterday was a difficult day. I faced a giant in my life. There was peace in the situation, though. God carried me through. I don't know what the future may hold; however, it isn't in my hands and that is perfectly OK.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Killed all day long. But not separated from Christ. We go through the river. Not over it. He went before us, crucified. He came out on the other side. He knows the way through. With him we will make it. That is the message we have for the precious sinners in the world. He died for your sins. He rose again. He saves all who trust him. We die, but because of him, we do not die.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm learning a lot about trusting God and relying on his grace. The lessons about resting in Him have also been a major theme as of late. There has been a lot, both good and bad going on; however, of this I am certain...God is in control. No matter what may occur, He will sustain.
In many ways, yesterday was a difficult day. I faced a giant in my life. There was peace in the situation, though. God carried me through. I don't know what the future may hold; however, it isn't in my hands and that is perfectly OK.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Learning to be silent
In the midst of chaos God is my refuge and calm. The last few days have found me "hiding" from the world a bit. Maybe I feel a little shell shocked, maybe I'm not ready to face reality, maybe I just needed to be invisible...whatever the reason, God has allowed me this time. Now, it seems, he is making me ready to move.
Sometimes it isn't easy to be silent. In the last weeks I have found that sometimes silence is necessary. Silence can give the mind and soul a rest. It gives the chance to hear things I might otherwise have missed. It allows God a chance to speak. It is really amazing how God is sending me the messages and encouragement I need most right now. Today he reminds me that silence is needed and is important.
The Need for Silence
It is always easier to add to the noise of the world than to be silent. Silence is a very precious thing--"There was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour" (Rv 8:1 AV), when the seventh seal was opened in the Book of the Revelation. Thunder and horses and martyrs and earthquakes had preceded the opening of this seal. Hail, fire, blood, and fearful judgment followed it--but in between, angels stood in the presence of God and there was utter silence.
Have we learned to stand in God's presence, mouths shut, hearts open? "Lord, what do you want me to do?" We must be quiet in order to know Him and to hear Him and to hear Him answer us.
"If any of you lack wisdom let him ask his friends." No. That is not the Word of the Lord. "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God" (Jas 1:5 AV) is his Word to us. There is a place for asking wisdom of godly friends, but let us always go first to God.
"Be still"--that is, shut up--"and know that He is God" (Ps 46:10 AV).
Sometimes it isn't easy to be silent. In the last weeks I have found that sometimes silence is necessary. Silence can give the mind and soul a rest. It gives the chance to hear things I might otherwise have missed. It allows God a chance to speak. It is really amazing how God is sending me the messages and encouragement I need most right now. Today he reminds me that silence is needed and is important.
The Need for Silence
It is always easier to add to the noise of the world than to be silent. Silence is a very precious thing--"There was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour" (Rv 8:1 AV), when the seventh seal was opened in the Book of the Revelation. Thunder and horses and martyrs and earthquakes had preceded the opening of this seal. Hail, fire, blood, and fearful judgment followed it--but in between, angels stood in the presence of God and there was utter silence.
Have we learned to stand in God's presence, mouths shut, hearts open? "Lord, what do you want me to do?" We must be quiet in order to know Him and to hear Him and to hear Him answer us.
"If any of you lack wisdom let him ask his friends." No. That is not the Word of the Lord. "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God" (Jas 1:5 AV) is his Word to us. There is a place for asking wisdom of godly friends, but let us always go first to God.
"Be still"--that is, shut up--"and know that He is God" (Ps 46:10 AV).
Monday, July 30, 2007
Answers begin to come...
I have not always depended on God the way I should. It is easy to say, "Here, Lord, take my problem." I, however, struggle with leaving the issue in His more than capable hands. Getting impatient that things aren't happening on my timeline, I sometimes try to "help" and things go awry. Sometimes I struggle with giving God the problem in the first place, thinking whatever it is might be too trivial for the God of the universe.
This summer God has been showing me alot about both of those things. He wants to take care of me and my issues. I NEED to seek Him and His grace. Receiving His grace is also part of the equation.
Now a bump has appeared in the road. Instinct screams to fight or to give up. Instead, it seems I am to wait. So...wait I shall. God is in control. I repeat that over and over. Instead of running head-first into the fray, I wait for God and His instructions. He is the director. I am concerned about the situation yet at peace.
He will let me know His plan when it is time and He will make the path clear. When and where he instructs, I will follow.
*************************************************************************************
It is one thing to serve on boards and committees that handle the affairs of others; it is quite another to make decisions that affect us personally.
It is not a sacrifice to the Lord if we give of that which costs us nothing.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps. 51:17).
*************************************************************************************
The Necessity to Cover
There are things which it is our duty to cover in silence. We are told nowadays that everything ought to be expressed if we are truly "honest" and "open."
Proverbs 11:13 says, "He who goes abroad as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing hidden."
Jesus sometimes refused to reveal the truth about Himself, even when it would have seemed to us "an opportunity to witness." He did not always answer questions. He did not always say who He was. He told some of those He healed to tell no one about it.
"For every activity under heaven its time...a time for silence and a time for speech" (Eccl 3:1,7 NEB). "A man of understanding remains silent" (Prv 11:12 RSV).
Lord, deliver me from the urge to open my mouth when I should shut it. Give me the wisdom to keep silence where silence is wise. Remind me that not everything needs to be said, and that there are very few things that need to be said by me.
This summer God has been showing me alot about both of those things. He wants to take care of me and my issues. I NEED to seek Him and His grace. Receiving His grace is also part of the equation.
Now a bump has appeared in the road. Instinct screams to fight or to give up. Instead, it seems I am to wait. So...wait I shall. God is in control. I repeat that over and over. Instead of running head-first into the fray, I wait for God and His instructions. He is the director. I am concerned about the situation yet at peace.
He will let me know His plan when it is time and He will make the path clear. When and where he instructs, I will follow.
*************************************************************************************
It is one thing to serve on boards and committees that handle the affairs of others; it is quite another to make decisions that affect us personally.
It is not a sacrifice to the Lord if we give of that which costs us nothing.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps. 51:17).
*************************************************************************************
The Necessity to Cover
There are things which it is our duty to cover in silence. We are told nowadays that everything ought to be expressed if we are truly "honest" and "open."
Proverbs 11:13 says, "He who goes abroad as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing hidden."
Jesus sometimes refused to reveal the truth about Himself, even when it would have seemed to us "an opportunity to witness." He did not always answer questions. He did not always say who He was. He told some of those He healed to tell no one about it.
"For every activity under heaven its time...a time for silence and a time for speech" (Eccl 3:1,7 NEB). "A man of understanding remains silent" (Prv 11:12 RSV).
Lord, deliver me from the urge to open my mouth when I should shut it. Give me the wisdom to keep silence where silence is wise. Remind me that not everything needs to be said, and that there are very few things that need to be said by me.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
What I need to do right now...(watch, wait and pray)
Watching Quietly, Praying Silently
The man whom Abraham sent to find a wife for his son Isaac had been long in Abraham's service. No doubt he had learned much of trust and obedience through watching his master walk with God. He set out on his mission, confident that God would help him.
Beside the Well of Aram of Two Rivers he halted his camels and was praying silently when a beautiful young woman appeared with her water jar on her shoulder. She responded to his request as he had prayed she would, and he watched quietly to see whether the Lord had made his journey successful (Gn 24:21).
Very possibly we often miss what God wants to show us because we don't take time to pray silently and watch quietly. It was by doing those two things, along with the obvious practical things (let us not leave those undone) that the servant was able to say, "I have been guided by the Lord" (Gn 24:27 NEB).
The man whom Abraham sent to find a wife for his son Isaac had been long in Abraham's service. No doubt he had learned much of trust and obedience through watching his master walk with God. He set out on his mission, confident that God would help him.
Beside the Well of Aram of Two Rivers he halted his camels and was praying silently when a beautiful young woman appeared with her water jar on her shoulder. She responded to his request as he had prayed she would, and he watched quietly to see whether the Lord had made his journey successful (Gn 24:21).
Very possibly we often miss what God wants to show us because we don't take time to pray silently and watch quietly. It was by doing those two things, along with the obvious practical things (let us not leave those undone) that the servant was able to say, "I have been guided by the Lord" (Gn 24:27 NEB).
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Thoughts and lessons for today...
Our Enemy is always looking for opportunities to control our lives. Where he cannot stir us up to revolt against God, he will seek to make us careless so that before we realize what is happening we are dominated by our fallen natures.
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36).
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36).
Friday, July 27, 2007
Advice to take to heart
So, stuff is going on...again. I am trying to seek God's will and gudiance in all things. The latest trial is very frustrating. I feel totally defeated. God has used amazing people, though, to encourage me. I am so thankful for friends. I want to take the situation and place it in God's hands...let Him work it all out. That is a hard thing for me. Letting God work and trusting Him isn't always easy. I don't know why but I want to give it to Him and then try to "help". OF course, when that happens things turn disasterous. Things are happening and I want God's peace. There are choices that will have to be made and I want to heard God's voice...his instruction in what to do next. This is a learning process for me. I feel like I'm standing on the edge and can't see what is "out there" and that's scary. I know God wants me to put my life in his hands and let him support and guide...it is going to be an interesting and lesson filled ride.
In the mean time...I found this quote this morning. I never cease to be amazed at how God sends messages when his children need them (and the instruments his sometimes chooses to use!)...
Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.
-Buddha
In the mean time...I found this quote this morning. I never cease to be amazed at how God sends messages when his children need them (and the instruments his sometimes chooses to use!)...
Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.
-Buddha
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
What I'm convicted about today...
A Devious Repentance
Recently I committed a sin of what seemed to me unpardonable thoughtlessness. For days I wanted to kick myself around the block. What is the matter with me? I thought. How could I have acted so? "Fret not thyself because of evildoers" came to mind. In this case the evildoer was myself, and I was fretting. My fretting, I discovered, was a subtle kind of pride. "I'm really not that sort of person," I was saying. I did not want to be thought of as that sort of person. I was very sorry for what I had done, not primarily because I had failed someone I loved, but because my reputation would be smudged. When my reputation becomes my chief concern, my repentance has a hollow ring. No wonder Satan is called the deceiver. He has a thousand tricks, and we fall for them.
Lord, I confess my sin of thoughtlessness and my sin of pride. I pray for a more loving and a purer heart, for Jesus' sake.
Recently I committed a sin of what seemed to me unpardonable thoughtlessness. For days I wanted to kick myself around the block. What is the matter with me? I thought. How could I have acted so? "Fret not thyself because of evildoers" came to mind. In this case the evildoer was myself, and I was fretting. My fretting, I discovered, was a subtle kind of pride. "I'm really not that sort of person," I was saying. I did not want to be thought of as that sort of person. I was very sorry for what I had done, not primarily because I had failed someone I loved, but because my reputation would be smudged. When my reputation becomes my chief concern, my repentance has a hollow ring. No wonder Satan is called the deceiver. He has a thousand tricks, and we fall for them.
Lord, I confess my sin of thoughtlessness and my sin of pride. I pray for a more loving and a purer heart, for Jesus' sake.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Continued lessons from FSU
God has been teaching me so much lately. These last 5 weeks have been full of experiences and lessons...and many of these weren't in the classroom! It is as if God has been breaking through some of the walls I had so carefully constructed around various parts of myself and is healing old hurts. This hasn't been an easy process, by far. I've felt out of sorts and confused; however, God is in control...and that is all I need to know.
The following is what he showed me today:
An Antidote for Pride
The basis of all sin of whatever kind is pride. This was what inspired the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and it is always with us. One very common form it takes is the pride of privilege. When a man is given a special position, he forgets that it was given. He becomes proud, as though "his own arm" had gotten him the victory.
God knows well the heart and made provision for this sin of pride when He instructed the Israelites about appointing a king. He was to make a copy of the law. This would be the antidote, necessary for him and likewise for all of us (for "law" read "Word"). "He shall keep it by him and read from it all his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and keep all the words of this law and observe these statutes.
In this way he shall not become prouder than his fellow countrymen nor shall he turn from these commandments to right or left" (Dt 17:19, 20 NEB). The attempt itself to keep the commandments, one by one and day after day, will be sufficient to humble us, for the "straightedge of the law" (Rom 3:20 JBP) will only show us, as Paul found, how crooked we are. We will find, in fact, that we cannot keep it. "The whole matter is on a different plane--believing instead of achieving" (Rom 3:27 JBP). Pride won't find much foothold on that plane.
"The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether" (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity).
The following is what he showed me today:
An Antidote for Pride
The basis of all sin of whatever kind is pride. This was what inspired the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and it is always with us. One very common form it takes is the pride of privilege. When a man is given a special position, he forgets that it was given. He becomes proud, as though "his own arm" had gotten him the victory.
God knows well the heart and made provision for this sin of pride when He instructed the Israelites about appointing a king. He was to make a copy of the law. This would be the antidote, necessary for him and likewise for all of us (for "law" read "Word"). "He shall keep it by him and read from it all his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and keep all the words of this law and observe these statutes.
In this way he shall not become prouder than his fellow countrymen nor shall he turn from these commandments to right or left" (Dt 17:19, 20 NEB). The attempt itself to keep the commandments, one by one and day after day, will be sufficient to humble us, for the "straightedge of the law" (Rom 3:20 JBP) will only show us, as Paul found, how crooked we are. We will find, in fact, that we cannot keep it. "The whole matter is on a different plane--believing instead of achieving" (Rom 3:27 JBP). Pride won't find much foothold on that plane.
"The real test of being in the presence of God is that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether" (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity).
Saturday, July 21, 2007
When God Says No
I've been learning about sometimes God saying 'no'. This is a hard lesson for me. Like so many people, I want things to go my way. Yeilding to God's desires for me is sometimes difficult; however, it is a refuge to know that He is in control. While I cannot see the reasons for staying in a situation (like CRHS) I can rest in the fact that He is working all things together for His good...
2 Samuel 7:1-13
Nathan commended David for his desire to build a temple and then went to his own house. That night God spoke to the prophet, and as an obedient servant, Nathan brought the word to David. The message was no.
God was not going to allow David to build a house of worship for Him. The Lord, however, was pleased with the intentions and the attitude of David's heart in this matter.
Years later, after David's death, Solomon built a magnificent temple and in his dedication message said, "It was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. And the Lord said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart" (I Kings 8:17,18).
Though God said no to David's building a temple, He was so pleased with David's attitude that He made a covenant with him in which He promised to establish the house of David forever.
Can you take a no from God? He knows what is best for all of us. Remember, His promise to David was "I will be with thee for ever" (see 2 Sam. 7:16). This promise is ours also, for He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (see Heb. 13:5).
"As for God, his way is perfect" (2 Sam. 22:31).
2 Samuel 7:1-13
Nathan commended David for his desire to build a temple and then went to his own house. That night God spoke to the prophet, and as an obedient servant, Nathan brought the word to David. The message was no.
God was not going to allow David to build a house of worship for Him. The Lord, however, was pleased with the intentions and the attitude of David's heart in this matter.
Years later, after David's death, Solomon built a magnificent temple and in his dedication message said, "It was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel. And the Lord said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart" (I Kings 8:17,18).
Though God said no to David's building a temple, He was so pleased with David's attitude that He made a covenant with him in which He promised to establish the house of David forever.
Can you take a no from God? He knows what is best for all of us. Remember, His promise to David was "I will be with thee for ever" (see 2 Sam. 7:16). This promise is ours also, for He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us (see Heb. 13:5).
"As for God, his way is perfect" (2 Sam. 22:31).
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The seed that is me
To see things in the seed, that is genius.
-Lao-Tzu
Thank you, Lord, for seeing something in the seed that is me. Thank you, also, for the nurturing, tending, and (even though it can be painful) the pruning you do to help me to grow in your grace and wisdom. Let me have deep roots planted firmly in you and branches that reach tall and strong toward you.
-Lao-Tzu
Thank you, Lord, for seeing something in the seed that is me. Thank you, also, for the nurturing, tending, and (even though it can be painful) the pruning you do to help me to grow in your grace and wisdom. Let me have deep roots planted firmly in you and branches that reach tall and strong toward you.
Monday, July 16, 2007
What God showed me today...
My Own Fault
Someone who is suffering as a result of his own foolishness or failure may read these words. These griefs are hard indeed to bear, for we feel we might easily have avoided them. We have no one to blame but ourselves, and there isn't much consolation there. Sometimes we imagine that we must bear this kind of trouble alone, but that is a mistake. The Lamb of God, slain for us, has borne all of our griefs and carried all of our sorrows, no matter what their origin. All grief and sorrow is the result of sin somewhere along the line, but Christ received them willingly. It is nothing but pride that keeps me from asking Him to help me to bear the troubles which are my own fault.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, take away mine.
I take Him at His word indeed,
Christ died for sinners--this I read--
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior.
(Dora Greenwell)
Someone who is suffering as a result of his own foolishness or failure may read these words. These griefs are hard indeed to bear, for we feel we might easily have avoided them. We have no one to blame but ourselves, and there isn't much consolation there. Sometimes we imagine that we must bear this kind of trouble alone, but that is a mistake. The Lamb of God, slain for us, has borne all of our griefs and carried all of our sorrows, no matter what their origin. All grief and sorrow is the result of sin somewhere along the line, but Christ received them willingly. It is nothing but pride that keeps me from asking Him to help me to bear the troubles which are my own fault.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, take away mine.
I take Him at His word indeed,
Christ died for sinners--this I read--
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior.
(Dora Greenwell)
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Loving the world...
To love the world in the wrong way is to love it without knowing the Father's love. It is when a man knows Him and receives everything from his hand that the world is redeemed for him, no longer a snare and in opposition to the love of God. I must love the world only through and because of the Father, not instead of. My ultimate concern must be God Himself. He is eternal. His gifts are not always so.
Lord, may no gift of yours ever take your place in my heart. Help me to hold them lightly in an open palm, that the supreme object of my desire may always be You and You alone. Purify my heart--I want to love You purely.
Lord, may no gift of yours ever take your place in my heart. Help me to hold them lightly in an open palm, that the supreme object of my desire may always be You and You alone. Purify my heart--I want to love You purely.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
lesson for today...
"The love of Christ leaves us no choice....His purpose in dying for all was that men, while still in life, should cease to live for themselves" (2 Cor 5:14,15 NEB).
No other choice but love. Cease to live for yourself. Live for Christ. Don't bother singing, "Oh, how I love Jesus" as long as you are plotting retaliation. You don't really have that choice, not if you're a Christian.
No other choice but love. Cease to live for yourself. Live for Christ. Don't bother singing, "Oh, how I love Jesus" as long as you are plotting retaliation. You don't really have that choice, not if you're a Christian.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
another installment of : What God showed or taught me today...
Yesterday's victory is not sufficient for today. We must have a moment-by-moment walk with the Lord so that when each testing comes, we will be victorious for Christ.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness" (2 Pet. 3:17, NASB).
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness" (2 Pet. 3:17, NASB).
Monday, July 09, 2007
Today is the first day...
Well...God has placed something on my heart and I'm listening.
I've been wanting to get back into shape. I'm tired of feeling pudgy and out of shape. While here at FSU I've been eating well and I'm taking my thyroid meds every day. I realized I was going to have to do more. While praying about what that might be, God kept putting joggers/runners in my path. Dad has been jogging for years. Jimmy has been jogging (and even runs marathons and has done triathlons!). Anji started running in January and her husband, John Ventry, started jogging recently. My roommate, Hannah, runs daily and is training for a marathon in January. My wonderful new friend, Eric, jogs. So...OK LORD! I get the picture...I will get on the bandwagon and start jogging. When I got home today I changed and went to the fitness center at the condo. I walked (at a pace of 4 mph) for 20 min. on a treadmill and then rode a stationary bike for 20 min. (at about 10 mph). I feel pretty good...so far. Tomorrow, I'll do more. I hope to build up to jogging fairly quickly and then build from there.
It's interesting, too, how many of these people are all training for a marathon at Disney in January. They don't know one another; however, they will all be running the same race. Is God pointing me in that direction as well???
So today...it the first day for a new me. Prayerfully, God gives me the strength to commit to this and make it a part of my life.
I've been wanting to get back into shape. I'm tired of feeling pudgy and out of shape. While here at FSU I've been eating well and I'm taking my thyroid meds every day. I realized I was going to have to do more. While praying about what that might be, God kept putting joggers/runners in my path. Dad has been jogging for years. Jimmy has been jogging (and even runs marathons and has done triathlons!). Anji started running in January and her husband, John Ventry, started jogging recently. My roommate, Hannah, runs daily and is training for a marathon in January. My wonderful new friend, Eric, jogs. So...OK LORD! I get the picture...I will get on the bandwagon and start jogging. When I got home today I changed and went to the fitness center at the condo. I walked (at a pace of 4 mph) for 20 min. on a treadmill and then rode a stationary bike for 20 min. (at about 10 mph). I feel pretty good...so far. Tomorrow, I'll do more. I hope to build up to jogging fairly quickly and then build from there.
It's interesting, too, how many of these people are all training for a marathon at Disney in January. They don't know one another; however, they will all be running the same race. Is God pointing me in that direction as well???
So today...it the first day for a new me. Prayerfully, God gives me the strength to commit to this and make it a part of my life.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Frustrated and Confused
I don't know what to do.
I went to the school today to run some copies and do some misc. work. I figured by doing the copies now it would give me some extra time later. It also would work well to use up copy numbers now, especially when the machines are free.
One of the administrators, one that I like, asked me to stop by her office. She told me my numbers are still down (what do I have to do to get numbers?????????). I'll be expected to teach English next year. I've been given an ultimatium: get English certified or drop down to part-time.
I was also basically told I'll be expected to 'play nice', go to the English Dpt meetings, track with the other English teachers, etc. I'm not an English teacher! I don't like teaching English.
I'm discouraged and angry. I don't understand this. What lesson am I supposed to be learning?
I don't like teaching English! I don't know what to do!!!!!!
I went to the school today to run some copies and do some misc. work. I figured by doing the copies now it would give me some extra time later. It also would work well to use up copy numbers now, especially when the machines are free.
One of the administrators, one that I like, asked me to stop by her office. She told me my numbers are still down (what do I have to do to get numbers?????????). I'll be expected to teach English next year. I've been given an ultimatium: get English certified or drop down to part-time.
I was also basically told I'll be expected to 'play nice', go to the English Dpt meetings, track with the other English teachers, etc. I'm not an English teacher! I don't like teaching English.
I'm discouraged and angry. I don't understand this. What lesson am I supposed to be learning?
I don't like teaching English! I don't know what to do!!!!!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Dates to remember
Last night at 11 pm my Aunt Marilyn passed away. She had fought a good fight against cancer and the cancer, ultimately, won. Aunt Marilyn was my 'Auntie Mame'...she was full of life and full of love. She wasn't afraid of death but saw it as a transition out of this world and into the arms of the Lord. I'm sure Grandpa, Grandma Mabel and Grandma Anne were waiting for her. I'm glad to know she is out of pain. It hurts to know I didn't get to see her 1 more time. She is the first of my dad's siblings to pass away, I can't begin to imagine how they feel...how her family feels. RIP...to a beautiful woman...
Today is my mom's birthday. She's 64 today. I gave her her gifts last week. I pray she has a wonderful year and that God blesses her in new and amazing ways.
Today is my mom's birthday. She's 64 today. I gave her her gifts last week. I pray she has a wonderful year and that God blesses her in new and amazing ways.
Friday, June 01, 2007
the unknows
I'm sitting on the brink of so much right now. There is a choice that has to be made and I don't know what to do. In some ways the obvious seems to be the best way to go. (but what is obvious?)
It seems to be what I've been praying about. In many ways I want to jump out of the boat and walk on faith.
The problem? It isn't just me that has to be considered. If Tom isn't behind this 100%...if Tom doesn't think this is God's will then we don't take a step forward. Is his hesitation genuine or is it just fear?
What I do know is choices have to be made quickly...I pray God directs our steps quickly and with all certainty.
It seems to be what I've been praying about. In many ways I want to jump out of the boat and walk on faith.
The problem? It isn't just me that has to be considered. If Tom isn't behind this 100%...if Tom doesn't think this is God's will then we don't take a step forward. Is his hesitation genuine or is it just fear?
What I do know is choices have to be made quickly...I pray God directs our steps quickly and with all certainty.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Which theologian are you?
 | You scored as John Calvin. Much of what is now called Calvinism had more to do with his followers than Calvin himself, and so you may or may not be committed to TULIP, though God's sovereignty is all important.
Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com |
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Anger, frustration and discouragement
It has been a difficult year at work. After last year's problems and the accusations I knew this year would be hard. I felt, though, that God was directing me to stay. Running from my problems wasn't the way to solve them. I have felt bombarded all year. It seems I am embroiled in serious spiritual battle. There are day's it seems I can do nothing right. I have questioned if this job is the right thing...if I should stay...if I should change careers. I have doubted my abilities.
Depression has flirted all around. Panic and anxiety have been a plague. I felt attacked from all sides. Discouragement has been a regular occurance.
I didn't give up, though. Pushing forward, I've trusted God at every turn. There had to be an end and things would get better. God was using this to teach me, to make me grow, to draw me closer to him.
I'll admit I haven't always been good through this process. Sometime I complained because of how uncomfortable the whole thing has been. There were times when giving up would have been the easiest thing to do. There were times I grumbled. However, I continued to realize God was in control.
Yesterday was my yearly evaluation. I don't know what I expected. My boss actually asked if I wanted to be doing my job! He said I seemed 'frail' and unhappy. He suggested I might want to consider another career. He brough my health up and that I seem to get ill "a lot". He suggested I should make more of an effort to reunite the arts department.
In the end I passed my evaluation; however, I felt totally shreaded. I don't know what to do. Being a drama teacher has been amazing...teaching English has been awful. I want to be faithful. I want to be a good teacher. I just don't know. I didn't feel that he always understood or listened to what I tried to say.
It is amazing, though, how God is still in control. This morning, I opened an e-mail devotional. Elizabeth Elliot has been such a source of encouragement and teaching this year. God has continually sent me just what I needed just when I needed to hear it.
Prayer is Conflict
Prayer is no easy pastime. As I grow old I find that I am more conscious than ever of my need to pray, but it seems at the same time to become more of a struggle. It is harder to concentrate, for one thing. I was greatly helped by some private notes Amy Carmichael wrote to her "Family" (hundreds of children and their helpers, both Indian and European) in Dohnavur, South India, to help them prepare for a special day of prayer.
She quoted Paul's letter to the Colossians (2:1, KJV): "I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you." He is referring at least in part to the conflict of prayer. The same verse is translated "how greatly I strive" in the Revised Version; "how deep is my anxiety" in J.B. Phillips; and, in the Jerusalem Bible, "Yes, I want you to know that I do have to struggle hard for you... to bind you together in love and to stir your minds, so that your understanding may come to full development, until you really know God's secret in which all the jewels of wisdom and knowledge are hidden."
Here are Amy's notes:
WITH WHAT DID I STRUGGLE?
1. With all that says to me, what is the use of your praying? So many others, who know more of prayer than you do, are praying. What difference does it make whether you pray or not? Are you sure that your Lord is listening? Of course He is listening to the other prayers but yours are of such small account, are you really sure He is "bending His ear" to you?
2. With all that suggests that we are asked to give too much time to prayer. There is so much to do. Why set aside so much time just to pray?
3. With all that discourages me personally--perhaps the remembrance of past sin, perhaps spiritual or physical tiredness; with anything and everything that keeps me back from what occupied St. Paul so often--vital prayer.
WHAT WILL HELP ME MOST IN THIS WRESTLE?
1. The certain knowledge that our insignificance does not matter at all, for we do not come to the Father in our own name but in the Name of His beloved Son. His ear is always open to that Name. Of this we can be certain.
2. The certain knowledge that this is Satan's lie; he is much more afraid of our prayer than our work. (This is proved by the immense difficulties we always find when we set ourselves to pray. They are much greater than those we meet when we set ourselves to work.)
3. Isaiah 44:22 and kindred words, with 1 John 1:9, meet all distress about sin. Isaiah 40:29-31 with 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 meets everything that spiritual or physical weariness can do to hinder. Psalm 27:8 with Isaiah 45:19 meets all other difficulties. And the moment we say to our God, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek," His mighty energies come to the rescue. (See Colossians 1:2,9.) Greater, far greater, is He that is in us than he that is against us. Count on the greatness of God. But are we to go on wrestling to the end?
No, there is a point to which we come, when, utterly trusting the promise of our Father, we rest our hearts upon Him. It is then we are given what St. Paul calls access with confidence (Ephesians 3:12). But don't forget that this access is by faith, not by feeling, faith in Him our living Lord; He who says "Come unto Me" does not push us away when we come. As we go on, led by the Holy Spirit who so kindly helps our infirmities, we find ourselves in 1 John 5:14,15 and lastly in Philippians 4:6, . It is good to remember that immediate answer to prayer is not always something seen, but it is always inward peace.
And if the day ends otherwise and we are discouraged? Then tell Him so, "nothing ashamed of tears upon His feet" [here she is quoting from F.W.H. Meyers's poem "St. Paul"]. Lord, Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love Thee. "Yes, my child, I know." But don't settle down into an "it will never be different" attitude. It will be different if only in earnest we follow on to know the Lord.
Depression has flirted all around. Panic and anxiety have been a plague. I felt attacked from all sides. Discouragement has been a regular occurance.
I didn't give up, though. Pushing forward, I've trusted God at every turn. There had to be an end and things would get better. God was using this to teach me, to make me grow, to draw me closer to him.
I'll admit I haven't always been good through this process. Sometime I complained because of how uncomfortable the whole thing has been. There were times when giving up would have been the easiest thing to do. There were times I grumbled. However, I continued to realize God was in control.
Yesterday was my yearly evaluation. I don't know what I expected. My boss actually asked if I wanted to be doing my job! He said I seemed 'frail' and unhappy. He suggested I might want to consider another career. He brough my health up and that I seem to get ill "a lot". He suggested I should make more of an effort to reunite the arts department.
In the end I passed my evaluation; however, I felt totally shreaded. I don't know what to do. Being a drama teacher has been amazing...teaching English has been awful. I want to be faithful. I want to be a good teacher. I just don't know. I didn't feel that he always understood or listened to what I tried to say.
It is amazing, though, how God is still in control. This morning, I opened an e-mail devotional. Elizabeth Elliot has been such a source of encouragement and teaching this year. God has continually sent me just what I needed just when I needed to hear it.
Prayer is Conflict
Prayer is no easy pastime. As I grow old I find that I am more conscious than ever of my need to pray, but it seems at the same time to become more of a struggle. It is harder to concentrate, for one thing. I was greatly helped by some private notes Amy Carmichael wrote to her "Family" (hundreds of children and their helpers, both Indian and European) in Dohnavur, South India, to help them prepare for a special day of prayer.
She quoted Paul's letter to the Colossians (2:1, KJV): "I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you." He is referring at least in part to the conflict of prayer. The same verse is translated "how greatly I strive" in the Revised Version; "how deep is my anxiety" in J.B. Phillips; and, in the Jerusalem Bible, "Yes, I want you to know that I do have to struggle hard for you... to bind you together in love and to stir your minds, so that your understanding may come to full development, until you really know God's secret in which all the jewels of wisdom and knowledge are hidden."
Here are Amy's notes:
WITH WHAT DID I STRUGGLE?
1. With all that says to me, what is the use of your praying? So many others, who know more of prayer than you do, are praying. What difference does it make whether you pray or not? Are you sure that your Lord is listening? Of course He is listening to the other prayers but yours are of such small account, are you really sure He is "bending His ear" to you?
2. With all that suggests that we are asked to give too much time to prayer. There is so much to do. Why set aside so much time just to pray?
3. With all that discourages me personally--perhaps the remembrance of past sin, perhaps spiritual or physical tiredness; with anything and everything that keeps me back from what occupied St. Paul so often--vital prayer.
WHAT WILL HELP ME MOST IN THIS WRESTLE?
1. The certain knowledge that our insignificance does not matter at all, for we do not come to the Father in our own name but in the Name of His beloved Son. His ear is always open to that Name. Of this we can be certain.
2. The certain knowledge that this is Satan's lie; he is much more afraid of our prayer than our work. (This is proved by the immense difficulties we always find when we set ourselves to pray. They are much greater than those we meet when we set ourselves to work.)
3. Isaiah 44:22 and kindred words, with 1 John 1:9, meet all distress about sin. Isaiah 40:29-31 with 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 meets everything that spiritual or physical weariness can do to hinder. Psalm 27:8 with Isaiah 45:19 meets all other difficulties. And the moment we say to our God, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek," His mighty energies come to the rescue. (See Colossians 1:2,9.) Greater, far greater, is He that is in us than he that is against us. Count on the greatness of God. But are we to go on wrestling to the end?
No, there is a point to which we come, when, utterly trusting the promise of our Father, we rest our hearts upon Him. It is then we are given what St. Paul calls access with confidence (Ephesians 3:12). But don't forget that this access is by faith, not by feeling, faith in Him our living Lord; He who says "Come unto Me" does not push us away when we come. As we go on, led by the Holy Spirit who so kindly helps our infirmities, we find ourselves in 1 John 5:14,15 and lastly in Philippians 4:6, . It is good to remember that immediate answer to prayer is not always something seen, but it is always inward peace.
And if the day ends otherwise and we are discouraged? Then tell Him so, "nothing ashamed of tears upon His feet" [here she is quoting from F.W.H. Meyers's poem "St. Paul"]. Lord, Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I love Thee. "Yes, my child, I know." But don't settle down into an "it will never be different" attitude. It will be different if only in earnest we follow on to know the Lord.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Blah and Blech!!!
Today I am BLAH!!!!!! I've been sick for a week (bronchitis) and had to take a day and a half off of work (which I never do). I went back to work today...a 15.5 hour day...great. My voice is still gone and I had to use it way too much. I feel discouraged and totally used up;. My boss mentioned this evening that I "seem to get sick a lot."...great! I'm sure he'll use this against me now. Stuff just doesn't feel right right now. So much feels...well, off. Tom seems obsessed with the finances; however, I don't know what I am supposed to do. Yes, school isn't cheap; however, doing this will help in the long run. I didn't get the scholarship; however, I might get it next year. I feel guilty about spending a dollar sometimes because of school. There are times he seems focused on the debt; however, there always seems to be enough for other stuff. I'm not a wife that claims my pay is "mine" to do with as I please. I contribute the whole to our account. I work as hard as I can for the pay I receive and there are days it just doesn't seem enough.
I'm off right now and it's making the world askew. It feels like people are shoving their problems in my direction and I'm supposed to shoulder it all. Oh...and someone is stealing stuff from Drama...again.
It feels like a spiritual attack from every side. I don't know what the lesson is I should be learning. I don't know if I am being directed to move or what that direction would even be. I'm tying to trust...I'm trying to lean...I'm trying to listen...But am I?????
So, today I am BLAH!!! Today I am BLECH!!!!! Tomorrow I will put a smile on my face and wash cars so my students can have their trip to Tampa. Tomorrow will be a new day...Tomorrow has no mistakes in it, yet.
Lord??? Help!!!!!!!!
I'm off right now and it's making the world askew. It feels like people are shoving their problems in my direction and I'm supposed to shoulder it all. Oh...and someone is stealing stuff from Drama...again.
It feels like a spiritual attack from every side. I don't know what the lesson is I should be learning. I don't know if I am being directed to move or what that direction would even be. I'm tying to trust...I'm trying to lean...I'm trying to listen...But am I?????
So, today I am BLAH!!! Today I am BLECH!!!!! Tomorrow I will put a smile on my face and wash cars so my students can have their trip to Tampa. Tomorrow will be a new day...Tomorrow has no mistakes in it, yet.
Lord??? Help!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A quote for today...
We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.
~William Gladstone
~William Gladstone
Saturday, March 31, 2007
a quote I saw today...
Why do we let the one thing we don't have affect how we feel about all the things we do have?
Carrie Bradshaw
Hmmmmm...this could easily be a world philosophy in a nutshell.
Carrie Bradshaw
Hmmmmm...this could easily be a world philosophy in a nutshell.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
a prayer for today....
Lord, teach me to take gladly the place You have assigned to me and to submit humbly to those over me, that I may do my part to keep the smooth and proper functioning of the body of Christ.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Who really is in charge....
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: Exodus 16:6
Who is in Charge?
The people of Israel complained loudly against Moses for having brought them out into a wilderness where there was nothing to their liking. "Better to have died in Egypt!" they said.
"It was the Lord who brought you out," Moses told them(Ex 16:6-8). "It is against the Lord that you bring your complaints, and not against us."
When we are angry or offended, let us be careful to note where our real complaint lies. This person who insults me at the office or on the bus, this husband who rides roughshod over my feelings, this insensitive individual who does not understand or appreciate me--is he not one whom God has put in my life for my good? Who, after all, is really in charge?
Let us beware of rebellion against the Lord. Circumstances are of his choosing, because He wants to bless us, to lead us (even through the wilderness) out of Egypt, that is, out of ourselves. Settle the complaint with God, and it will settle other things. Be offended with God, and you will be offended with everyone who crosses your path.
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: Exodus 16:6
Who is in Charge?
The people of Israel complained loudly against Moses for having brought them out into a wilderness where there was nothing to their liking. "Better to have died in Egypt!" they said.
"It was the Lord who brought you out," Moses told them(Ex 16:6-8). "It is against the Lord that you bring your complaints, and not against us."
When we are angry or offended, let us be careful to note where our real complaint lies. This person who insults me at the office or on the bus, this husband who rides roughshod over my feelings, this insensitive individual who does not understand or appreciate me--is he not one whom God has put in my life for my good? Who, after all, is really in charge?
Let us beware of rebellion against the Lord. Circumstances are of his choosing, because He wants to bless us, to lead us (even through the wilderness) out of Egypt, that is, out of ourselves. Settle the complaint with God, and it will settle other things. Be offended with God, and you will be offended with everyone who crosses your path.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Thought for today...March 10
"Being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Eph. 1:11).
There is no such thing as chance as far as God is concerned.
What a comfort!!!!!!!
There is no such thing as chance as far as God is concerned.
What a comfort!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 04, 2007
What I learned today...4 March 2007
Yes, I'm back to sharing devotionals. This is not because I can't think for myself, or that I don't have plenty to say! Rather it is because God brought these words across my path at exactly the right time and to exactly show me something I needed to learn. Right now I am waiting: for answers, for direction, for guidance, for a lot, actually. It seems I should continue to wait for now, and this is something I struggle with. Waiting is difficult; however, wait I shall. I will wait and pray and will be confident that the answers will come when God sees fit.
(I did change the personal pronouns from 'we' to 'I'. It isn't to diminish the authors writing but, rather, to make it more of a confessional and prayer.)
Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 27:1-17 Psalm 37:34
Impatient to Wait on God
Genesis 27:1-17
One faithless act leads to another. Having schemed to secure the birthright, Jacob deceived his father in order to secure the blessing, which was a vital part of the birthright.
Jacob needed not only the birthright from Esau but also the blessing from his father. One was of no value without the other.
Although Esau was the favorite son of his father, Jacob was the favorite son of his mother.
Isaac was making plans to pass the blessing on to his favorite son, but Rebekah was not about to have Jacob left out--especially since God had indicated the blessing was to be Jacob's. Rebekah devised a counterplot.
Rebekah's sin was that she lacked faith in God's ability. She felt she had to help God accomplish His will.
While the intended goal was legitimate, the means she used to accomplish it were not honoring to God. She thought God must be frustrated concerning His plan and, therefore, needed her help.
Some people say, "The Lord helps those who help themselves." This is not true. The truth is that God helps those who come to the end of themselves.
What I need is patience to wait on God. He is able to do everything He has said He will do, and He will always do it on time.
"Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land" (Ps. 37:34).
(I did change the personal pronouns from 'we' to 'I'. It isn't to diminish the authors writing but, rather, to make it more of a confessional and prayer.)
Author: Theodore Epp
Source: Strength for the Journey
Scripture Reference Genesis 27:1-17 Psalm 37:34
Impatient to Wait on God
Genesis 27:1-17
One faithless act leads to another. Having schemed to secure the birthright, Jacob deceived his father in order to secure the blessing, which was a vital part of the birthright.
Jacob needed not only the birthright from Esau but also the blessing from his father. One was of no value without the other.
Although Esau was the favorite son of his father, Jacob was the favorite son of his mother.
Isaac was making plans to pass the blessing on to his favorite son, but Rebekah was not about to have Jacob left out--especially since God had indicated the blessing was to be Jacob's. Rebekah devised a counterplot.
Rebekah's sin was that she lacked faith in God's ability. She felt she had to help God accomplish His will.
While the intended goal was legitimate, the means she used to accomplish it were not honoring to God. She thought God must be frustrated concerning His plan and, therefore, needed her help.
Some people say, "The Lord helps those who help themselves." This is not true. The truth is that God helps those who come to the end of themselves.
What I need is patience to wait on God. He is able to do everything He has said He will do, and He will always do it on time.
"Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land" (Ps. 37:34).
Monday, February 26, 2007
A birthday poem from an on-line friend...
I got this today from an on-line friend and was really touched by it. I guess I just wanted to save it for posterity...
Shakespeare said: "the play's the thing" and G_G knows that's true,
She's teacher, coach, and cheering squad to teens who love stage too--
At monologue, dialogue, production and direction, this gal's a wiz,
Her mission's motivation, inspiration,to the coming generation in Show-Biz.
Gadget rest? you jest...she burns the midnight oil for classes at FSU,
The Mama of Drama is earning her Masters and teaching full-time, phew!
Happy Birthday G_G!!, glad you made your entrance on earth's stage,
God's writing the script of your life, hallelujah, glory and praise!
So light up the candles, ring up the curtain on the chocolate tarts,
Celebrate Gadget, we, your audience, applaud you, with all our hearts!
Shakespeare said: "the play's the thing" and G_G knows that's true,
She's teacher, coach, and cheering squad to teens who love stage too--
At monologue, dialogue, production and direction, this gal's a wiz,
Her mission's motivation, inspiration,to the coming generation in Show-Biz.
Gadget rest? you jest...she burns the midnight oil for classes at FSU,
The Mama of Drama is earning her Masters and teaching full-time, phew!
Happy Birthday G_G!!, glad you made your entrance on earth's stage,
God's writing the script of your life, hallelujah, glory and praise!
So light up the candles, ring up the curtain on the chocolate tarts,
Celebrate Gadget, we, your audience, applaud you, with all our hearts!
my Birthday...
Another birthday...another year...so much has happened, good and bad.
I sat in my office today during lunch and heard my students in my classroom. I had been "banished" to my office until they told me it was OK to return. They were laughing and having fun. They were decorating my room with crape paper and a balloon. One had gotten me a cake (with purple icing!!!!!) and a package of Twizzlers and a package of Twix. They had purple 'My little pony" plates and a Disney princess balloon. They didn't have matches to light candles (especially a 29!) so they improvised with cell phones that they snapped shut after singing to me and having me "blow out the candles"! Several of them got me cards and one made me a card. One gave me a glass penguin and another won a pink teddy bear for me (it was the first thing she had ever won). It was, without a doubt, some of the sweetest things someone could have done. They gave of themselves completely and without reservation. They remembered to tell me "Happy Birthday" and sent MySpace messages and comments...they gave me hugs. They are amazing...I can't imagine a life without the blessings of these kids
Through an online Message Board I belong to I've received well wishes, e-mails, prayers and even a poem! They have embraced me and accept me for who I am.
By contrast, I almost got 'run over' by someone I used to consider a friend...he didn't even say 'excuse me' when he pushed past...he really has gotten to be a JERK!!! My principal put a card in my box and put a note from Applebee's "good for $5" in the card; however, it was for a March Student of the Month...which had been crossed out and "Feb birthday" had been scrawled in. It felt like something expected...like it was something he "had" to do...
Then there was the FCAT...first day of the testing. Administrating...again. I don't like the FCAT, and I don't like administrating.
Ah well...it is a year full of promise. I am excited to see what God has to reveal to me this year. (is praying for a new job a bad thing?????)
I sat in my office today during lunch and heard my students in my classroom. I had been "banished" to my office until they told me it was OK to return. They were laughing and having fun. They were decorating my room with crape paper and a balloon. One had gotten me a cake (with purple icing!!!!!) and a package of Twizzlers and a package of Twix. They had purple 'My little pony" plates and a Disney princess balloon. They didn't have matches to light candles (especially a 29!) so they improvised with cell phones that they snapped shut after singing to me and having me "blow out the candles"! Several of them got me cards and one made me a card. One gave me a glass penguin and another won a pink teddy bear for me (it was the first thing she had ever won). It was, without a doubt, some of the sweetest things someone could have done. They gave of themselves completely and without reservation. They remembered to tell me "Happy Birthday" and sent MySpace messages and comments...they gave me hugs. They are amazing...I can't imagine a life without the blessings of these kids
Through an online Message Board I belong to I've received well wishes, e-mails, prayers and even a poem! They have embraced me and accept me for who I am.
By contrast, I almost got 'run over' by someone I used to consider a friend...he didn't even say 'excuse me' when he pushed past...he really has gotten to be a JERK!!! My principal put a card in my box and put a note from Applebee's "good for $5" in the card; however, it was for a March Student of the Month...which had been crossed out and "Feb birthday" had been scrawled in. It felt like something expected...like it was something he "had" to do...
Then there was the FCAT...first day of the testing. Administrating...again. I don't like the FCAT, and I don't like administrating.
Ah well...it is a year full of promise. I am excited to see what God has to reveal to me this year. (is praying for a new job a bad thing?????)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The reason I do my job (aka "I Win")
The weekend was...good; however, it was discouraging. Maybe in a few days I can write about it. In the mean time, here is something one of the students who went this weekend wrote and posted. In the midst of my discouragement, her words reminded me of why I do my job and that success isn't always measured by scores or the accolades of the crowds but in how my students feel about the job they did. Indeed, they won.
3793
I just want to let all of you know how much fun I had this weekend.You are all amazing!!Some of the nicest people I have met in a long time.Even though I am an authentic chorus kid you all welcomed me in and I am glad to have made some new friends.In fact spending this weekend with all of you has made me want to do more stuff with drama.Saturday was the first time I have ever had to act while singing.I thought it would be 10times harder but being comfortable with the people watching really helped.I am proud of all of you for your performance on Friday and I think you deserved way more than what was given.You have converted me from strictly a chorus geek to a chorus/theatre geek.
P.S
how you doin?
The Cast and crew of "The Winner". They are my heros and, no matter what anyone else says, they are Superior Winners in my book
Me with my seniors. They amaze me and "because I knew 'them' I have been changed for good".
The juniors...I am in awe of what they are capable of doing.
The sophomores...though there were but 3 this year; their talent, beauty and potential is incredible.
The freshmen...the future
Am I am blessed with besutiful children, or what???? They may not be mine biologically; yet, they are mine in my heart. Indeed, I have a quiver-full. I wonder, at times, if they know how much they have taught me??? Their capacity to love, encourage, perform, create, teach, learn, share and more knows no bounds.
3793
I just want to let all of you know how much fun I had this weekend.You are all amazing!!Some of the nicest people I have met in a long time.Even though I am an authentic chorus kid you all welcomed me in and I am glad to have made some new friends.In fact spending this weekend with all of you has made me want to do more stuff with drama.Saturday was the first time I have ever had to act while singing.I thought it would be 10times harder but being comfortable with the people watching really helped.I am proud of all of you for your performance on Friday and I think you deserved way more than what was given.You have converted me from strictly a chorus geek to a chorus/theatre geek.
P.S
how you doin?
The Cast and crew of "The Winner". They are my heros and, no matter what anyone else says, they are Superior Winners in my book
Me with my seniors. They amaze me and "because I knew 'them' I have been changed for good".
The juniors...I am in awe of what they are capable of doing.
The sophomores...though there were but 3 this year; their talent, beauty and potential is incredible.
The freshmen...the future
Am I am blessed with besutiful children, or what???? They may not be mine biologically; yet, they are mine in my heart. Indeed, I have a quiver-full. I wonder, at times, if they know how much they have taught me??? Their capacity to love, encourage, perform, create, teach, learn, share and more knows no bounds.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A recent article by my brother
It is amazing the ways my brother has changed over the last 10 years. If anyone had told him his senior year he would still be in school and would be working on a PhD, I doubt he would have believed it. Ten years ago, John was coming out of a "slacker" phase. High school wasn't the greatest experience for John. Then God got ahold of him. Those 6 words don't really begin to explain his story...which is his to tell...but they do show a lot. John was radically changed. That isn't to say he wasn't already a pretty amazing person, but I am a bit biased. He is one of the most interesting, creative, fun, loving, caring, enthusiastic, radical, goofy people I know (and that is saying a lot!).
John is currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Yeah...I'm a little jealous. I would love to be able to live in England or Scotland for at least a year or so! (hmmmmm...God, could you open that door???). I am excited that he is having such amazing experiences. It's hard being this far away from him, though. While things are far from easy for him, the doors do seem to be tumbing open and God is directing his paths.
He recently published an article on John Owen. (John Owen is the Reformer John is focused on in his PhD writings) I have to laugh that John is so captured by the Reformation. In my 'world' the Reformation is a paragraph or so of information...the Reformers weren't exactly know for their advancements in theatre. The reformers closed the theatres...deeming them 'immoral' once again. So...John can have the reformers and I'll take Shakespeare...the Restoration...the Greeks...the Romans...19th Century...you get the idea. I guess we can come together on the Liturgical Drama...lol.
Here's the link to his article...
John is currently living in Edinburgh, Scotland. Yeah...I'm a little jealous. I would love to be able to live in England or Scotland for at least a year or so! (hmmmmm...God, could you open that door???). I am excited that he is having such amazing experiences. It's hard being this far away from him, though. While things are far from easy for him, the doors do seem to be tumbing open and God is directing his paths.
He recently published an article on John Owen. (John Owen is the Reformer John is focused on in his PhD writings) I have to laugh that John is so captured by the Reformation. In my 'world' the Reformation is a paragraph or so of information...the Reformers weren't exactly know for their advancements in theatre. The reformers closed the theatres...deeming them 'immoral' once again. So...John can have the reformers and I'll take Shakespeare...the Restoration...the Greeks...the Romans...19th Century...you get the idea. I guess we can come together on the Liturgical Drama...lol.
Here's the link to his article...
Monday, January 15, 2007
A thought from MLK of MLK
If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause and say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
I don't know if I could say anything more on this one.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
I don't know if I could say anything more on this one.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
More thoughts from Elizabeth Elliot, this time on Spontaneity
Carlyle wrote of nineteen-to-twenty-five-year-old youths that they had reached "the maximum of detestability." We have been telling ourselves that youth is beautiful and spontaneity one of the most beautiful things about youth. I wonder if spontaneity is not sometimes a euphemism for laziness--an indulgence which Carlyle found in youth. Isn't it much easier not to prepare one's mind and heart, not to premeditate, simply to have things (O, vacuous word!) "unstructured"?
If you leave a thing altogether alone in hopes that it will happen all by itself, the chances are it never will. Who learns to play the piano, wins an election, or loses weight spontaneously?
I have just read Jean Nidetch's book on the Weight Watchers, and while it is obvious that her basic theme (that people get fat because they eat) is hardly a world-shaking discovery, her method is one that made her a millionaire: get people to work at their problems together. Reducing doesn't just happen. It isn't a thing the majority succeed in doing all by themselves.
She doesn't let them make up their own diet as they go along--that's what put the fat on them in the first place. She doesn't suggest that losing weight is best done when you feel like it. She doesn't even say that it works only if you are being "yourself."
In fact, I was reminded throughout the book of how many analogies there are between losing weight and practicing Christianity. There are rules to obey. You will to obey them. Some people insist that the devotional life is somehow purer
or better if it is pursued only when we feel like it. Worship for some is thought to be an "experience" rather than an act. Losing weight is also an experience--there's no doubt about that--in fact, the expression "being born again" occurs in the testimonies of those who have done it. But losing weight most certainly has to begin with an act.
It is an act of the will. You decide to do this and not to do that. You must arrange, prepare, and carefully carry out your plan. The combustion of those daily calories will happen without fail, but only when the conditions are properly set up.
Love is another thing. ''But I want it to be spontaneous," people say. They think that if nothing is happening it is good enough reason for a divorce. "If it isn't spontaneous, it isn't love," they tell us. Where did that idea get started? Do we understand what spontaneity requires?
The kind of love the Bible talks about is action, and it comes from a force and an energy within. That energy is the love of Christ. His love creates the condition of heart (it does not come from nowhere) which enables us to do things: to give a cup of cold water, to go a second mile, to "look for a way of being constructive," as Phillips' translation puts 1 Corinthians 13:4.
"It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when everything else has fallen."
Christian love is a far cry from a misunderstood spontaneity which is merely unstructured. This love is a very firm and solid thing indeed, requiring will, obedience, action, and an abiding trust in the "Strong Son of God, Immortal Love."
If you leave a thing altogether alone in hopes that it will happen all by itself, the chances are it never will. Who learns to play the piano, wins an election, or loses weight spontaneously?
I have just read Jean Nidetch's book on the Weight Watchers, and while it is obvious that her basic theme (that people get fat because they eat) is hardly a world-shaking discovery, her method is one that made her a millionaire: get people to work at their problems together. Reducing doesn't just happen. It isn't a thing the majority succeed in doing all by themselves.
She doesn't let them make up their own diet as they go along--that's what put the fat on them in the first place. She doesn't suggest that losing weight is best done when you feel like it. She doesn't even say that it works only if you are being "yourself."
In fact, I was reminded throughout the book of how many analogies there are between losing weight and practicing Christianity. There are rules to obey. You will to obey them. Some people insist that the devotional life is somehow purer
or better if it is pursued only when we feel like it. Worship for some is thought to be an "experience" rather than an act. Losing weight is also an experience--there's no doubt about that--in fact, the expression "being born again" occurs in the testimonies of those who have done it. But losing weight most certainly has to begin with an act.
It is an act of the will. You decide to do this and not to do that. You must arrange, prepare, and carefully carry out your plan. The combustion of those daily calories will happen without fail, but only when the conditions are properly set up.
Love is another thing. ''But I want it to be spontaneous," people say. They think that if nothing is happening it is good enough reason for a divorce. "If it isn't spontaneous, it isn't love," they tell us. Where did that idea get started? Do we understand what spontaneity requires?
The kind of love the Bible talks about is action, and it comes from a force and an energy within. That energy is the love of Christ. His love creates the condition of heart (it does not come from nowhere) which enables us to do things: to give a cup of cold water, to go a second mile, to "look for a way of being constructive," as Phillips' translation puts 1 Corinthians 13:4.
"It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when everything else has fallen."
Christian love is a far cry from a misunderstood spontaneity which is merely unstructured. This love is a very firm and solid thing indeed, requiring will, obedience, action, and an abiding trust in the "Strong Son of God, Immortal Love."
Sunday, December 31, 2006
As I start this new year...
Lets start of with the New Year reaffirming in our hearts these truths of our position with Christ! Believe!
In Christ we are accepted:
*John 1:12 I am God's Child
*John 15:15 I am Christ's friend
*Romans 5:1 I have been justified
*1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord and one with Him in spirit
*1 Corinthians 6:20 I have been bought with a price- I belong to God
*1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body
*Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint
*Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God's child
*Ephesians 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit
*Colossians 1:4 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins
*Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ.
In Christ we are Secure:
*Romans 8:1,2 I am free from condemnation
*Romans 8:28 I am asssured that all things work together for good
*Romans 8:31-34 I am free from any condemning charges against me
*Romans 8:35-39 I cannot be separated from the love of God
*2 Corinthians 1:21,22 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God
*Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God
*Philippians 1:6 I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
*Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven
*2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind
*Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy in time of need
*1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me
In Christ We Are Significant
*Matthew 5:13 I am the salt and light of the earth
*John 15:1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life
*John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit
*Acts 1:8 I am a personal witness of Christ's
*1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple
*2 Corinthians 5:17-20 I am a minister of reconciliation
*Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm
*Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship
*Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence
*Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
From the Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
In Christ we are accepted:
*John 1:12 I am God's Child
*John 15:15 I am Christ's friend
*Romans 5:1 I have been justified
*1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord and one with Him in spirit
*1 Corinthians 6:20 I have been bought with a price- I belong to God
*1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body
*Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint
*Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God's child
*Ephesians 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit
*Colossians 1:4 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins
*Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ.
In Christ we are Secure:
*Romans 8:1,2 I am free from condemnation
*Romans 8:28 I am asssured that all things work together for good
*Romans 8:31-34 I am free from any condemning charges against me
*Romans 8:35-39 I cannot be separated from the love of God
*2 Corinthians 1:21,22 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God
*Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God
*Philippians 1:6 I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
*Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven
*2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind
*Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy in time of need
*1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me
In Christ We Are Significant
*Matthew 5:13 I am the salt and light of the earth
*John 15:1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life
*John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit
*Acts 1:8 I am a personal witness of Christ's
*1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple
*2 Corinthians 5:17-20 I am a minister of reconciliation
*Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm
*Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship
*Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence
*Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
From the Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Some thoughts I discovered (and have thought)...
There are several blogs I read...most belong to people I know; however, there are a few I have discovered along the way. The following are some thoughts that I have thought but haven't written down. Paulie Perrette (an actress I really respect) posted these on her blog...I hope she won't mind my borrowing them to share as well!!! (I did slightly alter a few of these so they will fit into my life)
- I realized that as much as I love new or clean tube socks, they're not quite as great as the ones my dog throws around and chews on.
- I realized that some people are just disgusting and perverted and no amount of truth will change them. Best just to surround yourself with love, as always, and ignore the disgusting and perverted.
- Some people have twisted lies told about them, and it will always be recognized in the end. Be careful who and what you listen to. Liars are often charming.
- Drama should be saved only for the screen or stage, at all costs.
- I realized that some girls are hateful and jealous and awful and really hate their sister femmes. That's sad.
- Listening to cheesy songs by yourself is very satisfying and entertaining.
- I-Pod should've told us in the beginning that eventually, the battery would die and there is nothing you can do about it. An old walk-man still runs.
- I realized how happy I am to have real friends instead of only a "top" list on myspace.com. I actually hug mine every chaqnce I get.
- I remember to feed my pets more than I remember to feed myself.
- Women have to stick up for each other and stand up for themselves. My granny used to say, "I don't need no
stinkin' man around no more". Yup, that's when a girl can truly love herself, and then love a GOOD man.
-Clean sheets and pillow cases are something that should be in your thank you prayers at night.
- There is nothing finer than real friends, even when you aren't getting along, they have your back no matter what. And if they don't...? Well, there's your answer.
- Having a husband like mine (I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE YOU!)
and friends like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and pets like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and co-workers like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and students like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and neighbors like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
are all things I say thank you prayers for every night and every morning and every chance I get.
- Changing my life for the better was worth everything, in spite of all the haters, and their hate and lies make them ugly, ugly ugly, people. My loved ones are so, so beautiful.
Girl Smiles In Spite Of It All.
Very grateful for the good things right now.
In spite of it all.
(like my dog who is staring at me grinning right now)
- I realized that as much as I love new or clean tube socks, they're not quite as great as the ones my dog throws around and chews on.
- I realized that some people are just disgusting and perverted and no amount of truth will change them. Best just to surround yourself with love, as always, and ignore the disgusting and perverted.
- Some people have twisted lies told about them, and it will always be recognized in the end. Be careful who and what you listen to. Liars are often charming.
- Drama should be saved only for the screen or stage, at all costs.
- I realized that some girls are hateful and jealous and awful and really hate their sister femmes. That's sad.
- Listening to cheesy songs by yourself is very satisfying and entertaining.
- I-Pod should've told us in the beginning that eventually, the battery would die and there is nothing you can do about it. An old walk-man still runs.
- I realized how happy I am to have real friends instead of only a "top" list on myspace.com. I actually hug mine every chaqnce I get.
- I remember to feed my pets more than I remember to feed myself.
- Women have to stick up for each other and stand up for themselves. My granny used to say, "I don't need no
stinkin' man around no more". Yup, that's when a girl can truly love herself, and then love a GOOD man.
-Clean sheets and pillow cases are something that should be in your thank you prayers at night.
- There is nothing finer than real friends, even when you aren't getting along, they have your back no matter what. And if they don't...? Well, there's your answer.
- Having a husband like mine (I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE YOU!)
and friends like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and pets like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and co-workers like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and students like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
and neighbors like mine (I LOVE YOU!)
are all things I say thank you prayers for every night and every morning and every chance I get.
- Changing my life for the better was worth everything, in spite of all the haters, and their hate and lies make them ugly, ugly ugly, people. My loved ones are so, so beautiful.
Girl Smiles In Spite Of It All.
Very grateful for the good things right now.
In spite of it all.
(like my dog who is staring at me grinning right now)
Monday, December 25, 2006
Being alone on Christmas...is it good or bad???
Christmas is the season to be jolly, but some people want to spend it alone. Christine Aziz investigates
When you open your presents on Christmas morning with friends and family, spare a thought for those who will be spending the day alone. The chances are, as you grimace at yet another of Uncle Tom's dreadful jokes, you'll be wishing you could join them.
A solitary Christmas certainly has its perks. Since she has been living away from home, graphic artist, Marie Edmunds, 28, has spent most of her Christmases alone in her spacious Brighton flat. 'I tell my boyfriend to get lost, then I batten down the hatches and withdraw from the world,' she says with relish.
Marie is not a loner by nature. Outgoing and fun, she's always up for a party, but there is something about Christmas that makes her withdraw. But it's not easy.
'My family and friends just can't understand it. As far as they are concerned Christmas is about being with people you love, but I find it all too much,' she says. 'People try too hard on the day to enjoy themselves and it all gets tense. In my family we have our Nan down, who we hardly see in the year. All she does is pick fault in everyone and my parents get very tense. I just hate all the forced jollity that comes with Christmas. I prefer to avoid it and do my own thing.'
Her boyfriend, John, is now used to Marie's Christmas boycott and has stopped inviting her to share the day with his large and boisterous family. He's finally got the message but the problem is, no one else has. The moment anyone knows you're going to spend Christmas alone they start inviting you to spend it with them, even if they hardly know you. They can't believe you actually want to be alone,' she says.
Marie now lies about her Christmas. 'I tell everyone I am spending it with a friend or my family, depending on whom I am talking to,' she says. 'My family say I am selfish and I once had someone who knew I was lying, threaten to come over and kidnap me and take me to his house for Christmas where his family, all strangers to me, would be present. Now, personally, I can't think of anything more depressing than spending the day with a crowd of strangers. But the thought that he was doing something in the cause of not allowing anyone to be alone at Christmas made him happy. I was tempted to give in - but lied instead and faked a serious case of flu.'
So, what does Marie do on Christmas Day? 'I get up in the morning as late as I want. I open my presents one at a time when I want, not in a big rush. I have dinner either at home or in a restaurant and eat what I want, when I want to. I walk along the beach and watch all the families - most of whom you can tell are not having a good time. I go down to my neighbour downstairs, a brilliant old lady of 90, who also likes to be alone on Christmas Day. I stay about an hour, wish her well, and then leave. I spend the rest of the day either curled up with a good book or watching a video.'
If it sounds like heaven to you then go for it. But before you do:
Ask yourself why you want to be alone on a day that is traditionally a social occasion associated with family gatherings. Are there hidden agendas you haven't dealt with during the year? Are you burnt out? Are you expected to do things on Christmas Day that you don't like doing, but do them anyway to please everyone? Or do you genuinely want to enjoy some time in your own company.
Be prepared for emotional blackmail when you tell loved ones your plans. Reassure them that you are not rejecting them, but it is about your needs at this time. Appease them by fixing to spend a day with them after Christmas.
Unless you really have to, try not to lie about your whereabouts. Explain why you want to be alone and stick to it.
Put a note on your door saying you have gone for a walk, in case someone is sent to pick you up, despite your wishes. (Marie says, don't open the door!)
Make sure you have enough food in for two days, and buy lots of treats.
If during the day, you start to feel miserable and wish you weren't alone, pick up the phone and dial a friend. You have nothing to prove.
When you open your presents on Christmas morning with friends and family, spare a thought for those who will be spending the day alone. The chances are, as you grimace at yet another of Uncle Tom's dreadful jokes, you'll be wishing you could join them.
A solitary Christmas certainly has its perks. Since she has been living away from home, graphic artist, Marie Edmunds, 28, has spent most of her Christmases alone in her spacious Brighton flat. 'I tell my boyfriend to get lost, then I batten down the hatches and withdraw from the world,' she says with relish.
Marie is not a loner by nature. Outgoing and fun, she's always up for a party, but there is something about Christmas that makes her withdraw. But it's not easy.
'My family and friends just can't understand it. As far as they are concerned Christmas is about being with people you love, but I find it all too much,' she says. 'People try too hard on the day to enjoy themselves and it all gets tense. In my family we have our Nan down, who we hardly see in the year. All she does is pick fault in everyone and my parents get very tense. I just hate all the forced jollity that comes with Christmas. I prefer to avoid it and do my own thing.'
Her boyfriend, John, is now used to Marie's Christmas boycott and has stopped inviting her to share the day with his large and boisterous family. He's finally got the message but the problem is, no one else has. The moment anyone knows you're going to spend Christmas alone they start inviting you to spend it with them, even if they hardly know you. They can't believe you actually want to be alone,' she says.
Marie now lies about her Christmas. 'I tell everyone I am spending it with a friend or my family, depending on whom I am talking to,' she says. 'My family say I am selfish and I once had someone who knew I was lying, threaten to come over and kidnap me and take me to his house for Christmas where his family, all strangers to me, would be present. Now, personally, I can't think of anything more depressing than spending the day with a crowd of strangers. But the thought that he was doing something in the cause of not allowing anyone to be alone at Christmas made him happy. I was tempted to give in - but lied instead and faked a serious case of flu.'
So, what does Marie do on Christmas Day? 'I get up in the morning as late as I want. I open my presents one at a time when I want, not in a big rush. I have dinner either at home or in a restaurant and eat what I want, when I want to. I walk along the beach and watch all the families - most of whom you can tell are not having a good time. I go down to my neighbour downstairs, a brilliant old lady of 90, who also likes to be alone on Christmas Day. I stay about an hour, wish her well, and then leave. I spend the rest of the day either curled up with a good book or watching a video.'
If it sounds like heaven to you then go for it. But before you do:
Ask yourself why you want to be alone on a day that is traditionally a social occasion associated with family gatherings. Are there hidden agendas you haven't dealt with during the year? Are you burnt out? Are you expected to do things on Christmas Day that you don't like doing, but do them anyway to please everyone? Or do you genuinely want to enjoy some time in your own company.
Be prepared for emotional blackmail when you tell loved ones your plans. Reassure them that you are not rejecting them, but it is about your needs at this time. Appease them by fixing to spend a day with them after Christmas.
Unless you really have to, try not to lie about your whereabouts. Explain why you want to be alone and stick to it.
Put a note on your door saying you have gone for a walk, in case someone is sent to pick you up, despite your wishes. (Marie says, don't open the door!)
Make sure you have enough food in for two days, and buy lots of treats.
If during the day, you start to feel miserable and wish you weren't alone, pick up the phone and dial a friend. You have nothing to prove.
Christmas 2006
It is Christmas Day 2006 and I'm at home alone. Tom is working a 12, Maggie is alseep on the couch, the TV is on and it is raining. Started reading a new book but just can't get into it, yet. Since the BIG gift this year is a new Sony 60 gig hard drive video recorder, I'm transfering all of the old tapes onto one of the computers and copying them to DVD. In so many ways it feels like just another day. Being alone on holidays is hard...I never thought it would happen to me. My heart and prayers go out to all of those who are alone this holiday season. May the love of God reach you and comfort you. May He make himself known to you in amazing ways.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
The Christmas Coat...aka:There Really is a Santa
Is there a Santa? Find out in this holiday passalong, which will warm your heart and soul.
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so.
It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car. "Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.
Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering beside my Grandma in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so.
It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car. "Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.
Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering beside my Grandma in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Truer than many realize
This comic has been online this week. It is sad this is as true as it is. In many ways, I feel this way this holiday season.
Is this what is "wrong with kids today"?
I receive a daily devotional from Elizabeth Eliot. I admire and respect so much of what she says and God has used her to teach me so many things. Lately, the topic of parenting has been a focus. It is interesting to see her point of view; however, I haven't agreed with some of her convictions. I know, thought, that it is OK not to believe everything she says. God will convict me of the things He feels I should do, or the things I havne't done.
In the midst of today's devotion on parenting she did offer the following insight. With everything that goes on at CRHS daily it did give me pause. Is this truly part of what is wrong with students????? If this is past of the issue, what can be done to resolve this?
Excerpts from "Serious Play, Casual Work"
Something has changed. Educators have gotten terribly serious about play and terribly casual about real physical work. Billions of dollars are lavished on developing crafts which nobody really needs and forms of recreation which people have to be taught to like. We've got "toys to grow on," computer games, play groups, playgrounds. Tiny tots who would have been happy with a few Tupperware containers and some spoons are given fancy mechanical toys that do things, and taught that if they make huge messes with finger paints they're being creative, which they didn't know they wanted to be.
Is anybody paying attention to how a child works? Is it assumed that if asked to rake a lawn he'll do it halfheartedly? Will he sweep the garage in silent fury or will he rejoice in doing a thorough job of it? Will she scrub a sink till it shines and know herself to be a useful member of a household? School teachers desperately try to teach children who have never really labored with their hands to do schoolwork--not a very good place to start, it seems to me. If a child is not given to understand that he has a responsibility to help make the wheels of home run smoothly--if he is not given work which matters, in other words--why should he imagine that it matters very much whether he cooperates with teachers and fellow students? His parents have failed to give attention to a vital matter. Their attention has been elsewhere--on their own interests, jobs, amusements, physical fitness, or only on the child's health and a misguided notion of happiness which leaves out work altogether. If the "quality time" his father spends with him is limited to amusements rather than work, small wonder the child assumes nobody really likes work. His choices in how to spend his time, like his preferences in food, are taught at home--by observation of parental attitudes.
Is the situation irremediable? I don't think so. Surely we could eliminate some of the frustration and discontent of "civilized" family life if we took our cues from the "uncivilized" people who work almost all the time (and enjoy it) and play very little of the time (without making a complicated chore out of it). Happiness, after all, is a choice. Let your child see that you put heart and soul into the work God has given you to do. Do it for Him--that changes the whole climate of the home. Draw the child into acceptance of responsibility by starting very early. Expect the best. If you expect them to oppose you, to "goof off," to be terrible at two, rude at ten, intractable as teenagers, they won't disappoint you.
In the midst of today's devotion on parenting she did offer the following insight. With everything that goes on at CRHS daily it did give me pause. Is this truly part of what is wrong with students????? If this is past of the issue, what can be done to resolve this?
Excerpts from "Serious Play, Casual Work"
Something has changed. Educators have gotten terribly serious about play and terribly casual about real physical work. Billions of dollars are lavished on developing crafts which nobody really needs and forms of recreation which people have to be taught to like. We've got "toys to grow on," computer games, play groups, playgrounds. Tiny tots who would have been happy with a few Tupperware containers and some spoons are given fancy mechanical toys that do things, and taught that if they make huge messes with finger paints they're being creative, which they didn't know they wanted to be.
Is anybody paying attention to how a child works? Is it assumed that if asked to rake a lawn he'll do it halfheartedly? Will he sweep the garage in silent fury or will he rejoice in doing a thorough job of it? Will she scrub a sink till it shines and know herself to be a useful member of a household? School teachers desperately try to teach children who have never really labored with their hands to do schoolwork--not a very good place to start, it seems to me. If a child is not given to understand that he has a responsibility to help make the wheels of home run smoothly--if he is not given work which matters, in other words--why should he imagine that it matters very much whether he cooperates with teachers and fellow students? His parents have failed to give attention to a vital matter. Their attention has been elsewhere--on their own interests, jobs, amusements, physical fitness, or only on the child's health and a misguided notion of happiness which leaves out work altogether. If the "quality time" his father spends with him is limited to amusements rather than work, small wonder the child assumes nobody really likes work. His choices in how to spend his time, like his preferences in food, are taught at home--by observation of parental attitudes.
Is the situation irremediable? I don't think so. Surely we could eliminate some of the frustration and discontent of "civilized" family life if we took our cues from the "uncivilized" people who work almost all the time (and enjoy it) and play very little of the time (without making a complicated chore out of it). Happiness, after all, is a choice. Let your child see that you put heart and soul into the work God has given you to do. Do it for Him--that changes the whole climate of the home. Draw the child into acceptance of responsibility by starting very early. Expect the best. If you expect them to oppose you, to "goof off," to be terrible at two, rude at ten, intractable as teenagers, they won't disappoint you.
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