Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-13 - Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Talk about strength...I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open today because I'm physically drained. But add to the lesson strength! Good thing the lesson isn't really focussed on physical strength because I get an upper body work out every day thanks to kids!
"We need variety and we need specific training goals in order to prepare, grow and heal. Our spiritual muscles, just like our phsical muscles, will become stronger only as they are used. Left idle, they will atrophy." How do you strengthen your spiritual muscles? I know sometimes I feel spiritually unmotivated to stretch them out and move them around, but I know it has to be done.
Spiritual workouts are a great way to do this. Maybe you start easy: reading a chapter in the Bible, picking a verse a day to learn and meditate on. Maybe it's joining a Bible study group. Several years ago when I was feeling spiritually empty and nothing at church was feeding my need for roast beef Christianity, I formed an intimate Bible study with my husband and another married couple...just enough to have variety, but just too little to have so much drama.
This group really helped me for the year that we had it. It was a chance to fill up my spiritual gas tank, pump up my spiritual muscles, andfeed my need to grow closer to God all at the same time. It was awesome! We had just 4 of us telling what we thought a particular lesson meant to us, how it impacted our week, how God had used it to motivate or teach us. It also taught two men to pray daily.
Are you challenging yourself in all areas of your being...Are you growing stronger in your relationship with Christ and his plan for you? How can you strengthen your weaknesses so they can become useful to you?
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Our Legacy Long Haul - Devotional Day 9 - September 29
Scripture: Hebrews 6:11-12 - We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Wow! It's telling me I must be diligent in my faith, not to become lazy, but through my diligent faith and patience, I can inherit what has been promised (eternal life). That's a lot to take in right at the start of this study!
"We have a long haul ahead...91, 95, 90...Dispite growing older, they have not grown lazy. They faithfully and patiently love god and their family and friends. They remember birthdays, holidays, and are always up for a visit." When was the last time you visited with your grandparents? I remember talking to my Grandpa Howerton before she was hospitalized. I loved going to her house, just across the street from mine, and looking at her calendar. It had everyone's birthday and anniversary written down with the age or years next to it. She would always send a card...never forgot.
"They have never abandoned hope or their faith, in turbulent times or in ordinary ones. They give generously, from their pocketbooks, their refrigerators, and their hearts." It seems that through thick and thin, both my grandparents (McPherson & Howerton) that they stuck to it until the end. They always seemed to be able to provide a little money if needed and yep, their fridge was always open...hungry or not! But the best thing about all my grandparents was their openness and willingness to let me talk to them about whatever was on my mind. They were always supportive and understanding of my thoughts and goals and never criticized me. And, they always had something to laugh about!
"Thank God for the history and the legacy that si your family tree, both the roots of the past and the branches growing into the future." How lucky I am to have known all 4 of my grandparents and 3 of Josh's. It has made a great impact on me.
Have you spoken to those cultivating your legacy yet? Remember when you do, tell them that you love them!
Wow! It's telling me I must be diligent in my faith, not to become lazy, but through my diligent faith and patience, I can inherit what has been promised (eternal life). That's a lot to take in right at the start of this study!
"We have a long haul ahead...91, 95, 90...Dispite growing older, they have not grown lazy. They faithfully and patiently love god and their family and friends. They remember birthdays, holidays, and are always up for a visit." When was the last time you visited with your grandparents? I remember talking to my Grandpa Howerton before she was hospitalized. I loved going to her house, just across the street from mine, and looking at her calendar. It had everyone's birthday and anniversary written down with the age or years next to it. She would always send a card...never forgot.
"They have never abandoned hope or their faith, in turbulent times or in ordinary ones. They give generously, from their pocketbooks, their refrigerators, and their hearts." It seems that through thick and thin, both my grandparents (McPherson & Howerton) that they stuck to it until the end. They always seemed to be able to provide a little money if needed and yep, their fridge was always open...hungry or not! But the best thing about all my grandparents was their openness and willingness to let me talk to them about whatever was on my mind. They were always supportive and understanding of my thoughts and goals and never criticized me. And, they always had something to laugh about!
"Thank God for the history and the legacy that si your family tree, both the roots of the past and the branches growing into the future." How lucky I am to have known all 4 of my grandparents and 3 of Josh's. It has made a great impact on me.
Have you spoken to those cultivating your legacy yet? Remember when you do, tell them that you love them!
New Foster Care Policy
There is a new foster care policy that states foster childeren are not to be displayed on social networking sites or blogs, etc. Also, pictures of the kids are not to be emailed or sent via text. I am removing all their pictures from this blog. I apologize for the inconvenience, but this is a state-sanctioned policy and as foster parents Josh and I must comply.
Thank you for your understanding and we'll keep you updated on the kiddos.
Love & God Bless.
Thank you for your understanding and we'll keep you updated on the kiddos.
Love & God Bless.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
A Burning Faith - Devotional Day 8 - September 28
Scripture: Daniel 3:17-18 - If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
What a statement of faith! I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is a dramatic tale of faith, stubborness, and miracles. Let me give you a quick run down of the story: King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge statue of gold and required everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do. The king was very angry at them. He threatened to throw them into a huge furnance that was heated to 7 times hotter than normal...it was so hot it burned the guards alive who opened the doors. Now the awesome thing is that the 3 friends were thrown into the furnance and came out without even the smell of smoke on them! Now that's awesome power!
So, what's remarkable in this story to me? The fact that they had so much faith, they'd go into the furnace? Nope. The fact that they were willing to do it without knowing God would save them...that is what is truly great! That is the kind of faith we are called to...that childlike faith that would see us through everything no matter what. That trust that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he would see us through our greatest trial no matter what they be.
Oh, to have that great of faith! These were men though. Logical, methodic, intelligent men. Most of us wouldn't have openly gone against the king much less spoke that boldly to him. What's more, is that they went into the furnance...accepting whatever their fate may bring them...burnt death or miraculous escape.
This is a powerful story of faith. How many of us even has faith that God will see to our day to day needs? We question God often and yell at him when he doesn't pull us through a trivial trial. I think it's great to check out our faith meter daily. We can lose faith on a daily basis...We lose faith in people, in governments, in things...
How's your faith doing today? Rest in the peace and knowledge that no matter what awaits you today or tomorrow or the next day, God will see you through according to his good will and plan.
Have faith!
What a statement of faith! I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It is a dramatic tale of faith, stubborness, and miracles. Let me give you a quick run down of the story: King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge statue of gold and required everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do. The king was very angry at them. He threatened to throw them into a huge furnance that was heated to 7 times hotter than normal...it was so hot it burned the guards alive who opened the doors. Now the awesome thing is that the 3 friends were thrown into the furnance and came out without even the smell of smoke on them! Now that's awesome power!
So, what's remarkable in this story to me? The fact that they had so much faith, they'd go into the furnace? Nope. The fact that they were willing to do it without knowing God would save them...that is what is truly great! That is the kind of faith we are called to...that childlike faith that would see us through everything no matter what. That trust that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that he would see us through our greatest trial no matter what they be.
Oh, to have that great of faith! These were men though. Logical, methodic, intelligent men. Most of us wouldn't have openly gone against the king much less spoke that boldly to him. What's more, is that they went into the furnance...accepting whatever their fate may bring them...burnt death or miraculous escape.
This is a powerful story of faith. How many of us even has faith that God will see to our day to day needs? We question God often and yell at him when he doesn't pull us through a trivial trial. I think it's great to check out our faith meter daily. We can lose faith on a daily basis...We lose faith in people, in governments, in things...
How's your faith doing today? Rest in the peace and knowledge that no matter what awaits you today or tomorrow or the next day, God will see you through according to his good will and plan.
Have faith!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Something Beautiful - Devotional Day 7 - September 27
Scripture: Proverbs 30:23 - ...an unloved woman who is married...
This is an open sentence...it can many many different things. Today's devotional is actually about feeling up the "love" cup of our husbands. Afterall, they may be big and strong and sturdy, but they need love just as much as we do.
"Husbands need attention, too. It's easy to get so caught up in the needs of our children that the needs of our husbands slide down the priority scale into oblivion. Our personal needs can fall somewhere even lower if we aren't careful." How many times have you gotten caught up in the needs of your kiddos or even your own needs that you forget your spouse exists? For those who are in a dating relationship...have you ever forgotten your man/woman? Have the tables ever been turned on you...you've been forgotten? If you have, you know it hurts. It makes you feel miserable, unloved, maybe even depressed.
"No relationship can survive on autopilot." What a statement! Is your relationship currently running on autopilot? Maybe you didn't even know it is on autopilot. It amazes me when I look back on my previous years of marriage...I can pinpoint several areas where the relationship was on autopilot. Oddly enough, we made it through those areas and continue to grow and thrive. It's especially clear to see the autopilot if I look back to when Josh and I first began dating. When you begin a new relationship, there's lots of work to be done....like a garden or growing a tree.
The right spot has to be chosen for the tree...or in this case, it has to be the right person. This is a hard thing because you don't know when you begin if he/she is the right one for you. Likewise, the "right" spot for a tree may not actually be the "right" spot.
After finding the right spot, you have to cultivate the soil. This would be much like the blind date stage...where you think you have enough information to at least see if it could be something. Then, once you know it might work, you're ready to plant the seed and water it. This would relate to the bonding period of a relationship. The time taken to really get to know each other. This is the time where everyone is minding their P's and Q's and doing what they can to make good impressions.
Eventually the tree's roots get deeper and the branches spread out. Now the tree appears to be on autopilot. It can reach it's own water via the water table and the branches gather the ran as it falls. It's a beautiful thing! Strong enough to "fend" for itself, yet vulenerable to the elements. You can see it's full potential in sight, but just one strong storm can take it down.
And you thought taking care of a new tree would be easy! It's the same for a relationship. While our trees are growing big and strong, we still need to trim off dead branches, pull down dangerous vines that begin to grow on it, make sure the kids don't peel the bark off of it, etc. There is always some form of work that the tree needs help with. This is the same with a relationship. While it might seem self-sustaining, there is always work that needs to be done to keep it growing, thriving, and beautiful.
What fruit will you choose to sow? Will you choose to nurture your relationships and make sure they thrive?
Show everyone something beautiful!
This is an open sentence...it can many many different things. Today's devotional is actually about feeling up the "love" cup of our husbands. Afterall, they may be big and strong and sturdy, but they need love just as much as we do.
"Husbands need attention, too. It's easy to get so caught up in the needs of our children that the needs of our husbands slide down the priority scale into oblivion. Our personal needs can fall somewhere even lower if we aren't careful." How many times have you gotten caught up in the needs of your kiddos or even your own needs that you forget your spouse exists? For those who are in a dating relationship...have you ever forgotten your man/woman? Have the tables ever been turned on you...you've been forgotten? If you have, you know it hurts. It makes you feel miserable, unloved, maybe even depressed.
"No relationship can survive on autopilot." What a statement! Is your relationship currently running on autopilot? Maybe you didn't even know it is on autopilot. It amazes me when I look back on my previous years of marriage...I can pinpoint several areas where the relationship was on autopilot. Oddly enough, we made it through those areas and continue to grow and thrive. It's especially clear to see the autopilot if I look back to when Josh and I first began dating. When you begin a new relationship, there's lots of work to be done....like a garden or growing a tree.
The right spot has to be chosen for the tree...or in this case, it has to be the right person. This is a hard thing because you don't know when you begin if he/she is the right one for you. Likewise, the "right" spot for a tree may not actually be the "right" spot.
After finding the right spot, you have to cultivate the soil. This would be much like the blind date stage...where you think you have enough information to at least see if it could be something. Then, once you know it might work, you're ready to plant the seed and water it. This would relate to the bonding period of a relationship. The time taken to really get to know each other. This is the time where everyone is minding their P's and Q's and doing what they can to make good impressions.
Eventually the tree's roots get deeper and the branches spread out. Now the tree appears to be on autopilot. It can reach it's own water via the water table and the branches gather the ran as it falls. It's a beautiful thing! Strong enough to "fend" for itself, yet vulenerable to the elements. You can see it's full potential in sight, but just one strong storm can take it down.
And you thought taking care of a new tree would be easy! It's the same for a relationship. While our trees are growing big and strong, we still need to trim off dead branches, pull down dangerous vines that begin to grow on it, make sure the kids don't peel the bark off of it, etc. There is always some form of work that the tree needs help with. This is the same with a relationship. While it might seem self-sustaining, there is always work that needs to be done to keep it growing, thriving, and beautiful.
What fruit will you choose to sow? Will you choose to nurture your relationships and make sure they thrive?
Show everyone something beautiful!
Monday, September 26, 2011
A Test from God - Devotional Day 6 - September 26
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:17 - I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent.
That's a packed verse! Let's break it down.
Test: The means by which the presence, quality, or genuiness of anything is determined; a means of trial. The trial of the quality of something.
So, now our verse would read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials..." Have you had trials? I know the answer is "Yes" because we've all had trials. They can be simple things like trying to get yourself and 4 kids dressed and out the door in time. It can be a bigger trial like a car accident, natural disaster, fire, etc. It could also be a long term trial like overcoming debt or battling a medical illness. Have you ever thought that these trials could be tests?
Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character.
Now we read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles..." I believe the majority of people are "good" people...people with integrity. But, I know humans come with boundries or our comfort zones. Sometimes we fail to leave our comfort zone to do what we know is right. Have you ever seen a fight going on and just rushed by it, went around it, etc without doing anything? I have. Then I started to think, I could at least call security or the police to break it up because, maybe, one of the people in the fight didn't want to be in the fight...they need help and morally that is what I need to do. Or, you see someone drop their wallet...do you return it as is or take money out and return it or not return it at all? Let your daily decisions be morally and ethically right.
Honest: Upright and fair. Genuine or unadulterated
Finally it reads, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles. All these things have I given willingly and with upright and fair intent." My 5 year old believes the world revolves around him. If he wants to race his siblings, he must win or it's not fair! If he gets a regular size candy bar and CJ gets two of the bite size candy bars, it's not fair because CJ has two...it doesn't matter that in reality, Jamion has more. This is the reality of our lives. In today's society we are told "It's all about me!" and we should strive to meet our needs first and make sure we are happy. And above all, it must be fair to us! Well, what about others?
"I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly with honest intent."
We will be tested...not physically, but our hearts for integrity. We should give our hearts to God willingly and openingly with the intent of God finding us with integrity.
"I have begun to set intentions at the beginning of each day before I do anything else. It's a way of checking in with God, with my heart, with my integrity and with my purpose. It keeps my intent honest. If God is going to be testing my heart, I may as well test regularly, too."
Will you be ready for your test? Will your heart contain integrity and will you give your intentions willingly for your test?
Sometimes I find it easier to break things down to get the full effect of what the verse is trying to tell me.
That's a packed verse! Let's break it down.
Test: The means by which the presence, quality, or genuiness of anything is determined; a means of trial. The trial of the quality of something.
So, now our verse would read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials..." Have you had trials? I know the answer is "Yes" because we've all had trials. They can be simple things like trying to get yourself and 4 kids dressed and out the door in time. It can be a bigger trial like a car accident, natural disaster, fire, etc. It could also be a long term trial like overcoming debt or battling a medical illness. Have you ever thought that these trials could be tests?
Integrity: Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character.
Now we read, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles..." I believe the majority of people are "good" people...people with integrity. But, I know humans come with boundries or our comfort zones. Sometimes we fail to leave our comfort zone to do what we know is right. Have you ever seen a fight going on and just rushed by it, went around it, etc without doing anything? I have. Then I started to think, I could at least call security or the police to break it up because, maybe, one of the people in the fight didn't want to be in the fight...they need help and morally that is what I need to do. Or, you see someone drop their wallet...do you return it as is or take money out and return it or not return it at all? Let your daily decisions be morally and ethically right.
Honest: Upright and fair. Genuine or unadulterated
Finally it reads, "I know, my God, that you determine the presence of quality or genuiness of my heart by trials and are pleased with my adherence to moral and ethical principles. All these things have I given willingly and with upright and fair intent." My 5 year old believes the world revolves around him. If he wants to race his siblings, he must win or it's not fair! If he gets a regular size candy bar and CJ gets two of the bite size candy bars, it's not fair because CJ has two...it doesn't matter that in reality, Jamion has more. This is the reality of our lives. In today's society we are told "It's all about me!" and we should strive to meet our needs first and make sure we are happy. And above all, it must be fair to us! Well, what about others?
"I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly with honest intent."
We will be tested...not physically, but our hearts for integrity. We should give our hearts to God willingly and openingly with the intent of God finding us with integrity.
"I have begun to set intentions at the beginning of each day before I do anything else. It's a way of checking in with God, with my heart, with my integrity and with my purpose. It keeps my intent honest. If God is going to be testing my heart, I may as well test regularly, too."
Will you be ready for your test? Will your heart contain integrity and will you give your intentions willingly for your test?
Sometimes I find it easier to break things down to get the full effect of what the verse is trying to tell me.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Time for Everything - Devotional Day 5 - September 25
Scriptsure: Ecclesiastes 3:6 - ...a time to search and a time to give up.
"Sometimes this is easy to discern - when to keep looking...Other situations are more complicated." Have you ever lost something and had to search for it, but after exhausting yourself given up on ever finding it? This has happened to Josh and several occasions and to me on a few. However, there was one time that we lost something very important and we had to find it...it was the expiration sticker for the tag of our popup camper and we needed it for vacation! We looked high and low, in and out, and all around for that stupid little 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch sticker just to be disappointed and give up. We headed out with his family towards Colorado without it...It was very frustrating to me! Of course, there was a laundry list of worries about not having this little sticker. We called the DMV and they said they could not fax us a copy or letter or any proof that we were actually within the dates and that only the sticker would do.
We made it to Topeka and decided we must return home to try and track it down. We left the family and dogs at the rest station hoping to only be gone about 2 hours. However, when Josh and I made it to Lawrence our truck's water pump went out...talk about a harsh blow...we were now 30 minutes from home and 30 minutes from the family with no way of getting either places! It was very frustrating! During our wait for a tow truck, I was crying out inwardly for God to just shoot me...what a horrible start to a week long vacation. I was also crying out for him to have this repaired timely so we could carry on.
We got "lucky", some might say, and were able to find a shop to take us in the same day to repair the truck...that only took 6 hours! By the time we made it to our house to do another search for this little sticker, we had used 8 hours...a whole day! We whirled around the house looking for this sticker and Josh was just sure he knew where it was, but he couldn't locate it. After an hour, I went to our bedroom...I was tried, sore, sunburned, frustrated, mad, and a lot more. I cried out in a whiny voice, "God, just lest us find that stupid sticker! Please!" Just as I finished breathing my "last" breath, Josh yelled, "I've got it! Let's get out of here!" I've had to search for a lot of things in my life, but this little sticker got the best of me for sure!
On a happier searching note, you'll love the Elk story about Josh...this story is about searching for a thing you desire. On a week long trip through Colorado, Josh had a main themed goal...to see an elk or several elk. We were on the last 2 days of the trip and we still had not spotted any elk. Josh was very sour about it. It became a top of discussion in the truck.
Josh: I just want to see an elk. Is that such a big deal? Is it too much to ask for a vacation?
Jana: Well, why don't you ask God to let you see an elk? It's not too big or too much for him.
(Josh rolled his eyes at this point and was teetering on a decision.)
Jason: Yeah, you should pray about it.
Josh: Okay. Dear God, I want to see an elk. I've been looking on this trip and haven't seen one yet. Is it too much to ask to see an elk? I just want to see an elk. Please.
Everyone: Amen.
The topic shifted only slightly as we continued down the road. About 10 minutes after Josh's prayer, we spotted an elk with HUGE antlers...It was a prize just laying in the grass regal and tall. Did I mention the elk was on an Elk FARM? We all laughed at Josh and he was mad because it wasn't a wild elk to which I responded, "You didn't specify. God answered your prayer quite literally...it's just an elk!"
"Prayer is the key idea here. I think we all have to do our own part in any given situation, but we also have to know when to stop, have faith, and wait for God to move." Sometimes we can get caught up in our own search for things (money, happiness, love, affirmation, appreciation, definition, etc) that we forget there is a time to give up and move on. Sometimes the moving on part is the hardest, but it's what we need most...to carry on and to live.
What are you searching for? Is it worth the search or is it time to give up and go on living?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtdAJqETcmg&feature=related
"Sometimes this is easy to discern - when to keep looking...Other situations are more complicated." Have you ever lost something and had to search for it, but after exhausting yourself given up on ever finding it? This has happened to Josh and several occasions and to me on a few. However, there was one time that we lost something very important and we had to find it...it was the expiration sticker for the tag of our popup camper and we needed it for vacation! We looked high and low, in and out, and all around for that stupid little 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 inch sticker just to be disappointed and give up. We headed out with his family towards Colorado without it...It was very frustrating to me! Of course, there was a laundry list of worries about not having this little sticker. We called the DMV and they said they could not fax us a copy or letter or any proof that we were actually within the dates and that only the sticker would do.
We made it to Topeka and decided we must return home to try and track it down. We left the family and dogs at the rest station hoping to only be gone about 2 hours. However, when Josh and I made it to Lawrence our truck's water pump went out...talk about a harsh blow...we were now 30 minutes from home and 30 minutes from the family with no way of getting either places! It was very frustrating! During our wait for a tow truck, I was crying out inwardly for God to just shoot me...what a horrible start to a week long vacation. I was also crying out for him to have this repaired timely so we could carry on.
We got "lucky", some might say, and were able to find a shop to take us in the same day to repair the truck...that only took 6 hours! By the time we made it to our house to do another search for this little sticker, we had used 8 hours...a whole day! We whirled around the house looking for this sticker and Josh was just sure he knew where it was, but he couldn't locate it. After an hour, I went to our bedroom...I was tried, sore, sunburned, frustrated, mad, and a lot more. I cried out in a whiny voice, "God, just lest us find that stupid sticker! Please!" Just as I finished breathing my "last" breath, Josh yelled, "I've got it! Let's get out of here!" I've had to search for a lot of things in my life, but this little sticker got the best of me for sure!
On a happier searching note, you'll love the Elk story about Josh...this story is about searching for a thing you desire. On a week long trip through Colorado, Josh had a main themed goal...to see an elk or several elk. We were on the last 2 days of the trip and we still had not spotted any elk. Josh was very sour about it. It became a top of discussion in the truck.
Josh: I just want to see an elk. Is that such a big deal? Is it too much to ask for a vacation?
Jana: Well, why don't you ask God to let you see an elk? It's not too big or too much for him.
(Josh rolled his eyes at this point and was teetering on a decision.)
Jason: Yeah, you should pray about it.
Josh: Okay. Dear God, I want to see an elk. I've been looking on this trip and haven't seen one yet. Is it too much to ask to see an elk? I just want to see an elk. Please.
Everyone: Amen.
The topic shifted only slightly as we continued down the road. About 10 minutes after Josh's prayer, we spotted an elk with HUGE antlers...It was a prize just laying in the grass regal and tall. Did I mention the elk was on an Elk FARM? We all laughed at Josh and he was mad because it wasn't a wild elk to which I responded, "You didn't specify. God answered your prayer quite literally...it's just an elk!"
"Prayer is the key idea here. I think we all have to do our own part in any given situation, but we also have to know when to stop, have faith, and wait for God to move." Sometimes we can get caught up in our own search for things (money, happiness, love, affirmation, appreciation, definition, etc) that we forget there is a time to give up and move on. Sometimes the moving on part is the hardest, but it's what we need most...to carry on and to live.
What are you searching for? Is it worth the search or is it time to give up and go on living?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtdAJqETcmg&feature=related
Saturday, September 24, 2011
A Time for Everything - Devotional Day 4 - September 24
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:4 - ...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to morn and a time to dance.
"If I am annoyed or frustrated or have gotten my feelings hurt, I often explode and the dust settles quickly afterward." How many times have you "gone off the handle"? Sometimes when we blow up, it is quickly over and we move on with life.
However, "...there are times when I simmer for a while, when I am irritated or I hapen to be in a sour mood....I give myself an allotment of time to indulge my feelings and often that is enough to validate them and bid them adieu." Have you ever been made and just left the feelings to sour in your tummy for a while? Taken time to mull them over, talk yourself through them, and then spit them back out?
I'll admit it first then. I talk to myself all the time! I talk to myself when I'm talking the kiddos to and from daycare and, of course, when I'm by myself driving each way. I also talk to myself when I've had an upset customer yelling at me. I talk to myself when I'm going to bed. I guess a blog is a bit like talking to myself as well...it lets me get it all out in the open...whether good or bad. Talking through the situations, even with yourself, can help alleviate so much! (And actually, I consider it as talking to God which makes me feel way better!)
"...we have to run the gamut of emotions to work our way back, but we have to come back. Ancient times required a grieving widow to wear ashes...for a prescribed time...then she had to clean up and rejoin the living. We have to do the same thing." What a statement! We can weep and mourn, but we have to come back! That says a lot. God knew that we would be a people who could be hurt and he prepared for this. But, he also knows we cannot stay in that weeping and mourning state forever. Have you ever lost someone you really loved? I can remember several losses that took their heavy toll on me from family members to friends to co-workers. For some it was old age, or cancer, or car accidents...for some, it was too soon! Can you imagine wha tyou would be like if you held in your weeping and your mourning of the loss...what a bitter person you would be...like Naomi in the book of Ruth..."'Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almight has made my life very bitter..."' (Ruth 1:20) I cannot imagine being so bitter that I would change my name to be Bitter!
Even Jesus wept...it's in the story of Lazarus in the book of John, chapter 11. '"Jesus wept....Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"....Lazarus, come out!...Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."' While the story in John is left with a less than satisfactory ending, one can assume that since Jesus loved Lazarus so deeply, he must have greatly rejoiced with his Father answered his prayer! He must have rejoiced with Mary and Martha and the rest of the friends!
While there is a time for weeping and mourning, two very good and happy things follow...laughter and dancing! So, pull out the funnies and kick up your legs!
"If I am annoyed or frustrated or have gotten my feelings hurt, I often explode and the dust settles quickly afterward." How many times have you "gone off the handle"? Sometimes when we blow up, it is quickly over and we move on with life.
However, "...there are times when I simmer for a while, when I am irritated or I hapen to be in a sour mood....I give myself an allotment of time to indulge my feelings and often that is enough to validate them and bid them adieu." Have you ever been made and just left the feelings to sour in your tummy for a while? Taken time to mull them over, talk yourself through them, and then spit them back out?
I'll admit it first then. I talk to myself all the time! I talk to myself when I'm talking the kiddos to and from daycare and, of course, when I'm by myself driving each way. I also talk to myself when I've had an upset customer yelling at me. I talk to myself when I'm going to bed. I guess a blog is a bit like talking to myself as well...it lets me get it all out in the open...whether good or bad. Talking through the situations, even with yourself, can help alleviate so much! (And actually, I consider it as talking to God which makes me feel way better!)
"...we have to run the gamut of emotions to work our way back, but we have to come back. Ancient times required a grieving widow to wear ashes...for a prescribed time...then she had to clean up and rejoin the living. We have to do the same thing." What a statement! We can weep and mourn, but we have to come back! That says a lot. God knew that we would be a people who could be hurt and he prepared for this. But, he also knows we cannot stay in that weeping and mourning state forever. Have you ever lost someone you really loved? I can remember several losses that took their heavy toll on me from family members to friends to co-workers. For some it was old age, or cancer, or car accidents...for some, it was too soon! Can you imagine wha tyou would be like if you held in your weeping and your mourning of the loss...what a bitter person you would be...like Naomi in the book of Ruth..."'Don't call me Naomi," she told them. "Call me Mara, because the Almight has made my life very bitter..."' (Ruth 1:20) I cannot imagine being so bitter that I would change my name to be Bitter!
Even Jesus wept...it's in the story of Lazarus in the book of John, chapter 11. '"Jesus wept....Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"....Lazarus, come out!...Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."' While the story in John is left with a less than satisfactory ending, one can assume that since Jesus loved Lazarus so deeply, he must have greatly rejoiced with his Father answered his prayer! He must have rejoiced with Mary and Martha and the rest of the friends!
While there is a time for weeping and mourning, two very good and happy things follow...laughter and dancing! So, pull out the funnies and kick up your legs!
Friday, September 23, 2011
A Time for Everything - Devotional Day 3 - September 23
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6-7 - A time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.
Today's lesson looks at a time of relationships...which ones are forever relationships, which ones are the ones that are just for a short period of time, which should be let to pass silently, and which are the ones to go loudly? Relationships are hard. They can be tricky. They take work even if it's just a brief relationship. Good businesses establish relationships with their customers and work to keep them.
"It's easier to purge when it comes to things, harder when it comes to people." When was the last time you actually did "spring" cleaning at your house? Josh and I are getting ready to do it this weekend as we change out summer clothes with fall clothes and tidy the house for a home visit from our foster worker. It's easy for me to let go of most material items...I guess I've watched too many of the hoarder shows and seen how it can wreck relationships. I also realize that I will not be able to physically use most items, don't have a place to store them, or know that they are no longer needed/wanted. But what do you do when it comes to purgine people or relationships from your life?
"...there are times when we have to decide if we are going to maintain certain friendships, cut them abruptly loose, or quitely let them slip away. We have to discern if a difficult or broken relationship warrantes mending or tearing, if we need to speak up and reach clarity or closure, or if it's best to let things go unspoken and allow the relationship to die of natural causes."
Maintaining friendships can be a chore. They take work especially if that friendship is long distance. My best friend, Becky, and I have been friends since the 5th grade when her family moved to Eads...that's a total of about 18 years that we've known each other. (Goodness! I never realized I was so OLD!) Our relationship has been through it all! Jealousy, Rage, Happiness, Joyfulness, Idleness. It has had it's ups and downs, it's twists and turns, but it's been worth it. We were brought together by God and will be friends until the end, no matter what. It's a relationship that both of us know is worth it. Our relationship was very easily maintained while we both went through high school. But after we graduated, I parted for KC and she stayed in Eads for a while. Then there came Dallas for her and that first summer, Michael (good friend) and I drove down to see her for a week. Then she we didn't see each other for 2 years. We were able to meet her fiance on a beach trip that year. The next time I saw her was the day before her wedding...I actually got to see her whole family too! Then we went again without seeing each other for several years. But a relationship like ours is worth maintaining. Through each phase of our relationship where we go long periods without contact, I think of the song Becky wrote down for me on a card once..."Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them."
Hear the full song "Friends" by Michael W Smith at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF0UPv20kUA)
Cutting a relationship abruptly loose can hurt very much and yet at the same time be the best thing you do. The relationship that was hardest for me to cut loose (at least at the time) was my engagement to Rich. Rich is from Canada and we had know each other for many years. My first year of college I took a trip to see him and he proposed. I said "Yes". I knew this long distance relationship would be tough to maintain...as I wouldn't go back until my last semester of school...or so was the plan. The relationship had lots of opposition...my mom was against me which was tearing deeply at me and Rich's family wasn't supportive of his happiness at the time. What tore at me more was that at the time, Rich had decided he would only go to church on the big days, not weekly with me. This weighed heavily on me because God is very important in my life. After several thought crippling weeks of thinking it through and calls to Rich and emails back and forth, I knew I could not marry him if he could not commit to God...it wouldn't work. I called him and cut it off. The next several months were the worst months of my life. Rich had been a staple for years and now? Now, I couldn't talk to him for fear I would let the wrong choice reign. I cried myself to sleep almost every night for 2 months...it cut deep and hurt so much! But, it was the right decision. After Rich, came Josh.
Quitely letting a relationship slip away is almost a mutual decision made by both parties. Because, let's face it, if one side wanted the relationship to continue, they would attempt to keep it afloat. The relationship that strikes me here is my friendship with Heidi. We became great friends during college spending much of our free time together or with the "gang" (Josh, Bill, & Burning). During our friendship, she said she liked Josh. She was the shy type so, being Josh's friend for 24 months at the time, I told her all my tips...his likes, dislikes, and ways to flirt with him. After 8 months of divulging all my secrets about Josh, I realized that I really, really liked him. I went to Heidi and told her this...any good friend would be open about it and not conive around their friend's back. She assured me it was okay because he wasn't her type afterall. Within 3 weeks she refused to return my calls and the last time I spoke with her was 3 weeks before my wedding when she came to church before leaving for Iowa. This was a relationship that she didn't want to carry on and a relationship I had to learn to let slip by. It was meant only to last us through our trials of college and be no more. We learned great leasons from each other and had many great memories, but it's not a relationship to take you full hilt.
"But I do know that when we pray and bring these situations before God, He will direct us in how and when to resolve them." This line gives me comfort. It let's me know that our God is willing to take time to deal with a minimal item such as our feelings and dealings. He is willing to look through time and tell us how we should go forth with each friendship.
"The forever ones [relationships] sparkle even more when we realize how rare they really are." How many forever relationships do you have? How do you cultivate your forever relationship? Have you thanked God for the forever relationship?
Today's lesson looks at a time of relationships...which ones are forever relationships, which ones are the ones that are just for a short period of time, which should be let to pass silently, and which are the ones to go loudly? Relationships are hard. They can be tricky. They take work even if it's just a brief relationship. Good businesses establish relationships with their customers and work to keep them.
"It's easier to purge when it comes to things, harder when it comes to people." When was the last time you actually did "spring" cleaning at your house? Josh and I are getting ready to do it this weekend as we change out summer clothes with fall clothes and tidy the house for a home visit from our foster worker. It's easy for me to let go of most material items...I guess I've watched too many of the hoarder shows and seen how it can wreck relationships. I also realize that I will not be able to physically use most items, don't have a place to store them, or know that they are no longer needed/wanted. But what do you do when it comes to purgine people or relationships from your life?
"...there are times when we have to decide if we are going to maintain certain friendships, cut them abruptly loose, or quitely let them slip away. We have to discern if a difficult or broken relationship warrantes mending or tearing, if we need to speak up and reach clarity or closure, or if it's best to let things go unspoken and allow the relationship to die of natural causes."
Maintaining friendships can be a chore. They take work especially if that friendship is long distance. My best friend, Becky, and I have been friends since the 5th grade when her family moved to Eads...that's a total of about 18 years that we've known each other. (Goodness! I never realized I was so OLD!) Our relationship has been through it all! Jealousy, Rage, Happiness, Joyfulness, Idleness. It has had it's ups and downs, it's twists and turns, but it's been worth it. We were brought together by God and will be friends until the end, no matter what. It's a relationship that both of us know is worth it. Our relationship was very easily maintained while we both went through high school. But after we graduated, I parted for KC and she stayed in Eads for a while. Then there came Dallas for her and that first summer, Michael (good friend) and I drove down to see her for a week. Then she we didn't see each other for 2 years. We were able to meet her fiance on a beach trip that year. The next time I saw her was the day before her wedding...I actually got to see her whole family too! Then we went again without seeing each other for several years. But a relationship like ours is worth maintaining. Through each phase of our relationship where we go long periods without contact, I think of the song Becky wrote down for me on a card once..."Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them."
Hear the full song "Friends" by Michael W Smith at (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF0UPv20kUA)
Cutting a relationship abruptly loose can hurt very much and yet at the same time be the best thing you do. The relationship that was hardest for me to cut loose (at least at the time) was my engagement to Rich. Rich is from Canada and we had know each other for many years. My first year of college I took a trip to see him and he proposed. I said "Yes". I knew this long distance relationship would be tough to maintain...as I wouldn't go back until my last semester of school...or so was the plan. The relationship had lots of opposition...my mom was against me which was tearing deeply at me and Rich's family wasn't supportive of his happiness at the time. What tore at me more was that at the time, Rich had decided he would only go to church on the big days, not weekly with me. This weighed heavily on me because God is very important in my life. After several thought crippling weeks of thinking it through and calls to Rich and emails back and forth, I knew I could not marry him if he could not commit to God...it wouldn't work. I called him and cut it off. The next several months were the worst months of my life. Rich had been a staple for years and now? Now, I couldn't talk to him for fear I would let the wrong choice reign. I cried myself to sleep almost every night for 2 months...it cut deep and hurt so much! But, it was the right decision. After Rich, came Josh.
Quitely letting a relationship slip away is almost a mutual decision made by both parties. Because, let's face it, if one side wanted the relationship to continue, they would attempt to keep it afloat. The relationship that strikes me here is my friendship with Heidi. We became great friends during college spending much of our free time together or with the "gang" (Josh, Bill, & Burning). During our friendship, she said she liked Josh. She was the shy type so, being Josh's friend for 24 months at the time, I told her all my tips...his likes, dislikes, and ways to flirt with him. After 8 months of divulging all my secrets about Josh, I realized that I really, really liked him. I went to Heidi and told her this...any good friend would be open about it and not conive around their friend's back. She assured me it was okay because he wasn't her type afterall. Within 3 weeks she refused to return my calls and the last time I spoke with her was 3 weeks before my wedding when she came to church before leaving for Iowa. This was a relationship that she didn't want to carry on and a relationship I had to learn to let slip by. It was meant only to last us through our trials of college and be no more. We learned great leasons from each other and had many great memories, but it's not a relationship to take you full hilt.
"But I do know that when we pray and bring these situations before God, He will direct us in how and when to resolve them." This line gives me comfort. It let's me know that our God is willing to take time to deal with a minimal item such as our feelings and dealings. He is willing to look through time and tell us how we should go forth with each friendship.
"The forever ones [relationships] sparkle even more when we realize how rare they really are." How many forever relationships do you have? How do you cultivate your forever relationship? Have you thanked God for the forever relationship?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
A Time For Everything - Devotional Day 2 - September 22
Scripture (It's only verse 1, but I wanted to add all the verses): Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
(Listen to the Byrd's Turn, Turn, Turn as it incorporates all verses into an awesome song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_H9AWwQOs.)
That scripture is a huge chunk to take a bite out of! But if you read it again, it's saying there is a time for everything we do, feel, and go through. It was written down and prepared for us to read thousands of years before we came into our existence today.
"We cannot be and do all things for everyone all the time - there are indeed seasons." How many times have you tried to be a people pleaser...doing what someone asks when they ask even though it's outside your range or want? I know I'm guilty of it. My husband, Josh, is also very guilty of it. He's a big people pleaser and it causes him grief sometimes. I think we all fall into this trap on occassion.
The author of the devotional talks about taking her kids to visit their father and how it "would cause me physical pain to part from them. I felt like I had an unending ache, an emptiness, a lake of equilibrium. The only way to get over it was prayer and the passage of time." For those of you who know Josh and I, you know that we are foster parents. The hardest part of being a foster parent is taking your kiddos to a visit with the bioparents when you don't trust them or like their decisions in life. (This kinda ties in with yesterday's lesson to not judge...which is super hard when you have great kids who have a potentially great parent if they'd make better choices!) It used to physically pain me to leave the kiddos at the visit, especially our little man, London. He would cry pathetically for me and put his arms out to me and he still does. It still hurts to leave him, but not as much.
I just keep thinking to myself when I leave him, "In 2 hours, I'll be the hero. I'll come sweep him up into my arms and make him laugh for joy." And, sure enough, that what I do. I'm his mommy...not biologically, but at 16 months, I'm his mommy and that's who he wants.
"The only possible way to love and let go gracefully is to first have enough faith to remember that God is utimately in charge of our children and only He can really keep them safe." This is big for me. There are so many scenarios that can occur at visits, things the kiddos are told, things the bios tell us, so much negativity. It's hard for me to remember that God has these little kids on HIS tracker and has had them there since before Josh and I came into the picture. How many times have you sent your kiddos (or someone you loved) off and thought that they wouldn't be okay because you're not there to see to them?
I remember my mom having a cow when I was deciding on which DeVry to attend. I thought it would be awesome to go to Phoenix, but mom was not going to have that since I didn't know anyone and I'd be so far away. She was concerned for my safety and concerned that I wouldn't have anyone to lean on that far away. She preferred that I attend DeVry in Kansas City because I had family 3 hours away in Iowa. In the end, to satisfy her worry, I moved to KC. I guess God knew what he was doing because I met Josh on the first Sunday out here!
"We need to know tha tlove is not limited to time and space, and our love does not start or stop; it flows continuously whether we are with our childeren (loved one) or not." It's amazing to think of agape love...that ever-present, no strings attached, love of loves that just flows down. It's what we all dream of. A love that loves us no matter what we look like, how we act, what we eat, where we live, our nationality, our color, our creed, who we're related to, how much money we have, how smart we are, etc. Just plain and simple, truly and perfectly love. The kind of love we are all wanting defies all restraints the world puts on it. It is transcendant, and omnipitant...it's everywhere. That's what our love can be when we act on our love instead of mulling it to death.
"We need to trust God that He has ordained our separations as well as our togetherness." It's funny how God works things out. Josh and I were discussing the visit the kids had today and our version of the pros and cons. I hadn't read my devotional yet, but when I cracked it open and read, I was amazed. He puts it all out in the open with us if we care to see it. Do you care to see yours?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
There is so much time and so little time. How will you spend yours?
(Listen to the Byrd's Turn, Turn, Turn as it incorporates all verses into an awesome song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9_H9AWwQOs.)
That scripture is a huge chunk to take a bite out of! But if you read it again, it's saying there is a time for everything we do, feel, and go through. It was written down and prepared for us to read thousands of years before we came into our existence today.
"We cannot be and do all things for everyone all the time - there are indeed seasons." How many times have you tried to be a people pleaser...doing what someone asks when they ask even though it's outside your range or want? I know I'm guilty of it. My husband, Josh, is also very guilty of it. He's a big people pleaser and it causes him grief sometimes. I think we all fall into this trap on occassion.
The author of the devotional talks about taking her kids to visit their father and how it "would cause me physical pain to part from them. I felt like I had an unending ache, an emptiness, a lake of equilibrium. The only way to get over it was prayer and the passage of time." For those of you who know Josh and I, you know that we are foster parents. The hardest part of being a foster parent is taking your kiddos to a visit with the bioparents when you don't trust them or like their decisions in life. (This kinda ties in with yesterday's lesson to not judge...which is super hard when you have great kids who have a potentially great parent if they'd make better choices!) It used to physically pain me to leave the kiddos at the visit, especially our little man, London. He would cry pathetically for me and put his arms out to me and he still does. It still hurts to leave him, but not as much.
I just keep thinking to myself when I leave him, "In 2 hours, I'll be the hero. I'll come sweep him up into my arms and make him laugh for joy." And, sure enough, that what I do. I'm his mommy...not biologically, but at 16 months, I'm his mommy and that's who he wants.
"The only possible way to love and let go gracefully is to first have enough faith to remember that God is utimately in charge of our children and only He can really keep them safe." This is big for me. There are so many scenarios that can occur at visits, things the kiddos are told, things the bios tell us, so much negativity. It's hard for me to remember that God has these little kids on HIS tracker and has had them there since before Josh and I came into the picture. How many times have you sent your kiddos (or someone you loved) off and thought that they wouldn't be okay because you're not there to see to them?
I remember my mom having a cow when I was deciding on which DeVry to attend. I thought it would be awesome to go to Phoenix, but mom was not going to have that since I didn't know anyone and I'd be so far away. She was concerned for my safety and concerned that I wouldn't have anyone to lean on that far away. She preferred that I attend DeVry in Kansas City because I had family 3 hours away in Iowa. In the end, to satisfy her worry, I moved to KC. I guess God knew what he was doing because I met Josh on the first Sunday out here!
"We need to know tha tlove is not limited to time and space, and our love does not start or stop; it flows continuously whether we are with our childeren (loved one) or not." It's amazing to think of agape love...that ever-present, no strings attached, love of loves that just flows down. It's what we all dream of. A love that loves us no matter what we look like, how we act, what we eat, where we live, our nationality, our color, our creed, who we're related to, how much money we have, how smart we are, etc. Just plain and simple, truly and perfectly love. The kind of love we are all wanting defies all restraints the world puts on it. It is transcendant, and omnipitant...it's everywhere. That's what our love can be when we act on our love instead of mulling it to death.
"We need to trust God that He has ordained our separations as well as our togetherness." It's funny how God works things out. Josh and I were discussing the visit the kids had today and our version of the pros and cons. I hadn't read my devotional yet, but when I cracked it open and read, I was amazed. He puts it all out in the open with us if we care to see it. Do you care to see yours?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
There is so much time and so little time. How will you spend yours?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Do Not Judge - Devotional Day 1 - September 21
I've decided to blog daily about my devotional and to share it and my thoughts and experiences with you all. It should be a real adventure especially trying to find time on the weekends to do this! Enjoy the Ride!
Scripture: John 7:24 - Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
Devotional: The devotional talks about having her kids watch Susan Boyle's first appearance on Britian's Got Talent. "A frumpy, small-town, middle-aged woman takes the stage. Her hair is graying and frizzy and she's wearing a lumpy housedress with bad shoes..." This sets the stage. She says she wants to be a famous singer.
Picture what Susan looks like based on the above description. What goes through your mind? I can tell you that in mine, (without knowing how great she is)I thought she was aiming high. She should go home and clean house. What do you think?
Now, hear this! "It's as if an angel overtakes her, and the heavens spill out of her mouth. Her voice is sublime, rich, and resonant and perfect." Imagine the surprise of the judges and the whole audience as she sings beautifully! Does your initial judgement match the outcome? Mine didn't. I thought after watching the video..."I bet she sings Amazing Grace beautifully and I'd like to try and find it online!"
"Amazing talens lurk in the most unlikely packaging." How many times have you been wrong judged by others? I've been judged much of my life and it's has taken a hard toll on me. I mean, growing up in a small town being pudgy with red hair, freckles, and a gape in your front teeth wasn't exactly easy. I was teased by my brother, friends, and classmates daily...sorta like Dumbo.
Being teased throughout much of my life has made me tough (last blog was Bloody Bess Flint) and a fighter. I can remember wanting to fit in with the others, but knowing that I was different. I would never look classy like them or be popular like them. At least that is what I thought...I had low self-esteem on the inside, but portrayed a huge since of confidence on the outside.
As I got older and learned more about God and his relationship with me, I realized that I had a lot to offer and that God didn't want me to be like everyone else. He made me different for a reason. For those who know me today, you know I have talent and it tends to be on the artsy fartsy side I would say. I'm creative, funny, intelligent, and quick-witted.
One would think that as someone who was judged daily, I would know not to judge. But judging others gives us justification and makes us feel important in our own sphere. We've all judged. The first time this was thrown in my face was on my last trip to Glorietta, New Mexico. It was the first time our group had participated in CenterFuge and it was a crazy great blast! There was college preacher for us and he discussed how we needed to befriend "Mingo". He talked aboug judging others and how looking at Mingo you'd want to run the other way. It wouldn't be cool to be his friend. It wouldn't look good to your friends and what could he possibly offer that your current friends didn't already offer? Then he paused for a few minutes and asked us again to picture Mingo - that kid that no one likes...wears funny clothes, has a lop-sided smile, thick glasses perhaps, a knitted sweater...whatever you picture as "untouchable". He asked us, "What could Mingo offer you, that your other friends did not currently offer?" Several answered "Nothing". Then he said, "How can you know, if you don't get to know Mingo?"
It's really amazing to think about everything you can miss if you don't take a chance. Many people don't want to befriend Mingo because they know they will be judged. Funny, we jugde, but don't want to be judged! Don't fear though! God does not judge us by our looks! Could you image only being admitted to heaven if you met God's judgement gaze...would any of us be good enough then? Think on this verse for the day as well: 1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
You may see the debut of Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent via YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk - Be warned, this brought tears to my eyes...
Good luck not judging today!
Scripture: John 7:24 - Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement.
Devotional: The devotional talks about having her kids watch Susan Boyle's first appearance on Britian's Got Talent. "A frumpy, small-town, middle-aged woman takes the stage. Her hair is graying and frizzy and she's wearing a lumpy housedress with bad shoes..." This sets the stage. She says she wants to be a famous singer.
Picture what Susan looks like based on the above description. What goes through your mind? I can tell you that in mine, (without knowing how great she is)I thought she was aiming high. She should go home and clean house. What do you think?
Now, hear this! "It's as if an angel overtakes her, and the heavens spill out of her mouth. Her voice is sublime, rich, and resonant and perfect." Imagine the surprise of the judges and the whole audience as she sings beautifully! Does your initial judgement match the outcome? Mine didn't. I thought after watching the video..."I bet she sings Amazing Grace beautifully and I'd like to try and find it online!"
"Amazing talens lurk in the most unlikely packaging." How many times have you been wrong judged by others? I've been judged much of my life and it's has taken a hard toll on me. I mean, growing up in a small town being pudgy with red hair, freckles, and a gape in your front teeth wasn't exactly easy. I was teased by my brother, friends, and classmates daily...sorta like Dumbo.
Being teased throughout much of my life has made me tough (last blog was Bloody Bess Flint) and a fighter. I can remember wanting to fit in with the others, but knowing that I was different. I would never look classy like them or be popular like them. At least that is what I thought...I had low self-esteem on the inside, but portrayed a huge since of confidence on the outside.
As I got older and learned more about God and his relationship with me, I realized that I had a lot to offer and that God didn't want me to be like everyone else. He made me different for a reason. For those who know me today, you know I have talent and it tends to be on the artsy fartsy side I would say. I'm creative, funny, intelligent, and quick-witted.
One would think that as someone who was judged daily, I would know not to judge. But judging others gives us justification and makes us feel important in our own sphere. We've all judged. The first time this was thrown in my face was on my last trip to Glorietta, New Mexico. It was the first time our group had participated in CenterFuge and it was a crazy great blast! There was college preacher for us and he discussed how we needed to befriend "Mingo". He talked aboug judging others and how looking at Mingo you'd want to run the other way. It wouldn't be cool to be his friend. It wouldn't look good to your friends and what could he possibly offer that your current friends didn't already offer? Then he paused for a few minutes and asked us again to picture Mingo - that kid that no one likes...wears funny clothes, has a lop-sided smile, thick glasses perhaps, a knitted sweater...whatever you picture as "untouchable". He asked us, "What could Mingo offer you, that your other friends did not currently offer?" Several answered "Nothing". Then he said, "How can you know, if you don't get to know Mingo?"
It's really amazing to think about everything you can miss if you don't take a chance. Many people don't want to befriend Mingo because they know they will be judged. Funny, we jugde, but don't want to be judged! Don't fear though! God does not judge us by our looks! Could you image only being admitted to heaven if you met God's judgement gaze...would any of us be good enough then? Think on this verse for the day as well: 1 Samuel 16:7 - But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
You may see the debut of Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent via YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk - Be warned, this brought tears to my eyes...
Good luck not judging today!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Just Another Post - Who is Josh?
So, I had to take Josh through the National Pirate Day pirate name quiz to see who he would be.
His pirate name would be Dirty John Kidd...which is funny because his middle name is John. You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!
If you want to take the quiz, you can take it at: http://www.piratequiz.com. If you take it, comment and let me know your pirate name!
Enjoy!
His pirate name would be Dirty John Kidd...which is funny because his middle name is John. You're the pirate everyone else wants to throw in the ocean -- not to get rid of you, you understand; just to get rid of the smell. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!
If you want to take the quiz, you can take it at: http://www.piratequiz.com. If you take it, comment and let me know your pirate name!
Enjoy!
No Pictures, Just a Post on National Pirate Day
So, it was beautiful today in KC. Bright and sunny with a high in the 80's and low humidity...light breeze to round it out...B E A U T I F U L!!! Josh and I took the kiddos to the park near the zoo to enjoy some pizza and fun. The kiddos love going to the park so it was just perfect.
After showing London the stairs twice, he figured out he didn't need anyone to help him get to the slides. He is a big boy and he can do it by himself. He would climb up the stairs, choose his slide and then ride down feet first or head first...one time it was feet first, but he went on his tummy instead of bum. It was really great! He is only 16 months old and has figured out how to do so much by himself! The most joyous (and I mean real true joy) was hearing him laugh as he slid down each time. He thinks the slide is just the greatest invention in the whole world and he lets you know it.
On the potty front, CeKariya now owns big girl panties. She wore them today at preschool. (She wears a pull-up from home to school because it takes about an hour to get there since I drop of Jamion and Josh first.) She went all day (even THROUGH nap time) completely dry until the end. She was on her way from outside to the potty but didn't make it in time. I'd say 8 hours in big girl panties at the age of 2 years 2 months is pretty darn good! Now, if we could just get CJ on the same page as her...
So, lastly, today is National Pirate Day or so I heard on the radio. I took a quiz to see what my pirate name would be. You're reading a blog by Bloody Bess Flint! Every pirate lives for something different. For you, it's definately the fighting. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky...Think it has anything to do with me being Scottish Irish?
Enjoy!
After showing London the stairs twice, he figured out he didn't need anyone to help him get to the slides. He is a big boy and he can do it by himself. He would climb up the stairs, choose his slide and then ride down feet first or head first...one time it was feet first, but he went on his tummy instead of bum. It was really great! He is only 16 months old and has figured out how to do so much by himself! The most joyous (and I mean real true joy) was hearing him laugh as he slid down each time. He thinks the slide is just the greatest invention in the whole world and he lets you know it.
On the potty front, CeKariya now owns big girl panties. She wore them today at preschool. (She wears a pull-up from home to school because it takes about an hour to get there since I drop of Jamion and Josh first.) She went all day (even THROUGH nap time) completely dry until the end. She was on her way from outside to the potty but didn't make it in time. I'd say 8 hours in big girl panties at the age of 2 years 2 months is pretty darn good! Now, if we could just get CJ on the same page as her...
So, lastly, today is National Pirate Day or so I heard on the radio. I took a quiz to see what my pirate name would be. You're reading a blog by Bloody Bess Flint! Every pirate lives for something different. For you, it's definately the fighting. Like the rock flint, you're hard and sharp. But, also like flint, you're easily chipped, and sparky...Think it has anything to do with me being Scottish Irish?
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Kiowa County Fair & Rodeo
We went to Colorado for the first full week of September to visit family, visit friends, and attend the fair and rodeo. It would be the first time our kiddos had seen a fair or rodeo. Everything was a new experience for them and they greatly enjoyed their time.
They loved seeing Uncle Dony & Aunt Ginger...in the past CeKariya & CJ have been a little timid around Uncle Dony, so we started touting them a week before the trip and the transition was great with no worries. They also loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa and getting to ride their bikes around.
We had lots of fun on our trip and even though I had to work, the kids got the chance to watch the rodeo and have tons of fun. They got to eat good food, drink some soda, and stay up past bedtime a few times. It was a great time.
Enjoy!
They loved seeing Uncle Dony & Aunt Ginger...in the past CeKariya & CJ have been a little timid around Uncle Dony, so we started touting them a week before the trip and the transition was great with no worries. They also loved seeing Grandma and Grandpa and getting to ride their bikes around.
We had lots of fun on our trip and even though I had to work, the kids got the chance to watch the rodeo and have tons of fun. They got to eat good food, drink some soda, and stay up past bedtime a few times. It was a great time.
Enjoy!
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