Bubble tea. Friend time. Treats. Surprises. Dessert. Eating out. Making plans. Crochet. AFV. Dreaming about the future. Thinking up ministry opportunities.
I'm addicted.
The more I thought about it , I realized, that I am addicted to BEING addicted. I get some of my biggest kicks out of the next exciting thing, big plan, or simple bubble tea.
The excitement of being excited has become the pattern for my life.
As my husband and I are trying to buckle down and pay off our loans as quickly as possible, I'm finding myself experiencing withdrawals from all the excitement; and a new addiction to saving as much money as possible.
This can't be good. Although each thing is harmless in itself, the realization of how much I depend upon these things for excitement throughout the week was really humbling. And I think the next few months will be a detox period for me: a time to get a grip on what drives me and gives me energy and purpose.
I know God is the giver of life, and that He gives me purpose and a plan, but I must truly seek the meaning of putting HIm first in everything, and letting Him be enough. My All in All. My Everything!
Any suggestions from your own personal experience?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Who are you rubbing off?
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." -Proverbs 27:19
"For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." -Matthew 12:34
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16
"Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence." -Henri Frederic Amiel
Every little thing that we say and do leaves a whiff of ourselves behind.
What are you filling your mind and heart with each day, so that when you rub off on someone, they smell Jesus? Is your perfume one that induces headaches and a rash? Could it be such a shallow scent, that it isn't even strong enough for others to notice or remember?
Or do your habits include such soulful cleansing and communion, that Christ touches and lingers after your each encounter?
Lord, may You be my reason for getting out bed, for spending time in Your word, and be the foundation of my thoughts. As the Psalmist says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight." I want You to rub off on those I come into contact with each day, that You may receive honor and glory. Amen.
"For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." -Matthew 12:34
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16
"Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence." -Henri Frederic Amiel
Every little thing that we say and do leaves a whiff of ourselves behind.
What are you filling your mind and heart with each day, so that when you rub off on someone, they smell Jesus? Is your perfume one that induces headaches and a rash? Could it be such a shallow scent, that it isn't even strong enough for others to notice or remember?
Or do your habits include such soulful cleansing and communion, that Christ touches and lingers after your each encounter?
Lord, may You be my reason for getting out bed, for spending time in Your word, and be the foundation of my thoughts. As the Psalmist says, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight." I want You to rub off on those I come into contact with each day, that You may receive honor and glory. Amen.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Path of Life
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence..." Psalm 16:11
There is peace in knowing what is to come: for the day ahead-the hour at hand. We take courage in making plans for the future, and filling our agenda to be sure we get everything done.
I love planning. I am most productive when I have a list made of everything I need to accomplish, and a time line of when it will all happen. And in doing that, it is also easy for me to overlook anything (and sometimes anyone) that is not on my list for that period of time. Granted, I'll get a lot done, but maybe that isn't the point.
The Psalmist reminds me that in Christ-our Lord and Savior, and Heavenly Father-we have a very simple agenda. "The way of life," as he put it, while often a deeply sought after mystical answer in the mids of some, is grounded in the source of Life: Christ Himself.
We are told to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. That is the path of life, and God blesses obedience and provides His joy. Not just when things are going well, and everything on my list is crossed off, but also when I'm ill, when I want to be grumpy, when finances are low, when the house isn't clean, when my friend is hurting, when I cannot understand: His joy can prevail.
The result of our obedience and its effect on others may never fully be known to us. God has laid down a narrow path, but does not restrict the way our example of trust, obedience and joy will bless others. That is the other part of His plan: to use our obedience to bring others to Him, to show people He cares, and that they too can know the path of life.
May I work to always put Christ first on my to-do list, with all my heart, soul and mind, so that the things that do get accomplished each day may reflect His joy, bless another's soul, and make others want to know Him more.
There is peace in knowing what is to come: for the day ahead-the hour at hand. We take courage in making plans for the future, and filling our agenda to be sure we get everything done.
I love planning. I am most productive when I have a list made of everything I need to accomplish, and a time line of when it will all happen. And in doing that, it is also easy for me to overlook anything (and sometimes anyone) that is not on my list for that period of time. Granted, I'll get a lot done, but maybe that isn't the point.
The Psalmist reminds me that in Christ-our Lord and Savior, and Heavenly Father-we have a very simple agenda. "The way of life," as he put it, while often a deeply sought after mystical answer in the mids of some, is grounded in the source of Life: Christ Himself.
We are told to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind. That is the path of life, and God blesses obedience and provides His joy. Not just when things are going well, and everything on my list is crossed off, but also when I'm ill, when I want to be grumpy, when finances are low, when the house isn't clean, when my friend is hurting, when I cannot understand: His joy can prevail.
The result of our obedience and its effect on others may never fully be known to us. God has laid down a narrow path, but does not restrict the way our example of trust, obedience and joy will bless others. That is the other part of His plan: to use our obedience to bring others to Him, to show people He cares, and that they too can know the path of life.
May I work to always put Christ first on my to-do list, with all my heart, soul and mind, so that the things that do get accomplished each day may reflect His joy, bless another's soul, and make others want to know Him more.
Monday, February 2, 2009
What's In a Name Re-post from my xanga, January 2006 (Pastor Graham sermon reminded me of this post)
Depends on whom you ask, I suppose, but names are more than labels. They are very personal representations of individuals, with personality, imagination, and countenance. When a person thinks of your name, they think of you and all that makes you you. Maybe it's your smile, your warm hug, your laugh, the way you listen to a friend as he pours out his heart. Maybe you are a servant and give of yourself for others, or perhaps you are an athlete, and everybody knows what you would rather be doing.
Regardless what you are known for, when your name is mentioned a mental image is formed, and the speaker is thinking of you. Not the girl from your fourth grade class that shared your name. Not the man in the grocery store that answered to what you thought was your friend calling you. In fact, they are talking about the singular, and unique YOU.
I have often wondered if people with the same name behave the same and share personality traits. Or, do people become who they are in part because of their name? What about in the Bible, when parents named their kids according to current events, or supernatural happenings? Did that play a role in who the children became? I guess that is one thing to ask God when I get to heaven.
But consider it...what kind of an image pops into others heads when your name is mentioned? Are you leaving the kind of character in each step behind you that others would admire or desire?
Would someone refuse to name their child with "your name" because of your reputation, or would they proudly pass it on with prayers that their child will have similarities to your Godly character?
Something to think about.
Regardless what you are known for, when your name is mentioned a mental image is formed, and the speaker is thinking of you. Not the girl from your fourth grade class that shared your name. Not the man in the grocery store that answered to what you thought was your friend calling you. In fact, they are talking about the singular, and unique YOU.
I have often wondered if people with the same name behave the same and share personality traits. Or, do people become who they are in part because of their name? What about in the Bible, when parents named their kids according to current events, or supernatural happenings? Did that play a role in who the children became? I guess that is one thing to ask God when I get to heaven.
But consider it...what kind of an image pops into others heads when your name is mentioned? Are you leaving the kind of character in each step behind you that others would admire or desire?
Would someone refuse to name their child with "your name" because of your reputation, or would they proudly pass it on with prayers that their child will have similarities to your Godly character?
Something to think about.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Food for Thought
It's almost lunch time, and my stomach is growling. That's how I know.
Yesterday, I experienced a spiritual growling, and it made me think.
I've grown up in the church, and it's easy for me to take for granted God's Word, and it's power. Recently I made a decision to create a new devotional habit, in which I would spend time with God before I even got out of bed. This way, I wouldn't get distracted and would have no excuses like, "it's cold" or "I've I already started getting ready for the day, I just need to do one more thing."
So, I had some precious date time with God, and it was followed by a good morning: good attitude, right perspective, and actions. Sometime later in the day I found myself struggling with an attitude choice, and a case of the grumpies.
I had digested all the spiritual food from my early morning "breakfast," and now I needed lunch or a snack. The attitudinal growling was letting me know.
What a very real picture to me of the importance of feasting and communing with the Lord throughout the day, continually, and intentionally to strengthen our bodies to obey ALL day long.
Now today, I can plan for extra meals, and ways to feed my soul throughout the day so I have energy to live like Christ.
John 6:33 "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. "
Yesterday, I experienced a spiritual growling, and it made me think.
I've grown up in the church, and it's easy for me to take for granted God's Word, and it's power. Recently I made a decision to create a new devotional habit, in which I would spend time with God before I even got out of bed. This way, I wouldn't get distracted and would have no excuses like, "it's cold" or "I've I already started getting ready for the day, I just need to do one more thing."
So, I had some precious date time with God, and it was followed by a good morning: good attitude, right perspective, and actions. Sometime later in the day I found myself struggling with an attitude choice, and a case of the grumpies.
I had digested all the spiritual food from my early morning "breakfast," and now I needed lunch or a snack. The attitudinal growling was letting me know.
What a very real picture to me of the importance of feasting and communing with the Lord throughout the day, continually, and intentionally to strengthen our bodies to obey ALL day long.
Now today, I can plan for extra meals, and ways to feed my soul throughout the day so I have energy to live like Christ.
John 6:33 "For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. "
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Different 4-Seasons
Hunting season.
Flu season.
Holiday season.
Sinning season.
Yeah, I said it. Sinning Season. And the only license you need is a dull conscience.
It’s not a year-round event. In fact, it often sneaks up on us as Christians when we begin to let things slip, and life doesn’t seems worse for it. Sometimes, whether consciously or not, we can begin to gauge our success and measure our obedience on how many bad things are NOT happening in our life.
“Didn’t have time for my devos all of last week. There are just so many other things that need my attention. It’s hard to take time off to study.”
Maybe our weakness is related to flim/tv/novels. “It doesn’t seem to affect my relationships at church, and I’m still loving my spouse unconditionally,” and we continue to fill our minds with content of the world.
Sometimes it doesn’t even start as a sin. The comment we made about our elderly parents was just meant to lighten the mood, but now, our attitude oozes disrespect and contempt toward them and our responsibilities for them.
It could be, you picked on your husband in front of your in-laws and kids last month, and weeks later, you realize that dissenting attitude has grown, and your kids are catching on.
Over time, we find ourselves overwhelmed, under-energized, grumpy, sad, and confused because we’ve been zooming along without check, living loosely, and losing sight of the standard for which we ought always strive: to be like Christ.
It’s like the automobile driver that hasn’t had a ticket in a while. He slowly begins to increase his average speed. 5 over. 8 over. 10 over. “Most cops won’t stop you unless you go over 10.” Soon, he’s regularly going 12-15 over the speed limit without even having to justify to his conscience about why it’s okay to travel that fast because he’s just keeping up with the rest of traffic.
Until he gets pulled over.
The little sins in our life stack up, and will take over if we don’t pay attention to our sin-ometer.
Make a point to check your speed before circumstances pull you over:
Do you have accountability in place to help you get back on track with devotions?
Are you honoring your parents?
Do you lift your husband up, in public and in private?
Are the things you put into your mind (music/tv/books) helping you focus on Christ, or serving as the “duck call” in a season of sin?
Romans 6:1 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
Romans 6:12-14 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
In closing, I just want to take a moment to praise God for His forgiveness! 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We serve a great God who loves welcoming the sinners home, no matter the length of the season, and giving us a clean start! Let that be our motivation to do our best to stay on track!!
Flu season.
Holiday season.
Sinning season.
Yeah, I said it. Sinning Season. And the only license you need is a dull conscience.
It’s not a year-round event. In fact, it often sneaks up on us as Christians when we begin to let things slip, and life doesn’t seems worse for it. Sometimes, whether consciously or not, we can begin to gauge our success and measure our obedience on how many bad things are NOT happening in our life.
“Didn’t have time for my devos all of last week. There are just so many other things that need my attention. It’s hard to take time off to study.”
Maybe our weakness is related to flim/tv/novels. “It doesn’t seem to affect my relationships at church, and I’m still loving my spouse unconditionally,” and we continue to fill our minds with content of the world.
Sometimes it doesn’t even start as a sin. The comment we made about our elderly parents was just meant to lighten the mood, but now, our attitude oozes disrespect and contempt toward them and our responsibilities for them.
It could be, you picked on your husband in front of your in-laws and kids last month, and weeks later, you realize that dissenting attitude has grown, and your kids are catching on.
Over time, we find ourselves overwhelmed, under-energized, grumpy, sad, and confused because we’ve been zooming along without check, living loosely, and losing sight of the standard for which we ought always strive: to be like Christ.
It’s like the automobile driver that hasn’t had a ticket in a while. He slowly begins to increase his average speed. 5 over. 8 over. 10 over. “Most cops won’t stop you unless you go over 10.” Soon, he’s regularly going 12-15 over the speed limit without even having to justify to his conscience about why it’s okay to travel that fast because he’s just keeping up with the rest of traffic.
Until he gets pulled over.
The little sins in our life stack up, and will take over if we don’t pay attention to our sin-ometer.
Make a point to check your speed before circumstances pull you over:
Do you have accountability in place to help you get back on track with devotions?
Are you honoring your parents?
Do you lift your husband up, in public and in private?
Are the things you put into your mind (music/tv/books) helping you focus on Christ, or serving as the “duck call” in a season of sin?
Romans 6:1 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
Romans 6:12-14 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
In closing, I just want to take a moment to praise God for His forgiveness! 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” We serve a great God who loves welcoming the sinners home, no matter the length of the season, and giving us a clean start! Let that be our motivation to do our best to stay on track!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Scary Christians
Let's try some word association.
If I say Obedience, you say . . . "dog training," "children," "faith"?
I say Sacrifice, you say . . . "barbaric," "suffering," "love"?
I say Discipline, you say . . . "parents," "spanking," "christian"?
That's good. Now, think about God's perspective on these words.
He doesn't mess around with fickle definitions, or feel good responses. When He gives a command, He expects obedience: immediately.
Some of the blessing He has for His children come only with obedience. When the israelites began their journey through the dessert after crossing the red sea, the Lord said,""If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer" (Exodus 15:26). And He tells us to "Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
Discipline is often used as a verb, meaning to punish, however, it can also be used as an adjective describing a person or thing. A disciplined person is one who obeys, or does what is right, because he should. Not always because he wants to, but because it is good for him. Very applicable in the areas of excercise, marriage, devotions, bible study, witnessing, going to bed on time, getting up early . . . you can fill in the blank. Discipline is key to being effective in any area, and most importantly, spiritually.
Anyone who was at Prestonwood's Connection service last night will recognize my example of sacrifice. It's really a foreign word in our--me first, want it now--society. Webster defines it this way: "destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else." For us Christians, we strive to give up what we want, so that we can put our husbands, roommate, or family first. We ought put aside some of our hobby time (reading, making music, watching TV) and use it to minister to our church, community, or a complete stranger. It involves risk, and even sometimes taking responsibility for the life or well-being of people with no connection or obligation to ourselves.
Ruth was redeemed by such a man: Boaz. Not only did he go out of his way to make sure she had food, but he also put his reputation and family name on the line to take responsibility for Ruth's land, heritage, and good name. A challenging example of sacrifice, indeed (Ruth 1-4).
Put all three of these characteristics together, and people used of God are a force to be reckoned with. The modern day Boazes not only demonstrate a life sold out for Christ, but also pose the biggest threat to Satan's kingdom, and spread the Lord's territory in everything they do. They are scary.
I read a quote yesterday that stopped me in my tracks:"Be the kind of women that when your feet hit the floor every morning, the Devil says, 'Oh Crap! She's up!' "
I leave you with this; how scary are you? Does Satan have a reason to be on your tail each day because you're dumping salt on his bland world, or can he sleep in because he knows your obedience is self-serving, discipline weak, and sacrifice tempermental?
Lord, help me to do the things you've created me for with fervent faith, dedicated obedience and the willingness to develop discipline in sacrifice. Your word says all things are possible with Christ, and I struggle on a moment by moment basis. May I seek You first and take it a step at a time. Make me an effective Christian who threatens the devil with every decision. Thank you for only giving me what I can handle, and for wanting me to succeed in the tests that come my way!
Phil. 2:13
Ephesians 2:10
Phil. 4:13
If I say Obedience, you say . . . "dog training," "children," "faith"?
I say Sacrifice, you say . . . "barbaric," "suffering," "love"?
I say Discipline, you say . . . "parents," "spanking," "christian"?
That's good. Now, think about God's perspective on these words.
He doesn't mess around with fickle definitions, or feel good responses. When He gives a command, He expects obedience: immediately.
Some of the blessing He has for His children come only with obedience. When the israelites began their journey through the dessert after crossing the red sea, the Lord said,""If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer" (Exodus 15:26). And He tells us to "Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
Discipline is often used as a verb, meaning to punish, however, it can also be used as an adjective describing a person or thing. A disciplined person is one who obeys, or does what is right, because he should. Not always because he wants to, but because it is good for him. Very applicable in the areas of excercise, marriage, devotions, bible study, witnessing, going to bed on time, getting up early . . . you can fill in the blank. Discipline is key to being effective in any area, and most importantly, spiritually.
Anyone who was at Prestonwood's Connection service last night will recognize my example of sacrifice. It's really a foreign word in our--me first, want it now--society. Webster defines it this way: "destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else." For us Christians, we strive to give up what we want, so that we can put our husbands, roommate, or family first. We ought put aside some of our hobby time (reading, making music, watching TV) and use it to minister to our church, community, or a complete stranger. It involves risk, and even sometimes taking responsibility for the life or well-being of people with no connection or obligation to ourselves.
Ruth was redeemed by such a man: Boaz. Not only did he go out of his way to make sure she had food, but he also put his reputation and family name on the line to take responsibility for Ruth's land, heritage, and good name. A challenging example of sacrifice, indeed (Ruth 1-4).
Put all three of these characteristics together, and people used of God are a force to be reckoned with. The modern day Boazes not only demonstrate a life sold out for Christ, but also pose the biggest threat to Satan's kingdom, and spread the Lord's territory in everything they do. They are scary.
I read a quote yesterday that stopped me in my tracks:"Be the kind of women that when your feet hit the floor every morning, the Devil says, 'Oh Crap! She's up!' "
I leave you with this; how scary are you? Does Satan have a reason to be on your tail each day because you're dumping salt on his bland world, or can he sleep in because he knows your obedience is self-serving, discipline weak, and sacrifice tempermental?
Lord, help me to do the things you've created me for with fervent faith, dedicated obedience and the willingness to develop discipline in sacrifice. Your word says all things are possible with Christ, and I struggle on a moment by moment basis. May I seek You first and take it a step at a time. Make me an effective Christian who threatens the devil with every decision. Thank you for only giving me what I can handle, and for wanting me to succeed in the tests that come my way!
Phil. 2:13
Ephesians 2:10
Phil. 4:13
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