2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (King James Version)
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Why Couldn't We Cast Them Out?
"Some things in this world can only be overcome by fasting and prayer."--Paraphrase of the words of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Master Overcomer. I am in a critical time of crisis in my life and I need the special grace that comes from prayer and fasting right now. I am at a point where I must OVERCOME or BE OVERCOME. The latter is not an option for me. If you feel a moving in your spirit to pray and fast with me for a day each week for a month, please send me an email, drop a line on Facebook in my notes or inbox, or post under the comments section on Thirsty Living. If you wish to remain anonymous, then just pray and fast for me on your own in the way God leads you. I believe that God is and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Even more I believe that God cherishes the unity of two or three gathered together in His name for a common purpose and goal.
Yours in Christ's,
CeCe
Yours in Christ's,
CeCe
Monday, November 30, 2009
Blessed are the poor in Spirit. . .
Don't ever let people cause you to feel ashamed of where you came from. . .they can't possibly know or predict where you're going. More on this story and others at eleven. ;0)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
He Cares
1 Peter 5:7 (New International Version)
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Give Thanks Post 1
Psalm 18:48-50 (KJV)
48He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
48He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
Friday, November 13, 2009
To All My Friends
Poem on Friendship by: Amit
The best of friends,
Can change a frown,
Into a smile,
When you feel down.
The best of friends,
Will understand,
Your little trials,
And lend a hand.
The best of friends,
Will always share,
Your secret dreams,
Because they care.
The best of friends,
Worth more than gold,
Give all the love,
A heart can hold.
Thank all of you for being here for me and being this kind of friend the poem talks about. Love you , MWAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best of friends,
Can change a frown,
Into a smile,
When you feel down.
The best of friends,
Will understand,
Your little trials,
And lend a hand.
The best of friends,
Will always share,
Your secret dreams,
Because they care.
The best of friends,
Worth more than gold,
Give all the love,
A heart can hold.
Thank all of you for being here for me and being this kind of friend the poem talks about. Love you , MWAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Transparency
How often I feel like I'm going through psychosis when I begin to see right through my facade! I see through my own facade? Ok, I know it's confusing. But we all do it. We hide ourselves from ourselves to keep from despairing of ourselves. Even more confused? Ok, let me start this way: Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if there were no class separations, protocols, chains of command and every man esteemed one another as alike? Are you imagining the conflagrations and utter chaos destroying the world yet? Okay, let's take it here: What if. . . the world had none of those systems we call "tools of organization and keeping order" and all our lives were tempered with the mind and heart of Christ? Do you still see utter chaos and destruction? Probably some yeses and some nos, right? I've been thinking(a very dangerous thing indeed), we all live under some sort of system that regulates how we think, how we behave, how we see the world, and how we treat others. Well now, I guess I just defined a paradigm. Even if we're not religious there are basic "rules" if you will, of how we should allow ourselves to be perceived and treated by others and how we should perceive and treat others based on the "signals": our speech, our behavior, our manners, our appearance, and our mannerisms. Some of us are perceived as poor because we "act" poor. We could have a lot of money, nice clothes, cars, homes, etc. and still be considered beneath someone else because we don't have the "mindset" associated with the "haves." Like I said, I've been thinking. Here's what it is: if we truly love Christ and want to follow his example, we have to realize that He had regard for no one. Oh, he had plenty of respect for people, but it was on such a different level. His regard for others was such that it literally ate some people up from the inside out. His regard was for each and every soul that graced the planet. There are no rejects, no dregs, no poor, no rich, no ins and outs, only people made by God's own hand in need. Here's where the difficulty comes up. We, . . .I have such a hard time with seeing through people's facades, my own facade, because to be transparent and to see people as people or souls made by God's own hand puts us all on equal ground. Every time someone hurts me or judges me, I cannot shift them down to another "level" nor can they shift me down. But we cannot shift ourselves up either because if we think about it hard enough, we have all hurt someone somewhere with our "masquerade." We all do things to alienate and hurt one another and yes, we are all still on one level. Needy. I can't put down or put up anyone based on any criteria whatsoever. Every last one of us, no matter how good or bad we appear, are all desperately and deeply loved by God and is given the same regard. We all have the same need. Nothing else will bring us closer to or push us away from His love. He can see right through us and loves us anyway. Now I'll ask you again: What kind of world would we have if we began to see one another as God sees all of us and we pushed aside all of the "stuff" that puts us all on different levels? Just a thought. . .
Saturday, November 7, 2009
God is . . .
Isaiah 45:5-13 (King James Version)
5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
9Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
10Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?
11Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
12I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
13I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.
5I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
6That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.
7I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
8Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.
9Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
10Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?
11Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
12I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.
13I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Prayer For You :0)
Ephesians 3:14-21 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Prayer for Spiritual Power
14 For this reason I bow my knees (O) before the Father [c] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 [I pray] that He may grant you, according to the riches (P) of His glory, (Q) to be strengthened with power (R) through His Spirit in the inner man, (S) 17 and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. [I pray that] you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, (T) 19 and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able (U) to do above and beyond all that we ask or think (V) —according to the power (W) that works in you— 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Spiritual Power
14 For this reason I bow my knees (O) before the Father [c] 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 [I pray] that He may grant you, according to the riches (P) of His glory, (Q) to be strengthened with power (R) through His Spirit in the inner man, (S) 17 and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. [I pray that] you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and width, height and depth, (T) 19 and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able (U) to do above and beyond all that we ask or think (V) —according to the power (W) that works in you— 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Letters to the Seven Churches Part 2
Revelation 3 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Revelation 3
The Letter to Sardis
1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
"The One who has the seven spirits of God (A) and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation [a] for being alive, but you are dead. 2 Be alert and strengthen [b] what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. 3 Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come [c] like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. [d] 4 But you have a few people [e] in Sardis who have not defiled [f] their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy. 5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, (B) but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Letter to Philadelphia
7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
"The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens (C) says: 8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. 9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. (D) 10 Because you have kept My command to endure, [g] I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, (E) so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My new name. (F)
13 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Letter to Laodicea
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
"The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator (G) [h] of God's creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit [i] you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed [j] and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."
Revelation 3
The Letter to Sardis
1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
"The One who has the seven spirits of God (A) and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation [a] for being alive, but you are dead. 2 Be alert and strengthen [b] what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. 3 Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come [c] like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. [d] 4 But you have a few people [e] in Sardis who have not defiled [f] their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy. 5 In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, (B) but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels.
6 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Letter to Philadelphia
7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
"The Holy One, the True One, the One who has the key of David, who opens and no one will close, and closes and no one opens (C) says: 8 I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close. 9 Take note! I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—note this—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. (D) 10 Because you have kept My command to endure, [g] I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come over the whole world to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, (E) so that no one takes your crown. 12 The victor: I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God, and he will never go out again. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God—and My new name. (F)
13 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
The Letter to Laodicea
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
"The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator (G) [h] of God's creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit [i] you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed [j] and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
Ephesians 4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Ephesians 4
Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, (A) urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility (B) and gentleness, with patience, (C) accepting (D) [a] one another in love, (E) 3 diligently keeping the unity (F) of the Spirit (G) with the peace (H) that binds [us]. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, (I) just as you were called to one hope (J) [b] at your calling; 5 one Lord, (K) one faith, (L) one baptism, 6 one God (M) and Father (N) of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (O)
7 Now grace was given to each one of us (P) according to the measure of the Messiah's gift. 8 For it says:
When He ascended (Q) on high, He took prisoners into captivity; [c]
He gave gifts to people. (R) (S)
9 But what does "He ascended" mean except that He [d] descended to the lower parts of the earth? (T) [e] 10 The One who descended is the same as the One who ascended far above all the heavens, (U) that He might fill [f] all things. (V) 11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, (W) 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, (X) [growing] into a mature man with a stature (Y) measured by Christ's fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, (Z) by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head (AA) —Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together (AB) by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth (AC) of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Living the New Life
17 Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity (AD) with a desire for more and more. [g]
20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, 21 assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth (AE) is in Jesus: 22 you took off (AF) [h] your former way of life, (AG) the old man (AH) that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed [i] in the spirit (AI) of your minds; 24 you put on (AJ) [j] the new man, the one created (AK) according to God's [likeness] (AL) in righteousness and purity of the truth.
25 Since you put away (AM) lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, (AN) (AO) because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. (AP) (AQ) Don't let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don't give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share (AR) with anyone in need. 29 No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, [k] in order to give grace to those who hear. 30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, (AS) who sealed you [l] for the day of redemption. (AT) 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind (AU) and compassionate (AV) to one another, forgiving (AW) one another, just as God also forgave you [m] in Christ.
Ephesians 4
Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, (A) urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, 2 with all humility (B) and gentleness, with patience, (C) accepting (D) [a] one another in love, (E) 3 diligently keeping the unity (F) of the Spirit (G) with the peace (H) that binds [us]. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, (I) just as you were called to one hope (J) [b] at your calling; 5 one Lord, (K) one faith, (L) one baptism, 6 one God (M) and Father (N) of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (O)
7 Now grace was given to each one of us (P) according to the measure of the Messiah's gift. 8 For it says:
When He ascended (Q) on high, He took prisoners into captivity; [c]
He gave gifts to people. (R) (S)
9 But what does "He ascended" mean except that He [d] descended to the lower parts of the earth? (T) [e] 10 The One who descended is the same as the One who ascended far above all the heavens, (U) that He might fill [f] all things. (V) 11 And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, (W) 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, (X) [growing] into a mature man with a stature (Y) measured by Christ's fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, (Z) by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head (AA) —Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together (AB) by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth (AC) of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
Living the New Life
17 Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity (AD) with a desire for more and more. [g]
20 But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, 21 assuming you heard Him and were taught by Him, because the truth (AE) is in Jesus: 22 you took off (AF) [h] your former way of life, (AG) the old man (AH) that is corrupted by deceitful desires; 23 you are being renewed [i] in the spirit (AI) of your minds; 24 you put on (AJ) [j] the new man, the one created (AK) according to God's [likeness] (AL) in righteousness and purity of the truth.
25 Since you put away (AM) lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, (AN) (AO) because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. (AP) (AQ) Don't let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don't give the Devil an opportunity. 28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share (AR) with anyone in need. 29 No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, [k] in order to give grace to those who hear. 30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, (AS) who sealed you [l] for the day of redemption. (AT) 31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. 32 And be kind (AU) and compassionate (AV) to one another, forgiving (AW) one another, just as God also forgave you [m] in Christ.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Solid Like A Rock
Matt 21:33-46
The Parable of the Vineyard Owner
33 "Listen (Z) to another parable: (AA) There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. (AB) He leased it to tenant farmers and went away. (AC) 34 When the grape harvest [d] drew near, he sent his slaves to the farmers to collect his fruit. 35 But the farmers took his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. (AD) 36 Again, he sent other slaves, more than the first group, and they did the same to them. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.
38 "But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance! (AE) ' 39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?"
41 "He will completely destroy those terrible men," they told Him, "and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his produce at the harvest." (AF) [e]
42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone. [f]
This came from the Lord
and is wonderful in our eyes ? (AG) (AH)
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its [g] fruit. [ 44 Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; (AI) but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder!"] [h]
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, (AJ) they knew He was speaking about them. 46 Although they were looking for a way to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they [i] regarded Him as a prophet. (AK)
The Parable of the Vineyard Owner
33 "Listen (Z) to another parable: (AA) There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. (AB) He leased it to tenant farmers and went away. (AC) 34 When the grape harvest [d] drew near, he sent his slaves to the farmers to collect his fruit. 35 But the farmers took his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. (AD) 36 Again, he sent other slaves, more than the first group, and they did the same to them. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said.
38 "But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance! (AE) ' 39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?"
41 "He will completely destroy those terrible men," they told Him, "and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his produce at the harvest." (AF) [e]
42 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone. [f]
This came from the Lord
and is wonderful in our eyes ? (AG) (AH)
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its [g] fruit. [ 44 Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; (AI) but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder!"] [h]
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, (AJ) they knew He was speaking about them. 46 Although they were looking for a way to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they [i] regarded Him as a prophet. (AK)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sound Familiar?
Genesis 3 (New International Version)
Genesis 3
The Fall of Man
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."
11 And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"
12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"
The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this,
"Cursed are you above all the livestock
and all the wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring [a] and hers;
he will crush [b] your head,
and you will strike his heel."
16 To the woman he said,
"I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
with pain you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you."
17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,'
"Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat of it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return."
20 Adam [c] named his wife Eve, [d] because she would become the mother of all the living.
21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side [e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Genesis 3
The Fall of Man
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "
4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."
11 And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"
12 The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."
13 Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"
The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this,
"Cursed are you above all the livestock
and all the wild animals!
You will crawl on your belly
and you will eat dust
all the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring [a] and hers;
he will crush [b] your head,
and you will strike his heel."
16 To the woman he said,
"I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing;
with pain you will give birth to children.
Your desire will be for your husband,
and he will rule over you."
17 To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,'
"Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat of it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return."
20 Adam [c] named his wife Eve, [d] because she would become the mother of all the living.
21 The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 22 And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." 23 So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side [e] of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Letters to the Seven Churches Part 1
Revelation 2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Revelation 2
The Letters to the Seven Churches
The Letter to Ephesus
1 "To the angel [a] of the church in Ephesus write:
"The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands says: 2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. 3 You also possess endurance and have tolerated [many things] because of My name, and have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love [you had] at first. 5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you [b] and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 Yet you do have this: you hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor (A) the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in [c] the paradise of God. (B)
The Letter to Smyrna
8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
"The First and the Last, the One who was dead and came to life, says: 9 I know your [d] tribulation and poverty, yet you are rich. [I know] the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have tribulation for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown [e] of life.
11 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor will never be harmed by the second death. (C)
The Letter to Pergamum
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
"The One who has the sharp, two-edged sword (D) says: 13 I know [f] where you live—where Satan's throne is! And you are holding on to My name and did not deny your faith in Me, [g] even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block [h] in front of the sons of Israel: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. [i] 15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [j] 16 Therefore repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. (E) [k] I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name (F) is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
The Letter to Thyatira
18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
"The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame, and whose feet are like fine bronze says: 19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, [l] service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality [m] and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. [n] 22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her [o] practices. 23 I will kill her children with the plague. (G) [p] Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds [q] and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven't known the deep things [r] of Satan—as they say—I do not put any other burden on you. 25 But hold on to what you have until I come. (H) 26 The victor and the one who keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and He will shepherd (I) [s] them with an iron scepter;
He will shatter them like pottery (J) (K) —
just as I have received [this] from My Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star. (L)
29 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 2
The Letters to the Seven Churches
The Letter to Ephesus
1 "To the angel [a] of the church in Ephesus write:
"The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands says: 2 I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. 3 You also possess endurance and have tolerated [many things] because of My name, and have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love [you had] at first. 5 Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you [b] and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 Yet you do have this: you hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor (A) the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in [c] the paradise of God. (B)
The Letter to Smyrna
8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
"The First and the Last, the One who was dead and came to life, says: 9 I know your [d] tribulation and poverty, yet you are rich. [I know] the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have tribulation for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown [e] of life.
11 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor will never be harmed by the second death. (C)
The Letter to Pergamum
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
"The One who has the sharp, two-edged sword (D) says: 13 I know [f] where you live—where Satan's throne is! And you are holding on to My name and did not deny your faith in Me, [g] even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block [h] in front of the sons of Israel: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. [i] 15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. [j] 16 Therefore repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
17 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. (E) [k] I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name (F) is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
The Letter to Thyatira
18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
"The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame, and whose feet are like fine bronze says: 19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, [l] service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality [m] and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. [n] 22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her [o] practices. 23 I will kill her children with the plague. (G) [p] Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds [q] and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven't known the deep things [r] of Satan—as they say—I do not put any other burden on you. 25 But hold on to what you have until I come. (H) 26 The victor and the one who keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and He will shepherd (I) [s] them with an iron scepter;
He will shatter them like pottery (J) (K) —
just as I have received [this] from My Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star. (L)
29 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Confidence in the Lord
Psalm 16 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Psalm 16
Confidence in the LORD
1 Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. (A)
2 I [a] said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
I have no good besides You." (B) [b]
3 As for the holy people who are in the land, (C)
they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who take another [god]
for themselves multiply;
I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
and I will not speak their names with my lips. (D)
5 LORD, You are my portion [c]
and my cup [of blessing];
You hold my future. (E)
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. (F)
7 I will praise the LORD who counsels me (G) —
even at night my conscience instructs me. (H)
8 I keep the LORD in mind [d] always.
Because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken. (I)
9 Therefore my heart is glad,
and my spirit rejoices;
my body also rests securely. (J)
10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol; (K)
You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. (L) [e]
11 You reveal the path of life to me;
in Your presence is abundant joy; (M)
in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. (N)
Psalm 16
Confidence in the LORD
1 Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. (A)
2 I [a] said to the LORD, "You are my Lord;
I have no good besides You." (B) [b]
3 As for the holy people who are in the land, (C)
they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who take another [god]
for themselves multiply;
I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
and I will not speak their names with my lips. (D)
5 LORD, You are my portion [c]
and my cup [of blessing];
You hold my future. (E)
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. (F)
7 I will praise the LORD who counsels me (G) —
even at night my conscience instructs me. (H)
8 I keep the LORD in mind [d] always.
Because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken. (I)
9 Therefore my heart is glad,
and my spirit rejoices;
my body also rests securely. (J)
10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol; (K)
You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. (L) [e]
11 You reveal the path of life to me;
in Your presence is abundant joy; (M)
in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. (N)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Oh What Love!
Isaiah 62:4-6 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
4 You will no longer be called Deserted, (A)
and your land will not be called Desolate;
instead, you will be called My Delight is in Her, [a]
and your land Married; (B) [b]
for the LORD delights in you,
and your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
so your sons will marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices [c] over [his] bride,
so your God will rejoice over you. (C)
6 Jerusalem,
I have appointed watchmen on your walls; (D)
they will never be silent, day or night.
You, who remind the LORD,
no rest for you!
4 You will no longer be called Deserted, (A)
and your land will not be called Desolate;
instead, you will be called My Delight is in Her, [a]
and your land Married; (B) [b]
for the LORD delights in you,
and your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
so your sons will marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices [c] over [his] bride,
so your God will rejoice over you. (C)
6 Jerusalem,
I have appointed watchmen on your walls; (D)
they will never be silent, day or night.
You, who remind the LORD,
no rest for you!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Psalm 8
God's Glory, Man's Dignity
For the choir director: on the Gittith (A). A Davidic psalm.
1 LORD, our Lord,
how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth! (B)
You have covered the heavens with Your majesty. (C) [a]
2 Because of Your adversaries,
You have established a stronghold [b]
from the mouths of children and nursing infants, (D)
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I observe Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which You set in place, (E)
4 what is man that You remember him,
the son of man that You look after him? (F)
5 You made him little less than God [c] [d]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him lord over the works of Your hands;
You put everything under his feet: (G) [e]
7 all the sheep and oxen,
as well as animals in the wild,
8 birds of the sky,
and fish of the sea
passing through the currents of the seas. (H)
9 LORD, our Lord,
how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!
With all of the glory and honor You have bestowed upon us, how dare we treat one another with such injustice and indignity? Why do we rage and imagine vain visions of grandeur at the expense of our very being? We are made in a remarkable and powerful likeness to purest Divinity! This is a privilege that aught not be taken lightly. Yet we mar Your glorious image in us. We disrespect and dishonor your highest ideal. Forgive our denseness and heal our blindness. Apply the eye-salve You so freely offer us and remove the scaly, debilitating darkness that we often times claim to be enlightenment. We have allowed our very flesh to corrupt what is truly good and perfect.
God's Glory, Man's Dignity
For the choir director: on the Gittith (A). A Davidic psalm.
1 LORD, our Lord,
how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth! (B)
You have covered the heavens with Your majesty. (C) [a]
2 Because of Your adversaries,
You have established a stronghold [b]
from the mouths of children and nursing infants, (D)
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I observe Your heavens,
the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which You set in place, (E)
4 what is man that You remember him,
the son of man that You look after him? (F)
5 You made him little less than God [c] [d]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him lord over the works of Your hands;
You put everything under his feet: (G) [e]
7 all the sheep and oxen,
as well as animals in the wild,
8 birds of the sky,
and fish of the sea
passing through the currents of the seas. (H)
9 LORD, our Lord,
how magnificent is Your name throughout the earth!
With all of the glory and honor You have bestowed upon us, how dare we treat one another with such injustice and indignity? Why do we rage and imagine vain visions of grandeur at the expense of our very being? We are made in a remarkable and powerful likeness to purest Divinity! This is a privilege that aught not be taken lightly. Yet we mar Your glorious image in us. We disrespect and dishonor your highest ideal. Forgive our denseness and heal our blindness. Apply the eye-salve You so freely offer us and remove the scaly, debilitating darkness that we often times claim to be enlightenment. We have allowed our very flesh to corrupt what is truly good and perfect.
Friday, October 9, 2009
More on Marriage
1 Corinthians 7(New International Version)
Marriage
1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.[a] 2But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 3The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. 5Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
10To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
12To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. 20Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 21Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.
25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are. 27Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. 28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
36If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better.[b]
39A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 40In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Marriage
1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.[a] 2But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 3The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. 5Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
8Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. 9But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
10To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
12To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. 20Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 21Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. 23You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.
25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. 26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are. 27Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. 28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.
29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
32I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
36If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married. 37But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing. 38So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does even better.[b]
39A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord. 40In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Heart of the Matter
Matthew 19 (Holman Christian Standard)
The Question of Divorce
1 When Jesus had finished this instruction, (A) He departed from Galilee and went to the region of Judea across the Jordan. (B) 2 Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. (C) 3 Some Pharisees approached Him to test Him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on any grounds?" (D)
4 "Haven't you read," He replied, "that He who created [a] them in the beginning made them male and female , (E) (F) 5 and He also said:
For this reason a man will leave
his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two will become one flesh ? (G) (H)
6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, man must not separate."
7 "Why then," they asked Him, "did Moses command [us] to give divorce papers (I) and to send her away?"
8 He told them, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts. But it was not like that from the beginning. 9 And I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." (J) [b]
10 His disciples (K) said to Him, "If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it's better not to marry!"
11 But He told them, "Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those it has been given (L) to. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."
Hi everyone! On my other favorite network, Sistafaith, I try to pray every day with the prayer group and this month the focus is on marriage. I found this scripture and just wanted to give people a little more meat and bone to chew on. I hope that you find something new and insightful as you read. I think too often we take for granted the way God intended marriage to be. Most of us get married because we're "in love" and we don't take the time or brain cells to figure out if it is even something we want(or God wants)and then by year three (after the hormones wear off) we don't know who we married! I think a lot of times we jump right in headfirst because we think to WANT to marry someone must be a sign that it's right. We feel therefore we should, but I submit that there are tons of cases in divorce court where the feelings died and folks are wondering "Where is the love?" This scripture is of course a reminder to the married folks that there is no longer two singles but one unit/team that God has put together. So as you look at that man sitting on the couch in his underwear scratching himself and you're thinking, "Uhhhn!" Remember he is part of you and you wouldn't be the same without him. He has affected your life in many good ways and sometimes not so good but nonetheless you're joined at the heart no matter how you feel about him right now. And to those husbands that are looking at their wives and wondering why she insists on wearing those god-awful head scarves to bed and putting on that funky green facial goo when you were looking for those model good looks to make love to: Remember, she is still the woman you pledged to love, honor, and cherish. And although you didn't want her hourglass figure to change she is still the same where it counts. Time doesn't stand still and neither do we. We have to grow up and older because that is the way of life.
Whenever any of you get a chance, look up the standard marriage vows online and look at the graveness of the words that were used. Those vows are serious because marriage as relationship is serious. One more thing: God will never force you to do anything you don't want to do. If you have checked out of your marriage, but you're still standing in the lobby, God will not make you leave. You can always check back in. But if you think the marriage is unsafe or too expensive or even not of your 'caliber' God won't tie you to a chair. God always gives freedom of choice but please make sure you understand that all freedom comes with a price.
All the single ladies (and gentlemen)! Sorry I couldn't help it (tee hee). Although I'm married, I've seen enough of the pathology to qualify this statement: Don't feel like you just have to get married, or get married right now, or get married by this birthday or you're an old maid/man, or even marry this particular man/woman because this is "The One" and your ONLY shot at happiness. Not true. Many "The Ones" are now working on second marriages with "The New One". Jesus made it clear that not every one can or should get married and there is nothing wrong with it. Marriage is not for everyone but it is for keeps. However, there are those who will tell you that you can treat your marriage like a starter house. You can get a partner that's okay for the first husband/wife, but you're not really committed. When the spouse isn't meeting your needs/expectations you can then divorce and go get an "upgrade." Don't jump into a commitment that binds you heart, mind, and soul! All three parts of you will be affected if you were to split up (regardless of the reasons for it). You become like a three stranded cord when you make your vows, and to break them would be to destroy the integrity of the cord (the very fiber of who you are). I've see enough marriages fall apart to know that grief from divorce is worse than losing your spouse to death. At least with death you know the spouse is gone, but with divorce no matter where in the world you are, there is always a chance of seeing your ex, and without trying everything that led up to that breakup can re-introduce the negative feelings especially if it seems they or you have happily moved on. I'm saying all this to say, marriage is not an institution or a contract, it's a relationship that affects you completely and should never be taken lightly. Well, this has been fun and I can't wait to see if get any responses on this one. Be blessed!
The Question of Divorce
1 When Jesus had finished this instruction, (A) He departed from Galilee and went to the region of Judea across the Jordan. (B) 2 Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. (C) 3 Some Pharisees approached Him to test Him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife on any grounds?" (D)
4 "Haven't you read," He replied, "that He who created [a] them in the beginning made them male and female , (E) (F) 5 and He also said:
For this reason a man will leave
his father and mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two will become one flesh ? (G) (H)
6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, man must not separate."
7 "Why then," they asked Him, "did Moses command [us] to give divorce papers (I) and to send her away?"
8 He told them, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts. But it was not like that from the beginning. 9 And I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." (J) [b]
10 His disciples (K) said to Him, "If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it's better not to marry!"
11 But He told them, "Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those it has been given (L) to. 12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb, there are eunuchs who were made by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves that way because of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can."
Hi everyone! On my other favorite network, Sistafaith, I try to pray every day with the prayer group and this month the focus is on marriage. I found this scripture and just wanted to give people a little more meat and bone to chew on. I hope that you find something new and insightful as you read. I think too often we take for granted the way God intended marriage to be. Most of us get married because we're "in love" and we don't take the time or brain cells to figure out if it is even something we want(or God wants)and then by year three (after the hormones wear off) we don't know who we married! I think a lot of times we jump right in headfirst because we think to WANT to marry someone must be a sign that it's right. We feel therefore we should, but I submit that there are tons of cases in divorce court where the feelings died and folks are wondering "Where is the love?" This scripture is of course a reminder to the married folks that there is no longer two singles but one unit/team that God has put together. So as you look at that man sitting on the couch in his underwear scratching himself and you're thinking, "Uhhhn!" Remember he is part of you and you wouldn't be the same without him. He has affected your life in many good ways and sometimes not so good but nonetheless you're joined at the heart no matter how you feel about him right now. And to those husbands that are looking at their wives and wondering why she insists on wearing those god-awful head scarves to bed and putting on that funky green facial goo when you were looking for those model good looks to make love to: Remember, she is still the woman you pledged to love, honor, and cherish. And although you didn't want her hourglass figure to change she is still the same where it counts. Time doesn't stand still and neither do we. We have to grow up and older because that is the way of life.
Whenever any of you get a chance, look up the standard marriage vows online and look at the graveness of the words that were used. Those vows are serious because marriage as relationship is serious. One more thing: God will never force you to do anything you don't want to do. If you have checked out of your marriage, but you're still standing in the lobby, God will not make you leave. You can always check back in. But if you think the marriage is unsafe or too expensive or even not of your 'caliber' God won't tie you to a chair. God always gives freedom of choice but please make sure you understand that all freedom comes with a price.
All the single ladies (and gentlemen)! Sorry I couldn't help it (tee hee). Although I'm married, I've seen enough of the pathology to qualify this statement: Don't feel like you just have to get married, or get married right now, or get married by this birthday or you're an old maid/man, or even marry this particular man/woman because this is "The One" and your ONLY shot at happiness. Not true. Many "The Ones" are now working on second marriages with "The New One". Jesus made it clear that not every one can or should get married and there is nothing wrong with it. Marriage is not for everyone but it is for keeps. However, there are those who will tell you that you can treat your marriage like a starter house. You can get a partner that's okay for the first husband/wife, but you're not really committed. When the spouse isn't meeting your needs/expectations you can then divorce and go get an "upgrade." Don't jump into a commitment that binds you heart, mind, and soul! All three parts of you will be affected if you were to split up (regardless of the reasons for it). You become like a three stranded cord when you make your vows, and to break them would be to destroy the integrity of the cord (the very fiber of who you are). I've see enough marriages fall apart to know that grief from divorce is worse than losing your spouse to death. At least with death you know the spouse is gone, but with divorce no matter where in the world you are, there is always a chance of seeing your ex, and without trying everything that led up to that breakup can re-introduce the negative feelings especially if it seems they or you have happily moved on. I'm saying all this to say, marriage is not an institution or a contract, it's a relationship that affects you completely and should never be taken lightly. Well, this has been fun and I can't wait to see if get any responses on this one. Be blessed!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Something to Think About
Psalm 50 (Holman Christian Standard)
God as Judge
A psalm of Asaph. (A)
1 God, the LORD God [a] speaks;
He summons the earth from east to west. (B) [b]
2 From Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God appears in radiance. (C) [c]
3 Our God is coming; He will not be silent!
Devouring fire precedes Him,
and a storm rages around Him. (D)
4 On high, He summons heaven and earth
in order to judge His people. (E)
5 "Gather My faithful ones to Me,
those who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." (F)
6 The heavens proclaim His righteousness, (G)
for God is the judge. (H)
Selah
7 "Listen, My people, and I will speak;
I will testify against you, Israel.
I am God, your God. (I)
8 I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices
or for your burnt offerings,
which are continually before Me. (J)
9 I will not accept a bull from your household
or male goats from your pens, (K)
10 for every animal of the forest is Mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird of the mountains [d] ,
and the creatures of the field are Mine. (L)
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and everything in it is Mine. (M)
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats? (N)
14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God, (O)
and pay your vows to the Most High. (P)
15 Call on Me in a day of trouble;
I will rescue you, and you will honor Me." (Q)
16 But God says to the wicked:
"What right do you have to recite My statutes
and to take My covenant on your lips? (R)
17 You hate instruction
and turn your back on My words. (S) [e]
18 When you see a thief,
you make friends with him,
and you associate with adulterers. (T)
19 You unleash your mouth for evil
and harness your tongue for deceit. (U)
20 You sit, maligning your brother,
slandering your mother's son. (V)
21 You have done these things, and I kept silent;
you thought I was just like you. (W)
But I will rebuke you
and lay out the case before you. (X) [f]
22 "Understand this, you who forget God,
or I will tear you apart,
and there will be no rescuer. (Y)
23 Whoever sacrifices a thank offering honors Me,
and whoever orders his conduct,
I will show him the salvation of God." (Z)
God as Judge
A psalm of Asaph. (A)
1 God, the LORD God [a] speaks;
He summons the earth from east to west. (B) [b]
2 From Zion, the perfection of beauty,
God appears in radiance. (C) [c]
3 Our God is coming; He will not be silent!
Devouring fire precedes Him,
and a storm rages around Him. (D)
4 On high, He summons heaven and earth
in order to judge His people. (E)
5 "Gather My faithful ones to Me,
those who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice." (F)
6 The heavens proclaim His righteousness, (G)
for God is the judge. (H)
Selah
7 "Listen, My people, and I will speak;
I will testify against you, Israel.
I am God, your God. (I)
8 I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices
or for your burnt offerings,
which are continually before Me. (J)
9 I will not accept a bull from your household
or male goats from your pens, (K)
10 for every animal of the forest is Mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird of the mountains [d] ,
and the creatures of the field are Mine. (L)
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and everything in it is Mine. (M)
13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats? (N)
14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God, (O)
and pay your vows to the Most High. (P)
15 Call on Me in a day of trouble;
I will rescue you, and you will honor Me." (Q)
16 But God says to the wicked:
"What right do you have to recite My statutes
and to take My covenant on your lips? (R)
17 You hate instruction
and turn your back on My words. (S) [e]
18 When you see a thief,
you make friends with him,
and you associate with adulterers. (T)
19 You unleash your mouth for evil
and harness your tongue for deceit. (U)
20 You sit, maligning your brother,
slandering your mother's son. (V)
21 You have done these things, and I kept silent;
you thought I was just like you. (W)
But I will rebuke you
and lay out the case before you. (X) [f]
22 "Understand this, you who forget God,
or I will tear you apart,
and there will be no rescuer. (Y)
23 Whoever sacrifices a thank offering honors Me,
and whoever orders his conduct,
I will show him the salvation of God." (Z)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
For the Writers :0)
This YouTube video is being shared by permission of Holly Lisle (like "Lyle"). This woman is an awesome teacher of how to effectively write publishable books. She's constantly doing video clips, and sample lessons on ways to improve and how to write well consistently . I really like her down-to-earth methodology and how she explains to you the concept of show not tell with your characters, how give your characters life and personality and how to create real experiences and worlds for the reader. I hope you enjoy this video and that you are able to glean a lot from it. I will try to post more vids as I find them.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
It Ain't Easy Being Me
I think I'm in spiritual limbo right now. I'm not trying to cross over to the 'dark side' (I don't care how good the cookies are); I just think that I'm in a state of semi-consciousness. My spiritual routine is gone. I can't think to pray in the morning and I beg God at night to wake me up the next morning so that I can give it another go. My day is like fireworks from the moment my eyes open and I'm hopping. I feel so pressed and pulled at the same time. I just want to feel peaceful. Don't you feel peaceful with the peace of God? I mean, you know, if I have the peace of God I should feel peaceful, right? My little baby wants me to play with him all day and when I can't he finds all of MY stuff and throws it around the house as if he's trying to say, "I'll fix you, heifer!" And after the aftermath of Hurricane Jeremy, my husband wants dinner when he gets home but my older two boys want attention and snacks(and lunch, and dinner, and another snack and a pre-bedtime nightcap--yes, another snack) and NOT to do homework or change out of their school clothes. And you know, it's not the fact that they want these things, it's the battles that ensue when I say and/or show them "no". I have a head of braids that are fuzzing up and I never even finished the back of my head. My house is in a state of discombobulation. I don't even have time for the projects I'm supposed to work on with all of their deadlines and timelines to follow and where do I get the audacity to think that I can get this all done in Jesus' name? I don't know ya'll (pardon my Southern-ness), I call shenanigans. It's a conspiracy: A C-O-N-spiracy! Listen, I may or may not take your advice, but feel free to either sympathize, post your own complaints or tell me something good.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Blogosphere Throwback #4
To My Friend The Atheist
Monday, June 19, 2006
I'm a Christian. No bells, no whistles, no spinning doves or covert hymns on my blog. Just me. Whatever is on my mind and heart. I've really had to re-evaluate my stand as a follower of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (That is who Christians are supposed to be following by the way). My journey of rediscovery has caused me to wobble like Weeble (though I didn't fall down) and boy did I shake when the reality of who and what I am and am supposed to be came into view. I'm not saying that all of the sudden I found myself a grand hypocrite (a great actor in a play pretending to be someone I am not). It is actually quite the contrary. At this point in my life I have found myself to be more real. Real about the reality in which I live. Real about people and their individual souls. Real about what being a Christian is all about and how that lifestyle should be lived. Real about not trying to "fake it until I make it". Real about really standing with Jesus and on his principles. With the way this world is going there really isn't much time for facades. No one has the monopoly on longevity (except God himself) and there is no guarantee of today and much less of tomorrow. Ask any soldier anywhere in the unstable world. Ask any cancer patient going into and coming out of remission. Ask anyone dying of AIDS. Ask the most recent surviving heart attack victim who just made it out of high school. So if life is but a brief encounter, why not live the way I want and throw caution to the wind? Shouldn't I do what I want if this is all there is? No one wants to think I wish. . . Oh, if only. . . If I had to do it over. . . Well,remember that discussion on truth? No matter what the "evidence" states there is something so elemental in each and everyone of us that cannot hide from the truth. I believe there is One Truth that was realized in the beginning of this world and has always been. . . God himself. I am not out to prove that there is a God. If there is anyone who chooses not to acknowledge God I do not argue with you or try to convince. I just believe. Honestly, I believe that fact has been established with more proof than anyone can shake a stick at. Look at a tree, heck, a leaf. Perfectly simple, yet remarkably complex. Neither you nor I can make one, but Someone did. The probability that it happened spontaneously is so astoundingly low that statistics cannot be used as proof. We can replicate Amino Acids but we can't make a person or even a single-celled amoeba from scratch. The odds are pretty near impossible. Those thoughts aside, what would trying prove anything prove anyway? Does proving that there is no God suddenly mean your life is worth living because you are right? Does it suddenly bring happiness? Does it really give you a newfound sense of purpose? And on the contrary, does proving that there is a God all of the sudden make Him Sovereign in your life? Does it now mean that you will believe in Him? There is no point in having the knowledge of Someone superior to yourself unless you are willing to acknowledge and accept it. It would be better not to believe or have even known in the first place. I just believe and let the chips fall where they may. In every country in the known world (I'm certain in the unknown world as well) there is some concept of deity and someone or something to be worshiped. I believe the need to worship is in and of it self primal and intentionally placed by God because this life is not all there is to life and it should be lived with a sense of purpose. Without purpose there is no real reason to live and suicide (by method fast or slow) seems the most fitting alternative. To be continued. . . .
Posted by CeCe Wilson at 6/19/2006 12:30:00 PM 0 comments
Monday, June 19, 2006
I'm a Christian. No bells, no whistles, no spinning doves or covert hymns on my blog. Just me. Whatever is on my mind and heart. I've really had to re-evaluate my stand as a follower of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (That is who Christians are supposed to be following by the way). My journey of rediscovery has caused me to wobble like Weeble (though I didn't fall down) and boy did I shake when the reality of who and what I am and am supposed to be came into view. I'm not saying that all of the sudden I found myself a grand hypocrite (a great actor in a play pretending to be someone I am not). It is actually quite the contrary. At this point in my life I have found myself to be more real. Real about the reality in which I live. Real about people and their individual souls. Real about what being a Christian is all about and how that lifestyle should be lived. Real about not trying to "fake it until I make it". Real about really standing with Jesus and on his principles. With the way this world is going there really isn't much time for facades. No one has the monopoly on longevity (except God himself) and there is no guarantee of today and much less of tomorrow. Ask any soldier anywhere in the unstable world. Ask any cancer patient going into and coming out of remission. Ask anyone dying of AIDS. Ask the most recent surviving heart attack victim who just made it out of high school. So if life is but a brief encounter, why not live the way I want and throw caution to the wind? Shouldn't I do what I want if this is all there is? No one wants to think I wish. . . Oh, if only. . . If I had to do it over. . . Well,remember that discussion on truth? No matter what the "evidence" states there is something so elemental in each and everyone of us that cannot hide from the truth. I believe there is One Truth that was realized in the beginning of this world and has always been. . . God himself. I am not out to prove that there is a God. If there is anyone who chooses not to acknowledge God I do not argue with you or try to convince. I just believe. Honestly, I believe that fact has been established with more proof than anyone can shake a stick at. Look at a tree, heck, a leaf. Perfectly simple, yet remarkably complex. Neither you nor I can make one, but Someone did. The probability that it happened spontaneously is so astoundingly low that statistics cannot be used as proof. We can replicate Amino Acids but we can't make a person or even a single-celled amoeba from scratch. The odds are pretty near impossible. Those thoughts aside, what would trying prove anything prove anyway? Does proving that there is no God suddenly mean your life is worth living because you are right? Does it suddenly bring happiness? Does it really give you a newfound sense of purpose? And on the contrary, does proving that there is a God all of the sudden make Him Sovereign in your life? Does it now mean that you will believe in Him? There is no point in having the knowledge of Someone superior to yourself unless you are willing to acknowledge and accept it. It would be better not to believe or have even known in the first place. I just believe and let the chips fall where they may. In every country in the known world (I'm certain in the unknown world as well) there is some concept of deity and someone or something to be worshiped. I believe the need to worship is in and of it self primal and intentionally placed by God because this life is not all there is to life and it should be lived with a sense of purpose. Without purpose there is no real reason to live and suicide (by method fast or slow) seems the most fitting alternative. To be continued. . . .
Posted by CeCe Wilson at 6/19/2006 12:30:00 PM 0 comments
Thursday, September 10, 2009
School's In!
Okay for some reason either my link button is broken or I'm not doing it right. I try to post links to articles that I figure people would need as a frame of reference to my blog posts, but it hasn't been happening. No matter! How is everyone this week? I hope this post finds everyone well and full of joy. And even if not well, at least full and full of joy. I know, I know. It's September already and I didn't really post much for August. I'll do better. Maybe. I am really struggling with this writing thing! There seems to be so much going on in my life now that the kids are in school that I don't have as much time as I did when they were home. It's not that I don't have anything to write about. I have tons of stuff in my head. It's just how do I now sit down and get it all on paper in a cohesive and orderly fashion? It could be that I had motivation this summer because I was "fighting" for the DREAM! Or it could be that now I am here alone and there is no one sitting behind me telling me to "git her dun fer Jesus!" The point is, I suppose, that there are no shortcuts for getting to anyplace worth going. I saw that on a poster, you know. I was hoping that I could just sit down and the inspiration to write would come to me. Obviously, that is not it. So now, I am making it my point to force myself to write a little bit every day even if it seems insignificant or just an idea or a little more of a previously started idea. I guess the most significant thing for me to do too is trust that as I write that God will let me know which way He wants me to go and how He wants me to go about it. So, with that said, "Happy Writing!"
Monday, August 24, 2009
Are They Serious?
Oh. . .my. Have we really gone off the deep end? Have we Americans gotten so off track that we resort to reporting about peoples ankles and call that newsworthy? I don't even know why I read the article. It's not like I knew what it was about already and how it was going to end. Okay if you must, here is a link from CNN (Cannot Necessitate News): Why would anyone try to vacuum their ankles (liposuction) as if that would actually even sound like it makes sense or would work for that matter? No one had to tell me that vacuuming around ligaments and taking muscle tissue away from my foot could cause permanent damage. It's a vacuum! Hello?!? I'm not going to pay a sadistic "wishdoctor" 5000 dollars to destroy the use of my feet! That's just crazy! Really. Okay then, it's settled doc. You keep your vacuum and I'll keep my cankles. And there are people who really truly believe that they are not beautiful if they don't have waif thin ankles supporting their big boned frames. What?!? Those ankles serve a purpose. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are made in the image of the One True God and you are an incredible work of art. If we keep getting caught up in the perpetuation of foolishness, pretty soon we'll have a few Darwin awards to hand out for people cutting off their feet to spite their cankles. Please friends, stop the madness before it is too late! Large ankles are not a curse. "Lovehandles" are not a disability. Be thankful you have them: There are people who wish they had legs or the use of limbs and parts that we take for granted and call ugly. "Lovehandles" just show that you aren't starving either. Let no man call what God has made unclean or common. You are uniquely you and blessed to be who you are. You have things that are right and special about you that no one else has and that is your gift to the rest of us. Look at yourself with new eyes and consider the sheer wonder in being human. We can all look and feel our best especially when we have the confidence of knowing who we are and Whose we are. It's been said that "God don't make junk" I most certainly agree. I hope you will consider that if God doesn't consider us junk, then who are we to "one up" our Maker and Designer?
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Blogosphere Throwback #3
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Why on Earth did you do that?
Is it me. . .or are boys in and of themselves quite noisy and strange? Different breed of the same species? I'm beginning to think so. I look at my two sons (who together have an effect quite like thunder in an otherwise quiet and peaceful mind), and I shake my head in awe and admiration and occasionally annoyance. They can make me smile and suck in a breath of pure wonder and before I've exhaled they do something that inspires me to nearly spit fire and brimstone and proclaim, "What on Earth were you thinking? Why did you just do that?" And that little wide-eyed three year old and that doe-eyed five year old look up as innocently as life and say "I don't know." It's absolutely too frustrating to try to get a seemingly valid and logical reason out of them as to why they flushed the Mega Bloks down the toilet and tatooed their bodies with Sharpies, but I suppose that is what makes parenting so much fun.
Why on Earth did you do that?
Is it me. . .or are boys in and of themselves quite noisy and strange? Different breed of the same species? I'm beginning to think so. I look at my two sons (who together have an effect quite like thunder in an otherwise quiet and peaceful mind), and I shake my head in awe and admiration and occasionally annoyance. They can make me smile and suck in a breath of pure wonder and before I've exhaled they do something that inspires me to nearly spit fire and brimstone and proclaim, "What on Earth were you thinking? Why did you just do that?" And that little wide-eyed three year old and that doe-eyed five year old look up as innocently as life and say "I don't know." It's absolutely too frustrating to try to get a seemingly valid and logical reason out of them as to why they flushed the Mega Bloks down the toilet and tatooed their bodies with Sharpies, but I suppose that is what makes parenting so much fun.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wonder Woman
I have been having some major league epiphanies this week. I mean major. It's not everyday that I wake up and have one of those "ahhhhhhhhh" moments where I hear large choirs singing ethereal music, but this was definitely a week for one. You remember Wonder Woman? You know, she could bend iron (never steel or titanium, though) and deflect bullets with her special cuffs, lift men by their collars and toss them aside and she always seemed to never come undone from her highly patriotic superhero swim suit no matter how many times she had to knock someone out? Well, it finally dawned on me that I thought I could be like Wonder Woman. I thought all I had to do was be strong and sure and do EVERYTHING to make things run right. I am NOT Wonder Woman. Me and God have been having several fights about who is to be in charge and how to go about running my life. Obviously, God pointed out my "superhero" weaknesses and showed me that my way of running things and thinking is flawed when He is not the first factor in the equation. I am a writer. I know that and God has shown me that. I want to write books right now yesterday. I want to continue to be a stay-at-home mom. I want to travel all over the country and then the world telling people about what God has done for me. I want to be the best wife for my husband. I have many other gifts and ideals and plans. These things are all noble and good, but none of them can happen or will happen as long as I try to force what I want to happen my way and in my time. One of Wonder Woman's flaws was that she was conflicted about being a "regular" person while trying to save the world as an undercover superhero. The problem was she wasn't just a "regular" person. She was a princess with royal responsibilities and duties with her first submission to the needs of her kingdom. God wants me to submit to the needs and will of His kingdom first and then all the other things will be added to to me. When I have totally given myself to what the higher calling is, then although I will face difficulties, I won't be on my own. I will be able to accomplish the desires of my heart and I will have the back up of all heaven on my side. If Wonder Woman had submitted to the will of her kingdom is it not possible that the citizens would have enlisted and gotten on her bandwagon? Would they not have fought with all diligence and ferocity for their beloved ruler? How many battles have we both fought and suffered through on our own that could have easily been over before it started with the help of the kingdom?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Blogosphere Throwback #2
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Lots To Think About
Wow! It's been a year since I've posted on this blog and I am not as deeply ashamed of myself as I was for the other blog I have that I have not posted on in TWO years, but I am ashamed nonetheless. I was looking back over some of the things I wrote to myself to unknown others and I couldn't help but smile at how deep thoughts can run when you allow yourself to be open and free about what it is you feel and think. I've had so many life changes in the last year that I don't know if I actually processed them all appropriately. A new job come and gone, a new baby, a new kind of spouse (same guy, different behavior), a new outlook on where I'm going and how, and the realization that I just might be a little older and possibly a little wiser. I'm finding that not everything I want in life is really "it." I thought I wanted two children and that was all I could handle. Amazing how the stretched mind and body can be much more flexible than previously believed. I thought I needed a job in order for my husband to respect me and to give me the proper support. Isn't it something when you add more to your plate and discover that what you thought you wanted and what you actually want and get are remarkably different. I handled having a job and raising two and a half children the best way I could. I felt ashamed when I didn't succeed as I thought I should have and wondered if I was destined to "just" be a good mom and stay out of the gladiator's arena called career. But time at home with my three boys has proven a mighty healer and wonderful deliverer. The fact is, I AM a good mom. I AM a good employee. I AM a good wife. And even (more like especially) when I'm not trying to be; I AM a good person. None of those labels define me in and of themselves, yet without them I cannot be myself. This year is a very interesting one for me. I plan to do what I have always wanted to do. I'm going to write: More and more, day by day. Pretty soon I hope to get published somewhere. Even if not forever as a career, I want to do it just so that I can say I did it and I can do it. Even as I say that, in my heart I know I am a writer and if it were my only choice, I'd feel like I'm getting the better end of the deal. Anyway, Look up!
Lots To Think About
Wow! It's been a year since I've posted on this blog and I am not as deeply ashamed of myself as I was for the other blog I have that I have not posted on in TWO years, but I am ashamed nonetheless. I was looking back over some of the things I wrote to myself to unknown others and I couldn't help but smile at how deep thoughts can run when you allow yourself to be open and free about what it is you feel and think. I've had so many life changes in the last year that I don't know if I actually processed them all appropriately. A new job come and gone, a new baby, a new kind of spouse (same guy, different behavior), a new outlook on where I'm going and how, and the realization that I just might be a little older and possibly a little wiser. I'm finding that not everything I want in life is really "it." I thought I wanted two children and that was all I could handle. Amazing how the stretched mind and body can be much more flexible than previously believed. I thought I needed a job in order for my husband to respect me and to give me the proper support. Isn't it something when you add more to your plate and discover that what you thought you wanted and what you actually want and get are remarkably different. I handled having a job and raising two and a half children the best way I could. I felt ashamed when I didn't succeed as I thought I should have and wondered if I was destined to "just" be a good mom and stay out of the gladiator's arena called career. But time at home with my three boys has proven a mighty healer and wonderful deliverer. The fact is, I AM a good mom. I AM a good employee. I AM a good wife. And even (more like especially) when I'm not trying to be; I AM a good person. None of those labels define me in and of themselves, yet without them I cannot be myself. This year is a very interesting one for me. I plan to do what I have always wanted to do. I'm going to write: More and more, day by day. Pretty soon I hope to get published somewhere. Even if not forever as a career, I want to do it just so that I can say I did it and I can do it. Even as I say that, in my heart I know I am a writer and if it were my only choice, I'd feel like I'm getting the better end of the deal. Anyway, Look up!
Valley Girl
Yea, though I walk through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. . . Psalm 23: 4. Have you ever noticed that for every mountain there is always a valley below? I never really thought much about it until now. I used to live in Tennessee and one of my favorite pastimes was going up the Cherohala Skyway, a long mountainous scenic highway that overlooked the the Tellico River valley in Tennessee and parts of N. Carolina. The view is just so breathtaking and at certain times of the year the wild concord grapes would be filling out and the scent of passion fruit would be everywhere (yes, I said passion fruit). Other times, the valley would be ablaze with reds, yellows and motley hues indicating the approaching winter. I've had some pretty awesome adventures riding up and down that highway. The mountain always evoked a sense of reverence and awe in me and the valley always seemed to have an air of mystery. The valley was mysterious to me because no matter what time of year it was, I could never see what was really down below as long as I was on the mountain. As soon as I would descend down into the valley everything would come into sharp focus: the campgrounds, the small towns, and little cities. It hit me like a brick: No one really lives on the mountain. There may be a house speckled here and there or even a resort or two, but all real living and interaction takes place in the valley. The valley is where we work. The valley is where we eat. The valley is where our homes, families and friends are. The valley is also where our troubles wait for us. There are floods in the valley. There are extreme storms in the valley. There's crime and even despair in the valley. We love to escape to the mountain and forget about what is down below and I think we should at times. But I now think I understand what King David was trying to say: Valley living is the norm not the exception. Oswald Chambers was spot on when he said that we cannot stay on the mountain because our view of reality is distorted. The valley is covered by the multitude of tree tops and the view is slanted at an angle. We can only look down upon the valley. The only way to know what is really happening in the valley is to actually be in it. As Christians, no matter how close to God we get we are still valley dwellers so long as we are on this earth. The mountain is that mind-blowing experience with God. God reveals His glory to us and He proclaims Who He is: The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin and that will in no wise clear the guilty. . . We quickly recognize how small we are. We need to go up into the mountain and see God's awesomeness from time to time to remind us of Who and what we have in Him. We need the mountain so that we don't become so engrossed with valley living and forget that the valley is not our final home. Yet, we also need the valley. We need the valley because without it we wouldn't know just how much we need God. We would forget that it is He who hath made us and not we ourselves. We wouldn't have a way to grow and be strengthened in our walk with Him and we wouldn't see a need to cling to Him. We don't have to be afraid of the valley. Though there is evil and trouble all around, God is with us. He is not just the God of the Mountain. He is everywhere and not limited to when we feel good or limited by our down times. He is Who He is. I like knowing that I can live in the valley because God has my back. Like the Good, strong and gentle Shepherd He is, He will walk with me through the valley and fight back the evil with his rod and staff. I am comforted in knowing that though I must go through the valley the valley doesn't have to go through me.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Blogosphere Throwback #1
Monday, May 01, 2006
I Could Use A Drink
Wait. This isn't me. I want to do something! But is there really any way a thirsty-thirty-something-parent-of-two-and-spouse-of-one can really find contentment without "contempt"ment? Sometimes I wonder if being dedicated to a cause without consideration of my own desires is okay. I really do ask myself if what I long for on the inside (dreams, hopes, personal goals) is realistic or even necessary. Any one else?
I Could Use A Drink
Wait. This isn't me. I want to do something! But is there really any way a thirsty-thirty-something-parent-of-two-and-spouse-of-one can really find contentment without "contempt"ment? Sometimes I wonder if being dedicated to a cause without consideration of my own desires is okay. I really do ask myself if what I long for on the inside (dreams, hopes, personal goals) is realistic or even necessary. Any one else?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Already Dead
You know what? I love Florida. No, really I do. It is definitely my home and I don't plan on moving until God says I must. But I promise you, If I ever have to see one more Palmetto/Evil-Skull-Capped-Flying-Relative-to-the-cockroach-why-are-you-up-in-MY-house-Dear-God-Where-is-my-husband-when-I-need-him-bug it's already too soon! Um, I don't normally disclose that kind of information to potentially everyone in the world, but let's not front: Everybody has some sort of pest from the outside that keeps working around traps and sprays, and crawling through spaces and places to get into their environment. For some odd reason, that particular bug clan has a secret gateway to MY bathroom. MY bathroom. Did I mention that the gateway is in MY bathroom? They come to the one place I can normally go to have some peace and quiet with out husband and children. The one place I can read, pray, dream, etc. And that poor good-as-dead creature has the un-sense to come in MY bathroom. Uh uhn. No, no. It's on now! Dialing numbers and creating distance between myself and IT "Baby? Um, how soon before you get home from your thing? Huh? What's wrong? Um, nothing really. I just need you (please, please, please) to take care of something for me. . .when you get here. . . please?" Desperate housewife am I! And truth be told (but don't tell my husband I said it) I am the one that usually ends up killing stuff while my husband conveniently loses something in his office. Punk. Seriously though, about that pest thing, I literally cried out to God about it because I didn't want to have that invader in my home another second, but I was too afraid to do anything about it. You wanna know something? God told me what to do. He told me to spray in the bathroom and wait. I raised an eyebrow and looked at Him a little funny but I did it. I didn't even see the bug anymore (I assumed he was lurking in the shadows waiting for me to return) but I sprayed some Ant Killer (Ha! It wasn't even the right spray!) between the open door and I left. I sat on my sofa and I cried out to God a little more about it because my husband wasn't coming anytime soon and I just didn't know what to do about my situation. Little did I know, God was working that thing out while I waited. God's ways are so past finding out. It's a bug ya'll. God took the time to work out the dismissal of a bug. For me. I love a song I heard by Dietrick Haddon called "Love Him Like I Do." It sums up my whole relationship with God. He keeps doing all these totally awesome, yet, teeny weeny things for me like a father does for his baby girl even when they are completely ridiculous. Daddy, kill this bug for me. Daddy, I need your wallet. Daddy, pick me up. Daddy, I want you to serve justice to that company for swindling me out of my college fund. Daddy, I need new clothes. Daddy? And like a father who pities his child, he does just what I need/want even when I know that sometimes those things border on extravagance. Okay, so back to the bug. I was sitting on my sofa and thinking, God, I don't think I can do this by myself. What am I going to do? I can't let that bug run all roughshod over me. It's a bug! Then, God speaks again, "Go to Your bathroom and close the door." I knew that whatever He was sending me back for was actually the moment of truth and sure enough I saw it. That bug was dying and trying to escape and I got my broom. I smote my enemy; for the Lord had delivered it into my hand! Ha! Ha! That's why I love Him like I do, hey! Isn't that also how it is with our adversary, the Accuser of the Brethren? A real pest that belongs on the outside and yet he finds his way in through some little crack or gateway in our homes and our own minds? He then uses it to come in and wreak havoc all over us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We have absolutely no way to get rid of him on our own. We just sort of sit in shock or whine to people who can't fight for us until we realize that if we don't find a way to get him out of our homes and lives, he will not only move in but he'll bring his "buddies". He's a bug ya'll. A fly on the wall or a nasty Palmetto, but we don't want to touch him. We recognize that our only hope lies in God. So we cry out to Him and God tells us to apply the weapons of our warfare (What do you have in your hand? The Name and Blood of Jesus, His Spirit, His grace, The Promises and Power of His Word, and His Strength for our weakness). Then all we have to do is sit and wait for His signal. Break the pots and sound the cry (Gideon)! March around 7 times and blow the trumpet (Joshua)! Rise early and go out to battle with the praise team (Jehoshaphat)! All God wants us to do is announce our victory to the enemy, and while we're breaking, and marching, blowing and praising in the beauty of holiness, God is fighting, breaking apart, ambushing and destroying our enemy. We just go in later as the clean-up crew. Hallelujah! God already defeated our enemy, even while we are in the midst of our crying out to Him. Isn't that all the more reason for us to love him like we do?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Kids Say The Darndest Things. . .
Ok, I am like so late but I don't have a good excuse really. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed the 4th of July and ate lots and lots of grilled stuff what ever that stuff may be: meat, veggies, dessert--it all tastes better seared over open flames! Me and my peeps went to the beach a couple of days ago and my oldest son tickled me purple. He was sitting in the van with semi wet clothes and a ton of sand. We were parked at a grocery store so I told my son to open the door and brush the sand out of his seat. He must have been in deep thought about it because he said, "But Mom, what if someone sees me and thinks I'm sexy?" I was so taken aback my 8-year old's (yeah, he's 8) reply that I couldn't do anything for a moment. I just sorta sat there while I tried to make sure those words actually came from my little genius boy. Then I cracked up. "Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Are you serious? Open that door and do what I said, boy!" Then, I chuckled a little more because my little baby was serious. It was like he was saying, "Hey, Mom, I'm just saying I don't wanna cause a stir from showing off my awesomeness, you know?" and now I'm saying, "Lord Jesus, what a world we live in when little 8 year old boys have "sexiness" that they must protect from others!" I'm realizing that our kids are growing up waaaaaaaaaaay too fast. Now my son doesn't even know what sexy means but he knew that it had to do something with his body and others. I don't really know what I'm supposed to do about that. I know at his age that he could maybe handle it(he's a very smart kid) but I don't just how much "I" can handle it. So ya'll pray for a mother. . .
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Clay Babies
Hey Ya'll! I'm just checking in to let all of you know where I've been. As one lady of God put it, I'm making my way back from a "stint" down at the Potter's House and boy do I feel beat (buh dump CRASH, pun intended). I praise God for it though. The Lord had to (and still does have to) pound me a bit (as I tend to be semi dry and stubborn) twist me up (allow circumstances to unnerve me), water me down (with His Spirit) and throw me on the wheel(sanctify me). Just when I think I'm shaping up, God says, "Hmmmn, nope I'd better smash her down and do it again" (sanctify me some more) because He sees something else in me that is revealed as he smooths me out and up. I don't like that part so much! But what I do like is just how much God takes a vested interest in me that He wants to make me over and better than before: a vessel that is not only useful and gives due service but is also pleasant to use and look upon. I hope as you go through your own "stints" you'll remember just how much God loves the pretty and likes to make us a part of that process. Be blessed this week and say hello to the Potter when you get a moment :0)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Happy Father's Day
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/06/19/rs.mom.died.boyfriend.adopts/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
I'm apologizing in advance for my inability to post this link appropriately. Please copy and paste all of the above information into the URL bar in order to see a wonderful article that says it all when it comes to what being a man and a real father is all about. If this is not what God is like then I don't know Him. . . Let's be really thankful and show our appreciation for those fathers, uncles, family friends and mentors who have shown what is right and good with fathers. Let us also thank our Heavenly Father for stepping in and adopting us when we needed a father to show us what is right and good. Be blessed this weekend and have a Happy Father's Day!
I'm apologizing in advance for my inability to post this link appropriately. Please copy and paste all of the above information into the URL bar in order to see a wonderful article that says it all when it comes to what being a man and a real father is all about. If this is not what God is like then I don't know Him. . . Let's be really thankful and show our appreciation for those fathers, uncles, family friends and mentors who have shown what is right and good with fathers. Let us also thank our Heavenly Father for stepping in and adopting us when we needed a father to show us what is right and good. Be blessed this weekend and have a Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Real Deal
Good night! It's been 10 days since my last post. Life, yo. Have you ever had days where it seems that all mayhem and disorder breaks forth, but you're walking closer with the Lord than ever? Well, that's me this week! I guess that's why Peter had to remind us not to be surprised with the fiery trials that try to overtake us. They are a natural part of the Christian life. I think sometimes I forget that being a Child of God has nothing to do with light and flowers and sweet music following me wherever I go. Sometimes it's about getting my hands dirty, dealing with messy human nature and living life in real time with real issues. It's like Jesus was trying to give everyone who would follow Him a head's up: "Okay guys listen, no really listen. Peter stop talking! This life is not going to be easy, okay? In fact now that you're following me, it will get much more complicated from here on out. You will suffer persecution, prejudice, attacks (verbal and physical) and overall some of you might get killed. . ." As his disciples stare at him with eyes wide and mouths gaping Jesus decides to add a little more in a way to comfort them: "Uh, but don't worry. In the same way I've overcome this world so will you. . ." A cheer erupts over His voice and the disciples secretly plan on how they will make him King of the Jews (or this world) and which high position they will take. Jesus shakes his head and silently prays for his disciples. That's me. That's you. That's every Christian who ever thought that the life hid in Christ would actually be hidden and we could quietly go about our day happy and free. No, we live life out loud. And some of us too loud (but that's another post for another day). Rejoice friends! If you are going through this week and it wasn't because of any particular thing you did that you know of this week then be of good cheer: You're just walking in the light of God!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Oh, by the way. . .
As you know (or probably don't if you're new), I've been trying to post on my blog at least once a week and have actually been doing pretty well. I want to do something that I don't think happens often, but I figure would be good for me. I know most people don't read the archived posts, so I will give you the opportunity to read some of my "re-runs." I will post them here and on my blog on Sistahfaith. Don't worry. I will still be posting my new stuff regularly, but I thought it would be cool to give people a chance to see how much I've grown and how far I've come in the last two to three years (since this blog began). Keep your eyes open!
I've Got a New Family
Happy June! I think I've just joined a sorority of sorts this week. No, not the kind where you have to be processed in and meet the approval of a scrutinizing group. It's more of the kind of sisterhood that binds you together for life and eternity. I've joined a network called Sistahfaith. In the last two days or so I have been so impressed with the quality and quantity of women (and men too) who have been bearing, caring for, and sharing with one another for the empowerment, betterment, and encouragement of each other. There is no fee, no approval process. You just have to have a desire to connect with others who have a fire and drive for being the woman or man God has called them to be. I hope that you will take some time to stop by and see if Sistahfaith is a place you want to become a member of a beautiful and growing family! Be blessed this week! Cut and paste: www.sistahfaith.com and click on NETWORK. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Grout People
Today was a very productive day. I solved a serious housekeeping problem for me: I'm a homemaker so housekeeping is what I do. Anyway, I live in Floridy and Floridy is big on using tile (I suppose it's more useful and easier to clean after storms and hurricanes). The place (that is now our current home) we found before we moved in installed brand new tile. It was a sweet deal for sure. We were excited because our children have allergies to the Earth and carpet is not a worthy alternative for them, BUT tile. . . T-I-L-E has proven to be a large magnetic flesh-seeking thorn in my side. Actually, no. Tile is wonderful. It's smooth, it looks all matte and uniform and cleans up real nice with a mop or Swiffer. It's actually that lovely material (read, substance from the Underworld) that contractors the world over insist on putting between tiles without sealing it called grout. I know it's a necessary evil otherwise the tile would fall apart. But really. The name. Who came up with that? No, really. I mean look at the name: GrrrrOUT! Say it to yourself a few times out loud. . . . I'll wait. . . . Doesn't it make you think of gravel in your mouth or sand in your throat? Or Aunt-So-and-So's Thanksgiving turkey? Well? Alright, I know, I'm digressing. The point of the matter is: Grout must be sealed in order for you not to obtain a great reward of paydirt in between your lovely tiles. Okay, now for the point of this story/rant. I can never help but get a spiritual application to everything that happens in my life. I like to look at my tile floor as a representation of me, one of God's children. I work so hard to look so good on the outside and really we all do whether we believe in God or not. We like looking shiny/matte, uniform, and clean and cool on the outside. For the most part we are. But I couldn't help but notice how easy it is for grout (our inner man/life, you know, the stuff that holds it all together?) to get so filthy. It starts relatively slowly. Day after day we track in dirt (whatsoever it may be in our secret lives) and make messes and clean them up for the most part. I say for the most part because even if the floor is mopped everyday, if the floor is not sealed or sealed properly, the grout will stain even, or rather especially, with our best efforts to clean it up. The tile will look great and clean and nice but the grout is a hot mess. The dirt will build up until the original grout color isn't even discernible. No matter how much I cleaned the tiles I couldn't feel at rest with my floor, because the total picture wasn't right. The floor just didn't feel clean because the grout wasn't exactly clean. So as far as I was concerned the floor wasn't really clean. Mopping and Swiffing didn't help. The dirt was just allowed to layer more evenly. My floor needed so much more to really be clean and it wasn't an easy task. I did discover, however, it was a simple task. I have been Spring Cleaning (since April) and will probably continue on through Summer and Fall (I'm leaving Winter open to the possibilities too), and went to get supplies at Wal-Mart. I came upon the display of the mops and brooms and sweepers and all the neat little accessories for floor maintenance. After perusing the floor sweepers, what did my little eyes behold? Get this, a grout brush for $1.18. A grout brush? Really? You mean they actually make those? There are others out there who deal with filthy grout as well? And they cost so little? I beamed and my heart welled up with joy as I bought two (one for each of my older boys--Children truly are a gift from the Lord!) and I declared "Boys, we're going to clean the grout today!" They were a little bored with that idea until I let them pick out their own spray bottles so that they could "shoot" the dirt. Once we got home, we got to work immediately after the boys were done stalling with their various endeavors ("I've gotta pee/poo!" "I need a snack!" "Me too!" "I'm tired, Mom. . ." "Yeah, so am I. . .") and I discovered that the solution to my problems was literally just around the corner. Two grout brushes and two bottles of "solution" later, I was gazing at floors that my husband, my children and I thought were long time dead and gone. It's the same with God. He wants to clean up (our grout was dirty before the tile was laid) and maintain our inner man and "seal" it with His very own Life and Presence. We, either through our ignorance or our negligence think we are to clean up the mess with our best ideas (giving more, doing more things for others, being a "good" person, counting church attendance points, or comparing our grout to someonelse's), but God wants none of that. He is looking for us to allow Him to take the Grout brush (His Body/Sacrifice) and apply His Cleaning Solution (His Blood) to our dirty lives and he will soak us (let His Word get into us) and scrub us (sanctify or set us apart from the stuff that dirties us so easily) and then wipe away all the mess that we try to hold on to for years and years (strongholds). And sometimes we're stubborn and we have to have that treatment re-applied because we run from the process and don't let God have His full way with us. But when He's done, really, really done (Hallelujah!), that floor looks brand-spankin' new! And just so we don't have that kind of build up on our floor again, we receive a sealing (God's beautiful Spirit on us and in us) and there is no way that dirt and grime will penetrate when God has done the sealing! I look at my floor now and I can't help but be thankful to God for the simple things. It's simple to let God be God in your life. What's complex is not understanding that we can't worry about the process He's using to cleanse us. We need to let Him be the professional! It's a tried and true method that He has used on countless other floors and unless we let him do what He is more than qualified to do, we run the risk of receiving a treatment that is either non-existent or shabby. God just doesn't do ugly! I hope you are able to appreciate my little diversion. I feel pretty sure that I wrote it for someone who needed to hear that today. Whoever you are, I want you to know that what God is doing in you is "Already, Alright!" God Bless You!
Friday, May 8, 2009
It's Mommy's Day!
Okay so the date is wrong. I know it says May 8 but that's fine. I am just writing about my Mother's Day and just how sweet it was. I demanded to do nothing that day. I didn't want to cook, clean, get up out of bed first, nothing. I just wanted breakfast in bed like my mom used to get, and time with my family. Although the waffles were chocolate brown (without the chocolate), and the bacon was not quite the same crispy I like, I must say they were both "mighty tasty." I think the meal was especially delicious because it was made with the utmost love and technological advancement available to men (not women, just men). I don't know what they did to make it, and I really don't want to know. And no, I didn't get exactly what I wanted as far as time was concerned, but my spouse and children did EVERYTHING in their power to let me know that I was First Lady in their eyes, and that makes my whole tour of Mommy duty so worth it. If you have a Mom, *snort*, (gosh, you know what I mean)then do all that you can to show her that she is special and important to who you are today. Even if she wasn't the best and/or greatest Mom to you, or even any good at all, cut her some slack and at least thank her for carrying you and giving birth to you. It is a lot of work being pregnant and because of her, you're not an afterthought/un-thought, and the world is a little better because you, the potential, are here.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Happy May Day! Let's go to the Beach!
Happy May Day. . . Right. I know that it is not May Day, but I had to say that. I didn't get to say that yesterday and I was really dying to say it, so there. I went to the beach today after almost two years worth of hiatus. I don't know what kept me away (aside from gas prices and lack of extra income to lavish upon my vehicle to get me there). The beach is like one of the few consistent places I get to see just how small I am and how much bigger the world is than me, and therefore by extension, God . There is way too much water to drink and the ocean current is more than strong enough to take burly, full-grown men farther out than they probably want to go. But aside from that natural reality check, going to the beach is my time to really contemplate and relax. I grow mad-pensive and uber-observant as I watch sand, sea and others. I also found that the hour and a half drive to the beach is a torture box for me and my spouse. We always seem to hammer out major relationship crises and communication dramas. This particular moment I cried and did some deep soul searching about what was being said but I was also able to put my thoughts on the table as well. I don't know. It never fails. We argue, we discuss, I cry (or not), we vent, and then we have a wonderful time at the beach because we have emptied ourselves of all unspent foolishness and we are free to be free.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
To the Husbands, To the Dads
Yet another family was found slain in their home yesterday, apparently at the hand of the patriarch of the household. My heart is in a deep quandary about what to say to this rash, rant, rave, recurrence, whatever you want to call it of people self-destructing in this time of economic hardship and stress. I want to encourage the husbands and fathers out there: Every problem, no matter how big or imposing it may seem, is not insurmountable. No,it won't be easy. I know that. It can be overwhelming when you're feeling the pinch and you are responsible for so many lives. I know what it's like to be a wife whose husband lost his job and was facing tough financial problems. I know what it is like to make do with what we have and there isn't anything to "make do" with. It doesn't help you when your wife knows you're trying but still has difficulty coping. Bear in mind that we wives aren't trying to belittle you or to emphasize your failures. We are GOING THROUGH your crisis WITH you and we are feeling all the pressures you feel. Please understand that we are not aloof to what you are facing unless you try to hide your problems from us. We do know when something is wrong or even tend to already know of your situation, but still we must try to keep an even keel to help you and to keep some sense of normalcy in the family and it can be very difficult for us. Don't assume your wife is a part of the problem. Your wife is not another nail in your coffin. She may just be the strongest truss in your bridge. Please, please, please don't give in to the temptation to "disappear." It will only create more problems for those you leave behind: For example,how your parents plan to assemble a mass funeral for their son, daughter in law, and only grandchildren. If you are at a point in your life where you feel you are losing control, look outside of yourself for a solution. There are so many people that are willing to help if you reach out. There is always a solution if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone to find it. With so many lives at stake, there is really no good time for preserving your "pride." To me, doing desperate things like eradicating your family shows a terrible lack of real pride and an awful lot of selfishness on your part. I am praying for our families and praying for the husbands and fathers out there not to drop the ball. The game isn't over yet.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Winds of Change
I wonder if I'm the only one who can feel them. I can sense the climate shifting and the atmosphere evolving. Can you feel it? Things are no longer the same and I believe they won't be ever again. Of course as time goes on, the culture must shift as well as individual paradigms to meet the changing needs of society. But I'm talking about something more than just culture shifts. This world is changing in a serious and somewhat psychotic way. People aren't showing the same amount of restraint and control in these times. Understand me, there are folks who are doing nutty things all the time. But this time around "normally normal" individuals are not only thinking crazy thoughts but are also acting upon them in all their fullness, hence the five to ten latest national news stories one of which happened less than half a mile from my home at my local hospital (anthrax hoax). Mass shootings, family disputes ending violently, family mass shootings, governments gone awry, real divorces and arrests over virtual people(Google Second Life divorce/arrests if you doubt). N.R.A., I'm so not feeling you right now. . . Anyway, feel free to comment if you agree or even if you disagree. I'd really like to know if anyone else's social/spiritual barometer is registering. . .
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Can we be a blessing like this?
All I'm saying is. . .Whoooooooooooooooooooooooooo(I'm sorry this message has been temporarily interrupted for a praise break around the room)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Halleluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuujah!!!!!!!!!!!Glory to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I Missed the First Day of Spring!
I am so behind. I missed the first day of spring because my son decided that he needed to be hospitalized. But the good news is: my son is out of the hospital as of Sunday and I am once again returning to some state of normalcy (if there is such a thing)! Well, a new spring technically brings a new year and a new start. During this stressful time my family went through, we've been given a chance for a do-over with my son's asthma. He needed a specialist (like he used to have a while back) and now he has one. He also needed to find out how to take his medication so that it would be more effective and he would need it less instead of more and now he does. I think that God has blessings in hardship and it is all about finding the blessing and working with God through them instead of fighting and fretting over them.
Friday, March 20, 2009
What God has for me. . .
Right now my son is in the ICU of a children's hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, and I am not there. I am not in a state of panic but I have received a sense of clarity on somethings that used to irk me to no end and now how I should FEEL about those things. My son is asthmatic and is frequently hospitalized and medicated for it. He went to the E.R. yesterday so that he could get a more aggressive treatment since his home treatments were inadequate. I fully expected for him to be hospitalized there at the local hospital, so you can imagine my shock when the doctor told me he wanted my son to be transferred to another hospital over 2 hours away! At the time I was the one at the hospital with all three children and I knew I wouldn't be allowed to take the babies in the transport vehicle. So I called my husband from work and rollercoaster began. Now the reason I'm writing this has everything to do with a longstanding feeling of resentment I have for being the only one to stay at the hospital and sit with the children when they would have to be there (two of my children are relatively sickly). And for once I thought I would be relieved that I didn't have to stay at the hospital and endure the constant interruptions that keep my child from resting and the torture of watching tests and procedures being done and having to comfort and stay calm when my own heart is breaking. But suddenly when it was settled that my husband would be the one to go since the baby and my younger son couldn't go into the ICU, I began to have this overwhelming feeling of, get this, anger and resentment! Why? Why on earth would I be feeling this way and acting this way when I'm getting what I "want"? Because deep down I knew that it really wasn't what I wanted. I want to be there to comfort and care for my baby and this time I felt absolutely helpless because he's worse off than times before. My husband is very supportive and he does what he has to do. I'm sure he prefers that I was there instead of he, but this happened (in my humble opinion) to show me that what I do as a mom can be very tough but it is what He made me for. Sure I can do all those other things like working and hobbies turned career but deep down when I'm not doing what I think I'm supposed to be doing as a mom I feel lost and you KNOW we womend don't like feeling lost! Well, I'll keep you posted on my guy and I expect to be giving a good report very soon. God bless you for reading!:0)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Stevie Wonder and "Hater-ade"
It's not everyday you get to go to a midnight music recording session. And it's even less rare to meet and talk to Stevie Wonder at that midnight music recording session. No, I didn't meet him :0( I'm just living vicariously through my best friend in California who got to go to that session and meet him. She is a wonderful musician and she was just doing what musicians do: play what ever instrument they play and her instrument of choice is the piano. She was unassuming and just killing time while she waited to record a jingle for Mr. Wonder's upcoming concert this week (My life is so boring. . .). And while she was playing around with another artist Kevin Nash, who walks in and goes right over to where she is playing on the piano? You guessed it. He didn't realize she was a girl until she spoke and seemed surprised (good female musicians are a special breed indeed). She was doing well not to melt into a pool of chocolate pudding (they would have already put me out by now), when he asked her to play something. No, I'm sorry. What?!? You're Stevie Wonder and you ask me to play? I'm trying to sit at your feet and you want ME to play something? I would have died right there on the spot(if I were still in the building). She remarked that famous people can't go making requests like that of her: her nerves are bad! I laughed but totally understood. She played the 12 Bar Blues for him even though this chick is classically trained! Now it is at this point that I must begin to explain where the hater-ade comes in. My friend is very sweet and humble. She is unassuming and kind to everyone. Most of the people who came in to record are established back up singers and musicians who "do" this sort of "thing" all the time. Their attitudes matched the "level" they were on and most knew each other already. My friend was almost accidentally chosen! She just happened to be at the right place at the right time. I say almost accidentally because I don't believe in accidents with God around. Anywho, when Mr. Wonder comes in to the room you know that he is purposefully walking to where she is playing and the room stops. Suddenly, this "misplaced" girl is the center of attention and has Mr. Wonder's attention. He being the amiable and socially infectious person I've always imagined him to be, talked with her, asked her to play, put his arm around her, and even played around with some of his runs with her! The envy was obvious as people began to go green at the attention she was being shown. Isn't hater-ade something? A minute ago she was insignificant! And this didn't just happen last night. She gets hated on all the time. I realize for her it is because she has something special that no one can deny. When she is famous she promised me at least 15 minutes! Just kidding, maybe. I started praying for her just the day before because I saw that she has a special gift with music and I believe God has a special purpose for her life. You don't let those gifts go unprotected because there is an enemy that seeks to wash out the gift with hater-ade. Sometimes the people closest to her have shown hate for her brilliance and she almost let go of it. She gets discouraged on every turn because people don't want her to shine if it isn't in their light. But my friend must shine. It is what she was born to do. I think God in His own special way moved on her behalf to give her a swift kick in the mojo to keep doing what she was born to do. If meeting Stevie Wonder doesn't help her to stay on her toes with her practice then there is no hope! I ain't hatin'! So I'm saying all this to say, "Don't hate: appreciate! Each of us has a job to do. Let us do it to the best of our abilities and live life with real purpose and drive. Hater-ade only keeps us thirsty and dry when we drink it and serve it up."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
And Another Thing. . .
"What is WRONG with you?!?!?" I scream into my phone. I normally don't verbally abuse my friends, but when they lose touch with reality sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! My girlfriend in Oregon has the opportunity of a lifetime to go all-expenses paid for six days to Hawaii--HAWAII!!!!!!!!!! Mind you, this is also with her husband AND without the children. Did I mention it was without the children? Total chance of a lifetime! She was all to quickly willing to turn the trip down (I almost slapped her except she's in a different time zone), but the worst part of it all was that she was going to turn the trip down because her children didn't want to stay at Grandma's. What the ___________(you can fill that blank however you like)?!? Have you really taken leave of your senses? OK, now granted, Grandma is a diabetic and leans on the cranky horn more than most can tolerate, but for only six days (not even a full week) there will be no permanent emotional damage I can assure you. I personally think it will help the little munchkins to appreciate you more. Maybe my little ones are still too young for me to take their feelings into consideration, or maybe, just maybe I don't really CARE about their feelings! Children's feelings like adults' feelings are fickle! And we don't naturally like seeing someone else do something that makes them happy if we aren't the reason for it. So I say, bring 'em back a souvenir Mama and remember to say "Mahalo!" to the ones who paid for the trip! And another thing: If for whatever reason while on that all-expense paid trip to an incredible piece of American soil, your spouse decides to take a Stupid pill or some other logic-altering drug, and forfeits a great opportunity for mind-blowing "Nookie" by ignoring and/or mistreating you, just remember: YOU ARE IN HAWAII!!!!!!!!!!!! Aloha!
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