"...for there is no authority except that which God has established..." Romans 13: 1a
Today I proudly voted my values with one of my sons by my side voting his values. I let my voice be heard and now we wait to see how many others let their voice be heard.
Values is defined as something of relative worth or importance. There are a lot of things I value: God, family, friends; just to name a few. These are things that are important to me.
I am glad I live in a country where I am allowed to let my values be made known. This weekend I had the chance to watch part of a program that explained what are founding fathers valued. Some how of the course of time these values have been changed. Some have made it seem as what they really valued wasn't what they meant when they wrote our Constitution.
Another thing I learn was when they disagreed they would actually adjourn and go down the street to church. They would spend time in prayer and worship, they would refill their tanks. Then amazingly when they met again the disagreement would be solved.
It sure would be nice if those we've elected to be in charge would take some time away from the disagreement, pray and worship, and then come back. Who knows what would happen.
Whether the candidate I want or the candidate someone else wanted wins, I will still pray for the president (whether he likes it or not) and all of our elected officals. They sure can use it.
Romans 13 makes it clear that I must submit myself to the authority because God put them there, even if I don't understand it. I will continue to serve the Lord and follow his will because ultimately He's the one in charge.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Would You Rather be a Window or a Door?
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NIV
Recently I was reading "Would You Rather be a Bullfrog?" to the preschoolers in my child care. In the book it gives you several different choices about what you want to be. One of the questions asked was "Would you rather be a window or a door?"
This question got me thinking-"which would I rather be?" A door-hum, well it's usually shut. It's there to protect us. It can be locked. It keeps predators out.
The front door on our house is usually only closed at night. A long time ago it was closed all day. The way our house is designed there is no window in the living room. Our living room was dark and it made it hard to see what was going on. When the weather was nice I'd open it and put a gate across it's opening, but that didn't protect us very well. So we invested in a storm door, now the front door is open and the light can come in.
Now a window-a window is used to let light shine in the room. It can be opened and let a breeze come through the house. It can be used for an escape in case the door is blocked. A window is very useful.
Our windows have been placed in good locations, if it's a nice day out then a breeze can easily pass through our house. Someone shared with me that we're lucky because we can get a breeze going through, his home he doesn't have that option.
During the day we have the blinds open and that allows for natural light to come in. Even at night when the moon is shining bright it's light will peek through the blinds.
For me a door seems to block out the light, so it doesn't shine. I would much rather be a window, so my light can shine. Even on days when there doesn't seem to be much light what's there can shine through.
So would you rather be a window
or a door?
Recently I was reading "Would You Rather be a Bullfrog?" to the preschoolers in my child care. In the book it gives you several different choices about what you want to be. One of the questions asked was "Would you rather be a window or a door?"
This question got me thinking-"which would I rather be?" A door-hum, well it's usually shut. It's there to protect us. It can be locked. It keeps predators out.
The front door on our house is usually only closed at night. A long time ago it was closed all day. The way our house is designed there is no window in the living room. Our living room was dark and it made it hard to see what was going on. When the weather was nice I'd open it and put a gate across it's opening, but that didn't protect us very well. So we invested in a storm door, now the front door is open and the light can come in.
Now a window-a window is used to let light shine in the room. It can be opened and let a breeze come through the house. It can be used for an escape in case the door is blocked. A window is very useful.
Our windows have been placed in good locations, if it's a nice day out then a breeze can easily pass through our house. Someone shared with me that we're lucky because we can get a breeze going through, his home he doesn't have that option.
During the day we have the blinds open and that allows for natural light to come in. Even at night when the moon is shining bright it's light will peek through the blinds.
For me a door seems to block out the light, so it doesn't shine. I would much rather be a window, so my light can shine. Even on days when there doesn't seem to be much light what's there can shine through.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
In The Dark
"...as to a light shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19 b
I plugged the night light back in, but it didn't seem to be working. It was time for a new bulb, this one had burned out. There isn't a night light bulb to be found in the house though, so it'll have to stay out until we stop by the store again.
The bathroom is now dark, much like my feelings the last couple of days. Right after my birthday I got on the scale, I try to monitor my weight and measurements on a weekly basis. Much to my surprise I gained 5 pounds which can be expected after a weekend away. So I increased my exercise routine and even started walking, which the Lord was encouraging me to do.
Every week I recheck my progress, weight stayed measurements though decreased some. This past Saturday I get on the scale again, I'd gained 5 more pounds. That's 10 pounds in 6 weeks! I truly do not understand why. I'm exercising more, and eating about the same. I try to make wise choices, but hey I do enjoy food. I try to limit myself to one helping, I try to snack on things that are lower in fat. So why the weight gain?
I admit I'm not a skinny minnie and probably won't be, but I do think I'm fit. I follow a work out video followed by 264 stomach crunches, 264 gluteal squeezes, 264 leg lifts both sides. Now most nights I'm walking at least 20 minutes. So I admit this gaining of weight has me feeling in the dark.
One day the light will replace the dark, I know the Lord has a plan as to why so I'll just wait for him to tell me. I will not give up the light will soon dawn.
I plugged the night light back in, but it didn't seem to be working. It was time for a new bulb, this one had burned out. There isn't a night light bulb to be found in the house though, so it'll have to stay out until we stop by the store again.
The bathroom is now dark, much like my feelings the last couple of days. Right after my birthday I got on the scale, I try to monitor my weight and measurements on a weekly basis. Much to my surprise I gained 5 pounds which can be expected after a weekend away. So I increased my exercise routine and even started walking, which the Lord was encouraging me to do.
Every week I recheck my progress, weight stayed measurements though decreased some. This past Saturday I get on the scale again, I'd gained 5 more pounds. That's 10 pounds in 6 weeks! I truly do not understand why. I'm exercising more, and eating about the same. I try to make wise choices, but hey I do enjoy food. I try to limit myself to one helping, I try to snack on things that are lower in fat. So why the weight gain?
I admit I'm not a skinny minnie and probably won't be, but I do think I'm fit. I follow a work out video followed by 264 stomach crunches, 264 gluteal squeezes, 264 leg lifts both sides. Now most nights I'm walking at least 20 minutes. So I admit this gaining of weight has me feeling in the dark.
One day the light will replace the dark, I know the Lord has a plan as to why so I'll just wait for him to tell me. I will not give up the light will soon dawn.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
As Simple As a Gift
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith--and this is not from yourself, it is the gift of God... Ephesians 2:8
One Christmas quite a few years ago, I really wanted a bread machine. To be able to make home made bread and fresh pizza dough sounded exciting.
My want was answered, not only did I receive one bread machine--I got two. I kept one and returned the other. At first I made bread a lot, at least once a week. Sometimes more. I found different recipes, ones that didn't even come with the book. English muffins, bagels, soft pretzels...it was all very yummy.
Soon though I got busy, I would think about making a fresh loaf of bread, but then it would be to close to dinner. Later the bread machine even got moved to another place to store. Then it would become a real bother to get it out, it would take planning and thought. Still on occasion it gets pulled out and used, the fresh bread is well worth the effort.
Our life with God can become like my bread machine. At first when we receive him we're excited. We desire to pray and really get to know him better. We meet with him on a daily basis. We find different ways to know more about him.
Soon though life gets busy. We get easily sidetracked. Our devotion time gets in the way of our social time or other free time. We soon move our Bible into another location because it's in the way. On occasion we might look up a verse and we might pray. We wonder though is it worth the effort.
This past weekend served as a reminder that it is. A relationship with God is a gift, a gift we've each been given. So as I smell the fresh bread baking, I plan to meet with my Abba Father. The effort is worth it.
One Christmas quite a few years ago, I really wanted a bread machine. To be able to make home made bread and fresh pizza dough sounded exciting.
My want was answered, not only did I receive one bread machine--I got two. I kept one and returned the other. At first I made bread a lot, at least once a week. Sometimes more. I found different recipes, ones that didn't even come with the book. English muffins, bagels, soft pretzels...it was all very yummy.
Soon though I got busy, I would think about making a fresh loaf of bread, but then it would be to close to dinner. Later the bread machine even got moved to another place to store. Then it would become a real bother to get it out, it would take planning and thought. Still on occasion it gets pulled out and used, the fresh bread is well worth the effort.
Our life with God can become like my bread machine. At first when we receive him we're excited. We desire to pray and really get to know him better. We meet with him on a daily basis. We find different ways to know more about him.
Soon though life gets busy. We get easily sidetracked. Our devotion time gets in the way of our social time or other free time. We soon move our Bible into another location because it's in the way. On occasion we might look up a verse and we might pray. We wonder though is it worth the effort.
This past weekend served as a reminder that it is. A relationship with God is a gift, a gift we've each been given. So as I smell the fresh bread baking, I plan to meet with my Abba Father. The effort is worth it.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Looking For More
If you seek him, he will be found by you...1 Chronicles 28:9b
Funny how we don't notice something until we get it or want it. My athletic son recently wanted a pick up truck, he located one and was able to purchase it. Now when I drive around I see lots of pick up trucks like his. Before I never really paid much attention to this particular pick up, but now I'm aware of them.
Our Sunday school lesson this week asked us a question, "What do you see when you look at a forest?" Most of the kids answered trees, which is what most of us would answer, right? That's usually the first thought that pops into our heads.
The next question though was, "What would a bird watcher see?" Yep, you guessed it "Birds!" A bird watcher is looking for something different when they look at a forest.
So how many of us look for God? He is omnipresent so He's everywhere, but do we really see him. The Israelites had it pretty easy for awhile when he was in a pillar of cloud guided them. Our job of finding Him can be a little more challenging or is it?
"Take a look, he's here in plain view," a line from a song. God is in the every day...the breeze we feel to cool us down, the rainbow after the storm, in a baby's smile, in a sunset.
God is here question is are you going to look for him? Chances are if you look for him, you will find him.
Funny how we don't notice something until we get it or want it. My athletic son recently wanted a pick up truck, he located one and was able to purchase it. Now when I drive around I see lots of pick up trucks like his. Before I never really paid much attention to this particular pick up, but now I'm aware of them.
Our Sunday school lesson this week asked us a question, "What do you see when you look at a forest?" Most of the kids answered trees, which is what most of us would answer, right? That's usually the first thought that pops into our heads.
The next question though was, "What would a bird watcher see?" Yep, you guessed it "Birds!" A bird watcher is looking for something different when they look at a forest.
So how many of us look for God? He is omnipresent so He's everywhere, but do we really see him. The Israelites had it pretty easy for awhile when he was in a pillar of cloud guided them. Our job of finding Him can be a little more challenging or is it?
"Take a look, he's here in plain view," a line from a song. God is in the every day...the breeze we feel to cool us down, the rainbow after the storm, in a baby's smile, in a sunset.
God is here question is are you going to look for him? Chances are if you look for him, you will find him.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Sometimes It Just Takes Faith
He said to her, "Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark 5:34 NIV
"Sometimes you just have to have faith and not question." A friend recently shared. She's so right.
There are times when we hear something from the Bible and we struggle to understand what it means. The Bible can be confusing in some spots and sometimes it's down right boring. No offense.
The Bible though is a guide on how we are to live our lives. There are stories in there to encourage us. Such as the woman who was healed after bleeding for twelve years.
She didn't want to be a bother to Jesus. She had been to several doctors and none of them could help. She wasn't allowed to be near her family because she was considered unclean. She was alone.
She was desperate. She had heard stories about Jesus, and knew he was coming. She figured she wouldn't draw attention to herself or him because if she touched him then he would be considered unclean.
The crowd was large she squeezed her way in and managed to touch the fringe of his coat. Just the fringe, immediately she felt different. She knew she'd been cured!
Jesus felt it too, he knew someone needed him. He stopped to find out who. At first she didn't want to speak, she didn't want him to know. I imagine though he was looking right at her, because he knew. She admitted it was her and he let her know her faith had healed her.
It didn't take much just a belief. Sometimes a belief is all we have left. A belief that things will get better. A belief that one day I will be healed. A belief that God will work things out for good.
Stop doubting my friend and believe no matter what other's may think. It just takes faith.
"Sometimes you just have to have faith and not question." A friend recently shared. She's so right.
There are times when we hear something from the Bible and we struggle to understand what it means. The Bible can be confusing in some spots and sometimes it's down right boring. No offense.
The Bible though is a guide on how we are to live our lives. There are stories in there to encourage us. Such as the woman who was healed after bleeding for twelve years.
She didn't want to be a bother to Jesus. She had been to several doctors and none of them could help. She wasn't allowed to be near her family because she was considered unclean. She was alone.
She was desperate. She had heard stories about Jesus, and knew he was coming. She figured she wouldn't draw attention to herself or him because if she touched him then he would be considered unclean.
The crowd was large she squeezed her way in and managed to touch the fringe of his coat. Just the fringe, immediately she felt different. She knew she'd been cured!
Jesus felt it too, he knew someone needed him. He stopped to find out who. At first she didn't want to speak, she didn't want him to know. I imagine though he was looking right at her, because he knew. She admitted it was her and he let her know her faith had healed her.
It didn't take much just a belief. Sometimes a belief is all we have left. A belief that things will get better. A belief that one day I will be healed. A belief that God will work things out for good.
Stop doubting my friend and believe no matter what other's may think. It just takes faith.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
It's OK to Ask
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. Luke 11:9 NIV
Recently I was shocked, people admitted that they feel guilty for asking God for things. One person even shared he didn't know how to talk to God. He just recited the prayers he knew.
For me asking is just a part of the talking with God. I don't pray for a million dollars and I don't ask the Lord to hurt anybody. Generally I just talk to God like he's my best friend, He is by the way.
If we use the word PRAY, it can be used as and acronym to help you know what to pray.
P-praise...I honor Him, He likes to hear my praise and adoration I have for Him. I even thank Him for things that seem weird. Like today the A/C unit froze up again, last time it needed a good cleaning. So I figured we can handle that ourselves. First though I have to get the unit thawed out. I remembered what the A/C repairmen said about how to run the unit so it won't freeze. Keep the fan on on instead of on auto, so I did that and turned the unit off for an hour.
A half hour later the fan shuts itself off, no read out on my control. So I waited and prayed it would come back on a half hour later. No deal, now I need to call the repairman. He calls me back and knows what the problem is. Then he explains to me how to fix it. Now how many A/C guys would tell you that. God didn't exactly answer my prayer the way I intended, instead He let me see that there is still people who are there to help you out.
R-repent...This is a time when I seek forgiveness for things I have done. I may be a Christian, but that doesn't stop me from making mistakes. I need to come to the Lord and let him know when I've screwed up. He's OK with that, He'll just wipe my slate clean once again. Then I try really hard not to mess up again.
A-ask... He tells us to ask. Usually I ask for others needs first. I ask Him questions I need answers to. I don't know everything and I really need His guidance. Especially when I have tough decisions to make. This is when it's OK to ask Him to meet your financially needs or any needs. He knows how much money I need and He will provide. He never ceases to amaze me in providing for our needs.
Y-yourself...See it's OK to pray fro yourself. Often I'm asking for the strength I need to get me through the day. Sometimes I pray for things I desire, it never hurts to ask all He can say is no or not now. Ocasionally he does say "yes".
Just remember prayer is simply having a conversation with God. He loves to hear from you, even if you have to start with the simple child prayer you learned. Any conversation is better than no conversation. God is there 24/7, he longs to have you come to Him. Don't be afraid, he won't bite.
Recently I was shocked, people admitted that they feel guilty for asking God for things. One person even shared he didn't know how to talk to God. He just recited the prayers he knew.
For me asking is just a part of the talking with God. I don't pray for a million dollars and I don't ask the Lord to hurt anybody. Generally I just talk to God like he's my best friend, He is by the way.
If we use the word PRAY, it can be used as and acronym to help you know what to pray.
P-praise...I honor Him, He likes to hear my praise and adoration I have for Him. I even thank Him for things that seem weird. Like today the A/C unit froze up again, last time it needed a good cleaning. So I figured we can handle that ourselves. First though I have to get the unit thawed out. I remembered what the A/C repairmen said about how to run the unit so it won't freeze. Keep the fan on on instead of on auto, so I did that and turned the unit off for an hour.
A half hour later the fan shuts itself off, no read out on my control. So I waited and prayed it would come back on a half hour later. No deal, now I need to call the repairman. He calls me back and knows what the problem is. Then he explains to me how to fix it. Now how many A/C guys would tell you that. God didn't exactly answer my prayer the way I intended, instead He let me see that there is still people who are there to help you out.
R-repent...This is a time when I seek forgiveness for things I have done. I may be a Christian, but that doesn't stop me from making mistakes. I need to come to the Lord and let him know when I've screwed up. He's OK with that, He'll just wipe my slate clean once again. Then I try really hard not to mess up again.
A-ask... He tells us to ask. Usually I ask for others needs first. I ask Him questions I need answers to. I don't know everything and I really need His guidance. Especially when I have tough decisions to make. This is when it's OK to ask Him to meet your financially needs or any needs. He knows how much money I need and He will provide. He never ceases to amaze me in providing for our needs.
Y-yourself...See it's OK to pray fro yourself. Often I'm asking for the strength I need to get me through the day. Sometimes I pray for things I desire, it never hurts to ask all He can say is no or not now. Ocasionally he does say "yes".
Just remember prayer is simply having a conversation with God. He loves to hear from you, even if you have to start with the simple child prayer you learned. Any conversation is better than no conversation. God is there 24/7, he longs to have you come to Him. Don't be afraid, he won't bite.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)