Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religous festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. Col 2:16 NIV
It's another movie night at my house and for some reason my young ins always want to pick a movie I'm not interested in. Seriously sometimes it takes a half hour before we find a movie we can all agree on. Funny, when they were younger, I would shield them from violent movies and TV shows. Now that's what they seem to gravitate toward.
I guess the movies they want aren't exactly that bad, just not ones I'm interested in seeing. They delight in the Star Wars movies,the Lord of the Ring movies, the Batman movies, Spiderman movies, and now the other superhero movies. These may all seem harmless and great movies to see, I'm just not interested.
This weekend we were away, and it's become a tradition to watch a movie at night. It seemed all they brought were the movies I don't care to watch. There was one, but they didn't choose it. The choice came down to what I didn't care for. So soon I wondered over to bed--alone.
This of course was my choice, but still I was alone. Sometimes I wish it didn't seem it was me verses everyone else. I mean we all believe and should focus our attention on whatever is good and lovely. These are the things we should think about. For some reason though, it's not.
Someone this weekend accused me of living in a "Little House" world. Can I help it if that is one of the TV shows, I prefer. At least at times God was mention, and the family went to church on Sunday. Sometimes it'd be nice to go back to that time...a time before we became desensitize to violence. Where murder, obscene language, and obscene scenes were not a common part of our everyday TV or movie life.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Sun Or Clouds
The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of the morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth. 2 Samuel 23:3-4 NIV
The day was dreary, the clouds seemed to hang around all day. I don't know about you, but when the clouds seem to hang around all day and cover the sun. It makes me feel a little down. The day is darker, duller and it just takes more effort to find joy.
Someone approached me while waiting for the kids to get out of school he asked, "how's your day?"
"It'd be better if the sun came out."
"I like it like this, I don't like the sun blaring in my eyes."
Interesting, he enjoys the dreary. I enjoy the sunshine. He though was able to find joy in the dreariness. I couldn't wait for the sun to shine again.
Yesterday, we went to the park. I thought it was going to be a sunshiny day, but no the clouds overtook the sky once again. The good news was that it was cool and not warm like most of our days in Florida. I wondered when the sun would be out, since there wasn't a chance for rain.
A friend was meeting me at the park. She pulled into the parking lot and amazingly the sun peeked it's way through the clouds lifting my spirit. How ironic that a friend's arrival brings joy and the sun decided to shine through at the moment of her arrival bringing a little warmth into the day.
Much like my encounters with my God bring warmth and sinshine to my day, even on the days when the sun doesn't shine. It's on those days that I need to rely on the Son who always shines down on me.
The day was dreary, the clouds seemed to hang around all day. I don't know about you, but when the clouds seem to hang around all day and cover the sun. It makes me feel a little down. The day is darker, duller and it just takes more effort to find joy.
Someone approached me while waiting for the kids to get out of school he asked, "how's your day?"
"It'd be better if the sun came out."
"I like it like this, I don't like the sun blaring in my eyes."
Interesting, he enjoys the dreary. I enjoy the sunshine. He though was able to find joy in the dreariness. I couldn't wait for the sun to shine again.
Yesterday, we went to the park. I thought it was going to be a sunshiny day, but no the clouds overtook the sky once again. The good news was that it was cool and not warm like most of our days in Florida. I wondered when the sun would be out, since there wasn't a chance for rain.
A friend was meeting me at the park. She pulled into the parking lot and amazingly the sun peeked it's way through the clouds lifting my spirit. How ironic that a friend's arrival brings joy and the sun decided to shine through at the moment of her arrival bringing a little warmth into the day.
Much like my encounters with my God bring warmth and sinshine to my day, even on the days when the sun doesn't shine. It's on those days that I need to rely on the Son who always shines down on me.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
It Happens to the Best of Us
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV
A quiet evening at home, I'd been looking forward to it all day. My schedule sometimes has me out almost every night, this night though I'd be home.
The last day care child had gone home, and I was trying to figure out what to heat up since Friday night is left over night. Instead though I ended up doing something I've never done at least to this extent.
My husband and mechanical son were having a conversation and it was not going well. Which can occur when a son gets old enough to be an adult and the parent has a hard time accepting that. My son had taken care of a problem he paid for it and all was well. Except my husband had to explain why he should of taken care of it sooner. I figured my son had learned a lesson and probably won't let it happen again, after he's an adult now.
Another issue came up, we had set aside a date for a family trip. I had checked with everyone and it seemed like a good date so it was set. Well now eight days before this trip this same son informs us he has something else. It's some thing he looks forward to a once a year thing. This is why I checked with him, so it wouldn't conflict. Instead of taking the minute to check his calendar; he just agreed it was a good date.
The tension got bad in the house. Usually I stay out of their tifts, but then the unthinkable happens. My husband blocks my son from leaving the room, and for a minute there I thought things were going from bad to worse. The lion was ready to devour.
I step in the middle yelled my peace and then had to calm down. I went out the front door, so I could regain my compusor. This didn't improve anything, instead it made things worse. So then I ended up back in trying to state my opinon only to be stopped by my son. I mean I really blew my top! I still had sense enough not to slap someone's face, but it took all I had.
The worse part of all this is, we all know the Lord. We all serve him and talk with him constantly, just not at this particular moment. The devil got a foothold and devoured each of us.
The good part is during the calming down I was calling out to the Lord. I sought his forgiveness and he graciously gave it. My son came to seek forgiveness from both of us, and I sought forgiveness from each of them. My husband did as well.
Did we handle this exactly right? No. But did we learn something, hopefully. I know I did, God is by my side and he can help me through even when those I love the most seem to be hurting me the most.
A quiet evening at home, I'd been looking forward to it all day. My schedule sometimes has me out almost every night, this night though I'd be home.
The last day care child had gone home, and I was trying to figure out what to heat up since Friday night is left over night. Instead though I ended up doing something I've never done at least to this extent.
My husband and mechanical son were having a conversation and it was not going well. Which can occur when a son gets old enough to be an adult and the parent has a hard time accepting that. My son had taken care of a problem he paid for it and all was well. Except my husband had to explain why he should of taken care of it sooner. I figured my son had learned a lesson and probably won't let it happen again, after he's an adult now.
Another issue came up, we had set aside a date for a family trip. I had checked with everyone and it seemed like a good date so it was set. Well now eight days before this trip this same son informs us he has something else. It's some thing he looks forward to a once a year thing. This is why I checked with him, so it wouldn't conflict. Instead of taking the minute to check his calendar; he just agreed it was a good date.
The tension got bad in the house. Usually I stay out of their tifts, but then the unthinkable happens. My husband blocks my son from leaving the room, and for a minute there I thought things were going from bad to worse. The lion was ready to devour.
I step in the middle yelled my peace and then had to calm down. I went out the front door, so I could regain my compusor. This didn't improve anything, instead it made things worse. So then I ended up back in trying to state my opinon only to be stopped by my son. I mean I really blew my top! I still had sense enough not to slap someone's face, but it took all I had.
The worse part of all this is, we all know the Lord. We all serve him and talk with him constantly, just not at this particular moment. The devil got a foothold and devoured each of us.
The good part is during the calming down I was calling out to the Lord. I sought his forgiveness and he graciously gave it. My son came to seek forgiveness from both of us, and I sought forgiveness from each of them. My husband did as well.
Did we handle this exactly right? No. But did we learn something, hopefully. I know I did, God is by my side and he can help me through even when those I love the most seem to be hurting me the most.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
It's All About Values
"...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.
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, 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.
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