So, the kids found a dead worm just laying there all gross, squished, and lifeless!!! Bella (my beautiful little 3 year old) gets a "deep thinking" look in her eyes and looks up at me and says, "Mama, did that worm die on the cross for my sins too?"
Trying not to laugh, I look at her very serious like maybe I'm in "deep thought mode" also, and say, "Ummm, well, no Honey, I think he was probably just smooshed by a foot or something."
She then thinks and thinks and says, "Ya, 'cause only Jesus died on the cross for my sins, right?"
"Yes Honey, that's right", I said.
"And, Jesus is alive now, He's not dead on the cross anymore!" She said with great authority.
"He is watching me in heaven. He always knows when I do bad stuff and then He get's mad at me when I do bad stuff." She then said with a teary eyed look.
I asked her, "Honey, what's wrong? Are you ok?"
She then finishes and says, "So, then I tell Him that I am so sorry, and then He forgives me and get's happy with me again!"
"Yes, Honey that's right", I said, kinda giggling a bit.
"YAY!!!" She squealed, her big beautiful chocolate brown eyes sparkling as ever!!!
She then danced a very silly little jig and even sang, "Uh-Huh, Oh ya, Woo-Hoo!"
How so sad she looked when she realized that God sees when she sins against Him. How sad she looked when she realized her "doing bad stuff" displeases Him. Oh, but how full of joy she was when she also realized that our amazingly loving God forgives her when she comes to Him!
How precious of a reminder this was for me this morning! God, my loving Father has and will continue to forgive me (and not think on it again, ever) when I come to Him and truly confess and repent of "doing bad stuff" (Acts 3:19 & Psalm 103:12). How amazing, how truly gracious, merciful and loving of a God we have! When we come to Him for forgiveness, in faith...We are washed clean, forgiven, and guilt free!
Thank you Dear Lord for your loving forgiveness!!!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Are you guys done yet?!
So, I hear these questions pretty stinkin' often...almost daily, actually..."So, are you guys done yet? Have you guys figured out what's causing that yet? Is one of you getting fixed? Have you decided enough is enough?" And, you know what? I think I'm pretty tired of hearing all of that, and then some.
Yep! I'm talking about children...
So, to answer all of you...We're not sure if we're done yet, we'll just leave that up to God. Yes, we're pretty sure what causes it. No, neither one of us is getting "fixed", I'm pretty sure we're not broken cause all of our parts seem to be working properly and the way that God has intended them to work. And, well sure enough is enough...I guess...but, what does "enough is enough" really mean anyway, and where did that saying come from in the first place (maybe I'll Google that)?
Why is it that there has to be a "correct" number of children that we as a society "approves" of a couple having? This is insane! I thought children were a blessing! People look at children like they are just an accessory...we take them out every once in a while to impress our friends. That's is really just sickening!
If God gives us more children then I praise Him for it! But, how will you afford it? God has and will continue to provide for our family and supply all of our needs. NEEDS...this is not the same thing as WANTS. See, these two words are always being confused with the other. We trust Him, simply put. Right after the birth of our little Joshy, I thought for sure we should not have anymore children. But, why? What was my reasoning? Honestly after doing a lot of true heart searching, when it all came right down to it, my reasons were because I didn't want to deal with other people's opinions! I didn't want to hear how we already have...(such & such amount), or that we won't be able to provide for them all, or that we won't be able to spend equal amounts of "love time" with them all, or even hear that we're just crazy! So, as of right now we are trusting in God! This is the way that it should be. Getting "fixed"...hahaha...WOW, what a term! Anyway, why get "fixed" when we're not broken? God has made us perfectly able to be blessed with children...why try to "fix" or rather, un-fix that?
Do you know that in the poorest countries families with many children are considered very blessed...but here, in one of the richest countries we look at children as "poverty starters"! Why? People base how "blessed" a family is on the size of their home, how many cars they have, the amount of $$$ they have in the bank, how many pairs of shoes they have, what kind of fancy electronics they have, etc...But, when did those "La-Dee-Da material" things become more of a blessing than our children? We, in this country will easily run up our credit card debt on cars, houses, fancy electronic toys, vacations and travel, and other grown-up desires, but won't even consider having "to many" children so as not to inconvenience our spending! Children are a burden, they just cost to much!
We "wait" to have children to not inconvenience our lives. We want to have our careers and youthful adventures before we settle down and become parents. Obviously, those with that kind of mentality really haven't truly thought about that decision...How long did you want to wait? How old did you want to be when you start having babies? Whew man! Let me tell you about parenting...it's truly an adventure! You're gonna want to be pretty youthful, I'll tell ya straight up! Hahaha...no joke! What a blessing it is to be a mom, and what fun! Is it easy to be a "mom of many"? No, we definitely have our days where someone is standing in the corner for lying, another is getting reprimanded for hitting someone, another is jumping on the kitchen table, another is coloring on the hardwood floor, another is taunting the one in the corner, and yet there is a ray of hope because there is another just sitting there all wonderful reading a book! :)
Here's a quote from a book that I have read...
"Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with a passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling. The joys of motherhood are rare and beautiful treasures that can be easily missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them."
~Don't Make Me Count To Three...by Ginger Plowman
WOW!!! I just love this! Rare treasures that can easily be missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them! This is such a true statement, so powerful!
I honestly thought after the birth of Bella that I was "fulfilled". We weren't trying for another baby at all, and Joshy surprised us. What a missed blessing that would have been if one us would have gotten "fixed".
Yep! I'm talking about children...
So, to answer all of you...We're not sure if we're done yet, we'll just leave that up to God. Yes, we're pretty sure what causes it. No, neither one of us is getting "fixed", I'm pretty sure we're not broken cause all of our parts seem to be working properly and the way that God has intended them to work. And, well sure enough is enough...I guess...but, what does "enough is enough" really mean anyway, and where did that saying come from in the first place (maybe I'll Google that)?
Why is it that there has to be a "correct" number of children that we as a society "approves" of a couple having? This is insane! I thought children were a blessing! People look at children like they are just an accessory...we take them out every once in a while to impress our friends. That's is really just sickening!
If God gives us more children then I praise Him for it! But, how will you afford it? God has and will continue to provide for our family and supply all of our needs. NEEDS...this is not the same thing as WANTS. See, these two words are always being confused with the other. We trust Him, simply put. Right after the birth of our little Joshy, I thought for sure we should not have anymore children. But, why? What was my reasoning? Honestly after doing a lot of true heart searching, when it all came right down to it, my reasons were because I didn't want to deal with other people's opinions! I didn't want to hear how we already have...(such & such amount), or that we won't be able to provide for them all, or that we won't be able to spend equal amounts of "love time" with them all, or even hear that we're just crazy! So, as of right now we are trusting in God! This is the way that it should be. Getting "fixed"...hahaha...WOW, what a term! Anyway, why get "fixed" when we're not broken? God has made us perfectly able to be blessed with children...why try to "fix" or rather, un-fix that?
Do you know that in the poorest countries families with many children are considered very blessed...but here, in one of the richest countries we look at children as "poverty starters"! Why? People base how "blessed" a family is on the size of their home, how many cars they have, the amount of $$$ they have in the bank, how many pairs of shoes they have, what kind of fancy electronics they have, etc...But, when did those "La-Dee-Da material" things become more of a blessing than our children? We, in this country will easily run up our credit card debt on cars, houses, fancy electronic toys, vacations and travel, and other grown-up desires, but won't even consider having "to many" children so as not to inconvenience our spending! Children are a burden, they just cost to much!
We "wait" to have children to not inconvenience our lives. We want to have our careers and youthful adventures before we settle down and become parents. Obviously, those with that kind of mentality really haven't truly thought about that decision...How long did you want to wait? How old did you want to be when you start having babies? Whew man! Let me tell you about parenting...it's truly an adventure! You're gonna want to be pretty youthful, I'll tell ya straight up! Hahaha...no joke! What a blessing it is to be a mom, and what fun! Is it easy to be a "mom of many"? No, we definitely have our days where someone is standing in the corner for lying, another is getting reprimanded for hitting someone, another is jumping on the kitchen table, another is coloring on the hardwood floor, another is taunting the one in the corner, and yet there is a ray of hope because there is another just sitting there all wonderful reading a book! :)
Here's a quote from a book that I have read...
"Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with a passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling. The joys of motherhood are rare and beautiful treasures that can be easily missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them."
~Don't Make Me Count To Three...by Ginger Plowman
WOW!!! I just love this! Rare treasures that can easily be missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them! This is such a true statement, so powerful!
I honestly thought after the birth of Bella that I was "fulfilled". We weren't trying for another baby at all, and Joshy surprised us. What a missed blessing that would have been if one us would have gotten "fixed".
Just Wanna SHOW You Love!
I was listening to the radio yesterday, and this older song came on that I have heard and even sung along with many times before. Something was different though...I actually listened to the words...
Please forgive me
If I come on too strong
I get a little anxious
When I talk about God's love
Hold me back now
Stop me if I start to preach
'Cause I don't want to be the one
To push you out of reach
The way to give love
Is how you live love
That is what I'll do
You cannot fight it
You can't deny it
Love will get to you
Chorus:
Don't wanna get up in your face
Don't wanna put the pressure on
Don't wanna make you run away
Just wanna show you love
Don't wanna beg you to believe
Don't wanna take you for a ride
Don't wanna sell you anything
Just wanna show you love
Show you love
Just wanna show you love
I won't convince you
With anything I say
But maybe you will see His love
In how it is portrayed
An act of kindness
A loving sacrifice
Simple little things that have
The power to change your life
There's no surprises
And no disguises
Just the blessed truth
No obligation
No complication
Just a gift for you.
Ok, well now what did you hear? A song all about how she wants to show you love, right? She doesn't want to get up in your face, she doesn't want to put the pressure on, she doesn't want to beg you to believe, she just wants to show you love!
Well, I DO want to put the pressure on! And, I DO want to beg you to believe! But, it's because I want to show you love!
Now, I understand that getting up in someone's face and preaching AT them, just isn't very cool...but loving someone without even sharing God or the Gospel with them just isn't very cool either!
I understand the desire to help those in need, and as Christians this should be a natural desire for us. I pray all of the time, seriously almost everyday that God would bring me to someone or someone to me that I may be able to serve for Him. I know the strong desire to help those that are without, those that are depressed, those that are just having a hard time in this world! But, is just loving someone (no matter how wonderfully strong your love is) enough for their eternal needs?
The "Love 'em like Jesus!" thing is so super-duper popular, but what does that even really mean? Did Jesus just hug and kiss people and love all over them like crazy? Did He just feed, clothe, and hold hands with the poor? No...so, I think when people say, "Love 'em like Jesus" what they are really saying is, "Just do nice things for people and don't ever talk about things that may offend them...things like, hell or sin, or repentance, or that Jesus is the only way kind of stuff". But, is this what Jesus did? Is this "loving 'em like Jesus"? Nope.
Jesus was VERY loving, I won't deny that...but, didn't He Himself preach about hell, sin, repentance and that He is the only way? (Matt 4:17, John 14:6) YES!!! And yes, He also preached about love. But, when He defeated death and rose from the dead He told His disciples to go out share the Gospel, that included sharing the need for repentance. This means today's Christians also, and it was a command...not a suggestion (Mark 16:14-16).
As a professing Christian when you love on people without ever even mentioning Jesus, then that was just simply put, "a wasted evangelizing moment". You just wasted your time, the person in need's time, and more importantly God's time. So, do we have to yell and scream on some street corner telling people that they are all going to burn in hell? No, of course not...that would be pretty crazy! But, if you want to show them love, at least take the time to also share with them their need for a Savior. Savior from what? Savior from their sin. What sin? All of their "mistakes", "whoopsie-doos", "boo-boos", "bad choices", "past decisions your not proud of", "things you do in secret & hope no one ever finds out"...SINS that have been committed against a holy God. See, we have to share not only our love, but also God's love. God loved us even while were still sinners (Romans 5:8), He loved us so much that even though we didn't at all deserve it, He sent His only Son to save us (John 3:16). Those that we love, need to know this if they don't already! And, if you are a Christian then you must believe that without Christ, you will perish. If this is so, then wouldn't you want to tell as many people as you possibly could...especially those that you love?!
So, this train of thought..."Don't wanna get up in your face, Don't wanna put the pressure on, Don't wanna beg you to believe, Just wanna show you love"...shouldn't be in existent to a true, loving, and caring Christian. You should want to beg and plead with those that you love to believe...BECAUSE you love them!!!
Go ahead and clothe the naked, feed the hungry, give to the poor, show compassion for the hurting...but also show them love and share with them who the God of the Bible is! Without the truth of the Gospel your just taking care of their temporary physical needs, and completely ignoring their eternal/spiritual needs. Just showing them love is making the here and now a bit better, but what happens if they pass through this life without Christ?
People will be offended. The true Gospel is offensive and it convicts. But, that's ok...taking offense to something that is true isn't really a bad thing, it leads to conviction and guilt, which then leads to having faith, repenting and turning away from sin, which then leads to eternal salvation! The truth hurts sometimes, and that's ok. My son Jordan just this morning said,..."Well, Obviously Jesus offended people when He preached...He was crucified!" Now, I don't want to offend someone so deeply that I am murdered, but I can't tender-foot around things and make the Gospel all pretty and fluffy so to not offend. And, I need to pray that God will give me the courage to always stand firm for Him. Love them enough to share Him!
Another couple verses in the song..."The way to give love, Is how you live love" This is VERY true! The way you love God will affect how you give love! If you are living for Him, you will love like Him and live out that kind of love! If you can die of self and love God and others much more then yourself and your fears of rejection, you'll be able to share Him much more naturally! Believe me, I am scared to death to share Him, but I know that as a Christian I need to! So..."That is what I'll do!"
PLEASE Christian truly "Show Them Love"!
Please forgive me
If I come on too strong
I get a little anxious
When I talk about God's love
Hold me back now
Stop me if I start to preach
'Cause I don't want to be the one
To push you out of reach
The way to give love
Is how you live love
That is what I'll do
You cannot fight it
You can't deny it
Love will get to you
Chorus:
Don't wanna get up in your face
Don't wanna put the pressure on
Don't wanna make you run away
Just wanna show you love
Don't wanna beg you to believe
Don't wanna take you for a ride
Don't wanna sell you anything
Just wanna show you love
Show you love
Just wanna show you love
I won't convince you
With anything I say
But maybe you will see His love
In how it is portrayed
An act of kindness
A loving sacrifice
Simple little things that have
The power to change your life
There's no surprises
And no disguises
Just the blessed truth
No obligation
No complication
Just a gift for you.
Ok, well now what did you hear? A song all about how she wants to show you love, right? She doesn't want to get up in your face, she doesn't want to put the pressure on, she doesn't want to beg you to believe, she just wants to show you love!
Well, I DO want to put the pressure on! And, I DO want to beg you to believe! But, it's because I want to show you love!
Now, I understand that getting up in someone's face and preaching AT them, just isn't very cool...but loving someone without even sharing God or the Gospel with them just isn't very cool either!
I understand the desire to help those in need, and as Christians this should be a natural desire for us. I pray all of the time, seriously almost everyday that God would bring me to someone or someone to me that I may be able to serve for Him. I know the strong desire to help those that are without, those that are depressed, those that are just having a hard time in this world! But, is just loving someone (no matter how wonderfully strong your love is) enough for their eternal needs?
The "Love 'em like Jesus!" thing is so super-duper popular, but what does that even really mean? Did Jesus just hug and kiss people and love all over them like crazy? Did He just feed, clothe, and hold hands with the poor? No...so, I think when people say, "Love 'em like Jesus" what they are really saying is, "Just do nice things for people and don't ever talk about things that may offend them...things like, hell or sin, or repentance, or that Jesus is the only way kind of stuff". But, is this what Jesus did? Is this "loving 'em like Jesus"? Nope.
Jesus was VERY loving, I won't deny that...but, didn't He Himself preach about hell, sin, repentance and that He is the only way? (Matt 4:17, John 14:6) YES!!! And yes, He also preached about love. But, when He defeated death and rose from the dead He told His disciples to go out share the Gospel, that included sharing the need for repentance. This means today's Christians also, and it was a command...not a suggestion (Mark 16:14-16).
As a professing Christian when you love on people without ever even mentioning Jesus, then that was just simply put, "a wasted evangelizing moment". You just wasted your time, the person in need's time, and more importantly God's time. So, do we have to yell and scream on some street corner telling people that they are all going to burn in hell? No, of course not...that would be pretty crazy! But, if you want to show them love, at least take the time to also share with them their need for a Savior. Savior from what? Savior from their sin. What sin? All of their "mistakes", "whoopsie-doos", "boo-boos", "bad choices", "past decisions your not proud of", "things you do in secret & hope no one ever finds out"...SINS that have been committed against a holy God. See, we have to share not only our love, but also God's love. God loved us even while were still sinners (Romans 5:8), He loved us so much that even though we didn't at all deserve it, He sent His only Son to save us (John 3:16). Those that we love, need to know this if they don't already! And, if you are a Christian then you must believe that without Christ, you will perish. If this is so, then wouldn't you want to tell as many people as you possibly could...especially those that you love?!
So, this train of thought..."Don't wanna get up in your face, Don't wanna put the pressure on, Don't wanna beg you to believe, Just wanna show you love"...shouldn't be in existent to a true, loving, and caring Christian. You should want to beg and plead with those that you love to believe...BECAUSE you love them!!!
Go ahead and clothe the naked, feed the hungry, give to the poor, show compassion for the hurting...but also show them love and share with them who the God of the Bible is! Without the truth of the Gospel your just taking care of their temporary physical needs, and completely ignoring their eternal/spiritual needs. Just showing them love is making the here and now a bit better, but what happens if they pass through this life without Christ?
People will be offended. The true Gospel is offensive and it convicts. But, that's ok...taking offense to something that is true isn't really a bad thing, it leads to conviction and guilt, which then leads to having faith, repenting and turning away from sin, which then leads to eternal salvation! The truth hurts sometimes, and that's ok. My son Jordan just this morning said,..."Well, Obviously Jesus offended people when He preached...He was crucified!" Now, I don't want to offend someone so deeply that I am murdered, but I can't tender-foot around things and make the Gospel all pretty and fluffy so to not offend. And, I need to pray that God will give me the courage to always stand firm for Him. Love them enough to share Him!
Another couple verses in the song..."The way to give love, Is how you live love" This is VERY true! The way you love God will affect how you give love! If you are living for Him, you will love like Him and live out that kind of love! If you can die of self and love God and others much more then yourself and your fears of rejection, you'll be able to share Him much more naturally! Believe me, I am scared to death to share Him, but I know that as a Christian I need to! So..."That is what I'll do!"
PLEASE Christian truly "Show Them Love"!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Don't Make Me Count To Three...
Wow! I have been reading this book 'Don't Make Me Count To Three'...a baby shower gift from our Pastor and his wife for the birth of my little Joshy. At first I thought, "Hmmmm...uh-huh...they do know I'm not a "new Mama", and then it was put up in the book shelf. I mean I knew I wasn't perfect or anything, but seriously I wasn't new to motherhood! I thought, "Ya, the thought was really so very sweet and so very thoughtful too, but I'm already raising 5 children!...Plus, now with 6 little ones...who has the time to start a book?!"
Well, I started that book...and got distracted by the kids...but then started again, only to be distracted again, and then started it again. Which means...I obviously changed my mind and realized that I truly did need this book!
This is such a great book! Not only does it help with resolving unwanted behavior, but it gets to the heart of the problem...which is, the "problem of the heart". It helps us remember that our children; as cute and as precious as they are, are also smaller versions of ourselves...SINNERS...yep, they are a bunch of sinners! Teenie, tiny, little sinners! I think sometimes we actually fail to realize this. And, it's our jobs as parents to help them fight against those sinful desires. This is no easy task! Have you ever noticed that you don't have to teach a child to be selfish...they know already how to be selfish, from stinkin' day one! It's natural for them to be "me-oriented". But, we DO have to teach them to share, to be nice, to care about the feelings of others, etc...TOTAL DEPRAVITY!!! That's what it is...total stinkin' depravity!
That's just like us! We (us adults, and human beings in general) are totally depraved! But, God in His mercy has taken us and shown us the "right way". He poured His grace upon us and opened our eyes and our hearts to what is true. It took Him to change us, to change me. Would we just know to come to the Lord without Him? I don't think we could, how would that even be possible for us to do? I was a totally depraved sinner. Not one desire of mine was for God. I was selfish, and "me-oriented". Did I believe in God? Sure I did...but was I living for Him? No. I mean I loved Him, right? I went to church, and even was involved in ministry, I prayed and read my Bible sometimes. But, I was still selfish, and when I sinned, I did feel bad...but then I'd sin again, and feel bad again...It was a very unnecessary cycle! It took God to say to me, "No!" Just as we as parents say to our own children..."No! Don't do that, don't touch that, don't say that!"
So, how dare I take credit for who I am...how dare I take credit for coming to God all on my own! Like my children, I needed my Father to love me enough to take me, show me and teach me the way that is true and right. I needed Him to accept me, not the other way around...and I thankfully praise Him for that.
If it were just up to our children...we'd be in trouble! And, we'd fail as parents! We'd sit around nervous all of the time biting our fingernails and hoping that they will make the right decisions and turn out all right in the end. Hoping that they will accept and do the right thing. That's kind of what we are saying about God when we put ourselves in the driver seat of our own salvation. We are saying that our Heavenly Father is sitting up there wringing His hands, biting His nails, worrying and watching us hoping that we will come to Him, hoping that we won't make to many bad decisions while we're down here, hoping that we'll turn out all right, hoping that His plan didn't fail and that His only Son didn't die in vain and that we will accept Him into our hearts. How does this even make sense at all?! Our God is not just sitting on the side lines like a spectator at some sports event...He's in the game! He's our coach, He's our trainer, He's our cheerleader, and He's the star player! He is in full control!!! His plans do not fail, there is no other options or a plan B.
So, what does this mean? I believe that only through an act of God was I able to come to Him. I believe it was solely God, and no work of myself that I was convicted of my sin, repented, and then put my faith and trust in Christ alone. It wasn't a "special prayer" that I recited along with others during a ritualistic act of "accepting Jesus into my heart", it wasn't the drawing of special emotionally charged music as I made my way to kneel down during an alter call...No, it was God. All God, taking mercy on me...opening my heart to what a wretch I was, an unforgiven sinner headed for an eternity apart from Him, a totally depraved sinner in spite of any good deeds I may have performed, a sinner who desperately needed a savior! Then, and only then was I able to see.
Ok, so I'm saved now...will I ever sin again? YEPPERS!!! But, it will hurt me when I do! Not like an, "Oh man, I totally just made a boo-boo again, oops, my bad!" But, a true and sincere sorrow that I have just yet again sinned against my holy God. And, the sins should be less frequent and harder to accomplish! Just like your own children...once they know what is right and what is wrong, they eventually start to want to please you by doing what is right and what will not hurt you by disobeying you. They will start to feel upset when they let you down, and have a true and sincere sorrow for going against you and being disobedient. They will strive to please you by choosing to do what's right.
A child just isn't born with the knowledge to do what's right...they need their parents to teach them, to discipline them, to nurture them, to shepherd them, to show them the way they should go. We would never expect them to figure it out all on their own...We would never leave them to just fend for themselves...Why would God leave us to ourselves?
Well, I started that book...and got distracted by the kids...but then started again, only to be distracted again, and then started it again. Which means...I obviously changed my mind and realized that I truly did need this book!
This is such a great book! Not only does it help with resolving unwanted behavior, but it gets to the heart of the problem...which is, the "problem of the heart". It helps us remember that our children; as cute and as precious as they are, are also smaller versions of ourselves...SINNERS...yep, they are a bunch of sinners! Teenie, tiny, little sinners! I think sometimes we actually fail to realize this. And, it's our jobs as parents to help them fight against those sinful desires. This is no easy task! Have you ever noticed that you don't have to teach a child to be selfish...they know already how to be selfish, from stinkin' day one! It's natural for them to be "me-oriented". But, we DO have to teach them to share, to be nice, to care about the feelings of others, etc...TOTAL DEPRAVITY!!! That's what it is...total stinkin' depravity!
That's just like us! We (us adults, and human beings in general) are totally depraved! But, God in His mercy has taken us and shown us the "right way". He poured His grace upon us and opened our eyes and our hearts to what is true. It took Him to change us, to change me. Would we just know to come to the Lord without Him? I don't think we could, how would that even be possible for us to do? I was a totally depraved sinner. Not one desire of mine was for God. I was selfish, and "me-oriented". Did I believe in God? Sure I did...but was I living for Him? No. I mean I loved Him, right? I went to church, and even was involved in ministry, I prayed and read my Bible sometimes. But, I was still selfish, and when I sinned, I did feel bad...but then I'd sin again, and feel bad again...It was a very unnecessary cycle! It took God to say to me, "No!" Just as we as parents say to our own children..."No! Don't do that, don't touch that, don't say that!"
So, how dare I take credit for who I am...how dare I take credit for coming to God all on my own! Like my children, I needed my Father to love me enough to take me, show me and teach me the way that is true and right. I needed Him to accept me, not the other way around...and I thankfully praise Him for that.
If it were just up to our children...we'd be in trouble! And, we'd fail as parents! We'd sit around nervous all of the time biting our fingernails and hoping that they will make the right decisions and turn out all right in the end. Hoping that they will accept and do the right thing. That's kind of what we are saying about God when we put ourselves in the driver seat of our own salvation. We are saying that our Heavenly Father is sitting up there wringing His hands, biting His nails, worrying and watching us hoping that we will come to Him, hoping that we won't make to many bad decisions while we're down here, hoping that we'll turn out all right, hoping that His plan didn't fail and that His only Son didn't die in vain and that we will accept Him into our hearts. How does this even make sense at all?! Our God is not just sitting on the side lines like a spectator at some sports event...He's in the game! He's our coach, He's our trainer, He's our cheerleader, and He's the star player! He is in full control!!! His plans do not fail, there is no other options or a plan B.
So, what does this mean? I believe that only through an act of God was I able to come to Him. I believe it was solely God, and no work of myself that I was convicted of my sin, repented, and then put my faith and trust in Christ alone. It wasn't a "special prayer" that I recited along with others during a ritualistic act of "accepting Jesus into my heart", it wasn't the drawing of special emotionally charged music as I made my way to kneel down during an alter call...No, it was God. All God, taking mercy on me...opening my heart to what a wretch I was, an unforgiven sinner headed for an eternity apart from Him, a totally depraved sinner in spite of any good deeds I may have performed, a sinner who desperately needed a savior! Then, and only then was I able to see.
Ok, so I'm saved now...will I ever sin again? YEPPERS!!! But, it will hurt me when I do! Not like an, "Oh man, I totally just made a boo-boo again, oops, my bad!" But, a true and sincere sorrow that I have just yet again sinned against my holy God. And, the sins should be less frequent and harder to accomplish! Just like your own children...once they know what is right and what is wrong, they eventually start to want to please you by doing what is right and what will not hurt you by disobeying you. They will start to feel upset when they let you down, and have a true and sincere sorrow for going against you and being disobedient. They will strive to please you by choosing to do what's right.
A child just isn't born with the knowledge to do what's right...they need their parents to teach them, to discipline them, to nurture them, to shepherd them, to show them the way they should go. We would never expect them to figure it out all on their own...We would never leave them to just fend for themselves...Why would God leave us to ourselves?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Come to Jesus...Chris Rice
Oh how I just love this song!
What a wonderful reminder that no matter what we are going through, happiness or sadness, worries or struggles...Come to Jesus!
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
~Matthew 11:28
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burdens lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain...so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
What a wonderful reminder that no matter what we are going through, happiness or sadness, worries or struggles...Come to Jesus!
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
~Matthew 11:28
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burdens lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain...so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glory's side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Alive Again...
Late have I loved you.
Beauty at once so ancient and so new.
Too late have I loved you.
You were within, and I was without, and I searched the world for you.
Clumsily, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things you have made.
You were with me, but I was not with you.
Things kept me far from you, even though they were not at all unless they were in you. You called to me; You cried aloud to me; You broke through my barrier of deafness.
You shone upon me; Your radiance enveloped me; You put my blindness to flight.
You shed your fragrance about me; I drew breath and now I gasp for You; tasted You and now I hunger and thirst for You.
You touched me and I burned for Your Peace.
~St. Augustine ~Confessions
Beauty at once so ancient and so new.
Too late have I loved you.
You were within, and I was without, and I searched the world for you.
Clumsily, I rushed heedlessly among the lovely things you have made.
You were with me, but I was not with you.
Things kept me far from you, even though they were not at all unless they were in you. You called to me; You cried aloud to me; You broke through my barrier of deafness.
You shone upon me; Your radiance enveloped me; You put my blindness to flight.
You shed your fragrance about me; I drew breath and now I gasp for You; tasted You and now I hunger and thirst for You.
You touched me and I burned for Your Peace.
~St. Augustine ~Confessions
Friday, October 2, 2009
31 Ways To Pray For My Children...
I haven't posted in a while...We've been quite busy with our brand new, very first year of home schooling! Wow! It hasn't been very long yet, but WOW!!! That's all there really is to say! Ok, stressful...there's another word...wait, insane...ummm...crazy...very time consuming...your house work will suffer...your family will think you've lost it!
I wanted to quit after week one! I cried and cried...I thought, "How in the world am I actually going to be able to do this?! I can't do this, this is crazy!" But, then I realized I was actually right! I CAN'T do this...But, God CAN!
We prayed long and hard about the decision to home school and God provided the way...There were a ton of obstacles, hoops to jump through, brick walls, hills to climb, etc...But, when I finally let go and trusted in Him...Ta-Da! That was it, He provided in the most amazing ways! (One of the ways was, a super-duper abosolutely wonderful Titus 2 woman allowed herself to be used as a blessing to a family in need...I thank and praise God for her!)
Well, we were so super excited when we had all of our materials and curriculum! The first day we were like giddy "school girls" (hehehe...get it? Silly school girls? We home school...we're ummm...ok, never mind!) Then...DUN-DUN-DUN...the regular day-to-day responsibilities started pouring into my dream world of perfect home schooling!
AHHHH...was my first thought!
Second, I had a mini nervous break down and a mild heart attack!
Then third, I freaked out on my family like any kind, loving, peaceful, and gentle mom and wife would!
Then forth, and lastly, I freaked out on God! I locked myself in my room and prayed soooooooooooooooo hard! I told Him of the many reasons this was a huge mistake and how there was no way I could continue on this "task of insanity"! I asked Him how and why He would allow me (a nervous wreck) to even consider home schooling let alone start it?! There was much more I said to Him, until all of a sudden I realized I was just talking, talking, talking...talking at Him...Him...my Lord...my Lord that gave me breath, that gave me my beautiful children, that gave me the ability and the opportunity to home school, that broke through every single obstacle that stood in our way and made it possible...a true miracle! I felt so convicted! How dare I come to Him and doubt Him! How dare I question Him in such a way! Where was my faith and my trust in Him? Gone because I was having a bad day?! How dare I!
I just knelt there at my bed and quietly cried. I realized I couldn't do it...NOT without HIM who gives me strength!
That is our home school verse now..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Now, I know I can't go around claiming that verse for EVERYTHING! I mean; I can't yell it while I'm getting ready to jump off a cliff and hope to fly because I really believe I can do ALL things with Christ...like fly. That would just be crazy!
Anyway, if you would have asked me a couple weeks ago if home schooling was a good idea, I would have probably laughed hysterically like someone who should be locked up in an insane asylum, looked at you with eyes bulging and most likely twitching too, and said,
"AHHHHHHHHHH...Only if you enjoy having nervous break downs every single day and all day long! Only if the stress of every day life just isn't enough for you and you really desire a whole lot more! Only if you really enjoy the thought of wanting to beat your head against a wall! Only if you want to not only tear all your hair out, but also rip your brains out through your ears...than sure...do it!"
But, now I'd say..."Trust in the Lord, pray a ton, love God and your children more then your fear and do it!"
P.S. I am still crazy, but I'm trusting my God!
Ok, Now with ALL of that...I stole the following posting below from my sister. I soooo LOVE this! It's a wonderful reminder of how we should pray for our children...your's, mine, and our's...ALL of them...
Please feel free to steal, copy and paste this also...and pass it along!
31 Ways To Pray For My Children...
1) salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).
2) growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).
3) love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).
4) honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT).
5) self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
6) a love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).
7) justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).
8) mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).
9) respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).
10) strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).
11) faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).
12) courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
13) purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).
14) kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
15) generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
16) peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).
17) joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
18) perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).
19) humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).
20) compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).
21) responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).
22) contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).
23) faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).
24) a servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).
25) hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).
26) the willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).
27) a passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).
28) self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).
29) prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).
30) gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).
31) a heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).
*** Thank you Stephanie for these 31 Prayers! ***
I wanted to quit after week one! I cried and cried...I thought, "How in the world am I actually going to be able to do this?! I can't do this, this is crazy!" But, then I realized I was actually right! I CAN'T do this...But, God CAN!
We prayed long and hard about the decision to home school and God provided the way...There were a ton of obstacles, hoops to jump through, brick walls, hills to climb, etc...But, when I finally let go and trusted in Him...Ta-Da! That was it, He provided in the most amazing ways! (One of the ways was, a super-duper abosolutely wonderful Titus 2 woman allowed herself to be used as a blessing to a family in need...I thank and praise God for her!)
Well, we were so super excited when we had all of our materials and curriculum! The first day we were like giddy "school girls" (hehehe...get it? Silly school girls? We home school...we're ummm...ok, never mind!) Then...DUN-DUN-DUN...the regular day-to-day responsibilities started pouring into my dream world of perfect home schooling!
AHHHH...was my first thought!
Second, I had a mini nervous break down and a mild heart attack!
Then third, I freaked out on my family like any kind, loving, peaceful, and gentle mom and wife would!
Then forth, and lastly, I freaked out on God! I locked myself in my room and prayed soooooooooooooooo hard! I told Him of the many reasons this was a huge mistake and how there was no way I could continue on this "task of insanity"! I asked Him how and why He would allow me (a nervous wreck) to even consider home schooling let alone start it?! There was much more I said to Him, until all of a sudden I realized I was just talking, talking, talking...talking at Him...Him...my Lord...my Lord that gave me breath, that gave me my beautiful children, that gave me the ability and the opportunity to home school, that broke through every single obstacle that stood in our way and made it possible...a true miracle! I felt so convicted! How dare I come to Him and doubt Him! How dare I question Him in such a way! Where was my faith and my trust in Him? Gone because I was having a bad day?! How dare I!
I just knelt there at my bed and quietly cried. I realized I couldn't do it...NOT without HIM who gives me strength!
That is our home school verse now..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Now, I know I can't go around claiming that verse for EVERYTHING! I mean; I can't yell it while I'm getting ready to jump off a cliff and hope to fly because I really believe I can do ALL things with Christ...like fly. That would just be crazy!
Anyway, if you would have asked me a couple weeks ago if home schooling was a good idea, I would have probably laughed hysterically like someone who should be locked up in an insane asylum, looked at you with eyes bulging and most likely twitching too, and said,
"AHHHHHHHHHH...Only if you enjoy having nervous break downs every single day and all day long! Only if the stress of every day life just isn't enough for you and you really desire a whole lot more! Only if you really enjoy the thought of wanting to beat your head against a wall! Only if you want to not only tear all your hair out, but also rip your brains out through your ears...than sure...do it!"
But, now I'd say..."Trust in the Lord, pray a ton, love God and your children more then your fear and do it!"
P.S. I am still crazy, but I'm trusting my God!
Ok, Now with ALL of that...I stole the following posting below from my sister. I soooo LOVE this! It's a wonderful reminder of how we should pray for our children...your's, mine, and our's...ALL of them...
Please feel free to steal, copy and paste this also...and pass it along!
31 Ways To Pray For My Children...
1) salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).
2) growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).
3) love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).
4) honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21, NLT).
5) self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
6) a love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).
7) justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).
8) mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).
9) respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).
10) strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).
11) faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).
12) courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
13) purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).
14) kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
15) generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
16) peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).
17) joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
18) perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).
19) humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).
20) compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).
21) responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).
22) contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).
23) faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).
24) a servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7, KJV).
25) hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).
26) the willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).
27) a passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8, KJV).
28) self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).
29) prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).
30) gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).
31) a heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).
*** Thank you Stephanie for these 31 Prayers! ***
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