Tonight our children dress up, go out in the night-door to door, and hope to get a basket full of treats...Does it put a check in your spirit??? Is it right as a christian parent to endorse this tradition?
The other day as I was watching our elementary school Halloween parade, one of my friends said, "Don't you think it is ironic that the schools allow our children to celebrate Halloween and don't let them have a Christmas party or Christmas vacation... its now called Winter Break..."
I agree so much with her... It is so sad! The world we live in is changing... How do we protect and teach our children... Do we still let them dress up? Individually, we each have to make our own choice... that's Why God gave us free will and we can make the choice.
Here in our home town our local church puts on a Harvest Festival on Halloween, lots of fun and a chance to show the community our love as christians. It's fun, save and family friendly. Everyone is welcome. I think it is our job as christians to show God's love where we live. We can pray for them as well as our own family on this day where tradition celebrates being something we possibly shouldn't be.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”- 1 Peter 5:8-9
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
When time allows...
Do we really put God first?? As a God fearing woman, I would like to of course say yes... But the truth is...somedays God is only first when it's convenient. The good news is,we still have a chance each day to make a change.
How can we do that? First make a commitment to God and to yourself. Start each morning with a conversation with your Lord. Pray, it's simple... Just talk to him, tell him what's on your heart. He will always listen.
Ok, so now you've done that... Open your bible, put it somewhere you can see several times a day. Bookmark your favorite bible tool, website, daily scripture and christian music on your computer.
It's easy to get distracted! But the more time you spend with Him, the easier it gets. As women, we have a lot to do,,, We tend to over commit, then we get stressed...It's a choice, it's ok to say no... Start today, Make that choice!
Proverbs 9:10 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
How can we do that? First make a commitment to God and to yourself. Start each morning with a conversation with your Lord. Pray, it's simple... Just talk to him, tell him what's on your heart. He will always listen.
Ok, so now you've done that... Open your bible, put it somewhere you can see several times a day. Bookmark your favorite bible tool, website, daily scripture and christian music on your computer.
It's easy to get distracted! But the more time you spend with Him, the easier it gets. As women, we have a lot to do,,, We tend to over commit, then we get stressed...It's a choice, it's ok to say no... Start today, Make that choice!
Proverbs 9:10 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Going Through The Motions
Are you just going through the motions in life...Getting by day by day? Doing things, just to get it done?
Yesterday as I was driving, listening to the radio..Just listening with one ear, while thinking of the day ahead and all that was going to unfold in a typically busy day.
A song came on the radio that struck a chord... It made me change my focus to the strings that where attached so tightly to my heart. I heard the words "I dont care if I BREAK at least I'll be feeling something." Do you ever feel that way?? Alot of days I do...Life is to busy, so consuming with worldly things.
So I continued to listen...and then "Gotta make a change" flew from the speakers to my soul....As a woman,,, and a christian we all feel that...
Then, like something I want to cry out to my Lord.."Cause just ok is not enough, help me fight through the nothingness of life"... I thought to myself,, Is that what it is?? Nothingness, Just ok??? Was it an emptyness... The fight is on.. Satan trying to make us feel like we are nothing, empty, just ok...But our Lord is so faithful,, He is always is there, by our side showing us we are so special and important to Him...He gave everything for us..John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
And then the chorus..."I don't wanna go throught the motions, I don't want to go one more day without your all consuming passion inside of me....
I don't to spend my whole life asking what if I had given everything, instead of going throught the motions."..
I don't want to look back and remember my life as just going through the motions... That is a trap we too easily get into... How do we avoid the trap? Focus on the Lord, Have quiet time with Him. Ask him for guidance. Do everything with intention and purpose. When you feel like you're "just going through the motions", stop and refocus. God is at your side, ready to head you down the right path... a path with purpose.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
The song,,,Matthew West-The Motions
YouTube - Matthew West - The Motions OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO + Lyrics!
Yesterday as I was driving, listening to the radio..Just listening with one ear, while thinking of the day ahead and all that was going to unfold in a typically busy day.
A song came on the radio that struck a chord... It made me change my focus to the strings that where attached so tightly to my heart. I heard the words "I dont care if I BREAK at least I'll be feeling something." Do you ever feel that way?? Alot of days I do...Life is to busy, so consuming with worldly things.
So I continued to listen...and then "Gotta make a change" flew from the speakers to my soul....As a woman,,, and a christian we all feel that...
Then, like something I want to cry out to my Lord.."Cause just ok is not enough, help me fight through the nothingness of life"... I thought to myself,, Is that what it is?? Nothingness, Just ok??? Was it an emptyness... The fight is on.. Satan trying to make us feel like we are nothing, empty, just ok...But our Lord is so faithful,, He is always is there, by our side showing us we are so special and important to Him...He gave everything for us..John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
And then the chorus..."I don't wanna go throught the motions, I don't want to go one more day without your all consuming passion inside of me....
I don't to spend my whole life asking what if I had given everything, instead of going throught the motions."..
I don't want to look back and remember my life as just going through the motions... That is a trap we too easily get into... How do we avoid the trap? Focus on the Lord, Have quiet time with Him. Ask him for guidance. Do everything with intention and purpose. When you feel like you're "just going through the motions", stop and refocus. God is at your side, ready to head you down the right path... a path with purpose.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails
Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
The song,,,Matthew West-The Motions
YouTube - Matthew West - The Motions OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO + Lyrics!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tug-A-War Warrior
Today I was reminiscing over many of the conversations I have had with so many sweet christian girlfriends. I have noticed lately many of us feel like we are being pulled in opposite directons... Like maybe we are the "ROPE" in a tug-a-war...OR... We're at one end of the rope holding on for dear life....
It seems like some days we are pulled in every direction by everyone! How can we get it all done and make everyone happy???? Our kids need us,,,They need rides from here to there, help with homework, runny noses, sore throats,,, they got in trouble at school, what about finding lost articles(anyone find a shoe lately?), making sure they have lunch packed, clean clothes...aruguing with siblings.. and your day has just begun!
What about our husbands... "Honey do you know where my_________ is?", "When will you be home?", "What's for dinner?" And the greatest of all..."What did you do today?"...Not to mention our intimate issues,,, thats just a whole story on its own!
Friends,,, Did you say...Do I have any or do I have time for one??? I have friends who seriously need me( I think)... We talk about everything and console each other... What if you don't meet up to her standards?? Or, your kids cross the line..What if your are a great friend,,, We all need that,,, but it does take time... How could we possibly fit a shopping day in or just a lunch date?
Work... Well, if you are lucky enough to work at home,,, that's alot of work! Sometimes there is more expectation on those of us who have the much esteemed position of "Domestic Engineer"....lol. Whether we place the expectations on ourselves or our family does, it's way more than a full time job! If you work outside the home,, do you still do the much famed domestic engineering job at home,,, where do you find the time or is it just half done...And at your "home away from home" job,,, how do you hold it all together... Do you even get to work on time??? That's definately a stress!
Many years ago, I was so busy trying to hold my time management skills together,,, I looked down at my watch as I was trying for once to have "a moment to myself" enjoying some sunshine, a magazine and some peace and quiet. I realized I was 1/2 hour late picking my daughter up from school... She's 25 now and she still never lets me forget it...!
Well girlfriend, Don't be at the end of your rope!! God is on your team, and he is holding your rope when you can't, He's pulling for you when you don't have the strength! Read these following scriptures to lift yourself up!
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Psalm 3:3
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
Psalm 145:14
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
We are all in this together...For a good laugh,,, check out this video by Anita Renfroe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXgoJ0f5EsQ
It seems like some days we are pulled in every direction by everyone! How can we get it all done and make everyone happy???? Our kids need us,,,They need rides from here to there, help with homework, runny noses, sore throats,,, they got in trouble at school, what about finding lost articles(anyone find a shoe lately?), making sure they have lunch packed, clean clothes...aruguing with siblings.. and your day has just begun!
What about our husbands... "Honey do you know where my_________ is?", "When will you be home?", "What's for dinner?" And the greatest of all..."What did you do today?"...Not to mention our intimate issues,,, thats just a whole story on its own!
Friends,,, Did you say...Do I have any or do I have time for one??? I have friends who seriously need me( I think)... We talk about everything and console each other... What if you don't meet up to her standards?? Or, your kids cross the line..What if your are a great friend,,, We all need that,,, but it does take time... How could we possibly fit a shopping day in or just a lunch date?
Work... Well, if you are lucky enough to work at home,,, that's alot of work! Sometimes there is more expectation on those of us who have the much esteemed position of "Domestic Engineer"....lol. Whether we place the expectations on ourselves or our family does, it's way more than a full time job! If you work outside the home,, do you still do the much famed domestic engineering job at home,,, where do you find the time or is it just half done...And at your "home away from home" job,,, how do you hold it all together... Do you even get to work on time??? That's definately a stress!
Many years ago, I was so busy trying to hold my time management skills together,,, I looked down at my watch as I was trying for once to have "a moment to myself" enjoying some sunshine, a magazine and some peace and quiet. I realized I was 1/2 hour late picking my daughter up from school... She's 25 now and she still never lets me forget it...!
Well girlfriend, Don't be at the end of your rope!! God is on your team, and he is holding your rope when you can't, He's pulling for you when you don't have the strength! Read these following scriptures to lift yourself up!
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Psalm 3:3
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
Psalm 145:14
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
We are all in this together...For a good laugh,,, check out this video by Anita Renfroe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXgoJ0f5EsQ
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Mom Marathon
1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Have you ever felt like you've just run a marathon?? On an average day I get up around 6:30am and get ready for the day... Drop my daughter off at school, which is like starting the day off in a SPRINT. Within a few minutes of pulling out of the school parking lot I arrive at work and up the stairs I go to the 3rd floor ...One of many times...
My job??? Well I think of it as an average girl job, technically I am the billing supervisor and HR person for a small isp. Up and down the stairs I go, to do daily tasks like post office and bank runs. Then its lunchtime... Did I mention on these marathon days it always seem like my daughter forgets her lunch or I have to run to the store for those much needed items...Maybe its a doctors appointment or on the best days I just have enough time to run home, start dinner, pick up the house a little, pay some bills, make an important call, take the dogs out and do all this while swallowing my lunch whole : )...Then back to work...up and down those dreaded stairs...
Then... to a basketball game,,,just barely SKIDDING in! Of course this all usually happens on a Wednesday,,,the one day I lead bible study,, not just any bible study,,,but a Beth Moore study (currently Esther) and if you have ever done a Beth Moore study...well, I need say no more...So,, off to bible study I go...6pm...
Head home about 8pm, usually to find the house in a bit of a mess. Time to pick up, make sure homework is done, start some laundry, listen to messages, and return calls...and all this as dinner, which is just in name only, is being chewed so gracefully : )...COLLAPSE on the couch and watch a bit of t.v. then it's off to bed somewhere around midnight...
Throughout the day PRAYERS are sprinkled in, asking for Gods help in many ways and thanking him for being by my side during my RACE. In the evenings I have my time with God and my Beth Moore Bible Study. Bedtime prayers...honestly some nights I only make it as far as..Father please forgive...then I'm asleep... not the best prayer ... but I know God Loves me!
Just one day in the Adventures of An Average Christian Woman!
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Have you ever felt like you've just run a marathon?? On an average day I get up around 6:30am and get ready for the day... Drop my daughter off at school, which is like starting the day off in a SPRINT. Within a few minutes of pulling out of the school parking lot I arrive at work and up the stairs I go to the 3rd floor ...One of many times...
My job??? Well I think of it as an average girl job, technically I am the billing supervisor and HR person for a small isp. Up and down the stairs I go, to do daily tasks like post office and bank runs. Then its lunchtime... Did I mention on these marathon days it always seem like my daughter forgets her lunch or I have to run to the store for those much needed items...Maybe its a doctors appointment or on the best days I just have enough time to run home, start dinner, pick up the house a little, pay some bills, make an important call, take the dogs out and do all this while swallowing my lunch whole : )...Then back to work...up and down those dreaded stairs...
Then... to a basketball game,,,just barely SKIDDING in! Of course this all usually happens on a Wednesday,,,the one day I lead bible study,, not just any bible study,,,but a Beth Moore study (currently Esther) and if you have ever done a Beth Moore study...well, I need say no more...So,, off to bible study I go...6pm...
Head home about 8pm, usually to find the house in a bit of a mess. Time to pick up, make sure homework is done, start some laundry, listen to messages, and return calls...and all this as dinner, which is just in name only, is being chewed so gracefully : )...COLLAPSE on the couch and watch a bit of t.v. then it's off to bed somewhere around midnight...
Throughout the day PRAYERS are sprinkled in, asking for Gods help in many ways and thanking him for being by my side during my RACE. In the evenings I have my time with God and my Beth Moore Bible Study. Bedtime prayers...honestly some nights I only make it as far as..Father please forgive...then I'm asleep... not the best prayer ... but I know God Loves me!
Just one day in the Adventures of An Average Christian Woman!
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