Two posts ago I wrote concerning day three of my Biblical Daniel detox.
But, before we start, let's review. In 1 Daniel, he instructed the cooking staff to stop giving him and his friends "King's food" and instead to only give them vegetables and water at meal time for ten days. He hoped that during this detox time that he would become more healthy and more active. And, as says the scripture, it worked! And he looked thinner and felt more energetic to perform more tasks throughout the day.
Day three for me went off without a hitch. I was worried about the sweet tooth coming to bite me in the ass, but it never did.
And from that, I was thinking that I would make it easy breezy all the way through until day 10 of the detox since I made it through the "hardest day."
But, as figured, I hit a snag.
The snag was, the weekend!
I should have prepared myself better by having lots of food readily available for me to eat and then readily available for my husband to eat as well (he isn't detoxing!). And I hit a pitfall when we woke up late on Saturday morning and went out for an early lunch.
And what was even worse, I didn't even know I was doing it!
It didn't hit me that I was still on the detox until midway through lunch I went, "Oh my goodness honey! I am not suppose to be eating this!!!"
His response you ask?
"Ah, oh, you still are on that?"
So, yes, yes, I cheated.
Boo to the evil weekend.
But good news! I really enjoyed my week-day detoxing. Can you believe that? I enjoyed a diet?
I don't know what it was, but detoxing in this way made me more aware of Christ.
Let me explain.
Everytime I wanted to take the easy road and eat out at a fast food place instead of cook dinner or just eat a bag of something instead of a celery stick, my mind went to Christ and why I was committed to not taking the easy road.
When thoughts of ultimate cheeseburger goodness came to my mind, I thought of Christ.
So even though I majorly failed at the fool-proof 10-day detox diet of nothing but vegetables (yes, no butter, no oil, no sauces, no dressings, just VEGETABLES!) and water - I am going to try to remain on this eating plan during Lent - and only during the weekdays, weekends if I am feeling frisky!
What's Lent you ask?
Well, in brief, Lent is the 40 day period before Easter. It actually kicks off next Wednesday the 9th. (Mardi Gras [or "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday" as we call it at church] is the day before Lent starts, and came to play because it is everyone's last chance to party and eat really bad food and drink really good, eerrr, bad drinks before lent.)
The time of Lent symbolizes the 40 day fast and temptation from the devil that Jesus underwent in the wilderness right before his capture, torture, and death. (Check it out in Matthew Chapter 4.)
One thing is for sure, I won't be going on the "Temptation Diet" (of just water, which Jesus did during his time in the wilderness). But, I think I will stick with the Daniel diet during this period.
Lent is suppose to be a time of fasting, repenting, and devotion. It's suppose to help us cleanse our minds and bodies in preparing of the celebration of Easter.
And that's part of what the Daniel Detox is all about too.
Some people "give up" something or the opposite "starting something" for lent. This is suppose to help us with our goal of "fasting" or sacrifice. I remember in the fourth grade I "gave up" birthday cake. I thought I was being pretty sly by giving this up, I mean how many birthday parties can one kid go to in a month's time?
(Nine, actually.)
I could hear God's laughter all the way down here every time I got an invitation in the mail.
You know, that devil dude is a pretty smart guy. His first temptation was offering Jesus a loaf of bread. The worst thing to offer to a guy who has had nothing but water for the last five weeks is food!
But, Jesus, being the great man that he is, refused the bread. And was able to withstand two more very tempting temptations from satan.
What a role model our Jesus is.
Monday, February 28, 2011
To Be A Proverbs 31 Wife
I have been going on a lot lately about the "Proverbs 31" woman. But, what does this scripture really tell us wives to be like?
Here is my interpretation of it, line by line...
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
How true is this?! A noble wife is hard to find these days.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
Her husband can trust her and since she has never let him down, she is valued.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
John Wesley, the founder of the United Methodist Movement, came up with three simple rules for Christian living. They are: Do no harm, do good, and honor God. This part of scripture reminds me of that. To do no harm to her husband. Doing no harm by remaining faithful to him, by caring for his children, by respecting his household, and by honoring him.
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
The noble wife selects, (rather than "gets" or "pulls") wool and flax for her family. She is a mindful shopper and carefully picks what she thinks is best for her family. And she works with eager hands. She is eager to get the household duties completed, rather than dreading to get it done.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
A noble wife goes the distant in selecting quality goods for her household. She doesn't shop where it is convenient for her, she shops where the quality is the greatest. (I sort of think of this as going to the closest corner market when you are out of milk, and at the little market you have to buy only a half gallon because that's all they have, and it is the same price at as a full gallon from a grocery store just a few more blocks down - a noble wife takes time to be mindful when shopping for food [or I guess even going to a fast food place for dinner instead of taking time to shop for a dinner to be prepared at home.)
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
The noble wife gets up before everyone else to prep for the day and begins making her family meals for the day as well. Also, from her family's own food supply she takes portions out to feed her underlings. And, true, we don't have "underlings" or servants any more, but what is interesting to note here is that the servants are fed the same food as the family and the wife is the one who prepares it for them. So, in this passage, no household duty is too good for the wife to complete. As she serves her servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
The noble wife is a business woman. She herself sets out to purchase something and does it. And she doesn't just stop there, she grows her business by planting a vineyard which will bring in even more income to the household. And through her field and vineyard she provides the freshest food for her family.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
The noble wife goes about her work with diligence and does not slack off in her work. She completes projects 100% and her body is physically able to help her make that possible.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
Her business is so successful that while she rests at night it still continues on and brings in income even while she sleeps. This is of course true if she is a field owner, as the crops continue to grow even at night. But really it applies to all types of work and that she doesn't have to find new work each day to bring in income but instead has a steady and stable career.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She knows how to use tools properly for work.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
A noble wife cares for the lowly among us. Think about it. When you "open your arms" to the poor you are hugging them, comforting them. And when you are "extending your hands" to the needy you are reaching out and giving them things.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She is prepared for any weather, any storm, because her house is in good repair, her pantry is stocked with quality foods, and her family has warm clothing.
She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
The noble wife is able to sew and decorates her household with things which she has made. She also dresses nicely and presents herself in a royal (purple) manner.
Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
The noble wife selected marrying a fine husband. One that is respected around town and works in high regard. (Notice here that the husband works outside of the home, eventhough he could just stay at home and help his wife manage the home business that she created.)
She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
The noble wife brings in more than one source of income to her household. But, take note that every business that she has, is centered at home. Her vineyard is an extention of land adjacent from her home and her sewing business is centered at home too. She rarely goes outside of the household to complete her work (sell the items) so that her main focus is always centered around her household.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She is of noble character and since she brings in several sources of income to her household (and her husband does as well) she looks forward to the future. (Her financial planning is set.)
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
The noble wife speaks only of wisdom, faith, and instruction. She doesn't waste her breath on gossip, slander, or ill words. When she speaks, she speaks with meaning.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
She is always watching over the household duties (both of chores and of the home businesses) and does not grow lazy in her many duties and keeps on top of everything.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
Her children honor her.
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
And, so does her husband. He also takes note that his wife is tops.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
To learn more about the Proverbs 31 wife, be sure to visit the website, www.proverbs31.org!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Dreadful Day Three
Well. Here it is. Day three of the nothing but vegetables and water Biblical Daniel diet.
And through all the blogs and internet pages I have read regarding the Daniel diet, day three is the worst because you crave sweets and lots of food.
The past two days have not been as bad as I thought they would be. The only time that I felt like throwing in the towel was at meal times. You know, smelling all the yummy food my husband was making in the kitchen as I try to cover my nose all the way at the other end of the house.
I have found that if I eat before I get hungry than I am better off at not trying to break the diet. So instead of eating dinner at 5:30pm, I eat at 4:45pm so by the time my husband gets home to get his dinner, I am already full.
If you can call it full.
In the Daniel diet, he said that he felt so great and so alive eating just vegetables and water.
I think I am doing something wrong!
I have no energy. My stomach hurts. I'm moody. I'm, well,
On another diet.
But this time I doing this diet for God. Daniel was a very Godly man and after he did his detox his said that his relationship with God was outta the roof wonderful.
Well. Wish me luck for the weekend ahead! That is when the REAL temptation will begin.
And through all the blogs and internet pages I have read regarding the Daniel diet, day three is the worst because you crave sweets and lots of food.
The past two days have not been as bad as I thought they would be. The only time that I felt like throwing in the towel was at meal times. You know, smelling all the yummy food my husband was making in the kitchen as I try to cover my nose all the way at the other end of the house.
I have found that if I eat before I get hungry than I am better off at not trying to break the diet. So instead of eating dinner at 5:30pm, I eat at 4:45pm so by the time my husband gets home to get his dinner, I am already full.
If you can call it full.
In the Daniel diet, he said that he felt so great and so alive eating just vegetables and water.
I think I am doing something wrong!
I have no energy. My stomach hurts. I'm moody. I'm, well,
On another diet.
But this time I doing this diet for God. Daniel was a very Godly man and after he did his detox his said that his relationship with God was outta the roof wonderful.
Well. Wish me luck for the weekend ahead! That is when the REAL temptation will begin.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Daniel's "D" Word
I have mentioned before that I am working through a 90-day challenge on being the woman as described in Proverbs 31. I also mentioned that some of the chapters I felt were a big joke in that the author in week three comes out and says, "Okay, today, you will start a ten day diet like Daniel did, of nothing by vegetables and water."
And, that's it! No, warning, no, heads-up, no encouragement. No, nothing!
Needless to say I laughed that chapter off and decided to read on ahead not thinking I was going to look back.
How could I go 10 days, over a week, without iced tea, bread, fruit, meat, and for goodness sake, I would even be sad that I couldn't eat oatmeal!
Last week I made a mental note of how many times my husband and I ate out - breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I counted them all. And you know what?
We ate out 9 times last week.
9 TIMES!?
And you know, well, probably you don't, but I know, that none of those 9 times were "healthy" choices.
I could lose a few pounds. Ok. More than a few.
But, I hate not being able to eat what I want when I want, and I especially hate that ugly "d" word, diet.
It doesn't work for me.
I think I can hang in there for a week of dieting on that cabbage soup diet, or the spicy lemonade detox, and I go out and spend way more than I would eating out every day and by the third day I throw in the towel.
How lame.
I am a child a God. I can accomplish all things through Christ Jesus.
Even going through a diet from start to finish.
So, here I am. Day 1 of the "Daniel's Diet" 10 day detox of nothing by vegetables and water.
I am pretty hungry, already. And, I am already dreaming of an ultimate cheeseburger from Jack in the Box. Maybe even two at this point.
It is 11:15am on day 1 and I have had one cup of smashed yam (nothing on the yam) and a glass of lemon water. In about an hour, I will go a little crazy and have some carrots, beans, and celery sticks. Then at dinner I will enjoy an artichoke! (I am really looking forward to that actually!)
I will keep you posted on my status. Going to go weigh myself this afternoon and keep score of how much weight I will have lost over the 10 day period.
But, I keep reminding myself. This is a good thing! I won't die from this and in the end I actually will feel better and look better too.
And if I really am striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman, I have to succeed in this. I can't have food run my life. From here on out, my new motto is that I eat to live not live to eat!
Daniel Chapter 1 Verse 12 and On
"Try us out for ten days on a simple diet of vegetables and water. Then compare us with the young men who eat from the royal menu. Make your decision on the basis of what you see."
14-16 The steward agreed to do it and fed them vegetables and water for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked better and more robust than all the others who had been eating from the royal menu. So the steward continued to exempt them from the royal menu of food and drink and served them only vegetables.
17-19 God gave these four young men knowledge and skill in both books and life. In addition, Daniel was gifted in understanding all sorts of visions and dreams.
And, that's it! No, warning, no, heads-up, no encouragement. No, nothing!
Needless to say I laughed that chapter off and decided to read on ahead not thinking I was going to look back.
How could I go 10 days, over a week, without iced tea, bread, fruit, meat, and for goodness sake, I would even be sad that I couldn't eat oatmeal!
Last week I made a mental note of how many times my husband and I ate out - breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I counted them all. And you know what?
We ate out 9 times last week.
9 TIMES!?
And you know, well, probably you don't, but I know, that none of those 9 times were "healthy" choices.
I could lose a few pounds. Ok. More than a few.
But, I hate not being able to eat what I want when I want, and I especially hate that ugly "d" word, diet.
It doesn't work for me.
I think I can hang in there for a week of dieting on that cabbage soup diet, or the spicy lemonade detox, and I go out and spend way more than I would eating out every day and by the third day I throw in the towel.
How lame.
I am a child a God. I can accomplish all things through Christ Jesus.
Even going through a diet from start to finish.
So, here I am. Day 1 of the "Daniel's Diet" 10 day detox of nothing by vegetables and water.
I am pretty hungry, already. And, I am already dreaming of an ultimate cheeseburger from Jack in the Box. Maybe even two at this point.
It is 11:15am on day 1 and I have had one cup of smashed yam (nothing on the yam) and a glass of lemon water. In about an hour, I will go a little crazy and have some carrots, beans, and celery sticks. Then at dinner I will enjoy an artichoke! (I am really looking forward to that actually!)
I will keep you posted on my status. Going to go weigh myself this afternoon and keep score of how much weight I will have lost over the 10 day period.
But, I keep reminding myself. This is a good thing! I won't die from this and in the end I actually will feel better and look better too.
And if I really am striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman, I have to succeed in this. I can't have food run my life. From here on out, my new motto is that I eat to live not live to eat!
Daniel Chapter 1 Verse 12 and On
"Try us out for ten days on a simple diet of vegetables and water. Then compare us with the young men who eat from the royal menu. Make your decision on the basis of what you see."
14-16 The steward agreed to do it and fed them vegetables and water for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked better and more robust than all the others who had been eating from the royal menu. So the steward continued to exempt them from the royal menu of food and drink and served them only vegetables.
17-19 God gave these four young men knowledge and skill in both books and life. In addition, Daniel was gifted in understanding all sorts of visions and dreams.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dream House Prayer
HGTV is once again giving away a $2 million plus dream home - this time in Vermont.
To honest with you, I forgot all about the contest until today, and wouldn't you've know it, it ends tomorrow. So much for getting as many entries in as I could before the deadline!
My family and I visited Vermont once before when I was younger. It was so beautiful! And, there was a Ben and Jerry Ice Cream Factory and a Maple Farm. That's what I remember.
But I keep thinking to myself, how cool would it be to win a super sweet pad (this one is two stories) and for it to be in Vermont?!
Super cool, that's how cool!
I guess last year there was over 400 million entries to the 2010 home giveaway. The lady that won had such a touching story and was even a Hurricane Katrina victim. I am glad that someone like that won.
I was thinking about it, and whether you play the lottery, or enter contest after contest, or go on a game show, the odds are always stacked up against you.
But why do people keep trying day after day, year after year to win when they know that there is such a slim chance of winning something?
I would venture to say because there is always that notion, that, hey, someone has to win - why not it be me?
Now, to be honest with you, I am not sure that if I won this house that my husband and I could afford to keep it. I mean, what are property taxes and utility bills on that monster of a house anyway? And being in Vermont, I am guessing that the heat bill will be crazy huge every winter.
But, don't get me wrong, I will gladly accept the challenge.
I wonder how many past winners of these huge homes ended up living in them after a year?
Would you live in that home or would you sell it in hopes of cashing in on millions?
You know, they say that you can't have faith without having hope. Maybe this is a good clue to why so many people play the lottery. They have hope and use their faith to increase their chances of winning.
Have you ever done something like that?
Try to bargain with God?
I remember in like the third grade I really wanted to go swimming with my friends but had terrible stomach pains and I just couldn't get out of the bathroom, and I bargained with God that if he let me swim I would be the perfect sister and daughter and child of God the rest of my life.
Well, needlesstosay the pains stopped. And I upheld my end of the bargain. For about half an hour.
A family member of mine has recently caught the lottery "scratcher" bug. She goes and buys scratchers with her tip money and since she wins a few dollars here and there, she thinks that she is close to winning "the big one" - but so far, no such chance.
Her technique in playing these scratchers is actually pretty hilarious to the outside eye. She comes home with a few scratchers in hand, goes straight to her room, prays for what seems like hours asking God to bless her by allowing her to win big on the sractchers before her so that she can lead a better life, and then scratches the tickets to reveal the outcomes.
But, does God really bless us by allowing us to win things?
There is a scripture out there that says that it is easier for a camel to fit through a head of a needle than for a rich person to get into heaven.
So, again, is this God that is blessings these winnings?
Oh course I have always hoped that if I was to win the lottery, or something like that to make me an instant millionaire that I would give lots of my earnings away.
But you know.
I also said that if God would take away my stomach pains in the third grade that I would become an angel.
I guess time will only tell what becomes of this assumption.
My prayer is that if I was to instantly become a millionaire that God would humble me enough to remember how to use those winnings to better His kingdom.
My goal of honoring God should not change just because my bank account grew overnight. If anything, my goals should increase.
To honest with you, I forgot all about the contest until today, and wouldn't you've know it, it ends tomorrow. So much for getting as many entries in as I could before the deadline!
My family and I visited Vermont once before when I was younger. It was so beautiful! And, there was a Ben and Jerry Ice Cream Factory and a Maple Farm. That's what I remember.
But I keep thinking to myself, how cool would it be to win a super sweet pad (this one is two stories) and for it to be in Vermont?!
Super cool, that's how cool!
I guess last year there was over 400 million entries to the 2010 home giveaway. The lady that won had such a touching story and was even a Hurricane Katrina victim. I am glad that someone like that won.
I was thinking about it, and whether you play the lottery, or enter contest after contest, or go on a game show, the odds are always stacked up against you.
But why do people keep trying day after day, year after year to win when they know that there is such a slim chance of winning something?
I would venture to say because there is always that notion, that, hey, someone has to win - why not it be me?
Now, to be honest with you, I am not sure that if I won this house that my husband and I could afford to keep it. I mean, what are property taxes and utility bills on that monster of a house anyway? And being in Vermont, I am guessing that the heat bill will be crazy huge every winter.
But, don't get me wrong, I will gladly accept the challenge.
I wonder how many past winners of these huge homes ended up living in them after a year?
Would you live in that home or would you sell it in hopes of cashing in on millions?
You know, they say that you can't have faith without having hope. Maybe this is a good clue to why so many people play the lottery. They have hope and use their faith to increase their chances of winning.
Have you ever done something like that?
Try to bargain with God?
I remember in like the third grade I really wanted to go swimming with my friends but had terrible stomach pains and I just couldn't get out of the bathroom, and I bargained with God that if he let me swim I would be the perfect sister and daughter and child of God the rest of my life.
Well, needlesstosay the pains stopped. And I upheld my end of the bargain. For about half an hour.
A family member of mine has recently caught the lottery "scratcher" bug. She goes and buys scratchers with her tip money and since she wins a few dollars here and there, she thinks that she is close to winning "the big one" - but so far, no such chance.
Her technique in playing these scratchers is actually pretty hilarious to the outside eye. She comes home with a few scratchers in hand, goes straight to her room, prays for what seems like hours asking God to bless her by allowing her to win big on the sractchers before her so that she can lead a better life, and then scratches the tickets to reveal the outcomes.
But, does God really bless us by allowing us to win things?
There is a scripture out there that says that it is easier for a camel to fit through a head of a needle than for a rich person to get into heaven.
So, again, is this God that is blessings these winnings?
Oh course I have always hoped that if I was to win the lottery, or something like that to make me an instant millionaire that I would give lots of my earnings away.
But you know.
I also said that if God would take away my stomach pains in the third grade that I would become an angel.
I guess time will only tell what becomes of this assumption.
My prayer is that if I was to instantly become a millionaire that God would humble me enough to remember how to use those winnings to better His kingdom.
My goal of honoring God should not change just because my bank account grew overnight. If anything, my goals should increase.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tomorrow
Lazy hands make one poor but diligent hands make one rich. (Proverbs 4:10)
This is my motivation for today. Here it is mid-morning and I have accomplished almost nothing. Scratch that, nothing.
You know. I have good intentions. I want to be that person that gets up early, walks the dog, does a morning devotion and then gets everyone up for the day and spends the rest of the day busy with activity. But, that hasn't happened yet.
Maybe, tomorrow?
For my birthday I bought a book that is a 90 day jumpstart challenge on being a woman of noble character as described by Proverbs 31 (starting at verse 10). Now, I was just expecting to read this book in a week's time and then take note of its challenges (by passing the 90 day part, blah!) but I have to tell you - I am having trouble reading through it.
Proverbs 31 reads like so -
10A truly good wife
is the most precious treasure
a man can find!
11Her husband depends on her,
and she never
lets him down.
12She is good to him
every day of her life,
13and with her own hands
she gladly makes clothes.
14She is like a sailing ship
that brings food
from across the sea.
15She gets up before daylight
to prepare food
for her family
and for her servants. [a] 16She knows how to buy land
and how to plant a vineyard,
17and she always works hard.
18She knows when to buy or sell,
and she stays busy
until late at night.
19She spins her own cloth,
20and she helps the poor
and the needy.
21Her family has warm clothing,
and so she doesn't worry
when it snows.
22She does her own sewing,
and everything she wears
is beautiful.
23Her husband is a well-known
and respected leader
in the city.
24She makes clothes to sell
to the shop owners.
25She is strong and graceful, [b] as well as cheerful
about the future.
26Her words are sensible,
and her advice
is thoughtful.
27She takes good care
of her family
and is never lazy.
28Her children praise her,
and with great pride
her husband says,
29"There are many good women,
but you are the best!"
30Charm can be deceiving,
and beauty fades away,
but a woman
who honors the LORD
deserves to be praised.
Yes, I want to be this type of woman! The type that her husband respects and cherishes. The type that is a great homemaker and tends to the matters of her home with pride. The type that acts in a way that pleases God.
But, can I start this, tomorrow?
No! No I can't. Because THIS is the day that the Lord has made. Tomorrow hasn't been created yet. I have to earn a tomorrow by working through today.
I will not waste this breath in my lungs this day.
I will go forward from this hour and make it a productive day which pleases my Lord above.
This is my motivation for today. Here it is mid-morning and I have accomplished almost nothing. Scratch that, nothing.
You know. I have good intentions. I want to be that person that gets up early, walks the dog, does a morning devotion and then gets everyone up for the day and spends the rest of the day busy with activity. But, that hasn't happened yet.
Maybe, tomorrow?
For my birthday I bought a book that is a 90 day jumpstart challenge on being a woman of noble character as described by Proverbs 31 (starting at verse 10). Now, I was just expecting to read this book in a week's time and then take note of its challenges (by passing the 90 day part, blah!) but I have to tell you - I am having trouble reading through it.
Proverbs 31 reads like so -
10A truly good wife
is the most precious treasure
a man can find!
11Her husband depends on her,
and she never
lets him down.
12She is good to him
every day of her life,
13and with her own hands
she gladly makes clothes.
14She is like a sailing ship
that brings food
from across the sea.
15She gets up before daylight
to prepare food
for her family
and for her servants. [a] 16She knows how to buy land
and how to plant a vineyard,
17and she always works hard.
18She knows when to buy or sell,
and she stays busy
until late at night.
19She spins her own cloth,
20and she helps the poor
and the needy.
21Her family has warm clothing,
and so she doesn't worry
when it snows.
22She does her own sewing,
and everything she wears
is beautiful.
23Her husband is a well-known
and respected leader
in the city.
24She makes clothes to sell
to the shop owners.
25She is strong and graceful, [b] as well as cheerful
about the future.
26Her words are sensible,
and her advice
is thoughtful.
27She takes good care
of her family
and is never lazy.
28Her children praise her,
and with great pride
her husband says,
29"There are many good women,
but you are the best!"
30Charm can be deceiving,
and beauty fades away,
but a woman
who honors the LORD
deserves to be praised.
Yes, I want to be this type of woman! The type that her husband respects and cherishes. The type that is a great homemaker and tends to the matters of her home with pride. The type that acts in a way that pleases God.
But, can I start this, tomorrow?
No! No I can't. Because THIS is the day that the Lord has made. Tomorrow hasn't been created yet. I have to earn a tomorrow by working through today.
I will not waste this breath in my lungs this day.
I will go forward from this hour and make it a productive day which pleases my Lord above.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Snevil
Yesterday in youth Sunday School I introduced the students to the book that I am teaching the adults of the church on concerning the Power of a Whisper from Bill Hybels.
I asked each of the youth (mostly all in 6-8 grade) if they have ever heard a whisper or call from God and to my surprise, all said no.
I was surprised by this because just last week in the adult classes, probably 50% of them told of a whisper that they received when they were children...and to note, much younger than the students in my Sunday school class.
Could this be true? Could all ten of those students HAVE NEVER heard a call from God?
If so, then I am so sad for them! I too received a whisper that changed my life when I was their age, and I grew up with that whisper always on my mind.
I asked the Sunday school class why they thought that none of them have heard a whisper before, and one student replied, "Because we are sinners and God doesn't talk to sinners."
Oh brother.
A big step backward I thought...as just last class we went over again the concept of Jesus connecting us sinners back to God the Father.
So on went the discussion. We will see if any of this sticks for next Sunday.
But this one student was right, in a way.
I always give the explanation of invisible strings.
You see, if I am connected to God by lots of invisible strings, and one or more of those strings turn black with sin, then those black strings disconnect from God, because God is the most pure and nothing sinful can be connected with Him.
So when I sin, not all of my connector strings are connected with God. They can't be. But thankfully Jesus brought back the power of those strings by dying on the cross for my "black strings of sin" and therefore if I ask for forgiveness, my black strings are then once again pure and then again linked back up with God.
I guess in a way, Jesus is the bleaching agent here. Making my dark sins, clean once again.
With this in mind, this is why it is important that when we pray to God, we need to remember to ask for forgiveness first. That way all of your invisible strings are always all connected and working properly.
Oh, and the title "snevil" refers to another idea that came out of Sunday School yesterday. One of the students came up with the word snevil - which refers to both sin and the devil in one word because as this student put it, "They are the same thing!"
How true that is.
I asked each of the youth (mostly all in 6-8 grade) if they have ever heard a whisper or call from God and to my surprise, all said no.
I was surprised by this because just last week in the adult classes, probably 50% of them told of a whisper that they received when they were children...and to note, much younger than the students in my Sunday school class.
Could this be true? Could all ten of those students HAVE NEVER heard a call from God?
If so, then I am so sad for them! I too received a whisper that changed my life when I was their age, and I grew up with that whisper always on my mind.
I asked the Sunday school class why they thought that none of them have heard a whisper before, and one student replied, "Because we are sinners and God doesn't talk to sinners."
Oh brother.
A big step backward I thought...as just last class we went over again the concept of Jesus connecting us sinners back to God the Father.
So on went the discussion. We will see if any of this sticks for next Sunday.
But this one student was right, in a way.
I always give the explanation of invisible strings.
You see, if I am connected to God by lots of invisible strings, and one or more of those strings turn black with sin, then those black strings disconnect from God, because God is the most pure and nothing sinful can be connected with Him.
So when I sin, not all of my connector strings are connected with God. They can't be. But thankfully Jesus brought back the power of those strings by dying on the cross for my "black strings of sin" and therefore if I ask for forgiveness, my black strings are then once again pure and then again linked back up with God.
I guess in a way, Jesus is the bleaching agent here. Making my dark sins, clean once again.
With this in mind, this is why it is important that when we pray to God, we need to remember to ask for forgiveness first. That way all of your invisible strings are always all connected and working properly.
Oh, and the title "snevil" refers to another idea that came out of Sunday School yesterday. One of the students came up with the word snevil - which refers to both sin and the devil in one word because as this student put it, "They are the same thing!"
How true that is.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Or Die Trying
Have you ever had one of those weeks where nothing seems to come out the way you mean it?
Well, that has been happening between my husband and I all week.
Our communication skills just aren't matching up and everything we try to communicate to each other turns into an argument.
Have you ever been there?
Now, I could chalk this up to the stresses of our work, or the overtime we both are putting in at church, or selfishness, or this, or that. But I won't. I might like to at times, but I just won't even go there.
A little more than a year and a half ago I committed myself to my marriage with my husband for better or worse.
And the longer we are married, the more I am reminded of that commitment.
What is the secret to marriage?
Well, I am not qualified to answer this. But I will say that for me, I can honestly say that I love my husband a little more and more every day, even in times of those so called "worse" days, because I committed to never give up.
Never give up in our marriage. Never give up on each other. Never give up on God. Never give up on committing to make our lives together the "for better" not the "for worse" - or if nontheleast, die trying.
The Ten Commandments of Marriage
1. Do not place others before one another. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.
2. Let nothing on earth become more important than your marriage. Seek first God’s will in your marriage and the other things will come as He desired.
3. Speak to one another with kindness and love. Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word kindly spoken.
4. Remember to worship together. Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God.
5. Love and accept one another’s family as your own. Your people shall be my people.
6. Do not harm one another with words, attitudes, or action. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.
7. Be faithful to one another. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. And the two shall become one flesh.
8. Never take joy from one another. Above all things put on love, which holds everything together in perfect harmony.
9. Always speak the truth in love. The Lord will show you what is right and true, that you may always speak with integrity.
10. Do not desire or be envious of what others may have. I have learned that in whatsoever state I may be, to be content.
Emergency Response
These last few weeks I have been directing a class twice a week on Bill Hybel's The Power of a Whisper book.
Last night the group got a little heated concerning the scripture in Psalm 46, "Be still and know that I am God."
And, to be honest with you, I think they all were coming at that scripture all wrong. You see, most took this scripture to mean that you must be still in order to hear whispers from heaven, or you have to be still in order to have a relationship with Christ.
But I don't view this, one of my most favorite scriptures, that way.
Here's the Psalm in its entirety -
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Here in this song the people are experiencing the worst of the worst in the world in regards to massive earthquakes that shake so much that mountains crumble and seas rise, and where everyone is at war with each other.
When I was in school and we underwent earthquake drills, the first thing that was taught was to, "remain calm." This first step is also true in different kinds of emergency training, like CPR/First Aid.
Step one, remain calm.
When a massive earthquake hits and fear overwhelms us, we are to, remain calm.
When our lands are overcome with war and bombs are dropping over head from every which way and foot soldiers invade our homes, we are to, say it with me, remain calm.
Why remain calm?
Because if we do not remain calm during times of urgency, things can very easily get out of control. When we are not calm and collected, we are not all "there" and often act recklessly by not thinking things through.
This scripture reads much more than simply telling followers to devote prayer time in their schedules. Do you notice that?
This scripture is meant to be our first response in an emergency as told through our Christian faith.
Do you see it?
When a massive earthquake hits and fear overwhelms us, we are to, be still, and know that He is God.
To me, this is the best first response out there.
Last night the group got a little heated concerning the scripture in Psalm 46, "Be still and know that I am God."
And, to be honest with you, I think they all were coming at that scripture all wrong. You see, most took this scripture to mean that you must be still in order to hear whispers from heaven, or you have to be still in order to have a relationship with Christ.
But I don't view this, one of my most favorite scriptures, that way.
Here's the Psalm in its entirety -
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos,
and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
and the earth melts!
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel[b] is our fortress.
8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Here in this song the people are experiencing the worst of the worst in the world in regards to massive earthquakes that shake so much that mountains crumble and seas rise, and where everyone is at war with each other.
When I was in school and we underwent earthquake drills, the first thing that was taught was to, "remain calm." This first step is also true in different kinds of emergency training, like CPR/First Aid.
Step one, remain calm.
When a massive earthquake hits and fear overwhelms us, we are to, remain calm.
When our lands are overcome with war and bombs are dropping over head from every which way and foot soldiers invade our homes, we are to, say it with me, remain calm.
Why remain calm?
Because if we do not remain calm during times of urgency, things can very easily get out of control. When we are not calm and collected, we are not all "there" and often act recklessly by not thinking things through.
This scripture reads much more than simply telling followers to devote prayer time in their schedules. Do you notice that?
This scripture is meant to be our first response in an emergency as told through our Christian faith.
Do you see it?
When a massive earthquake hits and fear overwhelms us, we are to, be still, and know that He is God.
To me, this is the best first response out there.
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