Well here we are again, beginning a new season of Lent.
My brother told me the other day that he is giving up alcohol for lent. I asked him if he had ever given anything up before for lent, and he said last year he tried, but Easter was just too long after Ash Wednesday, so he didn't make it.
He always makes me laugh, but this one made me REALLY laugh.
Lent is 40 days. Always. Every year. Even if Easter is pushed later in the month than normal, guess what, Ash Wednesday begins later in the month as well.
So I guess time will just tell on how he will do with his giving up alcohol thing.
But, do you really need to give something up for lent?
Well, for Catholics, I think the answer is yes. But for other Christians? I think the answer is. Depends.
The reason behind giving something up for lent is to experience a temptation and not giving into it like what Jesus had to do for 40 in desert and when he was being tempted by the devil. This experience should make you feel closer to God because when you give something up, and you want to do whatever it is you gave it, you are told to fill that need with prayer, not with whatever it is you gave up.
One year when I was a kid I gave up birthday cake. I thought I was being pretty smart because I didn't think I would go to many birthday parties between March and April. God had a good laugh that year. Because I think I went to 7 birthdays between that time period. And I had to say no to all 7 of those birthday cakes.
This Saturday I am hosting a Lent 101 course at the church helping people to understand the lenten season better and hopefully get more out of it this year.
And this year, I am encouraging people to add something instead of giving something up. Add reading a daily devotion. Add prayer time. Add a service project. Add more Jesus into your daily life.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Heart Break Hotel
Are you close to your friends from high school? Do you still speak to them and see them around town?
I do, for the most part anyway. Especially considering that I live in the same town as where I went to high school.
Yesterday I did my usual surf of the online newspaper of my town, and hit the obituaries section as usual too. And I saw this posting for a girl who had died a few days earlier and she was born in my hometown, same age, and graduated from my high school the same year I did, but I didn't think I knew her.
I searched for her on Facebook (like any good detective) and actually, indeed, yes, I knew her! I was friends with her even. We were in classes together and had band together.
How did I not think I knew her??
Well, for one thing, she looks totally different now then she did in high school, and she got married, so her last name was not the same.
I continued my detective work and learned that she married her husband in 2009, same year I married my husband, and they just moved back to town six months ago, bought a house, had a baby, and a few weeks later, the husband dies suddenly of a heart attack. Then, she, my friend from high school, killed herself just weeks after, leaving behind their two and a half month old daughter, a dog, and a cat, a new house, and lots of shocked friends and family.
Wow. (Were you thinking wow too?)
What a difference six months makes! I looked at their wedding photos, and they looked so happy, so in love. And now those two people don't walk among us anymore.
My heart broke into pieces. Knowing that I knew her, and that we lived in the same town when she died. Oh man, could I have helped to prevent this tragedy?
I could only imagine her parents and parents-in-law. What are they going through? All was good and lovely just months before and now all of this mess.
One of the things that I believe strongly is that I trust in the Lord and that He puts me in the right place at the right time, always. I usually lean on this phrase whenever something bad happens around me or to me, and I can say that phrase and know that God is in control still and He knew that I would be put in those situations.
But knowing that I wasn't aware of this heart break starting last December with her husband's death, and that she was mentally ill from it, I should continue to believe in my thought that God has put me in the right place at the right time, and that God didn't involve me for a reason, because I was unaware. But that is hard for me to swallow. I wish I was made aware before she decided to take her own life. But, I wasn't. So what do I do from here, now knowing what I do?
Well, for starters, I can continue to put trust in the Lord that he is in control, and that my friend and her husband are together with God and no longer in pain. I can pray that their families find peace in this fact and that the baby grows up knowing only love, and not heart ache. I can pray to God that if I may ever be of service to the family in the future, that He puts me in position to, whatever that service may be.
And, finally, I can continue to live my life, and fill my days with love, because I do not know when my last day here will be, so I will live each day like my last.
I do, for the most part anyway. Especially considering that I live in the same town as where I went to high school.
Yesterday I did my usual surf of the online newspaper of my town, and hit the obituaries section as usual too. And I saw this posting for a girl who had died a few days earlier and she was born in my hometown, same age, and graduated from my high school the same year I did, but I didn't think I knew her.
I searched for her on Facebook (like any good detective) and actually, indeed, yes, I knew her! I was friends with her even. We were in classes together and had band together.
How did I not think I knew her??
Well, for one thing, she looks totally different now then she did in high school, and she got married, so her last name was not the same.
I continued my detective work and learned that she married her husband in 2009, same year I married my husband, and they just moved back to town six months ago, bought a house, had a baby, and a few weeks later, the husband dies suddenly of a heart attack. Then, she, my friend from high school, killed herself just weeks after, leaving behind their two and a half month old daughter, a dog, and a cat, a new house, and lots of shocked friends and family.
Wow. (Were you thinking wow too?)
What a difference six months makes! I looked at their wedding photos, and they looked so happy, so in love. And now those two people don't walk among us anymore.
My heart broke into pieces. Knowing that I knew her, and that we lived in the same town when she died. Oh man, could I have helped to prevent this tragedy?
I could only imagine her parents and parents-in-law. What are they going through? All was good and lovely just months before and now all of this mess.
One of the things that I believe strongly is that I trust in the Lord and that He puts me in the right place at the right time, always. I usually lean on this phrase whenever something bad happens around me or to me, and I can say that phrase and know that God is in control still and He knew that I would be put in those situations.
But knowing that I wasn't aware of this heart break starting last December with her husband's death, and that she was mentally ill from it, I should continue to believe in my thought that God has put me in the right place at the right time, and that God didn't involve me for a reason, because I was unaware. But that is hard for me to swallow. I wish I was made aware before she decided to take her own life. But, I wasn't. So what do I do from here, now knowing what I do?
Well, for starters, I can continue to put trust in the Lord that he is in control, and that my friend and her husband are together with God and no longer in pain. I can pray that their families find peace in this fact and that the baby grows up knowing only love, and not heart ache. I can pray to God that if I may ever be of service to the family in the future, that He puts me in position to, whatever that service may be.
And, finally, I can continue to live my life, and fill my days with love, because I do not know when my last day here will be, so I will live each day like my last.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Opposition
I posted a few weeks ago that I am reading the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This devotional is very different because it is written as if Jesus is speaking right to you, and you read it as a dairy written just for you.
I have given several copies of the book out to my church friends and they too are experiencing this wonderful new style of devotion and have position feedback.
I have always found it funny how devotions can say the right things on just the right days. And today was no exception.
Over the past few days I have been in what feels like opposition with some high ranking authority of the church. I pray about this often, but do not seem to find much resolve. (I always find it difficult to be in opposition with people of faith, it just doesn't seem right, and both parties seem to be on the side of the Lord, but then, who truly is?)
Today's devotion in Jesus Calling
Do not give into fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on me, the author and perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Nothing can separate you from my presence. (page 47)
I have given several copies of the book out to my church friends and they too are experiencing this wonderful new style of devotion and have position feedback.
I have always found it funny how devotions can say the right things on just the right days. And today was no exception.
Over the past few days I have been in what feels like opposition with some high ranking authority of the church. I pray about this often, but do not seem to find much resolve. (I always find it difficult to be in opposition with people of faith, it just doesn't seem right, and both parties seem to be on the side of the Lord, but then, who truly is?)
Today's devotion in Jesus Calling
Do not give into fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living. Trust me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them. Fix your eyes on me, the author and perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them. Nothing can separate you from my presence. (page 47)
Unsettled
My husband and I have been discussing for some time on which is better - dying younger as to not put pressure on your family to "take care of you" when you are so old, but not having as many memories as you would like with that person OR dying older when you are in need of constant care and support and having lots of chances for memories?
Young with no hassle but more emotional grief OR old with lots of hassle but with less emotional grief?
I just don't know. And truly it is not up to me, or you, or my husband. It is up to God the Father, the creator of life and eternal life.
But, as people get older and older throughout the years and are living well beyond their expected lifespans, what comes about of this?
What are the benefits? The cons?
Well, the benefits are that your loved ones are around more, and are more involved in your life, and have more opportunities to worship and serve God.
The cons, well, those seem obvious. More health care needed, constant physical care, stress, money, money, money. (And who said that money isn't the root of all evil?)
In my growing up with faith I have always told myself that the Lord takes someone away because "He must have needed him/her more." The reason that your sister died, God needed her more. The reason that your grandpa died, God needed him more.
This statement has helped me realize through my grief that God is in control of my life, and those around me, and it is easier for me to let the deceased go, if I know that God has a better purpose for them, and that purpose is to be in heaven with Him. I can't be selfish after remembering that statement.
God needs him more. And whatever God needs, I will hope to provide.
I have an elderly family member who I often take care of. I have experienced a lot of things during my care but one that seems constant is the idea that some other people in my family have given up on her.
After her last near-death experience, I have already let you go in my mind.
She shouldn't try that new medicine, she is old, that's what old feels like.
It doesn't matter, she is really old.
I was talking on the phone with someone two days ago and was venting about how I didn't want to go pick-up some prescription for her because I was tired, and didn't want to face the crowds at the store. And then this person replied,
"Well, hang in there, you won't have to do that much longer, you know?"
My heart changed at that moment.
What am I doing? I shouldn't be acting like this, and I shouldn't allow others to either. This person, who I love so much, and respect so much, is a child of God. She may not look like a child anymore, to God, she is still His, and always will be. And God sees value in her life, so I must too.
I have no right putting less worth on someone because "her time should be up soon." I should be committed to loving her and caring for her all the days of her life, however long that beautiful life may be. And until that day when God takes her to her glorious new home, I have to believe that God still thinks that I, I need her more here with me, then there with Him.
So to answer the question of which is better? - I guess there isn't really an answer. For me, I would rather live in Heaven sooner rather than later, because death isn't the end, it is actually just the beginning.
Young with no hassle but more emotional grief OR old with lots of hassle but with less emotional grief?
I just don't know. And truly it is not up to me, or you, or my husband. It is up to God the Father, the creator of life and eternal life.
But, as people get older and older throughout the years and are living well beyond their expected lifespans, what comes about of this?
What are the benefits? The cons?
Well, the benefits are that your loved ones are around more, and are more involved in your life, and have more opportunities to worship and serve God.
The cons, well, those seem obvious. More health care needed, constant physical care, stress, money, money, money. (And who said that money isn't the root of all evil?)
In my growing up with faith I have always told myself that the Lord takes someone away because "He must have needed him/her more." The reason that your sister died, God needed her more. The reason that your grandpa died, God needed him more.
This statement has helped me realize through my grief that God is in control of my life, and those around me, and it is easier for me to let the deceased go, if I know that God has a better purpose for them, and that purpose is to be in heaven with Him. I can't be selfish after remembering that statement.
God needs him more. And whatever God needs, I will hope to provide.
I have an elderly family member who I often take care of. I have experienced a lot of things during my care but one that seems constant is the idea that some other people in my family have given up on her.
After her last near-death experience, I have already let you go in my mind.
She shouldn't try that new medicine, she is old, that's what old feels like.
It doesn't matter, she is really old.
I was talking on the phone with someone two days ago and was venting about how I didn't want to go pick-up some prescription for her because I was tired, and didn't want to face the crowds at the store. And then this person replied,
"Well, hang in there, you won't have to do that much longer, you know?"
My heart changed at that moment.
What am I doing? I shouldn't be acting like this, and I shouldn't allow others to either. This person, who I love so much, and respect so much, is a child of God. She may not look like a child anymore, to God, she is still His, and always will be. And God sees value in her life, so I must too.
I have no right putting less worth on someone because "her time should be up soon." I should be committed to loving her and caring for her all the days of her life, however long that beautiful life may be. And until that day when God takes her to her glorious new home, I have to believe that God still thinks that I, I need her more here with me, then there with Him.
So to answer the question of which is better? - I guess there isn't really an answer. For me, I would rather live in Heaven sooner rather than later, because death isn't the end, it is actually just the beginning.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The "D" Word
Drama.
That's the "D" word referred to in my title of this post.
Recently it was announced to the entire family that a family member, who is Christian mind you, would marry a person that denies God's existence.
Now, to some this might not be a big deal, who cares, right?
But to my family. My southern Baptist rooted family. It is the end of the world as we know it (and here we thought that would start in December?).
I seriously thought that my grandmother would drop dead at this news. She knows the soon-to-be in-law and she does not like this person. She thinks this person is not right for this family, and especially not right for the person that is to be married to "it".
Do I agree? Well, maybe.
Maybe God has put such a strong attachment in the Christian half of this marriage because he has a plan to finally get the non-believer saved.
(I told this theory to my grandma and she basically told me I had to repent for speaking those words.)
But what I have learned over the years is that anytime you bring a marriage into the picture, drama occurs. Drama occurs over the person being married into the family. The situation that the marriage is based upon. The time of the marriage. Drama. Drama. Drama.
But that's not what God intended marriages to be.
God's plan for marriage was to unite two people into one flesh. And that's pretty hard to do!
God's plan was for marriage to be joyous and a time for celebration. For it for bring families together. To grow. To love.
But is it justified for a Christian person to marry, to unite with a non-Christian person? I hear all the time of Christians marrying Jews. Or Christians marrying Buddhists. But at least the other half has a belief of his/her own, right??
But what about when the other spouse denies that God even exists? That what you so madly are in love with, that is, your love in God, is not even real?
Well, I intend to find out. Before the wedding.
I just ordered the book, How to Be a Happy Wife to an Unsaved Husband by Linda Davis. Ya, books these days are like Hallmark cards, there is one for every occasion!
Hopefully this book will help lessen the drama before the marriage bells go a ringin'!
That's the "D" word referred to in my title of this post.
Recently it was announced to the entire family that a family member, who is Christian mind you, would marry a person that denies God's existence.
Now, to some this might not be a big deal, who cares, right?
But to my family. My southern Baptist rooted family. It is the end of the world as we know it (and here we thought that would start in December?).
I seriously thought that my grandmother would drop dead at this news. She knows the soon-to-be in-law and she does not like this person. She thinks this person is not right for this family, and especially not right for the person that is to be married to "it".
Do I agree? Well, maybe.
Maybe God has put such a strong attachment in the Christian half of this marriage because he has a plan to finally get the non-believer saved.
(I told this theory to my grandma and she basically told me I had to repent for speaking those words.)
But what I have learned over the years is that anytime you bring a marriage into the picture, drama occurs. Drama occurs over the person being married into the family. The situation that the marriage is based upon. The time of the marriage. Drama. Drama. Drama.
But that's not what God intended marriages to be.
God's plan for marriage was to unite two people into one flesh. And that's pretty hard to do!
God's plan was for marriage to be joyous and a time for celebration. For it for bring families together. To grow. To love.
But is it justified for a Christian person to marry, to unite with a non-Christian person? I hear all the time of Christians marrying Jews. Or Christians marrying Buddhists. But at least the other half has a belief of his/her own, right??
But what about when the other spouse denies that God even exists? That what you so madly are in love with, that is, your love in God, is not even real?
Well, I intend to find out. Before the wedding.
I just ordered the book, How to Be a Happy Wife to an Unsaved Husband by Linda Davis. Ya, books these days are like Hallmark cards, there is one for every occasion!
Hopefully this book will help lessen the drama before the marriage bells go a ringin'!
The Debbil
The devil fights hardest when you are doing the Lord's work.
I have found this statement to be true. And I am sure people who don't believe in the devil do too.
But why does this happen? Is it because the devil doesn't want you to succeed? The devil doesn't want you to help the Kingdom of God? The devil doesn't want to see the benefit of your work?
Yes. Yes. Yes. And, yes.
So if you are considering starting to do the work of the Lord, prepare yourself.
Grab your Bible and say aloud,
I have found this statement to be true. And I am sure people who don't believe in the devil do too.
But why does this happen? Is it because the devil doesn't want you to succeed? The devil doesn't want you to help the Kingdom of God? The devil doesn't want to see the benefit of your work?
Yes. Yes. Yes. And, yes.
So if you are considering starting to do the work of the Lord, prepare yourself.
Grab your Bible and say aloud,
This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught the word of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert, my heart is receptive; I’ll never be the same. In Jesus name, God bless you.
And move forward to better God's kingdom here on earth, with His word at your side and in your heart.
Stop The Chatter!
Certain things annoy me.
Like people wearing red and green when it's not Christmas. People who are overly scared of germs. Advertisements that fall out of magazines when you open them.
But for the most part, I like to think of myself as not being one of "those people" who have so many pet peeves that they themselves become annoying, just by being annoyed.
Ha.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have nothing against stay at home mothers. If they have the resources to stay home and not work, then so be it. The children will probably be better off for that. I too think I would love to stay at home with my future children someday, God willing.
But one thing that has begun to annoy me about them - these "stay at home" mothers, is their constant struggle to prove to the rest of the world that they are just as busy and just as important as everyone else.
Have you noticed that too?
Being busy doesn't mean that you are doing something important. And doing something important doesn't mean that you are busy.
Why do these stay at home moms feel the need to spread this around?
Do they feel unappreciated?
Less respected?
Like they are good for nothing?
The answer I guess depends on the mom. But please, for the sake of Pete, and for me, please stop trying to convince the world that you are all that and a bag of chips.
Your husband doesn't go around posting signs that says he's all that and a bag of chips for having a full time job.
Wives without children don't go around pronouncing their worth to the world. And how much better they are then wives with children.
I don't care that you mopped the floor and did seven loads of laundry before 9am today.
Cure cancer or something, and then I will give a shit.
So please, all those stay at home moms out there. Ask yourself - who are you trying to convince? The world?
Or, yourself?
The only way to prove self worth is for you to believe it yourself. So believe in yourself ladies! Know that God has a plan for your life and if you trust in that, then you know that God has put you in the right place at the right time.
Now go and finish that eighth load of laundry.
Just don't tell me about it.
Like people wearing red and green when it's not Christmas. People who are overly scared of germs. Advertisements that fall out of magazines when you open them.
But for the most part, I like to think of myself as not being one of "those people" who have so many pet peeves that they themselves become annoying, just by being annoyed.
Ha.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have nothing against stay at home mothers. If they have the resources to stay home and not work, then so be it. The children will probably be better off for that. I too think I would love to stay at home with my future children someday, God willing.
But one thing that has begun to annoy me about them - these "stay at home" mothers, is their constant struggle to prove to the rest of the world that they are just as busy and just as important as everyone else.
Have you noticed that too?
Being busy doesn't mean that you are doing something important. And doing something important doesn't mean that you are busy.
Why do these stay at home moms feel the need to spread this around?
Do they feel unappreciated?
Less respected?
Like they are good for nothing?
The answer I guess depends on the mom. But please, for the sake of Pete, and for me, please stop trying to convince the world that you are all that and a bag of chips.
Your husband doesn't go around posting signs that says he's all that and a bag of chips for having a full time job.
Wives without children don't go around pronouncing their worth to the world. And how much better they are then wives with children.
I don't care that you mopped the floor and did seven loads of laundry before 9am today.
Cure cancer or something, and then I will give a shit.
So please, all those stay at home moms out there. Ask yourself - who are you trying to convince? The world?
Or, yourself?
The only way to prove self worth is for you to believe it yourself. So believe in yourself ladies! Know that God has a plan for your life and if you trust in that, then you know that God has put you in the right place at the right time.
Now go and finish that eighth load of laundry.
Just don't tell me about it.
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