Are we living a life of Christ?

Godly living doesn't mean that we simply have our God checklist: I prayed this morning, I didn't get drunk today, I don't smoke, I haven't cussed, I read my bible every day, and I go to church. It also refers to how we treat people, believers and unbelievers. How is Christ revealed in our lives? In what ways do we represent our savior in this world? I think it is more import to be a representative of Christ's attitude, Love, and honesty. Not just taking the time to talk it,but to truly live it; be kind, loving, gentle, meek, and patient. It's not our place to beat people with the bible, or choke them with our beliefs. An excellent example of this is when Jesus speaks with the woman at the well. He spoke with the woman, he spoke gently, he did bring up her present and past. He did address her sins, BUT he did this coming from a place of discernment instead of a place of judgement. That conversation changed her, and the lives of others forever. If we drop the legalism, the judgement, and the show, we can make a change, become organic. We can see God working with utmost power in our lives when we realize that we're not as important as he is We must die to ourselves and let him be in complete control. This allows the spirit to move freely in the lives of others as they witness our daily routine. Let the truth of God be seen and made real in our lives. Let the love of God be seen in our actions, words, and deeds. We need to live the life and not just talk about it. Become the living word of God in the world. Show love, be love and be gentle.

Days gone by

I was cleaning a few weeks ago and came across a notebook from years ago. Some of the pages held old notes I had written while listening to sermons at church, two of the pages held designs for a wedding I never had (don't feel bad, we're all better off with who we have), prayers from my heart, a short story, and a poetic "song" of sorts. I have decided to share these words with all of you. Keep in mind, I was single and had just been through a lot. . . Song: I am lying wasted in the pools of despair, shackled by the confines of a world gone wrong. Oh, come and rescue me from the pit so dark and cold. Lift me from the prisons of my mind. Give me some hope on which to hold. Broken and bruised a mere shell that used to have a life of promise and success. - - - Raise me from the shadows in the spaces that light has never seen. I see visions of people dancing on the water and swimming in the fountain of youth. - - - Fragmented moments laid to ruin by choices made without thought. Souls lying dormant and stale unable to feel the chaos that is around them. People seeking serenity in a lifeless dungeon without refuge in sight. Savages removing the last bit of light left in my eyes to make way for a sea of glazed distance. - - - Raise me from the shadows in the spaces that light has never seen. I see visions of people dancing on the water and swimming in the fountain of youth. - - - Faint from the pain of loneliness and loss I am flat on my back. It's getting colder and I can no longer scream. Out of the cold and quiet darkness there is movement. You pick me up as I began what seemed to be my final breath. As I was being lifted, the shadows became faces, the darkness became light. Then I saw clearly. - - - I was raised from the shadows in the spaces that light has never seen. I was dancing with the people on the water and refreshed as I swam in the fountain of youth. Short story: Springtime air rising from the shadows of the trees. Songbirds are welcoming this new and glorious day. How do we as people overlook these things? I am reminded of the finest lesson I have ever learned. I learned this lesson in a most unusual way, and I learned it from a man I never met. Every day I would pass through a small town on my way into the city. I would always drive too fast and let my mind wander. Always trying to plan my day to eliminate surprises. Weeks went by like this. One day I passed an elderly man riding a three wheeled bicycle. I nodded and waved at the gentleman. I noticed his ashen face light up as he raised a wrinkled hand and waved back at me. The next day I saw the same man, riding the same bike. We again greeted each other in the same polite fashion as the day previous. Weeks went by with the same cheerful greeting. After a while I realized something. I realized that I must have been passing this man for many weeks without ever noticing him. Without so much as a glance. Not seeing his soft eyes, or his welcoming smile. How could I have turned this sweet man into a faceless shadow for so many weeks? How do we as people take all of our blessings for granted? If we could just slow down for a moment and smile at somebody we may find our lives a little more rewarding. Not just that but we can also touch others in ways that we may never understand.

Would you wash his feet?

Humility is one of those attributes that can be difficult to understand and even more difficult to possess. One of the definitions I found for the word humble was, "down to earth". The Origins of the word were equally interesting, akin to Greek chthōn earth, chamai on the ground. This is one of those qualities that we should hold with high esteem. If we do not see it in ourselves we should see it in others around us. As a young teen I always thought being humble meant that I shouldn't see anything good about myself. I would talk about being ugly, fat, or stupid. In my naivety I offered these statements in hopes that people would see me as humble. God speaks of humility in the bible. Often stating that the humble will receive something, and if they are being proud God will humble them. How can we be properly humble? First off, we should not be so prideful. Thinking you're too good for something or above something is the enemy of humility. Selfishness doesn't lend itself to learning humility either. Biblically speaking there is a lot of blessings from God we miss out on when we are not being humble. How then can we be humble? Seek others above yourself. If you're married a great way to demonstrate this is to wash your husband's or wife's feet, give them a pedicure. Get close to that earth, if you will. God shows much compassion toward the humble in spirit. Are you less than? No! You're simply putting another person's thoughts, feelings, and well being ahead of yours. Try it and see the peace that you feel in your heart. Once you experience this you will never turn back.

One thing I like to do is keep myself informed. In doing so, I'm noticing that many Christians (or people who label themselves as such) are judgmental, and eager to point fingers. This breaks my heart. In Christ's (red letter) words, the book of John in chapter 3 verse 17 states this.. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (ESV). What does this mean? Based on what I've read and how my little pea brain works it tells me that our job shouldn't be to pass judgment any more than Christs was. It also states in the word of God that "Jesus is at the right hand of God interceding for us". What does this mean? The definition of intercession is as follows: in·ter·ces·sion ( n t r-s sh n). n. 1. Entreaty in favor of another, especially a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another. What we should be doing is fervently praying for those that are suffering in sin. As believers we need to stop trying to do the job of the Holy Spirit and convict people with our words. Pray for those people and allow the spirit to convict. Use your words to uplift and encourage through scripture. Offer the world hope instead of fear. Our respectful fear of God should propel us to work at being the supportive bride of Christ as referenced in the bible.

On a serious topic- Proper biblical submission

This is a study I did on my own regarding the topic of biblical submission in marriage. As we all know this is one of the most controversial topics among the world and the church, but, WHY? Why is it easier to "love our neighbors as ourselves" than it is to "be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any [of them] are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior."? Why is it that we can trust God with our finances by donating to charity and church but we can't keep our actions chaste? How come we can talk about serving the family of God when our husbands are being disrespected at every turn? How come we tell our children to respect their teachers etc and we can't show respect to their Dad when we're home together as a family? How hypocritical can we be? The word most commonly translated submit or subjection is hupotasso. Hupotasso is a military term used to signify a surrender on a battle field. It’s non military usage is different. It can mean any of the following depending on context: Arrange under Yield to admonition or advice Obey Hupotasso, as it relates to members of the church interacting with each other is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden."  When Paul instructs the Ephesians to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" it is clear that he is speaking the sense of "arranging under" or "yield to admonition or advice" He isn’t telling people to obey each other. In 1Cor 16:16 when Paul calls on the Corinthians to submit to "everyone who cooperates in the work" it is clear there is no sense of hierarchy. 18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. 19 For this [finds] favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a man bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer [for it] you patiently endure it, this [finds] favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any [of them] are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3 And let not your adornment be [merely] external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4 but [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands. 6 Thus Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear. (1 Peter 2:18-3:6) Practical application in scripture 1 If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; 4 do not [merely] look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-4). Pitfalls of displaced submission 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him, 2:16 because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the father but is from the world. 2:17 And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of GOD remains forever. (1 John 2:15-17) 12:1 Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. 2 Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2) A book I recently read said this.... “Some women worry that putting their husbands in charge of their family is risky because they do not trust him to do a good job”. In light of these verses the trust has little to do with that of your husband but a lack of faith in the fact that GOD put him in charge of you and your family . When you do not trust that your husband is doing things properly you are NOT trusting in GOD who created this union that you are in. In the definition of submission that is represented in the scriputres referencing Wives and Husbands we find the answer as Arrange under, Yield to admonition or advice. When we align ourselves with our husbands we are following God's plan. When we whole heartedly follow God's plan for our lives the joy that abounds is greater than the denying to ourselves that results. Our sinful selfishness gets in the way of a bountiful blessed life with our spouses.

Do clothes really make the person?

I have been seeing a lot of skin lately. Sadly it's still been fairly cold outside. With the "new" fashions (circa 1980) we have seen the resurfacing of many once outdated trends. Skinny jeans, flowing shirts and the infamous short skirts. Necklines are getting lower and skirts are getting higher. Parents it's our responsibility to train our children up in the way they should go. That gives us the authority to say no to clothing choices at the store. It also commands our attention that we ourselves do not give in to the trends and show the cleavage or our bottoms or our chests. God has a higher calling for us and our children. This culture is strongly sexualized and sexual sins run rampant. Coincidence? I think not. We are called to be in the world but not of the world. This is more than just how we speak. This is how we operate our day to day and especially how we dress ourselves and our offspring. I am not just talking about the recent push up bras for 12 year olds, or padded bikinis for our ten year olds. I am also talking about the short skirt that you can see a person's undies through on the 17 yr old or the cleavage on the Mom that's driving the kids to the movies. Too many women who claim a life of Godliness have had TONS of pictures taken of themselves at weddings, parties and other places where they dress up. If you see yourself in most of those pictures with your cleavage in full view you might just want to take the time to think about why you're doing it and who is seeing you like that. We are to lead by example. What example are you?

How Often

How often do we allow ourselves to participate in meaningless chatter about relatively NOTHING. It's harmless right? Sort of but not entirely. While it's easy to get into conversations about the weather, politics, our children, our day to day... How often do we speak of our salvation, our saviour and our spiritual growth. We can use the innocent chatter to segway our conversations. Meaning, it's not wrong to speak of weather, or the most recent adorable thing our children have done but use them to God's glory. How are we lifting our brothers and sisters in Christ. What are you doing to sharpen one another. I don't hold unbelievers to the same degree of salt and light. Though if you're living as salt and light they'll see it. Live it out loud by acting, showing God's Spirit in you. God's Grace is AMAZING truly AMAZING. Share it, speak it and live it for others to see. Lift up those who believe and perhaps use your lives and a witness to those that do not. How different would it be if you were seasoning this world?

The LORD's Day

I am so grateful that our country still has the freedoms to worship. I am often disheartened though by the lack of care or concern with acting out the word through the week. Not necessarily in my own life or family OR the lives of many friends. I do however see and remember people "punching their GOD time card" by going to church on Sunday morning.. "there you go God you got some of my time". How can people feel that is adequate? It is because they see God as their safety net as opposed to their guide and Grace. Seeing the "God is my Co-pilot" T-shirts and bumper stickers really frustrates me and adds to this mentality that WE are in charge and God is sort of "along for the ride". Like he'll change the tires of life when they go flat instead of driving so that you can avoid that pot hole or nail that HE knew was coming and you didn't. Please my friends if you are looking at God as your EMT instead of keeping you out of the accidents I urge you to rethink you position. YES, he can rescue us but I urge you to let him lead. Allow him to be your guide. Build your relationship with him through prayer and fasting.

Can't believe

There are so many things I've said this week while on vacation. One phrase I seem to be repeating a LOT lately is "I can't believe".
I can't believe the school year is nearly done
I can't believe that Lilly is nearly 6.
I can't believe how much Theo is growing.
I can't believe that I haven't lost as much weight by now as I'd like to.

I am working to refocus on life. I CAN believe that GOD has blessed my children and their health. I CAN believe that he's blessed Lilly with a wonderful education this year. I CAN believe that even though I am not where I want to be physically that through God's strength I CAN do this (half of a thyroid or NOT).

The strength to be positive is coming from GOD and I WILL believe.

The next step in our journey.

So along with the fact that we're a fairly dairy free family. I am a gluten free Mama. After many months of avoiding the subject and digging my heels in I gave up and have made the transition. As of right now it hasn't been that hard. I am actually surprised because I know most restaurants etc do not have many if any gluten free things on their menus. What does this mean???? "Hey miss? Could you please make sure that salad doesn't have croutons?" Not an issue croutons are gross anyhow. I feel silly for avoiding it actually.

A few things.

I just realized how behind I am here. Just a few things I've been dealing with lately.

Item #1. The fact that Theo will likely NEVER digest dairy and I am okay with that. This is an amazing conclusion since I found enzymes that aide him in digestion but I can still tell that it's a toxin to his poor little body. Please folks if you think that this is the way to go in order to digest dairy please rethink it. Much research proves that humans were not intended to digest dairy from other animals. We can use other things to make our sweet treats (that we should also limit) and get our calcium.

Item #2. I WILL be healthy no matter what my weight does. I am starting to feel really good and it's been almost a year since my surgery (thyroid for those that are unaware). My weight fluctuates and that is extremely difficult for me to deal with emotionally. It's NOT about my emotions though. It's about being healthy. I exercise and eat appropriately (most of the time). This is what I am going to accept as my reality.

I will be adding more to this later when I am more clear in thought. Thank you for reading this installment.

WInter Blahs

Yes, they've started to settle in to my bones already. The nice thing is that my sweet Husband reminded me that in just a few weeks the days will start to get longer again. YAY!! The skies will be lighter for longer even if it's gray it will be gray for a few more hours Woo Hoo!! I don't celebrate solstice as a tradition or anything but I do understand why folks would. It's sort of fun (especially winter).

Cabin fever.. What does it mean to you. To us it's that inability to function without being at each others throats (through the eyes of my children anyhow). It's been fun watching them hit and bite each other because they need their space. I do get them out to the gym to play with other children and that helps but it's not the same as running around outside and having fun.

Sorry it's been a while.

My ponderings have been few and far between lately. Not something I'm proud of but I am here now. Sometimes I am not sure how to start a post. Especially when I am feeling down in the dumps. I know I know something a Christian shouldn't be or at least shouldn't speak about publicly (according to some).

I am here I am bummed and I am trying to work through it because I can't put my finger on everything I am feeling, it started a while ago. Okay more precisely on my birthday when I was puking at 12:00 Am first thing on Nov 17. My loving husband did everything he could to make the day better. Including him calling in at work and taking the day off. That's about the highlight of my entire 30th birthday.

My parents didn't even call and wish me a happy birthday. When I saw them on Fri that week Mom asked me how it went. That was IT!!

I have been finding myself tearing up thinking about Christmas this year and still haven't figured out why. It's all so annoying, I am not a sentimental person. I don't even cry at movies. I didn't cry at my Grandfather's funeral (he was very sick and a believer so I know he's definitely better off).

I am also dealing with the fact that I seem to be getting a deeper conviction of how to live. This has created a bit of tension between me and family members. It hurts that people have no issues with teasing me about my convictions and now I am considered "old" (BTW if any of you that have called me this are reading this I am sorry. I am not angry or holding a grudge. Just hurting).

So yeah, Thanksgiving was awful, truly awful. I have done the best that I can to be truly grateful for what God has given me which is a lot. I love that I have a great home, two of the sweetest children and a wonderful husband. I am desperately trying to focus on these things.

Sorry for the blubbering.

Fall is in full swing..

Here it is that time of year again. The weather gets cool, the sweaters come out of the closet and the children love playing in the leaves. This is also a time of true reflection for me. Since my birthday is in the fall and Thanksgiving is just around the corner this is a time for major pondering and reflection. Sometimes it's just to see what my goals are or what I have achieved and see where I need to go next.. This year it's all about the blessings. The beginning of 2008 was bleak to say the least I was about to have surgery on my thyroid. I had recently learned of some horrific issues within my family and Ted was without work.

GOD had it ALL under control.
Thanks to Ted being laid off we didn't need to find somebody to take the children during my surgery.
Thanks to another lay off a couple of months later we were able to go to a cousin's wedding and still have income (unemployment).
Thanks to us being completely broke we've learned that credit stinks and we won't be utilizing it for more than home purchases (and even then would love to be without a mortgage).

Now we have a good income, Ted has finished his required hours to complete his apprenticeship term and we're eating well. This fall I have so much to be thankful for. Even in the tough times God's grace and mercy have been apparent and his love has been abundant.

Our Church

I wanted to share with everybody the site of our Church. http://www.ycovenant.com

There are podcasts of our messages available and it's just sort of nice to see where and how we worship.

Summer drawing to a close.

I am super excited to see the end of summer fast approaching. I am looking forward to the fun times walking through the park with the children as the fall colors are in full swing. I so love sweatshirt weather, it makes for some fun days in the backyard as well. Football in the leaves (or snow) and the children laughing and giggling the entire time. Praise the LORD for what he gives us.

It's been a while

I am so happy but busy this time of year. One thing is that most of our debt is GONE!!!! We're getting so close I can taste the freedom. Secondly, birthday season in our home is nearly done. I bought Ted his new golf clubs nearly a week ago for his birthday. Now just to pay for the license plate stickers since they're in his name. The children have been enjoying all the parties and cake though it's not all been easy. They've been dealing with MANY long days and short nights of sleep.

GOD is so good though, he's been providing us with so much. It's hard to fathom that kind of love at times but it's definitely there.

Love you ALL and sorry it's been a while.

How beautiful

It's amazing how beautiful life can be when looking at it through the eyes of a child. The children are happy to see the sun shining each and every morning. The smile and point out the birds in the yard. They marvel at the colors of the cars driving by when we go to and fro....

Sadly here's what we see..

Them: Morning Mommy the sun is shining..
what I see: Ugh, I didn't get enough sleep last night and now I have to start the day


Them: Mom look at that bird isn't it pretty
What I see: YUCK!! That bird just pooped on the car


Them: Hey look at that red PT cruiser
What I see: Hey that car just cut me off and we nearly collided


If for ONE day I could put my situations aside I could enjoy the sunshine, the birds and the colors that people have created.

Learning a LOT about myself.

Do you ever find yourself learning what you're really like? Those little things that others do that grind on your nerves? I am learning that it frustrates me when others can't come to grips with relying on GOD to provide them with the things they need. I am so tired of hearing of people being willing to step out of GOD's plan to "get what they want". UGH!!! I have seen it one too many times lately. I attempt to be content with what I have because complaining or trying to "help" GOD doesn't accomplish ANYTHING.

Sorry, rant OVER (for now).

Love you all thank you for reading. Kisses.

The things they say.

I love how children figure out new words. They start out with what they percieve in their heads.

Fun examples are listed here....
Scoop (soup)
Meema (Grandma)
NeeNee (Lilly)
Wiwwy (also Lilly)
Bumpoline (Trampoline)
Badetti (spaghetti)


As I remember more of the fun words that my children have come up with I'll post them. I want to keep these in my heart forever.