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Winter fun...or as John boy calls it - sleigh dumping!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Lesson Learned
I've been reading "Cheaper by the Dozen" by the Gilbreths to my kids for a week or so. They are loving it as am I.
After a few days of light and fun reading, I encountered some language that I had to skip over. A cuss word here and there...and then the Lord's name taken in vain repeatedly. I began to recoil from this book, wondering if I was making a mistake in exposing some of the anti-God ideas to my kids. But this is proving to be a lesson for me and for them.
The father, Frank Gilbreth, is a man who says he believes in God, but has nothing for the church's hypocrisy. He leads his family in many ways, but not in spiritual matters. (Well, he may be leading spiritually, but not in a positive manner.)
He openly breaks rules in front of the children and enjoys being the rebel.
My lesson (as of chapter 8) is that we can peer into the pride of this man and see his stumbling block. We can observe the behaviors and sometimes even the motives of this man that is wise in his own eyes.
Emulation will not be the goal with this reading, but I think the exposure will be fruitful.
And, to be honest, the story is just inviting. They are an interesting brood!
I can't wait to watch the original movie with the kids once the book is finished!
After a few days of light and fun reading, I encountered some language that I had to skip over. A cuss word here and there...and then the Lord's name taken in vain repeatedly. I began to recoil from this book, wondering if I was making a mistake in exposing some of the anti-God ideas to my kids. But this is proving to be a lesson for me and for them.
The father, Frank Gilbreth, is a man who says he believes in God, but has nothing for the church's hypocrisy. He leads his family in many ways, but not in spiritual matters. (Well, he may be leading spiritually, but not in a positive manner.)
He openly breaks rules in front of the children and enjoys being the rebel.
My lesson (as of chapter 8) is that we can peer into the pride of this man and see his stumbling block. We can observe the behaviors and sometimes even the motives of this man that is wise in his own eyes.
Emulation will not be the goal with this reading, but I think the exposure will be fruitful.
And, to be honest, the story is just inviting. They are an interesting brood!
I can't wait to watch the original movie with the kids once the book is finished!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Fast Day #15
Well, I'd like to say that during the 15 days of this fast (especially the last week) that the skies have parted and I've heard amazing things. But, that hasn't happened.
Don't get me wrong. I have learned from God's Word during this time. The learning has focused around giving of myself for the sake of others. And, that's good. But, the fast has mainly been an act of self-denial, self-sacrifice and self-control. In one word - discipline. It's been more physical than spiritual overall.
I'm thankful that one opportunity has arisen during this time to bless a young Mom who lost her home to a fire. She has two small kids. She was a stranger and she's slowly opening to me. It wouldn't surprise me if she thought that I was weird...a stranger calling her repeatedly. Why should I care? Only because I know that God cared for me when I had nothing. I was empty-handed and He loved me. Though she may question my motives or be afraid, I want to extend a hand and love her and watch what God does.
It might be easy to forget this opportunity five years from now, so I want to document and remember the goodness of God.
We prayed that God would show us someone in need to whom we could give our bedroom suit. And, He did. I pray that God will meet her more pressing needs, those that can't be seen from the outside. I pray for her two children and her husband. May they all see the love of God in this time and call upon His name!
I have 5 more days to go. I'm counting down. But, I don't want to miss anything that God has for me between now and then!
Don't get me wrong. I have learned from God's Word during this time. The learning has focused around giving of myself for the sake of others. And, that's good. But, the fast has mainly been an act of self-denial, self-sacrifice and self-control. In one word - discipline. It's been more physical than spiritual overall.
I'm thankful that one opportunity has arisen during this time to bless a young Mom who lost her home to a fire. She has two small kids. She was a stranger and she's slowly opening to me. It wouldn't surprise me if she thought that I was weird...a stranger calling her repeatedly. Why should I care? Only because I know that God cared for me when I had nothing. I was empty-handed and He loved me. Though she may question my motives or be afraid, I want to extend a hand and love her and watch what God does.
It might be easy to forget this opportunity five years from now, so I want to document and remember the goodness of God.
We prayed that God would show us someone in need to whom we could give our bedroom suit. And, He did. I pray that God will meet her more pressing needs, those that can't be seen from the outside. I pray for her two children and her husband. May they all see the love of God in this time and call upon His name!
I have 5 more days to go. I'm counting down. But, I don't want to miss anything that God has for me between now and then!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Stirring Thoughts....
Day 9 of the fast...out of 21 days...
Last night, Jason and I popped in another of Ray Vander Laan's video's to end our Sunday. We didn't know what we were going to receive. His teachings had been about the Israelites being led through the wilderness/desert. It made sense that he would end the series with the next generation in the Promised Land and that would be that.
Well, the Promised Land was the end result - the location. But, the lesson itself was about Isaiah 58! Jason and I were stunned.
I can't even capture all that he taught. He beautifully brought to life the following passage:
I don't normally read the NIV (not cause I'm too cool or anything), but this version states verse 12 exactly as Ray quoted it. He said that the people would be like a well-watered garden..and will be called the Repairer of Broken Walls. This may seem memetaphorical to one who doesn't understand the farming context of the life of the children of Israel in the Promised Land. (It did to me...)
I can only touch on what he taught, but I will attempt to touch.
In that culture in Canaan, God provided them with a land that had built-up terraces for farming. Each family or group would have worked a terrace for themselves, but was immensely connected to those in terraces both above and below. The terrace farms were supported by hand-placed stones in the side of a hill. A rock wall. Ray showed how a farmer couldn't even see his own wall, but faced the wall of the neighbor who worked above him. If he saw his neighbor's wall in need of repair, he could point out the problem or let his neighbor know of the issue OR he could walk right over and place a few stones in the breech!
Jason and I know that God is calling upon us to live by His Word - to care for those that are in need. This is one more Word upon the Words we have heard previously. Unplanned, unrehearsed....it is wonderful to hear the voice of God come alive! Now, may we act upon them!
Last night, Jason and I popped in another of Ray Vander Laan's video's to end our Sunday. We didn't know what we were going to receive. His teachings had been about the Israelites being led through the wilderness/desert. It made sense that he would end the series with the next generation in the Promised Land and that would be that.
Well, the Promised Land was the end result - the location. But, the lesson itself was about Isaiah 58! Jason and I were stunned.
I can't even capture all that he taught. He beautifully brought to life the following passage:
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
I don't normally read the NIV (not cause I'm too cool or anything), but this version states verse 12 exactly as Ray quoted it. He said that the people would be like a well-watered garden..and will be called the Repairer of Broken Walls. This may seem memetaphorical to one who doesn't understand the farming context of the life of the children of Israel in the Promised Land. (It did to me...)
I can only touch on what he taught, but I will attempt to touch.
In that culture in Canaan, God provided them with a land that had built-up terraces for farming. Each family or group would have worked a terrace for themselves, but was immensely connected to those in terraces both above and below. The terrace farms were supported by hand-placed stones in the side of a hill. A rock wall. Ray showed how a farmer couldn't even see his own wall, but faced the wall of the neighbor who worked above him. If he saw his neighbor's wall in need of repair, he could point out the problem or let his neighbor know of the issue OR he could walk right over and place a few stones in the breech!
Jason and I know that God is calling upon us to live by His Word - to care for those that are in need. This is one more Word upon the Words we have heard previously. Unplanned, unrehearsed....it is wonderful to hear the voice of God come alive! Now, may we act upon them!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Radical Changes
Wow...
Right now, I am beginning day 3 of the fast.
I am listening to Radical by David Platt and he is upholding the Word's exhortation to engage in social justice issues, namely: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping the orphan, and forsaking your own gain and comfort that others might have. That sounds very familiar, like Isaiah 58 kind of familiar.
I am shaken.
My friend that initiated the thought of this fast asked that we refrain from unnecessary spending for this time. I have wrestled over whether to use a gift card that I received for Christmas, justifying the thought because I am not spending money but a card that can only be spent at one place. As I shop, I'm looking for things that I already have and looking to replace an appliance that still works! All the while, I hear Platt talking about the rich, young ruler whose hands were so full...and he walked away sad...and empty.
On top of this, my daily reading of the Word is in Job right now. Reading Job isn't easy. I'm weighing out each speakers' words and asking, "Who is right here?"
But, Job is sure of what justice looks like. After naming other virtues, Job spoke about caring for slaves and the poor and hearing their cries or claims of injustice. The orphans were fed (Job 31:17) and the needy were clothed (vs. 19). My heart quakes within me. How far my ideals of Christianity have been from this. I have pursued "niceness" as godliness. I have been silent in response to injustice! He actually said, "...I broke the jaws of the wicked, and snatched the prey from his teeth." (Job 29:17) Where's that tenacity in my life to pursue righteousness!?!
I want to pray and say, "I can't do this, God." But, this time...I'm afraid that it is solely up to me. What You give, I must decide how to spend. What You supply, I must decide where it goes...how to best use it!
David Platt talked about radical changes in his personal life. I am prayerfully examining my own life. Father God, may You be glorified in me as I open my hands to You. Giver of all. Supplier. You don't want to ruin me with your blessings. You are a good parent! I'm listening.
Right now, I am beginning day 3 of the fast.
I am listening to Radical by David Platt and he is upholding the Word's exhortation to engage in social justice issues, namely: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping the orphan, and forsaking your own gain and comfort that others might have. That sounds very familiar, like Isaiah 58 kind of familiar.
I am shaken.
My friend that initiated the thought of this fast asked that we refrain from unnecessary spending for this time. I have wrestled over whether to use a gift card that I received for Christmas, justifying the thought because I am not spending money but a card that can only be spent at one place. As I shop, I'm looking for things that I already have and looking to replace an appliance that still works! All the while, I hear Platt talking about the rich, young ruler whose hands were so full...and he walked away sad...and empty.
On top of this, my daily reading of the Word is in Job right now. Reading Job isn't easy. I'm weighing out each speakers' words and asking, "Who is right here?"
But, Job is sure of what justice looks like. After naming other virtues, Job spoke about caring for slaves and the poor and hearing their cries or claims of injustice. The orphans were fed (Job 31:17) and the needy were clothed (vs. 19). My heart quakes within me. How far my ideals of Christianity have been from this. I have pursued "niceness" as godliness. I have been silent in response to injustice! He actually said, "...I broke the jaws of the wicked, and snatched the prey from his teeth." (Job 29:17) Where's that tenacity in my life to pursue righteousness!?!
I want to pray and say, "I can't do this, God." But, this time...I'm afraid that it is solely up to me. What You give, I must decide how to spend. What You supply, I must decide where it goes...how to best use it!
David Platt talked about radical changes in his personal life. I am prayerfully examining my own life. Father God, may You be glorified in me as I open my hands to You. Giver of all. Supplier. You don't want to ruin me with your blessings. You are a good parent! I'm listening.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Uncommon
It seems the theme of life right now is "uncommon". I feel that God wants to show me how uncommon his ways are, how uncommon His Kingdom is, how uncommon His people should be.
Starting tomorrow, I'll be starting a 21-day fast. That's certainly uncommon in my world. I am unaccustomed to fasting, especially for 21 days. It's a partial fast, but I am entering timidly. I certainly don't have any faith in this flesh of mine.
I heard a Word of hope and warning from Pastor Adrian Rogers the other night.
Pastor Rogers said that the design of man was 3 parts, as supported in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, being body, soul and spirit. Three is a recurring number in Scripture.
God is 3 in 1 - Father, Son and Spirit.
Time is 3 in 1 - past, present, future.
The tabernacle or temple were both 3 in 1 - outer court, inner court, and Holy of Holies (where God dwelt).
*The outer court was the place of physical sacrifice. Death of flesh. That came first. I pray that this fast accomplishes the putting to death of my flesh in order to press in closer.
*The inner court was a place only the priest could go...the mediator between God and man. It is said that the soul is the mediator between our flesh and the spirit of man. I have to think on this analogy more to see what I can learn from the lamp, bread and incense as it relates to this.
*The Holy of Holies was for the high priest only. God's Holy dwelling place.
I desire that this fast would draw me nearer to God than I have ever been.
As I have been meditating on Isaiah 58, I have been focused mostly on this phrase on the correct reason for a fast,
My focus is exposing my flesh and allowing God to deal with it. Then, with all my soul and spirit (by His Spirit), I desire to seek God, to give in an uncommon manner, to love in an uncommon manner, see the oppressed be freed, share bread and cover the naked. This is an uncommon life that God desires. I have settled.
Father, may You work in my life. May You receive honor and glory in this period of time set apart unto You.
Starting tomorrow, I'll be starting a 21-day fast. That's certainly uncommon in my world. I am unaccustomed to fasting, especially for 21 days. It's a partial fast, but I am entering timidly. I certainly don't have any faith in this flesh of mine.
I heard a Word of hope and warning from Pastor Adrian Rogers the other night.
Pastor Rogers said that the design of man was 3 parts, as supported in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, being body, soul and spirit. Three is a recurring number in Scripture.
God is 3 in 1 - Father, Son and Spirit.
Time is 3 in 1 - past, present, future.
The tabernacle or temple were both 3 in 1 - outer court, inner court, and Holy of Holies (where God dwelt).
*The outer court was the place of physical sacrifice. Death of flesh. That came first. I pray that this fast accomplishes the putting to death of my flesh in order to press in closer.
*The inner court was a place only the priest could go...the mediator between God and man. It is said that the soul is the mediator between our flesh and the spirit of man. I have to think on this analogy more to see what I can learn from the lamp, bread and incense as it relates to this.
*The Holy of Holies was for the high priest only. God's Holy dwelling place.
I desire that this fast would draw me nearer to God than I have ever been.
As I have been meditating on Isaiah 58, I have been focused mostly on this phrase on the correct reason for a fast,
"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry(Isaiah 58:7 ESV)
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
My focus is exposing my flesh and allowing God to deal with it. Then, with all my soul and spirit (by His Spirit), I desire to seek God, to give in an uncommon manner, to love in an uncommon manner, see the oppressed be freed, share bread and cover the naked. This is an uncommon life that God desires. I have settled.
Father, may You work in my life. May You receive honor and glory in this period of time set apart unto You.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Leading by Word
Last night, Jason and I watched a Ray Vander Laan video about Moses. I'm certain that the one we watched was "By Every Word - Striking the Rock". The message was a powerful one! Moses was punished for his sin of striking the rock by not being allowed into the Promised Land. Ray unveiled possible reasons for this. What was the real significance?
Many Jewish stories and histories tell possible reasons.
Pharoah was symbolized by the staff that he carried which looked (to me) somewhat like the shepherd's crook. But, in contrast, Pharoah invoked fear with his staff being a harsh ruler. He (the Pharoah of Moses' time) was known for wiping out a whole generation of babies because the Hebrew children were too numberous in His opinion.
God wanted to raise up a leader in Moses that would be in stark contrast to this harsh leadership. Moses had been in Pharoah's court as a son and had lived as a shepherd in Midian. God had led him into the right places for training! Shepherds had staffs too, but they didn't strike with them.
Ray Vander Laan teaches that the word "leader" and "word" have the same root. The shepherd led by word, as our Shepherd does. A shepherd calls to his flock and they know his voice and follow, as Jesus instructed.
So, Moses' sin in striking the rock could have been that he reverted to a Pharoah-ish type of leadership, striking in anger. God needed a man of Word, not a hard-hitting leader.
When I think of Moses' leadership, I first think of his many prayers. He asked the Lord to take His punishment out on Moses for the sins of the people or to change His mind when it came to wiping the people out! He was a man of compassion...a man after God's heart. But, he did fall in at least this one aspect. And, the consequences were great.
Of course, it makes me internalize this word and ask, "Am I trying to lead by word?" I have confessed before that I revert to anger. Most of my emotions come out looking like anger when I am in the flesh. God has tempered that tendency some over the years. I want to lead by word. I want to speak the Word. I want to be different than a Pharoah. What little influence and power I have, I want to serve and love with it.
Ultimately, I want to serve and love like Jesus. He is the great Shepherd. He laid down His life for His people. I must surrender my own life for those that God has entrusted to me, if I am to lead by Word.
This is my prayer, O God. Let my heart be humble before you and before those around me. I pray that I will not call an accusation against my husband or children or strike out in anger. Purify my heart and my own words that I will pray, as Moses once did, that You would offer grace and restoration to my children when they sin and that I would offer grace as well. I want to have this type of loving leadership in my own home.
Many Jewish stories and histories tell possible reasons.
Pharoah was symbolized by the staff that he carried which looked (to me) somewhat like the shepherd's crook. But, in contrast, Pharoah invoked fear with his staff being a harsh ruler. He (the Pharoah of Moses' time) was known for wiping out a whole generation of babies because the Hebrew children were too numberous in His opinion.
God wanted to raise up a leader in Moses that would be in stark contrast to this harsh leadership. Moses had been in Pharoah's court as a son and had lived as a shepherd in Midian. God had led him into the right places for training! Shepherds had staffs too, but they didn't strike with them.
Ray Vander Laan teaches that the word "leader" and "word" have the same root. The shepherd led by word, as our Shepherd does. A shepherd calls to his flock and they know his voice and follow, as Jesus instructed.
So, Moses' sin in striking the rock could have been that he reverted to a Pharoah-ish type of leadership, striking in anger. God needed a man of Word, not a hard-hitting leader.
When I think of Moses' leadership, I first think of his many prayers. He asked the Lord to take His punishment out on Moses for the sins of the people or to change His mind when it came to wiping the people out! He was a man of compassion...a man after God's heart. But, he did fall in at least this one aspect. And, the consequences were great.
Of course, it makes me internalize this word and ask, "Am I trying to lead by word?" I have confessed before that I revert to anger. Most of my emotions come out looking like anger when I am in the flesh. God has tempered that tendency some over the years. I want to lead by word. I want to speak the Word. I want to be different than a Pharoah. What little influence and power I have, I want to serve and love with it.
Ultimately, I want to serve and love like Jesus. He is the great Shepherd. He laid down His life for His people. I must surrender my own life for those that God has entrusted to me, if I am to lead by Word.
This is my prayer, O God. Let my heart be humble before you and before those around me. I pray that I will not call an accusation against my husband or children or strike out in anger. Purify my heart and my own words that I will pray, as Moses once did, that You would offer grace and restoration to my children when they sin and that I would offer grace as well. I want to have this type of loving leadership in my own home.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year...New Purpose
I have a need to journal my prayers. I have done so for years. Recently I threw about 10 full notebooks in the garbage because I see the vanity of thinking that anyone after me would want to keep them. That is my cynicism showing through. Also, I am not sure that I want my kids reading through those early years of my faith and seeing how very messed up I was. They could be scarred, confused, or (worse) they may not even care to read them.
But, I have decided to use this space as a prayer journal of sorts. I want to track along with what God is teaching me and what I need to pray for my kids and loved ones here. Less notebook paper used and my kids can sit down and look through this multi-media source years from now (if they choose). I like the 365 blog idea with pictures, but I'm not quite the picture gal. I would like to adapt that concept to prayers.
Anywho...now I have explained the turn.
Today, I'm meditating on fasting. I am learning myself and hoping to teach the kids about fasting. We are choosing to fast in the month of January (upon the suggestion of a friend) with the intention of giving to those in need. Spirituality meets practicality. They really always meets, but I sometimes forget and attempt to separate the two. So currently, I'm reading in Daniel chapter 10 and Isaiah about fasting and praying about why I am to fast, specifically.
I'm looking forward to what will come in 2011!
But, I have decided to use this space as a prayer journal of sorts. I want to track along with what God is teaching me and what I need to pray for my kids and loved ones here. Less notebook paper used and my kids can sit down and look through this multi-media source years from now (if they choose). I like the 365 blog idea with pictures, but I'm not quite the picture gal. I would like to adapt that concept to prayers.
Anywho...now I have explained the turn.
Today, I'm meditating on fasting. I am learning myself and hoping to teach the kids about fasting. We are choosing to fast in the month of January (upon the suggestion of a friend) with the intention of giving to those in need. Spirituality meets practicality. They really always meets, but I sometimes forget and attempt to separate the two. So currently, I'm reading in Daniel chapter 10 and Isaiah about fasting and praying about why I am to fast, specifically.
I'm looking forward to what will come in 2011!
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