Three topics for today:
Tell people you love Jesus:
These words prompted me to take Desiring God up on an incredible offer to purchase 48 copies of John Piper's book: Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ at a buck a piece plus $20.00 shipping so I can share with others why we celebrate this time of year.
Each year I think most Christians (should be all) want to help their friends and family members not lose sight of the truth behind Christmas. It's all about Jesus. But if you're like me, finding a creative, inexpensive way to do that is, well, challenging.
From the back of the book it says, "John Piper has written this book in the hope that all will see Jesus for who he really is and will come to enjoy him above all else." This really struck a chord on my heart strings. Oh, how I want to have everyone taste and see that the Lord is good.
Even for my own heart I desire to have fresh ammo for my proverbial tool belt that can be used when I doubt, sin, and lose faith. Another quote from the book: "If you don't savor Christ, you haven't seen Christ for who he is." WOW! Do my actions, deeds and words show my children, my neighbors, the world that I'm savoring Christ above all else because I see him? I can see him without really seeing him. I want my spiritual eyes to be opened so that when I savor him, I know I've seen him.
This year, I'll be handing out these books. Maybe I'll have a blog giveaway. So, one of you lucky six people have the chance of getting this great little book. :o)
No matter how you say Merry Christmas this year, do it with passion, boldness and truth.
Earning the right
I am not a good time manager. I try to be organized but I'm lazy. I want to read the Word daily and with purpose but the computer draws me away. These are the reasons I got off Facebook a year or so ago. I would get wrapped up in the Wall, throwing sheep, photos, comments and who is friends with whom. It's so addicting.
Well, in this little break I've realized that getting organized isn't a laborious chore, it's a joyful exercise. Don't get me wrong, it is work but it's the kind of work that has great rewards. Now, let me just say right now that I am certainly no organizing junkie or perfect mom who has it all together. I still waste time and battle laziness. But it's getting easier to recognize it and do something about it.
I can see the working of the Holy Spirit in my life that gently prompts me to yearn more for God than for GMail and blogs. So, what works for me is to "earn the right" to be on the computer. Have I seen what God has to say to me before I run to see who has the funniest status? Have I managed my family before staring at my laptop?
My goal, through the work of the Spirit, is to always sit at Jesus' feet before going to Internet. All are welcome to ask me if I've been in the Word first when you see me online. And if you are reading this before you have opened the Words of Life, may I kindly suggest you turn the computer off and go taste and see that the Lord is good?
One last comment. I'm not sure how long I'll stay on Facebook. The advertisements in the sidebar really aren't the most glorifying to God, are they?
Looking our best
One of my favorite blogs is Simple Mom dot net. She's a minimalist who shares ideas on frugality, organization and great mom tips. Here's a recent post that has some practical, tangible ways to looking our best. These aren't shallow, high-fashion tips straight from the NY runway, but easy-to-do and helpful when we moms don't feel our best. Check it out: http://simplemom.net/10-tips-for-looking-your-best/.
Posts
4 Shout Outs:
For some reason I think you might like the blog by Molly Piper, John Piper's daughter-in-law.
She started it after the stillbirth of their daughter Felicity. It's http://thepipers.wordpress.com/
Actually, I just found her blog not too long ago but haven't visited it frequently.
Your anonymity is curious to me. I didnt' think I had any readers that were that private.
Don't be shy. I'd love to hear from you-personally.
Thanks for the comment. :o)
Great thoughts, Janice. I'd even buy some of those Piper books from you, if you have too many...
I was wondering what you had worked out, when I saw you back on Facebook. I also try to always do my essential bible reading before any other reads- something like,"why should I check the news, etc, before I check out the Word from God?" Operative word is try, so feel free to ask me if I have been in the Word, also.
Simple mom is good too; thanks for the link.
If you use Mozilla Firefox for your browser when you're on Facebook and use AdBlock Plus with it (google these, you'll figure it out), you can block those offensive ads that are coming up on Facebook. You can't do this if you're using Internet Explorer (friends don't let friends use Explorer...), and it's not yet available on Google Chrome, but may be soon.
I got all this from Tim, of course, lest you think I'm an internet geek. =)
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