World's Biggest Failure

Happy New Year!! I can't believe this blog is still here. Pretty sure I didn't post once last year. Life is full with 4 kiddos and homeschooling three of them. Chasing my youngest should be an Olympic sport. Man, can that kid get into mischief. Just tonight I found a package of toilet paper in their room, a book in the pantry and I still hear him talking in his bed. It's 10pm!! He's our little busy blessing.

So this year I'm hoping to write a little more. I can't tell you how often I think of things to share but time is just not there. I'm doing good to keep clean clothes in the drawers. Or at least off my bed. Anyone else keep a pile of clean clothes on their bed with full intention of folding and putting away before bed; only to shift it back to the laundry basket? yah, me too...(I'm really hoping I'm not the only one)..

Nobody likes feeling like a failure and by this time of the year you might feel like one because you've set out, with good intentions, to keep some New Year's resolution, but have already slipped and caved in. Whether it's giving up a bad habit or starting a good one, it's hard to stay on track. For those of you going strong--way to go!!

One resolution that tends to lose steam and excitement is reading through the Bible. It's no fun going to your checklist and seeing the missed days and soon, you table the idea. It's like those dates mock you, sneer at you and scream failure in your face. Okay, maybe it's just me. Point is, if you're like me and really wanted to make this your year, you haven't even started and it kinda stinks. In the past I might have had good intentions to "just start today" but it's no fun checking a box that reads January 1 and it's January 29.

I'm here to share with you a very cool new Bible reading plan that's for shirkers and slackers. Check this out, it's called Bible Reading Program for Slackers and Shirkers. Love it! Read Margie's story and hope you find some inspiration!

Happy reading and growing in God's amazing grace this new year!

It's a YouTube Kind of Post

If you know me well, you know that I have the tendency to be all or nothing in my thoughts/actions/attitudes. As you also have seen, I don't write on this here bloggy-blog very often as I'm a busy mama of four. There are so many things I want to write about (a line I think I've written several times already on here) and yet the time just doesn't allow. Time-management is an area I struggle with and am working on. But, I digress.

Here recently I've come across several videos that I thought were worth sharing. If I had my act together, I would make them three different posts, as they are all un-related. However, I am doing it all--to avoid doing nothing. :)

My first video is of Mark Driscoll sharing his thoughts on the church family. It was very convicting and I am curious what speaks to you through what he has to say:



The second video is a funny video that some may see as a slap in the face if it's the way their church does things, but I see it as a way of showing us that we all have our own style of worship and without Christ, it's just routine. Let's not lose sight of what worship is. For me, I want my outward actions to be a pure, natural reaction to what God has done in my heart. How about you? Does worship matter to you and how to you overcome idols of the heart?

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

The last is a song that really describes where I'm at right now. I am in a battle of the flesh. I've recently come to see that there are certain things (okay things) that simply do not fit in my life. If I am to be holy as He is holy, I must, must let go of certain things that I know feed my flesh. Is it temporary? Maybe. Regardless, I want to be used of God and I can't be a vessel for Him with these idols in my way. So, enjoy this song and may it lift you to a new level of righteous living.

Biggest Loser

This post is for the ladies.

The other night I was at Jen's house and she read this from her facebook feed,a status that said:
Know any ladies interested in modeling? My sister's company is looking to hire Seattle-area female size medium models who are athletic, fit, tone, and not self-conscious about wearing a sports bra in front of a crowd of 40+ men and women. (Must be at least 5'5" women's size medium, fit, and between ages of 20 and 35). ...
To which she replied: I have the height and age limit down. I TOTALLY fit the description...under a few layers of course. thanks for the good little giggle tonight...at my own expense.

We were laughing so hard. Oh the mental pictures that went through my head thinking of myself sporting my non-fit body. Ain't nobody who wants to see that! Except my sweetie. He is so loving and kind to love me and my fat rolls and doesn't care I have a few stretch marks and a 6 months pregnant-looking bod. Well, I am nursing, so cut that down to five and a half.

My sister (in whom I admire for her self-control and discipline) challenged me a couple of weeks ago to do a weight-loss program with her and my mom. I'm supposed to be counting calories, drinking water, journaling what I eat and exercising. And no, my rebounder doesn't count. Oh, it would if I actually exerted myself, but let's face it, I'm lazy. With a capitol L. It's hard and I don't like to sweat. Needless to say, I haven't done much.

The other day a friend was over and she shared her desire to start exercising and change the way she's feeding her family and wants encouragement and accountability. She had talked with a few of our other friends about starting a "Biggest Loser" type accountability plan. I totally begged to jump on that train.

Well, I got the email tonight that it's going to start. Rats, no more procrastinating. I do need all the help I can get but it's like giving birth. No matter how much you know or how many great coaches, doulas, midwives, doctors, experts you have, in the end, it's all about you and the baby (and the gracious hand of God). No one else can come in and do the hard work for you.

So now I'm mentally preparing to be ready to go on Monday. I had to remind myself that this is not to feed my own vanity. How hard is that going to be? We women want to look good in our clothes and be attractive to our husbands. But as I mentioned before, my sweetie takes me as I am. So if I were to be totally honest, I want to lose weight because of me and how good I will look.

Trying to remember 1 Corinthians 10:31.

I want my life to speak of God's goodness, greatness, love and mercy. Not how good I look in my jeans.

This is going to be so hard.

Serving With the Right Heart

It always amazes me when I see a mom maintain not only a blog, but a blog about doing things yourself. Like this:

Cute isn't it? But, how does she have the time to maintain a home, raise her kids, love her husband and make burlap wreaths--THEN tell the world about it? Well, I'm sure she would say she doesn't do it all because she is some super-human. I'm slowly seeing that there are many talented women out there that do things differently than me, and not because they have some secret hidden power. I believe they have found their gift, embraced it and use it to the glory of God. Okay, the last is assuming they have moved from appreciating God's common grace into His saving grace. But, the point is, I need to stop looking at other people's gifts with envy and sadness and start praising God for what He has given me, then rejoice and use it.

I posted a facebook status the other day that said: Has a burden to minister in my season of child-rearing. How to balance it all? By God's grace. Romans 1:16. This sparked a lot of thumbs-ups and several comments that reminded me of my first and foremost area of ministry: my children and husband. My kids need to be raised in the truth and knowledge of Jesus Christ. My husband needs my support and encouragement to walk worthy of the Lord. Together, we need to raise our kids with a purpose to make much of God. I can not agree more. This time of having my little ones at home is fleeting and I better not get so involved with the church that I neglect my family.

But, having said that, I also can't get so wrapped in my family that I neglect the church. Though I have four children, I am not too busy to serve. There's a reason for why I think I'm not serving or serving enough. Because I look at what others are doing and I compare my talent to their talent. I have spiritual envy. Instead of rejoicing over the gifts of my fellow brother and sister, I pine for the same talent or sulk at the inability to do it their way. How sinful.

God did not make a mistake when He made us. Each has a unique gift and a season to use it in. As I manage my home I want to be more aware of the little eyes watching me and make sure I am making so much of God, that I become invisible. These little ones will learn more by my actions than my words. So I pray I will become a doer of the word and not a hearer only.

Lord, help me keep this burden to serve continually before you. I need direction and gospel-centered motive so you will be glorified and magnified. Satisfy my longing heart with your steadfast love, grace and mercy. In Jesus' name.

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart

Taken from Pat Sczebel's sermon notes at Worship God 09:

A gap is a break in continuity, a break or a hole in an object. How do we recognize the gap we feel with our relationship with God? Here are the symptoms: "Knowledgeable but impersonal walk with God, a struggle with material things, and a definite lack of personal growth. Something is wrong with this harvest; it contradicts the faith that is supposed to be its source." Timothy Lane, Paul Tripp (How People Change pg. 3)

How do we remedy the gap? Look at Psalm 73:1. God is truly good to Israel and is made most clear to us through the work of Christ. We know God is good because "the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." Romans 8:16

Consider these quotes from John Piper's book, Desiring God: "Saving faith is the cry of a new creation in Christ. And the newness of the new creature is that it has a new taste. What was once distasteful or bland is now craved. Saving faith is the confidence that if you sell all you have, and forsake all sinful pleasures, the hidden treasure of holy joy will satisfy your deepest desires."

This is easy to say with our lips, but deny the truth in our hearts when temptation comes and we sin. We envy the wicked who seem to prosper and increase in wisdom and riches. We then become angry or irritated with God. David did. Look at Psalm 73 verses 3-15.

Paul David Tripp says this: "The world is so attractive to our eyes and so seductive to our hearts. The creation can seem so much more real than the Creator. The sights, sounds, touches, and tastes of the world can make us more alive than the purposes, promises, presence and provisions of a God who can neither be seen nor heard. This is a battle you do not win once. It is a battle that you must face every day."

I like what Milton Vincent says in his book, The Gospel Primer: "Though saved, I am daily beset by a sinful flesh that always craves those things that are contrary to the Spirit. These fleshly lusts are vicious enemies, constantly waging war against the good of my soul. Yet they promise me fullness, and their promises are deliciously sweet that I often find myself giving into them as if they were friends that have my best interests at heart. On the most basic of levels, I desire fullness, and fleshly lusts seduce me by attaching themselves to this basic desire. They exploit the empty spaces in me, and they promise that fullness will be mine if I give into their demands. When my soul sits empty and is aching for something to fill it, such deceptive promises are difficult to resist."

So, where is our triumph? Again, God's Word provides the answers. Read Psalm 73:16-28.
When I go into the sanctuary, I echo David's words, "it is good to be near God."

What happens to my appetite for sin when I am filled with Christ? My hunger for sin diminishes and the lies of lust simply lose their appeal. "In the gospel I experience a God who glorifies Himself by filling me with His fullness." Milton Vincent

Here are practical applications that will help us bridge the gap.

• Recognize the extent of your own sin. Don't minimize sin and temptation and simply "brush it off". Sin resides in the heart and when we accept the bad news of our condition, the good news of the gospel can have its full affect.
  
• Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. Practice confessing specific sins before God and confessing specific sins before others. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  
• Turn your eyes towards Christ again. Stop the routine that doesn't satisfy. He made an end to ALL our sin. Our sin has been removed for a reason. In Him is everything we need. He stands and knocks wanting to commune. Schedule times throughout your day to refocus your gaze.
• Daily remind yourself of God's grace and goodness. His Word will help us do this. Preach the gospel to yourself everyday. This will fill our hearts with gratefulness, when we see what we deserve vs. what we received. Joy should overflow from a grateful heart.
  
• Daily remind others of His grace and goodness. Move out of your devotion time keeping Christ on your mind onto your lips. Look for ways to talk about Him with others throughout the day. You'll find your soul full with Christ and fleshly lusts losing their appeal. Be mindful of His work in you and in others throughout the day and draw attention to his work.
  

The Authenticity of our Faith

I can completely and totally relate to this video. My words said one thing, but my actions revealed the reality of my heart. The object of my faith was a prayer, a ritual and a delusional view of the christian walk. I compared myself to others, and even mimicked what they said. My heart was deceived and I was on a fast track to hell.

But, praise be to our Everlasting Father, who sought me and plucked me out of this darkness. My testimony was ripped to shreds in light of scripture. He revealed Himself to me and I crumbled under the weight of lies I was living under. I ran to the Savior.

Watch this video and evaluate what your faith is in. Is it in an idea, an action, a prayer? Are you suppressing the truth-fearful of what others might say?

Jeremiah 17:9 says our hearts are deceitful above all else and desperately sick or wicked. Don't be fooled, God will not be mocked. See God as who He is: Holy. See yourself as who you really are: destitute and full of all kinds of wickedness. Then, see the Savior: the One who lived the life we were suppose to live and received the punishment we should have received.

Amazing grace.

Living in a Routine

We are experiencing some really hot days here in Oregon. Not typical for this time of year. As a result, we have stayed indoors mostly and that has resulted into very lazy days.

We don't have central air, but do have units that keep our home cool. I'm actually comfortable. Probably too comfortable. I keep the bedroom doors closed so the units don't have to cool more rooms than necessary and because of that, I don't want to go into by bedroom to do the much-needed laundry.

My poor children have been allowed to view way too many DVD's and I have failed to get dressed. I came across this very timely post from one of my favorite blogs: Simple Mom.

She touches on my problem. I am starting my day without focus, without purpose and more dangerously, without the Lord. I'm a wanderer in my own home.

She gives practical advice and encouragement, along with the tools to be successful.

What do you struggle with as a stay-at-home-mom? Are you lazy like me or are you a slave to your schedule? Either way, we need to remember we are to be keepers at home and tenderly teaching our children the ways of God. Only thing my kids are learning from me right now is how to be on my idol-the computer.

So, I'm logging off now and will try to salvage the rest of this day!

To my rescue...

My friend, Loraena, found the quote I referred to in my last blog post. As I re-read it, images came to mind at how many times I have ran away from opportunities to share the gospel because of a cultural line. This is to my shame. As a mom, I want to protect my kids (and who am I kidding, myself) from the foul language, the stench of pot smoke or the smell of neglected hygienic practices. But, is that what Christ did? Absolutely not. And, aren't they a picture of our un-regenerate state? Most definitely. Read this and tell me how you and your family are getting around cultural barriers. And, might I add, we will not teach our kids to have a love for the lost until we model it to them. Please, let me know what you do to share Christ to all people. And, if you're like me and you aren't, pray with me to have a desire to reach out to the unlovely. Praise God, He did!!

"Now that the wall is down, the servants of Christ are called to crawl over the rubble with the message of salvation. It is comfortable to stay in the sphere of people like ourselves, seeking refuge in a familiar ghetto of Christian contacts. But we cannot wait for non-Christians to cross the culture gaps, to scale the walls to get to know us well enough to see Christ’s grace in our lives...We who have experienced this grace are the ones who must climb the walls, build the bridges, and suffer the stresses of culture shock. People who know Jesus must pay the price to pierce the barriers between peoples." -Dennis E. Johnson

These are the books that sit on my bedside table. My sweetie said I can't buy anymore books from the church's book table until I finish reading the ones I have. Problem is, I'm no bookworm. I didn't enjoy reading when I was younger, and now that there's a desire, I have no time. Go figure.

I just started reading Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Although the book is targeted toward teens, the message is not lost on adults. Here's how the authors introduce the idea and message.



I can't go back and change my mis-spent teenage and young adult years, but I can teach my children and the kids around me that God and I expect more than what the world expects. And we can do it together. So, it doesn't matter if you have the teen years still ahead of you or if your head hurts thinking back that far, it's never too late to do hard things for the cause of Christ and glory of God.

Wheatgrass-Really?

When trials come in your own life or in the life of someone you care about, have you fallen victim to offer help and advice though well-meaning, is really not helpful at all? I sure have. The clip below is a comical look at a serious downfall in the Christian community and one I've been guilty of myself. Oh, I haven't used wheatgrass, but other "pet" remedies. The follow-up clip says it all. And then, the third video is the full sermon. Rejoice in trials. For a believer, this is as bad as it will ever get. We have the hope of eternal life where we will be free from the presence of sin!

Can I have a re-do?

Our church is moving into a new area of ministry of creating and maintaining small groups. The idea is for us to get to know one another, encourage one another, pray for one another and in the end, build strong relationships where we will be able to hold one another accountable and therefore, run the race set before us as we await the coming of our Lord and King.

This Sunday night I was asked to participate in a panel to demonstrate what small groups will look like. After watching the DVD segment as a congregation, eight of us moved onto the platform to answer a series of questions. Coming up with answers on the spot can be challenging-especially in front of an audience. My notes and pre-conceived ideas of how I would answer did not help me.

Of the many questions asked, the first one still haunts me. The question: "How have we received or given bad counsel that makes us question the promises of God"? My answer: "I don't remember ever giving or receiving bad counsel but I do battle questioning God's promise that He will not withhold any good thing from me..."

Now that time has passed, I can think of a hundred different times I have received and given bad counsel. You see, life is all about counseling. It's in the way we live that we are counseling those around us. People don't live based on the facts of their experiences, but rather by the way they interpret those experiences. Our lives are shaped by those interpretations and we desperately need God's counsel to clarify and speak truth.

In the garden, Adam and Eve heard two counselors. Satan took the same facts God spoke to them, but gave a different interpretation. This battle continues today. So, every time I watch a movie that glorifies sin, and I don't grieve over that entertainment, I am listening to bad counsel. Wonder why there is so much confusion out there? It's because there are thousands of voices that are interpreting messages that shape our hearts.

Every sitcom we laugh at, every book we read and every lyric we jam to will shape our hearts. So, the question remains. When have I received or given bad counsel? When I fail to see (then ultimately show) that I was created to worship God and am dependant on Him. I want to hate the things God hates and love the things God loves.

Each time I live for myself and show that I don't need God to direct me, I'm not believing Christ when He said, "Without me you can do nothing".

Counsel is important. It's never neutral because advice gives moral shape. How are you shaping your heart and the hearts around you?

Sharing the Gospel in a Most Humble Way

This past Saturday, I found myself in an embarrassing situation. It started when I decided to get the girls' hair cut.

Pigtails and Crewcuts is a children's salon I spotted several months ago while sitting in the parking lot waiting for my sweetie to return from R.E.I. When the time came for Emily and Lydia to get their hair cut, I was excited to take the girls in to this establishment. Everything about it seemed a perfect way to treat my girlies. Mommy and daughter time. Oh, and Nana time, she was with us. A girl's day out.

So, I call to make an appointment and was told they don't make appointments but if I call on my way in, she'll put our names on the list. Okay, this sounds great. I call when I am ten minutes out and get on the list.

Before coming in, I had shown pictures of other locations to Emily and Lydia and so they are excited too. The idea of getting to sit in your choice of vehicle and watch a movie while you get your hair cut was too cool!

Here we go hand-in-hand off to have some fun at Pigtails and Crewcuts. Even the name puts a smile on my face. That smile soon turned to pursed lips soon after walking through the doors. As we enter, I am met with a forced smile from the receptionist and have a clipboard shoved at me informing me I need to fill this out. So, I do. No thank you when I hand it back and no indication that someone will be with us soon. My biggest disappointment here is that my kids weren't greeted.

There were two stylists, both busy. One was finishing up and the other maybe about half-way through. We sit and wait. And wait. And wait. When the first stylist had finished, I notice she disappears. Hair is still on the floor from her client and there's no sign of her. Anywhere. The receptionist then leaves and I notice her down the hall and out back smoking. Nice. I sure hope she doesn't bring that breath in to my children. Thankfully, she's only the receptionist. Well, moving on.

By this time the second stylist has finished and I have waited over 15 minutes without one person talking to me. Oh, except the friendly clientele. In the meantime, the receptionist has cleaned the first station and does a good job putting things back in place and wiping things down. Then, I get the shocking question, in an I'd-rather-be-somewhere-else-tone, Okay, who's going to be first? Oh, nuh-uh. We did not just sit here for a very long time being ignored to have my girls go one at a time causing an even greater delay in my day. "We are on a time schedule. I was under the impression both of my girls could get their hair done at the same time," I say. "Well, the other stylist is on break," she says. HELLO!! Could she not have told me that when she walked away? Wouldn't it have been nice to say, "Thanks for waiting, she'll be with you in a moment." To say I was irritated is an understatement. I'm big on customer service. My wait time can be tolerated if you just smile and let me know what's going on.

This is when my flesh and all my warm fuzzy expectations that just got squashed take control. The gal on break comes out after hearing me complain to the others that I have waited a long time and I thought the girls could go together. When she comes out, I hear in a rather fake, forced voice, "Oh, look, here she is now." No way am I going to be the cause of this poor woman missing her much needed break. I've worked retail. I understand the need to step away. I do not hesitate to tell them that from the moment I walked in I felt as if we had interrupted a private party and that I was not impressed with their customer service. I waited too long and we were not staying. I take my children and we leave. All the way to the car I'm getting, "Mommy, how come we're not staying?" I reply sharply, "Because those women weren't very nice."

Huh. Who's not being very nice here? All of a sudden I have a wave of convicting thoughts. Look at how you have just behaved, I hear. I must go back in and apologize to those women. My mom says she is going to wait in the car so it's me and my girls. I take a deep breath, ask the Lord for wisdom and enter back into the salon where the three ladies were chatting and I genuinely apologize for my behavior. I should not have gotten so upset and been so rude but most importantly I tell them, "I am a Christian and what I did was not glorifying or honoring to God and that's what my life is about." Silence.

I then ask if they would please cut my daughters' hair? They smiled and said they'd be happy to. Smiles were still forced and I'm not sure they enjoy their jobs but when they finished (both girls got to go together), I thank them and apologized once more. One tells me it's fine, we all have our days. To that I replied, "It's just a reminder to me at how imperfect I really am and how grateful I am to Jesus Christ who took my punishment on the cross." To the receptionist I also apologize and she says it was just a misunderstanding. To her I say again, "I'm reminded at how I mess up and need the work of Jesus Christ."

This is not my ideal way of showing my faith but boy, is it the most honest real way. Yesterday, it was a great day to be in the house of the Lord. The message reminded me that the gospel of Jesus Christ is unstoppable because Jesus is alive and working. The gospel is spread abroad by the working of the Holy Spirit through His people. I don't want the ladies of that salon or you, the reader, to see a woman who had a case of guilty conscience and did a good thing by coming back in. On the contrary. I want them and you to see a hopeless sinner who serves a mighty God. I hope they are curious about this person mentioned, Jesus Christ and ask themselves, what does it mean that He took the punishment. I can only trust in the working of the Holy Spirit to take my fumbling words and open hearts as He so chooses.

I will be back to Pigtails and Crewcuts and hope to always bring in the light of Christ and the Love of God.

...the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away.

Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, saw her need for a Savior. Luke 1:46-47 and verse 49 records this: "And Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,..for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

If anyone had room to boast, Mary would be one of them. Read how it's recorded in the Bible: "...the angel Gabriel was sent forth from God...to a virgin...Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you...Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...therefore the child to be born will be called holy-the Son of God.'"

But Mary didn't boast in herself because God opened her eyes to see her need for Him. Here's an excerpt of a commentary found on Bible Gateway of Mary's "Song of Praise."

Mary, animated by Elisabeth's address, and being also under the influence of the Holy Ghost, broke out into joy, admiration, and gratitude. She knew herself to be a sinner who needed a Saviour, and that she could no otherwise rejoice in God than as interested in his salvation through the promised Messiah. Those who see their need of Christ, and are desirous of righteousness and life in him, he fills with good things, with the best things; and they are abundantly satisfied with the blessings he gives.

He will satisfy the desires of the poor in spirit who long for spiritual blessings,

while the self-sufficient shall be sent empty away. (emphasis mine)

Lord, keep me from losing sight of your redeeming plan. Thank you for correcting me when I behave self-sufficiently. Burn in me a desire above all others to live a life in you, through you and wholly dependant upon you.

Hustling Around

This past Saturday I went to the mall, something I rarely do, and was amazed at how many cars were in the parking lot. It was a madhouse. It really shouldn't have surprised me because we're just over a month away from Christmas. 5 Saturdays to be exact. Actually, we're now down to 4.

My friend, Katherine, was impressed with my parking abilities in that I managed to park in a compact spot (unmarked, mind you-I wouldn't have parked there if it had been marked) and we didn't get any scrapes on the cars beside us and saw no dings on our doors when we returned. Hey, at least I wasn't the ding-dong who double parked. We fit. Barely. :o)

Today I went to Costco and by 11:00am, it looked like a Saturday afternoon. The parking lot was packed and the aisles were busy. It kind of made me smile to be out on a sunny autumn day with fellow holiday shoppers. Today there were smiles all around and no one was crabby or vying for the last four-pack of Sparkling Cider. I wonder what it will be like on Wednesday.

If you have to go out, be the nice happy face that reminds people of why we celebrate this time of year. And when you find yourself frustrated at all the people and the lines, remember you're a contributing factor to the length of the line and a another body to be dealt with.

Show some holiday cheer this year and don't let Jesus get lost in this season.

Veteran's Day

I'll admit that in previous years I haven't given much thought into this day. When working for the bank, it was just a day off. I might be thankful momentarily for the service they rendered our country but only to ease my conscience.

Today, I am so thankful that men and women risked their lives for our freedom. We live in a democracy where our voices can be heard. We can give an outcry to injustice. Regardless if my voice isn't part of the majority, I still have a voice. I'm thankful we live in a country free of tyranny. Just yesterday I was reading of conflicts in Congo, Africa where the warlords and greedy, selfish governing officials are keeping food from the mouths of their own people! Praise God that we live in a country where we abound in food.

Today, I am also reminded of another life that was given for our freedom. God's own glory revealed in flesh. His Son, Jesus Christ, laid down His life so that we would be free. Free indeed.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth...

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 8:1,3,4

Why God chose me to live in America is as baffling to me as to why He would choose to save me. God poured His grace upon us so that we might go out and radiate that glory in all we do and say. Lord bless your day!

Re-Post: What to do with Halloween

I got the following email shortly after taking down my post on Halloween and putting up my retraction:

Jan, I wish you hadn't taken down the post. It was a good discussion. You presented a very commonly held, and not hateful view that probably many people agree with. It was mostly positive. I highlighted a few phrases which I thought were the pillars of your argument, to see if they held up.
Twas a good discussion...I think others might have posted as well. No rush, but you might consider reposting it and adding your "retraction" statement as a comment to clarify that you do not wish to look pious at all.

It was a good discussion and continues to be although the election and God's sovereignty has trumped my discussion on a day that has come and gone. Nonetheless, I want to post it for two reasons. Maybe three. One is that it will save me the time to send it out the people who want to read it. Two, it gives me something to link to if the need arises and three I really want to see what others think. As I teach my kids why we do what we do, I want to show them how to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This comes in the form of being convinced in our own hearts. So, here it is for the last time.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the changing colors of the leaves that are in stark contrast to the evergreens that surround us. Fall leads us into Thanksgiving and onto Christmas. But first we must stagger through Halloween.

As a child, I remember this "holiday" as a day of dressing up as some innocent character and spending an evening at our church Harvest Party. No costumes could be ghoulish or gory and so if you stayed away from witches and monsters, it was okay. Nothing scary was allowed. One year I remember going trick-or-treating by way of shuttle courtesy of my mom as she drove to houses we knew. We then took our candy to the hospital, where my mom worked, and it was placed under x-ray making sure the morsels were safe to consume. Not sure if the exposure to radiology did any damage.

When I was about 12 or 13, our church at the time threw a Haunted House in the church!! We went through "cobwebs", stuck our hands in "eyeballs", and I saw my mom beheaded. It made such an impact on me that I ran out crying. It freaked me out. Talking to my mom about it today, she doesn't remember this. I will never forget.

When I attended a community college, I went out with two or three other friends one Halloween in attempts to get candy by going door-to-door but realized we were too old and figured sweets were only handed out to kids who had costumes. We didn't fit either one. Instead, we walked around the neighborhoods well after midnight and took pumpkins off doorsteps and dropped them on sidewalks. We thought we were being clever because there was a rock group in the mainstream at the time called The Smashing Pumpkins. We walked through a cemetery showing one another that we didn't think much of this night and even talked candidly about rituals that probably go on in cemeteries across the globe. Thankfully, we saw nothing but grey tombstones and heard nothing more than the crunching leaves under foot.

So, what's the point in all this? Well, the Lord has brought me on a journey as to how to deal with this day. The first Halloween after becoming a believer, I lived with my sister and her family. I was so adamant that her kids not go trick-or-treating but instead we would give out candy. My sis relented. I think she too was on a journey and wanted to truly honor the Lord. Problem is, it was done with such harshness and in my heart I was so judgmental to those who came to our door. It was like I had elevated myself above them by being on the inside of the door frame.

Later, after getting married and having a home of my own, Doug and I decided to hand out candy with tracts. We had some friends over and enjoyed their company very much. This was fine, I guess, but still there was something nagging inside me about the attitude I was harboring. Can God really be glorified in all of this? That was the year I heard about Reformation Day. More on that later.

In talking to others, I've found that there are a number of ways believers recognize this day. You know, make some fun memories for the kids. One family had a great reputation with their neighbors until Halloween came around. These well meaning believers went inside, turned off their lights and ate pizza with friends and then they were deemed "the weird neighbors." After that, they opened their home and entertained the neighbors with a chili feed. In Arizona, this was definitely doable. But the point is, they didn't stand at arms length but invited people into their home and celebrated fall/harvest and the changing of seasons (though this had to be done with synthetic leaves as you could imagine in the desert.) Another mom told me they don't let their kids go door-to-door to ask for things 364 days of the year, why do it on this day. This is coupled with the explanation that as Christians, they are to do all things that bring God glory. A good friend of mine who is a new believer said very simply, why would I want to celebrate a pagan holiday. Others I know of, allow their kids to dress up and participate at school where no scary things are allowed and have peace about that. Some allow their kids to gather candy but at the non-scary houses.

These last several years, Halloween has really come and gone and I haven't given much thought to it. We moved to the country where nobody comes to trick-or-treat and my kids haven't had a clue. Until now.Emily is now five and Lydia is three with Micah right behind them at 17 1/2 months. They are starting to pay attention. Times have changed where Halloween is anticipated, decorated for in the most elaborate ways and celebrated without much thought that it is a pagan holiday that celebrates wickedness.

The bible says, God purchased us by the blood of His Son to redeem us from all unrighteousness. Those who know God know that we were bought with a price and therefore serve Him. God loves us with a jealous kind of love. So, as I raise my kids to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul and mind, how can I compromise and allow them to be a part of a day that rejoices in evil?

So, when we go into the world and are greeted with a cherry Happy Halloween, I simply smile as if I'm saying, "Yes, I would love to come to tea", tell them very politely, "oh, we don't do Halloween." I have never received any negative remarks or downcast eyes. Even if I did, it wouldn't change the joy I have in my heart that I can show my children that there is no room for compromise. There are too many things already that get in our way and become idols that lure us away from loving God with all our hearts. Why complicate it with a day that celebrates the dead, wicked and anything evil? October 31st is a day in which we celebrate Reformation Day and I will post on this Friday. I'd like to hear from you. What are your thoughts about Halloween? I'd love to hear your journey of how the Lord convicted you to do what you do and please include scripture.
Posted by Janice at 12:50 PM Labels: About Me, Christian Living

All comments that were made to the original post will be posted under comments.

A Nation in Waiting

Great. Now what? Abortion. Higher taxes. Same-sex marriage. Assisted suicide. Persecution. Reduced military. Failing economy. Attacks on the family. Uncertainties with education. Anxiety. Fear...

Stop.

"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

God is ruler of all. He is the ultimate Authority. His sovereign hand is still working. I do not fear man who can take away my body. I fear the One Who has the ability to take my body and soul. Two songs, I leave you with.

So I Will Trust in You

Almighty Maker, Universe shaper

You put the stars into space

Yet You descended, You have befriended

Those who had hated Your name, just like me

King of Glory, I know You love me

So I will trust You, yes I will trust You

God Almighty, You have saved me

So I will trust You, yes I will trust in You

Lord over nations, King of Creation

Heaven and earth bow to You

I am Your child, I’ve been reconciled

With tender affection You drew me to You

How could I not trust my King

The One who has formed me and shaped me

I will rejoice and will sing

For the One who has made me has saved me

As Long as You are Glorified

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings

Yet not welcome any pain

Shall I thank You for days of sunshine

Yet grumble in days of rain

Shall I love You in times of plenty

Then leave You in days of drought

Shall I trust when I reap a harvest

But when winter winds blow, then doubt

Oh let Your will be done in me

In Your love I will abide

Oh I long for nothing else as long

As You are glorified

Are You good only when I prosper

And true only when I’m filled

Are You King only when I’m carefree

And God only when I’m well

You are good when I’m poor and needy

You are true when I’m parched and dry

You still reign in the deepest valley

You’re still God in the darkest night

both songs from Come Weary Saints by Sovereign Grace

Happy Reformation Day!

Info and pictures from Wikipedia under Martin Luther, Reformation Day.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the doors of the All Saints' Church that brought into question the church's position and practice of namely, indulgences and the Church's policy on purgatory. Other practices under fire from Protestant Reformers included purgatory, particular judgment, devotion to Mary, the intercession of and devotion to the saints, most of the sacraments, the mandatory celibacy of it's clergy and the authority of the Pope.

Luther was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer. He translated the bible into the vernacular of the people which made the Scriptures more accessible to them and had a tremendous political impact on the church and the German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English KJV Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.

So, what should this mean for us today? Luther, though imperfect, was a trailblazer who set forth to free himself from the grips of the Catholic church and led many to experience the same freedom. Through the reading of the Word, He saw that salvation was from God alone, through Christ alone, by faith alone. By grace alone. This day is a special day to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ and a day to rejoice that we have the Word readily available at our fingertips.

Take some time today to praise God for His calling on your life.

Here's to a gospel-centered day and weekend!

Motivation for Christian Living

sermon notes from Applications from the Mockings of Jesus 9-21-08 Hanafee

Two things will motivate us to live upright and godly lives. One is guilt. The other is gratitude. When guilt is the motive, we're like a 4th of July sparkler. It's like holding a wick to a stick of dynamite. The flame ignites lots of productive activity that looks appealing but instead of burning down to something explosive, it just fades out and is dead. I've been here many times. A sermon will prick my heart and stir my spirit. I feel the weight of a Holy God looking down on me in disgust and I crawl out from under my rock and pull myself up and say, "Okay, Lord. From now on, I'm going to do better." Then, reality sets in. I sin. And the cycle starts all over again. This routine is not only defeating but un-biblical.

Romans 8:1(ESV) says: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." my emphasis added. This is the key for seeking sanctification with a heart of gratitude. Thanking God for what He has done for us. But what does that look like and how can we protect our minds from believing the lies that make us think a.)we have the ability to change and b.)God is looking down with disapproving nods so we better get our act together.

First, read Mark 15:16-21. Then, ask yourself, "What does the gospel bring to bear in this fight for sanctification?" Let's look at 4 cross-centered weapons.

1. If Christ went through all of this for me, He will not forsake me in my trials and struggles. Being a Christian, doesn't mean we will be perfect but it also doesn't mean we can't have victory. After failing time and time again in one area it's easy to think we will never overcome. We think we have to just settle for this "lot in life." We give up and quit in that particular area. Let's see what the Bible reminds us. Isaiah 49:15b-16a (ESV) says, "...yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Romans 8:32 (ESV) says, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" See, when we give up and are content to not allow the Spirit to work in those difficult areas of sin, we are saying Christ's work wasn't good enough. Listen, Christ died for sin. Period.

2. Drop the shame. We carry a backpack of shame that's not ours to carry. We need to preach to ourselves the atoning work of Christ. My study Bible writes, "An atonement is a reconciliation of alienated parties, the restoration of a broken relationship. Atonement is accomplished by making amends, blotting our offenses, and giving satisfaction for wrongs done." It continues, "According to Scripture every person sins and needs to make atonement, but lacks the power and resources for doing so. We have offended our Creator, who's nature is to hate sin (Jer. 44:4; Hab 1:13) and to punish it (Ps. 5:4-6; Rom. 1:18, 2:5-9.)" Christ is our atoning sacrifice. He paid the ransom and absorbed God's wrath. The weight of our sin is no longer on us. When we do sin, confess, repent and then rest in God's grace. 1 John 1:9

3. When we are tempted to sin, we need to think of His mocking. Call to mind the scene in Mark 15:16-21. The King of kings and Lord of lords endured brutality and shame and was rejection for sin. My sin. Your sin. Protect your mind. Don't indulge the place in your mind that is a secret place for sin. Do everything possible to keep the gospel in the forefront of your mind. Endeavor to live in the gospel. Remember, the gospel is not a door. It's a building. A place we go into for healing, rejoicing and a place to be armed. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

4. When our motivation to live a holy like comes from gratitude and not guilt, we have the makings of radical living. Christ went outside the camp to face reproach for us. He has asked us to treasure Him above all else. He will not leave us or forsake us. Heb. 13:5

Are you struggling under guilt or soaring with gratitude?

The Gospel

What's the gospel? It's the good news. The way of salvation. How I got saved. What others need to hear. What I should preach or proclaim. It's what evangelists yell from the pulpit. It's that one-time event in which I gained access to heaven. hmmm...

This used to be the extent of my understanding of the gospel. I used to discredit my salvation by thinking the gospel was the act of me recognizing Christ died for my sins but now it's up to me to start doing the Christian thing. Yes, I would need the power of the Holy Spirit but the gospel was no longer relevent. When the gospel was preached, I would sigh and endure...thinking, I've heard this before...then I would start praying for all the lost souls in the room to be moved enough to accept Jesus as their Savior. To me, there was little affect on my life. I say little, not none.

Oh, what a different story it is now. The gospel is my LIFE!! I need it day-by-day, moment-by-moment, sin-by-wretched sin. As John Piper put it, (and I'm paraphrasing), we use the cross as a ticket. A bloody ticket to "get us in." Once into heaven, we're home free and free sailing. What do we do with a ticket? We throw it away. Once we've gained access, we're done with it. Christ is NOT our ticket! He is our atoning sacrifice. The Just for the unjust. Our redeemer. Our means of coming to the throne of grace. Words do not begin to describe the awesomeness of who Christ is.


But the word of God does. Once I saw who God is-who He is according to His word and not by my own imagination, then I saw who I was-vile, despicable, a hater of God. Then, I saw who Christ truly is. The One who bore my shame. Bore my wrath. Took my punishment. Now, why would I want to throw that away? I don't.



Take six minutes to listen to the following excerpt: The Gospel in 6 Minutes.



Lord bless you!