You know those days when you would swear your children are not paying attention and you KNOW that nothing is being retained as you talk to them?
I knew you would.
As a parent, things happen that you don't always want to share...whether it be a mistake you make or a big whopper your kid gets into, sometimes you just want those less appealing moments of parenthood to go away.
Well, I had one a few weeks age but I am going to share because the end result is...well...wonderful!
A few weeks ago, I was taking Ty and Noah somewhere in the van and all of a sudden from the back seat I hear the dreaded words that most parents cringe and dread. "MOM! Noah just stuck up his middle finger at me!"
Okay. So, first, Ty didn't even know what that meant but knew it wasn't nice.
Second, Noah has no clue what it means either.
Third, one more reason sending your kids to school sucks!
Sorry. I digress.
"What?!?! Noah I can't believe you did that! Why in the world would you do that? You are grounded! Spankings all around."
Is what I wanted to say.
"Noah. That isn't nice at all. I don't ever want to see that again." Is how I really responded.
But his response very nonchalant "k."
So I said, "I don't think you understand. This is a better-ask-Jesus-to-forgive-me-now kind of bad. So you probably need to pray right now and ask Him to forgive you." And immediately the tears roll.
Flash forward to this past week. You see, when Donny was younger he cut the tip of his index finger off and when the weather starts to get dryer and cooler, it chaps and cracks. In the van the other day, Donny was messing with the touch screen in the van and used his middle finger to tap on the screen. He said that Noah told him he's not supposed to use that finger and "you'd better not let mom catch you using that finger."
Lesson learned.
Amen.
Thoughts and meanderings of a wife, mom and follower of Christ.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Tuesday Morning Thoughts and Ramblings
I have blogged about this topic before but it seems to come around often and rather than brush it under the rug or check it off of the proverbial "to-do" list, I am going to hit it head on.
Again.
Has common sense left our minds? Is character something we are no longer concerned with?
When did it become okay to act like a fool in public? Or, in today's world, social networking?
As a kid I remember my parents expecting me to be on my best behavior at all times but especially when we walked out of our front door and into the community. Poor behavior and choices were not tolerated. Oh, that word. Don't even get me started on tolerance. My Dad read a quote before (I have no idea where it came from), "A man of tolerance is a man without convictions." But, I digress, that is an entirely different subject altogether.
Back to the point! I am not perfect and neither are my kids. Do they always behave the way I would like them to? Absolutely not. But I love them enough to tell them when they are out of line and then direct them in the right way. And as a youth pastor, I feel a certain responsibility to my students to do the same.
So that's what this is about.
Social Networking is not a tool for us to use to bash or tear down others or ourselves. If anything, for those of us who profess Jesus as Lord, it is another tool to be His hands extended! It's another way for us to get The Word out!
So many people I know who say they are followers of Christ go on Facebook or Twitter and fill their pages with garbage. In this case, the saying of "Garbage In-Garbage Out" is visible. What we fill our lives with, comes out in one way or another.
You may say you love God and you follow Him but your actions and words must back that up. And let's face it, so many times, that is not the case.
Matthew 7:16-20 says, "You will recognize them(A) by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17So,(B) every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19(C) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus you will recognize them(D) by their fruits." (from biblegateway.com, ESV)
We cannot expect to impact the world around us for Jesus if our words are hurtful, angry, bitter, filled with jealousy or malice. And this is most relevant when looking at how we behave online.
People will know us by the fruit we bear.
What kind of fruit are you bearing? A nice, juicy Honeycrisp apple or a bitter Crab apple? Are you sweet grapes from the vine or a stickerburr from the thistle? Do you bring life and hope or death and despair?
Does everything thing we say need to be a scripture verse? No. But shouldn't those around us know that we are different because we refuse to gossip and belittle those around us? Absolutely! Shouldn't our words and conversation be seasoned with salt in order to preserve life? Of course!
Is the fruit you are bearing from the tree of life or a rotten tree that will be torn down and cast in to the fire?
Proverbs 11:30 English Standard Version (ESV) 30The fruit of the righteous is(A) a tree of life, and whoever(B) captures souls is wise.
I want to capture souls.
God, may the words of my mouth, or my fingertips on a keyboard, be words of life. Let me be a light for You at all times. Regardless of my circumstances, I want to always be a beacon of hope pointing and leading straight to You.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
It may be a crazy life. But it's my life.
Hi. How are you?
I haven't blogged in a while.
I like to blog. I WANT to blog. I just don't always know WHAT to blog.
Ever had one of those days where you realized you haven't had the chance to talk to a friend, your mom, your sister or whoever in days? And so you call and end up talking about nothing in particular? Yeah, that's sort of how this feels. So, in the same way that I would call up my friend, I will share with you.
Cause, we are friends...right? Um, right? Whew!
Life has been crazy the past month! Church, family, church, family, church...this has been my revolving door. I love it, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am just learning to balance the new way of church in my life.
All of my life I have attended church. And all of my adult life I have worked AND attended church. But being in a ministry position adds a whole new dynamic to the equation and balance is vital.
Kids...oh kids...I am convinced I now understand why animals eat their young. Oh, I know some of you are thinking that I am horrible...and you may be right but you can not deny that you have thought something similar! I love them. I wouldn't really eat them...that's just nasty. I wouldn't even trade the little punks! I just have some questions.
Why can't my boys just pick up their room? Why can't they just focus for 5 minutes on reading a
book? Why can't they walk and not run? Why can't they understand that there is a time for an outside voice and in the car, church or during dinner time isn't one of them?
Toddlers...what a work out! Into everything. Climbing on everything. Learning something new every 5 minutes! Exciting and exhausting all at the same time.
Never a dull moment in a house with 3 boys. Two of whom are red heads.
Teenagers. Oh how I love teenagers. Now is the time you can say I am insane or crazy but I do much better with teenagers than, I think, any other age! It is my spiritual gift. Loving the unlovable.
I read a quote earlier today from Rick Warren.
School. Although my school is not what many would consider traditional, it is still school. ISOM, is wonderful! Godly instructors, leadership and an environment that is so perfect for anyone at any level. I am eager to continue to learn how to better my ministry.
One thing that has been made so much more real to me in the past month is this: Jesus' return is nearer today than it has ever been and if we plan to make an impact on this world, it must start today. It must start right now. We can't afford to wait! What kind of a person am I if I know the answer to life, and keep it to myself?
I've blogged before about the power of music in my life. So, to close this long, breathy blog out, I will share a couple of songs that are so powerful in my life.
Enjoy!!
I haven't blogged in a while.
I like to blog. I WANT to blog. I just don't always know WHAT to blog.
Ever had one of those days where you realized you haven't had the chance to talk to a friend, your mom, your sister or whoever in days? And so you call and end up talking about nothing in particular? Yeah, that's sort of how this feels. So, in the same way that I would call up my friend, I will share with you.
Cause, we are friends...right? Um, right? Whew!
Life has been crazy the past month! Church, family, church, family, church...this has been my revolving door. I love it, don't get me wrong. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am just learning to balance the new way of church in my life.
All of my life I have attended church. And all of my adult life I have worked AND attended church. But being in a ministry position adds a whole new dynamic to the equation and balance is vital.
Kids...oh kids...I am convinced I now understand why animals eat their young. Oh, I know some of you are thinking that I am horrible...and you may be right but you can not deny that you have thought something similar! I love them. I wouldn't really eat them...that's just nasty. I wouldn't even trade the little punks! I just have some questions.
Why can't my boys just pick up their room? Why can't they just focus for 5 minutes on reading a
book? Why can't they walk and not run? Why can't they understand that there is a time for an outside voice and in the car, church or during dinner time isn't one of them?
Toddlers...what a work out! Into everything. Climbing on everything. Learning something new every 5 minutes! Exciting and exhausting all at the same time.
Never a dull moment in a house with 3 boys. Two of whom are red heads.
Teenagers. Oh how I love teenagers. Now is the time you can say I am insane or crazy but I do much better with teenagers than, I think, any other age! It is my spiritual gift. Loving the unlovable.
I read a quote earlier today from Rick Warren.
"Our society cannot teach our youth they're merely animals then be shocked when they act like it."Wow! There is power there and it just might preach!
School. Although my school is not what many would consider traditional, it is still school. ISOM, is wonderful! Godly instructors, leadership and an environment that is so perfect for anyone at any level. I am eager to continue to learn how to better my ministry.
One thing that has been made so much more real to me in the past month is this: Jesus' return is nearer today than it has ever been and if we plan to make an impact on this world, it must start today. It must start right now. We can't afford to wait! What kind of a person am I if I know the answer to life, and keep it to myself?
I've blogged before about the power of music in my life. So, to close this long, breathy blog out, I will share a couple of songs that are so powerful in my life.
Enjoy!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
By Faith
As a believer (a Christian, follower of Christ, born-again, a person of The Way) faith is something that is always at the front of my mind.
My relationship with my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus, are nothing without faith.
My faith is what I rely on in my daily life to get me from waking to sleeping and awake again the next morning.
In this world we live in, it is easy for our faith to be shaken on a daily basis. Wars, tragedy, natural disasters are all occurring more and more it seems. Sometimes it's hard to look at the world around us and believe this is all part of the plan.
One thing I know is this, my God never changes. I can rest on that promise. The God who created the universe is the same God who holds my hand today. I am reminded of the hymn, "I don't know about tomorrow I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from it's sunshine for it's skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future for I know what Jesus said. And today I'll walk beside Him for He knows what is ahead."
What an amazing thought! What power in those words! And if we believe, by faith, what we are singing, then there are no limits!
Faith is actually a verb. Did you know that? Faith is active trust. Complete devotion.
The key here is active.
We know that we are saved by faith, through the blood of Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn that salvation. It is all on faith. "Not by works." However, we are saved for works. Our faith in action is what shows the world that we are set apart. It's by our actions that we live out our salvation.
Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (italics added for emphasis).
Even here we see that faith requires action by seeking what God's will is and the purpose He has for us.
Go over a few more pages in your Bible to James 2:14-26. That entire section of scripture is all about how important and vital works and deeds are to a life of faith.
If we ever plan to make a difference in this world and impact lives around us and our communities, we must put our faith to work. That's not always an easy thing to do. Many times, most times, it will require us to stretch beyond ourselves. To move past the logical and into the illogical. Sometimes, it even may hurt a bit. But if we press on through the fear and put our full trust in the One who is calling us, there is nothing we can't do and think of the lives that can be changed!
So, call yourselves whatever you wish. Christian, believer, born again...if you aren't actively trusting and completely devoted to God by putting your faith to work, then what's the point?
My relationship with my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus, are nothing without faith.
My faith is what I rely on in my daily life to get me from waking to sleeping and awake again the next morning.
In this world we live in, it is easy for our faith to be shaken on a daily basis. Wars, tragedy, natural disasters are all occurring more and more it seems. Sometimes it's hard to look at the world around us and believe this is all part of the plan.
One thing I know is this, my God never changes. I can rest on that promise. The God who created the universe is the same God who holds my hand today. I am reminded of the hymn, "I don't know about tomorrow I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from it's sunshine for it's skies may turn to gray. I don't worry o'er the future for I know what Jesus said. And today I'll walk beside Him for He knows what is ahead."
What an amazing thought! What power in those words! And if we believe, by faith, what we are singing, then there are no limits!
Faith is actually a verb. Did you know that? Faith is active trust. Complete devotion.
The key here is active.
We know that we are saved by faith, through the blood of Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn that salvation. It is all on faith. "Not by works." However, we are saved for works. Our faith in action is what shows the world that we are set apart. It's by our actions that we live out our salvation.
Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (italics added for emphasis).
Even here we see that faith requires action by seeking what God's will is and the purpose He has for us.
Go over a few more pages in your Bible to James 2:14-26. That entire section of scripture is all about how important and vital works and deeds are to a life of faith.
If we ever plan to make a difference in this world and impact lives around us and our communities, we must put our faith to work. That's not always an easy thing to do. Many times, most times, it will require us to stretch beyond ourselves. To move past the logical and into the illogical. Sometimes, it even may hurt a bit. But if we press on through the fear and put our full trust in the One who is calling us, there is nothing we can't do and think of the lives that can be changed!
So, call yourselves whatever you wish. Christian, believer, born again...if you aren't actively trusting and completely devoted to God by putting your faith to work, then what's the point?
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Ever dared to dream?
Ever dared to dream BIG?
Have you sought God for a dream and a vision that He would place in your heart? One that you know is from Him and you desire it so greatly that there is no denying it's from Him?
I've been there before. I am right there now. And I am surrounded by people who are daring to dream so big that there is no human possibility of realizing the dreams and yet, doors keep opening and favor is poured out and there is an air of excitement and anticipation for what the next moment holds!
Ephesians 3:20 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"
If we think our dreams and our thoughts are big and we continue to dream and think about the same things, not only can expect amazing things to happen, but His word says that He is able to much more than we can even imagine!
Hallelujah!
If you are thinking about something that you feel is just too big for you, I challenge you to seek God's heart. That thought you have, may just be from Him. And if it's from Him and you begin taking the steps to follow through on your thoughts, He will blow your mind!
Go ahead. I dare ya!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
It sure has been a while
Hi. How are ya?
I so enjoy the blogging. So why is it so hard to get it done?
School is back.
Noah is playing football.
Ty tried football.
Colby is talking and fun!
I am back in school and working full time.
Donny is doing his best at being the stay-at-home-parent. It's quite the adjustment!
One thing I learned this summer? Just when you think all is lost or hopeless, God asks you to be willing to take drastic steps and measures. Once you do, He steps back in to show His faithfulness over yours! You can't out do Him.
Don't get so caught up in life that you miss the teachable moments. They bring the most growth.
I so enjoy the blogging. So why is it so hard to get it done?
School is back.
Noah is playing football.
Ty tried football.
Colby is talking and fun!
I am back in school and working full time.
Donny is doing his best at being the stay-at-home-parent. It's quite the adjustment!
One thing I learned this summer? Just when you think all is lost or hopeless, God asks you to be willing to take drastic steps and measures. Once you do, He steps back in to show His faithfulness over yours! You can't out do Him.
Don't get so caught up in life that you miss the teachable moments. They bring the most growth.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Broken hearts
Broken hearts come in so many forms.
Love, friendship, spiritually and physically a broken heart is one of the worst things to go through.
That's why Matt Hammitt, the lead singer of the Christian band Sanctus Real, and his wife have started the Whole Hearts Foundation.
Matt Hammitt and his wife had a baby boy last fall with a congenital heart defect. Little did he know, when Sanctus Real released their latest cd 6 months earlier called Pieces of a Real Heart, that the theme of the cd would be the theme of his family.
Their son, Bowen is doing great now but they want to make sure that every baby in Bowen's situation receives the same care and help as they did. That's why they have teamed up with Pepsi for the Refresh Everything campaign. You can go to Pepsi's website by clicking here (or above on Whole Hearts) to vote for this organization! Follow Matt on twitter, @matthammitt, to keep up with the information. This is the last week so get busy and vote! And share with everyone!!!!
Love, friendship, spiritually and physically a broken heart is one of the worst things to go through.
That's why Matt Hammitt, the lead singer of the Christian band Sanctus Real, and his wife have started the Whole Hearts Foundation.
Matt Hammitt and his wife had a baby boy last fall with a congenital heart defect. Little did he know, when Sanctus Real released their latest cd 6 months earlier called Pieces of a Real Heart, that the theme of the cd would be the theme of his family.
Their son, Bowen is doing great now but they want to make sure that every baby in Bowen's situation receives the same care and help as they did. That's why they have teamed up with Pepsi for the Refresh Everything campaign. You can go to Pepsi's website by clicking here (or above on Whole Hearts) to vote for this organization! Follow Matt on twitter, @matthammitt, to keep up with the information. This is the last week so get busy and vote! And share with everyone!!!!
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