Today was one of those days that almost everything went wrong.
It all started last night when our apartment gate crashed into our car, leaving some green paint on our car and leaving it dented and scratched. It wasn't too bad but enough to cause us stress.
We got up, got the day going and went to talk to our apartment management. They pretty much made our day worse by saying it was our fault and we ended up with the apartment manager raising her voice at us (even though we were sitting down on the couch, trying to remain calm).
Then we get up to our apartment after having to walk out of the office with nothing resolved and we got on our bank account and discovered that they never refunded us our over draft fees for several fraud charges...thus leaving us overdrawn a LOT further than we thought, along with more fraud charges. When I called the bank, the lady had already left for the day and I couldn't get any help.
Then my husband went to work and the day was relatively bad for sales.
Alright, so all that is just the story of my day...but what I'm wanting to say is what went on in my heart.
I found that as the management lady was raising her voice at me and accusing me of things that weren't my problem, anger arose in my heart. Now, I'm a red-head. I'm fiery, and high-strung. And my pregnancy hormones don't make it any easier on me! I remember trying to sit calmly and still talk rationally to this woman, but as she continued to tell me she didn't have time for my -insert bad word here- and refusing to help me, the more my ire got up. My feathers were ruffled. I'm not even sure what I said to her. All I wanted was to get out of the building before I really blew up. It was really bad. I remember feeling this boiling sensation in my chest and hearing the blood pound in my ears.
Then when I had somewhat calmed down after getting back home, I was trying to deal with the bank. My husband had tried calling first, but somehow he got hung up on (I think it was a technical error, not on purpose). He was frustrated, so I offered to call. Now I kept myself together even tho the lady wasn't really nice when she was informing me the person handling my "case" was already gone for the day.
I keep thinking about my day and feeling slightly guilty, because I so want to be like Jesus when I'm communicating with people. I know the way the lady treated my husband and me in the management office wasn't right, but that still doesn't give me the right to be angry or mean in return.
Do any of you have days that you find yourself failing in being like Jesus? What do you do when that happens? I mean, in circumstances like mine today.
Blessings~
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thoughts On Halloween
So today is Halloween and it got me to thinking.
I grew up thinking/being taught that Halloween is a bad, satanic holiday and is one that Christians don't participate in. I left the community that taught that, and was thrust into the Christian world that was completely unfamiliar to me. I didn't know half of what churches in this day and age believed, taught or thought. I've had a very hard time adjusting to it all out here.
But today, as I was driving down the free-way, coming home from walking the mall (getting exercise), and I saw this plastic hand along side the free-way with "blood" pouring out of it. It looked gross. I saw other people walking around with creepy, disgusting costumes on; monsters, aliens, werewolves, vampires and all sorts of other creepy things. I didn't feel peace when I looked at them. I felt horrified and "scared."
Ok, now I know everyone doesn't dress with that creepy stuff. Some dress up as Disney characters, or the military, or any other numerous "harmless" characters. There's nothing wrong with non-creepy costumes.
But my problem and question is, "why do anything for Halloween" even if you're not dressing as a creepy creature? Isn't it supporting the "cause" even if you mean everything to be harmless?
I look at it this way, and maybe my way of thinking is wrong. Very likely I'm a wee bit "off" in my thinking, due to the fact of the sway the teachings I had during my growing up years. But I see it as, why would we want to support something that scares people? Didn't Jesus come to bring peace and comfort? He came to heal and bind up wounds. When I look at Halloween, even though it is a "Christianity rooted holiday" I see a lot of satanic action going on. Why is it celebrated at night? Why do the kids have to go trick-or-treating at night, instead of during the day? After all Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter are all celebrated during the day. What is the point of observing a day that is full of scary stuff?
I'm not trying to judge here. It just makes me really uncomfortable when I see churches and Christians celebrating, going to festivals and participating along with everyone. I don't quite understand the "outreach" thing, of "reaching the community" if you're going to be doing the same exact thing they are. I can understand of using that time for meeting your neighbors and saying hello. But dressing up in costumes, passing out candy, going to festivals (at night) with all the creepy jack-o-lanterns and weird, eery noises going on doesn't make sense to me.
Maybe I need someone to clarify their reasoning/thoughts/teachings on this issue. I'm just sharing my thoughts.
Thanks for reading and sorry if I'm offensive!
Blessings~
I found this when I Googled "Christians and Halloween" and found this very interesting. Especially read the scriptures.
Show your children the Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Explain to them that God does not want us to do what everyone else in the world thinks is acceptable, but He wants us to be special and do only the things that he thinks is acceptable.
You can also explain to your children that Halloween is simply too scary, with all the strange costumes and the dangerous items that have been given out to children who are trick or treating. This can also be a good time to reinforce the dangers of taking things from people they don’t know. It can be confusing to children to be told all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else from strangers, and then one night of the year, it is encouraged.
One of the biggest concerns of Christian parents is the connection to the occult, witchcraft and Satanism. Even though new traditions, such as trick or treating and dressing up in costumes may seem innocent - but many people feel it is glorifying things that go against Christian beliefs and should be avoided. By explaining the history behind the traditions, it might help children understand why, instead of just, “because we said so.” Doing a little research from trusted sources could help lead the conversation. Although not all the experts agree on the origins of some of the traditions, most point to similar information.
It is also important to talk about what you can do as a family instead of the traditional Halloween activities. Your family can still have fun, but be more aligned with your beliefs. Many church groups have a “Hallelujah Night” where they get together and play games. This year, our church is having a Harvest of Blessing Festival on October 31st. Even if your church doesn’t have a similar activity, I'm sure one nearby will have a Festival you can attend. And if there's nothing near your home, you can still do something as a family. You could have a game and pizza night or a family friendly movie night. Your children could even invite other friends.
An important thing to keep I mind is to remain consistent. If you don’t celebrate Halloween you need to apply the same standards to other things that fall into the same category. It will avoid confusion. For example, if you don’t celebrate Halloween, because of the connection to witchcraft, then the family should avoid books and shows that deal with witches. It will only be confusing to the children.
I grew up thinking/being taught that Halloween is a bad, satanic holiday and is one that Christians don't participate in. I left the community that taught that, and was thrust into the Christian world that was completely unfamiliar to me. I didn't know half of what churches in this day and age believed, taught or thought. I've had a very hard time adjusting to it all out here.
But today, as I was driving down the free-way, coming home from walking the mall (getting exercise), and I saw this plastic hand along side the free-way with "blood" pouring out of it. It looked gross. I saw other people walking around with creepy, disgusting costumes on; monsters, aliens, werewolves, vampires and all sorts of other creepy things. I didn't feel peace when I looked at them. I felt horrified and "scared."
Ok, now I know everyone doesn't dress with that creepy stuff. Some dress up as Disney characters, or the military, or any other numerous "harmless" characters. There's nothing wrong with non-creepy costumes.
But my problem and question is, "why do anything for Halloween" even if you're not dressing as a creepy creature? Isn't it supporting the "cause" even if you mean everything to be harmless?
I look at it this way, and maybe my way of thinking is wrong. Very likely I'm a wee bit "off" in my thinking, due to the fact of the sway the teachings I had during my growing up years. But I see it as, why would we want to support something that scares people? Didn't Jesus come to bring peace and comfort? He came to heal and bind up wounds. When I look at Halloween, even though it is a "Christianity rooted holiday" I see a lot of satanic action going on. Why is it celebrated at night? Why do the kids have to go trick-or-treating at night, instead of during the day? After all Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter are all celebrated during the day. What is the point of observing a day that is full of scary stuff?
I'm not trying to judge here. It just makes me really uncomfortable when I see churches and Christians celebrating, going to festivals and participating along with everyone. I don't quite understand the "outreach" thing, of "reaching the community" if you're going to be doing the same exact thing they are. I can understand of using that time for meeting your neighbors and saying hello. But dressing up in costumes, passing out candy, going to festivals (at night) with all the creepy jack-o-lanterns and weird, eery noises going on doesn't make sense to me.
Maybe I need someone to clarify their reasoning/thoughts/teachings on this issue. I'm just sharing my thoughts.
Thanks for reading and sorry if I'm offensive!
Blessings~
I found this when I Googled "Christians and Halloween" and found this very interesting. Especially read the scriptures.
Halloween has come under a close scrutiny by families over the last few years. Some have chosen to not celebrate Halloween because of the connection to pagan and satanic beliefs, others for safety reasons. It can be hard for children to understand parents’ decisions, especially when they see their friends going trick or treating without them or when they are not allowed to attend a party. The history of Halloween blends so many different ideas from so many cultures and religious beliefs that it could take awhile to explain it, especially to younger children.
When discussing it with your children, it is important to discuss your beliefs first. They must have a good foundation or they won’t understand the rest of the conversation and the reasons “why”. It is important to keep things simple in terms they understand. It is also important to discuss the fact that not everyone believes the same thing.
When discussing it with your children, it is important to discuss your beliefs first. They must have a good foundation or they won’t understand the rest of the conversation and the reasons “why”. It is important to keep things simple in terms they understand. It is also important to discuss the fact that not everyone believes the same thing.
Show your children the Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Explain to them that God does not want us to do what everyone else in the world thinks is acceptable, but He wants us to be special and do only the things that he thinks is acceptable.
You can also explain to your children that Halloween is simply too scary, with all the strange costumes and the dangerous items that have been given out to children who are trick or treating. This can also be a good time to reinforce the dangers of taking things from people they don’t know. It can be confusing to children to be told all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else from strangers, and then one night of the year, it is encouraged.
One of the biggest concerns of Christian parents is the connection to the occult, witchcraft and Satanism. Even though new traditions, such as trick or treating and dressing up in costumes may seem innocent - but many people feel it is glorifying things that go against Christian beliefs and should be avoided. By explaining the history behind the traditions, it might help children understand why, instead of just, “because we said so.” Doing a little research from trusted sources could help lead the conversation. Although not all the experts agree on the origins of some of the traditions, most point to similar information.
It is also important to talk about what you can do as a family instead of the traditional Halloween activities. Your family can still have fun, but be more aligned with your beliefs. Many church groups have a “Hallelujah Night” where they get together and play games. This year, our church is having a Harvest of Blessing Festival on October 31st. Even if your church doesn’t have a similar activity, I'm sure one nearby will have a Festival you can attend. And if there's nothing near your home, you can still do something as a family. You could have a game and pizza night or a family friendly movie night. Your children could even invite other friends.
An important thing to keep I mind is to remain consistent. If you don’t celebrate Halloween you need to apply the same standards to other things that fall into the same category. It will avoid confusion. For example, if you don’t celebrate Halloween, because of the connection to witchcraft, then the family should avoid books and shows that deal with witches. It will only be confusing to the children.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Walk Through the Valley....
.....with Jesus
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Even when it's dark and lonely, there is always someone walking with us. If you've ever read "Pilgrims Progress" you might have a picture in your mind of a guy, walking along a very narrow path, surrounded by demons and horrible things, flying, whispering, screaming, clawing and biting him; him holding out a Bible, reading this scripture out loud, yet the demonic forces are so strong, the voices still penetrate his mind and heart. He chooses to read out loud, then yells it. It took strong, strong determination to drive away the voices that tormented him. But it was through his prayers and determination that Jesus was able to be there.
"Christian" invited Him to his dark and lonely place and when Jesus saw He was welcome, He went and took care of Christian. Jesus was there all the time; He just waited for the invitation to help. Jesus wants us to ask Him to be there. Jesus wants us to want Him there, to be our best friend. Sometimes we can get so caught up in every day life, that we forget the battle that is at hand. When life is going easy, we can forget that we still need Him. Jesus doesn't want to be a "fair weather friend." He wants to be a friend that is there for us at all times and for us to want Him there at all times. We can so easily just cry out to Him in our time of need and forget Him in all the other times. I know, in my life, I've found sooooo often I forget to pray for His help on a daily basis. I forget to invite Him into my daily life and chores. Then when tragedy strikes, I find myself on my knees. Then of course, I get ashamed, because I feel guilty, as if I shouldn't be asking Him for anything. Then comes the "promises" of "I promise, I'll remember to involve You in my daily life if You'll just help me now...." and then I think, "I don't and shouldn't be putting conditions on God and His help!!!" Ohhh, how many times I've gone on that circle.
When I involve Him in my daily life, even in the small things, like doing the dishes, or laundry, or making the bed, my relationship with Him is so much richer, fuller and exciting. I find Him speaking to me through the small things, and encouraging me in things that would normally be just "ordinary" in every day life.
Everyone is going to fall, fail and forget, but don't be discouraged. Jesus is always there to pick you up, brush you off and help you continue on. I've discovered that He is always willing to welcome me back as a friend, as soon as I show an interest. It's amazing how awesome He is, and how forgiving He is!!! I just wish I didn't forget to involve Him in my life as often as I do!
Blessings to you all~
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Even when it's dark and lonely, there is always someone walking with us. If you've ever read "Pilgrims Progress" you might have a picture in your mind of a guy, walking along a very narrow path, surrounded by demons and horrible things, flying, whispering, screaming, clawing and biting him; him holding out a Bible, reading this scripture out loud, yet the demonic forces are so strong, the voices still penetrate his mind and heart. He chooses to read out loud, then yells it. It took strong, strong determination to drive away the voices that tormented him. But it was through his prayers and determination that Jesus was able to be there.
"Christian" invited Him to his dark and lonely place and when Jesus saw He was welcome, He went and took care of Christian. Jesus was there all the time; He just waited for the invitation to help. Jesus wants us to ask Him to be there. Jesus wants us to want Him there, to be our best friend. Sometimes we can get so caught up in every day life, that we forget the battle that is at hand. When life is going easy, we can forget that we still need Him. Jesus doesn't want to be a "fair weather friend." He wants to be a friend that is there for us at all times and for us to want Him there at all times. We can so easily just cry out to Him in our time of need and forget Him in all the other times. I know, in my life, I've found sooooo often I forget to pray for His help on a daily basis. I forget to invite Him into my daily life and chores. Then when tragedy strikes, I find myself on my knees. Then of course, I get ashamed, because I feel guilty, as if I shouldn't be asking Him for anything. Then comes the "promises" of "I promise, I'll remember to involve You in my daily life if You'll just help me now...." and then I think, "I don't and shouldn't be putting conditions on God and His help!!!" Ohhh, how many times I've gone on that circle.
When I involve Him in my daily life, even in the small things, like doing the dishes, or laundry, or making the bed, my relationship with Him is so much richer, fuller and exciting. I find Him speaking to me through the small things, and encouraging me in things that would normally be just "ordinary" in every day life.
Everyone is going to fall, fail and forget, but don't be discouraged. Jesus is always there to pick you up, brush you off and help you continue on. I've discovered that He is always willing to welcome me back as a friend, as soon as I show an interest. It's amazing how awesome He is, and how forgiving He is!!! I just wish I didn't forget to involve Him in my life as often as I do!
Blessings to you all~
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Taking God out of Schools
And Putting God Back In Schools.....
This morning I was reading on Fox News San Diego that a school pretty close to me was taken to court for hanging a sign in a classroom saying, "God bless America, In God We Trust, One Nation Under God and God Shed His Grace on Us." Of course, there is an appeal going, saying that the teacher did not violate any laws, according to the First Amendment Rights, (ok, I'm not into politics and I don't know half of what all these big words mean, but I'm just quoting what I read).
It amazes me what schools are putting into our children's minds, and then completely taking God out of it all. I thought that on American money, it says, "In God We Trust." To me, if we're not going to be allowed to have God in our schools, it should be taken off the money. It saddens me that children are growing up to think that it took millions and billions of years for the earth to evolve, when in fact, it only took 6 days! It's a miracle, and for some, it's too hard to believe. But for me, I think it's easier to believe in a God that is all miraculous.
I remember when I lived in Texas, and we lived right next to a high school, driving by in the morning and seeing all the teenagers stand in a huge circle, holding hands, heads bowed, praying! In today's schools that wouldn't be allowed! that would be considered "breaking the law." Why is it such a crime to be a Christian, and pray, in school? I'm not against other religions being "shared about" in schools. But I don't appreciate schools taking Christianity out and leaving evolution and Islam in. Those "religions" can be and often must be talked about. Especially with all the world events of today, Islam is a very big subject in every day life. It's important for our children to understand what is going on in the world, and the different religions that are believed in.
I can only hope that, we as parents, raise our children for the glory of God where they can go, and reach the world with the Good News while they're in school. That their loving God spreads to their friends around them. I'm still trying to decide, along with my husband, of course!, if we're going to send our children to school, or keep them home, and me school them. Part of me wants to protect my children from the influence of the world and all the junk that comes with going to Public School and then part of me hopes to raise my children right, to where, when they go to school, they see that as the mission field. I want to raise my children where their desire is to serve God, and to be missionaries to their friends! So many thoughts and decisions to make, but the first one is to pray for our Nation and pray that God will make me into the parent that He desires for me. And I pray every day that God will help me raise the children He has gifted me with!
This morning I was reading on Fox News San Diego that a school pretty close to me was taken to court for hanging a sign in a classroom saying, "God bless America, In God We Trust, One Nation Under God and God Shed His Grace on Us." Of course, there is an appeal going, saying that the teacher did not violate any laws, according to the First Amendment Rights, (ok, I'm not into politics and I don't know half of what all these big words mean, but I'm just quoting what I read).
It amazes me what schools are putting into our children's minds, and then completely taking God out of it all. I thought that on American money, it says, "In God We Trust." To me, if we're not going to be allowed to have God in our schools, it should be taken off the money. It saddens me that children are growing up to think that it took millions and billions of years for the earth to evolve, when in fact, it only took 6 days! It's a miracle, and for some, it's too hard to believe. But for me, I think it's easier to believe in a God that is all miraculous.
I remember when I lived in Texas, and we lived right next to a high school, driving by in the morning and seeing all the teenagers stand in a huge circle, holding hands, heads bowed, praying! In today's schools that wouldn't be allowed! that would be considered "breaking the law." Why is it such a crime to be a Christian, and pray, in school? I'm not against other religions being "shared about" in schools. But I don't appreciate schools taking Christianity out and leaving evolution and Islam in. Those "religions" can be and often must be talked about. Especially with all the world events of today, Islam is a very big subject in every day life. It's important for our children to understand what is going on in the world, and the different religions that are believed in.
I can only hope that, we as parents, raise our children for the glory of God where they can go, and reach the world with the Good News while they're in school. That their loving God spreads to their friends around them. I'm still trying to decide, along with my husband, of course!, if we're going to send our children to school, or keep them home, and me school them. Part of me wants to protect my children from the influence of the world and all the junk that comes with going to Public School and then part of me hopes to raise my children right, to where, when they go to school, they see that as the mission field. I want to raise my children where their desire is to serve God, and to be missionaries to their friends! So many thoughts and decisions to make, but the first one is to pray for our Nation and pray that God will make me into the parent that He desires for me. And I pray every day that God will help me raise the children He has gifted me with!
Friday, August 26, 2011
A friend of mine has a blog about modesty and I've been reading it and getting more and more interested on what modesty means and where this search might lead me. I've come to realize that modesty can be so easily thought of in different ways. Some think that covering their bodies where their "stuff" isn't hanging out. Some think that it's wearing things that are all loosey-goosey and "frumpy." (stole that word from another blog...but I honesty think that it fits!)
I've struggled myself to figure out what God wants from me, personally. I think God has a path of modesty for each person and it is each person's responsibility to discover what God wants of them. I don't think that those who feel that long, full, fluffy dresses are the way to go, are any less than those who believe jeans and a higher necked shirt is the way to go. As long as we feel that we're following what God wants, that is what matters.
Modesty and clothing seem to be a very controversial issue this day and age amongst Christians and churches. Some preach that as long as it's "womanly" and not showing off parts of the body that shouldn't be showing, is modest. Then others say that guys where pants and women wear dresses. And to be honest, I'm still discovering the path that God wants for me. I grew up in a community where women had long hair and wore long dresses. I honestly loved it and I still think that the girls look so much better in long dresses and I really miss those days. And now you're asking, "so what are you doing different now, and why did you change?"
Good question.
After I left the church that followed those practices, I went to a Bible college, called CFNI. For a while I dressed the way I was used to, but slowly but surely, I felt God leading me into a different path. Now something I want to say here is that I believe there is a place for EVERY type of modesty. I believe God uses each kind for His purpose and to reach different people. I don't think there is a way that is a wrong way, or a right way, as long as it's sincerely modest and is what God is calling you to do. To me, this is what a pastor once called, "grey areas" of Christianity. I can't find anywhere in the Bible that it specifically says what God wants men or women to wear. In fact, when the Bible was written, men and women dressed "alike," just the colors where different and maybe the style was a little different too. (At least according to the carvings and old drawings we've seen). I think what God is wanting is that there be a distinction between what a man wears and what a woman wears. If a woman chooses to wear pants with a shirt that a man could wear (and still look like a man), then I think there might need to be some changes. But if a woman wears some jeans with a girly, modest blouse, then she is distinguishing herself as a woman. Personally, when I've chosen to wear jeans, I've chosen to wear a long shirt/blouse that goes way below my waist line. But lately, I've felt more comfortable and "settled" wearing some to-my-knee, or a little below that, skirts. I feel more womanly in skirts. You'll never see a man wear a skirt! LOL... but then again, I don't have a specific problem with wearing some jeans every once in a while. I just have certain guidelines I follow and if I look myself in the mirror and feel even slightly "off" about it, I change my clothes.
As women of God, I also believe we need to be aware of how we're affecting the men around us. And we need to realize that to "win" a man's heart, we don't need to be adorned with everything imaginable, but to just be ourselves and to be a Proverbs 31 woman. Take a look at Proverbs 31...
Blessings~
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Purity
Today I was reading something and came across a young woman's post. She is a young Christian, who wants to serve God, but something in what she wrote struck me wrong.
I know she didn't mean anything by it, but as I started contemplating what she said, more and more "stuff" about purity stuck out to me. I mentioned to my husband what she said and he agreed. I don't want to judge, but I am going to share in simplicity what she said and explain further what I feel...you can agree to disagree with me if you like! LOL
Her comment was this, "I was singing in the shower, 'Oh Taste and See that the Lord, He is good.' " In short, there is nothing wrong with what she said. In fact, it's encouraging to know that people are singing praises to Jesus. But there is one part in there that doesn't encourage purity.
Yup, you've got it...the "shower" part. I think her intentions were great. I think her thoughts were pure. I don't think she had motive to say or do something that could lead to impurity at all. But that is where women need to think about what their thoughts, actions and words will do to other people. I asked my husband about that comment, because I just felt it was a little "off." He said to me,
"Men are visual. When people say, 'I saw a red car,' guys see a red car in our minds eye. When people say that they're 'in the shower' that is what we see. God made us that way, and it's not like we're these sexual animals all the time, it's just the way we're created."
Our men want to remain pure in thought. We want to encourage our young boys and growing, "discovering" young men to think pure, act pure and be pure. We, as women need to cautiously consider everything we do, from the things we say, to the things we dress in. Often times that cute shirt we like so much is something that will draw attention to our bodies in a way that will cause a man to stumble. When we unthinkingly say or do something that causes a man to think something impure, we are causing him to sin and encouraging him to commit adultery. Women of God don't want to be impure, let alone cause a man to fall into sin too. Our goals need to be thoughtful of them...making sure that we're walking in purity and love for them. Sometimes it means double thinking before we say something for guys to read, or it might mean dropping off our favorite shirt at Good Will, or even dumping it in the trash. It pulls something from us that brings us to a place of selflessness; thinking of others beyond ourselves. In doing that, we're laying down our desires and dreams to fulfill God's purest will for us.
Sometimes that cute shirt that we love so much is fine for someone else, but for us; the way we're built or the way the shirt falls on us, doesn't help us bring more purity into the world. Sometimes someone can say something a certain way, in person, to someone and it's perfectly fine, but for someone else, if they say it, it causes people to imagine impure things. We need to think about what our actions and words are doing to our men. If we want to encourage them in purity, then we need to be able to control ourselves in what we say, do or even think. We need to put them before ourselves and love them the way Jesus calls us too.
I don't know if this made sense....I kinda have rambling thoughts tonight...but there it is. Blessings~
I know she didn't mean anything by it, but as I started contemplating what she said, more and more "stuff" about purity stuck out to me. I mentioned to my husband what she said and he agreed. I don't want to judge, but I am going to share in simplicity what she said and explain further what I feel...you can agree to disagree with me if you like! LOL
Her comment was this, "I was singing in the shower, 'Oh Taste and See that the Lord, He is good.' " In short, there is nothing wrong with what she said. In fact, it's encouraging to know that people are singing praises to Jesus. But there is one part in there that doesn't encourage purity.
Yup, you've got it...the "shower" part. I think her intentions were great. I think her thoughts were pure. I don't think she had motive to say or do something that could lead to impurity at all. But that is where women need to think about what their thoughts, actions and words will do to other people. I asked my husband about that comment, because I just felt it was a little "off." He said to me,
"Men are visual. When people say, 'I saw a red car,' guys see a red car in our minds eye. When people say that they're 'in the shower' that is what we see. God made us that way, and it's not like we're these sexual animals all the time, it's just the way we're created."
Our men want to remain pure in thought. We want to encourage our young boys and growing, "discovering" young men to think pure, act pure and be pure. We, as women need to cautiously consider everything we do, from the things we say, to the things we dress in. Often times that cute shirt we like so much is something that will draw attention to our bodies in a way that will cause a man to stumble. When we unthinkingly say or do something that causes a man to think something impure, we are causing him to sin and encouraging him to commit adultery. Women of God don't want to be impure, let alone cause a man to fall into sin too. Our goals need to be thoughtful of them...making sure that we're walking in purity and love for them. Sometimes it means double thinking before we say something for guys to read, or it might mean dropping off our favorite shirt at Good Will, or even dumping it in the trash. It pulls something from us that brings us to a place of selflessness; thinking of others beyond ourselves. In doing that, we're laying down our desires and dreams to fulfill God's purest will for us.
Sometimes that cute shirt that we love so much is fine for someone else, but for us; the way we're built or the way the shirt falls on us, doesn't help us bring more purity into the world. Sometimes someone can say something a certain way, in person, to someone and it's perfectly fine, but for someone else, if they say it, it causes people to imagine impure things. We need to think about what our actions and words are doing to our men. If we want to encourage them in purity, then we need to be able to control ourselves in what we say, do or even think. We need to put them before ourselves and love them the way Jesus calls us too.
I don't know if this made sense....I kinda have rambling thoughts tonight...but there it is. Blessings~
Monday, June 27, 2011
My Help Comes From The Lord
| | ||
from whence cometh my help,
my help cometh from the Lord,
the Lord which made Heaven and Earth.
He said He would not suffer thy foot,
thy foot to be moved;
the Lord which keepeth thee,
He will not slumber nor sleep.
Oh the Lord is thy keeper,
the Lord is thy shade
upon thy right hand,
upon thy right hand.
No, the sun shall not smite thee by day,
nor the moon by night,
He shall preserve thy soul
even forever more.
Been reading this song and the scripture and it's just been SO encouraging to me lately, so I thought I'd share it here! I am so glad that the Lord really is my helper and that He does give me help!
Blessings~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)