doing right verses having rights

Sometimes, the difference between having rights and doing right is a wavy, blurry line.

this is not about gun control! {but aren't they cute?}

I have many privileges as an American. I have vasts amounts of opportunities when I am willing to work and sacrifice. I have all the ability I need to DO right, because Jesus is [or should be] my strength.

But this "my rights' attitude" [me time, anyone?] that I have, on occasion, been sucked into is not Biblical. For one thing, it is putting the focus on ME. I'ved studied through a little of that before. [This is not to say we do not ever need rest or an occasional break. But there is a "me mentality" that comes from thinking only of me and what *I* need/want. And that is what I am talking about being caught up in.]

And if, as a wife and mother, I am overwhelmed by certain tasks or expectations, then that is my cue to step back and take a few evaluations of myself and my motives.

I must evaluate my motive for doing this overwhelming task and determine who exactly set the expectation. The only true, pure Biblical motive is to do all to the glory of God [I Corinthians 10:31]. The Lord sets expectations of what He requires from us; but He also ALWAYS gives us the strength to meet them. {-because God gets glory when His strength is magnified through our weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:6-10-}

Evaluating my motive is often a soul-searching, prayerful endeavor. Our hearts are deceitful [Jeremiah 17:9]. We will lie to ourselves when not careful to ask the Lord to shed His light on our motives, because sometimes we try to do things {even GOOD things} for the wrong reason. And sometimes we let others put expectations on us that are not from Him.

let her rest while she will...

So, if my motive is pure and the expectations set are from the Lord, why may I feel as though there is not sufficient strength?

This is where I often get convicted, because there are so very many times that  I KNOW I am doing what I ought. But the strength is not there. When there is not enough strength to get through the day or the project or whatever, I realize that I really am doing this "good thing" all by myself. I have once again taken the reins into my own hands... plucked them from my Father, who expertly handles them while I falter and stumble through.

So, while I have many "rights" as an American and I even have much freedom as a Christian, when I get into the mindset of "having a right" for something or to do something, I forfeit the strength that comes from following the path God has set for my day, because God will not give me His strength to follow my own path.

on chicken sandwiches, free speech, and Christianity

making you hungry? {me too!}

Understanding and realizing the reasoning behind this past Wednesday's Chick-fil-a Appreciation Day, I have a few thoughts weighing on my heart. My husband guest posted yesterday about it from a slightly different angle.

But today my thoughts are centered around the "christian culture" I grew up in. The one that says, if you do this you must be a good person and if you do THAT you can't possibly be used by God. Now, to disclaim here, not everyone I grew up around had that attitude! But my entire family were babes in Christ when I was a small child, so my parents learned what was accepted in the church who reached them. They embraced and studied the Bible, but were also influenced by this philosophy. Today, they are different people.

They are different and so am I because the Christian life is NOT a list of rules. It is not "do’s and don’t’s." But all life IS a daily struggle against sin. And having rules and guidelines can help us stay in line (indeed, they are necessary for teaching and learning), but "living by the rules" is not the  goal. And that is where so many get off track.

I did not go to Chik-fil-a on the "Appreciation Day" -partly because I did not have 2 hours to wait in line with 4 children and partly because I did not have $20+ in my budget to buy their food (no matter how much I like it!) But as I watched the facebook statuses and pictures from my friends who did go grow in number, I got to wondering if it was all really such a good idea. It was almost as if people got the idea that getting a meal from that particular restaurant on that particular day meant something to the lost world out there- like seeing those lines around the buildings told them something important. Because it didn’t.

When Christian values are attacked, it is no longer just a matter of "free speech" or the definition of marriage. It becomes a matter of showing the Love of Christ.

Yes, our freedoms are in jeopardy. The sanctity of marriage, the symbol of Christ's love for His church, is being marred by sinners. But it is because we are ALL sinners.

I do not personally know many people who claim the gay lifestyle, but I do know some. I am even related to one (gasp)- and I can’t change them.

shocker: They cannot change themselves! No one is born a homosexual (a sodomite). It is not an illness. It is not "who they are." It is a sin. [Mathew 19:4-6; Romans 1:20-32; I Corinthians 6:9-1; I Timothy 1:5-11 {and Jude 4-7 tells us in this Age of Grace we still can look to Sodom Gomorha as an example of wickedness and God’s judgment of it}] Satan has duped them into thinking it is what will make them happy. Because--"for a season"--it does. [Hebrews 11:24-30]

The only way anyone can change from that thinking is with the help of the Almighty God who made them, the only one who loves them with a love so pure He DIED for their freedom.

And the only way most of them will know of His love is if they SEE it in a Christian (you and me).

Many, strikingly many, who live a life of sodomy KNOW of Jesus. they have been preached at- both before and after making their "preferences" known. But preaching AT someone does not show love.

Eating a chicken sandwich on August 1 did nothing to tell anyone that Jesus loves them. There was likely no one there to witness to. I am quite sure most anyone asked would have said they are a Christian. That's why they were supporting a company whose founder has Biblical moral principles and is not ashamed to say so.

So, while I will eat at Chik-fil-a on occasion, when my pocketbook allows (I can make a good chicken sandwich right home!), more than anything else, I need to remember to pray for those lost souls. I need to spend time weeping over them before the one who loves them so purely. I need to LIVE my life to SHOW them that pure love that ONLY He can pour through me. Yes, what they do is wrong. Yes, we must give the gospel-to any who will listen and even when unsolicited. But just telling people of any lifestyle that what they are doing is wrong and telling them Jesus died to take their sins away does NOTHING until they realize they are missing something.   

Why would a happy male "couple" listen to a man tell them they a living wickedly when just yesterday he was mad at his wife and listing the ills of his married life? Why would a female couple want to have what YOU have with your husband? If you are constantly despondent over this or that or belittling your husband for not taking out the garbage (or whatever), I would’t want what you had either. 

Some people are searching for God, and are ready and willing to repent when confronted with the gospel. And I rejoice and praise the Lord when those times occur! But most are not there. And if they do not see a difference (as in A BETTER WAY) in the manner in which WE live, why would they even care that we want to share it with them?

"free speech" requires SPEAKING!

Oh! that Christians would be as fired up about attending and supporting their local churches as they were about supporting a company who has a moral stance. 

Oh! that we would be as ready to share the gospel of Jesus with LOVE FLOWING so that it is evident as we are to eat a chicken sandwich in the name of "free speech."

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Be sure to read my husband's post on the same topic. We have the same view but he approaches it from a slightly different angle.

Chicken Reasoning [guest blogger]

this post is from my hubby! 

so excited to have his thoughts to share. 

[We in NO way are judging those who did or did not attend the appreciation day. These are just some thoughts from his heart to my readers. 

I also have a post scheduled for tomorrow on the same topic.]

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Back in July, Chick-fil-A’s (CFA) CEO, Dan Cathy, spoke out against same sex marriage and how he believes marriage is between one man and one woman. What a great statement! Though unfortunately, in this day and age, attacks are sure to come when you speak out against something that the left agrees with. The CEO never mentioned he hated the LGBT lifestyle participants, he just spoke out against their lifestyle. Here are some of the comments that have come under high scrutiny:

We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.

Yesterday marked a wonderful day of out pouring of support, to local CFA’s around the country; and though I did not personally participate, I know of many good people and Christians who did.

That was yesterday, August 1st, 2012.

But how about the other 364 days out of the year?

How about last year? How about this century?

The fact of the matter is, most, I would venture to say 80-90%, of those who waited in line to order their tasty sandwich have never opened their mouths to voice their “freedom of speech” in the form of a letter to a Congressman. Sure, they may have tagged along on some internet form letter, but how many of us have actually taken an individual step to voice our concern on the issue of same sex marriages and unions?

There are several problems with the appreciation event at local CFA’s yesterday that truly concern me:

1-Although people lined up for this cause, many of these same people have literally done nothing to reverse the many LGBT lifestyle agendas that have been put in place. Sure they may have voted against a proposition in their state, but that is not really going above and beyond, that is a status quo option. (above and beyond: writing/calling Congressmen, State Congressmen, shown an activist role in defeating this “lifestyle agenda”, etc. etc.)


2-It appeared that, to many, eating a chicken sandwich yesterday somehow made them  feel, dare I say it, more spiritual? What a sad state of affairs that is. Whole states have been lost to the GLBT agenda, 6 to be exact, because, to be honest, people think that eating a chicken sandwich is truly accomplishing something. It does nothing to change the laws in those 6 states or the 13 other states that now allow same-sex unions. 


3-Many went to support the comments of CFA’s CEO. That is a noble thing to do. But preachers proclaim the truth of God’s Word week after week, and sometimes people attack the man of God. True, it might not always be something like homosexuality. It might just so happen to be the pastor dared preach against our “pet” sin, and thus we resort to attack what he says even though it is the truth of God’s Word, just as much truth as what CEO Dan Cathy stated in his interview. 


4-Why does the homosexual community even feel the way they do towards Christians? I would say a large part of it has to do with the way some Christians have treated them. I know some people who live the homosexual lifestyle, and I praise the Lord that every single one of them has said something like this to me before, “you aren’t like the others (Christians), you accept me for who I am and treat me right.” They knew I did not like their lifestyle; but you know what, they also knew I cared for THEM, that I loved as a person. I praise the Lord that not only has He helped me to be able to feel that way, but they were able to see it as well. We must accept people where they are, and then HELP THEM (not BEAT THEM) become what God wants them to become.


5-Our bottom line through all of this should not be to support a man, or worse, to eat a good chicken sandwich. Our bottom line should be to be the witness we ought to be to reach this segment of the population. One amazing thing about Christ and His ministry on earth is that He would see multitudes of people, and He would even see their sin, and yet He still had compassion on them. He saw the woman at the well, and instantly knew everything about this woman, how she was living in sin many times over. And what did He do? He had compassion on her soul. He sought her out on an individual basis so she could live in heaven forever. 


share the gospel!

6-Similarly to #5, many in local churches give to support missions and missionaries through their local church. But unfortunately, that is where it ends for many Christians. They seem to justify in their mind that giving to missions is doing their part in reaching the world for Christ. Although this is needy, God says it is necessary for EACH Christian to open their mouth and proclaim Christ. Just living for God will never reach anyone. It might make them curious, but if you never share the Gospel nothing has been accomplished for Christ. Jesus reached people by speaking to them and sharing the Gospel with them. Think of it this way, if there was anyone who could have reached more through lifestyle evangelism, it would have been the perfect man of Jesus Christ, and yet He still spoke to people about how to be saved.

Many used yesterday to make a statement, and I do not fault them for this. But we must not let it END there. This can be the beginning of something new.

Get involved- spiritually, politically, and personally.

We can all pray for the Lord of the harvest to work amongst us to see more saved. That is truly where victory in life lies, it is not in Washington. It is not even at the state or local political level. It is how we allow God to work in and through us each day that will truly last forever.

My challenge is simple. Many spent 60+ minutes to order food to make a statement, or support freedom of speech, or whatever their reason was. Today you can spend less time than that to reach out and write a letter to your Congressman.

Just think, if just half of those who went through the chicken doors yesterday were to write a letter today stating their support of marriage between one man and one woman, Congress would be inundated with letters; and I believe they would seriously need to look at legislation that could change the course of our nation.

To help you out, here is a link to write to your Congressman: 

FIND YOUR CONGRESSMAN

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{all photos were randomly found on google. 

nothing is mine and I have no links to share.}

Please feel free to comment on here or my Facebook page. I'll be sure he reads them!!

keeping cool

and I'm not talking about turning on the AC! 

{I know it's been a while since I said, Hi! I trust and pray anyone still visiting is doing well!}

Sometimes, I feel like Anne Shirley: "if only you knew all I wanted to say and didn't maybe you'd give me little credit." {smiles} But there are seriously times I know the only way I can remain quiet is because the Lord puts a stopper on my tongue. But that does not mean my "cool" is under control!

...that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things... Ephesians 4:14,15

"what did you say?"

We must always speak the truth! but this verse also tells us to speak "in love." This is a wonderful principle to hold fast to, as I have found that when the truth is spoken in haste, without love, it does so much more damage then not speaking at all. This seems to hold true in all situations. 

When correcting my children it is necessary, on many occasions, for me to take a moment and find that love from Christ before speaking. Otherwise I will speak words I should not or with a tone that is not appropriate. I will not grow into Him in all things if I speak harshly.

When telling others of Jesus' love for them, I cannot get huffy or defensive when I am attacked-and truly, it is not ME they are attacking or questioning. It is Jesus Himself. This ought to invoke our pity, not our wrath. I will be as a child, tossed and carried about by the devil's craftiness, if I get defensive and prickly about another questioning the gospel.

{love this face!}

Have you ever been corrected? Who hasn't??!! Even now, as a "mature" adult person [LOL] when another points out a fault or wrongdoing, my reaction [always my own responsibility! {Romans 14:12}] is greatly based on their attitude.

If I am approached in love, I will be less likely to respond childishly. If I do not perceive a loving spirit {KEY: they must realize you are speaking in love!}, I often do respond in a less mature manner [read: get defensive and prickly]. How much MORE defensive do you think an unsaved person or immature Christian would be if we do not approach them in love?

This truth is also relevant when people say unkind or untrue things about us or our family! When we find out, do we respond with the truth IN LOVE? or do we lash out in defensive anger? Being upset about lies is not wrong. Being sad about unkindness is not wrong. But we must respond IN LOVE when speaking the truth to combat the unkindness or untruth! So, when I realize that I cannot respond in love, I often [should be ALWAYS!} simply do not say anything at all.

Our children learn how to initiate and respond from watching us. Whether we are interacting with our spouse, one of their siblings or an adult friend, they see and comprehend so much more than you think.

Let us "KEEP our COOL" and ask the Lord to set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3, because ...there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Psalm 139:4.

I am not enough

OH my!!

As a new mother I was also a young wife (which most new mothers are) and thus I was learning so much in such a short time.

Or, at least I NEEDED to be learning. But I was not. I was barely surviving.

Looking back, I can see this. At the time I thought there was just something seriously wrong with me. I felt as though I was not a good enough person to be a mom. (um, who IS?) and I was not really prepared to be a wife (again, who is?).

Life is a learning process. An adventure in discovery.

And I have discovered that life is messy.

   Children can be annoying.

   Husbands can be frustrating.

   Friends can turn on you.

And this journey, this adventure we call living is not fair. 

But that's OK! If life were fair, we would all have to clean up our own mess (as nice as that sounds, then no one could give you a break!) 

and if life were fair, there would be no salvation.

and if life were fair, there would be no Helper, no Peace-giver for us to call Father.

So, I am not enough. This I have learned thoroughly! but He IS enough. His help is my potential. His peace is my strength.

Lean on the Savior, the One Who loves you more than any other. And, while your clothing will still not put itself away and the sink will still pile with dishes and your children will still squabble and need your attention... your heart [and home] will be full of peace [though not necessarily quiet or complete order]. Your life will be filled with the calm and strength and resolve that cannot come from your own will-power. 

Your world may fall apart daily, but you will not.

being part of:

{learning} how to fall

We read this story in our devotion book the other evening: {I will paraphrase some of it}

Little Sammy had to wear leg braces because he had polio. He fell often but still wanted to attend school. One day he fell down the steps and his teacher rushed over to see if he was ok. 

"Sammy, are you hurt?"

Sammy SMILED up at her and said:  

 "No, I've learned HOW TO FALL."

As people saved by grace, we need to learn how to fall. 

First. We must realize that we WILL fall. There is sin in this world, still residing in our hearts. Falling is inevitable.

and

Second. No one ever falls all. by. himself. There are consequences. If I am a child of God, His chastisement will remind me; and more than likely, there will be at least 1 human who notices also. Our actions affects other people.

BUT there is grace for every time.

And I must learn that it is not the fall that will destroy me. It is how I handle it. I must allow God to work in my life. 

God can use any fall to bring Him glory if we are seeking His face- searching for Him.

And that is learning how to fall.

Always into His waiting arms of grace, picking us up, helping us make it right, strengthening us to apologize, supporting us, allowing us another opportunity to make it right, giving us grace to learn through the consequences.

live a {beautiful} life

One of my favorite quotes that can motivate me to have and seek the proper spirit each day is:

Duty makes us do things well, 

but Love makes us do them beautifully.

I love beauty. a clean table, dresser drawers closed neatly, covers pulled up to the bed pillows, toys in their home, children playing together, a lovely kiss when he comes home. 

And each of these situations can occur every day. but just because they happen does not mean there is beauty in HOW they were done.

It is the love of God in my heart that causes me to accomplish these tasks beautifully. to enjoy the moment. to take pleasure even when the chaos ensues.

to live a beautiful life.

[I Corinthains 13]

how many servants?

or How many do I serve?

How do you 

measure greatness?

I have a quote in my Bible "Your greatness is not measured by how many servants you have but by how many men [people] you serve." I think my pastor said it, but I failed to write that part down.

Is this not what Jesus taught? sometimes I need to be reminded. I have no illusions of actually having servants {laughing hysterically}, but do I treat my family as my servants?  Or do I delight in serving them?

Mark 10:43b, 44 ...but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

Mark 9:34b-35 ...for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.  And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

These are just some thoughts {among others} that have convicted me recently. When I truly seek to serve God with my day, I will readily serve my family. with a smile in my heart! I will be willing to serve others as He makes opportunity in my life. and I will teach my children that real JOY comes from serving God [without even telling them! though we ought to express it verbally, too].

taking the slow path

Except for some specific items for my hubby that we will shop for together, our Christmas shopping is done. I am working on a few home-made things for the girls. More on those AFTER Christmas.

My Kyria [7] made home-made gifts for her class party coming soon. We had lots of fun... googly eyes will do that!

The girls enjoy reading from our Advent Calendar each evening. And telling what they are thankful for.

I have been finding a few ideas of crafts to do during the days school is out. 

We are also going to make our own wrapping paper! [more on that later, too]

We have no plans other than a school party, a staff luncheon and making cookies together with my girlies. Both sides of our families live far away, so I am sure we will try to video-chat with them sometime during the few days before Christmas day. 

We have Christmas cards to mail. I am sure the girls will make pictures to send the Grandparents [just pretend you didn't read that, Mom!] Every couple years we try to do a craft for them-such as handprint clay or picture collages. I have an idea for this year... but it may be a New Years gift instead. If we lived closer, I am sure we would do more together.

We love just being our little family. Most of our friends have family near. and, of course, spend the special holidays with them. Thus we have the privilege of learning how to take the slow path. 

Teaching by doing - that there is more to this time of year than rushing to buy the biggest and best of everything we don't really need. Trying to be a part of every party and activity available can create stress. and I am trying to stop teaching 'stress' to my children. [easier said than done!]

 So, I will [try to] sit back and enjoy. spending time doing only what is necessary with a few nice things thrown in... instead of wondering how we will fit it all in before December 25th!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

and Be Blessed with HIS LOVE!

**except for the Advent Readings and the next Keys to Emotional Health which are mostly already typed and scheduled, I will probably not post much more between now and Christmas. The Owl Ornaments were inspired by a lady named Disney and my Kyria's school teacher, Mrs. Moore-sweetest lady and a most wonderful teacher. The theme of their classroom this year is "Making WISE Choices"... thus, the owl!

purging the rotten

Today I will be talking to myself. I bet you do that sometimes. {smiles} My kids think I am one crazy loon! But today, I will talk to myself to YOU. because I know I am not the only one who may need this little reminder [though I may need it the most!]

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

Anymore most people think of salt as an 'additive' or something to avoid, or something to bring flavors to life. But not so long ago, refrigeration was a thing of luxury; and not long before that, it was unheard of. People used salt barrels [among other methods] to preserve certain foods- mostly meats. Pork and beef  take very kindly to salt-curing. It intensifies the flavor and preserves the quality-for a time. 

image source

And salt does this through 2 primary ways:

{1} it pulls moisture out of the meat, thus creating a dryer product. Bacteria usually prefer moist environments to thrive.

{2} it kills bacteria on the surface of the meat. 

[God is so amazing!]

When the salt has given up the properties that make it salt-it no longer works at keeping the meat eatable. It allows rot to begin. And that, friends, is NOT a good thing! [don't ask me how I know].

It also is not useful to anyone- for any purpose- other than to be used as dirt and trodden under foot of men.

And Jesus says WE {Christians} are salt. Not that we are to "try to act like salt." but we ARE salt.
Thus, we should:

{1} be creating an environment around us [be it home, office, carpool, play-groups, Sunday school] where "bacteria" cannot live. We must speak up and LIVE Christ, but not be rude. Christ was never rude. He was vocal about wrong, especially among the religious [money-changers in the temple?], and He never condoned wrong-doing [the Samaritan woman?]. But he also never CONDEMNED those who simply did not know that He was The Christ- their Messiah. He extended love and mercy. But many went back, and walked no more with him. [John 6:66] because it was not comfortable for them. Jesus had given them a hard saying [John 6:43-60]. There will be those who do not wish to be our friend because we ARE SALT. [but we must NOT be rude or condescending. ever!]


{2} kill bacteria on the surface. Those who must be around us [on the job, at a play-date, in school] will learn to be watchful of their mouth or actions around a Christian who is {lovingly and humbly} vocal about right and wrong. I have seen it happen. It does not change their heart, but it does stop certain actions in certain places [around you]. And not just curb their sinful habits, but they may even pick up some good habits. When a lady acts like a lady, men are more likely to be polite and gentlemanly [open the door, offer to carry packages, etc.]. When a Christian acts like a Christian, people around that person will begin to wonder just what it is that makes us behave that way... and with such conviction. And might make them want to be a better person. {What an introduction to the Gospel!}

but when we loose our "saltiness," we are also no longer useful. to anyone.

the unsaved know when a Christian is not acting Christ-like. and it hurts the Cause of Christ. 

and those who are trying to be like Christ, be salt, cannot rely on the unsalty- for prayer, for support, for ministry help, for a good example to our children, for friendship.

So let us KEEP [or get back] our saltiness! Often during the holidays [Thanksgiving through New Years] there are many parties and get-togethers that may bring us into contact with those we may never see again. Will they remember us as "just another in the gang"?

or will they go away thinking: "there was something different about her. no one cursed when she was around." or "men changed their manners around her."

Just a thought.
from my convicted heart.

a pre-occupation

with self.

It is everywhere.

I find it in my own heart.

and see it in the lives of those around me.

[not just physically around me. I'm on facebook too.] 

there are books: self-help. self-awareness. self-esteem. self-improvement. self-happiness. self. self. self-ISH. 

and I am at least as guilty [if not more] than the next person in line. this line of life. in line to be happy. find peace. get that handout of contentment.

but the premise of these guides: the idea that happiness can be found inside yourself, is completely non-Christian. un-Biblical.

This is long. and not meant to 'tickle' any ears.
{But I speak to myself first [and always] and [always] with LOVE to any who continue on.}

I looked up the word HAPPY in The Word, and here are all the verses I found:

Genesis 30:13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. [child-bearing]

Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places. [God was there Savior, Shield, Sword]

1Kings 10:8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. [heard wisdom]

2Chronicles 9:7 Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. [heard wisdom]

Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: [God's correction: a proof of being His child]

Psalm 127:5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them [having children]: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 128:2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. [fear the Lord and walk in His ways. vs1]

Psalm 137:8,9 O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. [this has to do with the destruction of a wicked people]

Psalm 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. [God is my Lord]


Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: [God is my help & hope]

Pr 3:13, 18 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. [getting wisdom]

Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. [show mercy on the poor]

Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. [trust God]

Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. [reverence God]

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. [hear and heed the Word of God]

Jer 12:1* Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? [Jeremiah is questioning God's allowing wicked people to prosper. In the next chapter God tells Jeremiah that the wicked will be punished.]

Mal 3:15* And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. [these words are spoken against the Lord. and rebuked by Him]

John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. [be a servant. follow Jesus' example]

Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: [Paul was happy to give account of himself, as a follower of Jesus. what a thought!]

Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. [refrain from doing what may be doubtful to new Christians so as not to be a stumbling block]

James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. [suffer & endure affliction for the cause of Christ]

1Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; [suffer & endure affliction for the cause of Christ] vs 15 &  16: sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer... [for] a reason of the hope that is in you... having a good conscience...

1Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. [suffer & endure affliction for the cause of Christ]

There are a couple of recurring themes for happiness here: 

having/bearing children

trusting God [knowing He is your Help. Savior. Hope]

enduring persecution

heeding the Word

and a few single thoughts:

being corrected by God [proof of being His child]

showing mercy on the poor

being a servant.

giving account of our life as a Christian

not being a stumbling block to new Christians.

Then, of course, there is the word Blessed. and the BeAttitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 {each a study all to itself}.

But the point is that NONE of these Scripture has anything to do with self. at all. 

Man does not fully understand nor could he have designed conception. birth. children. And child-rearing? That is not an endeavor I would wish to attempt without God and His Word. His direction. [and child-bearing is something that only a woman can experience. {staggering}]

Trusting God is purely NON-self-related. If it were not for God there would be no me. I must let go of ME to allow Him to HAVE me. [think of the game where you fall blindly into the arms of the person behind you. that is trust. and there is not one thing you can do to keep from falling to the ground once you start.] I must let go and let God carry me.

Enduring persecution is probably the height of unselfishness. the overwhelming submission to God's working through me. through you.

There is not one place in Scripture where we are told to think of ourselves before others. or to 'better' ourselves as is the world's view of happiness. Doing so is not heeding the Word. and does not bring happiness. [speaking from experience]

When I am corrected by God it is often because I have been thinking of myself before others and have stumbled. disobeyed. been a stumbling block. But that correction tells me that He is my Father. and that causes happiness. {amazing}

Helping the poor. being a servant. these are not glamorous acts that bring fame or fortune. or even comfort and security. Sometimes it means going completely out of the 'comfort zone' and even using some of that [already] budgeted cash for someone else. But it brings happiness. {extraordinary happiness}

If giving account of my life as a Christian is to bring happiness, I must be LIVING the LIFE of a CHRISTIAN. {penitent. right now.}

There are some things that I am free to do. actions that I could pursue. They are not wrong. But the mere fact that younger or immature Christians see me and know that I have been saved for many years and have a position of 'staff wife' in my church means that I am NOT free to do just anything 'willy-nilly' without thought of these spiritual babes. I am {somewhat} responsible for their reaction to my actions. But being aware and mindful of that brings its own happiness.

So. Are we ready to BE HAPPY today? 

a {hallowed} night

but NOT for us! 

 the TRUTH about halloween

[I do not know anything about the author other than what is stated in this post, but she speaks the truth]. .... just something to think about since it is 'that time of year' again.

I have no desire to offend anyone by this post, but I have always been confused as to why Christians would participate in any way with halloween [all-hallows or hallowed {as in sacred} eve]. And above is an excellent post on that subject. I cannot remember 'trick or treat'ing as a child. I may have [probably did] when very young, but my earliest memories of this 'holiday' are of my mother telling me it was not for Christians but for devil-worshipers [and this is what we teach our children]. The origins of this day {see link} promote the worship of darkness in darkness with evil and wicked being glorified.

holiday = holy - day ...and this one is not for or about God in ANY way.

I also understand and realize that the main "Christian holidays" also revolve around pagan practices [Christmas & easter], but I am not going to go in depth about that right now. We have explained to our children [mostly the oldest right now] about the origins of Christmas and the fact that we really are NOT celebrating easter but Jesus' Resurrection and are trying to incorporate that into our vocabulary-Resurrection Sunday, not easter Sunday. All of my children know from their earliest understanding that neither santa clause nor the easter bunny is real. 

I would love to hear feedback on how you handle halloween [as well as Christmas and easter/Resurrection Sunday]. We treat October 31st as any other normal day and have our regular activities, including family devotions, and go to bed at normal times. I have, several different years, even forgotten that the day WAS halloween because my God tells us [in context: speaking of being a NEW man in Jesus]: Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27.

 

[These are our pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch last year. I just took off the top and removed the seeds and as much flesh as I could while allowing it to still keeps its integrity. Then I places some fake flowers in an old jar and tied a ribbon around them-2 stacked on each other- to make a little welcome decoration outside our kitchen door. I lasted about 6 weeks before the pumpkins needed to be thrown away.]

entropy:

the gradual decline into disorder.

sometimes, not so gradual [toddlers anyone?]

the struggle against decay.

The constant upkeep of home, family, friends [life] is, at times, staggering.  The weight of it causes my feet to stumble. My path becomes broken and I fall. sometimes so very hard. to my knees. where I should have been to begin this journey. every day. on my knees before the God of this universe. who deigns Himself to love me. 

He reaches down. not to grasp a hand or push me onward. but to pick me up. soul and spirit. and brush me clean with tender Forgiveness. 

He sets me on my feet. holding me steady until such time as I am ready to try again. this time with my hand firmly grasping His. Only His steps can make my path straight again. So I will follow. There are no stumbling ridges when I simply hide in His shadow. walking this path under the cover of His wing. 

And Gentleness reminds me 
of Goodness every. time. I. fall.

am I a Christian?

I suppose that in order to know if I AM a Christian, I should understand what it means to BE a Christian. 


The Christ of this word is Jesus of the Bible. the Son of God [only begotten]. 


And -ian has several meanings: belonging to or relating to; a person belonging to or coming from; typical of or resembling; adhering to or following; and adherent of; a person who specializes or is an expert in.


So by these definitions, a Christian would be a person who belongs to Christ [I do, do you?]. aka: saved [by grace through faith]


But further than that, a Christian would be a person who resembles Christ and/or adhere's to His teaching. or someone who is an expert in Who Christ is and what He teaches. 


I do suppose that most of you reading this blog are, indeed, saved [Christians]; but are you [am I?] actively BEING a Christian? 


Do I resemble Christ? [producing good works and the fruit of the Spirit as He did in His earthly ministry]
Do I adhere to His teachings [as opposed to blindly following a human]? 
Am I striving to be an expert in Who He is? Do I study His teachings [the Bible] and try to apply the truths learned?

Do you?

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