I Can Do More

Today I did something interesting. I washed my clothes in the regular washer, and then I hung them up on the backyard clothesline to dry in the sun. I know. Not very exciting. But I learned a lesson. I think.

I can do it! I can do more than I thought I could. When I first heard that we'd have to dry clothes outside, I thought "Ludicrous! What era are we living in?" Really. I did.

Yet, I was able to do without a fancy modern dryer, and hang laundry the old-fashioned way. It was kind of fun. For now. I'm sure the newness and adventure will wear off fast, but I will still know that I can do whatever I need to do. Sometimes it's not the big things that surprise us, but the little things. Sometimes proving that we can do even the little things is a really good start. 

I draw the line at washing clothes the old-fashioned way though...
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"Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands" (Job 4:3).

The Necessities

How much stuff do we need? How much is enough? How much is too much? We live in a world of consumerism, where we are taught that enough is never enough.

Lately I have been downsizing (because of a move) and I realized how much junk I have that I don't need. Some stuff I want to keep because of sentimental value, but I doubt the person who gave it to me even remembers.

I looked around today and realized "I don't need this stuff." I don't need it to be happy, and all it does is weigh me down and clutter my life.

So, even though the move is over, the removal of clutter will continue. I don't know how much stuff I will have once this is all over, but I'm hoping it'll be a lot less.

Just making this decision today made me a lot happier! From now on, I'm going to focus on the necessities by asking this question: "Do I really need this, or do I just want it?" And I think it's okay to have some things you just want. But don't let them accumulate too much.

I'm not going to do it all at once either. I think that might send my system into shock. Rather, I'm going to do it in stages. First, I'll start with movies I no longer watch. I'm already reading through the books I've accumulated so that I can get rid of them when I'm done.

As the months go on, I'll get rid of knickknacks I don't really have any sentimental attachment to. One day, I hope to be rid of all the unnecessary miscellaneous things that have cluttered and taken over my life. Hopefully by the next time I have to move, I won't have nearly as many things I don't need, or really want.

I encourage anyone who is struggling with clutter, or throwing things out to look up minimalism. Often the blogs and websites have great strategies for letting go of things we have sentimental attachment to, or think we need, but actually don't. Usually, they have steps and stages, so that you don't go into shock.
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Jesus said "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Hmm...

What does one say when there's nothing to say? Do I just create a blog post filled with nothing just to make a post? Do I fill it with fun stuff just to entertain you? I'm not sure.

Today was a good day. I'm taking a business class at the local community college. We had our first quiz today and I did well. Our first test is Thursday and I'm a little nervous, but I can do it.

I'm not sure I want to go back to school though. I wanted to get a degree in business, but I don't think I have it in me anymore to study like I used to. I've been out of college for only 2 years, but I just don't feel like I can study like I used to.

The class is fun though, and I'm learning a lot. Whether I use it to start my own business, or just to be more informed as a consumer, it'll be helpful. I really needed this class, but I don't think I'll take more.

God truly does provide opportunities. You just have to be willing to take a chance.
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"You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way" (Psalm 18:35-36).

Open Rebuke

This has been bothering me for a while now.

Should a pastor call out a sin in front of the whole congregation? Should a pastor throw people who won't listen to correction from the church?

I guess it makes sense in a way. If a person at church continues to sin even after being confronted by the pastor, then it could infect the whole congregation.

I guess my hang up with this is the embarrassment factor. But I guess it could embarrass someone to the point of giving up the sin. Personally, I don't think I could go back to that church though. I absolutely hate to be embarrassed. And if someone else does it to me, it's worse. So, personally speaking, it might encourage me to stop committing that sin, but I would be unable to return to that church.

I guess it would be one thing to do it quietly, but in front of the whole congregation just seems too much to me. I could be wrong, of course. What do you think?
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"Better is open rebuke than hidden love" (Proverbs 27:5).
"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning" (1 Timothy 5:19-20).

C.S. Lewis -

“I am sure God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait." - C.S. Lewis

I love quotes from C.S. Lewis. They're always so inspirational!

We don't know God's plan. He doesn't keep us waiting for stuff to hurt us. God has perfect timing. He knows if we need to wait for a time before we can truly appreciate something. He knows if we truly need something. God will give us exactly what we need in His timing, exactly when we need it.

And yes, I know I've talked about God's timing a lot...
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"As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).

The Lord is My Shield

Psalm 18:30 - As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

Okay, so I love the Psalms. A lot. They're just so amazing, and inspiring, and helpful!

When I wrote out another verse from this chapter yesterday, my eyes were drawn to today's verse.

God is perfect. His way is perfect. His word is without any flaws. He will never lie. His Word does not lie. God is truth. He will guide us, protect us, and help us.

Psalm 3:3 - But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

Psalm 7:10 - My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

Don't be a Diva!

Words matter. The words we use matter. The words we use to describe ourselves matter, even just in fun. We have to be careful of the words we associate with ourselves, and what we answer to.

Diva is an old Italian word for goddess. It has other definitions too. "Prima donna." "Divine (one)" (Dictionary.com). It also has lots of negative connotations. I don't think it's a word Christian women should want to use to describe themselves.

We are meant to be humble. We can excel in what we do, and even outshine others, but we can't keep the glory. It belongs to God. Someone who is a true diva can't put God first because she thinks first of herself. Divas also have "attitude." By society's standards that is okay, if sometimes not nice. By God's standards, it isn't okay. We aren't meant to exalt ourselves above others. We aren't meant to have "attitude." We are meant to humble ourselves, be compassionate, and serve others, as Christ did.

Just a thought for today.
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"Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3).

"You save the humble, but bring low those whose eyes are haughty" (Psalm 18:27).

Be There for Each Other

Hello to everyone who reads my blog. Just a quick note: I'm moving! This shouldn't have any effect on you, my dear readers, because I'm scheduling posts for this weekend. However, if something happens and there are no posts, it just means something went wrong with my scheduling. Not to worry. When I get Internet back, and have time to look at my blog, I will fix it.

Now, on with today's post...

Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

We are meant to help each other, and uplift each other. When one member of the Church suffers, we all suffer, so we have to take special care to be there for one another and take care of each other.

Sometimes this means helping a neighbor or friend with a project. Sometimes it means being a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes it means listening without judgment. Sometimes it's enough to just let someone know in some small way that you're there for them.

John 13:34 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

The Trouble with Stress

The trouble with stress is that it steals our joy. It consumes us until we can only think of the thing that's stressing us out. It causes doubts.

Everyone gets stressed from time to time. Currently, I'm taking a business class at my local community college. It's only been 2 years since I was in college, but I find that I am not used to doing homework anymore. So today was pretty stressful. I think I will normally be able to use the weekend to do homework so that I don't have to play catch up on Wednesdays.

There are many reasons for stress. Some are natural, and produce good results - deadlines, and the fight or flight response. Other scenarios can end in arguments, tears, or physical illness.

So, it's important to know how to deal with stress. There are many techniques to relieve it. The one that I have found most useful of late is reading my Bible. Seriously. Once I moved from the book of Acts to the 1st book of Kings, I find that I'm enjoying it a lot more. It's a wonderful stress reliever.

So, when you get stressed, take some time to do something just for you. Take a bubble bath. Read a chapter in a book. Read something from your favorite book of the Bible. I find that the Psalms can be very comforting and inspiring.
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"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:29-31).

A Great Book, A Great Blog

My dear friend Ms. Birrer has a dad. Her dad has a blog. His blog is the place where he can post chapters of some books he has written. They're very good. Sometimes instead of chapters, he comes out with inspirational posts instead.

The blog, Walking with Faith, is one I would recommend to everyone. He is also looking for constructive feedback on his book, so feel free to give him some advice.

I hope you all enjoy it! It's very interesting.
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"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29).

"For we live by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Solomon Succeeds David

Well, I've put aside the book of Acts for now, and have started 1 Kings. I have already read both books of Samuel, and am excited to start the books of Kings. The first chapter starts with David declaring Solomon his heir, and Solomon becomes king that day, instead of Adonijah who presumed (wrongly, and without consulting his father, David) that he would be king. Such drama. The first chapter ended well though - no one died.

I'm excited to read about Solomon. 1st and 2nd Kings also contain the stories of Elijah and Elisha. While I mostly know their stories, I am super excited to finally be reading them for myself.

So, I guess that's what was missing from my reading of the book of Acts - the excitement. How strange. I suppose I'm just not ready for the book yet. That's okay. I don't feel ready for the book of Revelation either, but I'll get to it eventually.

I'll try to post interesting tidbits about Solomon's reign as I read them, but they'll probably be broken up by other topics. I do encourage everyone to read David's story, as well as Solomon's.
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"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long" (Psalm 25:5).

A Strange Predicament

I don't like the book of Acts. So far. I can't really explain why except, well, I'm bored. Is that normal? Or is it just me?

I just can't seem to connect with the book. So I think I'm going to take a break from it and go back into the Old Testament. Though I know them, I haven't yet read the stories of Elijah, Elisha, or even Moses. 

I've been told Peter's books are good and that he's more relatable than Paul so I have a lot of options. Of course, there are other books I haven't read, but I think I'll just keep my choices limited to these for now.

I guess I don't really have much to say today. I'm just chronicling my need to take a break from Acts, and asking if it's normal to feel that way about the book. 

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"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me" (Psalm 51:12).

The Goodness

In spite of the way things are going in the world today, overall, I still believe in the good in people. Most of the time. I have to. If I didn't believe in the good, I don't know how I could get through each day. 

I know, that no matter how bad it gets, God is still The King. He is still the Victor. I know how the world ends, and it ends in favor of God, and those who truly believe in and serve Him. It may not turn the way we want or expect it to, but God knows exactly what He is doing, and all things will happen in His perfect time.

So, I still believe in the good in people. I believe that most people genuinely have the capacity for good, and that many of them genuinely want to do good. I believe this, because I know that nothing is impossible with God. He can turn any heart toward Him, and use any person for His purpose. Look at Saul. He was a really bad dude, but God gave him a spiritual experience he couldn't doubt or forget, and he began to serve The Lord, under a new, renewed, name - Paul.

In spite of the way the world is, in spite of all the bad stuff that's happening, I still believe in the good, because God is good, and He is still in control.
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"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13).

The Open Door Policy

Tonight I watched Disney's Frozen again, and the song Love is an Open Door is now stuck in my mind.

It sparked this thought: God's door is always open, if only we will seek entry. It isn't hard to gain admittance to God's kingdom, and it's free, because Jesus already paid the price in full. All we have to do is want to walk through the door and live in God's courts. This includes, of course, being willing to live by the laws of His kingdom.

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Pleasing to God

Psalm 19:14 - May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.


This is what we should always strive for. I pray, and meditate, and do my best to make sure that what I put on my blog will be pleasing to God. We should always pray that the words we speak, and the thoughts we think are pleasing to God, and that they glorify Him always.

Now, sometimes we will mess up; we're flawed, after all. But the majority of the time, we should be able to control the thoughts and especially the words that we know would displease God.

When it does become difficult to control thoughts or words that we know would displease God, we can pray for strength, and temperance, and that God would guard our words.

If we slip up in thought, word, or deed, we will usually know. Then, we can sincerely ask for forgiveness. I have had times when I needed several hours to truly feel sorry for a thought or a word against someone, usually the amount of time it took for me to think more rationally about the situation. Then, I was able to truly, and sincerely ask forgiveness for sinning against that person either by my speech, or just in my heart.

The heart part counts. Sometimes we don't have to say something in order to sin. Sometimes all it takes is a wrong thought in our hearts. That part is most difficult to control. After all, our thoughts are private. No one will ever hear them - except God. So we have to be especially careful in this regard, to keep even our thoughts pleasing to The Lord.

We may not succeed all the time, but I believe that the more time we spend in prayer, meditation, and actively seeking God, the easier it will be, and the fewer displeasing thoughts we will have.

Great Things

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa

I agree. We aren't all called to do big things. But I think even the small things can be great. We each have abilities, and we use those abilities to serve God the best we can.
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"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21).

People of a Particular Sort

“We might think that God wanted simply obedience to a set of rules: whereas He really wants people of a particular sort.” - C.S. Lewis

God calls us for purpose. We aren't just here to grudgingly follow the rules, and try to live a good life. It's much more than that. When we accept Jesus as our savior, and accept God into our lives, our innermost self is transformed. We will begin to desire the things God treasures, and to want others to experience the wonder of truly knowing our Heavenly Father.

It's a life-changing experience.
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"Do not conform to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

Skies of Blue

One thing I have decided to do here is to promote and recommend Christian blogs that teach, encourage, and engage me. Today's post is the first of (hopefully) many.

Chasing Blue Skies is amazing! Real life examples and engaging stories pull together for a wonderful Christian blog. She doesn't post every day, but does post often. You can subscribe via email if you wish (and you get a free ebook if you do). I use Feedly to subscribe to most of my blog posts, but I have subscribed to this one via email.

I encourage you to check out this blog. It truly is wonderful!
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"My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long" (Psalm 35:28).

In Appreciation

October is Pastor appreciation month. It is a month we can dedicate to the celebration and appreciation of those who teach and lead us spiritually in the church. We can reflect on all they do to assist us, and to help us grow - individually and as a church.

Today the church honored our non-senior pastors and teachers with flowers and gifts.

Next week, we will be honoring the senior pastors. There will also be an appreciation dinner after church. What will your church be doing?

Even if something isn't organized, remember to appreciate your pastors. They do work very hard, and they're never off the clock!
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"Now here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever desires to be an overseer [bishop, etc] desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money..." (1 Timothy 3:1-3).

"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other" (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Thanks for the Grub!

Why do we give thanks before meals? Why specifically mealtime? This is my random thought for the day.

This is what I came up with: It's to show appreciation and thankfulness for what God has given us. It's not just about the food. It's about being grateful that we have enough to provide for our basic needs, and put food on the table. That's why I think we give thanks at that time. It's a moment to thank God, not just for the food, but for everything He has done for us.

It is a time when the whole family is gathered together, traditionally at least, so mealtime is often the best time to give thanks to God for His blessings.
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"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34).

Be Wary of That Train

I love when a secular song speaks to me spiritually, especially if it's on purpose. I find that this happens most with country music.

Today's post includes the song Long Black Train by Josh Turner. I'm super excited about this.

The devil is waiting for just that one chance to snatch us up, but remember that Jesus has already given us the victory!

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"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

Who Can Reverse It?

Isaiah 43:11-13 - "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed--I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?"

What a powerful statement! Who can save us but God? Who can reverse what God has done? Who can stand before His mighty power?

This was my verse of the day, and it just resonates within me. God has done so many great and wondrous things, and there are more to come. We are witnesses of all that He will do.

Cleaning House

As I sort, organize, and pack things, I am made aware that cleaning house for any purpose (moving, garage sale, spring cleaning) is a big deal. Not only is it a chore that takes a lot of time, but it also forces us to be honest with ourselves. It digs up memories - some sweet, some painful. We are forced to really scrutinize the things we have, and decide if they are worth the space they take, or if it would be better to let them go.

This is true as well of emotional and spiritual cleaning. There are things in our lives that we hold onto, often stubbornly - memories, hurts, griefs, and physical things - that are not good for us. In that instance, we have to make the choice to let them go. Often times, this takes a lot of help from God, but we have to make the choice to let Him clean us up.

It may not be accomplished in a day. Sometimes this process takes months, or even years, but once it is finished, once the things that hinder us are removed, there is a freedom, and a lightness in our beings that is astounding. I have been experiencing this spiritual and emotional cleaning, and while I'm not yet where I need to be (because I stubbornly hold onto some things) I am much lighter than I was. God has helped me clear out a lot of rooms in my heart that contained old grievances, and things that were not good for me spiritually.
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"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV).

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV).

No Post Today

There won't be a post today, at least not like I usually post. Today I am battling laziness and losing. I have several drafts I could work on, but I don't want to. Instead of forcing myself, I'm just not going to do a post today.

Here is today's Bible verse:
Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Language

I am learning two new languages for various reasons. It occurred to me today that this is a really good idea. Learning a second (or third) language can really open up new possibilities. Not only can it give an advantage in the work force, but it offers the chance to meet people you wouldn't otherwise communicate with.

What an amazing opportunity to talk about God. How cool would it be to begin learning a new language, visit the country of origin, and go to a local church and begin to talk to and worship with people in a whole new language? How many people could we meet who love God as much as we do?

Who knows? Along the way you could find your calling.

I guess today's post is to promote learning a secondary language. It really could open up a whole new world.

Even if learning a second language isn't for you, take care to use your language wisely. You don't have to have "proper grammar," but use wise words.
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"Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church" (1 Corinthians 14:8-12).

It then goes on to talk about speaking in tongues, which is not the same thing as studying to learn a new language.

Mercy

Our God is merciful. His mercy is abundant.

Luke 6:36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 1:54-55 - "He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever just as he promised our ancestors."

Even when we stray, God's love abounds. He is patient with us, willing to forgive us when we ask.

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

One of my favorite examples of God's mercy is the book of Jonah.

Fear and Trust

Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in The Lord shall be safe.

This is my verse of the day. To me, this verse is both warning against fear and encouraging trust in God. If we truly trust God, we won't be afraid.

I have not yet reached the place where I am without fear. I don't think a moment of fear means we don't trust God, so long as we can shake it off and remember that there is nothing to fear with God on our side. Some fear is a natural instinct. But deep fear is not. Fear that holds onto us and keeps us from doing things we are supposed to do is not instinct. In those situations we must remember that God is always with us, and there is nothing to fear.

A Change of Season

As the season turns, and fall begins, I am reminded that nothing lasts forever. The hottest summer will eventually give way to the coolness of fall. So too, will the seasons of life change. Just because something is bad or difficult now doesn't mean it will always be.

Fall, for me, has always been a time of change. It's my favorite season because the air seems to hold so much promise. The promise of cooler weather. The promise of family holidays. The promise of chances to take strolls. The promise of change.

As the fall season begins, I am reminded of one of my favorite verses. Today, I want to share that verse once again, and remind  you to hold on. Don't give up. Wait a little longer, and the season will change, bringing with it new promises, and new opportunities. And when it arrives, it will be all the sweeter for what you have endured.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.