One of my favorite guilty pleasures is talk radio. I listen to Dave Ramsey, Kidd Kraddick, and Eric Von Wade (local) just to name a few. Some are very informative about our country, economy and local happenings. However one that I tend to find myself loving the most is purely for entertainment.
This morning as I was listening to a segment on Kidd Kraddick called "Get Over It", I started to come up with my own list. In this segment listeners call in with something they wish people in their lives would get over. For example someone said, "I have piercings and tattoos and I go to church". Then they play a sound byte that says, "GET OVER IT!". Another said, "My future in laws are trying to ruin my wedding, but we are getting married." Again the sound byte plays.
My first reaction was, Wow this would make a great blog post. I could write out the 5 or 20 things that are really bothering me right now, and then I could have commenters write out their pet peeves too. Believe me, I have quite a few right now as I'm sure all of you may. When I start thinking about people who have hurt me or hurt someone I love with their words or actions, it would be easy for me to go off.
HOWEVER, since this morning I chose to go to God's Word before my blog, He stopped me right in my tracks. In my Esther study, Beth Moore made a statement that "because Satan has a limited leash where believers are concerned, his most powerful tactics are psychological. Though he can't possess our minds, he profoundly and destructively influences our thoughts. " Right before reading this I was having some serious mental torment last night and early this morning worrying about some close friends of mine. Then as I woke up and read a blog, I suddenly felt such hurt and anger by some one's personal words which I felt were directed at me personally.
It is so easy to let anger and bitterness seep into our hearts when we are not filling our hearts overflowing with Jesus. His Word needs to fill our thoughts so that we will not fall into the temptation of reacting with anger or a feeling of injustice when people speak untruth or when people hurt us. Unfortunately we all make mistakes, I make them daily and often hourly. I am trying to confess to someone when I've hurt them and try to make things right, but we are human and therefore that won't always be the case.
I think what I really need is "to get over" the fact that there is a real enemy who wants nothing more than to trip me up in my walk with God. What he hasn't quite figured out is that when he does this it makes me only seek Christ even more and affirms my dedication to KNOW Him and his Word even more.
Is there something you personally need to get over? Are you letting God in on this area or problem? Take it to Him.
This is the verse that help me most today. Psalm 25 "To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse."
Feb 24, 2009
Feb 17, 2009
IN...OUT...ABOUT
Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
During this weekend's message, Pastor Micah was sharing with us Psalm 23:4 and he used the above three words to describe where all of us may be right now. Either we are in a valley, we just got out of a valley, or we are about to go through one. When he asked for a show of hands for how many are going through one right now, about a third of the hands went up. If I took a poll right now of my closest friends, it would probably be about the same amount. Everywhere we look, if we are truly looking, there is hurt people who need Jesus. Not only do we need to point them to Jesus, we need to point them to the HOPE of Jesus.
I think when we are going through these valleys, the main thing that usually trips me up is fear. Fear of not knowing how things are going to turn out, and the fear is almost always worse that the reality. Our minds can go to the worst case scenarios pretty fast if we let it.
Personally, I think when we do face these "out of our control" fearful situations, the first thing we need to do is search God's word for what is truth. If his Word tells me that "He will never leave me or forsake me" then the worst case is...I STILL HAVE JESUS. That is not a bad thing, that is the BEST thing. Second, I try to check out my own obedience. Do I have sin that needs to be brought forth before God. Is there an area of my life that I am not surrending to God's will. Sometimes, but not always, I am not being obedient and God is trying to work on me and get my attention. Lastly, when I know I am seeking God 100% and still a turn around is not occuring, I then earnestly try to trust God for my good knowing that the time I am experiencing is only for a season. I also try to remember that anything God allows to happen to me and my family is ultimately going to be used for good because of His love for me.
I know that you may be thinking that it is easy for me to write this because I'm not truly walking through a valley at the moment. Yes, that is true, but these words are going to be what gets me through my next one. Thinking on the things of God and consistently learning and studying his Word when I'm doing well, will make it so much easy to turn to Him for the serious big valleys that may be right around the corner.
Are you facing a valley that seems like the shadow of death today? Or does it just feel like that? Please know that you have a Saviour who is more that ready to walk with you and lift you up to higher ground.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
During this weekend's message, Pastor Micah was sharing with us Psalm 23:4 and he used the above three words to describe where all of us may be right now. Either we are in a valley, we just got out of a valley, or we are about to go through one. When he asked for a show of hands for how many are going through one right now, about a third of the hands went up. If I took a poll right now of my closest friends, it would probably be about the same amount. Everywhere we look, if we are truly looking, there is hurt people who need Jesus. Not only do we need to point them to Jesus, we need to point them to the HOPE of Jesus.
I think when we are going through these valleys, the main thing that usually trips me up is fear. Fear of not knowing how things are going to turn out, and the fear is almost always worse that the reality. Our minds can go to the worst case scenarios pretty fast if we let it.
Personally, I think when we do face these "out of our control" fearful situations, the first thing we need to do is search God's word for what is truth. If his Word tells me that "He will never leave me or forsake me" then the worst case is...I STILL HAVE JESUS. That is not a bad thing, that is the BEST thing. Second, I try to check out my own obedience. Do I have sin that needs to be brought forth before God. Is there an area of my life that I am not surrending to God's will. Sometimes, but not always, I am not being obedient and God is trying to work on me and get my attention. Lastly, when I know I am seeking God 100% and still a turn around is not occuring, I then earnestly try to trust God for my good knowing that the time I am experiencing is only for a season. I also try to remember that anything God allows to happen to me and my family is ultimately going to be used for good because of His love for me.
I know that you may be thinking that it is easy for me to write this because I'm not truly walking through a valley at the moment. Yes, that is true, but these words are going to be what gets me through my next one. Thinking on the things of God and consistently learning and studying his Word when I'm doing well, will make it so much easy to turn to Him for the serious big valleys that may be right around the corner.
Are you facing a valley that seems like the shadow of death today? Or does it just feel like that? Please know that you have a Saviour who is more that ready to walk with you and lift you up to higher ground.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Feb 11, 2009
I Miss My Little Man
When he first said the words, "Mom, we have a middle school retreat coming up soon and you need to fill out this form," I thought he was joking. Why would Seth want to go to a 4 day, 3 night retreat when he has only spent the night with one friend in the last year? Then as the days got closer, he became more persistent and insisted that we let him go.
It has now been one night since he left and my heart hurts so bad. I miss my son way more than I would if it was my girls. It isn't that I love him anymore, it is the fact that boys are different. At least in my case, my boy is different. I can already see at 12 he is trying to break free from me a little. Skip assures me this is okay and normal behavior, but I want my snuggle bubby back. At school he never wants me on the field trips or volunteering in his class, where my girls literally beg me to do everything. At home Seth is fine to hang out in his room, on the phone, playing guitar or if dad is off work, he wants to hang out solely with him. We don't argue or disagree much, it is just a subtle pulling away.
I really don't want to have one of those sons that their wives have to remind them to call their mother. I don't want to have to beg him to come and visit when I'm older. Is this normal concerns? I see it all over the place with my adult friends. Their husbands don't have this amazing relationship with their mothers. I want an amazing relationship with Seth! I'm praying for that for years to come, but I also realize that as he becomes a man, he needs to assert himself and one day be the leader of his home. Maybe all this distancing of himself is part of that whole process. But, I think it stinks!
Even God shares with us that "a man shall leave his father and mother and be united to his wife" in Genesis. It is just harder to take these steps than I thought it would be. Thankfully Seth is still going to be in our home for many years to come. For those wise women out there who are probably grinning at my silliness, feel free to assure me and give me points on how to best deal with this new phase of my life with a preteen 12 yr old boy. Oh my goodness, puberty is right around the corner too. Lord, please help me!
Feb 7, 2009
Do Your Homework Before Taking Your Kids to the Movie "Coraline"
I don't care if your best friend loved Coraline, or you heard a famous Christian artist talking about how visually wonderful it is, BEWARE.
I wasn't even going to bother with a review because this movie has so many elements I didn't like. There was the reading of tea leaves, the stripper size boob lady wearing pasties, and the ghosts of children lost in an evil world. Oh my goodness, it was bad...for kids. Oh but if you want stimulating visual art to look at, you will not be disappointed.
I had to hide my 9 year old's eyes a few times and she couldn't go to sleep last night. My 14 year old daughter words were, "That was so creepy and disturbing." Yes, I may shelter my kids way too much, but I certainly didn't last night and I deeply regret it. It just makes me mad I let Rotten Tomatoes decide for me that it was okay for my kids instead of this website. I would have known right away not to go see it.
A facebook friend called me out last night and asked, "Why didn't you just get up and leave?" I should have, and I guess the optimist in me kept thinking it would get better and have some redemptive qualities. It didn't and for that I will be wiser the next time I take my children to see a show that is a 3D family driven cartoon.
What's done is done, but I am going to do what I can to protect my friends from taking their small children. It is seriously not a young kid show. It doesn't have much redeeming qualities at all. I didn't like the way the young girl talked to her parents and especially didn't like the way her parents treated her. I have to stop now, or this will be the most negative blog post of my life.
I wasn't even going to bother with a review because this movie has so many elements I didn't like. There was the reading of tea leaves, the stripper size boob lady wearing pasties, and the ghosts of children lost in an evil world. Oh my goodness, it was bad...for kids. Oh but if you want stimulating visual art to look at, you will not be disappointed.
I had to hide my 9 year old's eyes a few times and she couldn't go to sleep last night. My 14 year old daughter words were, "That was so creepy and disturbing." Yes, I may shelter my kids way too much, but I certainly didn't last night and I deeply regret it. It just makes me mad I let Rotten Tomatoes decide for me that it was okay for my kids instead of this website. I would have known right away not to go see it.
A facebook friend called me out last night and asked, "Why didn't you just get up and leave?" I should have, and I guess the optimist in me kept thinking it would get better and have some redemptive qualities. It didn't and for that I will be wiser the next time I take my children to see a show that is a 3D family driven cartoon.
What's done is done, but I am going to do what I can to protect my friends from taking their small children. It is seriously not a young kid show. It doesn't have much redeeming qualities at all. I didn't like the way the young girl talked to her parents and especially didn't like the way her parents treated her. I have to stop now, or this will be the most negative blog post of my life.
Feb 3, 2009
Tuesday Morning Catch Up
*I'm still reading Mark Batterson's "In the Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day". There is too much good stuff to rush through and perhaps miss something important. I especially love the part I read this morning-"There are only two ways to live your life: survival mode or prayer mode." He goes on to say, "Survival mode is simply reacting to the circumstances around you." He compares it to a pinball existence. "Prayer mode is the exact opposite. Your spiritual antenna is up and your radar is on." "Prayer puts you in a proactive posture. Prayer help us catch the opportunities God throws our way." Oh there is so much more-Go and get this book already!
*God is doing some amazing things at Real Life Fellowship. Every week we are seeing attendance soar and a number of people giving their hearts to Christ. I really have to keep from crying each week as I see all the new faces and lives being changed because of Christ alone. The men and women of this church are seeing something phenomenal happening. You know what, we were expecting great things and God is showing up and blowing us away! I knew it was coming for this faithful group of believers. My prayer is that your church also see such wonderful things!
*We signed our official lease yesterday to stay in our rent house 6 more months. My kids all gave a collective moan. To say that they were not pleased is a huge understatement. Skip went last night for a quick walk through of our home we will go back to in August last night and signed that lease. He said the house is in mint condition. Our renters have it looking better than we ever did. He said it smells way cleaner and looks way better than it has ever looked. Not sure if that way meant to insinuate that the tenant is a better housekeeper than me. Ha ha! I'm just glad God blessed us with some wonderful people. I've heard some real horror stories.
*My health status update. I've been on insulin resistance medication for a few weeks now, and not really seeing the pounds fall off. I have lost a few, Thank YOU GOD! I think it is because my body is not tolerating the pill itself very well. I get super naseous and have only made it up to 50% of my dosage. I am slowing getting there. The doc said when I am at 2 pills in the morning, 2 at night, is when it will start showing great results.
*Esther Study is starting Thursday. So excited about diving in with some new ladies. Have about 6 signed up so far, and one is bringing a friend. My home is pretty small so any more than 10 would be crowded.
*Kids are well from a stomach bug that wreaked havoc on our family last week. So far Skip and I have not been hit.
*Loving YouVersion daily bible readings. In Romans right now and finding so much practical wisdom for everyday living.
*So many great teachers and writers out there. So many books I need to order. These are on my wish list right now-Mad Church Disease, Wild Goose Chase and Killing Cockroaches. Can you tell I'm married to a pastor?
Looking Forward To
*bible study Thursday
*friends possibly coming in town this week
*having a clean home when I get my booty in gear
*church this weekend
*shopping for Ashley's formal dress this week
*losing weight
*shower for my niece in a couple of weeks
*Ashley's "Evening With Shakespeare" on Feb. 27th and 28th (her school's drama performance)
Are you finding joy in the simple things in life today? Love to hear what your looking forward to today!
*God is doing some amazing things at Real Life Fellowship. Every week we are seeing attendance soar and a number of people giving their hearts to Christ. I really have to keep from crying each week as I see all the new faces and lives being changed because of Christ alone. The men and women of this church are seeing something phenomenal happening. You know what, we were expecting great things and God is showing up and blowing us away! I knew it was coming for this faithful group of believers. My prayer is that your church also see such wonderful things!
*We signed our official lease yesterday to stay in our rent house 6 more months. My kids all gave a collective moan. To say that they were not pleased is a huge understatement. Skip went last night for a quick walk through of our home we will go back to in August last night and signed that lease. He said the house is in mint condition. Our renters have it looking better than we ever did. He said it smells way cleaner and looks way better than it has ever looked. Not sure if that way meant to insinuate that the tenant is a better housekeeper than me. Ha ha! I'm just glad God blessed us with some wonderful people. I've heard some real horror stories.
*My health status update. I've been on insulin resistance medication for a few weeks now, and not really seeing the pounds fall off. I have lost a few, Thank YOU GOD! I think it is because my body is not tolerating the pill itself very well. I get super naseous and have only made it up to 50% of my dosage. I am slowing getting there. The doc said when I am at 2 pills in the morning, 2 at night, is when it will start showing great results.
*Esther Study is starting Thursday. So excited about diving in with some new ladies. Have about 6 signed up so far, and one is bringing a friend. My home is pretty small so any more than 10 would be crowded.
*Kids are well from a stomach bug that wreaked havoc on our family last week. So far Skip and I have not been hit.
*Loving YouVersion daily bible readings. In Romans right now and finding so much practical wisdom for everyday living.
*So many great teachers and writers out there. So many books I need to order. These are on my wish list right now-Mad Church Disease, Wild Goose Chase and Killing Cockroaches. Can you tell I'm married to a pastor?
Looking Forward To
*bible study Thursday
*friends possibly coming in town this week
*having a clean home when I get my booty in gear
*church this weekend
*shopping for Ashley's formal dress this week
*losing weight
*shower for my niece in a couple of weeks
*Ashley's "Evening With Shakespeare" on Feb. 27th and 28th (her school's drama performance)
Are you finding joy in the simple things in life today? Love to hear what your looking forward to today!
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