As my husband pitifully lay curled up in the bed this week with a bad stomach virus, I found myself spraying Lysol on every surface he might have possibly touched, and I started carrying around a bottle of hand sanitizer. Needless to say, I wasn't a very good nurse because I was so afraid of getting the virus myself. My avoidance of his germs started to make me think about sin.
What if we avoided sin like we do germs and took the same precautions to guard ourselves from becoming infected by it? Think about that as you go through your day.
In what areas of your life could you use a little Lysol disinfecting spray? Maybe you have habits of which God would not approve that you need to overcome. Maybe you need to prioritize and spend more time reading your Bible than watching television. Maybe you should stop gossiping and repeating everything you read on Facebook. Maybe you should spend more time talking about God than arguing about football.
In what ways could you keep sin at arms length and not let it touch you? Maybe you could not listen to the dirty jokes your coworkers laugh about in the breakroom. Maybe you can remove the Facebook friends whose status updates fill your newsfeed with ugly language. Maybe you can change the channel or turn off the television when the show becomes violent or graphic. If you wouldn't want your kids to watch it, chances are that you shouldn't watch it either.
Sin - which is everywhere - is a virus that will infect and destroy your life, but you have to still live your life. You need to protect yourself and your family from this sin virus, but that doesn't mean keeping your family locked away in a clean room forever. In John 17: 15-19, Jesus prayed:
15 My prayer is NOT that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Breaking Out the Bat on Bad Situations
Bad things happen. They happen when we least expect it. They happen to good people. They happen to bad people, young people, old people. They happen whether we're ready to face them or not. Rest assured, when you're facing tough circumstances, you are not facing them alone. Noah faced the great flood. Moses faced the desert. The same God who guided them will guide you through whatever your situation.
No matter how bad your situation is, you will get through it. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 43:2-3, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
When you get to the other side of your desert, what are you going to say when you look back at how you handled the journey? From personal experience, I know how bad it feels to look back and realize how differently things could have been if my attitude had been different. Don't be like me and look back wishing you could have reacted differently. When you face that desert or that flood, don't frown. Smile. When you look back, you'll be proud of yourself for not only making it through the hard times, but also for how you walked while in their midst.
Here are a few quotes of encouragement to remember when you're facing difficulties life throws your way:
The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. ~William Shakespeare, Othello
When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters - one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. ~John F. Kennedy, address, 12 April 1959
The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears. ~John Vance Cheney
God uses suffering as a whetstone, to make men sharp with. ~Henry Ward Beecher
And best of all:
I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!~Dr. Seuss
No matter how bad your situation is, you will get through it. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 43:2-3, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
When you get to the other side of your desert, what are you going to say when you look back at how you handled the journey? From personal experience, I know how bad it feels to look back and realize how differently things could have been if my attitude had been different. Don't be like me and look back wishing you could have reacted differently. When you face that desert or that flood, don't frown. Smile. When you look back, you'll be proud of yourself for not only making it through the hard times, but also for how you walked while in their midst.
Here are a few quotes of encouragement to remember when you're facing difficulties life throws your way:
The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. ~William Shakespeare, Othello
When written in Chinese the word "crisis" is composed of two characters - one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. ~John F. Kennedy, address, 12 April 1959
The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears. ~John Vance Cheney
God uses suffering as a whetstone, to make men sharp with. ~Henry Ward Beecher
And best of all:
I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!~Dr. Seuss
Book Update!
I am making so much progress on my first book!!
I am actually working on three writing projects at one time: my blog (as you already know), a book of devotionals, and a Christian fiction novel. While at first I was concerned that three writing projects at once would be difficult, I've found that the varied subjects keep me from getting writer's block! If I'm stuck on one topic, I just work on another.
I plan to publish the book of devotions in the spring. It will be the first in a series titled This Is My Story! This Is My Song! This first book, Overcoming the Old Man, Discovering the New, is based on Ephesians 4:17-31 and focuses on the lyrics of several hymns, such as "Love Lifted Me" and "Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It." Thanks to my talented brother, there will also be a CD of these hymns to accompany the book!
Unfortunately, because of copyrights, I will not be posting any of this book on my blog. I do, however, plan to make it available as an eBook as soon as possible!
I am actually working on three writing projects at one time: my blog (as you already know), a book of devotionals, and a Christian fiction novel. While at first I was concerned that three writing projects at once would be difficult, I've found that the varied subjects keep me from getting writer's block! If I'm stuck on one topic, I just work on another.
I plan to publish the book of devotions in the spring. It will be the first in a series titled This Is My Story! This Is My Song! This first book, Overcoming the Old Man, Discovering the New, is based on Ephesians 4:17-31 and focuses on the lyrics of several hymns, such as "Love Lifted Me" and "Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It." Thanks to my talented brother, there will also be a CD of these hymns to accompany the book!
Unfortunately, because of copyrights, I will not be posting any of this book on my blog. I do, however, plan to make it available as an eBook as soon as possible!
Resolutions
Usually, my new year's resolutions tend to be pretty self-centered, like to lose weight, eat healthier, and exercise regularly. I'm not going to make those self-centered resolutions this year. Yes, I do hope to lose about 10 pounds before swimsuit season rolls back around, but that isn't a top priority so I'm not counting it as a resolution. My husband and I are making financial goals for 2012, but I'm not counting those as resolutions either.
This year, my resolution is to uphold Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Rather than focusing on my own vanity (my weight) and ambition (our finances), I want to build closer relationships with my husband, my family, my friends, and my Savior. Philippians 2:1-8 says:
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
What are your resolutions for 2012? Are they focused on you or on others? Remember what resolutions are most important: keep our eyes on "things that are nobler," draw closer to Jesus, "heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth" to abide in His kingdom day by day.
I AM RESOLVED
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/a/iamresol.htm
This year, my resolution is to uphold Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Rather than focusing on my own vanity (my weight) and ambition (our finances), I want to build closer relationships with my husband, my family, my friends, and my Savior. Philippians 2:1-8 says:
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
What are your resolutions for 2012? Are they focused on you or on others? Remember what resolutions are most important: keep our eyes on "things that are nobler," draw closer to Jesus, "heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth" to abide in His kingdom day by day.
I AM RESOLVED
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living Way.
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten, hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/a/iamresol.htm
Lord, Make Me Uncomfortable
The following quote is one of my favorites because I feel it is so true. When people become too comfortable, we stop moving forward. We slip into routines, and sometimes God has to force us out of those routines just to get our attention. Psychiatrist M. Scott Peck said, "The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." I firmly believe that God uses our discomfort and our unhappiness to mold us into better people. With this in mind as I sat down to write my devotion today, this poem formed instead. I hope you enjoy it.
Lord, Make Me Uncomfortable
Lord, make me uncomfortable with my daily routine
So I'll follow your steps wherever they lead.
Make me uncomfortable as I'm cooking dinner
So I'll remember the sheep you want me to feed.
Make my recliner less comfortable for sitting
So I'll spend more time moving and less as a slouch.
Doing your will and reaching the lost
Can hardly be done with a remote from the couch.
Make me uncomfortable when I'm in the presence
Of ungodly things of which you disapprove.
Make me uncomfortable keeping my mouth shut
When Your Spirit through me is trying to move.
Make my plans hazy and my dreams disappear
If you have different goals planned for me.
Break my heart, my body, and soul,
If that's how I will better serve Thee.
Lord, Make Me Uncomfortable
Lord, make me uncomfortable with my daily routine
So I'll follow your steps wherever they lead.
Make me uncomfortable as I'm cooking dinner
So I'll remember the sheep you want me to feed.
Make my recliner less comfortable for sitting
So I'll spend more time moving and less as a slouch.
Doing your will and reaching the lost
Can hardly be done with a remote from the couch.
Make me uncomfortable when I'm in the presence
Of ungodly things of which you disapprove.
Make me uncomfortable keeping my mouth shut
When Your Spirit through me is trying to move.
Make my plans hazy and my dreams disappear
If you have different goals planned for me.
Break my heart, my body, and soul,
If that's how I will better serve Thee.
Doing the Laundry
As I type this morning, out of the corner of my eye I can see the overflowing basket of clothes that need to be folded and put away. It's very distracting for many reasons. First, I know that the majority of the clothes in that basket will need to be fluffed - or ironed, ugh - because they weren't hung up immediately out of the dryer. Second, I also know there is a load of towels in the dryer waiting to be taken out. Third, there are still dirty clothes in the hamper.
Part of me feels I should drop everything and take care of the laundry right now, while another part says that we have plenty of clean clothes to wear and the hamper will have dirty clothes again by the end of the day, so why the rush? You probably have these little voices in your head, too! So, which one wins?
It really doesn't matter. Laundry is just laundry! It isn't a big deal. A pile of dirty laundry to be washed and a pile of clean clothes to be folded simply means that you are blessed with plenty of clothes to keep you warm, electricity and water to run your washing machine, and a full life to keep you busy. When was the last time you told God you were thankful for those simple luxuries? Do you even realize that clothes and electricity are luxuries or that life is a blessing in itself?
Today, I want to thank God that I have laundry to do, that I have a husband who cares enough about our life together that he dirties up a set of clothes at work every day and another set every afternoon working in our yard, that I have a washer and dryer and don't have to wash my clothes by hand (I do occasionally still hang clothes out to dry, just to be frugal), that my sink is full of dishes because I've been cooking for my family Christmas gathering, and that my dishwasher works :-)
Part of me feels I should drop everything and take care of the laundry right now, while another part says that we have plenty of clean clothes to wear and the hamper will have dirty clothes again by the end of the day, so why the rush? You probably have these little voices in your head, too! So, which one wins?
It really doesn't matter. Laundry is just laundry! It isn't a big deal. A pile of dirty laundry to be washed and a pile of clean clothes to be folded simply means that you are blessed with plenty of clothes to keep you warm, electricity and water to run your washing machine, and a full life to keep you busy. When was the last time you told God you were thankful for those simple luxuries? Do you even realize that clothes and electricity are luxuries or that life is a blessing in itself?
Today, I want to thank God that I have laundry to do, that I have a husband who cares enough about our life together that he dirties up a set of clothes at work every day and another set every afternoon working in our yard, that I have a washer and dryer and don't have to wash my clothes by hand (I do occasionally still hang clothes out to dry, just to be frugal), that my sink is full of dishes because I've been cooking for my family Christmas gathering, and that my dishwasher works :-)
Time Well Spent
Today, as I wasted much of my morning browsing the internet and asking my Facebook friends for cute, simple finger food recipes to take to my family Christmas tomorrow, I started thinking about how much time I spend searching the Internet for ideas and advice. I’m not saying spending time on the Internet is bad. In fact, my cute veggie Christmas wreath, cranberry spread, and festive fudge (I’ll try to remember to post pictures tomorrow) will hopefully prove its usefulness! I’m just pointing out the ways we choose to spend our time.
Ever heard of Pinterest?? Well, I am slightly addicted. If I spent half as much time reading the Bible as I do on Pinterest and half as much time seeing what God has posted in His Word rather than what random friends have posted on their Facebook walls, how different would my life be?
Think of your daily routine: pack lunches for the kids, make the bed, fold the laundry, wash the dishes, go to work, buy groceries, pump gas, cook supper, lay out clothes for the next day, watch TV, surf the Internet, respond to emails, talk to your mom on the phone, text your spouse, spend time with your family, feed the dogs, steal a minute or two of quiet time to read a book – there isn’t a lot of free time. With Christmas just a few days away, you can probably add baking cookies, hanging decorations, shopping, wrapping gifts, and going to holiday parties to your to-do list.
What part of your day is set aside for your relationship with your Savior? Furthermore, what part of your holiday is set aside to actually celebrate your Savior’s birth? I hope we all make time for Him every day, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday chaos, so we can enjoy the benefits of a close relationship with the One who loves us beyond measure.
Still No Room
This article is from The Christian Woman, written by Joanne Lowe in December 2004. I thought it was worth sharing. I really like this website and have added it to my list of daily must-reads.
http://www.thechristianwoman.com/devotions/still-no-room.html
http://www.thechristianwoman.com/devotions/still-no-room.html
A Pain in the Neck
All my life, I've heard the phrase "pain in my neck" used to describe some irritating aspect of daily life. Often, that phrase is used to describe a person- a boss who seems to have unreasonable expectations, a teacher who assigns a lot of homework, a neighbor who complains about everything, a pet who tears up anything in sight, a police officer who gave you a speeding ticket, a cashier at Wal-Mart who is slow or rude, a co-worker who doesn't pull his/her own weight.
I wonder how often I've been a pain in someone else's neck. I'm sure my parents have suffered many headaches on my account, but I wonder what other people have considered me a pain at some point. Do people smile when I walk in a room or when I walk out? I've been reading Proverbs lately, and this verse stood out to me:
Proverbs 12:25 states,
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
So I have two questions for you:
1. Which one are you: the anxiety - the pain in the neck - that brings someone down or the kind word that cheers someone up? If you're the pain in the neck for someone today, pray that God will help you become the opposite. Be a builder-upper, not a bringer-downer :-)
2. What/who is your "pain in the neck"? Perhaps the person who causes you grief just needs a "kind word" from you, or perhaps the tension in your life has built up over time and you can't seem to shake the hurt. Whatever the situation, turn it over to God. He can help you deal with the "headaches" in your life so you can fulfill the purpose He has planned for you. His love is the best pain medicine I know.
I wonder how often I've been a pain in someone else's neck. I'm sure my parents have suffered many headaches on my account, but I wonder what other people have considered me a pain at some point. Do people smile when I walk in a room or when I walk out? I've been reading Proverbs lately, and this verse stood out to me:
Proverbs 12:25 states,
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
So I have two questions for you:
1. Which one are you: the anxiety - the pain in the neck - that brings someone down or the kind word that cheers someone up? If you're the pain in the neck for someone today, pray that God will help you become the opposite. Be a builder-upper, not a bringer-downer :-)
2. What/who is your "pain in the neck"? Perhaps the person who causes you grief just needs a "kind word" from you, or perhaps the tension in your life has built up over time and you can't seem to shake the hurt. Whatever the situation, turn it over to God. He can help you deal with the "headaches" in your life so you can fulfill the purpose He has planned for you. His love is the best pain medicine I know.
Unwrap Your Gift
This past Saturday, I was blessed to spend the day with my mama, grandma, and aunt doing what guys would say women do best: shopping!!! As we searched for gifts for the entire extended family, I was overwhelmed with gratitude to just have a day in the presence of these wonderful women who have supported me throughout the years. Spending the day with them is greater than any gift they could give me to unwrap this year.
Our shopping expedition for Christmas presents followed by watching my brother show off his amazing talent with his university choral group got me thinking about the different types of gifts. I am not a Biblical scholar, nor do I have any special wisdom to impart to the world. However, the Lord has gifted me with a way with words, an understanding of how to relate HIS wisdom to today's believers. I may not be capable of great things, but I know He can do amazing things through me if I continue to use my gift for His purpose.
What is your gift? What talent has God given specifically to you? Romans 12:4-6 says, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." Some gifts are obvious, like my little brother's voice. He's an amazing singer, and there is no question that his voice is a gift from God. Other talents aren't as obvious, but are just as important, such as the gift of encouragement. I have people in my life who are blessings simply because they care about me, call just to see how I'm doing, and offer an uplifting word when I'm down. Your gift will be revealed to you when you are pursuing your relationship with Christ. You can't always figure it out on your own (believe me, I've tried). Ask God how He wants to use you... and listen for His answer.
Now, here's an important question: Have you opened your gift or is it still sitting under the tree wrapped with a pretty bow because you're too busy? When I am struggling between teaching, grading papers, cleaning house, cooking, and running errands, I often feel pressed to find time to sit down at a computer to write. However, what is more important than doing what God wants me to do? Washing dishes????? Definitely not. Look for ways to use the talent God has given you and make them part of your daily routine. If your gift is encouragement, make time each day to call a family member or friend. If your gift is song, sing every chance you get.
God has blessed you beyond your comprehension by giving you not only eternal life but also a purpose in this world. You have been blessed with a gift He designed specifically for you to use for His glory. How are you using your gift?
Our shopping expedition for Christmas presents followed by watching my brother show off his amazing talent with his university choral group got me thinking about the different types of gifts. I am not a Biblical scholar, nor do I have any special wisdom to impart to the world. However, the Lord has gifted me with a way with words, an understanding of how to relate HIS wisdom to today's believers. I may not be capable of great things, but I know He can do amazing things through me if I continue to use my gift for His purpose.
What is your gift? What talent has God given specifically to you? Romans 12:4-6 says, "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." Some gifts are obvious, like my little brother's voice. He's an amazing singer, and there is no question that his voice is a gift from God. Other talents aren't as obvious, but are just as important, such as the gift of encouragement. I have people in my life who are blessings simply because they care about me, call just to see how I'm doing, and offer an uplifting word when I'm down. Your gift will be revealed to you when you are pursuing your relationship with Christ. You can't always figure it out on your own (believe me, I've tried). Ask God how He wants to use you... and listen for His answer.
Now, here's an important question: Have you opened your gift or is it still sitting under the tree wrapped with a pretty bow because you're too busy? When I am struggling between teaching, grading papers, cleaning house, cooking, and running errands, I often feel pressed to find time to sit down at a computer to write. However, what is more important than doing what God wants me to do? Washing dishes????? Definitely not. Look for ways to use the talent God has given you and make them part of your daily routine. If your gift is encouragement, make time each day to call a family member or friend. If your gift is song, sing every chance you get.
God has blessed you beyond your comprehension by giving you not only eternal life but also a purpose in this world. You have been blessed with a gift He designed specifically for you to use for His glory. How are you using your gift?
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