I started our new study today on Proverbs 31 ("Discovering the Treasures of a Godly Woman: Proverbs 31" by Elizabeth George). I am really excited about it because it is a lot of studying the Bible on a daily basis, which is exactly what I wanted! I would consider it similar to a precept - but maybe not AS in depth? We'll see though - it's only been one day.
My prayer for this study is that I get used to a daily time of devotion with God ... and that I work on a couple of the key traits of being a woman of excellence - as defined by God Himself in Proverbs 31.
I desire to be excellent in God's eyes!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday Wants ...
- Butterfingers.
- A Happy Meal.
- A new issue of Better Homes & Gardens (with a focus more on HOMES than GARDENS).
- A fireplace that works ... but doesn't cost $500 to make work.
- Vegan chocolate chip muffins.
- An indoor pool to swim in.
- An ice-cold Coke.
- A device that puts my shoes and socks on for me.
- A Happy Meal.
- A new issue of Better Homes & Gardens (with a focus more on HOMES than GARDENS).
- A fireplace that works ... but doesn't cost $500 to make work.
- Vegan chocolate chip muffins.
- An indoor pool to swim in.
- An ice-cold Coke.
- A device that puts my shoes and socks on for me.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Rocky Road & Ecclesiastes
"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
While visiting my sister this past weekend, I had the opportunity to visit her church. I had a great time being a part of her Sunday school class, and I learned something from the last lesson of her study.
It was on Ecclesiastes - which I think would be an amazing study.
The speaker had about 12 "sum it up" points to make, but one struck a chord. He said that God wants us to: "Enjoy Life."
Who would have thought part of loving and obeying God would be enjoying life? That seems way too easy! But he went on to challenge us to look at the things that we enjoy and make sure they are worthy of us enjoying them. That was powerful for me. I started thinking about the things that I enjoy, and I was convicted by some. I love conviction because it usually brings change that matures me and betters me.
So - my challenge is to look at the things you enjoy and make sure even those things honor God.
BUT - my challenge is also to enjoy life! Take time to do things that you enjoy - that bring you happiness. Whether that is Rocky Road ice cream in bed or long runs in the park with your dog - do what you love sometimes! That was the challenge I left my sister with when I left, and that is the challenge I leave you with too. Enjoying life is a "gift of God."
While visiting my sister this past weekend, I had the opportunity to visit her church. I had a great time being a part of her Sunday school class, and I learned something from the last lesson of her study.
It was on Ecclesiastes - which I think would be an amazing study.
The speaker had about 12 "sum it up" points to make, but one struck a chord. He said that God wants us to: "Enjoy Life."
Who would have thought part of loving and obeying God would be enjoying life? That seems way too easy! But he went on to challenge us to look at the things that we enjoy and make sure they are worthy of us enjoying them. That was powerful for me. I started thinking about the things that I enjoy, and I was convicted by some. I love conviction because it usually brings change that matures me and betters me.
So - my challenge is to look at the things you enjoy and make sure even those things honor God.
BUT - my challenge is also to enjoy life! Take time to do things that you enjoy - that bring you happiness. Whether that is Rocky Road ice cream in bed or long runs in the park with your dog - do what you love sometimes! That was the challenge I left my sister with when I left, and that is the challenge I leave you with too. Enjoying life is a "gift of God."
Monday, January 17, 2011
Bible Dissection: John 3:16
For God - BECAUSE God ... FOR THIS REASON God ... basically He is going to let you know WHY He did this in the next phrase.
so loved - God's motive for sending Jesus was not just because He loved us, but SO loved us! He couldn't bear to be without us. He couldn't allow us to spend eternity apart from Him.
the world - Not just Christians. Not just people who go to church. God loves the world. He wants everyone to come to Him. He wants to have a relationship with each person on this earth.
that he gave - GAVE is the key word here. Gave implies a gift. Salvation is a gift. We did not/do not earn it. We can't pay for it. We can't be worthy of it. It's just a gift the He gave.
His - I think this is important because He gave something of HIS OWN. He didn't just create something new to give to us. Jesus was His. Jesus meant something to Him. Jesus was precious to Him.
one and only Son - It wasn't like He had 100 kids to pick from. He had ONE Son that He loved ... SO loved.
that - This implies a condition is coming up ...
whoever believes - Both words are imperative. First, WHOEVER wants to can believe in God. But it has to take believing. It isn't about service or sacrifice or emotion. It takes BELIEF.
in him - Not only belief, but belief IN HIM. It isn't enough to just believe there is "something out there" that saves us. Belief in Him involves a relationship with Him.
shall not perish but have eternal life - There are two roads available to us after death. We don't have a bunch of options. Without God our option is to perish ... with God, our option is to have eternal life WITH Him! I don't know about you ... but in any scenario, eternal life sounds better to me than perishing.
so loved - God's motive for sending Jesus was not just because He loved us, but SO loved us! He couldn't bear to be without us. He couldn't allow us to spend eternity apart from Him.
the world - Not just Christians. Not just people who go to church. God loves the world. He wants everyone to come to Him. He wants to have a relationship with each person on this earth.
that he gave - GAVE is the key word here. Gave implies a gift. Salvation is a gift. We did not/do not earn it. We can't pay for it. We can't be worthy of it. It's just a gift the He gave.
His - I think this is important because He gave something of HIS OWN. He didn't just create something new to give to us. Jesus was His. Jesus meant something to Him. Jesus was precious to Him.
one and only Son - It wasn't like He had 100 kids to pick from. He had ONE Son that He loved ... SO loved.
that - This implies a condition is coming up ...
whoever believes - Both words are imperative. First, WHOEVER wants to can believe in God. But it has to take believing. It isn't about service or sacrifice or emotion. It takes BELIEF.
in him - Not only belief, but belief IN HIM. It isn't enough to just believe there is "something out there" that saves us. Belief in Him involves a relationship with Him.
shall not perish but have eternal life - There are two roads available to us after death. We don't have a bunch of options. Without God our option is to perish ... with God, our option is to have eternal life WITH Him! I don't know about you ... but in any scenario, eternal life sounds better to me than perishing.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Thoughts from Luke
Luke 7:36-50
Can unholy people approach a holy God?? (V.36-39)
-A pharisee would say NO ... would we disagree? Do we also condemn people who show obvious brokenness and darkness?
-Can you think of someone who if you saw enter the church you would say, "What are they doing here?"
-It's easy to become judgemental: sinners can usually see their sin easily but those who are "righteous" usually cannot as easily.
I had a great experience with this very fact on Sunday. Brent and I were taking some time to talk about our relationship and our spiritual growth, and we were "calling each other out" on different things we have noticed about each other. I quickly realized that sometimes we don't see ourselves as others see us. I know the saying is: "I am my worst enemy," but with sin sometimes that is not true. Sometimes we look past our own flaws ... but the people closest to us see them VERY clearly. I think that is why accountability is SO important! People we love should be able to gently, and in a loving way, point out things in our lives that dishonor God or make us look bad to others.
We also talked about this in Bible study. Sometimes there are people in our lives making decisions that we know will hurt them later or dishonor God (I'm talking about people we are very close with, not just casual friends or acquaintances) ... but we choose not to say anything because we don't want to damage the relationship. But even though someone might get upset by what we say now, I think later they will see that we were only saying it because we loved them and we cared what happened to them.
I know personally, there are things I wish people would have said to me in my youth ... just shook me hard and said, "MISSY! You are being an idiot!" (but in a loving way of course). I would have been upset ... but looking back I would have known they cared enough about me to risk it.
So, pray about it first. And if you feel God's lead, then show someone you care by being the person who says what they need to hear. If I keep waiting for someone else to tell that person, no one ever will.
Can unholy people approach a holy God?? (V.36-39)
-A pharisee would say NO ... would we disagree? Do we also condemn people who show obvious brokenness and darkness?
-Can you think of someone who if you saw enter the church you would say, "What are they doing here?"
-It's easy to become judgemental: sinners can usually see their sin easily but those who are "righteous" usually cannot as easily.
I had a great experience with this very fact on Sunday. Brent and I were taking some time to talk about our relationship and our spiritual growth, and we were "calling each other out" on different things we have noticed about each other. I quickly realized that sometimes we don't see ourselves as others see us. I know the saying is: "I am my worst enemy," but with sin sometimes that is not true. Sometimes we look past our own flaws ... but the people closest to us see them VERY clearly. I think that is why accountability is SO important! People we love should be able to gently, and in a loving way, point out things in our lives that dishonor God or make us look bad to others.
We also talked about this in Bible study. Sometimes there are people in our lives making decisions that we know will hurt them later or dishonor God (I'm talking about people we are very close with, not just casual friends or acquaintances) ... but we choose not to say anything because we don't want to damage the relationship. But even though someone might get upset by what we say now, I think later they will see that we were only saying it because we loved them and we cared what happened to them.
I know personally, there are things I wish people would have said to me in my youth ... just shook me hard and said, "MISSY! You are being an idiot!" (but in a loving way of course). I would have been upset ... but looking back I would have known they cared enough about me to risk it.
So, pray about it first. And if you feel God's lead, then show someone you care by being the person who says what they need to hear. If I keep waiting for someone else to tell that person, no one ever will.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Our Style
I've been enjoying the browsing of kid's stuff for our registry, and I have learned that Brent and I share a similar style. We love crazy, fun stuff. I found this website called LittleMissMatched.com, and it's got some hilarious stuff on there. These are the kinds of things I want my daughter to have ...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"Unplanned" by Abby Johnson
I heard about this book from my sister. Former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson reveals what she experienced inside the abortion business -- and why she resigned her job and joined the pro-life movement. I think it's a great perspective that we rarely get to hear ... and I'm looking forward to seeing how it moves people.
You can read the first chapter HERE.
It's extremely powerful.
You can read the first chapter HERE.
It's extremely powerful.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snow Days aren't just for Kids
Today's Snow Day Agenda:
Cuddle up on the couch in my snuggie and watch a movie - or two
Bake sugar cookie cut-outs for Brent's students
Dig my car out of the snow ... and take my sweet time
Sit at the library and look for great books to read
Nap on the couch
Look at maternity clothes at Target - buy nothing
What would you do on a snow day?
Cuddle up on the couch in my snuggie and watch a movie - or two
Bake sugar cookie cut-outs for Brent's students
Dig my car out of the snow ... and take my sweet time
Sit at the library and look for great books to read
Nap on the couch
Look at maternity clothes at Target - buy nothing
What would you do on a snow day?
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Every Monday Matters
People who hate Mondays are basically wishing away about 7 weeks of their life per year. Mondays account for about that much of our year.
Next time you are dreading Monday morning, remind yourself how much of an impact losing Mondays would cause.
On a funnier note, here's a hilarious story my sister in Ft. Leonard Wood told me about their neighbor in Ft. Leonard Wood (where the tornadoes hit recently):
The neighbor's back windows were blown out when the tornado came through. All of a sudden they realized a little Yorkie-style dog had flown into their house, landed on the couch then bounced onto the floor only to get up and start running around.
So, they go to the neighbors' next door thinking the dog was theirs--oh no, this dog was sucked out of a house FIVE or SIX houses away, thrown through the air, in through their window and onto their couch... and the dog was fine.
The house that the dog came from? Totally caved in on both sides so that the owners could hardly get out. Yet the dog was sucked out and thrown through the window of a house way down the street...
I doubt Giselle would have been so lucky.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Starting the Morning with Psalms
I've been reading through the Psalms every morning while I drink my breakfast shake and pet Giselle (which we refer to as "givin her some rubbies"). She mostly just waits for me to finish my shake so she can lick the cup clean, which is why she always has chocolate on her head. Then she runs to Brent and waits patiently for him to give her his extra milk from his cereal bowl. She is so predictable.
I'm enjoying my time in the Word each morning. It's nice to start the day off with whatever David is feeling that morning. Some mornings I read about him praising God. Others he laments to God and begs for rescue. Still others are written out of a repentant heart.
It's nice because isn't that kind of how life is? One morning we feel great, and we want to praise God. Another we are in a pit of despair, and we need some serious rescue. The next we are feeling a little guilty for something we've done - or not done.
That's why I love the Psalms. It's real life. I can always relate.
"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever." Psalm 30:11-12
I'm enjoying my time in the Word each morning. It's nice to start the day off with whatever David is feeling that morning. Some mornings I read about him praising God. Others he laments to God and begs for rescue. Still others are written out of a repentant heart.
It's nice because isn't that kind of how life is? One morning we feel great, and we want to praise God. Another we are in a pit of despair, and we need some serious rescue. The next we are feeling a little guilty for something we've done - or not done.
That's why I love the Psalms. It's real life. I can always relate.
"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever." Psalm 30:11-12
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome, 2011!
Well ... 2010 sure ended with a bang. Tornadoes all over the state of Missouri ... who would have thought that would be how we end our year? But we did. 2010 is officially over. So now it is time to think about the new year.
I've never been a "resolution" person, but a friend of mine gave me a pretty good idea that she does each year. She sets three separate goals for different areas of her life ... mind, body, and spirit ... and I thought that sounded pretty good. Who doesn't like goals?
So - here are the official Goals of 2011:
Physical: Obviously ... I would like to return to my pre-pregnancy weight in 2011 (preferably sooner rather than later), but that sounds too easy so I would like to add a challenge to run a marathon. I'm not a runner. I actually hate running. But running a marathon has always been something I'd like to accomplish. I don't know why. That's pretty lofty for me.
Spiritual: Obviously ... I should be reading my Bible each day. But let's be honest, I don't. I'm going to work on that, but my goal is to read the Bible in its entirety. There are certain books I've never read ... so I want to have read every book of the Bible by the end of the year.
Emotional: This is probably harder for me than thinking about running a marathon, but my big "heart" goal is to really try to work on taking criticism. It's never been a strong suit, and I'd really like to work on that. This isn't really a measurable goal, but we'll try it.
Mental/Educational: I'd like to read more (whaaat?). I know - let me explain! I'd like to read 12 books (one a month) that ARE NOT Christian fiction. Some might be classics that I've never read/finished. Some might be memoirs from people. Basically anything but Karen Kingsbury or Francine Rivers. :)
There you have them!
What are your 2011 goals?
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