In this society, it is easy to fall under the illusion that we are connected to the world. Text messaging, instant messaging, and e-mail make it possible to have relationships without ever speaking a word. I am truly convinced, though, that my relationships are suffering because I choose not to use my voice. It's easy to move my fingers and feel I am enlightening the world, but am I? My voice in the lives of the people I love most cannot be lost. I can text message my husband that I love him, but if I don't back that up here at home, how is he to believe. If I write a note to my children expressing love, but never take the time to show that love, how will they believe.
God wrote the Bible using people here on earth, but He is constantly leaving examples of His love on the world around us. Mere words were not enough, He put actions to those words and still continues to do so.
So here is my question to the few of you who are reading. How can we keep our voice from going silent in this age of technology? I would love to hear your ideas.
Extreme Makeover
I am awakened this morning by the growing list of things to do. It drives and compels me from my bed. I am rested and ready to take on the day but feel overwhelmed by my roles this morning. I know that my God will sustain me. Did I not read of His promise yesterday? He will sustain me. He is more than enough to see me through this day.
I must laugh as I stand outside myself and look at this person I am becoming. Who is she? She is motivated, optimistic, hopeful, and ready to take on life. She is not the fearful little person I once knew. She is not intimidated. She is not hesitant. I love God. He so totally rocks. It is by His hand and His hand alone that I am here. Without Him, I would have nothing.
I must laugh as I stand outside myself and look at this person I am becoming. Who is she? She is motivated, optimistic, hopeful, and ready to take on life. She is not the fearful little person I once knew. She is not intimidated. She is not hesitant. I love God. He so totally rocks. It is by His hand and His hand alone that I am here. Without Him, I would have nothing.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Psalms 40:1-4
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Psalms 40:1-4
Hold On! Help is on the Way
How do we know that what we are doing is right? How do we know that the path we have chosen is the correct one? How can we be sure we are walking in the Will of God? When things are getting hectic around us (as things sometimes will) and we start to feel pressed in I often wonder this very thing. We have made major life changes lately, and we believe we are in the path God has chosen for us, but how can we be sure? Are there signs? Will we ever know? or is it merely a matter of walking and moving until we get where God is taking us?
I began homeschooling this year and have felt quite overwhelmed from time to time. I spent much of my time wondering if we had made the right choice. I felt so under qualified and ill-equipped for the job. But as we have continued and every day that I don't quit, God shows up and proves that he is enough.
I read this verse today in the Young's literal translation and it really spoke to me.
I began homeschooling this year and have felt quite overwhelmed from time to time. I spent much of my time wondering if we had made the right choice. I felt so under qualified and ill-equipped for the job. But as we have continued and every day that I don't quit, God shows up and proves that he is enough.
I read this verse today in the Young's literal translation and it really spoke to me.
22Cast on Jehovah that which He hath given thee,
And He doth sustain thee,
He doth not suffer for ever the moving of the righteous.
And He doth sustain thee,
He doth not suffer for ever the moving of the righteous.
It's easy to read this in other translations and get the idea that God won't allow us to fall or fail, but here I heard that he sustains me. Even though things around me are getting hectic, He won't allow it to go on forever, so hang on to Jesus baby. Help is on the way. Failures, falling, mistakes they will happen, but keep turning to God and He will provide you with what you need to make it.
I Wonder
Today I wanted to post something of value, something of intelligence, but alas, I have nothing intelligent to say, so why would it be of value. I have no words of wisdom. I do however, want to pose a question. Do all humans stop periodically and examine their lives? Do they wonder why God put them here? Do they wonder what purpose they serve? Am I alone in this habit?
I don't know. But I do wonder.
I don't know. But I do wonder.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Titus 1:1-9
Last night, my family had the wonderful opportunity to join one of our church's small groups. It was a very exciting experience. We were able to discuss the Sunday sermon with our fellow members. We enjoyed the conversation and look forward to more meetings.
We are going through Titus right now and we immediately delve into the qualifications of leaders. I have grown up in church so I am very familiar with this particular passage. I have heard it misinterpreted and misused by many wishing to push their own agenda. The refreshing part of this meeting was that everyone had something to say and we were allowed to share our ideas and views without being persecuted.
I personally loved being able to dissect this passage and find some clarity as to its' meaning. As a woman, who tends to be a little strong, I have often felt I am pointless in the aspects of church. Strong women types are not received well at times by those in the religious community. I understand the reasoning for this, some women use their talent to push their agendas without thought to what is best for the community. As this is often times too common, it is difficult to learn what it is a strong godly woman looks like. While it is true, we have strong women of faith to look to such as Kay Arthur and Beth Moore, there are few we can look to in our community and learn from first hand. It was very enlightening to highlight this verse and be allowed to come to some of my own conclusions. It is definitely one I will spend some time exploring this week.
Last night, my family had the wonderful opportunity to join one of our church's small groups. It was a very exciting experience. We were able to discuss the Sunday sermon with our fellow members. We enjoyed the conversation and look forward to more meetings.
We are going through Titus right now and we immediately delve into the qualifications of leaders. I have grown up in church so I am very familiar with this particular passage. I have heard it misinterpreted and misused by many wishing to push their own agenda. The refreshing part of this meeting was that everyone had something to say and we were allowed to share our ideas and views without being persecuted.
I personally loved being able to dissect this passage and find some clarity as to its' meaning. As a woman, who tends to be a little strong, I have often felt I am pointless in the aspects of church. Strong women types are not received well at times by those in the religious community. I understand the reasoning for this, some women use their talent to push their agendas without thought to what is best for the community. As this is often times too common, it is difficult to learn what it is a strong godly woman looks like. While it is true, we have strong women of faith to look to such as Kay Arthur and Beth Moore, there are few we can look to in our community and learn from first hand. It was very enlightening to highlight this verse and be allowed to come to some of my own conclusions. It is definitely one I will spend some time exploring this week.