Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
If you are like me, your mind continually goes to those families in Connecticut, the ones who are burying children, brothers, sisters, and friends. My heart aches for them. My prayers are for them, for those who are left behind.
But for me, tonight was sweet. A friend texted me last night to tell me her daughter was going to be baptized tonight. I went, and it was wonderful. It made my heart sing. It's such a blessing to see someone choose Christ. You could see the light and excitement in her eyes. Her mom told me later she heard her crying in her room earlier in the day and when she asked what was wrong the girl told her, I'm just so happy. Oh, what joy fills my soul to see someone so young make the biggest decision of her life!
Children and their faith facinate me. I'm a why person. I want to know why it works that way, what's the theory behind it, why does that situation have a better result than the other situation? How does a deal benefit both parties involved? It serves me well in my job, it doesn't always serve me well in my faith. It's ok to ask why, but there is also a big part that's faith, and paying attention to the way God works in our lives, and just believing.
For this reason, I've always loved the verse from Luke 18:17 that says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
I read this article from Jon Acuff and I thought it was such a fantastic commentary on this verse. I've cut out some of my favorite parts below, but you can read the full article here
“Why did Christ say we needed receive the kingdom of God like a little child?”
Kids are interesting role models. I guarantee you’ve never been in a meeting at work and someone said, “In order to hit our sales numbers this quarter, we’ve got to have discipline like a child.” No politician has ever said, “If I’m elected, I’ll run the country with wisdom like a child.” No coach has ever said, “In order for us to win Saturday’s game, we need to work hard like a child.”
It’s difficult to find another context in life where being “like a child” is held up as something to emulate.
So why then, of all the examples Christ could have used, are children the example he picked? I’ve heard someone say it’s because kids are dependent and in need of being taken care of, and God takes care of us like that.
But I think there’s an even simpler possibility.
Because kids get grace.
Grace makes sense to kids. They’ve got the imagination and creativity and “anything is possible” attitude that can accept the unbelievable nature of grace. We adults are the ones who have a hard time with it.
We’ve spent 10 or 20 or 30 years learning how “things work.” There are consequences, cause and effect, A+B = C situations. Grace doesn’t fit those.
We get something we don’t deserve. Something we can’t control. Something we can’t earn. Something that makes no sense when you try to break it down logically. So you’re saying that when I make a mess of my life, when I wreck everything in it, that there’s a God who loves me so much that he sent his only son to die for me so that I could repent and be forgiven?
That’s crazy.
But not to kids.
Kids get grace.
I think Christ wants us to get it too.
That’s why I think he wants us to have faith like a child.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Running Update
Oh, running, what a roller coaster relationship we have. Let me catch you up.
November was my first half marathon. I went with two friends to Tampa, FL where we ran a half and celebrated my birthday. It was a fun weekend. Let me just say, Florida is where it's at for November running. The temps were perfect, and it is so FLAT!!!! We came to a bridge at one point that had a little rise and I heard someone say, "there's a Florida hill". They weren't joking. That's the most elevation I saw the entire time. It was awesome!
I really had no idea what to shoot for time wise. Our training runs can be all over the place, but I'd say normally average between a 12:30 and 13 minute mile. So, I went in with a hope of being under 2:45. I didn't run all the long runs I should have. I could give you excuses, but it just didn't happen. However, I did run a lot of miles leading up to the race. I was running 4-5 miles a day 4-5 days a week.
When the race started, I felt great! It was all I could do not to sprint the first 3 miles. When I got to mile 3, I was running an 11 minute pace. Between miles 4 and 5 I slowed down a bit. When I reached mile 5 I was still under an hour. Miles 5-10 I still felt really good. I walked thru all the water stops and ate a Goo at Mile 8, something I probably shouldn't have done since I had never tried one before, but my problem tends to be running out of fuel. I paid for it later, but during the race, I really think it helped me. At Mile 10, I was still under 2 hours and under a 12 minute pace. Mile 11 is when I started fading a little. And either mile 11 or 12, they had us run thru the Tampa Bay Rays stadium. It was neat, but it was AstroTurf and it was like running on a rug, just weird. Once we made it out of there, it was mile 13, and I was just excited. My shoe came untied somewhere during 13 and when I tried to lift it up to tie it, my leg was shaking like crazy. Got it tied and trudged on. I really believe my least favorite part of a race is the last few tenths. It seems so close, but it's so far, and you want to sprint, but there is nothing left. I crossed the finish line in 2:40, woo-hoo! Now I have a baseline and something to beat! I spent the first 5 minutes after crossing trying not to die. I must have looked horrible, because this woman came up and asked if I needed medical attention and started patting me on the back :-)
Overall, it was just so much more enjoyable than I expected. There were lots of spectators, especially in the last half and our bibs had our names, so they would cheer for you by name, how great! They also had live music at different places along the race. I would definitely give it a big thumbs up and I'm looking forward to my next one.
Since then, I ran a 5K in Huntsville thru the Christmas lights in the Botanical Gardens. I really enjoyed it. It was a night race, which I LOVE, and I just felt really good the whole time. I haven't a clue what my time was, and I ran with a friend who had been out with an injury so we slowed down a bit a few times, but it was just fun. I hope they do it again next year.
Now for my injury... My foot is mended for the time being, but now my knee is in a bad shape. The Wednesday before the half, it started hurting all the sudden while we were running. It didn't hurt too much during the race, I think adrenaline had a lot to do with that, but since then, it's been a booger. It's so weird, walking doesn't hurt and sprinting doesn't hurt, but anything in between makes me want to cry and scream. I think it's probably IT band and I've been researching some exercises, but I finally broke down and went to the doctor today. The x-rays were normal, which I am thankful for, but I thought they would be ok. Now he wants to do an MRI. He is also sending me to the physical therapist, which I'm excited about. I really think this is something that can be treated with some good exercises, at least I really hope so. Bad part, he said not to run until after the MRI and I see him again. Boo hiss. I, of course, am already trying to justify running in my mind, but I guess that isn't the thing to do so I guess I'll just walk, and maybe this will inspire me to work on my abs and arms.
Speed... as I said above, I can sprint with little pain, so I've been working on speed some. I did a 10:06 mile one day last week which is booking for me! Now I want to get one that starts with single digits!!!
So, that's been the running story for the past few months. Hopefully this knee issue is minor, and I'll be pain free again soon!
November was my first half marathon. I went with two friends to Tampa, FL where we ran a half and celebrated my birthday. It was a fun weekend. Let me just say, Florida is where it's at for November running. The temps were perfect, and it is so FLAT!!!! We came to a bridge at one point that had a little rise and I heard someone say, "there's a Florida hill". They weren't joking. That's the most elevation I saw the entire time. It was awesome!
I really had no idea what to shoot for time wise. Our training runs can be all over the place, but I'd say normally average between a 12:30 and 13 minute mile. So, I went in with a hope of being under 2:45. I didn't run all the long runs I should have. I could give you excuses, but it just didn't happen. However, I did run a lot of miles leading up to the race. I was running 4-5 miles a day 4-5 days a week.
When the race started, I felt great! It was all I could do not to sprint the first 3 miles. When I got to mile 3, I was running an 11 minute pace. Between miles 4 and 5 I slowed down a bit. When I reached mile 5 I was still under an hour. Miles 5-10 I still felt really good. I walked thru all the water stops and ate a Goo at Mile 8, something I probably shouldn't have done since I had never tried one before, but my problem tends to be running out of fuel. I paid for it later, but during the race, I really think it helped me. At Mile 10, I was still under 2 hours and under a 12 minute pace. Mile 11 is when I started fading a little. And either mile 11 or 12, they had us run thru the Tampa Bay Rays stadium. It was neat, but it was AstroTurf and it was like running on a rug, just weird. Once we made it out of there, it was mile 13, and I was just excited. My shoe came untied somewhere during 13 and when I tried to lift it up to tie it, my leg was shaking like crazy. Got it tied and trudged on. I really believe my least favorite part of a race is the last few tenths. It seems so close, but it's so far, and you want to sprint, but there is nothing left. I crossed the finish line in 2:40, woo-hoo! Now I have a baseline and something to beat! I spent the first 5 minutes after crossing trying not to die. I must have looked horrible, because this woman came up and asked if I needed medical attention and started patting me on the back :-)
Overall, it was just so much more enjoyable than I expected. There were lots of spectators, especially in the last half and our bibs had our names, so they would cheer for you by name, how great! They also had live music at different places along the race. I would definitely give it a big thumbs up and I'm looking forward to my next one.
Since then, I ran a 5K in Huntsville thru the Christmas lights in the Botanical Gardens. I really enjoyed it. It was a night race, which I LOVE, and I just felt really good the whole time. I haven't a clue what my time was, and I ran with a friend who had been out with an injury so we slowed down a bit a few times, but it was just fun. I hope they do it again next year.
Now for my injury... My foot is mended for the time being, but now my knee is in a bad shape. The Wednesday before the half, it started hurting all the sudden while we were running. It didn't hurt too much during the race, I think adrenaline had a lot to do with that, but since then, it's been a booger. It's so weird, walking doesn't hurt and sprinting doesn't hurt, but anything in between makes me want to cry and scream. I think it's probably IT band and I've been researching some exercises, but I finally broke down and went to the doctor today. The x-rays were normal, which I am thankful for, but I thought they would be ok. Now he wants to do an MRI. He is also sending me to the physical therapist, which I'm excited about. I really think this is something that can be treated with some good exercises, at least I really hope so. Bad part, he said not to run until after the MRI and I see him again. Boo hiss. I, of course, am already trying to justify running in my mind, but I guess that isn't the thing to do so I guess I'll just walk, and maybe this will inspire me to work on my abs and arms.
Speed... as I said above, I can sprint with little pain, so I've been working on speed some. I did a 10:06 mile one day last week which is booking for me! Now I want to get one that starts with single digits!!!
So, that's been the running story for the past few months. Hopefully this knee issue is minor, and I'll be pain free again soon!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Save on all that Last Minute Shopping!
I post this every year. It has saved me a ton of money, and I'd love to see you save some, too. It's a little late for most of your Christmas shopping, but I'm still working on some last minute gifts, so I've already used one of the rebate websites today. I'm an online shopping aholic. I love online shopping from the couch, and in honor of the start of shopping season, here is how I make online shopping a little sweeter, rebate websites, it's all free to join and use…
Here are the ones I use and a little bit about them
Ebates has over 1,000 stores. Some that I have used include Land’s End, Expedia, OldNavy, Zappos, and Hotwire, all reliable retailers. You just go to the Ebates website, find the store you are making a purchase from and click on the store. Rebates at the different stores run anywhere from 1% to 10%. I’ve been using ebates for maybe 4 years or so, and they’ve sent me over $325 in checks so far. Below is the link
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=8H4AhYlFkmT8YKf1PhKXYw%3D%3D
Shop at Home is a lot like Ebates, lots of the same stores so usually I just check both sites and see who has the higher rebate amount. So far for this one, I've received over $170 in checks. Link below.
http://www.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=Fh/NTpkXWoNJ7Je3Zu34Rg==
Extrabux is another I use if I’m really in the mood to check around and see who has the best % rebate back. I actually used it today, and I've received over $190 in checks from them.
http://www.extrabux.com/r/4cc07b14d2
In some other random info, Ebates has recently started doing cash back for a few select Amazon categories, and they are back to doing cash back for eBay, yay! Also, most of these sites also list coupon codes that you might not otherwise know about.
Hope you enjoy these and make a little money back, it’s lots of fun to get those $10-$20 checks when you aren’t expecting it! Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!
Here are the ones I use and a little bit about them
Ebates has over 1,000 stores. Some that I have used include Land’s End, Expedia, OldNavy, Zappos, and Hotwire, all reliable retailers. You just go to the Ebates website, find the store you are making a purchase from and click on the store. Rebates at the different stores run anywhere from 1% to 10%. I’ve been using ebates for maybe 4 years or so, and they’ve sent me over $325 in checks so far. Below is the link
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=8H4AhYlFkmT8YKf1PhKXYw%3D%3D
Shop at Home is a lot like Ebates, lots of the same stores so usually I just check both sites and see who has the higher rebate amount. So far for this one, I've received over $170 in checks. Link below.
http://www.shopathome.com/?IAFCG=Fh/NTpkXWoNJ7Je3Zu34Rg==
Extrabux is another I use if I’m really in the mood to check around and see who has the best % rebate back. I actually used it today, and I've received over $190 in checks from them.
http://www.extrabux.com/r/4cc07b14d2
In some other random info, Ebates has recently started doing cash back for a few select Amazon categories, and they are back to doing cash back for eBay, yay! Also, most of these sites also list coupon codes that you might not otherwise know about.
Hope you enjoy these and make a little money back, it’s lots of fun to get those $10-$20 checks when you aren’t expecting it! Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 14, 2012
Broken
That's how I feel as I watch the news of the shooting at the Connecticut school. There are tears. There is pain. There is disbelief. Why? 20 children, how? It's just shocking.
When I was a sophomore in high school, we had a school shooting. It was different, it was a student, who had another particular student he went after. But it was on school grounds, during 7th period, and Nick died. It was one of the most shocking things I've ever been thru. It took years before I didn't think about it every single day. Years. And I didn't know Nick well at all, I didn't see the shooting, and it still took years. Because it's not just the trauma of losing a friend, or viewing something horrible. It's having your innocence taken away. It's having your trust and perfect world and happy place blown to bits. And I was 16. These kids are 5-12. And they have to deal with this. Their worlds will never be the same. 20 families in one community will be burying 5 year olds. That's just sickening. I can't wrap my head around it. I experienced 1/100 of the trauma these kids did and it was horrible, how do they deal???
But here's the good part about brokenness. That's when God can shine. That's when you let Him in the most, b/c you have no where else to go. I pray these children, these parents, these teachers will let God in to work. I don't know how else you could deal with this.
My heart aches. I feel a bit numb. But it's time to pray, and pray hard, and pray fervently, because these folks need it. They have many long days, nights, and years ahead.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
When I was a sophomore in high school, we had a school shooting. It was different, it was a student, who had another particular student he went after. But it was on school grounds, during 7th period, and Nick died. It was one of the most shocking things I've ever been thru. It took years before I didn't think about it every single day. Years. And I didn't know Nick well at all, I didn't see the shooting, and it still took years. Because it's not just the trauma of losing a friend, or viewing something horrible. It's having your innocence taken away. It's having your trust and perfect world and happy place blown to bits. And I was 16. These kids are 5-12. And they have to deal with this. Their worlds will never be the same. 20 families in one community will be burying 5 year olds. That's just sickening. I can't wrap my head around it. I experienced 1/100 of the trauma these kids did and it was horrible, how do they deal???
But here's the good part about brokenness. That's when God can shine. That's when you let Him in the most, b/c you have no where else to go. I pray these children, these parents, these teachers will let God in to work. I don't know how else you could deal with this.
My heart aches. I feel a bit numb. But it's time to pray, and pray hard, and pray fervently, because these folks need it. They have many long days, nights, and years ahead.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
December?!?!?!
Is is really December? I can't believe it! But the month has already started out with a bang. I was non-stop busy this weekend. I can't believe it's Monday already, this weekend flew by!
Friday night I ate with some fun folks for a friend's birthday. They are always fun to hang out with, and my dinner was delicious! When I went on my birthday/running trip, we went to dinner one night and I really contemplated ordering a steak, but instead went with pasta. I've been craving steak ever since, and the one I ate Friday night was delicious. Before I met up with the birthday bunch, I went with a friend from work to do some shopping. I picked up two cute tops and some aviator sunglasses while we were out. She has great taste and it's so nice to have someone give some feedback on whether something actually looks good when you walk out of the dressing room!
Saturday morning, I was up early to put in a few miles before heading to Nashville for my nephew's 2nd birthday party. It was fun! He's older and so he was more excited about the party and the gifts. Lots of fun with family.
Friday night I ate with some fun folks for a friend's birthday. They are always fun to hang out with, and my dinner was delicious! When I went on my birthday/running trip, we went to dinner one night and I really contemplated ordering a steak, but instead went with pasta. I've been craving steak ever since, and the one I ate Friday night was delicious. Before I met up with the birthday bunch, I went with a friend from work to do some shopping. I picked up two cute tops and some aviator sunglasses while we were out. She has great taste and it's so nice to have someone give some feedback on whether something actually looks good when you walk out of the dressing room!
Saturday morning, I was up early to put in a few miles before heading to Nashville for my nephew's 2nd birthday party. It was fun! He's older and so he was more excited about the party and the gifts. Lots of fun with family.
Cow Print Birthday cake!
New Puzzle!
After the party, I headed home, jumped in the shower and watched some football while getting ready for our work Christmas party. It was a good time. Everyone looked pretty, and I talked a friend of mine into making the drive down and joining in on the party. Good sport.
Sunday was another fun day. We went to the Titans game! Way back in August when I did the Titans 5K, the registration came with a free ticket to a game and you could buy additional tickets if you wanted. I decided I could find some friend who would want to join so I bought the extras. It was a gorgeous day, perfect football weather. Jennifer took these pictures and was nice enough to let me use them on the blog!
Jennifer
Thomas
Gorgeous day in Nashville!
I think Jennifer could blog with those mad photo skills. Once the game was over, we headed back home, made it back in time for singing night at church, dinner with friends, and then spent some time catching up on our Revenge episodes. I love having a couple TV shows to watch with friends, just makes it more fun.
It was a fun weekend with friends and family. Monday came a little too soon, but I wouldn't change a minute of it!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Envy
So this was part of an exchange I saw on facebook the other night. First the original comment
Just watched a lady spend $1,381.06 on gift wrap, ribbon, and tags at The Container Store. Wow!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Hello there...
Well, I've caught up on reading all my blogs, so I guess it's time to produce a little for my own blog. Hmmm, where to start. Let's see...
1. I decorated for fall, actually my sister decorated, but it was fun to look a little festive. Some cute kids showed up for candy on Halloween, I couldn't get away from work and missed most of them, but the people who were partying at my house said it was fun.
2. I had that moment this week when I do something and realize it was just like my mother, we all have those. But this time, I did something that I always despised her doing. Let me explain. I hate to lose... with a passion. When I was a kid and played sports, any time we would lose, I would come off the floor very upset. My mom would say things like "well, you looked really good in your uniform" um, you want to talk about infuriating... I just played like crap, lost, and that's what she wants to tell me!! Fast forward to this week. I have a good friend who coaches football. His QB was up for Mr. Football in his division. I ended up watching the ceremony online and he didn't win. Later, Coach sent me a text to tell me QB hadn't won, my reply "I saw. I ended up watching online. I'm sorry. But he looked sharp representing in his black and gold." As soon as I had hit send, I thought oh my goodness, I have become my mother, talking about how good people look when they lose. It was frightening. I'm still bothered and ashamed...
3. I ran my first half marathon!!! I still can hardly believe it. Between the foot, and the stuck pill, and a lack of get-after-it-ness, I didn't train like I had planned. I ran a lot of miles, but long runs were fewer and shorter than planned. Then my IT band decided it didn't like me the Wednesday before the race. But adrenaline reigns supreme, and I ended up finishing in 2:40:27. If my shoe hadn't come untied during the last mile, I would have broken 2:40. 12:15 pace, which I was pleased with. I would definitely run another. Next goal, break 2:30.
4. Happy Birthday Me! I turned 31 this month. Holy smokes. I've already decided 31 is going to be better than 30 was, and low and behold it has been. Amazing how attitude and mindset affects things, isn't it. I spent my birthday at the beach, and had a great time with my friends.
5. Thanksgiving! Probably my favorite holiday of the year. Lots of food, family, and fun. It was a great day. I got to see my mom's entire side of the family, every cousin, which is always fun. There was a kickball game, swings, ping pong, old stories, and an all around good time seemed to be had by all.
I'll do better, more posts soon!
1. I decorated for fall, actually my sister decorated, but it was fun to look a little festive. Some cute kids showed up for candy on Halloween, I couldn't get away from work and missed most of them, but the people who were partying at my house said it was fun.
2. I had that moment this week when I do something and realize it was just like my mother, we all have those. But this time, I did something that I always despised her doing. Let me explain. I hate to lose... with a passion. When I was a kid and played sports, any time we would lose, I would come off the floor very upset. My mom would say things like "well, you looked really good in your uniform" um, you want to talk about infuriating... I just played like crap, lost, and that's what she wants to tell me!! Fast forward to this week. I have a good friend who coaches football. His QB was up for Mr. Football in his division. I ended up watching the ceremony online and he didn't win. Later, Coach sent me a text to tell me QB hadn't won, my reply "I saw. I ended up watching online. I'm sorry. But he looked sharp representing in his black and gold." As soon as I had hit send, I thought oh my goodness, I have become my mother, talking about how good people look when they lose. It was frightening. I'm still bothered and ashamed...
3. I ran my first half marathon!!! I still can hardly believe it. Between the foot, and the stuck pill, and a lack of get-after-it-ness, I didn't train like I had planned. I ran a lot of miles, but long runs were fewer and shorter than planned. Then my IT band decided it didn't like me the Wednesday before the race. But adrenaline reigns supreme, and I ended up finishing in 2:40:27. If my shoe hadn't come untied during the last mile, I would have broken 2:40. 12:15 pace, which I was pleased with. I would definitely run another. Next goal, break 2:30.
4. Happy Birthday Me! I turned 31 this month. Holy smokes. I've already decided 31 is going to be better than 30 was, and low and behold it has been. Amazing how attitude and mindset affects things, isn't it. I spent my birthday at the beach, and had a great time with my friends.
5. Thanksgiving! Probably my favorite holiday of the year. Lots of food, family, and fun. It was a great day. I got to see my mom's entire side of the family, every cousin, which is always fun. There was a kickball game, swings, ping pong, old stories, and an all around good time seemed to be had by all.
I'll do better, more posts soon!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
The Election
To post or not to post on this subject, that is the question... After Sunday, I decided the answer is to post.
So here is where I am, I don't get it. I do not understand how the country voted the way they did. I do not understand how 50% of Catholics, 42% of Protestants, and 21% of Evangelicals voted the way they did. I don't understand voting for policies and platforms that blatantly disregard the Bible and it's teachings. I struggled with this all week last week. Sunday morning, my nephew was dedicated at church, so I attended my sister's church. The preacher started talking about basically everything I've been feeling and I cried thru the entire sermon.
Please understand, I believe that God reigns supreme. I know this is not my eternal home. I know Jesus is king and authority. I understand that, I find the utmost peace in that. Without that hope and knowledge, I would be a stark raving crazy woman by now. But for now, we are on this Earth, with the call to share the Gospel, with a call to live as Jesus taught us.
The preacher was preaching John 17. Verse 3 says "And this is the way to have eternal life - to know you , the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth." And how to we know Jesus - 1 John 2:3-5 - "And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him." So if we look at the moral issues debated in the country today, what are Jesus' commands on those? Homosexuality - specifically identified as sin in Romans 1. Abortion - Jeremiah 1:5 - "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." Psalms 139:13 "For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb." The Bible doesn't change, the commands don't change.
We have let personal choice and personal "rights" trump God's commands. We've been a blessed nation, and the blessings have flowed down on this country for years and years, but we have turned a corner, and these blessings will most likely end. You can look back in the Bible and see how the Israelites turned away from God and were overtaken by the Assyrians. Our children will not live in the country we have lived in.
I do believe God will use these times for his glory. While I believe that we will see the punishment of voting for immorality in the name of choice, I believe that some Christians will have a fire lit and leave lukewarmness to become the salt and light we are supposed to be. I pray that for myself. I know I have many lukewarm qualities when it comes to my spiritual life and Revelation 3:16 says " So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Spit out of his mouth!!, not somewhere I want to be.
So that's where I am. And I'm trying to figure out what it all means. The election is done, there is no changing that, so what now? It's time to quit lamenting the outcome, which I've done for a week. But it's also time to realize, this is real stuff, more than just one election, and as Christians, we need to be ready for what's coming. Persecution is on it's way. It's no longer cool or politically correct to believe Biblical truth. Instead, it's narrow-minded and backward. No one wants absolutes or rules, but if you are a Christian, that's what we are given. We are to stand up for what is right. So instead of despairing over things here, I want to train my mind to be Heaven focused, doing what I can to serve God and stand up for God on this Earth, but constantly remembering this world is not my home. Jane wrote a post yesterday and one sentence really struck me "I'm trying not to overly treasure the things of this world - even my freedom."
Posts like this are hard to write, just like I'm sure it's incredibly hard to preach, because I am a sinner. I mess up every single day, multiple times. I commit sin again and again. And sin is sin, there are no degrees this sin being more ok than that sin. And I have to repent over and over, but again, I can't use that as an excuse to ignore the commands of the Bible. And I can't use that as an excuse to say that any sin is ok, because it should grieve us to sin. It should grieve us to think about sin.
If you are interested, this is a link to the sermon I listened to on Sunday. He, of course, words things much better than I. Its the 11.11.12 sermon.
Let me close with this. I'm so thankful for the hope we have with God. I'm so thankful that this world is not it. We have a choice to follow Him, to believe in Him, to repent of our sins, and spend eternity in Heaven. In the passage below Jesus prayed for the diciples and then for any who would ever believe the message.
John 17:9-26
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name;[b] now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me.[c] I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
So here is where I am, I don't get it. I do not understand how the country voted the way they did. I do not understand how 50% of Catholics, 42% of Protestants, and 21% of Evangelicals voted the way they did. I don't understand voting for policies and platforms that blatantly disregard the Bible and it's teachings. I struggled with this all week last week. Sunday morning, my nephew was dedicated at church, so I attended my sister's church. The preacher started talking about basically everything I've been feeling and I cried thru the entire sermon.
Please understand, I believe that God reigns supreme. I know this is not my eternal home. I know Jesus is king and authority. I understand that, I find the utmost peace in that. Without that hope and knowledge, I would be a stark raving crazy woman by now. But for now, we are on this Earth, with the call to share the Gospel, with a call to live as Jesus taught us.
The preacher was preaching John 17. Verse 3 says "And this is the way to have eternal life - to know you , the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth." And how to we know Jesus - 1 John 2:3-5 - "And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him." So if we look at the moral issues debated in the country today, what are Jesus' commands on those? Homosexuality - specifically identified as sin in Romans 1. Abortion - Jeremiah 1:5 - "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." Psalms 139:13 "For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb." The Bible doesn't change, the commands don't change.
We have let personal choice and personal "rights" trump God's commands. We've been a blessed nation, and the blessings have flowed down on this country for years and years, but we have turned a corner, and these blessings will most likely end. You can look back in the Bible and see how the Israelites turned away from God and were overtaken by the Assyrians. Our children will not live in the country we have lived in.
I do believe God will use these times for his glory. While I believe that we will see the punishment of voting for immorality in the name of choice, I believe that some Christians will have a fire lit and leave lukewarmness to become the salt and light we are supposed to be. I pray that for myself. I know I have many lukewarm qualities when it comes to my spiritual life and Revelation 3:16 says " So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Spit out of his mouth!!, not somewhere I want to be.
So that's where I am. And I'm trying to figure out what it all means. The election is done, there is no changing that, so what now? It's time to quit lamenting the outcome, which I've done for a week. But it's also time to realize, this is real stuff, more than just one election, and as Christians, we need to be ready for what's coming. Persecution is on it's way. It's no longer cool or politically correct to believe Biblical truth. Instead, it's narrow-minded and backward. No one wants absolutes or rules, but if you are a Christian, that's what we are given. We are to stand up for what is right. So instead of despairing over things here, I want to train my mind to be Heaven focused, doing what I can to serve God and stand up for God on this Earth, but constantly remembering this world is not my home. Jane wrote a post yesterday and one sentence really struck me "I'm trying not to overly treasure the things of this world - even my freedom."
Posts like this are hard to write, just like I'm sure it's incredibly hard to preach, because I am a sinner. I mess up every single day, multiple times. I commit sin again and again. And sin is sin, there are no degrees this sin being more ok than that sin. And I have to repent over and over, but again, I can't use that as an excuse to ignore the commands of the Bible. And I can't use that as an excuse to say that any sin is ok, because it should grieve us to sin. It should grieve us to think about sin.
If you are interested, this is a link to the sermon I listened to on Sunday. He, of course, words things much better than I. Its the 11.11.12 sermon.
Let me close with this. I'm so thankful for the hope we have with God. I'm so thankful that this world is not it. We have a choice to follow Him, to believe in Him, to repent of our sins, and spend eternity in Heaven. In the passage below Jesus prayed for the diciples and then for any who would ever believe the message.
John 17:9-26
9 “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name;[b] now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me.[c] I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
13 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
Friday, October 26, 2012
Supper Club - Recipe Reviews
So, I fully intended to be a good little blogger and take photos of all the food I cooked for supper club last night. Alas, I failed in Blogger 101 yet again, so I'll have to use other photos.
I really enjoy cooking. I never expected to enjoy it, but I do. So last night, I mixed some of my favorites along with a new recipe for what I thought turned out to be a great meal. If the rest of the girls didn't like it, they did a good job hiding it!
The new recipe I found on Pinterest last week.
Here is the recipe. It was soooooo good. A big hit with everyone. Instead of using the thighs, I used boneless chicken breasts and cut them up pretty small. My worst problem was that the chicken wasn't fully thawed when I got ready to cook it and it took forever to cook!! But I have patient friends who waited until it was finally ready. Really, really good stuff!! I'll definitely use it again!
Next up was a recipe I watched Paula Deen put together on Food Network one day. I'm not a huge Food Network watcher, but this could have been divine intervention, because this casserole tastes like it was made just for me. Layers of mashed potatoes, onions and red peppers, cheese, and bacon bits. I'm telling you, it will make your tongue slap your brains out!! Good stuff! I wish I had a better picture!
To throw something a little healthy in the mix, I did green beans from Skinnytaste
I really enjoy cooking. I never expected to enjoy it, but I do. So last night, I mixed some of my favorites along with a new recipe for what I thought turned out to be a great meal. If the rest of the girls didn't like it, they did a good job hiding it!
The new recipe I found on Pinterest last week.
Here is the recipe. It was soooooo good. A big hit with everyone. Instead of using the thighs, I used boneless chicken breasts and cut them up pretty small. My worst problem was that the chicken wasn't fully thawed when I got ready to cook it and it took forever to cook!! But I have patient friends who waited until it was finally ready. Really, really good stuff!! I'll definitely use it again!
Next up was a recipe I watched Paula Deen put together on Food Network one day. I'm not a huge Food Network watcher, but this could have been divine intervention, because this casserole tastes like it was made just for me. Layers of mashed potatoes, onions and red peppers, cheese, and bacon bits. I'm telling you, it will make your tongue slap your brains out!! Good stuff! I wish I had a better picture!
They are really good. I think I overdid a touch on the olive oil this time, but last time I cooked them, it was a favorite of everyone.
I threw in some creamed corn and rolls to finish it off. I love the frozen creamed cord that you head up on the stove. Yummy!!
For dessert, I made pecan pie and topped it off with some ice cream.
This is the recipe my mom gave me and I think it's delicious!
Pie crust (I think the refrigerated ones that you roll out make the best pies)
3 eggs
1 c sugar
1 c Karo syrup ( I like to mix the light and dark)
1 c pecans
I start by putting the pecans in the bottom of the pie crust, mix up the rest of the ingredients and pour it in. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
If you use the froze pie crusts, you end up with more filling than you need. You can double the recipe and make 3 pies.
A great time was had by all last night, good food and great company!
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Fall TV
Dixie Creek Farm had a fun post on her favorite fall shows this morning and I thought I would follow suite. The new ones I'm enjoying this year are
Go On - Matthew Perry plays a sports radio host who lost his wife. He is required to go to grief counseling. Y'all, this show is hilarious. It has me laughing out loud every week! Matthew Perry is just funny.
Nashville - I have a deep and undying love for Connie Britton. I was introduced to her in Friday Night Lights and the bond was instant. Nashville is a completely different kind of feel, but I'm enjoying it. As a Tennesseean, it's really cool to see places in the show that I'm familiar with in real life. I had a friend who lives in Nashville email me the other day to say they were filming right across the street from her office (I tried to talk her into going to sign up as an extra!) The music is great, the story line has lots going on, and so far, I'm a fan!
Then there is the new to me section:
Revenge - multiple friends had told me how good it was, but I missed the first few and just never got into it. Well, ABC happened to replay the pilot one night, and I was hooked! So I ordered the first season on DVD. It's good. It's kind of dark and a little heavy for me (I'm really a romantic comedy kind of girl), and sometimes I feel like someone is going to reach out from under the couch and grab my foot, but overall I like it. I'm DVR'ing the new season so I can catch up on it when I finish season one. It's slow go, though, that could be next summer!
And the oldie but goody...
These plus football keep me entertained.
Side note, scope showed 2 ulcers in my esophagus caused by the pill. Doc gave me another medicine that is supposed to speed up healing. I was able to eat a good breakfast this morning! Praise the Lord!
Go On - Matthew Perry plays a sports radio host who lost his wife. He is required to go to grief counseling. Y'all, this show is hilarious. It has me laughing out loud every week! Matthew Perry is just funny.
Nashville - I have a deep and undying love for Connie Britton. I was introduced to her in Friday Night Lights and the bond was instant. Nashville is a completely different kind of feel, but I'm enjoying it. As a Tennesseean, it's really cool to see places in the show that I'm familiar with in real life. I had a friend who lives in Nashville email me the other day to say they were filming right across the street from her office (I tried to talk her into going to sign up as an extra!) The music is great, the story line has lots going on, and so far, I'm a fan!
Then there is the new to me section:
Revenge - multiple friends had told me how good it was, but I missed the first few and just never got into it. Well, ABC happened to replay the pilot one night, and I was hooked! So I ordered the first season on DVD. It's good. It's kind of dark and a little heavy for me (I'm really a romantic comedy kind of girl), and sometimes I feel like someone is going to reach out from under the couch and grab my foot, but overall I like it. I'm DVR'ing the new season so I can catch up on it when I finish season one. It's slow go, though, that could be next summer!
And the oldie but goody...
These plus football keep me entertained.
Side note, scope showed 2 ulcers in my esophagus caused by the pill. Doc gave me another medicine that is supposed to speed up healing. I was able to eat a good breakfast this morning! Praise the Lord!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Sunday Randoms
Happy Sunday! I've really not done much of anything this weekend as I've tried to conserve energy and I'm just plumb wore out.
- Friday ended in an interesting way, road trip with a friend to pick up her dad's truck, trailer, and bull. You know trailer/livestock driving is one of those skills I acquired in life that has come in handy more times than you would expect. Thanks, Daddy.
- Saturday was lots and lots of football. Honestly, I was worn out from the week and not enough food, and late nights at work. I think I took 2 naps, and watched a bunch of games. That was pretty much it.
- Sunday was more football. I got up to take a shower for church, but I'm just sapped of energy. I couldn't make myself get dressed and get out the door, so I looked for TV church, but apparently all those come on at 8:00 and they were over, so football analysis it was. Let me just say as I sit here with another game on, I might be reaching my football limit for the weekend. I didn't know it was possible.
- I'm down almost 10 pounds. Now, if I weren't so hungry, it would be almost comical. My mouth fell open when I stepped on the scale this morning, I've never weighed this in my life (maybe 4th grade)
- Tomorrow (Monday) is the scope. Hopefully he can tell me something, either there is still a piece of the pill there to get out, or it looks like it's healing, or I need to get used to 500 calories a day... just tell me something.
- The only thing I can get down comfortably is a Hardees little hamburger... Why? I don't know. Full of nutrition? Not so much.
- The weight loss has apparently made me feel skinny, combine that with a plethora of emails from my favorite stores about sales... what do you get? A bunch of clothes on their way to my house. Now the majority of these are going to have to go back, but maybe there will be a few keepers.
- I think I forgot to tell you, but I did 8.5 miles last Saturday!!! Made me feel a little better about the upcoming half. I was planning another good long run for this week, needless to say that didn't happen. I'm pretty bummed, but there really isn't anything I could do about it, so it is what it is.
- In case I haven't mentioned it, I have such great friends. I have friends who have checked on my every single day of this craziness. I have friends praying, and wanting to know what times tests are happening. I have friends who bring me little Hardees hamburgers and throw in an extra one just in case I can eat it. I have blog friends who have left kind comments and sent thoughtful emails. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Hope you have a great week!!
- Friday ended in an interesting way, road trip with a friend to pick up her dad's truck, trailer, and bull. You know trailer/livestock driving is one of those skills I acquired in life that has come in handy more times than you would expect. Thanks, Daddy.
- Saturday was lots and lots of football. Honestly, I was worn out from the week and not enough food, and late nights at work. I think I took 2 naps, and watched a bunch of games. That was pretty much it.
- Sunday was more football. I got up to take a shower for church, but I'm just sapped of energy. I couldn't make myself get dressed and get out the door, so I looked for TV church, but apparently all those come on at 8:00 and they were over, so football analysis it was. Let me just say as I sit here with another game on, I might be reaching my football limit for the weekend. I didn't know it was possible.
- I'm down almost 10 pounds. Now, if I weren't so hungry, it would be almost comical. My mouth fell open when I stepped on the scale this morning, I've never weighed this in my life (maybe 4th grade)
- Tomorrow (Monday) is the scope. Hopefully he can tell me something, either there is still a piece of the pill there to get out, or it looks like it's healing, or I need to get used to 500 calories a day... just tell me something.
- The only thing I can get down comfortably is a Hardees little hamburger... Why? I don't know. Full of nutrition? Not so much.
- The weight loss has apparently made me feel skinny, combine that with a plethora of emails from my favorite stores about sales... what do you get? A bunch of clothes on their way to my house. Now the majority of these are going to have to go back, but maybe there will be a few keepers.
- I think I forgot to tell you, but I did 8.5 miles last Saturday!!! Made me feel a little better about the upcoming half. I was planning another good long run for this week, needless to say that didn't happen. I'm pretty bummed, but there really isn't anything I could do about it, so it is what it is.
- In case I haven't mentioned it, I have such great friends. I have friends who have checked on my every single day of this craziness. I have friends praying, and wanting to know what times tests are happening. I have friends who bring me little Hardees hamburgers and throw in an extra one just in case I can eat it. I have blog friends who have left kind comments and sent thoughtful emails. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
It's Ok - Pill Induced Esophagitis Edition
It's Ok...
...that I haven't really eaten in 4 days and everything I'm reading says this condition could last up to 10 days.
...that I won't get to do my long run this weekend (that I desperately need) because I can't eat and fuel myself up for it.
...that everyone at work says I look like crap. Apparently I also need food to look decent.
...that my heart goes out to anyone with digestive issues. Eating and swallowing and all those things are something I've completely taken for granted until now.
...that I constantly berate myself for not drinking enough water with that blasted pill so I wouldn't be in this predicament
...that maybe I'll see a lesson God is teaching me thru this once I reach the other side, but I'm not there yet
...that I cried in my office after I tried to eat after I took the pills that the doc gave me today.
...that the week that I can't eat is a week that we have a ton going on at work that requires lots of late nights.
...to appreciate coworkers and a boss that are highly concerned about you and let you come in late, and offer to take you to the doctor.
...that the doctor wants to do a scope on Monday... 4 days away!!!!
...to write a blog post that does nothing but whine and cry about your current condition. Sorry, folks, hopefully i'll be back up and at 'em soon.
...to have really sweet friends who text and email you daily to see how you are making it. (it's actually the best)
So Happy Thursday! Tomorrow is Friday and football and the start of the weekend, woo-hoo!!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Oh How Pinteresting - Decor Edition
First, a little update from yesterday... In googling my condition, they say it will be better in 7-10 days. Oh my goodness, I must eat. Need food for energy. But on to other things...
It's been a while since I've linked up with Michelle.
A friend at work has agreed to help me work on decorating my house, I need things on my walls in a big way, so we send each other Pinterest pictures of what we think would look good. Here are a few of my favorites from this week.
Happy Wednesday!!
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