Monday, December 6, 2010
If Jesus Came in person to spend some time with you..
Would you change to modest dress before you let Him in,
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you hide bad music discs and put a hymnal out?
Could you let Him walk right in, or would you have to rush about?
I wonder, if the Savior spent a day or two with you,
Would you go on doing all the things you always do?
Would you go on saying all the things you always say,
And would your life continue as it does from day to day?
Would you take Him with you then to every place you go,
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you then be glad to have Him meet your closest friends,
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you then be glad if He would perm'nently remain?
What would you tell Him that you did to end abortion's reign?
Or would you hope that He'd not ask about his little ones,
And would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be int'resting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus came in person ... to spend some time with you.
--author anonymous
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you hide bad music discs and put a hymnal out?
Could you let Him walk right in, or would you have to rush about?
I wonder, if the Savior spent a day or two with you,
Would you go on doing all the things you always do?
Would you go on saying all the things you always say,
And would your life continue as it does from day to day?
Would you take Him with you then to every place you go,
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you then be glad to have Him meet your closest friends,
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you then be glad if He would perm'nently remain?
What would you tell Him that you did to end abortion's reign?
Or would you hope that He'd not ask about his little ones,
And would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be int'resting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus came in person ... to spend some time with you.
--author anonymous
Tied Down
Tied Down, by Edgar A. Guest
"They tie you down," a woman said,
Whose cheeks should have been flaming red
With shame to speak of children so.
"When babies come you cannot go
In search of pleasure with your friends,
And all your happy wandering ends.
The things you like you cannot do,
For babies make a slave of you."
I looked at her and said: "'Tis true
That children make a slave of you,
And tie you down with many a knot,
But have you never thought to what
It is of happiness and pride
That little babies have you tied?
Do you not miss the greater joys
That come with little girls and boys?
"They tie you down to laughter rare,
To hours of smiles and hours of care,
To nights of watching and to fears;
Sometimes they tie you down to tears
And then repay you with a smile,
And make your trouble all worth while.
They tie you fast to chubby feet,
And cheeks of pink and kisses sweet.
"They fasten you with cords of love
To God divine, who reigns above.
They tie you, whereso'er you roam,
Unto the little place called home;
And over sea or railroad track
They tug at you to bring you back.
The happiest people in the town
Are those the babies have tied down.
"Oh, go your selfish way and free,
But hampered I would rather be,
Yes rather than a kingly crown
I would be, what you term, tied down;
Tied down to dancing eyes and charms,
Held fast by chubby, dimpled arms,
The fettered slave of girl and boy,
And win from them earth's finest joy."
Whose cheeks should have been flaming red
With shame to speak of children so.
"When babies come you cannot go
In search of pleasure with your friends,
And all your happy wandering ends.
The things you like you cannot do,
For babies make a slave of you."
I looked at her and said: "'Tis true
That children make a slave of you,
And tie you down with many a knot,
But have you never thought to what
It is of happiness and pride
That little babies have you tied?
Do you not miss the greater joys
That come with little girls and boys?
"They tie you down to laughter rare,
To hours of smiles and hours of care,
To nights of watching and to fears;
Sometimes they tie you down to tears
And then repay you with a smile,
And make your trouble all worth while.
They tie you fast to chubby feet,
And cheeks of pink and kisses sweet.
"They fasten you with cords of love
To God divine, who reigns above.
They tie you, whereso'er you roam,
Unto the little place called home;
And over sea or railroad track
They tug at you to bring you back.
The happiest people in the town
Are those the babies have tied down.
"Oh, go your selfish way and free,
But hampered I would rather be,
Yes rather than a kingly crown
I would be, what you term, tied down;
Tied down to dancing eyes and charms,
Held fast by chubby, dimpled arms,
The fettered slave of girl and boy,
And win from them earth's finest joy."
Never Leaves Us Comfortless!
I have read that, with every time of trying, God never leaves us comfortless. I am sure we would not be alone if we were to describe some of the trials we are facing--I have read in the Psalms something to the effect that "the afflictions of the righteous man are many, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19). So glad his comforts were ours today! --Large Family Mothering
Yesterday was a great day! After having some hard emotional times lately, it was great to not only have a day full of joy, but to be reminded of God's faithfulness and provisions.
Chad was preaching up in Empire again. The weather wasn't the greatest for an 1 1/2 hour drive, but we made it there safely. We were warmly greeted by all there. Dara received high compliments for playing the piano for the four weeks we were there. While she sometimes made mistakes, they said it was a blessing to them. They appreciated her being willing to be used by God instead of being worried about it not being "perfect". It was nice to hear others telling her the same things we have been telling her.
Chad's sermon was good and seemed to be perfect for some of the people in the congregation. He even was able to continue a discussion about it with one of the men who it particularly pertained to.
I was once again reminded of the joy of children as we sang a last song, "The First Noel" and Martha, Jaina and Cora all tried singing along. All they new was "noel" and "king", but they sang their hearts out none the less with beautiful smiles on their faces.
After church, we went to a little pizza place for lunch. We enjoyed talking with another couple that was there that made mention of how well behaved the girls were being. When Chad went to pay for our pizza just before leaving, we were told that the couple had paid for our meal! What a true act of kindness and a reminder from our Good Lord that He will bless us beyond what we can imagine!
We then went to Moomers (the best ice-cream place ever!) and not only enjoyed the ice-cream, but was able to vote for the employee gingerbread house contest. The girls had a blast choosing "Best of Show", "Wouldn't want to live there", "Best house for Santa", etc.
After arriving home, the girls had a blast riding the kitty cat and ovation around the yard. I don't think there was a single spot that didn't have a track on it! They came in and warmed up with hot cups of tea. We then watched a great movie for family night (Saving Sarah Cain--I highly recommend it!). It just reminded us about how important family is and standing for our convictions as well as the saving grace of God. He will use every circumstance for the glory of those who love the Him!
Yesterday was a great day and I am so thankful the Lord blessed us with all the great reminders of His great love for us! It never ceases to amaze me the love He has for us even though we are sinners and mess up more times than we care to admit.
If you are going through a hard time right now, please remember that God will comfort those who follow Him. He will "deliver you out of your afflictions"!
Yesterday was a great day! After having some hard emotional times lately, it was great to not only have a day full of joy, but to be reminded of God's faithfulness and provisions.
Chad was preaching up in Empire again. The weather wasn't the greatest for an 1 1/2 hour drive, but we made it there safely. We were warmly greeted by all there. Dara received high compliments for playing the piano for the four weeks we were there. While she sometimes made mistakes, they said it was a blessing to them. They appreciated her being willing to be used by God instead of being worried about it not being "perfect". It was nice to hear others telling her the same things we have been telling her.
Chad's sermon was good and seemed to be perfect for some of the people in the congregation. He even was able to continue a discussion about it with one of the men who it particularly pertained to.
I was once again reminded of the joy of children as we sang a last song, "The First Noel" and Martha, Jaina and Cora all tried singing along. All they new was "noel" and "king", but they sang their hearts out none the less with beautiful smiles on their faces.
After church, we went to a little pizza place for lunch. We enjoyed talking with another couple that was there that made mention of how well behaved the girls were being. When Chad went to pay for our pizza just before leaving, we were told that the couple had paid for our meal! What a true act of kindness and a reminder from our Good Lord that He will bless us beyond what we can imagine!
We then went to Moomers (the best ice-cream place ever!) and not only enjoyed the ice-cream, but was able to vote for the employee gingerbread house contest. The girls had a blast choosing "Best of Show", "Wouldn't want to live there", "Best house for Santa", etc.
After arriving home, the girls had a blast riding the kitty cat and ovation around the yard. I don't think there was a single spot that didn't have a track on it! They came in and warmed up with hot cups of tea. We then watched a great movie for family night (Saving Sarah Cain--I highly recommend it!). It just reminded us about how important family is and standing for our convictions as well as the saving grace of God. He will use every circumstance for the glory of those who love the Him!
Yesterday was a great day and I am so thankful the Lord blessed us with all the great reminders of His great love for us! It never ceases to amaze me the love He has for us even though we are sinners and mess up more times than we care to admit.
If you are going through a hard time right now, please remember that God will comfort those who follow Him. He will "deliver you out of your afflictions"!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Eight gifts that do not cost a cent
THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE... It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
day, go out of your way to do something kind.
THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION... The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really, it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You".
--Author Unknown
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back, and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE... It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet.
A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
day, go out of your way to do something kind.
THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION... The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. Really, it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You".
--Author Unknown
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Ten Commandments of Marriage:
1. Do not place others before one another. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife.
2. Let nothing on earth become more important than your marriage. Seek first God’s will in your marriage and the other things will come as He desires.
3. Speak to one another with kindness and love. Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word kindly spoken.
4. Remember to worship together. Oh come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For He is our God.
5. Love and accept one another’s family as your own. Your people shall be my people.
6. Do not harm one another with words, attitudes, or action. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you…and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ has forgiven you.
7. Be faithful to one another. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control….And the two shall become one flesh.
8. Never take joy from one another. Above all things put on love, which holds everything together in perfect harmony.
9. Always speak the truth in love. The Lord will show you what is right and true, that you may always speak with integrity.
10. Do not desire or be envious of what others may have. I have learned that in whatsoever state I may be, to be content
Friday, December 3, 2010
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Teaching Children to Listen
A great post on the biblical significance to teaching our children to listen.
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Teaching Children to Listen: "I have eight children and I am always working on training them~it truly seems like it is a never ending process! We have our good days an..."
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Teaching Children to Listen: "I have eight children and I am always working on training them~it truly seems like it is a never ending process! We have our good days an..."
The Real Meaning of Christmas
We have made some changes to how we are "doing" Christmas this year.
We aren't putting up a Christmas tree. I couldn't see any biblical significance to this or see how it pointed our thoughts to Christ, so instead, I bought I nativity set and we put that up. We also are not doing stockings. Again, what is the biblical significance? As in the past few years, we are only giving three gifts to each of the girls in memory of the three gifts the wise men gave Christ. We will read the Christmas story out of Luke 2 on Christmas Eve and do the "What Jesus really wants for Christmas" devotion on Christmas Day. We are adding a study of the Advent this year since I am the girls' Sunday School teacher. Even while doing all of this to help us keep Christ as the focus this year, I still felt this nagging feeling we should be doing more.
I read a blog post which lead me to this post about remembering whose birth we are actually celebrating at Christmas. She makes a really good point (which was pointed out to her by her then 4 year old son!). Since money has already been spent on gifts this year, I'm not sure how much of this we can do, but we might try to start a new tradition this year on a small scale and just make it bigger and bigger each year.
I encourage you to check the post out and see if God challenges you to make changes. It might not be for everyone, but what is for everyone is to focus on Christ during Christmas. That may look differently for everyone, but I pray we all make an effort to bring Christ back to Christmas!
We aren't putting up a Christmas tree. I couldn't see any biblical significance to this or see how it pointed our thoughts to Christ, so instead, I bought I nativity set and we put that up. We also are not doing stockings. Again, what is the biblical significance? As in the past few years, we are only giving three gifts to each of the girls in memory of the three gifts the wise men gave Christ. We will read the Christmas story out of Luke 2 on Christmas Eve and do the "What Jesus really wants for Christmas" devotion on Christmas Day. We are adding a study of the Advent this year since I am the girls' Sunday School teacher. Even while doing all of this to help us keep Christ as the focus this year, I still felt this nagging feeling we should be doing more.
I read a blog post which lead me to this post about remembering whose birth we are actually celebrating at Christmas. She makes a really good point (which was pointed out to her by her then 4 year old son!). Since money has already been spent on gifts this year, I'm not sure how much of this we can do, but we might try to start a new tradition this year on a small scale and just make it bigger and bigger each year.
I encourage you to check the post out and see if God challenges you to make changes. It might not be for everyone, but what is for everyone is to focus on Christ during Christmas. That may look differently for everyone, but I pray we all make an effort to bring Christ back to Christmas!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Friendship and Encouragement is Biblical
I was blessed by reading this devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries today (I'm a bit behind in my email!). I want to thank my true friends who have always been here to offer encouragement and help me get through the tough times in my life. Some of you I have never even met in person, but knowing you are praying for me and the advice and encouragement you offer through emails is priceless. While I had times in my life where I didn't have any close enough friends who I could turn to for encouragement, I am truly blessed to be surrounded by a number of friends now. My prayer is all of you have at least one friend who is there to encourage you through the hard times and that we are all that time of friend to others.
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