Yes you are right, God does love you. He doesn’t care if you are red, yellow, black, or white, straight, homosexual, a do-gooder or a murderer. “For God so loved the world…,” it’s taken straight from the Bible in the book of John chapter three verse 16. He loves you, He loves me, He loves the bad guys, the good guys and the wallflowers. He loves the one who has done you wrong just as much as He loves you. And that will never change.
However, the verse does not end there and it is imperative that one looks further because your eternity will depend on it. Obviously God knew we would have a problem, a very serious one at that. If we were created perfect and everyone could get to heaven in their own way then why would God not just end the verse there? God loves us and He has turned us free to find our own way to heaven, the end. God doesn't end there, He goes further, beyond what any of us would volunteer for. He sends His one and only Son, Jesus, to the cross to suffer an excruciating death just so that everyone and anyone could join Him in heaven by accepting His gift of salvation. Knowing that some would reject His perfect sacrifice He went ahead and did it anyway.
Yes, God knew we would struggle with sin before He even formed Adam out of the dust of the ground. He was not surprised when He found Adam and Eve cowering in the Garden of Eden because they were ashamed of their nakedness. He didn’t voice His frustration by saying, “WHAT DID YOU DO??”, or, “Why did you do this to me? I gave you everything you needed for a fulfilling life and this is what I get in return?!” God knew.
Do you have kids? If not you are someone’s child. Did you or your parents foolishly believe that this child being brought into the world was only going to make the right decisions in their lives, give you absolutely no frustrations, no rebellion, no struggles in their quest for independence and be the perfect child. I haven’t met anyone that thought that way and the thing is people keep having children even though they know their kids will not be perfect.
My son has asked me, “Why didn’t God just make us perfect so that we wouldn’t do wrong things?” I will offer the same answer as I have given him. What would mean more to you, someone loving you because they were designed to love you and had no choice but to love you or someone loving you because they, of their own free will, wanted to love you? It is always better if someone loves you because they want to, not because they have to. God wanted a loving relationship with each of us because we want to have one with Him not because we have to.
God has designed us, He has given us boundaries, He has made a right and a wrong. If eternity was not at stake then why would He need to send His Son to die for us? If we were free to live our lives the way we wanted to, without regard to sin, why would He need to send His Son to die for us? If there were many paths to heaven why would He need to send His Son to die for us?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
All of My 'Stuff'
We are getting a new piece of furniture to replace my current dresser so of course it meant we had to rearrange our bedroom. I knew we had a lot of 'stuff' but I didn't realize how much 'stuff' until we had the floor piled high with stacks of books and the bed loaded down with movable possessions just so we could navigate the pieces of furniture from one side of the room to the other.
I ask myself, why do we have so much 'STUFF'??? How much of this 'STUFF' do I really need or use??? I am reading a book concerning the poverty devastation throughout this world and I am trying to look at my belongings with a new perspective. In gearing up for today's 'Operation Bedroom Clean-out' I have been asking God to lead me to keep only what I truly need. I have considered using the rule 'if I haven't used it in six months then throw it out! Or as I like to do, donate it!
I feel as if I have been purging my house for several years now and 'stuff' keeps reproducing itself. All of this 'stuff' keeps me pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with its existence. I guess you could liken it to my christian walk, when I am consumed by worry, negative thoughts, and 'keeping up with the Jones's' attitude I spend my time pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with who I am and who I am not.
It is time to give another HURRAH! to purging my house so that I may expend my energy on what God has for me rather than dreading each day because of the 'stuff' which greets me when I wake up. There is some truth to 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' because when you don't have earthly belongings weighing you down you free up time and energy to use as God would have you use to assist in His mission for your life!
I ask myself, why do we have so much 'STUFF'??? How much of this 'STUFF' do I really need or use??? I am reading a book concerning the poverty devastation throughout this world and I am trying to look at my belongings with a new perspective. In gearing up for today's 'Operation Bedroom Clean-out' I have been asking God to lead me to keep only what I truly need. I have considered using the rule 'if I haven't used it in six months then throw it out! Or as I like to do, donate it!
I feel as if I have been purging my house for several years now and 'stuff' keeps reproducing itself. All of this 'stuff' keeps me pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with its existence. I guess you could liken it to my christian walk, when I am consumed by worry, negative thoughts, and 'keeping up with the Jones's' attitude I spend my time pre-occupied, laden down and discouraged with who I am and who I am not.
It is time to give another HURRAH! to purging my house so that I may expend my energy on what God has for me rather than dreading each day because of the 'stuff' which greets me when I wake up. There is some truth to 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' because when you don't have earthly belongings weighing you down you free up time and energy to use as God would have you use to assist in His mission for your life!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
My Thoughts on the First Ten Chapters of THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL
So, I have been asked to sum up in 100 words (or less or more) the book I am reading, THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL by Richard Stearns.
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision, a well known faith based relief organization serving, well, the whole world. Mr. Stearns life testimony begins with a troubled childhood and a decision he made to rise above the poverty and alcoholism he experienced as a child. His young adulthood was spent in colleges and universities as he evolved into an intellectual who felt he didn't need God.
God did become a part of Mr. Stearns's life in his mid to late twenties and he went on to have a successful business life and family of his own. His transition to president of World Vision is preceded by a grown man huddled in bed sobbing midday because he does not want to make a decision he senses God is asking him to make.
That was just the intro! The meat of the book is the most convicting, how do you view, what do you do to relieve, and what do you perceive as God's desire for us to soften the bitter sting of poverty around the world? As president of World Vision, Mr. Stearns has seen poverty at its cruelest measure.
Where do faith and assistance meet? It is so easy for us Americans to view poverty as their choice or just a way of life that we want to avoid at all cost. According to Mr. Stearns it goes much deeper than just wrong choices people have made. In Mr. Stearns own words, "These precious human beings created in God's image have been left behind and cast on the garbage dump of history by circumstances they cannot change. We must never say it is their fault. How dare we?"
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision, a well known faith based relief organization serving, well, the whole world. Mr. Stearns life testimony begins with a troubled childhood and a decision he made to rise above the poverty and alcoholism he experienced as a child. His young adulthood was spent in colleges and universities as he evolved into an intellectual who felt he didn't need God.
God did become a part of Mr. Stearns's life in his mid to late twenties and he went on to have a successful business life and family of his own. His transition to president of World Vision is preceded by a grown man huddled in bed sobbing midday because he does not want to make a decision he senses God is asking him to make.
That was just the intro! The meat of the book is the most convicting, how do you view, what do you do to relieve, and what do you perceive as God's desire for us to soften the bitter sting of poverty around the world? As president of World Vision, Mr. Stearns has seen poverty at its cruelest measure.
Where do faith and assistance meet? It is so easy for us Americans to view poverty as their choice or just a way of life that we want to avoid at all cost. According to Mr. Stearns it goes much deeper than just wrong choices people have made. In Mr. Stearns own words, "These precious human beings created in God's image have been left behind and cast on the garbage dump of history by circumstances they cannot change. We must never say it is their fault. How dare we?"
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Eclectic AND Rare
As is evidenced by the not so numerous number of posts in my blog I am not only an eclectic thinker but also a rare thinker. It would appear that I do not have very many thoughts over a course of time but alas I have written many blogs in my head and thought of numerous ideas to blog about, once again in my head. The reason why they are not found on here is because I lack the discipline to sit down and actually write and post. If the truth be known I would rather find myself curled up in bed sleeping or at the least lying on the couch falling asleep to something random on the television. There you have it, my secret is out.
There are very few things that I like to make decisions about. I am constantly second guessing myself and I oftentimes create 'piles' of stuff to put away later. After all, what if I change my mind as to where I put it and it is not the right place? Why can't I just leave everything in arms reach just in case I need it right away? I have never made the claim that I am intelligent or well-organized, however, I do feel as if I am a misguided perfectionist and since I believe that perfection is not acheivable then why put any effort into it. An error filled way of thinking, I know.
Well, enough said! I have a decision to make, get up and get to work around the house or go back to bed. I believe I need to go lay down in order to make this huge decision and maybe I will be back on to blog about my day, or maybe not!
There are very few things that I like to make decisions about. I am constantly second guessing myself and I oftentimes create 'piles' of stuff to put away later. After all, what if I change my mind as to where I put it and it is not the right place? Why can't I just leave everything in arms reach just in case I need it right away? I have never made the claim that I am intelligent or well-organized, however, I do feel as if I am a misguided perfectionist and since I believe that perfection is not acheivable then why put any effort into it. An error filled way of thinking, I know.
Well, enough said! I have a decision to make, get up and get to work around the house or go back to bed. I believe I need to go lay down in order to make this huge decision and maybe I will be back on to blog about my day, or maybe not!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Is the grass greener over there?
I have been sequestered into the corner at one end of my kitchen table, my back to the wall and my house before me in need of a good cleaning. My mom and niece, Alyssa, have been out visiting for the past ten days and my mom has definitely helped keep me up with dishes and laundry and for that I am very thankful. It is now the paper clutter, the toys and the what-nots that have been allowed to remain in place where they have been for several weeks now. How I wish Mary Poppins would come visit me, snap her fingers and sing her tune and everything would return to or create a place for themselves and my house would be clean for a change. A girl can dream can’t she!
How I wish for the decent spring days to come and settle on this frozen North Coast. (I am still following the same thought, just stay with me.) I am envious of those who speak of sunshine, warmth, and enjoying the outdoor activities that I can only dream of at this time; just like I am envious of those who possess the secret of keeping their houses spotless or at least decent enough for company. It would appear that the grass is greener on the other side of my fence, however, I have come to the conclusion that the grass over there isn’t any greener than mine I have just refused to look at my own grass and see it’s greenness over here.
Would I love to switch my pasture to one that isn’t known for its snow and freezing winter temperatures, absolutely! I would also love to switch occupational pastures now that I have graduated from college. However, I am working to be content where God has placed me (us) so that I do not miss out on any opportunity to ‘grow’. I would like to stop looking at ‘obstacles’ as mountains and more as opportunities for God to show me (us) His ability to work miracles.
How I wish for the decent spring days to come and settle on this frozen North Coast. (I am still following the same thought, just stay with me.) I am envious of those who speak of sunshine, warmth, and enjoying the outdoor activities that I can only dream of at this time; just like I am envious of those who possess the secret of keeping their houses spotless or at least decent enough for company. It would appear that the grass is greener on the other side of my fence, however, I have come to the conclusion that the grass over there isn’t any greener than mine I have just refused to look at my own grass and see it’s greenness over here.
Would I love to switch my pasture to one that isn’t known for its snow and freezing winter temperatures, absolutely! I would also love to switch occupational pastures now that I have graduated from college. However, I am working to be content where God has placed me (us) so that I do not miss out on any opportunity to ‘grow’. I would like to stop looking at ‘obstacles’ as mountains and more as opportunities for God to show me (us) His ability to work miracles.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!!
I now understand what a great accomplishment it is for a couple to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. One can be assured that it wasn't 50 years of wedded bliss, or a ride on cloud nine. It would be unreal to say that a marraige that survived for 50 years was without its difficulties.
No I haven't just attended an anniversary party nor can I think of a couple who has recently celebrated a 50th anniversary. I draw this conclusion by looking at my own marraige and its measley, almost, 13 year length. My husband and I have come across some very rocky terrain, cut trails through some overgrown jungles when the thoughts of 'throwing in the towel' were entertained if only for a moment. I have had to learn that there is more in this life than just me, and God strengthens us to persevere through the darkest of times.
There should be a book written about these couples that endure each other for 50 long years. Their secrets should be documented and framed for those of us who are mere newlyweds compared to them. On April 4th of this year my husband and I will reach our 13th wedding anniversary which means we have only 37 more years to go to reach the golden 50. It seems like a lifetime away, and many things can happen during those years to turn a marraige sour. Our story has yet to be written. I am left holding the hand of God and praying for my husband, praying for our marraige and praying that God will guide me to be the wife my husband needs me to be.
No I haven't just attended an anniversary party nor can I think of a couple who has recently celebrated a 50th anniversary. I draw this conclusion by looking at my own marraige and its measley, almost, 13 year length. My husband and I have come across some very rocky terrain, cut trails through some overgrown jungles when the thoughts of 'throwing in the towel' were entertained if only for a moment. I have had to learn that there is more in this life than just me, and God strengthens us to persevere through the darkest of times.
There should be a book written about these couples that endure each other for 50 long years. Their secrets should be documented and framed for those of us who are mere newlyweds compared to them. On April 4th of this year my husband and I will reach our 13th wedding anniversary which means we have only 37 more years to go to reach the golden 50. It seems like a lifetime away, and many things can happen during those years to turn a marraige sour. Our story has yet to be written. I am left holding the hand of God and praying for my husband, praying for our marraige and praying that God will guide me to be the wife my husband needs me to be.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
New Years Thoughts
Here I sit, poised and ready to type, doing semi-circles in my rotating desk chair hoping to stir something up from the bottom of my thoughts. Not only is it a new year as in 2011 but it is also the beginning of my 37th year on earth, mind you I am only turning 36 today. The idea of forming new habits and new goals is still fresh in my mind from the New Year celebrations which have been archived less than two weeks ago.
My house sits in need of attention, I am barely scraping by on good parenting, and my mind is filled of warmer temperatures and sunshine filled skies. My award winning question for the new year is, "Lord what do you have for me (us)?" I have a list of things I want to do and a litany of things I don't want to be stuck doing.
Well this post has stretched my mind enough for the hour. I still have one child to usher off to school and I sit here forcing my eyelids to stay open.
My house sits in need of attention, I am barely scraping by on good parenting, and my mind is filled of warmer temperatures and sunshine filled skies. My award winning question for the new year is, "Lord what do you have for me (us)?" I have a list of things I want to do and a litany of things I don't want to be stuck doing.
Well this post has stretched my mind enough for the hour. I still have one child to usher off to school and I sit here forcing my eyelids to stay open.
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