Reading and relating to stories with a real desire to know not just any god but ultimately the true and living God found only in the person of Jesus Christ, the Savior.
Do Not Be Deceived!
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." -Jesus (Matthew 7:15)
My Family...the Writers and so much more.
The love for writing has been captured in my daughter Jeri. Actually my love for flowers, creativity, writing, pondering and simplicity are all quite reflective in who she is. Now she would like to share her thoughts with you. You can visit her at http://thebasketofflowers.blogspot.com/
Why Write?
Someone asked me the other night why do I write on my blog. Two reasons...First, for myself. It is a way for me to consider my thoughts. I may not have all the answers but I am certainly searching for them. Secondly, I write for my daughters. I plan to have these memoirs turned into a book someday. Then when the day comes that I am no longer physically with them my girls can read my thoughts, the things I pondered, what I believed, how I struggled, who I loved and what I hated. And in reading they will know me and know my ways. Kinda like the Bible.
It's been a few months since I wrote...that is a slight indication of how busy I have been.
But I have to share a moment I just had with Jorgie.
Good old Jorgie. My four year old. That says it all right there.
Jorgie is going through a time of growth...mentally, physically, emotionally,
behaviorally and most of all spiritually. She is having to endure the consequences of...
simply put...bad behavior. Shocked!!! Don't be. We are born sinners. We have to be taught good. We are born with a desire to do wrong and little Ms. Jorgie is no different. But as I rubbed her back while she fell asleep I couldn't help but be grateful for the moment I was having with her...and yes, the moments that led up to it.
You see Jorgie was doing what she does best right now...throwing fits!! She doesn't get what she wants...she throws a fit. This time was no different. So I tried to sit her down for a moment but her fit just grew and then eventually grew into hitting me, pulling my hair and telling me I was "bad." So as she endured her "reward" for that she finally started to calm down. I began to give her a bath, get her dressed, read her a Bible story, lay her in bed, talk with her, pray with her, sing to her, hold her and then eventually kissed her as she fell asleep. Do you know how much time it took to carry that "moment" out? Quite a bit! Had I been to busy to truly love my daughter I would have missed that moment to teach, to discipline, to love, to talk, to hold, to pray, to guide and to forgive. That moment was just as much for Jorgie as it was for me. I am so grateful God has given me the time to really raise my daughters. I have been given the time to do all God has commanded me to that is required in caring for and raising children. Is it hard? Yes! Do I "love" these teachable, revelation filled moments? Not while I am going through it. It is when it is finished that I feel the rest and the benefit. There are many lessons learned tonight. I have a grateful heart unto my God who has granted the steps of my life to learn these lessons!
The girls have been very busy since the beginning of summer...here is just a small glimpse of the "Goings-On."
First we have the girls, helping mom, babysit Serena's adorable twins EJ & Frankie while mama got some much earned R&R.
Next we dressed up like "Cow's" for Chickfila's Annual Customer Appreciation Day with the Vasquez and Flores Families. It was a lot of fun and we got to eat some delicious food!
Early summer we went to visit my long time dear, dear friend Betty Dovalina and her little miracle...Jeffery! Betty has the most special place in my heart. She gave me a chance when I needed it and chance turned into a treasured friendship. We have been friends over twenty years. Betty has seen the hand of Jesus transforming clay from brokenness to beauty. What a sweet, sweet friend!
July 4th we turned our attentions to the flag and foundations of our country. We made a beautiful flag cake with the Flores Family. We read, ate treats and made American Flags as we celebrated the birth of our nation and the freedoms we have in the United States. Thank you Lord for the mercies you have shown to our country. Forgive us for not living out your ways and help us to turn our hearts to you so our land may be healed and you may receive all the glory.
Jorgie having some cooling off summer time swimming with "Old Faithful"...her long time buddy...Athan. How sweet these little ones have each other and build such sweet memories. Truly friends!
May brought my dear brother and his precious family to San Antonio. Although we were happy to see them we wished it would had been for better reason for them to make their visit to SA from Oxford, Mississippi. Sadly, Sadie, Lexy and Little John had to come because their sweet mom passed away. It was such a hard loss. I know I will always remember their mamma and I know these kids are blessed to know where she is. This is a photo of most of the cousins as we watched fireworks at Fiesta Texas then we took pictures with area Firefighters. Love you kids.
In May Jeri was awarded the first place prize for winning, regional and state in the local Immigration Council's Annual 5th grade Essay Writing Contest. This years topic was "Why I am Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants." She was
nervous to read her poem in front of 900 immigrants being sworn in as American Citizen but in the end she rose to the challenge and was successful. I am so super proud of her! :)
Jamie also found herself exploring new territory. In May she interviewed and was accepted to partake in the Blue Jay Volunteer Program at Methodist Hospital. She is amazing. She has escorted patients all over the hospital, worked in Labor & Delivery, Gift Shop, Information Desk, SICU and now she is on the "Popcorn Committee." Next week she stands in for her boss while she is on vacation. Jamie is growing in time management and responsibility, which were my goals for her through this program. Love it!!!
Jorgie was busy too! Ever keeping us on our toes, this time she was busy making the perfect Father's Day Gift for Daddy! She made a striking tie for Daddy to wear and she posed for a picture in front of a mural that has her orange hand print in the design. Love you "Jorga"...we will be celebrating your 4th birthday very soon. Our lives are fuller because you are in them. What kind of family would we be without you? I shutter at the thought!
Finally the girls and I were given some sweet Missions Tickets to see San Antonio's Minor League Baseball Team. So we set out on a Sunday evening to watch our first ever Missions game...and it was soooooooo much fun. We can't wait to do it again! Thanks Nana, Popo and Marcus!
There are several books on my summer reading list for 2011. They range from a variety of topics covering everything from Biblical Womanhood to Homeschooling, to seeing the Tolerated Sin within ourselves all the way to a rising debate on Heaven and Hell.
I find this a great book....but highly controversial. Their approach to biblical womanhood and femininity is precise and truthful but it is a hard message to swallow. I would recommend this book. I would caution, however, that loads of grace is required! Grace for yourself and grace to give.
2. Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson. I have not read this book yet. I am looking forward to seeing what the husband of a homeschooling wife has to say, not mention his perspective as a father of homeschooling children. As a woman, be it that I homeschool, or am a wife, or a friend or whatever my disposition may be I tend to be easily influenced by many things. I guess that is why I am a daughter of Eve. And left to myself many of the things I ponder can take deep root into my heart. And without any fault of my own, completely innocent many of these things can be outright lies and deceptions. I am eager to read through these pages the lies Satan has tried to pour into my life to keep me from seeing the Truth of my Lord.
3. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges is our current Titus 2 book of the month selection. We will be discussing this one in August. I have read this before but am delighted to read it again. It is a MUST read message for every believer today. The message of the Gospel is a message for Sinners... it is a message for Me! Mr. Bridges has a simple way to make the everyday, learned believer that we are not immune to sin and are in need of the Gospel just as much today as in the day when we first believed. As a matter of fact the closer we come to Jesus the more profoundly we should be able to see the subtle everyday sin that lingers in our heart. The problem is that we have become used to it, never the less, it is still a stench to the LORD.
4. Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free
by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Cresh. I am currently skimming through this one to read along side my daughter Jamie. Jamie is 14 years old and very innocent minded. God has been gracious in guiding us to kept her pure in so many areas of her being. This book is loaded with Truth. It speaks to todays young ladies and the struggles they encounter. I would urge caution with those of you who have daughters who are not to familiar sexual sin, abuse and other things that target young ladies today. This book exposes the lies of Satan and brings the remedy of God Truthful Word to heal many who have been wounded by the deceptions and standards that are so easily accepted as normal today.
5. & 6. Now these two next books are truly the center of my reading right now. I stumbled across the title Love Wins by Rob Bell while listening to a message at the web site of Ravi Zacharias. After reading and listening to the commentary I immediately wanted to read this book for myself. I started researching this book more and more and my initial thoughts were becoming more confirmed...the message in Love Wins is a partial truth. It has scriptures quoted and biblical story accounts but the conclusion he comes to is a modern message. It is not in line with the traditional teachings of old...which is partly his argument. He is trying to tell his reader that maybe what we have been taught for so many years about heaven and hell is NOT really what Jesus meant. He is trying to build a case to state that after we die nobody will really be sent to hell after all because the love of God is so great it conquers banishing anyone to hell.
BUT God's timing is always perfect...while researching Love Wins I received an email that Erasing Hell the newest book by Francis Chan was being released the following day. Now I have to admit...I know many, many people love Mr. Chan but I am more reserved. Only because I think his message in Crazy Love can cause feeble minds to focus on how much God loves us that we can fail to recognize that the wonderful God that loves us so very much is also a God who desired to pour out His wrath on us. I know the latter part of that statement is something not many people desire to associate with such a loving God but it is Truth and is displayed in the crucifixion of His beloved Son...Jesus.
Now after watching a video from Francis Chan about Erasing Love I went and bought the book and started reading it. I have not put it down, I agree with his thoughts... after all they are all based in scripture. Now I have to admit I have never had an in-depth study of heaven and hell. But I believe God is starting to give me understanding on the topics of heaven and hell as I research/read these two books and study Gods Word. I think it is important to weigh how scripture is taught against scripture itself and wait on the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. In a time when many people say they believe in God and even associate themselves as followers of Christ, I think it is important to know exactly who this God is that we say we follow. All you and I can do is weigh the evidence. Do this by studying history, reading books and really studying the Bible. I know there are many "God loving people" who don't believe that God would cast anyone to hell but read why he says that would happen. Read in His Word why He says that has to happen. After a thorough study Of Isaiah last year in BSF I have come to believe we can never truly even begin to capture a glimpse of God's true love for us until we understand and come to terms with His Wrath toward sin.
I also want to say I have gained a new appreciation for Mr. Chan. :)
This is an MSNBC interview between Martin Bashir and Love Wins author Rob Bell about Rob's overall message in Love Wins. Notice how Mr. Bell squirms while trying to dodge answering Mr. Bashir's questions. But even more fascinating then that is watch Mr. Bashir try to make an argument against Mr. Bell in defense of the true Gospel Message. WOWSERS!!!! I don't know where Mr. Bashirs religious loyalties lie but I do know as a journalist he is being politically correct. If we live in a time where any other religion can be given the liberties to stand on whatever they believe then Christianity has the same right to stand on what it believes to be truthful according to the Word of God without change or compromise...and Mr. Bashir is setting a platform for that. Way to Go Martin!
I hope you will grow in all godliness and be encouraged by the greatness of God's character. When we study topics like heaven and hell we can question our faith. We are apt to turn from a God who would "punish." But remember God desires that all, you and me and everyone in between, would turn to him in repentance. That we as a sinful people, that you or me, as sinners would turn to Him and receive the forgiveness and healing our lives so desperately need.
On a personal note...I was saved rather young, made a declaration for Christ in my twenties but was truly converted in my thirties. As a youngster I was "invited to church" by a church goer. I heard of hell, was afraid and said a prayer. But I never knew God. As a young woman I did the same thing but this time I started to read my Bible but I fell in love with the message of how much God loved me and how wonderful I was! Yet, I still was hateful with Ramiro, a horrible mother, selfish, rude...you name it! I never exhibited or yielded any fruit of the Spirit and I never yielded fruit that bore witness that I was truly remorseful. Then four years ago I heard the Gospel message that I am a sinner and all that it entails and I was truly sorrowful and for the first time in my conversion I began to be transformed. You see I could never truly understand God's great, great love for me until I understood what I was...a sinner...and what I deserved...God's wrath. And when I realized Jesus stood in front of me to take my deserving punishment in stead of me...oh how grateful and thankful I became. In all honesty I was never thankful for the gift of Jesus because I never understood what it was he really did.
Great Expectations a message from Stephen Davey from Wisdom for the Heart.Heard this message while I was cleaning the girls classroom in preparations for the upcoming week. And you know I am glad I listened. I have many expectations in my life. I have also had expectations that have failed or never came to pass which have caused such great disappointment that sometimes it is simply easier to not expect anything at all. But I have also seen many of my expectations met. And I have been blind sighted by both good and bad expectations. But currently this message helps because right now I am hoping, preparing and expecting to have another baby before I get to old. I am 37 years old. To God it is young but to man that is maybe...a bit past child bearing years. In June 2009 I had a miscarriage. I remember it quite well. Recently a friend of mine had found out unexpectantly she was pregnant. I remember telling her, "I hope it happens like that for me! I have always planned my pregnancies." Well, it did. Shortly afterward I found out I was pregnant...but you know I wasn't happy and grateful like I thought I would be. I looked at our situation and thought this is not the time for another bay. I was ashamed! Well, a few weeks later I lost that baby. Now I am NOT a name it and claim it believer. I don't think I have so much power that I possess the ability to cause things to happen. I think God is Sovereign! Why that pregnancy was lost I do not know. But what did I learn...to simply trust God and His will for my life. So now I find myself in expectation again. Hoping that I will receive another chance to have another child. This message helps because whether that chance comes or not, God's will for my life, His love for me are so much better then what I can will for myself. I'm encouraged...I hope it encourages you too!
A Divided Heart, A Divided Home by Ravi Zacharias is part 1 of a 2 part series. This message has reminded Ramiro and I what is the most important assignment the Lord has given to us... our family. Please take time to listen to this timely message of truth and be renewed as we where after we heard it over and over!
They did a great job!!! And what was the goal, you may ask? Results!!! And boy did I see results today. The students got an "A" for effort, an "A" for participation and an "A" for academics. Sometimes these little projects we do with our homeschool children seem like a waste of time. We may tend to think to ourselves, what's this really going to accomplish? Or, I have so many other things to do, I really don't have the time to do this right now. Or we can do the next one. And yes it is true many times, there will usually be a next time. But I think it is important to take the moment by the horns and run with an opportunity. The things our youngsters learn is invaluable. They learn to communicate. They were asked to share the "story" of their project and how it came to life. They learned the life of the flowers and the deep history intwined within them. They learned to critically think. And what I mean by this is that they had to think critically by prioritizing the various jobs they needed to do. Surely they couldn't create until they had picked flowers. And they couldn't have researched until they gathered the flowers they were going to research. They learned (in a subliminal way) how to sequence events by whats important first. And that my friend is a skill they will need life long, doing the most important things first and then working your way down the list. Next they had a chance to put their creativity to practice. They used crayons, markers, fresh flowers, printed images, photos, laminating machines, contact paper and on and on. Over all they grew in leaps and bounds and I say, "BRAVO!!!!" Job well done!
It was an awesome experience. There must have been 400 volleyball teams from all over Texas and surrounding states last weekend at the dallas Convention Center. The courts went on and on. These girls were all 14 and they all came for one purpose... to win!
It was so exciting to see Jamie be apart of something so great. Her team arrived Friday afternoon and they played against four other teams on the same court. They were ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Jamie's team placed 2nd. From there they were placed in the winners bracket..woohoo!! Saturday they started playing but lost all their games. Going into Sunday it was win or go home. We went home. The competition was good. Her team fought but in the end it was a great experience. What does team sports achieve? I believe it has a great potential to achieve so much more then a competitive spirit or poor sportsmanship! I have seen great growth in Jamie. And for the first time all season I saw her try and try in her last game to win. It was the first time I saw her really make an extreme effort to rise above and fight the good fight, regardless of how it ended! Yes, there is a lot to learn. Commitment! She has learned to stay committed even when the team is losing and you want to quit! She is realizing that her mistakes don't make the game, neither do her achievements make the game! She works as a team with seven other girls to accomplish the same goal. So she is learning teamwork, a skill she will need as a wife, mother, nurse or friend. She is learning to be physically fit. Jamie has been working hard these past few months on her diet. She is finally becoming aware of what she is eating, how much and which foods fuel her or defeat her. She is growing a desire to try hard things. She wants to continue on in this sport and see how far she can go. And most of all she is learning to develop socially. She is growing more and more confident and less and less shy. She has grown some beautiful friendships with her sweet teammates. All the girls are uniquely different from one another and that has been great for Jamie. I think it is a valuable life lesson for Jamie to see that we are all different. We are created for different purposes by God. It has been a wonderful year in club volleyball for Jamie. We look forward to all the great things God does in her life through this sport.
Let’s fill in the blank. Jesus said, “In this life you will have all your requests granted.” No! Second Corinthians states that Paul asked three times to have some unknown torment removed, but the Lord refused. Rather then granting his desire the Lord gave Paul additional grace to help him in his weakness. Did Jesus say, “In this life you will be liked and appreciated, especially for your pursuit of righteousness?” No! In Acts 7:54 it states, “When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.” Who was furious, at whom and why? The Jewish people became furious at Stephen when He accused them (his fellow Jews) of nailing Jesus to the Cross and missing the Messiah. They did not like him. They hated him, so much so, they stoned him to death! In Luke 6:26 Jesus said, “Woe to you when men speak well of you, for this is how they treated the prophets.” So it’s not that.
There are so many things we “expect” in this life. We expect to have our prayers answered, and answered our way. We expect to be prosperous, including financially. We expect to be healed, after all doesn’t the scriptures say, “That what so ever you ask in the name of Jesus will be granted?” We expect so much in this temporal and momentary life. But the one thing Jesus said that I WILL have in this life is trouble! As a matter of fact, these are His exact words, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
You see I need to read scriptures like these. I need to be reminded that it is his purposes for my life that will be unfolded.
In Isaiah 46: 9-10 the Sovereign Lord says,
“Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is to come.
‘I say: My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.”
You see, today I have had a rough day. It has actually been a rough few weeks.
I feel silly admitting my weakness (but I want to be ranked among those as Paul) especially when I just wrote on my blog a few days ago... Lord let me have a Christian home. A home where the mommy teaches the Bible and teaches her children to love it. Well today I was not an example of that. In all honesty, had the humility factor not shown up this would have been leverage for my girls to turn from the Bible. Before the night ended and they settled into their beds I gathered my daughters and read 1John 1: 8-10 with them and really emphasized vs. 9.
It states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.”
So with my daughters I confessed my sin of anger and frustration combined with unkind words. As I sat there and asked for their forgiveness I was humbled yet disappointed in my failure. As I cried and received their forgiveness and prayers I realized the things that are occurring in my life are all planned and purpose by the Sovereign Lord for whatever reason. I may never know the reasons but I can trust that He will grant me peace. I know if I really wanted to be stubborn I can make things happen. I could change the way the things are in my life. God would allow me to go my way and follow the way that seems right to me only to learn that it is His ultimate will that will be achieved.
So I write tonight because I have a heavy heart. Somedays are just hard. Life is hard. Jesus said, “In this life you will have trouble!” Expect it!
I can’t help but question why? Is it because of Satan...perhaps? Is it because of sin...maybe? Is it because of this fallen world we live in...possibly? Have I done something wrong...more then likely? But regardless of the reasons why trouble is in my life or in your life...it is all granted, allowed and purposed by the Sovereign Lord and somehow...that is comforting.
Before I close I want to end with a scripture about the Sovereignty of God and many scriptures of the tribulations promised to the children of God.
Isaiah 48: 17
This is what the Lord says-
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.”
Acts 14: 21-22
Then they (Paul and Barnabas) returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain in the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Roman 5: 3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
1 Thessalonians 3: 1-4, 6-7
So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way as you well know. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because or your faith.
Life is not easy! The Lord never promised it would be. He promised to be with us, to never leave us, to see us through it, to grant us peace, comfort and grace. He will strengthen his people and he will not leave us without hope.
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." Who is? ME?!! Just what does that mean? Why salt? After learning a little more about this today in BSF I walked away with a deep desire to be a "Salty Lady" and to surround myself with other "Salty Ladies."
Salt is so much more then a seasoning. Yes, it enhances and brings out flavor. Most of my suppers would not be eaten if salt were not added. It also acts as a perservative and protects. But what struck me most about salt is that it creates thirst. Have you ever noticed that? Well just go suck on a Chinese Candy and I guarantee you will soon be looking for a pitcher of water!
In Isaiah 55 the Lord summons an invitation to all who are "thirsty" to come to Him and receive His waters, wine and milk. What beautiful metaphors here. The water signifies salvation, the wine is a picture of joy and a zest for life and the milk represents nourishment. All of these given by the Lord for us to drink of when we come to Him "thirsty." He freely gives them to us without cost and I am so grateful He does. There is not enough money in the world that could pay for the salvation, joy and nourishment that He provides for weary souls.
But see in Isaiah 55:1 He calls the "thirsty." Well in the New Testament Jesus made various references to thirst as well. Just take a look:
-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
-Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:13-14)
-On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38)
-The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
All of these are references to those who are thirsty and an invitation to drink free of charge.
You see what we truly thirst for is salvation, whether we know it or not. We go here and there looking for something to satisfy the unquenchable thirst. We turn drugs, money, success, vanity, sex in an attempt to satisfy our thirst. But just as easy as the thirst is quenched it once again returns. Why? Because there is only one remedy for those who "thirst." The finished work of Jesus on that Cross. Once you drink His water of salvation you never thirst for anything to momentarily satisfy. Once you drink His wine nothing else will ever bring you joy. Knowing that your sins are eternally forgiven and you can start anew brings a zest and joy for living. Just ask a woman who has had an abortion then receives the forgiveness from the Lord after drinking from His fountain. She can live again with joy instead of sorrow and despair. Once we drink from His waters, His salvation brings us the nourishment to grow and to learn His ways to live both here, in the land of the living, and in eternity to come. Only He can nourish us in such a way.
But back to salt!! Jesus said you and I were the salt of the earth. And salt creates thirst. And that is what we want in order for people to come to Jesus. They need to be thirsty. So how does this happen. It happens by creating the thirst in them. Does your life let off salt? Does your relationship with the Lord let off enough saltiness that those around you begin to thirst? Do they start looking for something to drink by your example? Do they begin to be challenged by your convictions and standards? Then you are a "Salty Lady!" See we, I, want to be that salt of the earth Jesus spoke of. When people, my children, my husband look at my life I want them to begin to desire something of what is within me. That is the flow of the living waters Jesus spoke of. It is actually the Holy Spirit they are starting to thirst for when they see something good and worth desiring in me? The way you handle difficult situations can create thirst in another. The way you speak to your children and love your husband creates thirst. And a big one...suffering...the way you and I handle suffering and trials creates thirst as well. Do you give God glory when trying things happen in your life? Or do you whine and complain? Do you accept His Sovereignty for all things and trust in Him or do you doubt and wonder where is God? The way we react to how God unfolds our life will either turn people to the Lord or push them further away. They will become thirsty for something but for what will that be...we want that to be the Lord.
Another thing about thirst, sometimes we don't even know we are thirsty until we see a drink. Think about it. How many times are you sitting on the sofa watching television and you are fine until you see that commercial for a Coke or a Lemonade? The next thing you know you are thirsty? You would have never known you were thirsty had you not been stimulated. The same is true in life. Many, many people are walking around spiritually dehydrated. They are thirsty and don't even know it. But once they see your lived out Christian life you have the ability to cause them to realize they are thirsty. Are you going to give them a thirst for something that satisfies? Are you willing to be the salt of the earth? Are you a Salty Lady?" With Jesus we will never thirst again.
Phileo,
Patsy
Looking through my hymn book the other day I came across this modern day hymn.
B.B. McKinney wrote God, Give Us Christian Homes.
I love the words penned in this music sheet.
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught, and where the Master's will is sought.
Yes, may I grow more and more diligent to teach my family to love the Bible and live it. And may we all grow a deep desire to live our lives to please the Lord and not ourselves.
Homes where the Father is true and strong.
Homes where the mother is caring and desires to show your way is best.
Homes where the children are led to know the Lord.
How accurate! A home where we all fit into our proper roles and we function best in it.
Oh Father may this be more then a beautiful hymn I have come across. May this be the lived out reflection of my hearts's desire. Help me to accomplish such a great and honored task. And the many, many places I fall short, help me to have the grace and strength to endure?
In your name Jesus. Amen.
Is this the cry of your heart too? Is this your home? Do you desire it to be? Turn to the One who is able to grow the things that dreams are made of. The One who can turn a life of wrongs into a life of rights. Repentance is always the key. And Jesus is always the door that opens to the Way!
Phileo,
Patsy
This was an absolutely great lesson. My girls are learning the Book of Proverbs this year for their Bible Curriculum. We use the AMO Enrichment Guide with the New King James Bible and it has been an excellent resource for learning the book of Wisdom. Today's study was this simple format: Key Word
Conduct (noun): personal behavior; manner of acting or conducting yourself. Principle
The conduct of the young child builds the man. Memory Verse
It is by his deeds that a youth distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right. (Proverbs 20:11)
After we learned the Key Word we took a few minutes to write down what we believe our current conduct to be. The girls were very accurate in their self perceptions. They didn't think to highly of themselves, nor did they think themselves things they were not. For instance Jamie was right on when she said she was happy, kind and giving. Yet she was also right when she said she was selfish and mean. Jeri shared that she tends to be selfish and silly, yet she is also funny and nice. Yes, these accurately desribe my daughters' behaviors'. They were able to identify what kind of "conduct"...behavior they have, both good and bad. They see they don't always behave with acts of kindness, love and obedience. They tend to want to behave in ways that are comforting to them usually resulting in acts of selfishness and meanness. Had we stopped there the lesson would have looked hopeless. But we continued on and learned the Principle of this lesson and WOW!"The behavior we develop as children builds us into the man/woman we will one day be. We took some more time to write down what we hoped to be built into someday. And the girls said some hopeful things. Jeri said she hopes to be built into a woman who serves, loves, is nice, gives to others, not selfish, doesn't get angry, listens and as does what others ask of her, and is calm. Jamie said she wanted to one day be a woman who was nice, follower of Jesus, skinny (not really a conduct issue) and gentle & quiet. I am hopeful for them. You see I didn't have the insight's they have when I was a child. The adult I grew into was straight out of the child I was. I became a grown woman full of selfishness, jealousy, anger, pride, arrogance and conceit. Yes, I was kind and nice. But that was not the essence of who I was and wanting to be. I had no desire to follow the way of righteousness because I didn't know what the right ways were. The Book of Proverbs and the Bible itself tells us what the right ways are. Gods way of growing things, doing things and becoming the way He desires are all found throughout His Word. I didn't know them or Him because I didn't know His Word. So I behaved the way I wanted and did what I thought was right. The Bible says "There is a way that seems right to a man but the end of that way leads to death." That was the way I was headed and my "conduct" proved it. But what grace God has shown to me and my children. At age 37 he is reshaping and building inside me a new way and better way of doing things and being. And I am changing from that old person I used to be into a new person that God desires. And you know what? My daughters are reaping the rewards. As children (young children) they are learning Gods way of proper behavior and decision making. They are learning wisdom and seeing it expressed in their choices and desires. I am so thankful the road for them does not resemble mine. And I am so grateful He is giving them a desire for Godliness, and they are accepting it! Amazing grace!!!
Indeed!!! Great life lesson learned.
Phileo,
Patsy
Congratulations to Jamie on bringing home the GOLD!!!! Yesterday Jamie played in a Volleyball Tournament in Lockhart, TX where her Volleyball Club Team... The San Antonio Pumas (14 year old girls) won first place. Her team played three games and won all three. They went on to the championship round to play for first and second place. It was an exciting, yet heart-racing, game to watch. They endured to the end and walked away the CHAMPIONS!!! What thrill and joy at the effort of accomplishment. Nothing feels as good as trying your best and reaping the rewards. Challenges are never easy, in fact the essence of a challenge is difficulty, but when you try and try with all your best effort, challenges are worth every ounce of difficulty they bring. It produces more then tiredness. It reaps forth the fruit of accomplishment. The understanding that hard things can be done. The self realization that perhaps "maybe I do have what it takes." Yes, nothing good ever comes easy. But the hard things are worth fighting for. And the fruit it bears is worth all the effort. Way to Win Girls!!
The girls are now day eleven into their science experiment. Remember they are speaking positive words to cooked rice in one jar and then speaking negative words to cooked rice in another jar. And you know what....this little experiment has got me thinking. Anybody who really knows me knows that I am a deep thinker. Sometimes maybe even too deep. So last night I got to thinking about a book I recently read called War of Words by Paul David Tripp. This book is one of the best books I could recommend besides the Bible itself. I was thinking about a passage in the Bible that Mr. Tripp states as his source of reference.
Matthew 12:33-37 (New American Standard Bible)
Words Reveal Character
33"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; forthe tree is known by its fruit. 34"You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35"The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. 36"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. 37"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Jesus spoke these words. He was talking to people who thought their status and affluence would determine their holiness. The Pharisees looked the part, as do many of us. Wait let me make it personal, as do I. But Jesus had another standard to measure my sincerity. He measures me by my words and my actions!
Day 11 Still White
Day 11 Turning Black
Look at these jars, once opened the only thing that will come out is what is inside. For the jar that has been spoken to kindly, good white rice will come out. And for the jar that was been spoken to negatively, mold, bacteria and a stench will flow. There are no other options. Those are the only things that can come from them because that is what is contained in them. To me, these little jars represent the heart of man. My heart, your heart, every single created being. Now I don't want to get caught up on the external factors that cause negative and positive results within. Because we are dull sheep and we can easily be lead astray of the importance of the lesson. Yes, it is true! Many people are what life has made them to be...divorce, abuse, poverty are just a few of the factors that bring about rot. All of which are apart of what has shaped me.But even if that is true there is a greater Truth at work. You have the ability to determine how any external factor is going to influence your heart. Will you let the hurt from unkind words rot away at you? Or the hypocrisy of the foolish eat away at your heart? Will you allow your inability to forgive that very one who hurt you build bitterness within you? Or will you trust in the Savior? Trust in the above scripture? Face the fact that you cannot hide. Your words will always find you out and you will be measured you by them.
You see I'm passionate about this topic because it hits straight at my heart. It makes me face my sin! No matter what caused it. My sin of unforgiveness, reconciliation, extending mercy and grace. All of which the Lord commands me to do regardless of the situation.You can always tell what is in my heart by my face, my words and my actions. No matter how much I try to "fake" it I just can't. Why? Because Jesus Christ is so much more on to me then I know! But I need Jesus more and more. I need him to change my words! I need him to change my thoughts and I ultimately need him to change my heart. So that I may be the good man who brings out the good stored up in him. How about you?
Phileo,
Patsy
For more in-depth study read Matthew Henry's Commentary by clicking here
Every year Ramiro goes on a fast. He has been doing this since 2000. His fast's vary. Sometimes they last a few days and have lasted all the way to a full forty days. They consist of refraining from various things. Every time Ramiro goes on a fast the Lord is always faithful to speak and move in our lives. Although I have seen the hand of God through Ramiro seeking for Him through fasting, I have never had the determination, desire or discipline to join him. BUT...this year was different. For some time now I have felt a great need and desire to get healthy. My weight was skyrocketing and I felt awful. So in complete honesty I started a forty day fast with Ramiro on January 1st in an attempt to get healthy and lose weight. Up until January 16th it had pretty much been a cake walk. It was not hard to refrain from eating. I was simply just sticking to water, juice and broth and I was fine. BUT then the Lord spoke to me. You see inwardly, much more then my weight, I was struggling with unforgiveness and shame. The Lord told me I was hiding and embarrassed because of the falling out I had with another person. I could see how unhealthy and unwhole I was. I was walking with fear and I just didn't know how to let it go. I remember on Monday night, January 17th, standing at my sink, washing dishes, thinking about what was going on in my heart. I began to pray..."Lord I don't know what to do anymore. I am consumed by this. It has affected every area of my life and I just don't know how to let it go. I don't even know what it looks like to lay this situation down at your feet. All I know is that I am going to do it and trust you will somehow help me, because Jesus I need you. I really need you!" Well the very next morning I was doing my BSF homework and low and behold the answer to my prayer came. As I studied Isaiah 37: 9-17 I saw a word picture of King Hezekiah learning thru a message that the Assyrian army was coming to destroy Judah. With great fear he took the message and LAID it before the Lord in the temple and worshiped the Lord. To me, that was a picture of what it looks like to lay something down before the Lord. Needless to say, the Lord helped King Hezekiah and I was hopeful He would help me too. Two nights later, I followed my husbands lead and went to embrace the very people I feared. The Lord gave me courage, strength and humility to do what I needed to do to receive the healing I so desperately need to be healthy and whole. I needed to let go, trust God and forgive. But I could only do those things with the help of the Lord. As of today I feel so cleansed. The fear, the shame and guilt is gone. I am so thankful for God's greatness and for being my Lord. Well, needless to say I was encouraged to continue the fast BUT it got harder! It was harder to stay away from food. All I wanted to do was eat and I craved everything. Well I lasted until the 30th of Jan. Again the Lord spoke to me. After the 17th the fast became about losing weight not seeking Him. The Lord showed me to get healthy physically it was going to require hard work on my part, a sacrifice, which I was not willing to do because I'm...LAZY!!! But I realized I couldn't go on starving myself. I learned that I need to learn how to eat! I need to watch what I am putting in my mouth and how much!! And... I need to started exercising!!! So I am doing those things. It has been hard! But I determined to change my bad habits into good ones, get healthy and keep the weight off. All to the Glory of God!!!
Keep me in your prayers.
I need them.
Phileo,
Patsy
Isaiah 37: 9-17 9 Now Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah, the king of Cush, was marching out to fight against him. When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah with this word: 10 “Say to Hezekiah king of Judah: Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, ‘Jerusalem will not be given into the hands of the king of Assyria.’ 11 Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered? 12 Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my predecessors deliver them—the gods of Gozan, Harran, Rezeph and the people of Eden who were in Tel Assar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath or the king of Arpad? Where are the kings of Lair, Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah?”
Hezekiah’s Prayer
14Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.15And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD:16“LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.17Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.
Is it the Law or is it the Cross? Well my dear friend, may I humbly suggest, it is both! What is the Law? What is the Cross? Well I'm talking about the message of the Gospel. A message that is not heard in it's entirety much these days. You see right now, in the year 2011, the message the disciples preached and died for has changed! The message that Peter preached was the Law and the Cross!
Acts 2 (New Living Translation) Please read all of Acts 2, the following are the highlighted scriptures that I would like to emphasize.
Acts 2: 14, 22-24, 31-34, 36-40
14 Then Peter stepped forward with the elevenother apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.
22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene[d] by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, younailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip.
29“Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. 31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles[h]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”40 Then Petercontinued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
You see the message Peter preached was the Law...you are a sinner and He preached the Cross...repent of your sinfulness and receive the pardon Jesus died to give you!
And that is the message of the Gospel...Jesus Christ died on the Cross of Calvary for Law Breakers...whom are you and I. Unfortunately, many modern day preachers are not preaching this message! What I hear doesn't even sound like what Peter said! And isn't the Bible our example, our mirror, that we should look on at our reflection? And after we have seen our reflection and see that it doesn't look like the mirror...well then what do we do? Do we change the reflection or do we change the mirror??? Well, in today's society the mirror has been changed...the standard has been changed! Todays Gospel is no longer "Wretched Sinners that so desperately need a a Savior!", but rather "Hurting and Problem Filled People who Need a Savior to Make their life Meaningful and Happy." No where in Peter's message will you read that!!! Over and over he points to the Law to reveal the sin in each of us and then he points to the penalty for that sin which is death. He points to the one who paid for that sin...Jesus! He points to the guilty one who received the pardon... us! Finally he tells us what to do about it...repent and receive forgiveness!!!
We as a created people are sinners! We simply are! That is why we fail, we hurt people, including our own spouses and children! We lie and gossip! We hate and then pretend that we love! We steal and are never content! How many of us are swimming in debt, just so we can have what everyone else has? Is God the center of your life or is there something or someone else that you want more? Have you rested on the truth of what Jesus has done for you on that Cross? Well my friend, if you are guilty in any of these areas then you are guilty of them all...you are a Lawbreaker and your penalty is death! It doesn't sound like a loving and kind message BUT it is!! God loves us so much He is offering us a way out of our sinful condition! In our shallow minds we think that love is... give me my dreams and material prosperity! But the Lord says I want to give you something far greater...it's forgiveness that we so DESPERATELY need...so that we can really live! Will you accept the payment made by Jesus Christ for you? Will you humble yourself and repent and admit you are guilty and then receive the forgiveness and cleansing that Jesus offers!! This is the message of the Gospel! This is the truth! We need the Savior, I constantly need the Savior! The more I read my Bible and get closer to the Lord, the more sin I see and the more sin I see, the more I need to repent and receive forgiveness! It is a life long process but Jesus is faithful...lifelong!
May I say, my friend, there are no similarities between the the first message of the Gospel that Peter preached and the Gospel Message of the 21st Century! None! One removes our burden and the other places a stronger one! They are indeed two different messages...whom will you believe?
