Simple Joy

                          Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
                                                                                                                        Psalm 25:4-5

                           I read my Bible every day. I see it as a necessity. Just like eating and drinking. I need to read God's word.  Over time it can feel like a chore. I don't like admitting this but sometimes I get little flickers of feeling tired of reading the Bible. 
  
                           As of late, my joy has increased with diving into God's word. There is a fresh hunger and wide eyed wonder about scripture I have not felt in a while.  I'm getting a faint feeling of familiarity that I've written a post like this before. Oh well. At the beginning of this year God showed me a new way to reading His word. I used to read it a chapter at a time then write down what stood out to me and how I can apply what I read to my life. Now God showed me to read just a few verses at a time and stop when I feel I need to steep in what I read. It can be 5 verses to 20 before I stop and meditate on what I read. Reading the Bible like that has been so refreshing!

                            No matter your season in life. I won't list them. Literally you know where you are. If you feel like your joy in reading God's word has lost it's luster don't worry. Ask God to give you a joy for His word again. You see, it's not you that has to muster up the desire. God told us that we will become weary. Even young men get exhausted(Isaiah 40:30)! Remember, God is a joyful giver. Especially when it comes to a true desire for His word and Him.  






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The Thing about Knowledge

     

     

       Hey Everybody! Long time no see. 
      
          I have not thought about writing in this blog for a bit. With the holidays, work and everything in between, I just didn't feel like writing anything.

         God has been changing my heart.  I've been stepping back from Facebook and stopped stating my opinions on social media. God just really convicted me with the reality of having that entitlement of "I have something to say and it's really important that everyone listen." Ugh. I didn't think I'd ever get that. 
                                  
                                Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs us, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God. 
                                                    1 Corinthians 8:1-3

                             Knowledge puffs us. Hmm. That makes me think of a puff pastry. It looks good and sturdy, but once you cut into it, it crumbles all over the place. Love builds up. It's interesting that it doesn't say it's strong or sturdy. Why build? That means it's a continual process.  Love can get stronger.
                              When I learn something new I, at times, feel like an expert. Then my pride is popped and deflated when an actual expert on the subject comes along. No wonder God doesn't like pride; it's so full of...hot air. Think about it.  With knowledge you can say all these smart and witty things and make people in awe and wonder of what you know. The downfall is, you can't get close to some scholars. If their heart is full of pride they can't be honest and down-to-earth because their smart reputation has to be upheld. They can't be raw and vulnerable.

                               Here's the thing about love. Honestly I'm getting sick of the word itself. This whole love movement reminds me a lot of the hippie love. That shallow love is mushy and soft. Once you betray it, it will become a rabid wolf. That which boasted of tolerance instantly tears your throat out and leaves you to bleed out alone and bewildered. God's love is a completely different story. It's firm, strong and stable. His love is patient, kind, bears up under anything, always hopes and never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Those are some parts of God's love. 

                               Now the part about those who love God are known by God. What is that about? Doesn't God know us already? If you read Romans 8:29, and 1 John 3:2, John 3:16 and Matthew 7:21-23 you will see that we love Jesus when we turn from our sin and  surrender to Him as Lord and Savior. I'm not a Bible scholar but it seems that God knows us as a father knows his child. Sure you can know your neighbor's kids pretty good, but when it comes to your own child: you know them. 

                             Ultimately, God knows all. We don't know much. To love God and to be known by Him (for your soul to be saved) is the most important thing in the world. Everything else fades away.    
          

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The Condemned Man

            Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
                                                 James 2:13

                             The last week I was in Hobby Lobby with my oldest sister and my Mom. Browsing through the store I saw so many pictures I liked. There was a lot of "She/Her..."pictures and signs proclaiming the kind of woman you want to be or are. It hit me. I've never seen a picture or sign saying anything positive or good about men. I suddenly felt sick inside. There isn't really any type of encouraging messages out there for men. The only messages out there is demonizing them and condemning men of being lazy and slow witted and being guilty of abusing or misusing woman in some way. I don't want to jump on the band wagon of whats the popular topic. This however is tugging strongly at my heart.

                              O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
                                                                                   Psalm 3:1

                              I'm not defending the men who are guilty of these horrible acts of evil intent. I'm talking about the men who are honorable. Men of God. We are honorable women. God calls us to a higher standard than the world. With all these "Show men how much they need women" is unnecessary. I believe men see how much they need woman. The problem is not in that but in priorities.
                             The majority of men through history have looked down on women as the weaker sex. As sex objects and whatever else we were labeled. Then women through the first feminist wave gained the right to vote and be seen as equal through the years. Now with the tables turning women are looking at men as unnecessary and  sex crazed buffoons. What if women are part of that view point? What if women are a big factor in that belief? Look at what clothing is put out there for women to wear. Bathing suits. half naked and completely naked models. The movies, books, magazines, music. This society encourages women that sex sells. Our bodies are a tool by which to gain the means to higher power. Do you secretly believe that? I don't completely disagree with the #Metoo movement. As well, I don't completely agree with it either. There is a time and place for every activity under Heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1) There is a time and a place to tell someone that you've been abused or wronged in some way. I am coming from experience. Talking to my Grandma before her passing about how I've been abused so many years ago I told her that I want to know who my perpetrator was.
                       My Grandma told me; "would it really help if you knew? What if it brings more pain finding him?"
                         Frankly she was right. I have healed a lot and the desire to want to know who this guy was is gone. God has brought peace to my soul. What helped me is this man is not getting away with what he did. Sooner or later he will face the consequences for how he hurt me.

                       As women of noble character. God's daughters we need to honor our Father in every aspect of our lives. I think one big way is respecting the men in our lives. Encouraging them to continue to be honorable. To acknowledge we  notice. To challenge them kindly when to fight for the weak and defend the helpless. To encourage them to be defenders of women. You still want a man to fight for you don't you? Whether it be he stands up for you emotionally, physically and mentally.

                     When I was in my early twenties I was in a class that challenged myself and my class mates in understanding what we believe. There was a question that asked how we've been hurt as a teen and how that affected us. I shared my answer about a bunch of my peers ignoring and avoiding me as I tried to strike up conversation and join in with them. I quickly told my teacher that I was fine now and it doesn't bother me anymore (what a lie. It still did and does at times) My teacher grew angry. Not the screaming and crazy mad. I looked into his eyes and he looked back at me with a fire and passion told me...
                     "Don't ever say it doesn't bother you. It still does and it will always be with you."

                     He acknowledged my pain! I could see in his eyes that he was angry at the cruelty of those teenagers. As well, at how as much as he could guess; how it affected my view of myself.

                     In this growing worldly feminist run culture lets not get caught up quickly in things that sound good to our ears. If it means putting others down. In this case men. Let's ponder God's word and ask Him for wisdom in every thought we chew on and every action we take. Let's not quickly condemn men as all evil (technically we all are without Christ!) Let's walk confidently forward with mercy, kindness, respect and honor to all. 

                   

         
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To Assume

      

                   Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

                                                                                             1 John 4:1

                         I am guilty of assuming.  Assuming the worst in a situation. Assuming someone may be thinking one way when they're actually thinking another and most of all. I assume the future. 

                    "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"                                              declares the Lord. 

                    "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

                                                                      Isaiah 55:8-9

                  

                        The biggest assumption I have made in all my ignorance and naivete was to believe with all my heart that I was going to be married between the age of twenty to twenty-five. Once I turned twenty-six I was floored. I became angry at God and confused. God gave me a desire to marry and He told me to wait for my future husband at the age of thirteen.  I went to the extreme and believed that God was going to have me meet my future husband when I was old and way past child bearing years. 

                           I think what makes it especially hard is seeing friends from child hood married for years and have school age  kids now. As well, kids I taught when I was from my mid-teens to early twenties have been getting married and some have even started having kids. I began to assume I was doing something wrong to prevent marriage. I talked with God and cried so many bitter tears. 

                            I'm nearing the end of my twenty-seventh year. I know, I'm still young.  I see that now. In these past two years God has been cultivating my heart and breaking up the hard soil and planting lovely seeds of perspective. He's shown me that the goal in life is not to get married. The greatest goal a single or married person does is to get to know God more. To draw deeper in a relationship with Him. Here's a quote that has helped with keeping my priorities straight.  

                                  "Your greatest need is not a spouse. Your greatest need is to be delivered from the wrath of God-and that has already been accomplished for you through the death and resurrection of Christ. So, why doubt that God will provide a much, much lesser need?"

                                                -C.J. Mahaney

                            Some positive things I've noticed with the advantage of still being single and being a stay-at-home-daughter is being an adult around my parents my relationship with them is much stronger then when I was a child.  I've been able to smooth out bad things in my relationship with my sisters that have been faced and is healing! I have been able to draw closer to God in being single. Having the support from my family and friends (one friend in particular has been so encouraging and is excited to see what God will do in the midst of waiting!) . And the list goes on and on. I'm more content and in being single then I have ever been in my eleven years of serious waiting for my future husband. 

                             In closing, my main prayer through the years to God is that the way He would bring us together would glorify His name greatly. That it would be in such a way it would be obvious to many. Those who are followers of Christ and not, that it will be obvious that God is the one who brought us together.  Yes I still have days of discouragement but; I choose to trust God and put my faith in Him and am sure of what I am hoping for and certain even though I don't see him yet (the man I'll one day marry. :)  (Hebrews 11:1    

                  

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Honored

                        As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next sabbath.
                                                                               Acts 13:42

                       When was the last time you felt that excited and interested about going to church? The sermon you recently went too. Did the Holy Spirit stir a fire in your heart to want to understand what God says further about the subject the pastor taught on? 

                        Paul, before that verse was talking to Pisidian  Antioch. Paul and Barnabas were encouraged to share a message.  Paul seemed enthusiastic to share. He gave the whole historic back round of the history of the Jews which then he connected the prophecies of Jesus to Jesus himself. The people wanted to hear more! 

         On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 
                                                                                                                    Acts 13:44
    
                       Yes. Almost the whole city came to hear more the next week!! Where do you live? Can you imagine what it would be like if half the people in your city came to your church to hear about Jesus. Because they wanted too? That would be jaw dropping. The only reason that happened was because the Holy Spirit. He moved the hearts of men, women and even children in that city. 

         When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul  was saying. Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: " We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 
    " ' I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " 
           When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord ; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
                                                                                                       Acts 13:45-48
  
          What do you notice? The Jews, the very people that should have been excited about the Gospel; the Good News were jealous and angry of Paul and his friends popularity. Religion mixed with arrogance is a dangerous thing. Satan can actually use religion to his advantage. To get people to be more focused on their works and regulations. 

              What about now?The Holy Spirit is still the same. He can move the hearts of people. What if we prayed that God would give people a desire to want to know God's word? A hunger to understand it. Ultimately, a realization of their need for Jesus. People don't need to go to church to be saved. Or follow the ways of Christianity. They need to surrender to Christ, turn from their sin and follow him.
  
                 Pray for yourself. Yes, you can do that! Pray that God will give you a hunger and desire to read his word and want to get to Know God in a deeper way. 






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Where honor is due

                "As a son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?" Says the Lord Almighty." It is you, O priests, who show contempt for my name. 
                    "But you ask, how have we shown contempt for your name?"
                                                                                                                     Malachi 1:6

                  We just celebrated the 4th of July. The day America gained our independence from England.  In some ways we still do honor our countries flag. We stand and sing the national anthem at sports events. When I grew up on a military base, when we would watch a movie in the one show movie theater we would stand as the national anthem played on the screen. Everyone on base had a respect for the flag and for the soldiers who were defending our country. Well, the soldiers were our fathers and mothers. 

                   When it comes to God, do we give Him the honor that's due Him? Do we truly respect Him like we do with those in authority over us?

                    " You place defiled  food on my alter."
                     " But you ask, 'how have we defiled you?'
                     "By saying that the Lord's table is contemptible. When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you?
                                                                                                                        Malachi 1:7-8
 
                 I was reading over this chapter yesterday while spending time with the Lord. Theses scriptures stood out to me strikingly so.  How do we, as modern women give God our "Diseased, crippled or blinded animals?" We give God the left overs out of what God has given us. Here's an example;

                 Money is a pretty big thing in our culture. You may have a tight budget this month. The tithe you were going to give to God adds up to enough for you to get by for the month. You say "God, you know what I need. I need this money. I'll give you whatever's left. I know you understand where I am. Thanks Lord!" 

                   The priests were not worshiping God with the right heart. Am I? Are you? I'm not going to keep talking like I usually do. Read over the scripture again. Ask God how you could  be showing him contempt? Be honest with Him. Let Him lead you in this time.
                        








    Here's where I got the picture from...
https://www.pinterest.com/mland43/i-pledge-allegiance/

In light of eternity

   

                                                                 
                          
            He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the                              Lord is gracious and compassionate. 
                                                                       Psalm 111:4

                     Hello everyone! It's been so long. I almost feel like I'm seeing old friends. So much has happened since last I wrote in my blog. Much sorrow, joy and change.  What I can say is that God has been present and his mercy and grace have been heavy on my family and myself. 

                    The year ended and began with much sorrow, joy and hope. Back in September my Grandmother found she had lung cancer. That was her worst fear. And mine. Surprisingly, God used that most feared beast. Much healing came from it. At first my Grandma had the attitude of "let's fight this thing!" Just a month or so after radiation she became considerably exhausted. Her being that tired was strange. She was always so strong and a go getter!  
               After Christmas she got Pneumonia and the flu! We thought she was going to die like the doctor said, in 2-5 days. God graciously extended her life to a little over a month. In that time my Mom, her oldest sister and one of my sisters visited her and helped take care of her. My Grandma moved in with my Mom's youngest sister as soon as she could after being diagnosed. 
            With the assistance of Hospice care we saw the blessing in valuing the last days. My Grandma stopped fighting but surrendered the rest of her days to Christ. Her faith flourished and her hunger for eternity and her savior was unquenchable. She also longed to see those who went on before her. One person in particular was her mother. I was at home with my other two sister (my oldest sister is married now so technically she was with her husband at her home ) and my Dad. We often texted and called her. Thanking her for her presence in our lives and expressed our gratefulness to God that he placed her into our lives. She went home quietly in February surrounded by her three daughters. Even the way she passed was an answer to prayer. Being at home with family around. Not in pain but, peace. She died five months after being diagnosed with cancer.

            The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.
                                                                Psalm 23:1-2
        
             Now, almost four months since she passed I am of course still in shock at times that she's gone. It hits me with cold numb fingers like a slap. She's gone. I've never lost someone I was so close too. In the midst of all of that I can't believe how faithful God has been. How kind and gracious. This literally was my worst fear. Me getting cancer or someone in my family. When I first found out my Grandma had lung cancer I didn't freak out like I usually do. I sat down with admiration and wonder and asked Him, "what are you doing." It's strange how we all know that no one lives forever. Yet; we act like we are invincible. We believe that those we love would out live the clutches of death. When that dark cruel creature shows up. We stare at it like we've never heard of it in our lives. There is an exception however.

               He will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.  
                                                            Isaiah 25:8
                 If you have surrendered to Jesus as Lord and Savior and turned from your sin; you don't need to fear death! My Grandma readily accepted death! Like I told you earlier, My Grandma looked forward to seeing Jesus and living forever with the Savior that she put her faith in and followed for many years. She was ready to go home.
                 
                  Last week all of my My family buried my Grandma's ashes. We respected her wishes to be buried by her Father who went on before her when she was only 3 years old. We held our own service. It was a beautiful day. We sang her favorite hymn and ended the whole service with the 'Lord's prayer.' She's home now! Not in the ground but in the presence of Jesus.
                  The sanctification walk can be a long one for some. And short for others.  Like stairs we have to take it one step at a time. Jesus is there each step of the way. Cleansing us and renewing us until His return or our coming home.