Archive for thoughts
November 4, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Bible, celebration, Christian, Christmas, evil, God, good, Halloween, holiday, Jesus Christ, Thanksgiving
I’m glad Halloween is over !
Every year I am faced with a dilemma – do I totally ignore it, or do I participate in it with an element of goodness.
A number of years ago, I learned about the origins of Halloween and the meanings of the “traditional” activities that go along with it. Unfortunately, they are all based on “evil”. There just doesn’t seem to be anything “good” about this so-called “holiday”. Somehow, celebrating evil just doesn’t seem right.
Well, what about carving pumpkins with happy faces and trick or treating with happy costumes ? Why not try to make this “holiday” good? Can that be so bad?
As Christians we are called to live “holy” lives. “Test all things; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thes. 5: 21-22)
Over the years, my husband and I have abstained more and more from the activities of Halloween and now find it very easy to “pass-over” to that which is “good” – thanksgiving to the Lord, and the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas !!
September 30, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Bible, children, Christian, damage, eternity, faith, fire, forever, God, heat, Israel, microwave, promise, provide, provision, smoke, water, wonder
Our microwave is over 25 years old !
We bought it in the mid 80’s. (Not brand new, but used) It also went through our house burning down in the 90’s. During that event it suffered water, heat and smoke damage. We cleaned it up and it ran fine. We’ve been using it everyday, many times a day all these years, and it is still running fine ! It’s big, simple, and let’s face it – a working “wonder”. It seems to never “wear out” !
In the Bible, we learn that God’s provisions for the children of Israel never wore out during their wilderness experience.
”And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet…” (Deut. 29:5)
Whatever wilderness experience you may be going through, God’s promise to provide for His people has never changed. His “working wonders” go beyond clothing, shoes, and microwaves……….
……..to the promised land of eternity with Him – forever !
September 22, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged ark of the covenant, Bible, camping, Christian, eternity, God, Heaven, home, house, Israel, Jesus, life, mansion, purpose, retreat, serve, tabernacle, tent
Putting up a tent is not always easy - especially if you haven’t done it in a very long time.
Just recently I enjoyed a weekend in the woods on a women’s retreat and spent some time re-living the “tenting” experience. Eventually it took about ten of us to complete the task of putting up this particular two-room model. Even though we had the official directions, we still needed some people who had previous experience to finally finish the job. We took pictures of it, hoping that with these visual aids, it would be easier the next time.
In Biblical times “tenting” was a normal every day occurrence. They were used by shepherds, armies, and common people on the move. The Lord Himself requested the ark of the covenant to be housed in a tent of His specifications to be “on the move” with His people.
“For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought up Israel, even to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.” (1 Chron. 18:5)
As Christians, God may ask us to be “on the move”, from place to place, to serve Him and His purpose. We are reminded that we are “only passing through” this life here on earth, until we get to our final eternal home in Heaven.
Jesus tells us that “in My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)
Our “final” move from here to eternity, will be a whole lot easier !
September 14, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Bible, Christian, food, fruit, fungus, God, good and bad, Jesus, Lord, mushroom, poison, Savior, teaching
Mushrooms are the “fruiting bodies” of fungus ? Fungus – “fruit” ? ! When did this happen ?
Apparently this is not new information, but to me it was. For most of my life, mushrooms have adorned my pizzas, salads, omelettes, burgers …… I have happily eaten and enjoyed them, especially when sauteed with a healthy dose of garlic and olive oil.
Sure, they are classified as “edible” fungus (fruit !) - but this now presents a mental dilemma. The term “fungus” brings to mind something bad – to be avoided – toxic. Some mushrooms are poisonous – period ! But on the other hand, good has come from fungus, such as penicillin, and yeast. So there are “good” mushrooms and “bad” mushrooms !
Well, whether or not ”edible” mushrooms are going to harm anyone, I am reminded that I need to take responsibility for whatever I put into my body – to be aware of any benefits, or possible harmful effects. This also pertains to my spiritual health as well. “Good” teaching will be of great benefit, “bad” teaching will poison my soul.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits……..every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…….therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Math. 7:15-20)
Be “A-ware” of what is good – or bad (fruit) ………so you won’t be poisoned !
July 10, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged Adam, Bible, Christian, eternity, Eve, false, fruit, garden, God, good, Heaven, Hell, intentional, Jesus, Lord, prophets, sheep, teachings, tree, true, wolves
Strawberries, oranges, blueberries, mangoes, bananas, watermelon, raspberries, nectarines, peaches, kiwi, cherries……………….only a few of so many varieties of fruit ! Wow, the list is endless !
Each type of fruit has its individual taste – some are sweet, some are tart, some are sour – some are sweet “and” sour ! Most of the time we can identify each type of fruit by its distinct flavor.
In the Bible, we are instructed by Jesus, that we need to be aware of “good” and “bad” fruit. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.” (Math. 7:18)
He was referring to false prophets, those people who “come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Math. 7:15-16)
We need to constantly be wary of false teachings that will lead us away from the Lord Jesus and our Heavenly Father. Many times these teachings look good from the outside, but if we take the time to “bite” into them, their bitter “taste” can sour our lives.
Don’t be fooled by the luscious appeal of first impressions. Find out from what “tree” these teachings are coming from………..or you could end up like Adam and Eve………
- and be thrown out of the “garden” of eternal life………..
June 25, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged armor, battle, Bible, Christian, conflict, emotional, eternity, evil, God, good, Heaven, Hell, intentional, Jesus Christ, mental, physical, powers, principalities, protection, relationships, salvation, Satan, Savior, soldier, soul, spiritual, war, warriors
Warriors wage war.
We are all warriors. In life there are always conflicts of some sort which need to be dealt with. Whether these conflicts are small or large, we are faced with being “soldiers” of courage – or cowards.
Good soldiers must be prepared. There are obvious physical battles, but there are also those in the spiritual realm. These spiritual battles show up in various forms – physical, mental, emotional – leading to struggles between good and evil. Preparations for spiritual battles include praying and wearing our spiritual armor.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ” (Eph. 6:12)
Many conflicts we experience in life have their roots in the spiritual realm. History over the centuries records the continuous struggle between good and evil. From worldwide to the personal, the “powers” behind these conflicts are constantly at work – 24/7 !
Are you armed and ready ? If you think you are and you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be taken down – literally….to Hell… in the end.
Jesus was the only one who had victory over death – “He” has defeated the enemy (Satan) – and Jesus wants you to spend eternity in Heaven. It is only through “Him” that you can withstand the gates of Hell.
Put on “His” protection, and besides winning battles, you will win the ultimate “war” -
Eternity in Heaven - or Hell…………
June 9, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged action, Christ, Christian, God, intentional, Jesus, kindness, mission, motivation, procrastination, purpose, talents
Missions motivate…….
There is something about having a “mission” – a purpose – that creates motivation – the desire to take action.
Throughout my life, I have had to battle with procrastination. There would be times I had trouble seeing the “purpose” of whatever it was I thought I should do, so I would put it off for “later”…….
What a difference a clear “mission” makes ! When it is obvious that you are needed – that your presence and talents will make a difference in someone else’s life………then procrastination can give way to a proclivity for action.
When I was asked to babysit the grandkids one Saturday morning at the early hour of 5:30 am – my response was, “coffee and a MISSION ………I’d be glad to come !”
Missions come in all sorts of sizes and variations. Even the smallest acts of kindness can be meaningful. Jesus said, “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41)
Just make sure your “mission” has the good stamp of approval by the almighty “Maker” !
June 1, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged cost, eternity, fee, free, God, Jesus Christ, Lord, manipulation, open, paid, payment, price, salvation, Savior, service, truth
Have you read through the phone bill lately? I wondered why it was higher (again)……….
FEES ! More fees !
It seems wherever we turn these days there are fees for everything – they pop up to distort the “bottom line” on what you think you are going to pay for something. Services advertised for such a supposed low price sound good until it comes time to pay, and you are then told there are additional costs…..FEES!
Somehow it seems that we are supposed to be allright with this – as if paying more for something becomes acceptable because of these mystery fees….. what are they for anyway?
Perhaps it would be better to be informed of the “total” cost right up front – at least then it would not feel as if you were being manipulated, or told half-truths.
Thank you God that there is still something in this world that is not hidden from truth, and that requires “no” fees. This “something” is our salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is open to anyone, with “no” hidden cost. Jesus already “paid” for everything.
Our eternal salvation is truly “free”……………with NO fee !
May 13, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged anxiety, Bible, bondage, Christian, concern, courage, freedom, God, grace, happiness, health, intentional, Jesus, life, Lord, panic attacks, peace, problems, protection, provision, Savior, water, waves, worry
Don’t worry – be happy ! These are the words to a popular song a number of years ago. (It’s still a good song!)
When we worry we bring others and ourselves down. It does not seem to accomplish very much. It is a paralyzing activity.
There is always cause to worry. Life is full of problems. These problems can bring on a state of fear that fuels a worrisome attitude. Then fear becomes our “worry” ! We can then be in bondage to panic attacks.
Facing our fear, even embracing it can prevent panic. God tells us in His word that He promises to protect and provide for us. Our faith in God’s promises carry us through these “waves” of worry – we can turn our worries into manageable ”caring concerns”.
“Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life……..”(Math. 6:25)
“”Be anxious for nothing……..” (Phil. 4:6)
I have experienced panic attacks, and they are truly terrible. I no longer am in bondage to them. My saving grace through the Lord Jesus Christ led me to God’s unending supply of peace – and courage.
Now when the waves of worry come, I dive headfirst up, through, over them. Sometimes I come up sputtering, but Jesus is always there to help me up, and keep me strong.
Now I can start to look forward to the “bigger” waves as they approach -
- and dive right in !
May 9, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged anguish, blessing, Christian, family, God, intentional, joy, love, Mom, Mother's Day, purpose, responsibility
Words do little justice to describe the anguish and joy of motherhood. There is no greater responsibility – with no greater purpose – with no greater reward………………..
God bless you all and may you all be a blessing to your families.
