It's summertime and that means that I am going to be faced with one of my pet peeves more than I want to be. So here goes. How is it that a girl/woman will wear a bikini all over creation and not think twice about who sees her, but if that same girl gets locked out of the house wearing nothing but her underwear she will become so mortified that she will sacrifice every last one of her finger and toenails trying to claw her way back into the house? When did this standard become...well...standard?
Think about it. Underwear covers more than the average bikini anyway because a bikini is no more that 2 hankies and some string! (hint of sarcasm)Thank you Louis Réard (original designer) . I'm sorry, but I'm old school. I believe that the human body is indeed a beautiful thing, but that doesn't mean that it has to be flaunted every which way. King Solomon commended his bride for not allowing any one to see her body except for him - in public display, I mean (Song of Solomon. ) You have to read the whole book. A word of caution though- lock to door when you read this...steamy stuff!
Parents, since we are responsible for what our children, especially daughters, wear then it is also our responsibility to make sure that they choose wisely. If we pay for their clothes (as opposed to them using their own earned money) then we have the final say, so that by the time they are able to pay for their own clothes they should already have the wisdom to make the right choice. I'm not saying that we should dress them how we want them to dress. Allow them to choose their own style, but set boundaries and limits. They don't need to be dressed from throat to ankle, but let's remember that common sense is not dead...not quite...close...but not yet.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
I spent most of last week knowing that I wanted to blog something this week, because this is Resurrection (I don't call it Easter), but I didn't know what I wanted to write so I waited patiently. Then this happened.
Yesterday was my husband's birthday so he took the day off work to spend time with us at home. We were watching TV when there came a knock at the door. My husband answered it and there was a woman representing one of those 'door-to-door-religions'. Now please don't get me wrong, I have no problem with that, in fact quite the opposite. This is what is known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19a). We should all be doing it. My problem is this. I didn't realize what she had said until after my husband had dismissed her. She said that she had come to "...invite our whole family to the Memorial of Jesus' Death." I'm sorry, I should have told you to sit down or brace yourself first.
Now THIS I have a problem with. First of all when did my brother die because last I heard he was alive and well and seated at Daddy's right hand, and as next of kin I should have been notified, and secondly, where is he buried so that I can visit his grave and pay my respects.
Excuse my language, but WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE? Don't they know how to read the Word for themselves? Or are they simply content to follow the Devil into hell, all the while believing that they are well on their way to heaven?
I'll tell you when he died. He died in Matthew 27:50, so, in her defence, she got that part right. However, she missed the newsflash. Chapter 28:1-10 says that he is very much alive and that witnesses have seen him. Now neither I nor anyone else today needs to see Him with our natural eyes to know that he is still alive. We either believe it or we don't. The Word of God is either all truth or all a pile of hooey. You can't have it both ways. You don't get to pick and choose what you want to believe and then discard the rest, it doesn't work that way.
My Bible says that Jesus was crucified and buried, but on the the third day arose again to new life and IS (present tense) seated at the right hand of the Father. That's what I know and that's what I believe. We have to know the Word of God for ourselves otherwise we will wind up in a lot of trouble. Read it for yourself, study it for yourself, understand it for yourself, and please, if you believe that someone has it wrong, challenge them (once you've verified the facts for yourself of course). This is how healthy discussions are begun and this leads to spiritual growth. You do want to grow, don't you?
Have and awesome day my sisters and celebrate his Resurrection because through it you have new life also.
Much Love and Many Blessings
Yesterday was my husband's birthday so he took the day off work to spend time with us at home. We were watching TV when there came a knock at the door. My husband answered it and there was a woman representing one of those 'door-to-door-religions'. Now please don't get me wrong, I have no problem with that, in fact quite the opposite. This is what is known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19a). We should all be doing it. My problem is this. I didn't realize what she had said until after my husband had dismissed her. She said that she had come to "...invite our whole family to the Memorial of Jesus' Death." I'm sorry, I should have told you to sit down or brace yourself first.
Now THIS I have a problem with. First of all when did my brother die because last I heard he was alive and well and seated at Daddy's right hand, and as next of kin I should have been notified, and secondly, where is he buried so that I can visit his grave and pay my respects.
Excuse my language, but WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE? Don't they know how to read the Word for themselves? Or are they simply content to follow the Devil into hell, all the while believing that they are well on their way to heaven?
I'll tell you when he died. He died in Matthew 27:50, so, in her defence, she got that part right. However, she missed the newsflash. Chapter 28:1-10 says that he is very much alive and that witnesses have seen him. Now neither I nor anyone else today needs to see Him with our natural eyes to know that he is still alive. We either believe it or we don't. The Word of God is either all truth or all a pile of hooey. You can't have it both ways. You don't get to pick and choose what you want to believe and then discard the rest, it doesn't work that way.
My Bible says that Jesus was crucified and buried, but on the the third day arose again to new life and IS (present tense) seated at the right hand of the Father. That's what I know and that's what I believe. We have to know the Word of God for ourselves otherwise we will wind up in a lot of trouble. Read it for yourself, study it for yourself, understand it for yourself, and please, if you believe that someone has it wrong, challenge them (once you've verified the facts for yourself of course). This is how healthy discussions are begun and this leads to spiritual growth. You do want to grow, don't you?
Have and awesome day my sisters and celebrate his Resurrection because through it you have new life also.
Much Love and Many Blessings
Thursday, January 29, 2009
"KNOCK IT OFF!"
Hello My Beautiful Sisters,
A few years ago I used to tell myself that I wasn't good enough. I began comparing myself with other "more Godly women" who deserved "more than I". Then one evening, during a Ladies Meeting at church, God basically told me to "knock it off!!" (potted version
) Well I took it to heart (literally) and never looked back. It made me do a complete 180.
I'm not claiming this to be the instant cure for everyone, but it can be - if you believe it and receive it. It's a process, a journey. For some, it's as short a journey as going to the mailbox while for others it's a cross-country drive, and the experiences along the way are different for each one of us.
The first leg of the journey is known as "head knowledge". That's when you hear or read the Word but you may not quite understand or believe it yet, so it sleeps quietly in your mind (the seed is planted).
The next leg is "heart knowledge". At some point "the [proverbial] light goes on" and we believe it, we understand it - we get it! The seed has been watered, has sprouted and the plant has grown until it fills our very soul.
Now comes the best part - ACTION! We do whatever it takes in order to make that belief a physical reality. For me it was "You know what? I AM worthy, I AM priceless and I DO have value, and there is no one on Planet Earth who can make me believe any different!"
This is for those of you who are wading through the river. I have prayed for you believing this spirit of depression to be lifted and completely gone from you. I am not praying that anymore because I know that prayer has been answered. Now I'm praying for daily strength, renewal and upliftment because that's all I can do for you now. The rest is up to you.
This is my most favorite scripture in the entire Bible:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee. I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, they Savior." (Isaiah 43:1b-3a)
A few years ago I used to tell myself that I wasn't good enough. I began comparing myself with other "more Godly women" who deserved "more than I". Then one evening, during a Ladies Meeting at church, God basically told me to "knock it off!!" (potted version
) Well I took it to heart (literally) and never looked back. It made me do a complete 180.I'm not claiming this to be the instant cure for everyone, but it can be - if you believe it and receive it. It's a process, a journey. For some, it's as short a journey as going to the mailbox while for others it's a cross-country drive, and the experiences along the way are different for each one of us.
The first leg of the journey is known as "head knowledge". That's when you hear or read the Word but you may not quite understand or believe it yet, so it sleeps quietly in your mind (the seed is planted).
The next leg is "heart knowledge". At some point "the [proverbial] light goes on" and we believe it, we understand it - we get it! The seed has been watered, has sprouted and the plant has grown until it fills our very soul.
Now comes the best part - ACTION! We do whatever it takes in order to make that belief a physical reality. For me it was "You know what? I AM worthy, I AM priceless and I DO have value, and there is no one on Planet Earth who can make me believe any different!"
This is for those of you who are wading through the river. I have prayed for you believing this spirit of depression to be lifted and completely gone from you. I am not praying that anymore because I know that prayer has been answered. Now I'm praying for daily strength, renewal and upliftment because that's all I can do for you now. The rest is up to you.
This is my most favorite scripture in the entire Bible:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee. I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, they Savior." (Isaiah 43:1b-3a)
Friday, September 26, 2008
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil 4:13)
1. Able to do all things
When someone tells you that they can or can't do something, what are they saying? Usually, the first thing that comes to mind is that they just don't have the time or money to. In actual fact the words can and cannot indicate physical ability, for example my husband cannot give birth to a child because he is not physically designed for that purpose. I, on the other hand, have been divinely designed and created for that mission. If a person cannot do something then there is something physically preventing them from being able to do that thing. Every time my sons tell me they 'can't' do something I instantly correct them and encourage them with this scripture because it's easy for them to remember, but if you look closely at this verse, i.e. pick it apart and break it down, you will see that Paul was speaking of spiritual ability.
That's the way I like to study. I take each word in the verse and look it up in my Strong's Concordance. It's amazing what you'll discover when you study this way. Let me paraphrase for you what I gained from these ten words.
"I am well able, because God has given me might and strength, and I make myself available to accomplish any and everything thoroughly. Whatever He asks me to do, wherever He asks me to go and to whomever He sends me. I will do that which is of benefit, right and good because Christ, the annointed one takes me in his arms and embraces me. He takes me up in his arms and empowers and enables me, increases me with his strength and makes me to be strong."
WOW! Are you shouting yet? Are you leaping? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS? It means that you have power. You have strength. You are mighty in the power of Jesus Christ, the annointed one and his annointing. He totally and completely surrounds us with his love as he sends us on our way. No matter where we go, no matter what we do, if we go in his name we must prevail. Paul was saying that when God calls us to a specific task, He has already equipped us and given us the knowledge to accomplish that thing. It may look impossible, improbable or unlikely that we could do it but that's just because we believe that we do not have the know-how. God has already equipped you.
Yes, this scripture is speaking about spiritual things, like when the Holy Spirit tells us to do or say something and then we feel fear or doubt because we are not sure if we heard correctly, so we begin to talk ourselves right out of our assignment and our blessing. But we can also do whatever we set our hearts and minds to as long as it lines up with and does not go against the word of God and especially if God is the one who placed that desire in your heart.
Our problem is that we use the word *can't* too liberally. We say "can't" when what we really mean is "won't" or "don't want to". If we want to climb Mount Everest then who's to say we can't. Are we physically unable to? Are we physically handicapped in some way? Even that is no excuse. There are many who are handicapped who have accomplished a whole lot more than those of us who are able-bodied. Look closely and I think you will see that we are the ones who are handicapped - in our thinking. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 to "be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind." Start thinking differently about yourself and you will become that. There are times when we must acknowledge our weakness (2 Cor 12:9), but we need to see ourselves as strong especially when we don't feel strong - that's called prophesying. Don't let your body and mind tell you how to feel because they don't know the word, but you do because the word is in your heart.
The important thing to remember is that you may be a princess but you are also a powerful force to be reckoned with because of who you are - The King's Daughter. You have power, you have strength and you are mighty in the power of Jesus Christ.
Take the third paragraph (above), personalize it and make it your prayer, then watch your attitude about yourself change drastically.
God Bless
When someone tells you that they can or can't do something, what are they saying? Usually, the first thing that comes to mind is that they just don't have the time or money to. In actual fact the words can and cannot indicate physical ability, for example my husband cannot give birth to a child because he is not physically designed for that purpose. I, on the other hand, have been divinely designed and created for that mission. If a person cannot do something then there is something physically preventing them from being able to do that thing. Every time my sons tell me they 'can't' do something I instantly correct them and encourage them with this scripture because it's easy for them to remember, but if you look closely at this verse, i.e. pick it apart and break it down, you will see that Paul was speaking of spiritual ability.
That's the way I like to study. I take each word in the verse and look it up in my Strong's Concordance. It's amazing what you'll discover when you study this way. Let me paraphrase for you what I gained from these ten words.
"I am well able, because God has given me might and strength, and I make myself available to accomplish any and everything thoroughly. Whatever He asks me to do, wherever He asks me to go and to whomever He sends me. I will do that which is of benefit, right and good because Christ, the annointed one takes me in his arms and embraces me. He takes me up in his arms and empowers and enables me, increases me with his strength and makes me to be strong."
WOW! Are you shouting yet? Are you leaping? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS? It means that you have power. You have strength. You are mighty in the power of Jesus Christ, the annointed one and his annointing. He totally and completely surrounds us with his love as he sends us on our way. No matter where we go, no matter what we do, if we go in his name we must prevail. Paul was saying that when God calls us to a specific task, He has already equipped us and given us the knowledge to accomplish that thing. It may look impossible, improbable or unlikely that we could do it but that's just because we believe that we do not have the know-how. God has already equipped you.
Yes, this scripture is speaking about spiritual things, like when the Holy Spirit tells us to do or say something and then we feel fear or doubt because we are not sure if we heard correctly, so we begin to talk ourselves right out of our assignment and our blessing. But we can also do whatever we set our hearts and minds to as long as it lines up with and does not go against the word of God and especially if God is the one who placed that desire in your heart.
Our problem is that we use the word *can't* too liberally. We say "can't" when what we really mean is "won't" or "don't want to". If we want to climb Mount Everest then who's to say we can't. Are we physically unable to? Are we physically handicapped in some way? Even that is no excuse. There are many who are handicapped who have accomplished a whole lot more than those of us who are able-bodied. Look closely and I think you will see that we are the ones who are handicapped - in our thinking. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 to "be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind." Start thinking differently about yourself and you will become that. There are times when we must acknowledge our weakness (2 Cor 12:9), but we need to see ourselves as strong especially when we don't feel strong - that's called prophesying. Don't let your body and mind tell you how to feel because they don't know the word, but you do because the word is in your heart.
The important thing to remember is that you may be a princess but you are also a powerful force to be reckoned with because of who you are - The King's Daughter. You have power, you have strength and you are mighty in the power of Jesus Christ.
Take the third paragraph (above), personalize it and make it your prayer, then watch your attitude about yourself change drastically.
God Bless
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A Pearl of Great Price
What is a pearl? It's a gem, a precious jewel. People travel the whole world over to find them. A perfect pearl is completely spherical and even in color, texture, hues, sheen and lustre. A pearl is made when some kind of irritant - a parasite or piece of grit - gets inside the shell and the animal builds a layer of 'nacre' around it in order to get relief.
What has gotten under your skin? What has been irritating you lately? Family, friends, work, church, traffic or road rage?
How do we handle it? Do we get mad, get even, gossip, or do we do nothing at all? We say things like "Why is it that all the [angry, sad, whatever] people seem to be drawn to me like a magnet?" We try to rationalize - "This must be my new calling/ministry. This is where God is leading me." But have we ever stopped to think about what is really happening? If we are crossed by someone who was argumentative, talkative or who is in a fit of road rage then perhaps these are issues in our own life that require attention, especially if it takes us to the point of feeling the strong and overwhelming desire to express ourselves (read Psalm 139:23-24).
God is speaking to us not necessarily about ministry, but about areas we need to work on. We sometimes look at a negative situation and say that the enemy is attacking us when really what it is, is spiritual healing. People testify in church about how someone did something to them and they attribute that to Satan sending that person in order to quench their spirit. This would be true if that person is totally led by the Holy Spirit, with both feet planted firmly on the ground, because this person's life is so full of pearls that they have more than enough to share. However, for the rest of us this is, more often that not, God's way of calling attention to our own 'self mission'. Over time as the layers of faith and trust build up a precious gem will be formed until what was once an irritation is no longer recognizable as such and only the beauty and lustre of the pearl is seen.
In James 1:2-4, James tells us to "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature [perfect] and complete, not lacking anything" (NIV). We need to take the irritants of each day and wrap them in a layer of faith and trust, believing that our loving Father would not allow his precious daughters to go through these things alone.
Our suffering, perseverance and victory become our testimony with which we can help others, and each time we persevere we get stronger. There is a strong woman inside of us and even though this process is a slow one, we look forward to the end result - a beautiful, lustrous pearl.
God Bless You My Sisters
What has gotten under your skin? What has been irritating you lately? Family, friends, work, church, traffic or road rage?
How do we handle it? Do we get mad, get even, gossip, or do we do nothing at all? We say things like "Why is it that all the [angry, sad, whatever] people seem to be drawn to me like a magnet?" We try to rationalize - "This must be my new calling/ministry. This is where God is leading me." But have we ever stopped to think about what is really happening? If we are crossed by someone who was argumentative, talkative or who is in a fit of road rage then perhaps these are issues in our own life that require attention, especially if it takes us to the point of feeling the strong and overwhelming desire to express ourselves (read Psalm 139:23-24).
God is speaking to us not necessarily about ministry, but about areas we need to work on. We sometimes look at a negative situation and say that the enemy is attacking us when really what it is, is spiritual healing. People testify in church about how someone did something to them and they attribute that to Satan sending that person in order to quench their spirit. This would be true if that person is totally led by the Holy Spirit, with both feet planted firmly on the ground, because this person's life is so full of pearls that they have more than enough to share. However, for the rest of us this is, more often that not, God's way of calling attention to our own 'self mission'. Over time as the layers of faith and trust build up a precious gem will be formed until what was once an irritation is no longer recognizable as such and only the beauty and lustre of the pearl is seen.
In James 1:2-4, James tells us to "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature [perfect] and complete, not lacking anything" (NIV). We need to take the irritants of each day and wrap them in a layer of faith and trust, believing that our loving Father would not allow his precious daughters to go through these things alone.
Our suffering, perseverance and victory become our testimony with which we can help others, and each time we persevere we get stronger. There is a strong woman inside of us and even though this process is a slow one, we look forward to the end result - a beautiful, lustrous pearl.
God Bless You My Sisters
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