Shine Like Stars

Feed Them and They Will Come...

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:58:00 +0000

As our high school teams began the past-District playoffs, I decided to feed them breakfast on the Thursday before the big game beginning the next weekend tournament. Last Thursday, in addition to all of the meat/egg dishes, I made them these English Royalty Chocolate Chip Scones (Posted at www.3cherrycokes.blogspot.com from last week). Most, if not all, of them had never eaten a scone, so they were introduced to something really new.

I promised the girls and boys' teams that if they were still in the quest towards the gold ball at State, I would continue to feed them a breakfast each Thursday. With this week's hectic schedule, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to swing having the breakfast, but then I saw one of the girls and she asked me about it. I told her I was trying to, but wasn't sure (mostly because I wasn't sure what time the teams were leaving school).

But what she said made all the difference: "You promised you would, so I was just wondering." At that moment, I told myself that I/we could make it happen, as long as the coach said okay. If I've promised something, I will do whatever it takes to make it happen. I don't like breaking promises - at all. I don't want it to ever appear like I have lied. She was just asking a question and not trying to make me feel bad, but her simple question made me even more determined.

This week I got a few moms to help me with the meal, which helped (didn't get me to bed any sooner, but it helped with the food!). We served more chocolate chip scones (pictured above and made by another mom), fruit, homemade cinnamon rolls, and I made hash browns, breakfast burritos, and sausage & biscuits with gravy. They had plenty to eat, for sure!

The cheerleaders joined in with the teams as they prepared to cheer on their friends and ball teams.

After a few refills of plates, it was time to get on the bus and head to the first round of the Area Tournament!

Part of the reason I wasn't sure about the breakfast had to do with these shirts pictured above!! For the first time ever, we ordered playoff shirts! In a matter of four days (with no school on Monday), we collected money for these shirts. We had 217 shirts ordered on Tuesday morning. Wednesday I drove to San Angelo, TX to get the shirts....about a 4 1/2 hour drive. I wanted to make sure we had time to deliver them Wednesday afternoon for the game the next day.

We arrived at the huge gymnasium. It was so neat and a fun atmosphere. My boys and husband got a tour of the facility and the high school from a former teacher and student of THS. They thought that the whole town of Tipton would have been equal to the number of about one class at this big high school!

Sadly, one of our starters and point guard, Amanda, had emergency appendectomy yesterday morning and didn't get to play. Without getting down and discouraged, our girls played their hearts out! Even after getting behind, they came back to within a few points several times. We lost, but we gave them a good run for the win, for sure! The girls are done now, but our boys won! More basketball this afternoon and hopefully tomorrow!

I love this sign on the Yukon gym. Love what it says!

The teams asked me yesterday if I would feed them breakfast next week. That would be the State Tournament. I told them I would - most definitely!! Then they asked if I would the next week.....after basketball is over. I loudly exclaimed, "NO!" :) It is really a joy feeding these kids. They appreciate it and I enjoy doing it for them. Little things.....showing that you care in simple ways.....means a lot to people.

Take the time to do something for someone TODAY. If you choose to feed teenagers, they will come! And they will come back for more! And you will "Shine Like Stars" in doing so.

Have a great weekend! I'll keep you posted on the playoffs and the quest for the GOLD!

What Kind of Christian Are You??

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:41:00 +0000

Recently I heard a preacher ask this question: "What kind of Christian are you?" He went on to explain that there are two kinds: Soul winners and back sliders. Hmmmmmm.......made me think. I've always heard the term "back sliders" meaning those who don't attend worship, but perhaps that's just the way we have termed it and not the way God would term it.

The question made me think about my own life. Which one am I?

What about you? Do you think those are the only two types of Christians? Think about it and let me know.

Here are my thoughts: I can be a good, moral person. I can invite others to worship. I can feed the hungry, cloth the needy, and visit the sick. I can do all of those things, but if I never open my mouth or maybe type a post on this blog and tell someone about Jesus, then I am not fulfilling God's mission. I am not living out the Great Commission as Jesus told his followers to do before He ascended to Heaven.

Then Jesus came to them (Note: the disciples) and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

As a Christian, I am a Christ-follower...a disciple of Jesus. This commission was intended for me, just as it was the disciples of long ago. Jesus' message is just the same:

#1: Go and make disciples (How?? By teaching and telling others about Him)

#2: Teach them about baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Why is it important? What does it do?)

#3: Teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded. (What are some commandments of Jesus???)

If I'm not doing what Jesus asked His followers to do, I'm a back slider. I don't like that term, do you? I don't want to be a back-sliding Christian. I pray that you don't, either. Go and tell someone today!

Tools for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:40:00 +0000

I subscribe to Tim's Inspiration via email. This post had a great message that I wanted to share with you. In our Christian walk, it is very easy to become discouraged, but if we realize that when we do become discouraged, that it's exactly what satan wants, it will be easier for us to resist the temptation to become discouraged.

If you are interested, the link to subscribe to Inspiration Daily is at the bottom this post.

TOOLS FOR SALE

It was advertised that the devil was going to put his tools up for sale.
On the date of the sale, the tools were placed for public inspection;
each tool being marked with its sale price. They were a treacherous lot
of implements...Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Deceit, Lying, Pride, and so on.

Laid apart from the rest was a harmless looking tool, well worn and
priced very high.

"What is the name of this tool?" asked one of the purchasers, pointing
to it.

That is Discouragement", replied the devil.

"Why have you priced it so high?"

"Because it is more useful to me than the others. I can pry open and get
inside a man's heart with that when I cannot get near him with my other
tools. Once I get inside, I can make him do what I choose. It is badly
worn because I use it on almost everyone, since very few people know
that it belongs to me."

My friend, don't let satan discourage you in anyway. You are God's
child and have the victory already won. All you have to do is keep your
faith on the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. The devil
will not have a chance to discourage you, even with his best tools.

Add the inspiration daily to your web site:
http://rss.groups.yahoo.com/group/inspirationdaily/rss

A Special Moment.....A Great Example

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000

Last night our high school girls' basketball team played in their first game of the Regional Tournament. We played Ryan (OK). The Ryan girls set a great example....probably a tradition they've had for the whole season, if not for years.

As the two teams gathered in a circle right before the game, one of the girls prayed for the teams and the game. The words were not clear to us in the stands, but the message to each of us was certainly clear!

Thank you, Ryan Cowgirls, for the example you are setting for others! May we have the courage to use our lives in a way that sets an example to others, as well. To God be the glory in all that we do and in all that we say!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

The Chronicles of Biscuit - Square Roots

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

The Chronicles of Biscuit - Stories about our youngest son, Tyler, whose nickname is Biscuit.

Last week, after Tyler got in the car after school, he began talking about squart roots. He's in 3rd grade, so in my mind I was thinking, "I can't believe what young kids learn now! I don't remember learning about that until junior high or high school and don't remember much of anything about it!". Tyler continued by saying the teacher was asking him to tell the square root of 25 (he answered 5), the square root of 16 (he answered 4), and on and on. After a few answers, he explained that the answer was just a number times itself, such as 4 x 4 is 16, etc. Then he said, "You know? Little kids would probably think it would be 4 + 4, but not me. I know it's 4 x 4. Mom, am I a big kid?"

I was still amazed at the whole square root thing to begin with, so I didn't answer immediately. I thought quickly about the best way to answer him and came up with the answer that he's kind of in the middle. Not big, but not little. Nine years old is kind of in-between, don't you think? He seemed satisfied with my answer and went on to talk about other things from his school day. And.....I was still stuck on the fact that he knew more about square roots than I did!

The whole big kid/little kid thing got me to thinking, though. In the Bible, Jesus tells His followers to be like little children, but then in other scriptures it talks about how we should not be infants, but to grow to maturity. Is this a contradiction??? Not at all! We can be as children, but also be mature. The key is wisdom. Wisdom in knowing when to be like each of those characteristics.

People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Luke 18:15-17

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

Hebrews 5:11-13

To be like children is to "come to Jesus" like Jesus mentioned in the scriptures above. They longed to know about Jesus and wanted to be near him. Little children have full faith in their father, just as we should in our Heavenly Father. We should have faith, trust, and confidence in the Father as the little children did who were coming to Jesus.

As mature Christians, though, we should be growing in wisdom, in faith, and in our relationship with God/Jesus. We should stand firm on the foundation layeed out in scriptures and be able to teach others about Jesus. If we're not growing...if we're not maturing....we're still infants, and in that way, we're not pleasing our Heavenly Father.

Biscuit wanted assurance that he wasn't a little kid because of his square root knowledge. As Christians, we should be examining our lives to see what age group we fall into, as well. Are you a child, with a strong desire to be close to Jesus? Or are you a "big kid" who tries to tackle the world all by yourself? Are you an infant, still not sure about your faith and struggling to grow in your Christian walk? Or are you in the process of maturing, learning and growing in your faith and in your relationship with God and Jesus? We can be as children, but be mature. It is possible. With God all things are possible!

Teen Valentine Banquet/Scavenger Hunt 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Linked to Heavenly Homemakers' GRATITUESDAY (find out what I'm grateful for at the end of this post.)

Sunday night was our annual teen valentine banquet and scavenger hunt. When we got out of evening worship around 7:00 p.m., it was snowing! Never before have we had snow on that evening, so that was really exciting! (Especially since we hardly get it at all in the winter.)

This year there were 51 teens/adults in attendance, with 9 more teens coming back with groups after the scavenger hunt. We've always made it work by lining up long tables in row, where there was little room to move around.

This year we were able to spread out and make it a lot more roomy by having seating in the new addition of our home. Pretty neat!

One thing the teens especially look forward to is the food, of course!

It's always the same menu: chicken and beef lasagna, green beans, and breadsticks. Lots and lots of breadsticks - 200 this year! There were seven left over! First time ever to have some left! Oh, yes....and desserts. Can't forget the desserts. (All of my recipes can me found at www.3cherrycokes.blogspot.com)

After eating, the teens were divided into five teams for the annual scavenger hunt.

One of the items on the hunt said, "a colored, flavored marshmallow". Kamen, a 7th grader, came up with the colored marshmallow part all on his own! Not sure if it was flavored or not....afraid to ask!

My husband is checking out the lists...making sure the teams got their required items.

The groups all have to bring back two people with them, who were not previously at our house. We sing devotional songs and my husbands gives a short devo.

Since it was snowing and since one of the new guests that came back was the daughter of our school superintendent, she called her dad and we all yelled, "CANCEL SCHOOL!!" It didn't work (unfortunately :). We did have school yesterday! And, it was fine....the roads weren't slick. The kids were all disappointed and so was I!! (I like snow days!)

We enjoy hosting the teens each year for this special evening, but something occurred to me yesterday. The older church members are just as excited about the evening, because they know the teens will be stopping by gathering items, singing songs, getting signatures, and doing good deeds for them. It's a fun way to get the teens and "senior saints" together in a unique way.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Remember that the love of God is more important than any other love you know! He loves you SOOOOO MUCH! And that love, is why I'm so grateful on this GRATITUESDAY!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

JOIN us for GRATITUESDAY at Heavenly Homemakers!

Senior Saints' Banquet 2012 - Vintage Valentine/Music Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:03:00 +0000

In 1994, our young adult Bible class began organizing a Senior Saints Banquet for the older members of the church. Though our "young" adult class isn't so young anymore, we're still hosting the event every year on the weekend closest to Valentine's Day.

For the theme this year, I chose a vintage Valentine/music theme. It was so much fun getting all of the supplies together for this look! The colors were white/ivory/black/silver.

I asked our preacher (and my brother-in-law) if he had seen any old song books around the building. Since he had just moved into the office, he knew right where some were. The former, now retired preacher had given him a stack of really old ones. Perfect! I used one whole book for these paper hearts and wrappers for the inside candles.

The tables were set for five or six people each.

The whole theme/inspiration for this decor was based on these placemats I found at a little store in Altus, OK. You can find them at www.cakevintage.com. I found Valentine stamps at Walmart and stamped LOVE, Be Mine, and You're Sweet in the center of each plate. The centerpiece black/ivory papers are from the same line as the placemats.

Music hearts and silver heart confetti.

I made a lot of paper doily/music hearts to hang from the ceiling. Thanks to my husband for hanging all of them for me! He typically isn't a "decorator"!!

Paper doilies with silver glitter also hung from above.

A few of these 3-D hearts were hung. Not many, but they were pretty!

Something about candles.....So pretty!

Close-up of the centerpieces.

Room from a distance...

Close-up of one pennant.

Close-up of hearts.

Little lace valance for a typically bare window.

Another view....

Dessert table!

The Senior Saints were served ham, green beans, potato casserole, bread, and homemade desserts. They played a "2 truths and 1 untruth" game. We guessed who was who. They also played a matching game using songs from the song book about "love". They matched the song title with a phrase from the song. So much fun! What a blessing those Seniors are to all of us!

Who Do You Follow?

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

*Used by permission. This story has a great message! Have a great Saturday! Lori

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW?

This story falls into the category of an "urban legend":

According to news reports, Lucky, a German shepherd guide-dog for the blind, has so far been responsible for the deaths of all four of his previous owners.

``We will not have him put down. Lucky is basically a good guide dog,'' Ernst Gerber, a dog trainer from Wuppertal, Germany told reporters. ``He just needs a little brush-up on some elementary skills, that's all.''

``I admit it's not an impressive record on paper. He led his first owner in front of a bus, and the second off the end of a pier. He actually pushed his third owner off a railway platform just as the Cologne to Frankfurt express was approaching and he walked his fourth owner into heavy traffic, before abandoning him and running away to safety. But, apart from epileptic fits, he has a lovely temperament. And guide dogs are difficult to train these days.''

Asked if Lucky's fifth owner would be told about his previous record, Gerber replied: ``No. It would make them nervous, and would make Lucky nervous. And when Lucky gets nervous he's liable to do something silly.''

Jesus spoke about the "blind leading the blind." I think he would have been just as critical of the "dangerous leading the blind." Either way, the point is that we need to take a good look at who (or what) it is that is leading us. Who (or what) have you chosen to follow? The answer is important because many of our choices are just as deadly as trusting Lucky. There is only one truly safe guide:

"He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.....When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2,4,5)

Father, today I seek to hear your voice. In a world full of voices that try to lead me down paths that would harm me spiritually, I trust only you. Thank you for your faithfulness that allows me to trust your leadership. In Jesus' name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Do You Help or Hinder the Church?

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:45:00 +0000

The other day, Trey Morgan wrote this post about being a Christian hypocrite. The post really made me think. I'm not doing any of the things he mentioned in his post. The things Trey mentioned seemed like "BIG" things. But, am I doing anything that would hinder the growth of the church? Aren't "little" things that I might be doing, really BIG things, too? God doesn't see sin as "BIG" or "little". Sin is sin in His eyes, and it should be in our eyes, as well.

From time to time, maybe we should examine our own lives....not someone else's' life....and see if we are helping or hindering the Lord's work.

1. Faithful - Am I faithful to God, to Jesus, and to His church? Do I attend worship, Bible classes, other church gatherings? Being faithful isn't just meaning sitting on a pew, but am I an actively involved member? Do I faithfully pray for those who are sick and hurting? Do I faithfully do what I can to bring others to Christ? Am I always faithful or am I only faithful when it is convenient for me to do so?

2. Servant - Am I a worker in the church? Do I volunteer to help in ways that will help the church or do I leave the work up to others who I believe are more capable or who have more time? Am I willing to help when asked or do I make excuses of why I can't help? Do I expect to be catered to or am I an eager servant of God, willing to serve others in order for them to have their needs met? Do I put others' needs above my own or am I selfish with my money, food, and talents?

3. Example of my words - What does my Christian life say to those around me? Am I hypocritical? Am I a good example and one that exemplifies the life of Jesus? What about my words? Do they shout to the world that I'm living a life of service to God, or do they shout prideful and boastful words that make me look selfish? When I speak, do I speak with love or with hate? Are my words hurtful or helpful? Do they uplift and encourage or tear down and destroy?

4. Example of my life - What do people see when they look at my life? Do they see someone devoted to spiritual things or to earthly things? Does my Christian walk mimic the walk of Jesus or does it mimic the ways of the world? What would people say is the most important thing in my life? Is it what I would want them to say or do I need to adjust my priorities and show that Christ is the center of my life? Am I using my money, my talents, and my time for selfish reasons or to glorify God and as a servant for Him?

5. Am I a help or a hinderance? By my words and by my actions, do others have a positive view of the Christian life or of the church, or do I cause it to be a negative view? Am I argumentative and cause strife within my relationships or do I seek ways of being understood without arguing? Do I take pleasure in calling out those who are wrong or do I gently restore/explain to them the Way (as Aquila and Priscilla did in Acts 18:26.) Is my "point" and my desire to be "right" more important than showing the love of Christ to others? Am I a peacemaker or a troublemaker? Am I humble or am I prideful? Am I showing love or festering hate? If a problem comes up, do I activity try to help find a solution, or am I part of the problem? Am I mature or immature?

It's easy to point out the problems that others have. We seem to have no trouble doing that at all. What's more difficult is truthfully examining our own lives and seeing what we are doing to help or to hinder the church. Maybe we're fine. Maybe nothing we're doing is hindering growth. But, on the other hand, maybe we're not doing anything....at all. Maybe our "not doing anything" is a hinderance. Maybe we should get busy! Maybe we should get our minds off of ourselves and get busy for the Lord!

Our Christian walk may be the only thing some people see that would point them to Jesus. It's imperative that we take our walk seriously. It matters! It matters to God....to us....and to the world around us. We must let our lights shine!

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:17-21

Love is Something if you Give it Away!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:20:00 +0000

You may know the song that is used in the title of this post. I didn't realize it had so many verses, until I searched online for the author! Here it is with just a few of the verses:

Love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away.
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.
It's just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor.
For love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away.
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.
*written by Malvina Reynolds

Some people are easy to love. Some people are hard to love. But, God's Word says to love everyone: friends, neighbors, enemies, one another - EVERYONE! Think about that as you go about your day today. And remember, when you find someone that may be hard to love.....perhaps to someone else you are hard to love. We must be strive to be lovable, as well!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love oneanother, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

Our Perception of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:14:00 +0000

Recently one of my young teenage friends on Facebook put the following status: "What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head or how it's supposed to be."

She really made me think because what she said was sooooo true! My reply to her is below. I also asked if I could use her status for a blog post some time and she said that I could.

My reply: "I think maybe we want things like we think others have it - and maybe they do and maybe they don't - we can't really know. One of the hardest things to NOT do is compare our lives to others, and I think as females (of all ages) we're into comparing more than males (hair, bodies, makeup, clothes, family, husbands/boyfriends, children, homes, decorations, and on and on). But, you know what we all need to remember? None of us are perfect....none of our lives are perfect....and comparing only keeps our eyes on others instead of on God/Jesus and it will end up making us miserable in the process."

What do you think? Do you believe that we compare our lives to others and try to match what "they" are doing? I really do believe that we do - especially young girls/women. In fact, I believe our culture teaches us, or tries to teach us, to be that way through advertising and entertainment. It's a constant battle to not get caught up in all of that "stuff" and to not get a warped perception of life!

Our perception of life will be much easier and clearer if we keep our eyes on others and on God/Jesus. When we are too focused on ourselves, our lives will be miserable, because we will be focused on our perceived flaws or possibly begin to feel like we're not good enough, not smart enough, not......whatever. We will become selfish in our thoughts. Instead of looking outward and seeing the needs of others, we become consumed with self.

Let's make it a goal to look outward and upward each day! Let's make it a goal to do what we can to help others and to serve others, even if it just by brightening their day with a kind or encouraging word. In doing so, we will be brightening up our own lives. We will be changing the picture in our head from what we think life is supposed to look like to what God/Jesus show us life is supposed to look like!

And, in all of that, we will be "Shining Like Stars"....looking more and more like Jesus.

Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

When you look into a mirror, what do you see? You see your physical self, don't you? Some things you and I see, we may like. Other things we see in ourselves, we may not like. We may see things that need improvement.

God's Word, the Bible is like a mirror for our mind and our heart. Just like a mirror shows us the outer image, the Bible shows us the inner image. We can use the Bible to examine our inner image and see how we measure up to God's standard. We can find areas that might need improvement.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

James 1:19-25

If we read God's Word with an open heart and an open mind, we can find areas that need improvement. As we are working on those areas, we will find ourselves looking more and more like Jesus every day. The mirror of God's Word....the perfect law that gives freedom! Thank you, God!

The Chronicles of Biscuit - Just Be Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:04:00 +0000

The Chronicles of Biscuit: Stories about our youngest son, Tyler, whose nickname is Biscuit.

Tonight, just as Biscuit was getting ready to go to bed, he asked me if he could talk to me alone. Of course, I said yes. He started telling me about the story they are reading this week in his 3rd grade reader. He said it was about an eagle who was raised on a chicken farm, so he thought he was a chicken. (Biscuit said it was of the folklore genre, if you wanted to know! :) Anyway, he said with this type of story, there was always a moral to the story. The moral in the end was: JUST BE YOURSELF.

Biscuit went on talking, "I needed this story. It taught me a lesson. Sometimes I try to be like other people, when I should just be myself." Interestingly, I've actually had that same conversation with him recently (Example: The young golfer, Ricky Fowler, wears Puma hats/clothes, Biscuit wants Puma hat/clothes....and other things like that.), but apparently either I didn't do a good job explaining what I meant, or Biscuit just wasn't ready to learn the lesson at the time!

Sometimes it's good for kids to learn a lesson from somewhere else, isn't it? Because, in this case, it wasn't someone instructing him and teaching him by words. This time he learned by reading and figuring it out all on his own. He'll remember this lesson even more because he came to the conclusion that he needed it all by himself.

Good job, Biscuit! I'm proud of you! As the saying goes, "Just be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."

Lost and Found

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:22:00 +0000

A friend, who has been married 50 years, lost a diamond out of her wedding ring a few days ago. She wasn't sure she would ever find it. Last night, she happened to find it in the bathroom and was understandably excited, after thinking it was lost forever!

This story reminded me of our oldest son, Zachary, when he was little. Zachary enjoyed dressing in a suit and tie for worship, just like his dad. For something special, I began to get he and his brother tie tacks made from charms (the jewelry store sends them and has them made into tie tacks) a few times a year. One Sunday, after we got home from worship, Zachary noticed his tie tac was missing. He and I quickly returned to the church building, but before we went in, I told Zachary we should pray about finding it.

We prayed that we would find the tie tac, then got out, went inside and began searching. We first went into the classroom where I had taught him earlier that morning, and there it was! The tie tac was in the very first place we searched! Immediately, I told Zachary we needed to pray again, telling God thank you....and we did.

I was confident that we would find the tie tac...mostly because that's just my personality to expect good results (for the most part, that is.), but it was such an awesome thing that day to show Zachary about prayer - even for something as insignificant as a tie tac. He was able to see that pray answered immediately! Prayers aren't always answered immediately, we all know, but that day it was. And it made an impression on my little boy.

Sometimes we think God only cares about the big things. I don't believe that. I believe that God cares about everything and can help me in everything - big or small. The problem is that sometimes I don't ask Him for His help. Sometimes I want to do things - or choose to do things - on my own...without His help. Why would I ever do that? Why would I ever choose to make a decision on my own, when I have a Heavenly Father and the Creator of the Universe who is willing and able to help me? Put that way, it doesn't make much sense, does it?! God should be a major part of ALL of our plans. He want to be part of our plans. We just have to LET Him be part of our plans.

When we lose something, we're sad. When it is found, we rejoice! Relating these two stories of lost and found makes me thinks of Jesus' parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. In each story, something was lost.....some by negligence and some by choice. In each story, rejoicing happened when the lost thing/person was found. These parables illustrate God's love and rejoicing when one is lost and is found. When someone is unsaved and becomes saved. You and I have to help the lost be saved. That is our responsibility. Let's not forget to be praying about the lost...just as Zachary and I prayed for the lost tie tac. And then, let's not forget to pray about and rejoice for those who are found.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:7

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Luke 15:31-32

There are many who are lost. Let's get to looking for them!

How Do I Love Thee?

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Today is February 1st. Hard to believe that the first month of this new year has already come and gone, isn't it?

As we look forward to this second month of the year, much of the focus will be on love. Valentine's Day is February 14th, and stores are already stocked up on things that will help you show your loved ones just how much you love them. Although, I'm sure you realize that no "thing" will do or take the place of what your "words and actions" should be doing!

The poem, "How Do I Love Thee?" came to mind this morning. Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote these famous words, sure to be found in some of the Valentine messages from the past. How interesting that when I went to BibleGateway.com this morning that this was their verse for the day:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

These two phrases - one by Ms. Browning and the other penned by Moses and inspired by God - can go together: How do I love thee, God?

1. With all of my heart.

2. With all of my soul.

3. With all of my strength.

Can you and I answer that question truthfully with those three answers? That is what God wants from us, doesn't He? He wants all of our love and devotion.

At the end of Ms. Brownings poem is this verse: "I shall but love thee better after death." How we live our lives now, and how we choose to love God now matters. At the end of life - in eternity - I want to be able to say to God, "I love thee better after death." I pray that you do, too.

To read more about loving the Lord, read the whole chapter of Deuteronomy 6.

The New Addition!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:50:00 +0000

After waiting five months for the process of adding on to our home to begin, we got the ball rolling towards the end of July 2011. This addition was something we had been hoping for and praying for several years. So, on this GRATITUESDAY, I am very, very grateful for this new space.

Being a family of six, with our three boys sharing a big bedroom, we were needing more space - and definitely more closets. This light green room will be a den/office and will connect to the larger, remodeled kitchen.

As soon as possible, I put two wreaths up on the new windows. With all of the Christmas decor in the rest of the house, this new part needed something!

The new laundry room isn't huge, but it is very sufficient. I really like the light turquoise and the mini chandelier! At the time of this picture, it wasn't up there, but soon we added a long rod over the washer and dryer - perfect for letting all of the clothes dry that we don't put in the dryer. So much easier doing laundry now!

Our two youngest boys that got the new bedrooms are sharing this Mickey Mouse bedroom. This is before the sink was cut out, but it has been great having an extra bathroom!

This is the room that was previously shared by all three, which now belongs to the oldest. He's using the extra space on the left side of his bed to make a putting green. I'll blog about that some day!

Our 13 year old boy wanted a Rt. 66 room. He has a collection of cars and old bottles, which are displayed on the desk to the right (which belonged to my grandparents). The madras plaid bedding was on sale at Pottery Barn Teen. This was my first purchase ever through Pottery Barn Teen, and it is easy to tell (by touch) that the quality is very good.

The youngest boy wanted a Texas Ranger room. I'm usually not into themed rooms like this, BUT, since it was Texas Rangers, I agreed! This is before it was all put together, but a few days after Christmas, I found this blue tree at Garden Ridge in Oklahoma City. WoooHoooo! It will be his Texas Rangers' Christmas tree next year!

I found this canvas the day after Christmas. It was a great addition to the new den/office area. Love what it says!

Demolition Day! It was great to get home from a ballgame and find that the wall between the old part and new part had been torn down! How exciting (and very dusty!).

Looking from the other direction into the old part and after some things had been done in the new part.

The only thing we have left to do is to put rock on the corners of the brick on the outside of the house, get closet doors on the two bedroom closets, and get door knobs on all of the new doors. There are a few "tiny" things we have to do, as well.

Many years ago, we had a teeny, tiny little house. Our third child's baby bed was in the dining room. We rarely had people over....there wasn't extra space. I made a promise then to myself and to God, that if we ever had a home with more room, I/we would use it for HIS glory. We would have people into our home and have church events in our home. I kept that promise (Though I know God is used to me and others breaking our promises and is forgiving. It was important for me to keep that one.)

With this new addition, we plan to serve God even more. I am thankful that when people need a place to stay, we now have room for them to stay with us. When we have the youth group over now, there will be even more room to accommodate them (they'll be here in a few weeks!). We will have church groups, school groups, and hopefully the opportunity to invite new acquaintances over to our home even more now.

So, on this GRATITUESDAY, I am grateful for this new addition. Having another bathroom, two new bedrooms and several new closets is so nice. The boys are very thankful. We are all very thankful!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

"I Did It My Way"

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:33:00 +0000

Many years ago, I heard about a man who had passed away. At the funeral, the Frank Sinatra son, "My Way" was played. Here is the first verse of that song:

And now the end is near

And so I face the final curtain

My friend I'll say it clear

I'll state my case of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way.

Sadly, as humans, we sometimes to try to live our lives just how we please. We try to do everything, "My Way". But the sad part about it, is that the Bible plainly teaches us to NOT to it "my way", but to do things "God's Way".

Last week in Bible class, we were studying about the Israelites and how they were continually trying to do thing their way. God gave them so many opportunities to do things His way, but they continued to sin.

Many times he delivered them,

but they were bent on rebellion

and they wasted away in their sin.

Psalm 106:43

What a sad verse! "They were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin."

God's Word tells us how to do things "His Way". It's not that difficult, but we have to give up/resist the temptation to to things "My Way". We may fail at times, but we can always get back on track. We can strive to follow in the steps of Jesus. And, at the end of our lives, we can truly say, "I did it His way".

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 7:21-25

"This Little Light of Mine"

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:02:00 +0000

Typically this sweet little song is sung by children, but have you ever thought about the word and how applicable they are to all Christians of any age? Here is chorus in the song:

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine.

In our busy, and sometimes crazy lives, it's easy to get so wrapped up in the "stuff" of life and forget what it is all about - eternity.....specifically eternal life in heaven for those who are saved. We get down, depressed, stressed, tired, grumpy, grouchy and all kinds of things that aren't always appealing to the outside world. It's in those hard and difficult times that, instead of looking and turning inward, caving in to the pressure that is weighing down on us, we should let our lights shine even brighter. That is when our faith should be evident even more. If we're not trusting in God during those times, as well as during the good times, it's as if we are telling God that we don't believe Him. It's like we don't believe He will do what He has said He would do. It's like saying we are all alone, without any higher power to give guidance and support.

So.....when you're troubled....let your light shine!

When you are sad....let your light shine!

When you are worried....let your light shine!

When you are lonely....let your light shine!

When you are grieving....let your light shine!

When you are scared.....let your light shine!

When you are stressed...let your light shine!

When all is good....let your light shine!

Whatever you are and whatever you are doing....let your light shine!

Why? Because in doing so, you are advancing Christ and to advance the gospel (The gospel is the good news: The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus!). (Read how Paul advanced Christ here.) You may be the only light that someone sees today! You may be the only example of Jesus someone sees today. And maybe, because of that example, someone will decide that they need Jesus, too.

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Shine brightly, friends! SHINE LIKE STARS!

Are You a Fan or a Fanatic?

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:33:00 +0000

Every year at this time, our family is busy going to basketball games five out of seven nights. Thankfully, in our part of the state, Wednesday night basketball hasn't become part of the schedule like it has in many places, and Sunday's are still free from games.

With the many, many games each year, comes a variety of scenarios and outcomes with each game. However, without exception, fans show up and cheer on the team. Some fans cheer with every "do right". Some fans yell with every thing that was "done wrong". Some fans just sit quietly, while others choose to make the referee the bad guy(s) by pointing out everything they miss. Something interesting that I've noticed is that if a call is charged against us, it's the wrong call or if they miss something the other team did wrong and don't call it, they're wrong, but if is the other way around - where we foul and it's not called or we mess up (walk, double dribble, etc.) and it's not called, we don't seem to notice. Why is that??! (As a side note: My husband likes to use this true statement: "Until you have made 100% of your shots, and until you have 0% turnovers, then it is NEVER the refs fault for anything." So true! )

Thinking about the word "fan", I decided to look at the definition. Here it is: A person who has a strong interest in or admiration for a particular sport, art or entertainment form, or famous person. So, by the definition, a true fan has a strong interest in or admiration for whatever it is. Interesting.

In comparing the fan of a sports team to being a fan of Jesus, I began to wonder just why it was that it was acceptable for people to be HUGE sports fans, but if you are a HUGE Jesus/God fan, you're labeled a fanatic. Why do you suppose that is the way it is? I looked up the word fanatic. Here's the definition: A person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, esp. for an extreme religious or political cause.

So, I see now that the word fanatic is a single-minded zeal and that is the difference. A fanatic is a much stronger word, isn't it? A fan might like one team one year, but then the next year, the fan might like another team. It might still be the same sport, but not the same team. It could be the same team, but maybe the teammates have changed.

In your Christian walk, are you a fan or a fanatic? I believe God wants us to be FANATICS! He wants us to have a single-minded zeal for Him and His Son, Jesus, and His church! If we are only a fan, we might not be totally devoted to His cause. We might be really into the "game" one month, then not so much the next. Just like there are seasons/times for sports, maybe we only worship God or rely on God during certain seasons of our life. Or maybe you're a fan who once was a fan of Christianity, but now you no longer are part of that team. What happened to your zeal? Were you ever a fanatic for Jesus?

Have a single-minded zeal is being Christ focused. He is your motivation for living the life God wants you to live. Be zealous for Him! Be zealous for the church He died for! Be zealous to help win others to Christ!

BE A FANATIC! God's team is the best team to "cheer" for!

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:11

Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you.

Galatians 4:170-18

The Chronicles of Biscuit - The 1st Tee

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:50:00 +0000

If you haven't seen the movie, "Seven Days in Utopia", you must. Really. It is a great movie with a good message and a Godly message. My husband bought the movie for us during Christmas break and we've watched a few times. Today Biscuit used one of the lessons of the movie to help him in his own life.

January is FULL of basketball. Four to six games a week with Biscuit's three siblings. Thankfully Biscuit decided not to play city league basketball this winter or there would be even more.

Biscuit doesn't like going to all of his siblings games. He would rather be home. I can't blame him for wanting to be home playing, but I also want our family to be together, so I make them go to each other's games almost all of the time.

Today when Biscuit got in the car after school, I told him we would go home for a little bit, but that we needed to be at the gym at 4:00 p.m. for a ballgame. That only left time for some of his homework and a quick snack. No time for playing at all.

Biscuit wasn't very happy; however, just as he started complaining, he said he needed to go to "The 1st Tee". I wasn't sure what he meant, but he explained it to me:

In the movie, "Seven Days in Utopia", the young man, Luke, learns several life lessons through golf lessons from a rancher named Johnny. "The 1st Tee". Biscuit said that "The 1st Tee" was "controlling your emotions". Wow! Here is a nine year old little boy who realizes that his attitude needs adjusting....that it needs controlling!! Now, I'm not "braggin' or nothin' as Biscuit would say, but truthfully, I have to admit that even I - as a 40+ year old woman - don't always realize I have a problem, so I'm very proud that the youngest member of our family can recognize this fact!

Any self-help book (or the Bibile) will tell you that the first step in dealing with a problem is recognizing a problem. In Biscuit's case, he was disappointed/angry/upset that he had to go to (yet another) basketball game. In realizing he needed to go to "The 1st Tee", he realized that he wasn't controlling his emotions and that it was going to get him in trouble.

Maybe we all need to go to "The 1st Tee" before we act or react to any situation. Thanks for the wise advice, Biscuit! I am grateful for your wisdom some times, even at a young age. I am grateful, too, that God is willing and able to guide us to that "1st Tee" and that He will help us grow to be better equipped at controlling our emotions.

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Encountering Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:36:00 +0000

* Note from Lori: This is a very good article by Alan Smith who writes "Thought For the Day". It is used by permission from Mr. Smith. Be sure and read more about the video at the end of Alan Smith's name and information.

*** A number of years ago, there was a woman in Kansas City who walked into a Haagen-Dazs ice cream shop. While she was waiting in line, she turned around to find actor Paul Newman standing behind her. He was in town filming the movie Mr. & Mrs. Bridge, and he didn’t realize it, but he was standing behind one of his biggest fans.

Paul Newman smiled at her and said "hello." She took one look at those blue eyes and her knees almost buckled. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. Mortified, she turned back around, paid for her ice cream, then quickly walked out of the store.

When she was outside, she sat down on a bench and took a moment to catch her breath. As she calmed down, she realized she didn't have her ice cream cone. She was getting ready to walk back in to get it when Paul Newman walked out. He asked her, "Are you looking for your ice cream cone?" She was still speechless but she nodded. He said, "You put it in your purse with your change."

There are some people who hold such great significance in our lives, that meeting them affects us in a powerful way. But if a celebrity or an athlete can have that kind of effect on people, just imagine how much difference it would make in a person’s life to come face-to-face with Jesus Christ!

Think of the difference made in the lives of the Samaritan woman, the man possessed by a multitude of demons, Zaccheus, James and John, the lame man by the pool of Bethesda, the paralytic lowered by his four friends, Saul (later known as Paul), the woman caught in adultery, the blind man, the leper, the thief on the cross, and countless others.

There's a popular video making the rounds on Youtube this week (with over 14 million hits!) entitled, "Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus". There is much I like about the video and some that I don't like. Religion is not the problem; false religion (hypocrisy) is. Many people fail to realize that Jesus was a religious person himself! But, it is true that religion (in and of itself) cannot save us; Jesus can. Religion cannot change our hearts; Jesus can. Religion cannot empower us to live holy lives; Jesus can.

Our goal as Christians should not be to get people to follow a religion. Our goal should be to bring people to Jesus, to let them see him for themselves, and to allow that encounter to change their lives. Perhaps the most powerful thing we can say to people is what Philip said to Nathaniel (John 1:46) and what the Samaritan woman said to the villagers (John 4:29): "Come and meet Jesus for yourself."

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

*Note from Lori: Sadly, the video made by Mr. Betke is being used as a way for some to bash the church, so he has this quote on his Facebook wall:

"If you are using my video to bash "the church" be careful. I was in no way intending to do that. My heart came from trying to highlight and expose legalism and hypocrisy. The Church is Jesus' bride so be careful how you speak of His wife. If a normal dude has right to get pissed when you bash His wife, it makes me tremble to think how great the weight is when we do it to Jesus' wife. The church is His vehicle to reach a lost word. A hospital for sinners. Saying you love Jesus but hate the Church, is like a fiancé saying he loves his future bride, but hates her kids. We are all under grace. Look to Him." -Jefferson Bethke

Too Good To Be True

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:24:00 +0000

We've been looking for our daughter a car for several months. Yesterday I searched through Craigslist and found a model we were interested in, for a super-great price. I emailed my husband and he immediately wrote the seller. Later, when he hadn't heard from the seller, he had me email....just in case he hadn't copied the address right.

Late last night, we were so excited! We both received identical emails from the seller. The too-good-to-be-true price WAS right and she was selling the car because she was being deployed. It sounded believable. We wrote the lady back and told her we wanted the car.

My husband was a little wary, but I just knew it was true. Why would someone lie about a car like that, anyway? Just to be sure, he wanted to check on some things. We googled the lady's name....searched on Facebook, etc. Nothing strange. After looking a while, I happened to remember that the person I emailed wasn't the same address who emailed us back. I typed in that name in the search and all kinds of things came up, linking this person to car/boat SCAMS! What a let down! And to think that this person does this all of the time and that so many actually end up giving him/her money!

I'm not sure what we're going to do when we get the reply email. I would like to show up with law enforcement, but something tells me we'll never meet this person in person. I think he/she will request the money to be wired or some of the information suggested that the person uses payment through eBay. Either way, it's fraud! So sad that someone would do this kind of thing....and continue it over and over and over. So many have already lost money to this kind of thing. Be careful, people!

The moral of the story is this: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Probably. There might be times when it really is a terrific deal. In fact, I know there are times when it is!

Think about this: God planned for His Son, Jesus Christ, to be born. He planned for Him to live for 33 years, teaching many people along the way about salvation. The Jesus died on the cross to serve as the atoning sacrifice - once and for all - for our sins! For the sins of people from that day on - until the end of the world! TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THAT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! This is the ultimate "too good to be true" deal, isn't it???!!! But, it's not! It's not just a sounds-good-deal! It is TRUE! It is REAL! There are no hidden messages, gimmicks, or lies. It's just as good as it appears to be!

Thank you, God, for this "deal".....for this plan of salvation you have given to us and to all people. The ironic thing is that this good deal is even available to those who try to swindle others. They need the message just as much as anyone. So, yes, I pray that this person gets caught so that no one else loses money, but also, I pray that this person finds about about God and Jesus and turns from the world of deceit and lies. Salvation is for everyone. It's the best "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" deal of all time!

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

1 Timothy 2:3-6

Heirloom Burlap Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Pin It

I wanted to share one of the home-made gifts my mom made for my sister and I this Christmas. She saw a similar pillow at one of her very favorite stores in Oklahoma City. This gave her the idea to do this for us. She used pictures of she and Dad, plus pictures of our grandparents and great-grandparents.

To do the pillow, she had my dad scan and print each picture onto a wallet size photo.

The doilies on the two corners were hard to find because she wanted them to look a certain way and they were going to be cut in triangle shapes.

She found the vintage-looking brooches at Hobby Lobby.

The pillow form was stuffed into a burlap machine sewn pillow form, then the ribbons were tacked on and tied to each pictures.

Just to let you know--- The pillow that she saw had a price tag over $100.00. This one cost about $12.00! That's quite a difference, isn't it?!

Thanks, Mom! It is a great keepsake and neat to show my own children pictures of their grandparents and great-grandparents....many they never knew.

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:07:00 +0000

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:19-25

Ever so often, we need to take a good, long look at ourselves in a mirror, so to speak. This mirror is different than a typical mirror we might use. This mirror is God's Word....the Bible....and the reflection we should see of ourselves should be the image of Jesus.

The passage above gives us a checklist of what we should be seeing. There are other checklists we could use throughout the Bible, but today we will just look at this small passage. Take the time to reflect on your image today. Ask yourself these questions:

#1: Am I quick to listen?

#2: Am I slow to become angry?

#3: Have I gotten rid of all moral filth?

#4: Is there any evil in my life?

#5: Have I accepted the word that has been planted in me? (Have I submitted my life to God/Jesus? Have I obeyed the gospel? (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17)

#6: Or have I heard the Word of God, but not done anything about it?

#7: Am I doing what God's Word says to do, or am I deceiving myself?

#8: Am I remembering what God has done for me?

#9: Am I recognizing the fact that the blessings in my life are from God?

A small passage and a checklist, but what questions are raised through these verses! Don't forget to check yourself in the mirror from time to time. Not your own mirror - but God's mirror. The mirror of His Word.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

1 Corinthians 13:11-12

He Wants You!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:24:00 +0000

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. ¹⁰ This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

1 John 3:9-11

What if you found out that there was someone trying to get you? What if that someone could be everywhere you were and could come in ways that you might not recognize? How would you feel? What would you do differently? Would you be more aware of your surroundings?

There is someone that is trying to get you....and me. This "person" is actively seeking ways to get you to do things, say things, and think things that are wrong....even evil. This person is like God, in that he, too, can be everywhere, but this person, unlike God, is only interested in what is bad and evil. He is not interested in what is good at all. He only has power because God has given it to him.

Who is this mysterious person? The devil - Satan! He wants you on his side. He doesn't want you to be one of God's children. He believes that if he can just get you to his side on one little thing, that he can continue to turn you to his side - the side of darkness.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

How does it make you feel to realize that Satan wants you? It makes me angry! It also makes me even more aware of how I act, how I react, and how I think. If Satan is capable of using others to get to me, then instead of getting aggravated at others when things go wrong, maybe I need to direct my anger towards Satan and sin, right? I don't have to or need to get mad at others because Satan is the root of the problem - not the person he is using. They may not even be aware they are being used. And, if/when he uses me, I may not be aware that I am being used, either.

The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.

1 John 3:8

Directing our emotions of pain, sorrow, and disappointment at Satan does two things: 1. It directs our disgust towards the ultimate root of the problem and gets it away from another human being. 2. It directs our attention and reliance more towards God - the only One who can really help us with any of our problems. So, if we use the situation to make us more aware of the devil's schemes and more towards the direction of God, we are much, much better off, and growing as God's child in the process. Resisting the devil will cause him to flee from us! Instead of trying harder to get us, when we submit to God, the devil will go pick on someone else. He gets discouraged by our submission to God!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7

Yes, he - the devil - does want you, and that is a true fact. But, even truer, is the fact that God wants you even more! Isn't that a wonderful feeling! Where would you rather spend eternity? With the devil or with God? The decisions you make or don't make in this life will determine where you will spend eternity. God won't make you follow him or serve him. He will give you a choice.

So, get your armor on, brothers and sisters! Let the war begin!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:10-12