The New Amero?
posted by Michele | 3:40 AM
Michele'sMonologues
- The New Amero?
- Peeved or Persecuted?
- Ministry>
- Parking Lot Modesty
- He is Kind to the Unthankful and Evil
- Tyler
- The List That Saved My Marriage
- Wilderness Wandering
- Pecking Orders
- Teach Me How To Pray
- June 2005
- July 2005
- August 2005
- October 2005
- November 2005
- December 2005
- January 2006
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- April 2006
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- November 2006
- January 2007
- May 2007
- June 2007
- August 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Peeved or Persecuted?
I got to thinkin' the other day about all the religious people who have come to accept a certain "thing" as "the "right thing", or even "the only thing".
You know, somehow they've gone through a step-by-step process to arrive at a conclusion and it becomes another commandment.
Thou Shalt....
or Thou Shalt Not....
Of course, it's not what Scripture says.
But they can tell you the whole logical process they arrived at to get to that conclusion.
It's flawed. But they don't want to know.
They know what they know and that's just that.
And as soon as someone disagrees with them, they pull out a "persecution card".
Like:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
It always seemed so.... I don't know, silly? maybe.
To call it persecution if someone simply disagrees with your interpretation is a bit much.
And it's sad that their next step is to gather all their buddies and gang up on the supposed offender.
Hateful things are said.
Shunning begins.
And so it goes.....
All the while claiming Christ and persecution.
Ironic.
Then I read about those who are tortured, or even murdered, for their faith and it makes all the petty stuff seem so much more petty.
"Why on earth would men and women leave the comfort of their homes and the safety of their homeland to put their lives at risk in order to aid strangers in a foreign country? For many it's hard to fathom. But for Christian missionaries throughout the ages, it can be summed up in two words: "Love" and "Obedience." Love for Christ and for their fellow man. Obedience to the Great Commission." (Fools for Christ's Sake)
Which reminded me of this:
You know, somehow they've gone through a step-by-step process to arrive at a conclusion and it becomes another commandment.
Thou Shalt....
or Thou Shalt Not....
Of course, it's not what Scripture says.
But they can tell you the whole logical process they arrived at to get to that conclusion.
It's flawed. But they don't want to know.
They know what they know and that's just that.
And as soon as someone disagrees with them, they pull out a "persecution card".
Like:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
It always seemed so.... I don't know, silly? maybe.
To call it persecution if someone simply disagrees with your interpretation is a bit much.
And it's sad that their next step is to gather all their buddies and gang up on the supposed offender.
Hateful things are said.
Shunning begins.
And so it goes.....
All the while claiming Christ and persecution.
Ironic.
Then I read about those who are tortured, or even murdered, for their faith and it makes all the petty stuff seem so much more petty.
"Why on earth would men and women leave the comfort of their homes and the safety of their homeland to put their lives at risk in order to aid strangers in a foreign country? For many it's hard to fathom. But for Christian missionaries throughout the ages, it can be summed up in two words: "Love" and "Obedience." Love for Christ and for their fellow man. Obedience to the Great Commission." (Fools for Christ's Sake)
Which reminded me of this:
posted by Michele | 9:38 AM
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Parking Lot Modesty
Our worship service this morning was amazing. Of course, that's how it's always been for which I'm thankful. The focus was on Jesus. The pastor prayed that he would be out of the way so the Lord could simply speak the message through him. It was entirely Scriptural with some wonderful illustrations and life applications!
The music was wonderful. Again, the focus was on Jesus and a heart of worship. The music was simply an offering to the Lord.
After the end of the corporate worship service I did let my focus wander a bit to see if everyone was dressed acceptably. I saw no body parts hanging out so that was nice. I did notice one woman in a skirt and shirt that were too tight. I'm not sure it was a matter of being immodest or if it's just because she's chunky. I mean, her hair and make-up were beautifully done. And her clothes matched but they were snug. Goodness, she even had cellulite! But she's a beautiful woman and very talented.
I also noticed another woman who was dressed rather cheaply. I mean, as in low cost. She looked a bit haggard, too. Not really immodest but kind of a bother to look at. But her 18-month old is out of the hospital now after his week long stay.
There was also the one young girl who's died her hair pink. What was she thinking? Doesn't she know that God probably doesn't like pink hair? She should probably dye it one of those acceptable colors like the older women do! Anyway, her clothes were fine. A little trendy, but... She'll probably watch us and learn how to dress right to include that hair! Goodness, she's only been coming a little while. She's quiet, and even seems a bit leery of church folk- but we'll get her to focus on what's important in church before long!
And the pastor didn't even have his shirt tucked in!
And there was that family of five that was wearing jeans. Even the girls! They were clean and neat, but still it was denim!
Since I didn't pay enough attention to the people during the worship service, I thought I'd share about the parking lot! I figure you can tell just as much about folks and their walk with Christ by their vehicles as you can by their clothing! And there were some really immodest vehicles out there!
I saw quite a few gas-guzzling SUV's. I was shocked! Would Jesus want folks wasting natural resources by such low gas mileage?? Definitely lacking modesty there! Such a pretentious show! I was a bit disgusted by it!
Sadly, I didn't even see one green hybrid out there. Or an electric car!
But I am thrilled to report that I did see three motorcycles! At 55 miles to the gallon that's using resources wisely! Thankfully, they were Harley's. I'd have hated to see one of those foreign bikes out there. Buying American- that's the good Christian way!
And I actually even saw a few junky looking cars. Ugh! They so don't reflect well on Christianity. Some were just downright dirty, even! What would Jesus think about an icthus on a dirty car?
Of course there were quite a few pick-up trucks. Some were smaller and didn't waste so much gas. But those big trucks- WOW! Really low gas mileage! And some of those were dirty, too! What do these ranchers and farmers think they're doing showing up to chuch like that?
I'm so thankful that I brought my children to church in an Impala! American car, clean, 32 miles to the gallon, and a nice nondescript white- it just reeks of modesty!
The music was wonderful. Again, the focus was on Jesus and a heart of worship. The music was simply an offering to the Lord.
After the end of the corporate worship service I did let my focus wander a bit to see if everyone was dressed acceptably. I saw no body parts hanging out so that was nice. I did notice one woman in a skirt and shirt that were too tight. I'm not sure it was a matter of being immodest or if it's just because she's chunky. I mean, her hair and make-up were beautifully done. And her clothes matched but they were snug. Goodness, she even had cellulite! But she's a beautiful woman and very talented.
I also noticed another woman who was dressed rather cheaply. I mean, as in low cost. She looked a bit haggard, too. Not really immodest but kind of a bother to look at. But her 18-month old is out of the hospital now after his week long stay.
There was also the one young girl who's died her hair pink. What was she thinking? Doesn't she know that God probably doesn't like pink hair? She should probably dye it one of those acceptable colors like the older women do! Anyway, her clothes were fine. A little trendy, but... She'll probably watch us and learn how to dress right to include that hair! Goodness, she's only been coming a little while. She's quiet, and even seems a bit leery of church folk- but we'll get her to focus on what's important in church before long!
And the pastor didn't even have his shirt tucked in!
And there was that family of five that was wearing jeans. Even the girls! They were clean and neat, but still it was denim!
Since I didn't pay enough attention to the people during the worship service, I thought I'd share about the parking lot! I figure you can tell just as much about folks and their walk with Christ by their vehicles as you can by their clothing! And there were some really immodest vehicles out there!
I saw quite a few gas-guzzling SUV's. I was shocked! Would Jesus want folks wasting natural resources by such low gas mileage?? Definitely lacking modesty there! Such a pretentious show! I was a bit disgusted by it!
Sadly, I didn't even see one green hybrid out there. Or an electric car!
But I am thrilled to report that I did see three motorcycles! At 55 miles to the gallon that's using resources wisely! Thankfully, they were Harley's. I'd have hated to see one of those foreign bikes out there. Buying American- that's the good Christian way!
And I actually even saw a few junky looking cars. Ugh! They so don't reflect well on Christianity. Some were just downright dirty, even! What would Jesus think about an icthus on a dirty car?
Of course there were quite a few pick-up trucks. Some were smaller and didn't waste so much gas. But those big trucks- WOW! Really low gas mileage! And some of those were dirty, too! What do these ranchers and farmers think they're doing showing up to chuch like that?
I'm so thankful that I brought my children to church in an Impala! American car, clean, 32 miles to the gallon, and a nice nondescript white- it just reeks of modesty!
posted by Michele | 9:08 PM
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
He is Kind to the Unthankful and Evil
Jesus said:
"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners do the same.
And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.
But love your enemies,
do good,
and lend,
hoping for nothing in return;
and your reward will be great,
and you will be sons of the Most High.
For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."
(Luke 6:32-36)
"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners do the same.
And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.
But love your enemies,
do good,
and lend,
hoping for nothing in return;
and your reward will be great,
and you will be sons of the Most High.
For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."
(Luke 6:32-36)
posted by Michele | 6:00 AM
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Tyler
"OK, we can play church. But you be the pastor, and I'll be the manipulative church member who always gets her way."
posted by Michele | 8:58 PM
Monday, January 01, 2007
The List That Saved My Marriage
The List That Saved My Marriage
What an inventory of my husband's shortcomings taught me
By Becky Zerbe
The day had come. I'd lasted as long as I could in my marriage. Once my husband, Bill, left for work, I packed a bag for myself and our 14-month-old son and left our home. It was the only year in our married life when we lived in the same town as my parents. Obviously the convenience of being able to run to Mom and Dad made my decision to leave Bill easier.
With a tear-stained, angry face, I walked into Mom's kitchen. She held the baby while I sobbed my declaration of independence. A washcloth and cup of coffee later, Mom told me she and Dad would help me. I was comforted to know they'd be there for me.
"But before you leave Bill," she said, "I have one task for you to complete."
Mom put down my sleeping son, took a sheet of paper and pen, and drew a vertical line down the middle of the page. She told me to list in the left column all the things Bill did that made him impossible to live with. As I looked at the dividing line, I thought she'd then tell me to list all his good qualities on the right hand side. I was determined to have a longer list of bad qualities on the left. This is going to be easy, I thought. My pen started immediately to scribble down the left column.
Bill never picked his clothes off the floor. He never told me when he was going outside. He slept in church. He had embarrassing, nasty habits such as blowing his nose or belching at the dinner table. He never bought me nice presents. He refused to match his clothes. He was tight with money. He wouldn't help with the housework. He didn't talk with me.
The list went on and on until I'd filled the page. I certainly had more than enough evidence to prove that no woman would be able to live with this man.
Smugly I said, "Now I guess you're going to ask me to list all Bill's good qualities on the right side."
"No," she said. "I already know Bill's good qualities. Instead, for each item on the left side, I want you to write how you respond. What do you do?"
This was even tougher than listing his good qualities. I'd been thinking about Bill's few, good qualities I could list. I hadn't considered thinking about myself. I knew Mom wasn't going to let me get by without completing her assignment. So I had to start writing.
I'd pout, cry, and get angry. I'd be embarrassed to be with him. I'd act like a "martyr." I'd wish I'd married someone else. I'd give him the silent treatment. I'd feel I was too good for him. The list seemed endless.
When I reached the bottom of the page, Mom picked up the paper and went to the drawer. She took scissors and cut the paper down the vertical line. Taking the left column, she wadded it in her hand and tossed it into the trash. Then she handed me the right column.
"Becky," she said, "take this list back to your house. Spend today reflecting on these things in your life. Pray about them. I'll keep the baby until this afternoon. If you sincerely do what I ask and still want to leave Bill, Dad and I will do all we can to assist you."
Facing facts
Leaving my luggage and son, I drove back to my house. When I sat on my couch with the piece of paper, I couldn't believe what I was facing. Without the balancing catalogue of Bill's annoying habits, the list looked horrifying.
I saw a record of petty behaviors, shameful practices, and destructive responses. I spent the next several hours asking God for forgiveness. I requested strength, guidance, and wisdom in the changes I needed to make. As I continued to pray, I realized how ridiculously I'd behaved. I could barely remember the transgressions I'd written for Bill. How absurd could I be? There was nothing immoral or horrible on that list. I'd honestly been blessed with a good man—not a perfect one, but a good one.
I thought back five years. I'd made a vow to Bill. I would love and honor him in sickness and health. I'd be with him for better or for worse. I said those words in the presence of God, my family, and friends. Yet only this morning, I'd been ready to leave him for trivial annoyances.
I jumped back in the car and drove to my parents' house. I marveled at how different I felt from when I'd first made the trip to see Mom. I now felt peace, relief, and gratitude.
When I picked up my son, I was dismayed by how willing I'd been to make such a drastic change in his life. My pettiness almost cost him the opportunity to be exposed daily to a wonderful father. Quickly, I thanked my mother and flew out the door to return home. By the time Bill returned from work, I was unpacked and waiting.
A new outlook
I'd love to say that Bill changed. He didn't. He still did all those things that embarrassed and annoyed me, and made me want to explode.
The difference came in me. From that day forward, I had to be responsible not only for my actions in our marriage, but also for my reactions.
I think back to one of the items: Bill slept in church. The minute he began to doze always marked the end of my worship time.
So often I thought he was rudely uninterested in the message—and my dad was the preacher! It didn't matter that Bill was unable to stay awake any time he sat for a longer period. The entire time he spent nodding, I spent fuming. I'd squirm in the pew, feeling humiliated. I'd wonder why I ever married this man. I knew he didn't deserve a wife as godly as I was.
Yet now I could see myself as I truly was. My pride was hampering a valuable portion of my life—my worship. This problem wasn't Bill's; it was mine. When Bill fell asleep in church, I began to bathe that time in gratitude and prayer. I took my eyes off Bill and myself and looked to God. Instead of leaving the services in anger, I left in joy.
It wasn't long before Bill noticed a difference. He remarked at lunch one Sunday, "You seem to be enjoying the services more lately. I was beginning to think you didn't like the preacher." My immediate instinct was to explain how he'd ruined so many services for me. But instead, I accepted his statement without defense.
Remaking the list
There have been many times through the years I've had to remake the list. I've continued to ask God to forgive my pathetic reactions and give me his wisdom in dealing with my marriage.
Fifteen years later, at the age of 49, Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He had to quit his teaching job, leaving me to support our family, which has led to trying days and nights of worry. Watching him fight to maintain abilities to function daily has been inspiring to my sons, as well as to me. We've had to depend on our faith that God is in control—especially when we feel so out of control. We've searched the Bible for answers to questions we struggle to understand. We've spent hours with every emotion from anger to grief. We've asked, "Why?" We've claimed God's peace that passes all understanding.
Regrettably, many days I've run short on patience, even though I know Bill can't prevent himself from doing things that try my nerves. I realize my responsibility is to respond with the love God would have me show. I cry to God to love through me—because I know I'm not capable of loving Bill as God is capable of loving him.
Many times I've thanked God for a mother who was a spiritual mentor. Though she must have been tempted, she didn't preach to me or offer her opinion on my behavior. She guided me in discovering a truth that's saved a most treasured possession—my marriage. If I hadn't learned to respond as a Christian wife to Bill's small problems, I wouldn't be able to respond appropriately to his larger ones now.
My son came home one day and asked, "Mom, what are we going to do when Dad doesn't remember us?" My reply was, "We'll remember him. We'll remember the husband and father he was. We'll remember him for all the things he's taught us and the wonderful ways he's loved us."
After my son left the room, I chuckled. I was thinking of all the things I'd remember about this man who loved his family and his God. Many of those enduring memories are those same annoying little habits that made their way onto a list of bad qualities so many years ago.
Becky Zerbe is author of Laughing with My Finger in the Dam.
Becky has been married to Bill for 29 years.
What an inventory of my husband's shortcomings taught me
By Becky Zerbe
The day had come. I'd lasted as long as I could in my marriage. Once my husband, Bill, left for work, I packed a bag for myself and our 14-month-old son and left our home. It was the only year in our married life when we lived in the same town as my parents. Obviously the convenience of being able to run to Mom and Dad made my decision to leave Bill easier.
With a tear-stained, angry face, I walked into Mom's kitchen. She held the baby while I sobbed my declaration of independence. A washcloth and cup of coffee later, Mom told me she and Dad would help me. I was comforted to know they'd be there for me.
"But before you leave Bill," she said, "I have one task for you to complete."
Mom put down my sleeping son, took a sheet of paper and pen, and drew a vertical line down the middle of the page. She told me to list in the left column all the things Bill did that made him impossible to live with. As I looked at the dividing line, I thought she'd then tell me to list all his good qualities on the right hand side. I was determined to have a longer list of bad qualities on the left. This is going to be easy, I thought. My pen started immediately to scribble down the left column.
Bill never picked his clothes off the floor. He never told me when he was going outside. He slept in church. He had embarrassing, nasty habits such as blowing his nose or belching at the dinner table. He never bought me nice presents. He refused to match his clothes. He was tight with money. He wouldn't help with the housework. He didn't talk with me.
The list went on and on until I'd filled the page. I certainly had more than enough evidence to prove that no woman would be able to live with this man.
Smugly I said, "Now I guess you're going to ask me to list all Bill's good qualities on the right side."
"No," she said. "I already know Bill's good qualities. Instead, for each item on the left side, I want you to write how you respond. What do you do?"
This was even tougher than listing his good qualities. I'd been thinking about Bill's few, good qualities I could list. I hadn't considered thinking about myself. I knew Mom wasn't going to let me get by without completing her assignment. So I had to start writing.
I'd pout, cry, and get angry. I'd be embarrassed to be with him. I'd act like a "martyr." I'd wish I'd married someone else. I'd give him the silent treatment. I'd feel I was too good for him. The list seemed endless.
When I reached the bottom of the page, Mom picked up the paper and went to the drawer. She took scissors and cut the paper down the vertical line. Taking the left column, she wadded it in her hand and tossed it into the trash. Then she handed me the right column.
"Becky," she said, "take this list back to your house. Spend today reflecting on these things in your life. Pray about them. I'll keep the baby until this afternoon. If you sincerely do what I ask and still want to leave Bill, Dad and I will do all we can to assist you."
Facing facts
Leaving my luggage and son, I drove back to my house. When I sat on my couch with the piece of paper, I couldn't believe what I was facing. Without the balancing catalogue of Bill's annoying habits, the list looked horrifying.
I saw a record of petty behaviors, shameful practices, and destructive responses. I spent the next several hours asking God for forgiveness. I requested strength, guidance, and wisdom in the changes I needed to make. As I continued to pray, I realized how ridiculously I'd behaved. I could barely remember the transgressions I'd written for Bill. How absurd could I be? There was nothing immoral or horrible on that list. I'd honestly been blessed with a good man—not a perfect one, but a good one.
I thought back five years. I'd made a vow to Bill. I would love and honor him in sickness and health. I'd be with him for better or for worse. I said those words in the presence of God, my family, and friends. Yet only this morning, I'd been ready to leave him for trivial annoyances.
I jumped back in the car and drove to my parents' house. I marveled at how different I felt from when I'd first made the trip to see Mom. I now felt peace, relief, and gratitude.
When I picked up my son, I was dismayed by how willing I'd been to make such a drastic change in his life. My pettiness almost cost him the opportunity to be exposed daily to a wonderful father. Quickly, I thanked my mother and flew out the door to return home. By the time Bill returned from work, I was unpacked and waiting.
A new outlook
I'd love to say that Bill changed. He didn't. He still did all those things that embarrassed and annoyed me, and made me want to explode.
The difference came in me. From that day forward, I had to be responsible not only for my actions in our marriage, but also for my reactions.
I think back to one of the items: Bill slept in church. The minute he began to doze always marked the end of my worship time.
So often I thought he was rudely uninterested in the message—and my dad was the preacher! It didn't matter that Bill was unable to stay awake any time he sat for a longer period. The entire time he spent nodding, I spent fuming. I'd squirm in the pew, feeling humiliated. I'd wonder why I ever married this man. I knew he didn't deserve a wife as godly as I was.
Yet now I could see myself as I truly was. My pride was hampering a valuable portion of my life—my worship. This problem wasn't Bill's; it was mine. When Bill fell asleep in church, I began to bathe that time in gratitude and prayer. I took my eyes off Bill and myself and looked to God. Instead of leaving the services in anger, I left in joy.
It wasn't long before Bill noticed a difference. He remarked at lunch one Sunday, "You seem to be enjoying the services more lately. I was beginning to think you didn't like the preacher." My immediate instinct was to explain how he'd ruined so many services for me. But instead, I accepted his statement without defense.
Remaking the list
There have been many times through the years I've had to remake the list. I've continued to ask God to forgive my pathetic reactions and give me his wisdom in dealing with my marriage.
Fifteen years later, at the age of 49, Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He had to quit his teaching job, leaving me to support our family, which has led to trying days and nights of worry. Watching him fight to maintain abilities to function daily has been inspiring to my sons, as well as to me. We've had to depend on our faith that God is in control—especially when we feel so out of control. We've searched the Bible for answers to questions we struggle to understand. We've spent hours with every emotion from anger to grief. We've asked, "Why?" We've claimed God's peace that passes all understanding.
Regrettably, many days I've run short on patience, even though I know Bill can't prevent himself from doing things that try my nerves. I realize my responsibility is to respond with the love God would have me show. I cry to God to love through me—because I know I'm not capable of loving Bill as God is capable of loving him.
Many times I've thanked God for a mother who was a spiritual mentor. Though she must have been tempted, she didn't preach to me or offer her opinion on my behavior. She guided me in discovering a truth that's saved a most treasured possession—my marriage. If I hadn't learned to respond as a Christian wife to Bill's small problems, I wouldn't be able to respond appropriately to his larger ones now.
My son came home one day and asked, "Mom, what are we going to do when Dad doesn't remember us?" My reply was, "We'll remember him. We'll remember the husband and father he was. We'll remember him for all the things he's taught us and the wonderful ways he's loved us."
After my son left the room, I chuckled. I was thinking of all the things I'd remember about this man who loved his family and his God. Many of those enduring memories are those same annoying little habits that made their way onto a list of bad qualities so many years ago.
Becky Zerbe is author of Laughing with My Finger in the Dam.
Becky has been married to Bill for 29 years.
posted by Michele | 10:08 PM
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Wilderness Wandering
I am a member of THE Church - the body of Christ.
For a long time, we attended services everywhere--
different denominations and different styles;
including home churches
and even services at home (we definitely have the "2 or 3" covered- and then some).
We wandered in the wilderness
and learned that we were still His
even if we didn't go to a building with a denomination listed.
When we resigned from the local meeting place that we had attended for years,
we were told that we were backslidden and must join somewhere or it was a sin.
Thankfully, we had God's Word and a relationship with Him and knew better.
We drew closer to Him through the time of non-membership with any local affiliation and
just last month (*update: it's been a year now) joined with a local group of believers who "get it".
We joined simply because they do "get it". But we were just as welcome when we were non-members.
It's wonderful to be a part of the Body where God's Word is preached without the traditions of man!
A place where you WANT to invite everyone to go!
posted by Michele | 4:42 AM
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Pecking Orders
Love.... does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
Jesus blasts the top birds of the church, those who roost at the top of the spiritual ladder and spread their plumes of robes, titles, jewelry, and choice seats.
Jesus won't stand for it. It's easy to see why.
How can I love others if my eyes are only on me?
How can I point to God if I'm pointing at me?
And, worse still, how can someone see God if I keep fanning my own tail feathers?
Jesus has no room for pecking orders.
from: Everyday Blessings
by: Max Lucado
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
Jesus blasts the top birds of the church, those who roost at the top of the spiritual ladder and spread their plumes of robes, titles, jewelry, and choice seats.
Jesus won't stand for it. It's easy to see why.
How can I love others if my eyes are only on me?
How can I point to God if I'm pointing at me?
And, worse still, how can someone see God if I keep fanning my own tail feathers?
Jesus has no room for pecking orders.
from: Everyday Blessings
by: Max Lucado
posted by Michele | 9:14 PM
Teach Me How To Pray
Please teach me, Lord...
I want to know
Exactly how to pray.
I need some words
Which ones are right?
Please tell me what to say.
I've bowed my head
I have knelt down,
But... should I be upright?
I've closed my eyes,
I've raised my hands,
Or... should I fold them tight?
Do I stand up?
Should I sit down?
Dear Lord... what do you like?
Are lights turned on
Or are they off?
Maybe... candle light?
Wear my glasses?
Take them off?
Be at my desk or table?
Should I whisper?
Speak out loud?
Do I quote the Bible?
What do you think
About the time?
Do You prefer the dawn?
Should I pray fast,
Or keep it slow?
Better short... or long?
I'm new at this
What are the rules?
I want to do it right.
How do I knowYou'll even hear?
That I am in Your sight?
And while I sat there quietly,
Waiting for some sign,
I heard a gentle voice say,
"Oh, dearest child of mine...
Do you think I really care
About the time of day,
Or whether you are standing up,
Or kneeling when you pray?"
"I don't care about your posture,
Or about the place you choose;
Just open up your soul to me,
I have no other rules.
Tell me what is in your heart,
And tell me what you seek;
Tell me of your sorrows,
And of those things that made you weak."
"Speak to me in private
About what concerns you most;
I know about your good deeds...
You have no need to boast.
My child, you don't need lessons,
Just talk to me each day;
Tell me anything you want, dear child,
Anyone can pray."
~Virginia (Ginny) Ellis~
Copyright© 1999
posted by Michele | 7:35 PM
Thursday, October 12, 2006
They Said It Well
A ship in harbor is safe,
but that is not what ships are built for.
~William Shedd
but that is not what ships are built for.
~William Shedd
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile,
a kind word,
a listening ear,
an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
~Leo Buscaglia
One hundred religious persons
knit into a unity by careful organizations
do not constitute a church
any more than eleven dead men make a football team.
The first requisite is life, always.
~A.W. Tozer
Jesus Christ spent His life going places He wasn’t supposed to go,
with people He wasn’t supposed to be with,
and saying things He wasn’t supposed to say.
He was irreligious.
Just ask the Pharisees.
While they were being religious,
He was engaging lost people where they lived!
~Victor Lee
In this post-modern era,
people don’t ask if you can prove it;
they ask if you can live it.
~Alvin Reid
"Thy faith hath saved thee;
go in peace."
~Jesus
"Oh Eagle,
don't be despondant due to the swift and rough breeze,
For it only blows in this manner to make you fly faster and higher."
~Iqbal
Our culture is religious,
but it’s not righteous.
~Alvin Reid
but it’s not righteous.
~Alvin Reid
Today
the youngest pastor just out of seminary
has more authority in the Church than Jesus Christ has.
~A.W. Tozer
posted by Michele | 4:51 AM
Thursday, September 21, 2006
An Appeal For Love
An Appeal For Love
The call came through during the second half of my radio counseling program, "Let's Talk About Jesus." A man's voice, despairing and full of inner torment began, "Wayne, I've got evil thoughts in my mind. Satan's in my head and I can't fight him any longer. I think about suicide all of the time."
l asked him how long this had been going on and he replied, "For six years now." He added that he was currently seeing a professional counselor and, while this seemed to be helping a little he really wasn't seeing any true change in his condition.
My heart went out to him. Imagine, six years of incredible inner suffering. Six years of thinking that Satan had been in control of his mind, and that God must have rejected him because he hadn't been able to get his victory over the devil. What unspeakable anguish this man had been going through.
However, my sympathy quickly turned to anger. I asked him how this had started in the first place. His answer was that as a new convert to Christianity he had confessed to some in his church that he was having a struggle with evil thoughts. Their immediate response was to pounce on him with the argument that Satan was trying to take over his mind. "You've got to rebuke the devil, brother" they told him. "Don't let him tempt you. If you give into him, he'll walk all over you."
Instead of putting him in touch with God's all powerful love for the situation, they filled him with fear and guilt. He was made to feel that he would be unfit for the kingdom of God unless he could purge every single evil and worldly thought from his mind.
This was a classic case of the blind leading the blind. The issue was not where these thoughts were coming from. To just focus in on the problem at the expense of ignoring the solution was a pure disaster in this man's case.
Instead of being told that everyone has evil thoughts and that it's just a part of the fallen nature we each possess, instead of being told he was perfectly normal and that God's love was big enough to take care of this small of an issue, he was made to feel as if his problem was unique, one of a kind, and deadly serious. He had better get rid of the devil in him or else!
The result of this ill advised and amateurish counsel was that instead of helping this man to wholeness, these Christians had actually compounded his problem. What was once a question of where do evil thoughts come from was turned into a six year battle with depression and suicide. By the time this man called me he had come to a point where he was convinced that Jesus had rejected him and no longer loved him, for why else would God allow him to undergo such severe torment?
As we shared together on the phone about God's true love and acceptance of him, a tangible sense of relief became apparent. I told him that I have evil thoughts sometimes too and when they come, instead of making a full blown spiritual conflict out of it, I just accept the fact that these things will happen and at that point the thoughts usually just fade away because I have chosen to trust in God's love and care for me rather than get entrapped in the guilt producing snare of thinking that every thought in my mind must be 100% pure all of the time.
Our talk together on the phone was good. I asked him to write to me for some further material that I would send to him. His problem wasn't over by any means. Six years of emotional crises would require a lot of time for inner healing, but at least he was now able to see things from a new light; the light of God's committed love in his life which would never leave him or forsake him.
When I read the Gospels, I see that there was only one thing which made Jesus angry, and that was when He was confronted by doctrinally-oriented religious people who thought they knew it all and had God in their back pocket. Their heads were crammed full of rules and laws which they rigorously patterned their lives after, but that in the final analysis did nothing to foster a true heart-knowledge of God or a genuine love of man.
These people followed Jesus, criticizing Him at every opportunity, while their own lives reeked of conceit and of a dead self-righteousness.
Jesus referred to these people, these Pharisees, as "a brood of vipers," "hypocrites," and "white washed tombs." Why was Jesus so angry with these religious leaders?
Because they, who claimed to know God's Word better than anyone else, were actually the ones in the greatest need of healing and they refused to see it. Their view of knowledge had made them narrow minded and hard-hearted instead of open, accepting and loving. In their pride and arrogance they had made doctrine their God and had left the love of God in the dust.
The keeping of rules and external appearances was more important to them than having a simple heart of compassion for people. I am angry. I find myself having less and less patience with Christians who inflict such unnecessary and cruel suffering on their fellow man all in the name of higher knowledge.
I am tired of people who refuse to grow up, who, by their actions, apparently hold with the thinking that doctrine is more important than love. I'm sick of spiritual cliques, groups claiming they are the truly faithful and that everybody else is spiritually inferior because they don't have the "total truth" as they have it.
I'm weary of people knocking on my door, treating me like a statistic, a potential convert to their persuasion, but who couldn't invest one second of their time in trying to get to know me as a real person.
What good is knowledge if it keeps you from becoming a fully alive and loving human being? What good is doctrine if it makes you hurt the very people you are supposed to be loving and laying down your life for? I'm fed up with immature Christians who are so in love with their own importance and spiritual gifts that they don't even look back to see the persons in genuine need that they have run over with their own insensitivity.
Cranking pat answers, formulas, and impersonal one-liners down people's throats, without even attempting to listen with the heart to the need, seems to actually be regarded as an attribute in these circles.
Even though I am in a media ministry myself, I sometimes get so tired of all the phony and manipulative fund raising practices which so many corporate ministries use that I often feel like chucking the whole thing and going someplace far away where Christians have real values, priorities, integrity, and know how to live simply in the love of God.
I am altogether weary of the guilt and condemnation tactics that are used against believers in order to control their lives. Pastors who are quick to condemn their parishioners for not making it out to all the meetings, equating their missed attendance with spiritual backsliding. I think it's time to call a spade a spade and to stop being intimidated by a minister's accusations of rebellion just because you question a position of his.
Too many pastors are hiding their immature ego trips under the guise of spiritual authority. A true shepherd of God is told to lead his flock gently, by way of personal example, and not by lording it over those in his church (1st Peter 5:2-3). I've seen many a congregation torn apart all because the minister had some grand illusion of how his church would grow and become the leading body of believers in his area. At the heart of the matter was lustful pride and not an honest and humble desire to be a servant of the Savior.
I'm tired of the preconceived notion that Christians should never have any problems and that if they do then this means that they mast not be believing God. How many more innocent children are going to have to die because their parents believed they could just confess their way to healing without the need of any "worldly" doctors?
How many more people, like the man I spoke with, are going to have their lives wrecked all because some overzealous and insensitive Christian shoved his or her own fears and superstitions down their throats when what they really needed was for someone to put their arm around them and tell them that God loved them and would bring them into wholeness through His genuine love and acceptance?
How long will Christians continue tearing each other apart because of doctrinal differences, while the world perishes before their eyes?
I have no apology for my anger. I talk to thousands of people every year over my radio call-in program who have been repeatedly trampled upon by Christians who thought that their own opinion was the only one that mattered. I am continually encountering the damage done by those who have been caught up in a dead letter of the word theology. Enough is enough. There is something seriously wrong with our basic understanding of Christianity if this is what is being produced.
Oddly enough, this has challenged my own faith and has made it grow. Through my experience with all the foolishness that goes on within the body of Christ, I have been brought to a deeper and bolder commitment to try as much as I am able to really accept people as they are and to extend to each one the unconditional love of God. I want to see people made whole and not stack into a cookie cutter Christianity that ignores their needs and deprecates their God given individuality.
I'm not perfect. As a matter of fact, if you meet me and get to know me, you may discover that I have more problems than you do. But one thing I know. If we do meet I can tell you that I will be honestly dedicated to your own happiness and experience of God's personal love for you.
I've seen a lot over the years. I've experienced fundamentalism, the charismatic renewal, Pentecostalism, and liberalism. Each group tends to have the same unspoken, and sometimes verbal, belief that theirs is the higher way, the way closer to God's total truth. But, in the final analysis, I don't think these things are the issue. There is something far more important than having our theology in letter-perfect condition.
When you approach God on the last day and look over the life you have lived, are you going to want to say, "Lord, I dedicated my life to figuring you out and I didn't let anything or anyone stand in the way of my doctrine," or would you rather say, "Lord, maybe there is a lot I didn't know, but one thing I did do. I tried with all my heart to love you and love man in the best way I knew how; seeing their hearts and meeting their needs as an expression of your love through me for them?"
It's my belief that God is going to be far more interested in how we treated and loved the people in our lives than He will be in how much we were able to figure out and formularize in our doctrine.
Jesus spoke about this once. He said that on the last day there would be some who would approach Him, claiming entrance into His kingdom on the basis of the miracles they had performed in His name. "Lord, we healed people and cast out demons in Your name" they would say. To these Jesus said His reply would be, "Depart horn Me. I never knew you."
He went on to say that what God was really looking for would be found within the hearts of His followers and not in their external actions. "Visit the prisoner, care for the poor, the orphan, and the widow." In other words, "Live out of a heart of love for all those around you."
This is the sign of a true knower of God. The point of what Jesus said was simply this: let us not be so preoccupied with having all of our theological facts straight that we miss the opportunities all around us to touch His creation with His message of love.
Some seem so intent upon making the doorway into God's kingdom as narrow and selective as they can, and they seem to believe that the narrower they make it, the more spiritual they must be. Invariably, the particular doorway they espouse is defined by their doctrine. At this point, conversion becomes a matter of obeying the formula rather than that of a personal encounter with the living Christ. It becomes a clinical issue rather than the cry of God's heart to His creation.
Why is it that when so many enter into the Christian life they become emotionally stunted and develop a hard and insensitive heart to the apparent needs around them when they should be blossoming into the compassionate lover of God and man that Christ intended for them to become?
Why do people so quickly trade in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ for a legalistic approach to God that revolves around their actions and understanding rather than the power of the cross of Christ? Why do so many believers think it a credit to their faith that they throw their mind, intellect, and compassion out the window as if ignorance and superstition were a gift of God? Why won't God's children see that love is the way?
Sometimes I feel like I just have to accept the fact that things will always be this way. But deep down inside I know I can't roll over and play dead while thousands around me continue to be emotionally and spiritually damaged by Christians who act like they have more in common with the self-righteous Pharisee than with their Savior. I can hear God crying out to His church saying, "Stop hurting those I have died for. Come out of your childish ways and dedicate yourselves to a life of servant love for My world."
We must begin acting as true brothers and sisters. We have to repent of the tendency which lives within each one of us to love only those who fit into our own doctrines and spiritual lifestyles. This mentality has only cut us off from being able to receive, understand, and give out the life-changing love of Christ. We need to ask God to forgive us of our self-righteousness. Let us each renew within our spirits that original dedication we so joyously felt at our new birth to becoming true lovers of God and of mankind.
If we will only begin living from our hearts instead of our heads, in a true love rather than a superficial spirituality, then we may very well see the body of Christ become experientially one in our day; full of healing life, love, and power for all. If we will be courageous enough to let go of the formulas and doctrines which have historically only divided and hurt God's children and instead commit ourselves to loving with God's love at all costs, then we will indeed realize the coming of His kingdom among us. "
By this all men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Amen. May it be soon.
lovinggrace.org
The call came through during the second half of my radio counseling program, "Let's Talk About Jesus." A man's voice, despairing and full of inner torment began, "Wayne, I've got evil thoughts in my mind. Satan's in my head and I can't fight him any longer. I think about suicide all of the time."
l asked him how long this had been going on and he replied, "For six years now." He added that he was currently seeing a professional counselor and, while this seemed to be helping a little he really wasn't seeing any true change in his condition.
My heart went out to him. Imagine, six years of incredible inner suffering. Six years of thinking that Satan had been in control of his mind, and that God must have rejected him because he hadn't been able to get his victory over the devil. What unspeakable anguish this man had been going through.
However, my sympathy quickly turned to anger. I asked him how this had started in the first place. His answer was that as a new convert to Christianity he had confessed to some in his church that he was having a struggle with evil thoughts. Their immediate response was to pounce on him with the argument that Satan was trying to take over his mind. "You've got to rebuke the devil, brother" they told him. "Don't let him tempt you. If you give into him, he'll walk all over you."
Instead of putting him in touch with God's all powerful love for the situation, they filled him with fear and guilt. He was made to feel that he would be unfit for the kingdom of God unless he could purge every single evil and worldly thought from his mind.
This was a classic case of the blind leading the blind. The issue was not where these thoughts were coming from. To just focus in on the problem at the expense of ignoring the solution was a pure disaster in this man's case.
Instead of being told that everyone has evil thoughts and that it's just a part of the fallen nature we each possess, instead of being told he was perfectly normal and that God's love was big enough to take care of this small of an issue, he was made to feel as if his problem was unique, one of a kind, and deadly serious. He had better get rid of the devil in him or else!
The result of this ill advised and amateurish counsel was that instead of helping this man to wholeness, these Christians had actually compounded his problem. What was once a question of where do evil thoughts come from was turned into a six year battle with depression and suicide. By the time this man called me he had come to a point where he was convinced that Jesus had rejected him and no longer loved him, for why else would God allow him to undergo such severe torment?
As we shared together on the phone about God's true love and acceptance of him, a tangible sense of relief became apparent. I told him that I have evil thoughts sometimes too and when they come, instead of making a full blown spiritual conflict out of it, I just accept the fact that these things will happen and at that point the thoughts usually just fade away because I have chosen to trust in God's love and care for me rather than get entrapped in the guilt producing snare of thinking that every thought in my mind must be 100% pure all of the time.
Our talk together on the phone was good. I asked him to write to me for some further material that I would send to him. His problem wasn't over by any means. Six years of emotional crises would require a lot of time for inner healing, but at least he was now able to see things from a new light; the light of God's committed love in his life which would never leave him or forsake him.
When I read the Gospels, I see that there was only one thing which made Jesus angry, and that was when He was confronted by doctrinally-oriented religious people who thought they knew it all and had God in their back pocket. Their heads were crammed full of rules and laws which they rigorously patterned their lives after, but that in the final analysis did nothing to foster a true heart-knowledge of God or a genuine love of man.
These people followed Jesus, criticizing Him at every opportunity, while their own lives reeked of conceit and of a dead self-righteousness.
Jesus referred to these people, these Pharisees, as "a brood of vipers," "hypocrites," and "white washed tombs." Why was Jesus so angry with these religious leaders?
Because they, who claimed to know God's Word better than anyone else, were actually the ones in the greatest need of healing and they refused to see it. Their view of knowledge had made them narrow minded and hard-hearted instead of open, accepting and loving. In their pride and arrogance they had made doctrine their God and had left the love of God in the dust.
The keeping of rules and external appearances was more important to them than having a simple heart of compassion for people. I am angry. I find myself having less and less patience with Christians who inflict such unnecessary and cruel suffering on their fellow man all in the name of higher knowledge.
I am tired of people who refuse to grow up, who, by their actions, apparently hold with the thinking that doctrine is more important than love. I'm sick of spiritual cliques, groups claiming they are the truly faithful and that everybody else is spiritually inferior because they don't have the "total truth" as they have it.
I'm weary of people knocking on my door, treating me like a statistic, a potential convert to their persuasion, but who couldn't invest one second of their time in trying to get to know me as a real person.
What good is knowledge if it keeps you from becoming a fully alive and loving human being? What good is doctrine if it makes you hurt the very people you are supposed to be loving and laying down your life for? I'm fed up with immature Christians who are so in love with their own importance and spiritual gifts that they don't even look back to see the persons in genuine need that they have run over with their own insensitivity.
Cranking pat answers, formulas, and impersonal one-liners down people's throats, without even attempting to listen with the heart to the need, seems to actually be regarded as an attribute in these circles.
Even though I am in a media ministry myself, I sometimes get so tired of all the phony and manipulative fund raising practices which so many corporate ministries use that I often feel like chucking the whole thing and going someplace far away where Christians have real values, priorities, integrity, and know how to live simply in the love of God.
I am altogether weary of the guilt and condemnation tactics that are used against believers in order to control their lives. Pastors who are quick to condemn their parishioners for not making it out to all the meetings, equating their missed attendance with spiritual backsliding. I think it's time to call a spade a spade and to stop being intimidated by a minister's accusations of rebellion just because you question a position of his.
Too many pastors are hiding their immature ego trips under the guise of spiritual authority. A true shepherd of God is told to lead his flock gently, by way of personal example, and not by lording it over those in his church (1st Peter 5:2-3). I've seen many a congregation torn apart all because the minister had some grand illusion of how his church would grow and become the leading body of believers in his area. At the heart of the matter was lustful pride and not an honest and humble desire to be a servant of the Savior.
I'm tired of the preconceived notion that Christians should never have any problems and that if they do then this means that they mast not be believing God. How many more innocent children are going to have to die because their parents believed they could just confess their way to healing without the need of any "worldly" doctors?
How many more people, like the man I spoke with, are going to have their lives wrecked all because some overzealous and insensitive Christian shoved his or her own fears and superstitions down their throats when what they really needed was for someone to put their arm around them and tell them that God loved them and would bring them into wholeness through His genuine love and acceptance?
How long will Christians continue tearing each other apart because of doctrinal differences, while the world perishes before their eyes?
I have no apology for my anger. I talk to thousands of people every year over my radio call-in program who have been repeatedly trampled upon by Christians who thought that their own opinion was the only one that mattered. I am continually encountering the damage done by those who have been caught up in a dead letter of the word theology. Enough is enough. There is something seriously wrong with our basic understanding of Christianity if this is what is being produced.
Oddly enough, this has challenged my own faith and has made it grow. Through my experience with all the foolishness that goes on within the body of Christ, I have been brought to a deeper and bolder commitment to try as much as I am able to really accept people as they are and to extend to each one the unconditional love of God. I want to see people made whole and not stack into a cookie cutter Christianity that ignores their needs and deprecates their God given individuality.
I'm not perfect. As a matter of fact, if you meet me and get to know me, you may discover that I have more problems than you do. But one thing I know. If we do meet I can tell you that I will be honestly dedicated to your own happiness and experience of God's personal love for you.
I've seen a lot over the years. I've experienced fundamentalism, the charismatic renewal, Pentecostalism, and liberalism. Each group tends to have the same unspoken, and sometimes verbal, belief that theirs is the higher way, the way closer to God's total truth. But, in the final analysis, I don't think these things are the issue. There is something far more important than having our theology in letter-perfect condition.
When you approach God on the last day and look over the life you have lived, are you going to want to say, "Lord, I dedicated my life to figuring you out and I didn't let anything or anyone stand in the way of my doctrine," or would you rather say, "Lord, maybe there is a lot I didn't know, but one thing I did do. I tried with all my heart to love you and love man in the best way I knew how; seeing their hearts and meeting their needs as an expression of your love through me for them?"
It's my belief that God is going to be far more interested in how we treated and loved the people in our lives than He will be in how much we were able to figure out and formularize in our doctrine.
Jesus spoke about this once. He said that on the last day there would be some who would approach Him, claiming entrance into His kingdom on the basis of the miracles they had performed in His name. "Lord, we healed people and cast out demons in Your name" they would say. To these Jesus said His reply would be, "Depart horn Me. I never knew you."
He went on to say that what God was really looking for would be found within the hearts of His followers and not in their external actions. "Visit the prisoner, care for the poor, the orphan, and the widow." In other words, "Live out of a heart of love for all those around you."
This is the sign of a true knower of God. The point of what Jesus said was simply this: let us not be so preoccupied with having all of our theological facts straight that we miss the opportunities all around us to touch His creation with His message of love.
Some seem so intent upon making the doorway into God's kingdom as narrow and selective as they can, and they seem to believe that the narrower they make it, the more spiritual they must be. Invariably, the particular doorway they espouse is defined by their doctrine. At this point, conversion becomes a matter of obeying the formula rather than that of a personal encounter with the living Christ. It becomes a clinical issue rather than the cry of God's heart to His creation.
Why is it that when so many enter into the Christian life they become emotionally stunted and develop a hard and insensitive heart to the apparent needs around them when they should be blossoming into the compassionate lover of God and man that Christ intended for them to become?
Why do people so quickly trade in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ for a legalistic approach to God that revolves around their actions and understanding rather than the power of the cross of Christ? Why do so many believers think it a credit to their faith that they throw their mind, intellect, and compassion out the window as if ignorance and superstition were a gift of God? Why won't God's children see that love is the way?
Sometimes I feel like I just have to accept the fact that things will always be this way. But deep down inside I know I can't roll over and play dead while thousands around me continue to be emotionally and spiritually damaged by Christians who act like they have more in common with the self-righteous Pharisee than with their Savior. I can hear God crying out to His church saying, "Stop hurting those I have died for. Come out of your childish ways and dedicate yourselves to a life of servant love for My world."
We must begin acting as true brothers and sisters. We have to repent of the tendency which lives within each one of us to love only those who fit into our own doctrines and spiritual lifestyles. This mentality has only cut us off from being able to receive, understand, and give out the life-changing love of Christ. We need to ask God to forgive us of our self-righteousness. Let us each renew within our spirits that original dedication we so joyously felt at our new birth to becoming true lovers of God and of mankind.
If we will only begin living from our hearts instead of our heads, in a true love rather than a superficial spirituality, then we may very well see the body of Christ become experientially one in our day; full of healing life, love, and power for all. If we will be courageous enough to let go of the formulas and doctrines which have historically only divided and hurt God's children and instead commit ourselves to loving with God's love at all costs, then we will indeed realize the coming of His kingdom among us. "
By this all men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Amen. May it be soon.
lovinggrace.org
posted by Michele | 5:48 AM
Saturday, July 29, 2006
No Strings Attached
No Strings Attached,
by Mike Barres
Recently we had someone pass through our town, and they stopped at our church to receive some help. We were able to help them, and this person attended a couple of our church services.
God reminds us to reach out to those in need:
"'When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
And the King will answer and say to them,
'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me.'"
(Matthew 25:38-40)
The Holy Spirit says,
"He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished."
(Proverbs 17:5)
This person also joined us one afternoon for our weekly prayer time. At the end of it, he said, "It's so nice to come to a place where you are loved, with no strings attached."
Do we offer love with strings attached?
What if we helped people with the requirement that they come to church?
I have heard of churches that discontinued their benevolence programs because the people never came to church. That sure wasn't "no strings attached help."
Are we willing to reach out to them anyway?
Do we expect something in return when we do things for people?
Let's love, "with no strings attached," as unto the Lord. I once was apart of an outreach that did "Random Acts of Kindness." We handed out cold drinks to teens on the street and even gave roses to all the women in an office. We would say, "This is a gift from ... (add the name ofthe church) with no strings attached."
Some churches have outreach programs to children and teens mid-week. Sometimes they have a difficult time getting them to come to church on Sunday.
Is that ok? Are we willing to reach out to them anyway, if they don't come Sundays?
Jesus said:
"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:32-36)
--------- (c) 2006 Mike Barres <mbarres@dnet.net>.
by Mike Barres
Recently we had someone pass through our town, and they stopped at our church to receive some help. We were able to help them, and this person attended a couple of our church services.
God reminds us to reach out to those in need:
"'When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?
Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
And the King will answer and say to them,
'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me.'"
(Matthew 25:38-40)
The Holy Spirit says,
"He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished."
(Proverbs 17:5)
This person also joined us one afternoon for our weekly prayer time. At the end of it, he said, "It's so nice to come to a place where you are loved, with no strings attached."
Do we offer love with strings attached?
What if we helped people with the requirement that they come to church?
I have heard of churches that discontinued their benevolence programs because the people never came to church. That sure wasn't "no strings attached help."
Are we willing to reach out to them anyway?
Do we expect something in return when we do things for people?
Let's love, "with no strings attached," as unto the Lord. I once was apart of an outreach that did "Random Acts of Kindness." We handed out cold drinks to teens on the street and even gave roses to all the women in an office. We would say, "This is a gift from ... (add the name ofthe church) with no strings attached."
Some churches have outreach programs to children and teens mid-week. Sometimes they have a difficult time getting them to come to church on Sunday.
Is that ok? Are we willing to reach out to them anyway, if they don't come Sundays?
Jesus said:
"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful." (Luke 6:32-36)
--------- (c) 2006 Mike Barres <mbarres@dnet.net>.
posted by Michele | 8:19 AM
Friday, July 21, 2006
Literacy Gap
Studies have long shown that boys in the United States and around the world do not read or write as well as girls. There are several reasons, according to the common wisdom:
*Girls mature more quickly.
*Boys are more likely to suffer dyslexia and other reading disorders.
*Race and poverty play a role.
But a new study finds that the problem cuts across socioeconomic lines and pins part of the blame squarely on schools, whose techniques cater to the strengths of girls and leave boys utterly disinterested.
"Here's a fascinating fact," she said.
"There is no literacy gap in home-schooled boys and girls."
"Why? In school, teachers emphasize reading literature and talking about character and feelings," she said. "This way of teaching reading does not turn boys on. Boys prefer reading nonfiction, such as history and adventure books. When they are taught at home, parents are more likely to let them follow their interests."
From: Why Johnny Can't Read: Schools Favor Girls
*Girls mature more quickly.
*Boys are more likely to suffer dyslexia and other reading disorders.
*Race and poverty play a role.
But a new study finds that the problem cuts across socioeconomic lines and pins part of the blame squarely on schools, whose techniques cater to the strengths of girls and leave boys utterly disinterested.
"Here's a fascinating fact," she said.
"There is no literacy gap in home-schooled boys and girls."
"Why? In school, teachers emphasize reading literature and talking about character and feelings," she said. "This way of teaching reading does not turn boys on. Boys prefer reading nonfiction, such as history and adventure books. When they are taught at home, parents are more likely to let them follow their interests."
From: Why Johnny Can't Read: Schools Favor Girls
posted by Michele | 6:22 AM
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Teaching Bees
Once upon a time the animals had a school.
They had to create a curriculum that would satisfy everyone,
so they chose four subjects:
running,
climbing,
flying,
and swimming.
All the animals, of course, studied all the subjects.
The duck was very good at swimming, better than the teacher, in fact.
He received passing grades in running and flying,
but was hopeless in climbing,
so they made him drop swimming
so that he could practice climbing.
After a while he was only average at swimming,
but average is still acceptable,
at least in school,
and nobody worried much about it except the duck.
The eagle was considered a troublemaker.
In his climbing class he beat everybody to the top of the tree,
but he had his own way of getting there that was against the rules.
He always had to stay after school and write,
"Cheating is wrong,"
five hundred times.
This kept him from soaring, which he loved,
but schoolwork comes first.
The bear flunked because they said he was lazy,
especially in the winter.
His best time was summer,
but school wasn't open then.
The zebra played hooky a lot
because the ponies made fun of his stripes,
and this made him very sad.
The kangaroo started out at the top of the racing class,
but became discouraged when was told to move swiftly on all four legs
the way his classmates did.
The fish quit school because he was bored.
To him, all four subjects were the same,
but nobody understood that because they had never seen a fish.
The squirrel got an A in climbing,
but his flying teacher made him start from the ground up,
instead of from the treetop down.
His legs got so sore practicing takeoffs
that he began getting Cs in climbing and Ds in running.
The bee was the biggest problem of all,
so the teacher sent him to Doctor Owl for testing.
Doctor Owl said that the bee's wings were too small for flying
and they were in the wrong place.
The bee never saw Doctor Owl's report, so he just went ahead and flew anyway.
I think I know a bee or two, how about you?
The duck is the child who does well in math and poorly in English
and is given tutorials by the English teacher while his classmates are doing math.
He loses his edge in math, and only does passably well in English.
The eagle is the child who is turned into a troublemaker
because he has his "own style" of doing things.
While he is not doing anything "wrong,"
his non-conforming is perceived as troublemaking,
for which he is punished.
Who does not recognize the bear?
The kid who is great in camp,
thrives on extra-curricular,
but really just goes flat in the academics.
The zebra is the heavy, tall, or short, self-conscious kid
whose failure in school few realize is due to a sense of social inadequacy.
The kangaroo is the one who
instead of persevering
gives up
and becomes that discouraged child
whose future disappears because he was not appreciated.
The fish is a child who really requires full special education
and should not be in the regular classroom.
The squirrel,
unlike the duck who "manages,"
becomes a failure.
The bee,
oh the bee,
is the child who the school just feels it cannot deal with,
yet,
against all odds,
with the backing of his parents,
has enough self-motivation to do well
even though everyone thought he couldn't.
I had the pleasure of knowing many bees.
Your child is a unique blend of talents, personality, and ingredients nowhere else to be found.
Some children are skilled intellectually,
others are blessed emotionally,
and many are born with creative ingenuity.
Each child possesses their very own exclusive collection of gifts.
The kids didn't come with direction booklets.
Effective parents are always learning,
studying,
and customizing the instructions
for their individual child.
Each and every child is as unique as their fingerprints;
a sparkling diamond of unparalleled beauty.
Don't let your child be a kangaroo!
This version from: Raising Small Souls
To view this as a movie: Animal School
They had to create a curriculum that would satisfy everyone,
so they chose four subjects:
running,
climbing,
flying,
and swimming.
All the animals, of course, studied all the subjects.
The duck was very good at swimming, better than the teacher, in fact.
He received passing grades in running and flying,
but was hopeless in climbing,
so they made him drop swimming
so that he could practice climbing.
After a while he was only average at swimming,
but average is still acceptable,
at least in school,
and nobody worried much about it except the duck.
The eagle was considered a troublemaker.
In his climbing class he beat everybody to the top of the tree,
but he had his own way of getting there that was against the rules.
He always had to stay after school and write,
"Cheating is wrong,"
five hundred times.
This kept him from soaring, which he loved,
but schoolwork comes first.
The bear flunked because they said he was lazy,
especially in the winter.
His best time was summer,
but school wasn't open then.
The zebra played hooky a lot
because the ponies made fun of his stripes,
and this made him very sad.
The kangaroo started out at the top of the racing class,
but became discouraged when was told to move swiftly on all four legs
the way his classmates did.
The fish quit school because he was bored.
To him, all four subjects were the same,
but nobody understood that because they had never seen a fish.
The squirrel got an A in climbing,
but his flying teacher made him start from the ground up,
instead of from the treetop down.
His legs got so sore practicing takeoffs
that he began getting Cs in climbing and Ds in running.
The bee was the biggest problem of all,
so the teacher sent him to Doctor Owl for testing.
Doctor Owl said that the bee's wings were too small for flying
and they were in the wrong place.
The bee never saw Doctor Owl's report, so he just went ahead and flew anyway.
I think I know a bee or two, how about you?
The duck is the child who does well in math and poorly in English
and is given tutorials by the English teacher while his classmates are doing math.
He loses his edge in math, and only does passably well in English.
The eagle is the child who is turned into a troublemaker
because he has his "own style" of doing things.
While he is not doing anything "wrong,"
his non-conforming is perceived as troublemaking,
for which he is punished.
Who does not recognize the bear?
The kid who is great in camp,
thrives on extra-curricular,
but really just goes flat in the academics.
The zebra is the heavy, tall, or short, self-conscious kid
whose failure in school few realize is due to a sense of social inadequacy.
The kangaroo is the one who
instead of persevering
gives up
and becomes that discouraged child
whose future disappears because he was not appreciated.
The fish is a child who really requires full special education
and should not be in the regular classroom.
The squirrel,
unlike the duck who "manages,"
becomes a failure.
The bee,
oh the bee,
is the child who the school just feels it cannot deal with,
yet,
against all odds,
with the backing of his parents,
has enough self-motivation to do well
even though everyone thought he couldn't.
I had the pleasure of knowing many bees.
Your child is a unique blend of talents, personality, and ingredients nowhere else to be found.
Some children are skilled intellectually,
others are blessed emotionally,
and many are born with creative ingenuity.
Each child possesses their very own exclusive collection of gifts.
The kids didn't come with direction booklets.
Effective parents are always learning,
studying,
and customizing the instructions
for their individual child.
Each and every child is as unique as their fingerprints;
a sparkling diamond of unparalleled beauty.
Don't let your child be a kangaroo!
This version from: Raising Small Souls
To view this as a movie: Animal School
posted by Michele | 4:32 AM
Monday, July 03, 2006
Fallen from Grace
I'm somewhat amused and saddened when religious folk make religious rules for themselves and then expect those rules to apply to everyone - Especially when they apparently don't even read Scripture.
I got a phone call from one of them the other day and here's some ungodly thoughts that were shared:
"Church is church and business is business."
Wow! That sounds akin to putting God on a shelf and pulling Him off when we need something from Him or maybe just when it's convenient.
"I won't even go in (a certain convenience store) because they sell beer."
Another wow!
Though Scripture doesn't say; "Thou shalt not shop where beer is sold", it does say that drunkenness is a sin. Not drinking, but drinking to excess.
Which all goes back to moderation- in all things.
Inlcuding eating.
Eating isn't a sin but overeating is.
The word for that is "gluttony".
We're a non-drinking family. But if I was under a personal conviction to not drink, or even to not shop where alcohol is sold; then I would think that I couldn't pick and choose when to have that conviciton.
That would mean that I would refuse to shop at any grocery store that sells beer and wine.
And I wouldn't shop at Wal-Mart since they also sell alcohol.
As do the gas stations.
And I shop at those places.
And so does the caller.
But I don't purchase the alcohol there.
You who are trying to be justified by law
have been alienated from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace.
Galatians 5:4
I got a phone call from one of them the other day and here's some ungodly thoughts that were shared:
"Church is church and business is business."
Wow! That sounds akin to putting God on a shelf and pulling Him off when we need something from Him or maybe just when it's convenient.
"I won't even go in (a certain convenience store) because they sell beer."
Another wow!
Though Scripture doesn't say; "Thou shalt not shop where beer is sold", it does say that drunkenness is a sin. Not drinking, but drinking to excess.
Which all goes back to moderation- in all things.
Inlcuding eating.
Eating isn't a sin but overeating is.
The word for that is "gluttony".
We're a non-drinking family. But if I was under a personal conviction to not drink, or even to not shop where alcohol is sold; then I would think that I couldn't pick and choose when to have that conviciton.
That would mean that I would refuse to shop at any grocery store that sells beer and wine.
And I wouldn't shop at Wal-Mart since they also sell alcohol.
As do the gas stations.
And I shop at those places.
And so does the caller.
But I don't purchase the alcohol there.
You who are trying to be justified by law
have been alienated from Christ;
you have fallen away from grace.
Galatians 5:4
posted by Michele | 5:07 AM
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Milestone
My oldest daughter reached her one-year-anniversary singing at the nursing home.
That's quite a milestone in my mind -and heart.
At 16, she does this by her choice. At 16, there's no way I would have.
She goes the first two Wednesdays of every month and still keeps up with school, chores, and a part-time job.
She's had those days where she just wasn't in the mood (she's actually somewhat shy and has to push past that), but she always says that she knows she'll be glad she did and so she goes and she is always glad she did!
The residents are always glad to see her. After a year, they trust that she's there for the right reasons and they trust that she's not going to bail on them. They've built quite a relationship.
She leads them in hymns. The pure, sweet, old-fashioned hymns. And she gently cajoles and encourages them to sing along. They do now. More and more as they have become comfortable with her. And there is nothing more amazing than to sit back and listen to the elderly sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a sixteen-year-old. It has such a sweet, haunting sound! I tear up every time....
My little one is nine. She and I get to be page-turners. We're not especially fond of going along but I know it's good for both of us. And we have truly been blessed by "helping". We've both grown by leaving our comfort zones.
I stand amazed when my little one rushes to help a resident with a door! And yesterday, I stood by the doors to the patio and watched the little one deep in gentle conversation with a resident. This is my tomboy - my rough and tumble athlete, sitting in quiet conversation!
Later, she told me the gentleman was the same age as me. And he's a paraplegic and she asked me what happened to him. She said she didn't ask him because she thought it might hurt his feelings.
I thought we were too busy to get involved with this ministry of my daughter's.
Now I know that we're too busy not to.....
Thank you, Lord, for giving me these "gifts"...
I'm still learning so much from them!
That's quite a milestone in my mind -and heart.
At 16, she does this by her choice. At 16, there's no way I would have.
She goes the first two Wednesdays of every month and still keeps up with school, chores, and a part-time job.
She's had those days where she just wasn't in the mood (she's actually somewhat shy and has to push past that), but she always says that she knows she'll be glad she did and so she goes and she is always glad she did!
The residents are always glad to see her. After a year, they trust that she's there for the right reasons and they trust that she's not going to bail on them. They've built quite a relationship.
She leads them in hymns. The pure, sweet, old-fashioned hymns. And she gently cajoles and encourages them to sing along. They do now. More and more as they have become comfortable with her. And there is nothing more amazing than to sit back and listen to the elderly sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a sixteen-year-old. It has such a sweet, haunting sound! I tear up every time....
My little one is nine. She and I get to be page-turners. We're not especially fond of going along but I know it's good for both of us. And we have truly been blessed by "helping". We've both grown by leaving our comfort zones.
I stand amazed when my little one rushes to help a resident with a door! And yesterday, I stood by the doors to the patio and watched the little one deep in gentle conversation with a resident. This is my tomboy - my rough and tumble athlete, sitting in quiet conversation!
Later, she told me the gentleman was the same age as me. And he's a paraplegic and she asked me what happened to him. She said she didn't ask him because she thought it might hurt his feelings.
I thought we were too busy to get involved with this ministry of my daughter's.
Now I know that we're too busy not to.....
Thank you, Lord, for giving me these "gifts"...
I'm still learning so much from them!
posted by Michele | 7:26 AM
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Two Thoughts
An interesting article that brought two thoughts to mind.
(Hey! For me, two thoughts is twice as many as I usually have.)
No Child Left Behind? Ask the Gifted
"It's important to help the kids who are struggling," Ms. Clarenbach said, "but it's important to challenge the kids on the other end, too."I had already found out that public schools concentrate on the LCD which is no help for a G&T child.
But this exemplifies homeschooling:
"For six months Ms. Braverman had been teaching her famous language arts unit on immigration (she's been doing it for 15 years). Grammar, spelling and composition had all been taught with an immigrant slant. From their Wonderful Wednesday Words, Catherine Rickman knew what an anarchist was and Amanda Cohen knew that German immigrants brought zithers to the New World."
We do that type of thing in less time, with no lobbying, and call it "Unit Studies".
posted by Michele | 10:07 PM
Monday, April 03, 2006
...and Do the Right
Trust in God and Do the Right
Courage, brother! do not stumble,
Though thy path is dark as night;
There's a star to guide the humble--
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be long and dreary,
And its ending out of sight;
Foot it bravely--strong or weary,
Trust in God and do the right.
Perish "policy" and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light;
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right.
Trust no party, trust no faction,
Trust no leaders in the fight;
But in every word and action
Trust in God and do the right.
Trust no forms of guilty passion,
Fiends can look like angels bright;
Trust no custom, school, or fashion,
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Turn from man, and look above thee,
Trust in God and do the right.
Simple rule and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward light;
Star upon our path abiding,
TRUST IN GOD AND DO THE RIGHT.
by Norman Macleod, 1857.
They first appeared as a poem published in The Edinburgh Christian Magazine,
and were set to music to music by Arthur Sullivan in 1871.
posted by Michele | 9:14 PM
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Cowardice
"A pastor has no right to turn the pulpit into a coward's castle,
and from there attack those in the congregation,
whom he is afraid to meet face to face privately.
It is cruelly unfair to attack an individual who cannot defend himself—
to hold him up, as if on the horns of the pulpit,
before the congregation, (who generally know pretty well who is meant),
and to condemn him without hearing his side,
with the pastor being the only judge and jury."
~J. C. Philpot, "Inquiries and Answers"
Pastors have a tough job.
Everyone relies on them.
Everyone needs them.
Everyone pulls from them.
They're never really "off" work.
Having said that, let me add that there are definite differences between the "good" and "bad" of pastors.
My dear friends, don't believe everything you hear.
Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you.
Not everyone who talks about God comes from God.
There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.
1 John 4:1 The Message
Let me get some traits of the "bad" out of the way.
These would be traits of those that I've personally come in contact with:
1. Confidentiality - or lack thereof ... Sometimes, the pastor tells all under the guise of having the elders pray. Sometimes, they simply talk to their spouse who then tells all to others. Either way, you can be confident that your confidences are not confidential. These folks consider themselves to be too *spiritual* to gossip... but that's exactly what it is. With them, take it all to the Lord and never to them. The tough times will pass but you can be sure the discussion of your past tough times will be referred to in the future.
2. Preaching "Opinion" - as opposed to God's Word .... The pastor is entitled to his opinion just as anyone else is. But when a pastor preaches his opinion as *fact* and tries to twist Scripture to prove it, then it's really bad. There are 66 books in the Bible and I seriously doubt that any one pastor could cover the preaching of the whole Bible in one lifetime. But sticking to God's Word is the best and only way to preach. God doesn't need anyone to add to it.
3. Judging Unrighteously - Oh how many times I've heard folks "gossiping" and the hearer accepts it as fact. Before long, it's mentioned in a sermon as a specific example and disguised as "truth". Now, the pastor has not only been perpetuating gossip by listening to it but has known gone into the domain of spreading it! Verify it first before you use it! And if you just aren't comfortable if asking someone if what you heard is true about them, then that could be a good indicator that you need to let it go. And if you do have the courage to verify it, then have the courage to ask if it's ok to repeat it from the pulpit to the whole congregation. Chances are that you won't get to the first step! Chances are even better that you won't make it to the second! If all that seems like too much trouble and you can't be bothered with common courtesy, then maybe - just maybe- you could tell the gossiper that you won't listen to gossip? Then all of the above is a moot point.
Why take up time with this?
Because we have so many "walking wounded" in the pews today.
And even more that won't set foot in a building that has pews.
All because of the damage done in the name of God.
And it's not of God, for God, or even through God that the damage is being done!
And people need to know that!
and from there attack those in the congregation,
whom he is afraid to meet face to face privately.
It is cruelly unfair to attack an individual who cannot defend himself—
to hold him up, as if on the horns of the pulpit,
before the congregation, (who generally know pretty well who is meant),
and to condemn him without hearing his side,
with the pastor being the only judge and jury."
~J. C. Philpot, "Inquiries and Answers"
Pastors have a tough job.
Everyone relies on them.
Everyone needs them.
Everyone pulls from them.
They're never really "off" work.
Having said that, let me add that there are definite differences between the "good" and "bad" of pastors.
My dear friends, don't believe everything you hear.
Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you.
Not everyone who talks about God comes from God.
There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world.
1 John 4:1 The Message
Let me get some traits of the "bad" out of the way.
These would be traits of those that I've personally come in contact with:
1. Confidentiality - or lack thereof ... Sometimes, the pastor tells all under the guise of having the elders pray. Sometimes, they simply talk to their spouse who then tells all to others. Either way, you can be confident that your confidences are not confidential. These folks consider themselves to be too *spiritual* to gossip... but that's exactly what it is. With them, take it all to the Lord and never to them. The tough times will pass but you can be sure the discussion of your past tough times will be referred to in the future.
2. Preaching "Opinion" - as opposed to God's Word .... The pastor is entitled to his opinion just as anyone else is. But when a pastor preaches his opinion as *fact* and tries to twist Scripture to prove it, then it's really bad. There are 66 books in the Bible and I seriously doubt that any one pastor could cover the preaching of the whole Bible in one lifetime. But sticking to God's Word is the best and only way to preach. God doesn't need anyone to add to it.
3. Judging Unrighteously - Oh how many times I've heard folks "gossiping" and the hearer accepts it as fact. Before long, it's mentioned in a sermon as a specific example and disguised as "truth". Now, the pastor has not only been perpetuating gossip by listening to it but has known gone into the domain of spreading it! Verify it first before you use it! And if you just aren't comfortable if asking someone if what you heard is true about them, then that could be a good indicator that you need to let it go. And if you do have the courage to verify it, then have the courage to ask if it's ok to repeat it from the pulpit to the whole congregation. Chances are that you won't get to the first step! Chances are even better that you won't make it to the second! If all that seems like too much trouble and you can't be bothered with common courtesy, then maybe - just maybe- you could tell the gossiper that you won't listen to gossip? Then all of the above is a moot point.
Why take up time with this?
Because we have so many "walking wounded" in the pews today.
And even more that won't set foot in a building that has pews.
All because of the damage done in the name of God.
And it's not of God, for God, or even through God that the damage is being done!
And people need to know that!
posted by Michele | 4:19 AM
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Can't Skip!
When my oldest daughter was in kindergarten, I smugly sat back and let her enjoy the half days with a wonderful teacher that she adored.
I was smug because she already knew everything so that meant I was doing such a fabulous job!
We walked and talked and spent much quality time together! She read by age 4. Woo Hoo! I was a super mom! She scored way above grade level and still does! But she missed one thing on her year-end evaluation in kindergarten. Just one! And I was crushed! Depths of despair because I hadn't taken the time to work with her on it!
So the teacher actually had to teach her how to.....
.....skip.
No, I'm not joking! I was truly crushed and thought I was the most awful mom ever! How could you spend time with your child and not teach them to skip?
Since then we've been homeschooling for years and I've learned that my kids will learn everything they need, and then some, in time. And that I was only such an amazing mom with my oldest daughter because God had gifted her in so many ways!
I had nothing to do with it! She would have learned it without me!
So now I'm much more relaxed about knowing everything will come in time and that all I have to do is provide the support!
Now I just enjoy the ride and rarely even compare my kids to any guides! We just keep on keeping on with new concepts as previous ones are mastered. Now I no longer "teach", I "facilitate"!
I just love them and interact with them! They get there! And I remember that for everything they seemingly are "behind" with, they're "ahead" somewhere else!
And all my kids can skip. =)
posted by Michele | 5:14 AM
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Is Eating Out the Best Choice?
In my opinion, those who are committed to their child's education and truly care about their child would do well in homeschooling. Those who "dump" their children at school and are not involved in the educational process would not do well with homeschooling. So I don't think everyone should homeschool.
But for others "in-between"- those who don't 'dump' their kids and who are involved and who do care- then homeschooling should, at least, be a consideration. And I don't think that choosing NOT to homeschool is a sin. I just don't want it to be thrown out by caring parents without prayer and research!
For instance: I can tell you that meals cooked at home are better for your children than eating out every day. That's my opinion.
I can add that the environment of eating together as a family makes for stronger family relationships.
I can show you that the food at McDonald's (or wherever) isn't as healthful.
You can then point out that not everyone will cook healthful meals or that you know a particular place that is big on serving nutritious meals.
But I will say that for those who think nutrition for their children is important and are willing to make the effort to research it, then eating home-cooked meals together as a family could be a great choice!
The same can be said for homeschooling!
posted by Michele | 6:37 AM
Saturday, March 04, 2006
"Or" not "And".....
Do everything without complaining or arguing,...
Philippians 2:14
Entry Word: "complain" - to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
*Antonyms (opposite): "rejoice"
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 97:12
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Psalm 98:4
You can not do one if you're doing the other.
It's an "either/or" kind of thing...
definition from m-w.com
Philippians 2:14
Entry Word: "complain" - to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
*Antonyms (opposite): "rejoice"
Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm 97:12
Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
Psalm 98:4
You can not do one if you're doing the other.
It's an "either/or" kind of thing...
definition from m-w.com
posted by Michele | 4:33 AM
Friday, March 03, 2006
Chicken, Anyone?
I noticed something interesting this morning as I was feeding the chickens.
They didn't care what I thought; they just followed me around waiting for the food.
And they knew the food was coming from me and that it was coming.
They didn't wonder about food for tomorrow.
They didn't care about yesterday's food-
they knew it had been provided before and would be again.
They were hungry and they would be fed.
That's all they needed to know -
And it hit me.... shouldn't we be more like them?
We can get so caught up in theology that we simply forget to follow the One Who feeds us!
The One Who has the *food* that we need.
And we can simply trust in the fact that He will feed us.
Come hungry!
He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111:4-5
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
Psalm 145:14-16
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26
They didn't care what I thought; they just followed me around waiting for the food.
And they knew the food was coming from me and that it was coming.
They didn't wonder about food for tomorrow.
They didn't care about yesterday's food-
they knew it had been provided before and would be again.
They were hungry and they would be fed.
That's all they needed to know -
And it hit me.... shouldn't we be more like them?
We can get so caught up in theology that we simply forget to follow the One Who feeds us!
The One Who has the *food* that we need.
And we can simply trust in the fact that He will feed us.
Come hungry!
He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111:4-5
The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
Psalm 145:14-16
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26
posted by Michele | 3:18 PM
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Mutant Pastor
Bear with me on this 'til the end....
My 9-year-old loves to draw! And I love to hear her tell me abut what she drew and why. Usually it's Spider-Man or basketball pictures. She loves to illustrate Bible stories. Sometimes, a teddy bear for me since I love bears. And she draws lots of cowboy pictures of Daddy.
But today really threw me!
Today she drew a "Mutant Man".
And he had a great big smile on his face.
I was really confused!
Totally!
Until she told me about it...
Seems that it's the pastor of the wosrhip services we've been attending.
Yup. The pastor.
And the reason he's "Mutant Man" with a smile is because he's kind.
Not just sorta kind; but really kind.
Not just sometimes kind, but really kind.
Not the fake kind of kind....
REALLY kind....
And that makes him a mutant in the world of pastors.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!
Thank you God, for a kind pastor!
And Lord, please forgive all the unkind ones and remind them that our little ones are watching.
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers,.....
to prepare God's people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
~Ephesians 4:11-13
My 9-year-old loves to draw! And I love to hear her tell me abut what she drew and why. Usually it's Spider-Man or basketball pictures. She loves to illustrate Bible stories. Sometimes, a teddy bear for me since I love bears. And she draws lots of cowboy pictures of Daddy.
But today really threw me!
Today she drew a "Mutant Man".
And he had a great big smile on his face.
I was really confused!
Totally!
Until she told me about it...
Seems that it's the pastor of the wosrhip services we've been attending.
Yup. The pastor.
And the reason he's "Mutant Man" with a smile is because he's kind.
Not just sorta kind; but really kind.
Not just sometimes kind, but really kind.
Not the fake kind of kind....
REALLY kind....
And that makes him a mutant in the world of pastors.
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!
Thank you God, for a kind pastor!
And Lord, please forgive all the unkind ones and remind them that our little ones are watching.
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists,
and some to be pastors and teachers,.....
to prepare God's people for works of service,
so that the body of Christ may be built up
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
~Ephesians 4:11-13
posted by Michele | 8:53 PM
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
God save us from your 'children'!
What's wrong with these pictures? And yes! they're all true!
1. A pastor preaches that he has a neighbor who isn't friendly so he says; "Hello" to him 4 or 5 times and then quits speaking, since the neighbor never answers him.
The pastor then follows that with; "Do I hear an 'Amen'?".
Wouldn't that be a pride issue? He won't speak to me so I won't speak to him?
As Christians aren't we called to be the 'light' and the 'salt'?
A non-Christian not acting Christlike? Why would they? Seems like even the "Christians" can't be!
No "Amen" from me. Jesus didn't quit on us after 4 or 5 times. He went all the way for us.
"For while we were yet sinners Christ DIED for us."
2. A Sunday School teacher is talking to a church member. The church member is talking about inviting a man from his work to church. He says the man is an alcoholic but that he has a good heart. The SS teacher says; "How can he be a good person if he's an alcoholic?"
Wow~ when did 'their' sins become worse than 'ours'? And what kind of church is it when we can't invite sinners in? Wouldn't that leave all our 'churches' empty if perfection is the standard? Jesus would be the only one in. Doesn't sound like a part of the Kingdom of Christ! Christ came for 'sinners', 'unrighteous', 'sick', etc.
"For I came to save sinners."
"The only difference between 'us' and 'them' is GRACE!"
3. A five-year-old child leans his chair back on two legs.
The Children's Chapel teacher tells him that if he can't behave he'll have to go to 'Big Church'.
Ahem~ Wouldn't it better to explain to this small child about the safety factors involved? (e.g. If you lean back in the chair it could fall and it could hurt you. We don't want you hurt.)
And the most important question that comes to mind is: When did going to church become a threat and a punishment?
4. A pastor's wife doesn't want to ride to the women's meeting alone since it's dark. So another woman agrees to ride with her though she has to bring her grandson with her, along with her mother (who's visiting).
The pastor's wife is so hateful to the grandchild that the visitor (the great-grandmother) vows that she will never attend anything at the church again.
5. A woman was a member of a church. She quit attending and much time goes by. When asked why she hasn't been coming, she replies; "No one invited me."
The pastor preaches about that woman and says that she shouldn't have to be invited.
I say why not? Why was she out for so long? Did she miss a week or two and no one cared enough to check on her?
Why shouldn't members who have been out for a while NOT be invited back?
Does Jesus not 'invite' us back when we've left the fold?
6. A family has Bible study at home on Sunday evenings. They have a personal revival going on in their family and enjoy the study and prayer as a family.
The preacher condemns all who don't attend and says that if they are really saved they would want to be at the building at the designated time.
Really? You must attend a man-made building to be a follower of Christ? Since when? The apostles had 'home churches' where they got together in each others' homes. When did Scripture tell us that it has to be a building designated as a 'church' for believers to gather? Isn't the important thing to be fellowshipping with other believers while praying and studying the Word of God? Isn't growing in the Lord the goal?
7. A church deacon gets a phone call during a Wednesday night 'prayer meeting'. The phone call last through the whole 'service'.
Two women have a conversation as follows:
1- I wonder what that was all about?
2- I'll let you know.
1- Huh? How? You weren't there...
2- Doesn't matter X (the deacon) will tell Y (his wife) and she'll tell me. I'll tell you.
1- Well, that lets me know never to go to a deacon with a problem!
Lets me know the same thing! When you can't trust the 'church family' there's a BIG problem! When deacon's (or pastor's) wives are noted for having loose lips, then there's some problems that need to be addressed! And the men need to get some control at home!
8. A family brings visitors with them regularly! The visitors don't want to come back. Another family wants to invite visitors but is afraid that the visitors won't be warmly welcomed because they are less than desirable.
Is it that ALL the visitors have a problem or is that the 'church' does? Hmmm....
9. A mother is chastised by a deacon's wife for wanting to invite a local youth who has a bad 'reputation'.
The mother says that she has heard the rumors but that she had a discussion with her daughter who told her that the youth had always been polite to her.
The mother realized that she had been guilty of making judgments based on 'rumors' instead of knowledge.
The deacon's wife told her that she just couldn't believe that any kind of caring mom would want that youth around their child.
Ouch!
The mom replied that as a caring mom she would be there to 'protect' her daughter if need be, but that she couldn't believe any church wouldn't want that youth. She stated that she thought it would be better to let him learn about Jesus and have his heart opened especially if all the rumors were true.
~Sigh~ Where to begin on this one!
10. A church member (let's call him 'tradesman') helps out another church member with some work on his house. The tradesman doesn't ask for pay and doesn't mind helping out a brother in Christ.
The pastor pulls the tradesman aside afterwards and cautions him about doing free work and cautions him that they could come back and sue later.
~Uh... Does anyone have any real faith anymore? Do we not trust that God will see us through?
11. A church member mentions that she can't get her husband to attend Sunday night services. The woman she mentions it to is a deacon's wife, who's reply is: "Well, "X" (the deacon) is holier than "Y" (the member's husband).
*GASP*
God save us from your 'children'!
1. A pastor preaches that he has a neighbor who isn't friendly so he says; "Hello" to him 4 or 5 times and then quits speaking, since the neighbor never answers him.
The pastor then follows that with; "Do I hear an 'Amen'?".
Wouldn't that be a pride issue? He won't speak to me so I won't speak to him?
As Christians aren't we called to be the 'light' and the 'salt'?
A non-Christian not acting Christlike? Why would they? Seems like even the "Christians" can't be!
No "Amen" from me. Jesus didn't quit on us after 4 or 5 times. He went all the way for us.
"For while we were yet sinners Christ DIED for us."
2. A Sunday School teacher is talking to a church member. The church member is talking about inviting a man from his work to church. He says the man is an alcoholic but that he has a good heart. The SS teacher says; "How can he be a good person if he's an alcoholic?"
Wow~ when did 'their' sins become worse than 'ours'? And what kind of church is it when we can't invite sinners in? Wouldn't that leave all our 'churches' empty if perfection is the standard? Jesus would be the only one in. Doesn't sound like a part of the Kingdom of Christ! Christ came for 'sinners', 'unrighteous', 'sick', etc.
"For I came to save sinners."
"The only difference between 'us' and 'them' is GRACE!"
3. A five-year-old child leans his chair back on two legs.
The Children's Chapel teacher tells him that if he can't behave he'll have to go to 'Big Church'.
Ahem~ Wouldn't it better to explain to this small child about the safety factors involved? (e.g. If you lean back in the chair it could fall and it could hurt you. We don't want you hurt.)
And the most important question that comes to mind is: When did going to church become a threat and a punishment?
4. A pastor's wife doesn't want to ride to the women's meeting alone since it's dark. So another woman agrees to ride with her though she has to bring her grandson with her, along with her mother (who's visiting).
The pastor's wife is so hateful to the grandchild that the visitor (the great-grandmother) vows that she will never attend anything at the church again.
5. A woman was a member of a church. She quit attending and much time goes by. When asked why she hasn't been coming, she replies; "No one invited me."
The pastor preaches about that woman and says that she shouldn't have to be invited.
I say why not? Why was she out for so long? Did she miss a week or two and no one cared enough to check on her?
Why shouldn't members who have been out for a while NOT be invited back?
Does Jesus not 'invite' us back when we've left the fold?
6. A family has Bible study at home on Sunday evenings. They have a personal revival going on in their family and enjoy the study and prayer as a family.
The preacher condemns all who don't attend and says that if they are really saved they would want to be at the building at the designated time.
Really? You must attend a man-made building to be a follower of Christ? Since when? The apostles had 'home churches' where they got together in each others' homes. When did Scripture tell us that it has to be a building designated as a 'church' for believers to gather? Isn't the important thing to be fellowshipping with other believers while praying and studying the Word of God? Isn't growing in the Lord the goal?
7. A church deacon gets a phone call during a Wednesday night 'prayer meeting'. The phone call last through the whole 'service'.
Two women have a conversation as follows:
1- I wonder what that was all about?
2- I'll let you know.
1- Huh? How? You weren't there...
2- Doesn't matter X (the deacon) will tell Y (his wife) and she'll tell me. I'll tell you.
1- Well, that lets me know never to go to a deacon with a problem!
Lets me know the same thing! When you can't trust the 'church family' there's a BIG problem! When deacon's (or pastor's) wives are noted for having loose lips, then there's some problems that need to be addressed! And the men need to get some control at home!
8. A family brings visitors with them regularly! The visitors don't want to come back. Another family wants to invite visitors but is afraid that the visitors won't be warmly welcomed because they are less than desirable.
Is it that ALL the visitors have a problem or is that the 'church' does? Hmmm....
9. A mother is chastised by a deacon's wife for wanting to invite a local youth who has a bad 'reputation'.
The mother says that she has heard the rumors but that she had a discussion with her daughter who told her that the youth had always been polite to her.
The mother realized that she had been guilty of making judgments based on 'rumors' instead of knowledge.
The deacon's wife told her that she just couldn't believe that any kind of caring mom would want that youth around their child.
Ouch!
The mom replied that as a caring mom she would be there to 'protect' her daughter if need be, but that she couldn't believe any church wouldn't want that youth. She stated that she thought it would be better to let him learn about Jesus and have his heart opened especially if all the rumors were true.
~Sigh~ Where to begin on this one!
10. A church member (let's call him 'tradesman') helps out another church member with some work on his house. The tradesman doesn't ask for pay and doesn't mind helping out a brother in Christ.
The pastor pulls the tradesman aside afterwards and cautions him about doing free work and cautions him that they could come back and sue later.
~Uh... Does anyone have any real faith anymore? Do we not trust that God will see us through?
11. A church member mentions that she can't get her husband to attend Sunday night services. The woman she mentions it to is a deacon's wife, who's reply is: "Well, "X" (the deacon) is holier than "Y" (the member's husband).
*GASP*
God save us from your 'children'!
posted by Michele | 6:13 AM
Friday, December 16, 2005
Pretense
"What made the Pharisees hypocrites was not their faults:
It was their pretense that they were righteous.
It was teaching one thing and doing another. But that is what law will always produce: people who are always hiding their real selves, always acting, always pretending, and never being real."
I found this here:
http://muchmoreofjesus.blogspot.com/2005/08/free-from-yoke-of-slavery.html
And he credits Bob George....
From: Classic Christianity. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers. ©1989.
And this:
"In all my years as a Christian, I have never heard anyone say, "I've had it! I am sick to death of the love and grace of God. I'm sick of other Christians loving and accepting me. I'm giving up this Christian life."
No I've never heard that. But I couldn't count the number of Christians I've known who have given up because of being under law, who have been broken by the crushing burden of trying to be good enough to earn God's acceptance, who have been mangled by the competition, the judging, and the demands to conform to some group's standards. "We'll accept you if you look like, walk like, talk like, and act like us."
And the implication is always, "And God will, too."
I applaud! And as someone who's sick of religion because it because it takes the focus OFF Christ, I cry! I cry for those who are still under the burden of religion, I cry for those who don't know Christ, I cry for those who can never measure up to standards that are based on outward appearances and never on the heart! I cry for my own scar tissue and the pain that hasn't quite healed! I cry for those in 'leadership' positions who are leading others down the same path. I cry because the bondage of religion is so hard to be free from!
And I cry tears of joy that we do have a Savior Who cares about the heart!
It was their pretense that they were righteous.
It was teaching one thing and doing another. But that is what law will always produce: people who are always hiding their real selves, always acting, always pretending, and never being real."
I found this here:
http://muchmoreofjesus.blogspot.com/2005/08/free-from-yoke-of-slavery.html
And he credits Bob George....
From: Classic Christianity. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers. ©1989.
And this:
"In all my years as a Christian, I have never heard anyone say, "I've had it! I am sick to death of the love and grace of God. I'm sick of other Christians loving and accepting me. I'm giving up this Christian life."
No I've never heard that. But I couldn't count the number of Christians I've known who have given up because of being under law, who have been broken by the crushing burden of trying to be good enough to earn God's acceptance, who have been mangled by the competition, the judging, and the demands to conform to some group's standards. "We'll accept you if you look like, walk like, talk like, and act like us."
And the implication is always, "And God will, too."
I applaud! And as someone who's sick of religion because it because it takes the focus OFF Christ, I cry! I cry for those who are still under the burden of religion, I cry for those who don't know Christ, I cry for those who can never measure up to standards that are based on outward appearances and never on the heart! I cry for my own scar tissue and the pain that hasn't quite healed! I cry for those in 'leadership' positions who are leading others down the same path. I cry because the bondage of religion is so hard to be free from!
And I cry tears of joy that we do have a Savior Who cares about the heart!
posted by Michele | 3:26 AM
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Where's The Party?
The day we celebrate the birth of Christ falls on a Sunday this year.
How inconvenient! So we'll cancel all services for that day....
Sarcasm aside, I don't want to delve into the whole legalism issues of whether or not we're mandated to keep any day as THE Sabbath since I know the Lord is Lord of the Sabbath! And I know that, as Christians, we are THE Church. And I know that worship is supposed to be a 24/7 experience!
But to close the doors of the church house on the day that we fight so hard to keep recognized as "important" and with all the banners of; "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"....closing the doors just seems wrong.
I've read so many defenses for it. What they seem to boil down to is that it's a big undertaking to stay open when the staff needs time with their family. What that sounds like is that the *churches* are like any other business. Lots of businesses will be closed, too.
Your local news folks will be at work. Your military will be at work. Your police officers will be at work. But the folks who are supposed to be "all things to all people", those who are supposed to be fighting the battle of spiritual warfare... well, they need that day off to be with their families.
Here's some thoughts from some folks who word it much better than I ever could:
"The rationale given in our local newspaper The Lexington-Herald Leader was--- people are so busy and Christmas is supposed to be a family day, so this decision was made as a family friendly gesture. But wait a minute--- whose birthday is it anyway? And which family is supposed to be serving which--- the family of faith or the physical family? Talking about putting the EM-Phasis on the wrong syl-LABLE.
Our culture does not need any encouragement to be more self-centered and narcissistic or to stay at home on Sunday. It is already that way. Christmas above all else should be a day when we come together as the body of Christ to worship and adore the Lord Jesus. Christmas should be the day above all days where we don't stay home and open all those things we bought for ourselves INSTEAD of going to church. Christmas should be the day when we forget about ourselves for a few hours and go and honor the birthday of the great King, our Savior.
What we are dealing with here are churches whose priorities are so askew that they somehow think it is more important for the church to serve the wants of the physical family than the other way around. This is a far cry from the pattern of the original disciples of Jesus who were seen leaving homes, relatives, jobs to come and follow Jesus. "
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2005/12/churches-closed-on-christmas.html
How inconvenient! So we'll cancel all services for that day....
Sarcasm aside, I don't want to delve into the whole legalism issues of whether or not we're mandated to keep any day as THE Sabbath since I know the Lord is Lord of the Sabbath! And I know that, as Christians, we are THE Church. And I know that worship is supposed to be a 24/7 experience!
But to close the doors of the church house on the day that we fight so hard to keep recognized as "important" and with all the banners of; "Jesus is the Reason for the Season"....closing the doors just seems wrong.
I've read so many defenses for it. What they seem to boil down to is that it's a big undertaking to stay open when the staff needs time with their family. What that sounds like is that the *churches* are like any other business. Lots of businesses will be closed, too.
Your local news folks will be at work. Your military will be at work. Your police officers will be at work. But the folks who are supposed to be "all things to all people", those who are supposed to be fighting the battle of spiritual warfare... well, they need that day off to be with their families.
Here's some thoughts from some folks who word it much better than I ever could:
"The rationale given in our local newspaper The Lexington-Herald Leader was--- people are so busy and Christmas is supposed to be a family day, so this decision was made as a family friendly gesture. But wait a minute--- whose birthday is it anyway? And which family is supposed to be serving which--- the family of faith or the physical family? Talking about putting the EM-Phasis on the wrong syl-LABLE.
Our culture does not need any encouragement to be more self-centered and narcissistic or to stay at home on Sunday. It is already that way. Christmas above all else should be a day when we come together as the body of Christ to worship and adore the Lord Jesus. Christmas should be the day above all days where we don't stay home and open all those things we bought for ourselves INSTEAD of going to church. Christmas should be the day when we forget about ourselves for a few hours and go and honor the birthday of the great King, our Savior.
What we are dealing with here are churches whose priorities are so askew that they somehow think it is more important for the church to serve the wants of the physical family than the other way around. This is a far cry from the pattern of the original disciples of Jesus who were seen leaving homes, relatives, jobs to come and follow Jesus. "
http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2005/12/churches-closed-on-christmas.html
"Good News!
I Bring you Tidings of Great Joy!
A Saviour has been born on this Day!
You just can't learn about it in church.
It puts a whole new spin on 'no room at the Inn'"
http://onanazurefield.blogspot.com/2005/12/this-is-crime.html
I've read countless stories of church closings in persecuted countries. Those churchhouses were closed by the government. There is outrage over that. But we don't have to worry about that here. No government intervention is necessary! It's being done willingly. *sigh*
I do know of one church that is having a worship service FOR Jesus! They will be offering up gifts to the One Who's birth is celebrated. Gifts of praise and worship through testimonies and songs and whatever gift the worshipper chooses to offer the King. The Little Drummer Boy would be welcome there!
Or as my husband says; "It's Jesus' birthday, where's the party?"!
posted by Michele | 3:42 AM
