Friday, August 27, 2010
You'll Want to Read This
Hey, I've got a book that you all should check out. It's called Sexual Revolution by Kris Vallotton. It's definitely worth the read. I know a lot of people are super busy now and don't have time for reading but if you're gonna read anything this year (besides the Bible) I definitely recommend this book. Now, I don't want to sum up the entire book and give away all the good stuff he has to say so I'll just comment a bit. It's a great book for singles, married people, guys, girls...anyone! Everyone should hear the words he's gotta say because they will help you to decide where you stand on issues (like sex before marriage, dating and boundaries, the purpose of sex, sex and marriage, difference between sex and love, abortion, women's rights, healing and redemption from sexual sin) and why you're standing there. Even if you think you got these topics all figured out, I still recommend you read the book because he makes some very good points you may not have thought of before or may give you a foundation for thinking that you can share with others. It's a book on sexual purity. I like how well he demonstrates the battle we have to fight in order to keep ourselves pure (or allow God to redeem our purity) because of how much the broken and hurting world fights against us, because, quite simply, misery likes company, and how standing up for what you believe may seem to cast you as an outsider but at the same time, you're proving to everyone that there is still something important to believe in, giving them hope for themselves. He is honest and truthful in the book too- so it's not like you're gonna read something that's all preachy or lecturing. He also shares amazing stories (and I love stories- find they make the difference between a book I learn from or one I don't). So, definitely, go out, find this book. It's pretty short- you can read it in two days or several hours. And it's worth it!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Marriage- Always Worth it
Hi all,
Marriage is a business now in days sometimes, don't you think? Weddings are events to make money on. Everything is so expensive and there are so many things that people say a bride and groom need. I think this is part of the reason why some people don't believe in marriage anymore. It's can be so materialistic. And then, with all the divorce, people get disillusioned regarding marriage and think it's not necessary. Why get married when you can live with the person you love and avoid the hassle? Well, I can tell you why. Where is the commitment with common law? Sure, after a certain number of years you have the same legal tax rights as a married person, but where's the promise, the blessing?
The Bible talks about husbands and wives, their roles and whatnot. It also talks about fathers' giving their daughters in marriage, bride prices and such things. Yet what is marriage from a Biblical standpoint? Here's my perspective. Matthew 19: 4-8 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."
Ok, so God designed one man and one woman (1 Corinthians 7:2 "But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband."), who commit to each other and become 'one flesh'. Now that they are one, nothing should separate them because they are bound together for life. So, does the bride still have to walk down the aisle, buy an expensive dress, host a huge party? Does that make them married? I don't think so (but it's fun anyway). 1 Peter 2:17 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us that we must honour the government authorities in place because God has put them there so since our government has laid out what having a legal marriage entails (buying a license, having it witnessed, having it performed by a recognized individual) than we should be faithful to follow those rules. If you think of Adam and Eve, there was no government at that time and no whole 'marriage' culture but they were the first married couple. In Genesis 2:22 it says "Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man..." God oversaw the first marriage since after he brought her to Adam, the chapter goes on to tell how a man should leave his family and be united to his wife.
So moving in together does not mean marriage, just because you have sex with the person you love does not mean you're married to them, otherwise, why would there be so many verses like 1 Corinthians 7:2? Rather, commitment must come first. The promise under God to be united together and not to ever separate.
Ephesians 5: 22-33 is a great explanation on what it means to be a wife or to be a husband. Since it's a pretty long paragraph, I suggest that you look it up. In summary, it says that Christ is the head of the church, just like the husband is the head of the wife. So the wife must submit and respect her husband. And the husband must love and take care of his wife just like Christ loves the church (and Christ died for the church, completely sacrificing himself). Verse 28 says "In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body." To act like this, to love like this, is to be faithful to each other. And so often I find that this verse is sometimes misused to subdue women and make them submit against their will- but that's so wrong. It's not what the verse is saying at all. Christ loved the church selflessly, so husbands have to love their wives selflessly. The verse is essentially providing the same advice to both the husband and wife just using different terms. Terms of love, caring are used to describe the husband's actions (and come on girls, you have to admit, being loved and cared for is amazing!). Terms of respect and submit are used to describe the wife's response (and think of guys you know, they like to be respected, it builds them up). I've heard it said that women love to be treated in ways that makes them feel loved inside while men love to be treated in ways that make them feel respected (it shows them their loved). So girls, submitting to the unselfish care and devotion of your husband is a wonderful thing! Let him take care of you but in tern, demonstrate that you value his opinion, care and leadership.
Getting married, being a husband or a wife, it's a huge deal. It's hard work. It's not perfect all the time. Sometimes you may not act respectively towards your husband and sometimes he may act very inconsiderate towards you but that's why there is forgiveness. God is waiting for the both of you to turn towards him, let Christ lead the two of you and help you along the way. He never meant for you to do it all on your own.
It's easy to get scared about marriage, knowing how important it is but God understands (but unless you truly want to be single, feel God is leading you to that, don't let fear stop you- fear is not from God). When he leads you to that point in your life, he will help you to be ready. And I can tell you from experience that marriage is a wonderful thing and there is so much to enjoy about being a wife or a husband when you follow God's lead. He will give you an amazingly fulfilling relationship as the two of you work together.
Marriage is a business now in days sometimes, don't you think? Weddings are events to make money on. Everything is so expensive and there are so many things that people say a bride and groom need. I think this is part of the reason why some people don't believe in marriage anymore. It's can be so materialistic. And then, with all the divorce, people get disillusioned regarding marriage and think it's not necessary. Why get married when you can live with the person you love and avoid the hassle? Well, I can tell you why. Where is the commitment with common law? Sure, after a certain number of years you have the same legal tax rights as a married person, but where's the promise, the blessing?
The Bible talks about husbands and wives, their roles and whatnot. It also talks about fathers' giving their daughters in marriage, bride prices and such things. Yet what is marriage from a Biblical standpoint? Here's my perspective. Matthew 19: 4-8 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?" Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."
Ok, so God designed one man and one woman (1 Corinthians 7:2 "But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband."), who commit to each other and become 'one flesh'. Now that they are one, nothing should separate them because they are bound together for life. So, does the bride still have to walk down the aisle, buy an expensive dress, host a huge party? Does that make them married? I don't think so (but it's fun anyway). 1 Peter 2:17 and Romans 13:1-7 tell us that we must honour the government authorities in place because God has put them there so since our government has laid out what having a legal marriage entails (buying a license, having it witnessed, having it performed by a recognized individual) than we should be faithful to follow those rules. If you think of Adam and Eve, there was no government at that time and no whole 'marriage' culture but they were the first married couple. In Genesis 2:22 it says "Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man..." God oversaw the first marriage since after he brought her to Adam, the chapter goes on to tell how a man should leave his family and be united to his wife.
So moving in together does not mean marriage, just because you have sex with the person you love does not mean you're married to them, otherwise, why would there be so many verses like 1 Corinthians 7:2? Rather, commitment must come first. The promise under God to be united together and not to ever separate.
Ephesians 5: 22-33 is a great explanation on what it means to be a wife or to be a husband. Since it's a pretty long paragraph, I suggest that you look it up. In summary, it says that Christ is the head of the church, just like the husband is the head of the wife. So the wife must submit and respect her husband. And the husband must love and take care of his wife just like Christ loves the church (and Christ died for the church, completely sacrificing himself). Verse 28 says "In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body." To act like this, to love like this, is to be faithful to each other. And so often I find that this verse is sometimes misused to subdue women and make them submit against their will- but that's so wrong. It's not what the verse is saying at all. Christ loved the church selflessly, so husbands have to love their wives selflessly. The verse is essentially providing the same advice to both the husband and wife just using different terms. Terms of love, caring are used to describe the husband's actions (and come on girls, you have to admit, being loved and cared for is amazing!). Terms of respect and submit are used to describe the wife's response (and think of guys you know, they like to be respected, it builds them up). I've heard it said that women love to be treated in ways that makes them feel loved inside while men love to be treated in ways that make them feel respected (it shows them their loved). So girls, submitting to the unselfish care and devotion of your husband is a wonderful thing! Let him take care of you but in tern, demonstrate that you value his opinion, care and leadership.
Getting married, being a husband or a wife, it's a huge deal. It's hard work. It's not perfect all the time. Sometimes you may not act respectively towards your husband and sometimes he may act very inconsiderate towards you but that's why there is forgiveness. God is waiting for the both of you to turn towards him, let Christ lead the two of you and help you along the way. He never meant for you to do it all on your own.
It's easy to get scared about marriage, knowing how important it is but God understands (but unless you truly want to be single, feel God is leading you to that, don't let fear stop you- fear is not from God). When he leads you to that point in your life, he will help you to be ready. And I can tell you from experience that marriage is a wonderful thing and there is so much to enjoy about being a wife or a husband when you follow God's lead. He will give you an amazingly fulfilling relationship as the two of you work together.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Discover God
Hey Girls,
I was thinking lately about how we connect closer with God. I want to encourage any of you reading this to keep working on your spiritual relationships. They need work just like the ones with our family and friends do. We all have to know truth, believe something and feel that it's right inside and I know that God will be faithful to confirm that to anyone who looks for him.
It's interesting too all that's out there for us to learn more about God. Like we can read books, talk to people, listen to speakers and whatnot. But I mean, people can be wrong and interpret things wrong, which is why we really need to know our Bible. So we can tell if what we see and hear is in line with what it says in the Bible, and what it tells us about God's character. And I know that God will confirm truth too and weed out what isn't right when we let go of trying to control everything and let God be the leader. Then we'll know in our hearts what is right.
I think this is something that we gain from the more time we spend with God and can't happen just all at once. I also think it's really important to be involved with a church or Christian group of some sort, like a youth group or Bible study so that you can learn, worship and discuss things with other believers. Sometimes it's really hard to find a avenue for that, which is actually one of the things my husband and I would like to find where we live.
God is there and yours to discover.
I was thinking lately about how we connect closer with God. I want to encourage any of you reading this to keep working on your spiritual relationships. They need work just like the ones with our family and friends do. We all have to know truth, believe something and feel that it's right inside and I know that God will be faithful to confirm that to anyone who looks for him.
It's interesting too all that's out there for us to learn more about God. Like we can read books, talk to people, listen to speakers and whatnot. But I mean, people can be wrong and interpret things wrong, which is why we really need to know our Bible. So we can tell if what we see and hear is in line with what it says in the Bible, and what it tells us about God's character. And I know that God will confirm truth too and weed out what isn't right when we let go of trying to control everything and let God be the leader. Then we'll know in our hearts what is right.
I think this is something that we gain from the more time we spend with God and can't happen just all at once. I also think it's really important to be involved with a church or Christian group of some sort, like a youth group or Bible study so that you can learn, worship and discuss things with other believers. Sometimes it's really hard to find a avenue for that, which is actually one of the things my husband and I would like to find where we live.
God is there and yours to discover.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Why Wait?
Hey Girls,
Do you ever find it hard to explain to your friends why you want to wait for marriage to have sex? Or maybe why you believe people should? Who knows, maybe you're not sure and wonder if you should or not. Some people think that Christians might wait as a result of a 'religious rule', something that people made up. Fortunately, God is there to reveal truth to every heart and convict us when we believe something that is wrong. Yet, sometimes people ask us questions and we have to have answers.
I could go on and tell you all my personal reasons why I feel it is best to wait but everyone needs to have their own reasons. Yet, I will tell you the foundation for my thinking. Okay, there is the popular, Genesis 2:24 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Now, this doesn't outright say not to have sex before marriage but it does tell us that a man leaves his family, and goes forth to establish another family unit 'united to his wife'. Once this family unit is established, then they become 'one flesh'. So the commitment comes first, the bond to the wife.
Then there is Corinthians 6:18-20 "Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." Okay, so here is another reason to wait until marriage, the whole fact of staying pure. The Bible is pretty clear on what constitutes sexual immorality, just read some of the Old Testament books where God lays out the clear rules for living, ex. do not have sex with your neighbour's wife. Plus, there are other examples where men indulge in sexual immorality with women of other nations (Numbers 25:1-3), and how can sex be immoral unless it's outside of marriage in that example (considering it is explicitly, man with woman)? While sexual immorality can seem to cause confusion by it's very definition, fortification, which is often lumped with immorality, is very clear on it's meaning. Dictionary. com says it means "voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried personsor two persons not married to each other." So, yanking all this together, it is clear that to remain pure before God, we need to keep our bodies pure, and as such, not go sleeping around with anyone we like, but belong solely to our husband.
Here's another support for that, 1 Corinthians 7:2-3"But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs." Or, 1 Corinthians 7:36 "If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married." (Improperly towards a virgin? Pretty clear meaning...)
So, to be clear then, what constitutes marriage? Well, first of all, a new family unit is established as in the Genesis verse. And, there are several other verses in the Bible regarding marriage, like not to defile the marriage bed (remain faithful to your spouse) and verses regarding the role of husband and wife. This is just a really fast summary so you should check it out for yourself if you're curious. But I do not believe that two people who move in together and remain faithful to each other are living immorally. After all, 'getting married' is more than just buying a licenses and signing a sheet of paper. Sure, that takes care of the legal end, legally binding two people (which is important too) but part of the event is vowing your faithfulness and commitment to each other before other witnesses and before God. You are making a public declaration to honour each other. Each culture has their own methods and traditions with marrying (such as the bride price and other festivities) but I think it is this public promise that is so important and then, when the pastor says, 'I now pronounce you husband and wife' it makes it official.
Another thing that sometimes seems hard to explain these days is getting married young. Christians can be accused of marrying early just so they can have sex. Okay, there is so much wrong with that idea that I don't even want to go there. But, on the other hand, it can happen. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. And, to have truly meaningful sex in all that it was meant to be, there has to be an emotional foundation. So, once there is the emotional bond (love, commitment, vows), and then the physical actions of marriage (wedding, vows, exchanging rings...etc) can follow, and finally, the sexual commitment. People who marry for sex, well, they're in for a shock on the morning after. When the 'act' of sex is over, they have the rest of their lives to live out together. Personally, I don't believe in long engagements or long dating relationships. When God brings two people together and confirms the relationship, and the two individuals are best friends, comfortable with each other and know they want to spend the rest of their lives together- I see no reason at all to wait on marriage.
Our society makes such a huge deal of sex, it's sold everywhere. But it's not the most important thing. It's just one of the many gifts God gave us to enjoy and we have to be responsible to use it in the right context, otherwise we abuse the gift he gave us all to give. Especially for teens, or singles, or those waiting for sex, it can become a big focus but sex should never be the driving focus of a relationship and it should never be the main focus either. After all, relationships arise from our longing to be with someone, to belong, to share our lives- sex does not provide lasting fulfillment to those feelings.
I really hope that everyone who wants it, can experience a wonderful marriage relationship and enjoy all the fun of sex, with no guilt about it. It may be very difficult and very tempting to give into what society tells you is no big deal and totally alright but God will tell you the truth and give you the strength to remain pure. Then, when you and your husband can give yourselves to each other in purity (including the purity arises from forgiveness of past mistakes) than you will experience a blessing where there will be no doubt about it that sex was completely and entirely worth waiting for.
Do you ever find it hard to explain to your friends why you want to wait for marriage to have sex? Or maybe why you believe people should? Who knows, maybe you're not sure and wonder if you should or not. Some people think that Christians might wait as a result of a 'religious rule', something that people made up. Fortunately, God is there to reveal truth to every heart and convict us when we believe something that is wrong. Yet, sometimes people ask us questions and we have to have answers.
I could go on and tell you all my personal reasons why I feel it is best to wait but everyone needs to have their own reasons. Yet, I will tell you the foundation for my thinking. Okay, there is the popular, Genesis 2:24 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Now, this doesn't outright say not to have sex before marriage but it does tell us that a man leaves his family, and goes forth to establish another family unit 'united to his wife'. Once this family unit is established, then they become 'one flesh'. So the commitment comes first, the bond to the wife.
Then there is Corinthians 6:18-20 "Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." Okay, so here is another reason to wait until marriage, the whole fact of staying pure. The Bible is pretty clear on what constitutes sexual immorality, just read some of the Old Testament books where God lays out the clear rules for living, ex. do not have sex with your neighbour's wife. Plus, there are other examples where men indulge in sexual immorality with women of other nations (Numbers 25:1-3), and how can sex be immoral unless it's outside of marriage in that example (considering it is explicitly, man with woman)? While sexual immorality can seem to cause confusion by it's very definition, fortification, which is often lumped with immorality, is very clear on it's meaning. Dictionary. com says it means "voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried personsor two persons not married to each other." So, yanking all this together, it is clear that to remain pure before God, we need to keep our bodies pure, and as such, not go sleeping around with anyone we like, but belong solely to our husband.
Here's another support for that, 1 Corinthians 7:2-3"But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband. The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs." Or, 1 Corinthians 7:36 "If anyone thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if she is getting along in years and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married." (Improperly towards a virgin? Pretty clear meaning...)
So, to be clear then, what constitutes marriage? Well, first of all, a new family unit is established as in the Genesis verse. And, there are several other verses in the Bible regarding marriage, like not to defile the marriage bed (remain faithful to your spouse) and verses regarding the role of husband and wife. This is just a really fast summary so you should check it out for yourself if you're curious. But I do not believe that two people who move in together and remain faithful to each other are living immorally. After all, 'getting married' is more than just buying a licenses and signing a sheet of paper. Sure, that takes care of the legal end, legally binding two people (which is important too) but part of the event is vowing your faithfulness and commitment to each other before other witnesses and before God. You are making a public declaration to honour each other. Each culture has their own methods and traditions with marrying (such as the bride price and other festivities) but I think it is this public promise that is so important and then, when the pastor says, 'I now pronounce you husband and wife' it makes it official.
Another thing that sometimes seems hard to explain these days is getting married young. Christians can be accused of marrying early just so they can have sex. Okay, there is so much wrong with that idea that I don't even want to go there. But, on the other hand, it can happen. Marriage is a lifetime commitment. And, to have truly meaningful sex in all that it was meant to be, there has to be an emotional foundation. So, once there is the emotional bond (love, commitment, vows), and then the physical actions of marriage (wedding, vows, exchanging rings...etc) can follow, and finally, the sexual commitment. People who marry for sex, well, they're in for a shock on the morning after. When the 'act' of sex is over, they have the rest of their lives to live out together. Personally, I don't believe in long engagements or long dating relationships. When God brings two people together and confirms the relationship, and the two individuals are best friends, comfortable with each other and know they want to spend the rest of their lives together- I see no reason at all to wait on marriage.
Our society makes such a huge deal of sex, it's sold everywhere. But it's not the most important thing. It's just one of the many gifts God gave us to enjoy and we have to be responsible to use it in the right context, otherwise we abuse the gift he gave us all to give. Especially for teens, or singles, or those waiting for sex, it can become a big focus but sex should never be the driving focus of a relationship and it should never be the main focus either. After all, relationships arise from our longing to be with someone, to belong, to share our lives- sex does not provide lasting fulfillment to those feelings.
I really hope that everyone who wants it, can experience a wonderful marriage relationship and enjoy all the fun of sex, with no guilt about it. It may be very difficult and very tempting to give into what society tells you is no big deal and totally alright but God will tell you the truth and give you the strength to remain pure. Then, when you and your husband can give yourselves to each other in purity (including the purity arises from forgiveness of past mistakes) than you will experience a blessing where there will be no doubt about it that sex was completely and entirely worth waiting for.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
To Keep In Mind
Verse of the day:
Psalm 143: 8,10 "Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you... Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing."
This is a prayer for all of us and I hope that each of us takes a few moments to pray it.
Psalm 143: 8,10 "Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you... Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing."
This is a prayer for all of us and I hope that each of us takes a few moments to pray it.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Thoughts to Ponder
A few questions.. how would you answer them?
Who is in control of your life?
Who makes the decisions?
Who's plan are you following? Are you sure?
Who's rules/guidelines dictate your relationship(s) with the opposite sex? Why?
What/who occupies your thoughts most often during the day?
What/who gives your life meaning?
What is your life for?
I know the 'right' answer probably pops into mind automatically for a lot of these questions right? God. But if we are being totally honest and truthful, can we actually answer that way? Maybe, maybe not. We might need to take some time to truly discover why we are thinking/acting/feeling/doing a certain thing and figure out if that is really the best way for us. We need to discover if we are right on track, or if there are areas in our lives that need adjustments. It's important not to just give a quick, automatic answer, but to really think about our reasons why...
...and to keep in mind that no matter what, God is with you...
Who is in control of your life?
Who makes the decisions?
Who's plan are you following? Are you sure?
Who's rules/guidelines dictate your relationship(s) with the opposite sex? Why?
What/who occupies your thoughts most often during the day?
What/who gives your life meaning?
What is your life for?
I know the 'right' answer probably pops into mind automatically for a lot of these questions right? God. But if we are being totally honest and truthful, can we actually answer that way? Maybe, maybe not. We might need to take some time to truly discover why we are thinking/acting/feeling/doing a certain thing and figure out if that is really the best way for us. We need to discover if we are right on track, or if there are areas in our lives that need adjustments. It's important not to just give a quick, automatic answer, but to really think about our reasons why...
...and to keep in mind that no matter what, God is with you...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Summer Reading
Hey all,
I love reading a good book- probably one of the reasons I'm so into writing them! Yet, it kind of bothers me when Christian authors (which is usually what I read) have events happen in their books that are negative but then try to sugar coat, or skip over the actually event, and deal with some of the consequences instead. I like authors that are real, that stick to reality and describe things as they actually are. I've read a few good books this summer by Jamie Carie (go check out her books if you have the chance). I usually like books with action/mystery/suspense/thriller but I also really enjoy comedies, romances are usually a part of all those books. Right now, I usually only read fiction. I just love stories but I guess that's why it really bothers me when authors leave stuff out- like for example, in a book I read recently, a girl went through a traumatic experience (kidnapping) but the author was unclear about what happened to her when she was kidnapped and then when she was finally rescued, she was all good and happy. But really, any girl who would go through a situation like that, wouldn't escape without some kind of emotional trouble (like nightmares or whatnot)- after all, bad things we experience just don't go away so fast. And what about God? I understand how every author is at a different place in their relationship with God so writes from different perspectives but I have to say, that I really appreciate the authors who make God real, write from experience and show that trusting God isn't always easy to do. So ya, that's sometimes my major complaint with books, they just aren't realistic (and don't get me started on the totally fake ways men and women are portrayed in romance novels! augh!). What are your thoughts???? Anyway, I guess this just inspires me when I write, to keep things as real I know how. Have fun reading...
I love reading a good book- probably one of the reasons I'm so into writing them! Yet, it kind of bothers me when Christian authors (which is usually what I read) have events happen in their books that are negative but then try to sugar coat, or skip over the actually event, and deal with some of the consequences instead. I like authors that are real, that stick to reality and describe things as they actually are. I've read a few good books this summer by Jamie Carie (go check out her books if you have the chance). I usually like books with action/mystery/suspense/thriller but I also really enjoy comedies, romances are usually a part of all those books. Right now, I usually only read fiction. I just love stories but I guess that's why it really bothers me when authors leave stuff out- like for example, in a book I read recently, a girl went through a traumatic experience (kidnapping) but the author was unclear about what happened to her when she was kidnapped and then when she was finally rescued, she was all good and happy. But really, any girl who would go through a situation like that, wouldn't escape without some kind of emotional trouble (like nightmares or whatnot)- after all, bad things we experience just don't go away so fast. And what about God? I understand how every author is at a different place in their relationship with God so writes from different perspectives but I have to say, that I really appreciate the authors who make God real, write from experience and show that trusting God isn't always easy to do. So ya, that's sometimes my major complaint with books, they just aren't realistic (and don't get me started on the totally fake ways men and women are portrayed in romance novels! augh!). What are your thoughts???? Anyway, I guess this just inspires me when I write, to keep things as real I know how. Have fun reading...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Just slow down...
Hey Girls,
Why rush?? That just came to me. Doesn't it seem like we're so often in a rush, a hurry, doing things so fast? Slow down. Lately, it is becoming clear to me that God's timing is not our timing. What seems like last minute to me, really isn't. Not in God's opinion at least. He does everything in his right timing. Is that why we sometimes try to work things out on our own, make things happen from our own efforts, because we think that we're running out of time and God's not doing anything? Or that he's taking too long? I guess we have to remember that God never takes too long. He's got the plan- why is it so hard for us to be patient? After all, he's got the big picture, he sees things we can't even begin to imagine. Maybe we just need to work on trusting a little more, don't you think? I think so.
Why rush?? That just came to me. Doesn't it seem like we're so often in a rush, a hurry, doing things so fast? Slow down. Lately, it is becoming clear to me that God's timing is not our timing. What seems like last minute to me, really isn't. Not in God's opinion at least. He does everything in his right timing. Is that why we sometimes try to work things out on our own, make things happen from our own efforts, because we think that we're running out of time and God's not doing anything? Or that he's taking too long? I guess we have to remember that God never takes too long. He's got the plan- why is it so hard for us to be patient? After all, he's got the big picture, he sees things we can't even begin to imagine. Maybe we just need to work on trusting a little more, don't you think? I think so.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Disappearing Time
Hey Girls,
Do you ever feel like time is just going by so quickly? You have so much to do that you can't get it all done in one day? As if there aren't enough hours in a day? I've heard it said that time moves faster the older we get, which really, if you think about it, means we are running out of time faster and faster everyday; there is less and less of it. How would we ever catch up?
I think that's partly why it's important we keep a central perspective that this life isn't about us as much as being about God, how we serve him and do what he calls us to do. I think we often get involved in a lot of extra stuff that God doesn't necessarily mean for us to do. I don't think he desires his children to be stressed out and overworked- why would there be verses on casting our anxiety and fears on him? I think he means for us to take time and rest like he did after creating the world.
So as this summer rushes us by, let's remember to keep in mind the important things and ask God how we should direct our day. After all, he might have an entirely different plan in mind than the one we think we need to follow.
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Exodus 33:14 "The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Do you ever feel like time is just going by so quickly? You have so much to do that you can't get it all done in one day? As if there aren't enough hours in a day? I've heard it said that time moves faster the older we get, which really, if you think about it, means we are running out of time faster and faster everyday; there is less and less of it. How would we ever catch up?
I think that's partly why it's important we keep a central perspective that this life isn't about us as much as being about God, how we serve him and do what he calls us to do. I think we often get involved in a lot of extra stuff that God doesn't necessarily mean for us to do. I don't think he desires his children to be stressed out and overworked- why would there be verses on casting our anxiety and fears on him? I think he means for us to take time and rest like he did after creating the world.
So as this summer rushes us by, let's remember to keep in mind the important things and ask God how we should direct our day. After all, he might have an entirely different plan in mind than the one we think we need to follow.
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Exodus 33:14 "The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Monday, July 19, 2010
Project Finished!
Hey Girls,
Remember way back when I posted about finishing the projects we start? Well I did it! I finished that blanket that I started long ago using various random pieces of yarn that I had. It turned out to my satisfaction for my first blanket attempt. I would like to try making another, keeping in mind some of the things I learned from making this one. It isn't perfect but it's finished and I like it.
So what projects have you left to do? Finish any? Make any progress on any? It's good to finish what we start. Sometimes that just doesn't happen and we lose interest but there is a definite satisfaction in having completed a project. I encourage you all to go and follow through, bring a project of your own to completion.
It's kinda like of how God is working on us eh? Bit by bit. And like how His plans for our lives, and the world at large, are gradually coming together, to one day be complete when Jesus returns and gathers us all to him. Just a thought...
Remember way back when I posted about finishing the projects we start? Well I did it! I finished that blanket that I started long ago using various random pieces of yarn that I had. It turned out to my satisfaction for my first blanket attempt. I would like to try making another, keeping in mind some of the things I learned from making this one. It isn't perfect but it's finished and I like it.
So what projects have you left to do? Finish any? Make any progress on any? It's good to finish what we start. Sometimes that just doesn't happen and we lose interest but there is a definite satisfaction in having completed a project. I encourage you all to go and follow through, bring a project of your own to completion.
It's kinda like of how God is working on us eh? Bit by bit. And like how His plans for our lives, and the world at large, are gradually coming together, to one day be complete when Jesus returns and gathers us all to him. Just a thought...
Monday, June 28, 2010
Summer Sunshine
Hey Girls,
Well, it seems as if summer is in fully swing now (even if the rain wants to tell us otherwise). For a bunch of us, summer means vacation time. For others it's a time of work, no change really, except you have to be indoors at the job when you'd rather be out having fun. And it could also be a time of unknowns, such as, what will I do in the fall?
I hope that everyone gets out and has a chance to enjoy the warmth and sun. That vitamin D is hugely important! But no matter what we are doing, we should still try to keep God at the center of our lives. Sometimes when we are having fun and enjoying vacation time, it's easy to forget to thank God for it and to praise him. It's also easy to get carried away on the fun stuff and forget about what's really important. So this is just a reminder to keep God in mind through it all. He will make your fun even more enjoyable and for those who are trying to figure things out or busy with a job, he will be there to help you through all that too.
So I pray that ya'll will have a safe and happy God focused summertime!
Well, it seems as if summer is in fully swing now (even if the rain wants to tell us otherwise). For a bunch of us, summer means vacation time. For others it's a time of work, no change really, except you have to be indoors at the job when you'd rather be out having fun. And it could also be a time of unknowns, such as, what will I do in the fall?
I hope that everyone gets out and has a chance to enjoy the warmth and sun. That vitamin D is hugely important! But no matter what we are doing, we should still try to keep God at the center of our lives. Sometimes when we are having fun and enjoying vacation time, it's easy to forget to thank God for it and to praise him. It's also easy to get carried away on the fun stuff and forget about what's really important. So this is just a reminder to keep God in mind through it all. He will make your fun even more enjoyable and for those who are trying to figure things out or busy with a job, he will be there to help you through all that too.
So I pray that ya'll will have a safe and happy God focused summertime!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Making Excuses
Hey all,
Have you ever had it happen where you wanted something really badly so you made an excuse to justify why you should have it? We make excuses for a lot of things, don't we? Such as avoiding certain tasks or issues, justifying things... Well, what I'm thinking about today is when we make excuses that actually end up not benefiting us in the end.
Think about sin for a moment, doing wrong. Sometimes it can be really appealing- maybe there are pressures to fit in with a certain group or impress someone. We try to justify a situation to make us feel better about participating in it even when, if we really examined it, we'd know it was wrong. Some people live in a world of excuses. Ever had the thought that if a good Christian person you know was playing really violent video games (for example) that it would be okay for you to do that too? That if they advocated it as okay, than it must be okay for you too? One person's convictions are not necessarily another's. After all, God does give us guidelines to live by but within those guidelines, we often find 'gray' areas or make them up due to our attraction to things not necessarily right. God convicts everyone at different times and on different issues according to his purpose in their lives. So we can't always follow the example of others in choosing right and wrong. We have to listen to the Holy Spirit guide us.
I think excuses are just attractive ways we use to try to make sin okay. For example, growing up we always had talks on what constituted an appropriate movie to watch for the family (limited profanity, sexual references, violence). We knew that what we filled our minds with affected how we thought (which eventually can affect actions). Yet, sometimes, I would hear excuses like 'oh it's fantasy/sci-fi' so that made violence or alternative religions/magic okay to fill our minds with. Personally, that made no sense to me. A wizard/witch in a fairytale land is not more permissible than one in a modern world- after all, neither one gives glory to God for their abilities. So in the end, we'd be watching something that doesn't please God. It's easy to make excuses, to try to justify things that are wrong (I know I've done it lots) but it's not good. If we want to live truthfully and honourably, we can't make excuses just to have a bit of fun- after all, is it really worth the cost? (sometimes there is harmless, innocent fun but how is that defined? when does it cross the line?)
Yet there is more to making excuses than the effect on our relationship with God. It affects how others see us- as I talked about earlier- even though judgement calls should not be made based on human choices, it does happen sometimes, doesn't it? But excuses effect our relationships in life. Think about a close relationship to you, how often have you made excuses? Told your younger sister that you were too tired to play (emphasis on the 'tired' because you just plain didn't want too) or said to your family/inlaws that you were too busy to come over on Sunday (you'd make sure of it because you had no desire to go). We make excuses to avoid things we don't want to do. It prevents us from making a selfless sacrifice for others.
Sometimes there are situations that come up that we need to avoid or we have more important priorities and we need to use an excuse. But the problem is when this becomes a habit, when it causes us to neglect others and harm ourselves. We want to in stand in purity, honour, truth and righteousness before God, eh? I know I do. So I think that means we really need to watch the excuses we are making for things in our lives.
Have you ever had it happen where you wanted something really badly so you made an excuse to justify why you should have it? We make excuses for a lot of things, don't we? Such as avoiding certain tasks or issues, justifying things... Well, what I'm thinking about today is when we make excuses that actually end up not benefiting us in the end.
Think about sin for a moment, doing wrong. Sometimes it can be really appealing- maybe there are pressures to fit in with a certain group or impress someone. We try to justify a situation to make us feel better about participating in it even when, if we really examined it, we'd know it was wrong. Some people live in a world of excuses. Ever had the thought that if a good Christian person you know was playing really violent video games (for example) that it would be okay for you to do that too? That if they advocated it as okay, than it must be okay for you too? One person's convictions are not necessarily another's. After all, God does give us guidelines to live by but within those guidelines, we often find 'gray' areas or make them up due to our attraction to things not necessarily right. God convicts everyone at different times and on different issues according to his purpose in their lives. So we can't always follow the example of others in choosing right and wrong. We have to listen to the Holy Spirit guide us.
I think excuses are just attractive ways we use to try to make sin okay. For example, growing up we always had talks on what constituted an appropriate movie to watch for the family (limited profanity, sexual references, violence). We knew that what we filled our minds with affected how we thought (which eventually can affect actions). Yet, sometimes, I would hear excuses like 'oh it's fantasy/sci-fi' so that made violence or alternative religions/magic okay to fill our minds with. Personally, that made no sense to me. A wizard/witch in a fairytale land is not more permissible than one in a modern world- after all, neither one gives glory to God for their abilities. So in the end, we'd be watching something that doesn't please God. It's easy to make excuses, to try to justify things that are wrong (I know I've done it lots) but it's not good. If we want to live truthfully and honourably, we can't make excuses just to have a bit of fun- after all, is it really worth the cost? (sometimes there is harmless, innocent fun but how is that defined? when does it cross the line?)
Yet there is more to making excuses than the effect on our relationship with God. It affects how others see us- as I talked about earlier- even though judgement calls should not be made based on human choices, it does happen sometimes, doesn't it? But excuses effect our relationships in life. Think about a close relationship to you, how often have you made excuses? Told your younger sister that you were too tired to play (emphasis on the 'tired' because you just plain didn't want too) or said to your family/inlaws that you were too busy to come over on Sunday (you'd make sure of it because you had no desire to go). We make excuses to avoid things we don't want to do. It prevents us from making a selfless sacrifice for others.
Sometimes there are situations that come up that we need to avoid or we have more important priorities and we need to use an excuse. But the problem is when this becomes a habit, when it causes us to neglect others and harm ourselves. We want to in stand in purity, honour, truth and righteousness before God, eh? I know I do. So I think that means we really need to watch the excuses we are making for things in our lives.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Encouragement of the Day
Hi Girls,
Here is just a quick note of encouragement for today. Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." In whatever you are going through, remember to lean on God because he will give you the strength to do get through it and complete the task before you. Don't despair or feel defeated because you can do 'Everything' by the power and strength of Christ Jesus. It's not us, it's God. Pressures off eh? How wonderful. Thank you Jesus!
Here is just a quick note of encouragement for today. Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." In whatever you are going through, remember to lean on God because he will give you the strength to do get through it and complete the task before you. Don't despair or feel defeated because you can do 'Everything' by the power and strength of Christ Jesus. It's not us, it's God. Pressures off eh? How wonderful. Thank you Jesus!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Forgiven Summit 2010
Hey Girls,
This past weekend we went with my parents to Ottawa to see the Forgiven Summit. We didn't get to all the sessions as it covered 3 days but we were able to see a lot. It was very interesting.
Two years ago the Prime Minister extended an apology on behalf of the government of Canada to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. He apologized for the assimilation policy and the treatment they received in the residential schools. This conference was their way of responding to it.
These residential schools ran from about the late 1800s to mid-late 1900s but I couldn't find actual dates because different schools opened and closed at different times. Anyway, these schools were often church run and government supported but they caused so many harmful results for communities and individuals. The schools were unfunded and thus, proper education, food and clothing was a huge issue. Students had to work to support themselves in the school and they often suffered emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Sometimes they were forcibly separated from their families, taken far from their communities. They were not allowed to speak their first languages or practice their cultural activities. The schools were designed to 'kill the Indian in the child' and make them more white. Many children died in those schools and never returned home. For many who did, they were so effected by their years in the school that they were unable to be proper parents to their own kids or live purposefully. Traditional practices suffered greatly as generations went through the schools, forcibly having to forget their own culture and beliefs. They didn't know who they were anymore, what their heritage was but yet, they also knew they were not white.
As you can imagine, First Nations, Inuit and Metis were greatly effected by this and well, a ton of conflict arose. Which is why this conference was so important. On the first night (which we missed), I guess they were offered apologies. The following day, each group extended their forgiveness to the government and the church. They even gave gifts as a way of expressing their forgiveness. There were people from government there, such as the Minister of Indian Affairs I believe.
Then there was the freedom. After all the forgiveness was dealt with, and they signed a new charter on freedom and forgiveness among the elders, they celebrated the freedom that they now had as well as the partnership with the rest of Canada to work towards a better future. It was really neat to see Native dances, costumes, and hear their drums. They expressed their worship to God using their own language. It was amazing to have everybody in the stadium worshiping God together, integrating Native ways of worship with white ways. Sometimes songs were sang in English, sometimes in Native languages and sometimes in French. It was great because it made me think that this is how worship to God was meant to be, everyone expressing themselves in purity and honesty to God, using what holds meaning to them.
This whole thing was a huge step for Canada and it really shows the amazing character of the Native peoples. They made an excellent example of what forgiveness means, as well as the freedom and healing that accompany it. They set themselves free, opening the door for God to work so many possibilities in their lives. While recognizing at the same time, how God forgives us all and made it possible for us to live free and restored.
This past weekend we went with my parents to Ottawa to see the Forgiven Summit. We didn't get to all the sessions as it covered 3 days but we were able to see a lot. It was very interesting.
Two years ago the Prime Minister extended an apology on behalf of the government of Canada to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. He apologized for the assimilation policy and the treatment they received in the residential schools. This conference was their way of responding to it.
These residential schools ran from about the late 1800s to mid-late 1900s but I couldn't find actual dates because different schools opened and closed at different times. Anyway, these schools were often church run and government supported but they caused so many harmful results for communities and individuals. The schools were unfunded and thus, proper education, food and clothing was a huge issue. Students had to work to support themselves in the school and they often suffered emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Sometimes they were forcibly separated from their families, taken far from their communities. They were not allowed to speak their first languages or practice their cultural activities. The schools were designed to 'kill the Indian in the child' and make them more white. Many children died in those schools and never returned home. For many who did, they were so effected by their years in the school that they were unable to be proper parents to their own kids or live purposefully. Traditional practices suffered greatly as generations went through the schools, forcibly having to forget their own culture and beliefs. They didn't know who they were anymore, what their heritage was but yet, they also knew they were not white.
As you can imagine, First Nations, Inuit and Metis were greatly effected by this and well, a ton of conflict arose. Which is why this conference was so important. On the first night (which we missed), I guess they were offered apologies. The following day, each group extended their forgiveness to the government and the church. They even gave gifts as a way of expressing their forgiveness. There were people from government there, such as the Minister of Indian Affairs I believe.
Then there was the freedom. After all the forgiveness was dealt with, and they signed a new charter on freedom and forgiveness among the elders, they celebrated the freedom that they now had as well as the partnership with the rest of Canada to work towards a better future. It was really neat to see Native dances, costumes, and hear their drums. They expressed their worship to God using their own language. It was amazing to have everybody in the stadium worshiping God together, integrating Native ways of worship with white ways. Sometimes songs were sang in English, sometimes in Native languages and sometimes in French. It was great because it made me think that this is how worship to God was meant to be, everyone expressing themselves in purity and honesty to God, using what holds meaning to them.
This whole thing was a huge step for Canada and it really shows the amazing character of the Native peoples. They made an excellent example of what forgiveness means, as well as the freedom and healing that accompany it. They set themselves free, opening the door for God to work so many possibilities in their lives. While recognizing at the same time, how God forgives us all and made it possible for us to live free and restored.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Patiences- Got any?
Hey Girls,
Are you very patient? Sometimes it is hard to be patient these days when we are used to everything always happening so fast. Think about it, what do we ever have to really wait for? And I don't mean line ups or traffic jambs because that's not really waiting, in a matter of minutes or hours you do get out. But really wait? Like when you don't know the deadline, or when you don't know that it could be six to eight weeks. When you are waiting for something that you have no control over when it comes whatsoever? This is often why people have so much trouble waiting for answers to prayer. They think that God isn't talking to them just because they've grown impatient with waiting but the truth is, God's timing is not ours and we just need to be patient in waiting for his response.
Patience is what I've been learning about this year in several ways. A lot of it has been learning to trust God and wait on him for things I have little to no control over. And it's kinda strange to think that I get frustrated about stuff when really, I've only been waiting a year for somethings and that's relatively small in the big scheme of things. It seems like a terribly long time now but really it isn't. Fortunately, we have a God that understands our every emotion and understands how hard it is for us to wait. God's timing is perfect. I just have to remind myself to trust him.
Here are some verses to hold onto about patience:
Ecclesiastes 7:8 "Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride."
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Colossians 3:12 "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
2 Peter 3:15 "And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved."
James 5:7 "Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen."
I hope that encourages you to keep up your patiences even when it becomes very frustrating and sometimes depressing. Remember how much patience God has for us. Remember how in the Old Testament God constantly forgave the Israelite people over and over again, through generations, always came back to them and showed them mercy, even when they tried his patience. He never gave up, didn't desert them either. There is a great example of patience.
So we all have our trials of patiences in our lives, let's just keep up the good work and not get angry about having to be patient but rather, look at it positively as a way to further grow in the character God wants us to have.
Are you very patient? Sometimes it is hard to be patient these days when we are used to everything always happening so fast. Think about it, what do we ever have to really wait for? And I don't mean line ups or traffic jambs because that's not really waiting, in a matter of minutes or hours you do get out. But really wait? Like when you don't know the deadline, or when you don't know that it could be six to eight weeks. When you are waiting for something that you have no control over when it comes whatsoever? This is often why people have so much trouble waiting for answers to prayer. They think that God isn't talking to them just because they've grown impatient with waiting but the truth is, God's timing is not ours and we just need to be patient in waiting for his response.
Patience is what I've been learning about this year in several ways. A lot of it has been learning to trust God and wait on him for things I have little to no control over. And it's kinda strange to think that I get frustrated about stuff when really, I've only been waiting a year for somethings and that's relatively small in the big scheme of things. It seems like a terribly long time now but really it isn't. Fortunately, we have a God that understands our every emotion and understands how hard it is for us to wait. God's timing is perfect. I just have to remind myself to trust him.
Here are some verses to hold onto about patience:
Ecclesiastes 7:8 "Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride."
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Colossians 3:12 "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."
2 Peter 3:15 "And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved."
James 5:7 "Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen."
I hope that encourages you to keep up your patiences even when it becomes very frustrating and sometimes depressing. Remember how much patience God has for us. Remember how in the Old Testament God constantly forgave the Israelite people over and over again, through generations, always came back to them and showed them mercy, even when they tried his patience. He never gave up, didn't desert them either. There is a great example of patience.
So we all have our trials of patiences in our lives, let's just keep up the good work and not get angry about having to be patient but rather, look at it positively as a way to further grow in the character God wants us to have.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Walking Her Home
Here is a great love story:
Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call
Her dad said son
Have her home on time
And promise me you'll never leave her side
He took her to a show in town
And he was ten feet off the ground
(Chorus)
He was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he fell in love
He was walking her home
Ten more years and a waiting room
At half past one
And the doctor said come in and meet your son
His knees went weak
When he saw his wife
She was smiling as she said he's got your eyes
And as she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night
(Chorus)
He walked her through the best days of her life
Sixty years together and he never left her side
A nursing home
At eighty-five
And the doctor said it could be her last night
And the nurse said Oh
Should we tell him now
Or should he wait until the morning to find out
When they checked her room that night
He was laying by her side
Oh he was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled when he said this is not the end
And just for a while they were eighteen
And she was still more beautiful to him than anything
He was walking her home
He was walking her home
Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call
The song is 'Walking Her Home' by Mark Shultz. Listen to it if you can get your hands on a copy of the song and don't be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes.
I posted this because it is just a great example of commitment and simple love. It just takes one guy to win your hearts girls, and when you know he's the one, never let him go. Spend every moment with him that you can until you both reach your forever home.
Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call
Her dad said son
Have her home on time
And promise me you'll never leave her side
He took her to a show in town
And he was ten feet off the ground
(Chorus)
He was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he fell in love
He was walking her home
Ten more years and a waiting room
At half past one
And the doctor said come in and meet your son
His knees went weak
When he saw his wife
She was smiling as she said he's got your eyes
And as she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night
(Chorus)
He walked her through the best days of her life
Sixty years together and he never left her side
A nursing home
At eighty-five
And the doctor said it could be her last night
And the nurse said Oh
Should we tell him now
Or should he wait until the morning to find out
When they checked her room that night
He was laying by her side
Oh he was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled when he said this is not the end
And just for a while they were eighteen
And she was still more beautiful to him than anything
He was walking her home
He was walking her home
Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call
The song is 'Walking Her Home' by Mark Shultz. Listen to it if you can get your hands on a copy of the song and don't be surprised if it brings tears to your eyes.
I posted this because it is just a great example of commitment and simple love. It just takes one guy to win your hearts girls, and when you know he's the one, never let him go. Spend every moment with him that you can until you both reach your forever home.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Breathe
"So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:6-7)
That's the reminder for today girls. Surrender to God in all things, listen to him and wait on him to lead you. He will take care of every worry and concern. You just have to trust him and rest in him, rest in his promises that he loves you and cares for you.
That's the reminder for today girls. Surrender to God in all things, listen to him and wait on him to lead you. He will take care of every worry and concern. You just have to trust him and rest in him, rest in his promises that he loves you and cares for you.
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Other Boundaries
Hey Girls,
I'd like your opinion on this so feel free to comment. What do you think is acceptable behaviour for how someone should act around the opposite sex when they are in a relationship themselves? There is a lot of talk about appropriate boundaries within a relationship between a guy and girl but what about outside of that? For example, I think a lot of people can agree that they would not like it if they saw their boyfriend flirting with another girl. But what about friendliness, or playfulness? How far before it's too far?
I've heard about one couple who wanted to maintain purity/protect each other in the relationship so they had a practice whereby they wouldn't be alone with a member of the opposite sex. Is that a little too extreme? Always needing to have a third party there?
Well it says in the Bible in 1Timothy 5:1-2 "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." So all our relationship should focus on absolute purity. So, if you're in a relationship and you have a single male friend or even a married male friend, all your interactions should focus on absolute purity. You should do nothing that would cause guilt in anyway.
I guess then it is important to note what constitutes purity. Well, purity is clean, without sin. Thus, our thoughts and actions have to be sinless. Remember how in the Bible it states in Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." So we have to be really careful about how we think about others. Does your close friendship with another guy cause stress in your relationship or create thoughts such as, what would it be like to be with him? That's pretty dangerous stuff there. It can create a whole lot of trouble.
Well, I think we all have to decide how to treat others outside of our relationship and the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts to know the right thing. You have to decide where the boundaries are. Is it okay for your guy friend to have a real heart to heart conversation with you or is that the type of thing you should just have with your significant other? Is it okay do go out and do stuff just the two of you, without your significant other? Maybe the rules change depending on who the person is and the history you have with them. Yet no matter what, it is important you know where you stand and have an idea of this stuff in your mind so that when the situation comes up, you will know how to properly react to it.
So really, if you think about everyone as either your brother or sister, father or mother, it makes the situation a little clearer. Maybe this is something you should talk about and decide as a couple. If you're acting in purity, being honourable towards the opposite sex, treating the guys like you would a brother, than that's good. It is just important to be careful and understand the impact that our other friendships can have on our marriage or dating relationship. And as always, if you keep your eyes on God, he will lead you.
I'd like your opinion on this so feel free to comment. What do you think is acceptable behaviour for how someone should act around the opposite sex when they are in a relationship themselves? There is a lot of talk about appropriate boundaries within a relationship between a guy and girl but what about outside of that? For example, I think a lot of people can agree that they would not like it if they saw their boyfriend flirting with another girl. But what about friendliness, or playfulness? How far before it's too far?
I've heard about one couple who wanted to maintain purity/protect each other in the relationship so they had a practice whereby they wouldn't be alone with a member of the opposite sex. Is that a little too extreme? Always needing to have a third party there?
Well it says in the Bible in 1Timothy 5:1-2 "Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity." So all our relationship should focus on absolute purity. So, if you're in a relationship and you have a single male friend or even a married male friend, all your interactions should focus on absolute purity. You should do nothing that would cause guilt in anyway.
I guess then it is important to note what constitutes purity. Well, purity is clean, without sin. Thus, our thoughts and actions have to be sinless. Remember how in the Bible it states in Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." So we have to be really careful about how we think about others. Does your close friendship with another guy cause stress in your relationship or create thoughts such as, what would it be like to be with him? That's pretty dangerous stuff there. It can create a whole lot of trouble.
Well, I think we all have to decide how to treat others outside of our relationship and the Holy Spirit will guide our hearts to know the right thing. You have to decide where the boundaries are. Is it okay for your guy friend to have a real heart to heart conversation with you or is that the type of thing you should just have with your significant other? Is it okay do go out and do stuff just the two of you, without your significant other? Maybe the rules change depending on who the person is and the history you have with them. Yet no matter what, it is important you know where you stand and have an idea of this stuff in your mind so that when the situation comes up, you will know how to properly react to it.
So really, if you think about everyone as either your brother or sister, father or mother, it makes the situation a little clearer. Maybe this is something you should talk about and decide as a couple. If you're acting in purity, being honourable towards the opposite sex, treating the guys like you would a brother, than that's good. It is just important to be careful and understand the impact that our other friendships can have on our marriage or dating relationship. And as always, if you keep your eyes on God, he will lead you.
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