Have you ever found yourself caught up in things that cease to matter? You are so busy focusing on negative issues that you fail to recognize the needs that are around you. You desire more of God, but only if it does not take away from what you want to accomplish or if the need does not add something to your full schedule. Could it be that God is asking you to "steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions." If you steep something, you are trying to "extract its flavor or soften it." (Webster's Dictionary) Steeping is a process that if done correctly, allows you to enjoy the full intensity of the experience. You could never enjoy a cup of tea if you had not first steeped the tea bag! It is the steeping of the tea bag that allows you to appreciate the intensity of every delicate, tantalizing spice.
This thought was inspired by the following passage of scripture:
"Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.
Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance--but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and the way He works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." (The Message)
Saturday, July 29
Saturday, July 8
Sheldon's Pulled His Tooth
Here's an update in Sheldon's life. When Sheldon bit into his juicy plum, he noticed something in it. He pulled, what he thought was a seed, only to hold a tooth in his hand! You can imagine his surprise. At first, he was shocked, but once he realized he was okay, his shock turned into excitement. He then jumped up and down repeating, "I pulled my tooth." Sheldon explained, "Mom I thought it was a seed, but it was my tooth." All this happened on our wonderful Fourth of July!
Just a Thought
I am in the process of finishing a fantastic book, Twelve Extroadinary Woman (John MacArthur). Here is a quick nugget that you may enjoy:
"Contrary to popular opinion, the most important characteristic of a godly mother is not her relationship with her children. It is her love for her husband. The love between husband and wife is the real key to a thriving family. A healthy home environment cannot be built exclusively on the parents' love for their children. The properly situated family has marriage at the center; families shouldn't revolve around the children.
Furthermore, all parents need to heed this lesson: what you communicate to your children through your marital relationship will stay with them for the rest of their lives. By watching mother and father treat one another, they will learn the most fundamental lessons of life--love, self-sacrifice, integrity, virture, sin, sympathy, compassion, understanding, and foregiveness. Whatever you teach them about those things, right or wrong, is planted deep within their hearts!"
Powerful thought! If you haven't already, take time to show your husband just how much you love and appreciate him. A loving husband is a priceless treasure from the Lord.
"Contrary to popular opinion, the most important characteristic of a godly mother is not her relationship with her children. It is her love for her husband. The love between husband and wife is the real key to a thriving family. A healthy home environment cannot be built exclusively on the parents' love for their children. The properly situated family has marriage at the center; families shouldn't revolve around the children.
Furthermore, all parents need to heed this lesson: what you communicate to your children through your marital relationship will stay with them for the rest of their lives. By watching mother and father treat one another, they will learn the most fundamental lessons of life--love, self-sacrifice, integrity, virture, sin, sympathy, compassion, understanding, and foregiveness. Whatever you teach them about those things, right or wrong, is planted deep within their hearts!"
Powerful thought! If you haven't already, take time to show your husband just how much you love and appreciate him. A loving husband is a priceless treasure from the Lord.
Saturday, June 10
Your Garden
Gardening is relaxing. As I water, prune and admire my plants, it gives me an opportunity to simply slow down and ponder on just about anything. Today, as I was pulling the dead leaves off of my pansies, I realized this is a painstaking process. When I remove the tattered, withered leaves, I have to be careful and not harm the vibrant leaves. It is impossible to rush through this process, it definitely takes time. The end result is seeing a majestic plant free from dingy, brown leaves and lifeless, colorless flowers. After I complete this task, sure the flower box looks a little empty. My gratitude comes when I return the next week and behold new growth!
Repentance is much the same way. No, repentance cannot be done once a week, you must repent daily. It takes time to search your heart and remove bitterness, envy, bad attitudes, but by repenting you allow the Lord to plant new seed. It is through repentance that you gain fertile ground. Without repentance, a bad attitude can fester into a habit of habitual wrong doing. A pang of envy against a fellow saint can turn into jealousy. Jealousy will then ruin any chance of friendship that you may have experienced.
Every individual battles different situations, but I have found that it is best to take time and address what is bothering you before it festers out of control. If you take time to examine your emotions and the various situations in your life, you will definitely find areas where you can make a change. By going through this simple process, your life is enriched, and the end result is worth it all!
Repentance is much the same way. No, repentance cannot be done once a week, you must repent daily. It takes time to search your heart and remove bitterness, envy, bad attitudes, but by repenting you allow the Lord to plant new seed. It is through repentance that you gain fertile ground. Without repentance, a bad attitude can fester into a habit of habitual wrong doing. A pang of envy against a fellow saint can turn into jealousy. Jealousy will then ruin any chance of friendship that you may have experienced.
Every individual battles different situations, but I have found that it is best to take time and address what is bothering you before it festers out of control. If you take time to examine your emotions and the various situations in your life, you will definitely find areas where you can make a change. By going through this simple process, your life is enriched, and the end result is worth it all!
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