God of Peace,
You have commanded me to not be anxious about anything. Remind me to make my requests known to You by prayer and supplication. Help me to make these requests with thanksgiving, for You have promised to guard my heart and mind, in Christ Jesus, with your peace - a peace that passes all understanding.
Cause me to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. May I put to practice those things I have learned, received, heard, and seen, so that You, God of peace, will be with me!
Make me content in whatever situation I am in - in any and every circumstance - for I can do all things through You. Give me strength! (Philippians 4)
God of Provision,
Assist me in obeying Your command to not be anxious about my life. Thank You for examples of Your provision and care in the world around me; You feed the birds of the air and clothe the grass of the field, and You consider my life to be of more value than these. Being anxious will not add a single hour to my span of life. Increase my faith! You are my heavenly Father, and You know what I need. Above all, help me to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, and to trust You to supply my needs. (Matthew 6)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Praying God's Word in Suffering (1)
Sovereign God,
Cause me to rejoice in the hope of Your glory! But even more than that, may I rejoice in even my sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Thank You that Your love has been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to me! Thank You that while I was an ungodly sinner, Christ died for me, to justify me from my sin and save me from Your wrath. (Romans 5)
Compassionate Father,
I praise You for Your Spirit, who helps me in my weakness! I do not know what to pray for as I ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for me with groanings too deep for words. And You who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for me according to Your will. And I know that for those who love You all things work together for good, for those who are called according to Your purpose. So what should I say to these things? If You are for me, who can be against me? Who can separate me from the love of Christ? Can tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No! In all these things I am more than a conqueror through You who loves me. For I am sure that nothing in all creation will be able to separate me from Your love. (Romans 8)
Cause me to rejoice in the hope of Your glory! But even more than that, may I rejoice in even my sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Thank You that Your love has been poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to me! Thank You that while I was an ungodly sinner, Christ died for me, to justify me from my sin and save me from Your wrath. (Romans 5)
Compassionate Father,
I praise You for Your Spirit, who helps me in my weakness! I do not know what to pray for as I ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for me with groanings too deep for words. And You who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for me according to Your will. And I know that for those who love You all things work together for good, for those who are called according to Your purpose. So what should I say to these things? If You are for me, who can be against me? Who can separate me from the love of Christ? Can tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? No! In all these things I am more than a conqueror through You who loves me. For I am sure that nothing in all creation will be able to separate me from Your love. (Romans 8)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Learning to Trust
Shortly after Audrey was born, I was diagnosed with a rare blood-clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden. This is a genetic disorder, and most people who have it are heterozygous, meaning that one of their parents has FVL and has passed on a mutated gene. Being the overachiever that I am, BOTH of my parents have FVL and I have inherited the mutated gene from each of them (homozygous). Without scaring myself all over again, I'll just say that I'm at high risk (I think I read 30-140 fold) for several dangerous possibilities, including blood clots, stroke, and heart-attack. All three of my children will be heterozygous for Factor V.
Back in mid-May, Kevin and I went to see the new Henderson baby. On the way home my arm went numb and I felt close to passing out; I felt as if I couldn't breathe. We headed straight for the nearest emergency room and hung out there for lots of tests and monitoring. A few hours later we were sent home with no answers and a hefty bill. I followed up with my general practitioner's office and was made to feel that I had experienced a panic attack, which would be very strange, considering that I was on a date with my husband when this happened! I almost believed this diagnosis until I was telling my dad about it. He kept nodding and finally said that he'd had that happen two or three times. "One time I was getting some tea out of the refrigerator and woke up on the floor in a puddle of tea!" Of course, he didn't TELL anyone - crazy man! My mom has also had a TIA and said the symptoms were very similar.
Fast forward to last night, when Kevin and I were headed to bed. I had almost forgotten about the ER trip, other than the fact that the bill is on my cork board so I can remember to pay them something. The fingertips on my left hand had felt like they were asleep for a few hours, but I thought it might be from playing bass a bit earlier. We were in bed, chatting about this and that (okay, okay, I was chatting and Kevin was saying "uh huh" and probably hoping I would hush so he could sleep) when it hit me again.
As we both lay there, alternately praying out loud, I couldn't help but be afraid. What if something really happens? My family needs me. I want to live to see my grandchildren. I fought for some time to keep calm, breathe, and not think about the possibilities.
Sometime in the night a major storm rolled through. The lightening was so awesome that it kept our room lit almost constantly. Somewhere in that loud thunder I felt that God was rebuking me.
Does God need me? Can I add anything to His purpose? If it is His will for me to suffer, or even to die, will He not still do all that He sovereignly decrees? I have seen in the lives of dear brothers and sisters that God does, indeed, work through tragedy. I have seen His provision for those who have lost much. How small my faith must be to know these things, to see His work, and to still doubt. If Christ is all I need, why do I grasp at control? Why do I cling to loved ones here on earth as if they are all that matters? They are a wonderful gift from God, but they belong to Him. He can do with them as He pleases, and whatever He pleases to do will be for my good and His glory.
I do believe this. God, help my unbelief! I trust in you and ask You for peace in the storm. I answer You with the words of Job:
Back in mid-May, Kevin and I went to see the new Henderson baby. On the way home my arm went numb and I felt close to passing out; I felt as if I couldn't breathe. We headed straight for the nearest emergency room and hung out there for lots of tests and monitoring. A few hours later we were sent home with no answers and a hefty bill. I followed up with my general practitioner's office and was made to feel that I had experienced a panic attack, which would be very strange, considering that I was on a date with my husband when this happened! I almost believed this diagnosis until I was telling my dad about it. He kept nodding and finally said that he'd had that happen two or three times. "One time I was getting some tea out of the refrigerator and woke up on the floor in a puddle of tea!" Of course, he didn't TELL anyone - crazy man! My mom has also had a TIA and said the symptoms were very similar.
Fast forward to last night, when Kevin and I were headed to bed. I had almost forgotten about the ER trip, other than the fact that the bill is on my cork board so I can remember to pay them something. The fingertips on my left hand had felt like they were asleep for a few hours, but I thought it might be from playing bass a bit earlier. We were in bed, chatting about this and that (okay, okay, I was chatting and Kevin was saying "uh huh" and probably hoping I would hush so he could sleep) when it hit me again.
As we both lay there, alternately praying out loud, I couldn't help but be afraid. What if something really happens? My family needs me. I want to live to see my grandchildren. I fought for some time to keep calm, breathe, and not think about the possibilities.
Sometime in the night a major storm rolled through. The lightening was so awesome that it kept our room lit almost constantly. Somewhere in that loud thunder I felt that God was rebuking me.
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding." ~ Job 38:1-4
Does God need me? Can I add anything to His purpose? If it is His will for me to suffer, or even to die, will He not still do all that He sovereignly decrees? I have seen in the lives of dear brothers and sisters that God does, indeed, work through tragedy. I have seen His provision for those who have lost much. How small my faith must be to know these things, to see His work, and to still doubt. If Christ is all I need, why do I grasp at control? Why do I cling to loved ones here on earth as if they are all that matters? They are a wonderful gift from God, but they belong to Him. He can do with them as He pleases, and whatever He pleases to do will be for my good and His glory.
I do believe this. God, help my unbelief! I trust in you and ask You for peace in the storm. I answer You with the words of Job:
Then Job answered the LORD and said: "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 'Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.' I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." ~ Job 42:1-6
Friday, July 10, 2009
Memories from the Union University Music Department
A Facebook status today caused me to recall some great memories from college. Here are some favorites.
There was the time that the entire music faculty was meeting in that classroom adjacent to the hallway we all bummed around in (Brownie points for the number...or the tonic, LOL!). Sam Mizell, oblivious to this fact, stood up and walked over to the barely cracked door. "Watch this," he said. He then lifted one leg in slow motion and executed a move he could have only gotten from watching too many Bruce Lee movies, complete with a loud cry of "Hi-YAH!" His leg forcefully kicked the door open, to the surprise of a room full of people who held his GPA in their hands. CLASSIC.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Voice boards were basically final exams for a voice student. Each student would pick a song from their repitore and perform it in front of the music faculty. Then the came the dreaded part - the teachers picked the second song. One semester there was this Berlioz song called "Villanelle." Three verses in French, all different. The tempo was allegretto, in cut time, with only a two-measure intro. I just knew they were going to pick that one. Dr. Roby, with his coffee-steam fogged glasses looked at me and smiled as it rolled off of Dr. Penny's lips.
I nodded to show that I understood the pain I was about to endure. Christa Friel, my ever vigilant accompanist, took that nod to mean "GO, WOMAN!" I had exactly two seconds to start singing. I started with the second verse. Then I sang the third verse. Then....I totally and completely made up a verse.
No one ever said anything about it. I either pulled it off, or they were gracious. I passed. The End.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During an afternoon (4:10!) recital, I sang a piece that had a huge pause between part A and part B. Dr. Roby told me to use facial expressions to indicate that the song was not finished. As I was wrapping up the first verse I spotted Chris Wann. He was sitting right under a spotlight and had turned his hat around backwards; leaning forward, he had his hands held out in front of him, ready to clap as obnoxiously as possible as soon as the final note faded. I have no idea how I managed to keep a straight face as his lone clapping filled the silent room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some fast funnies to end with...
Brad Bruhn and I got paired up for a class piano duet. During the performance, I finished the piece and Brad kept playing for a good two minutes.
Ben Clark got all the Proclamation guys in trouble for loudly whispering, "MARIA!" in the wrong place during West Side Story rehearsals.
Dr. Hartley accidentally had the Ninety-Nine Nuns in the Minnesota Monastery.
Anyone have others to share?
There was the time that the entire music faculty was meeting in that classroom adjacent to the hallway we all bummed around in (Brownie points for the number...or the tonic, LOL!). Sam Mizell, oblivious to this fact, stood up and walked over to the barely cracked door. "Watch this," he said. He then lifted one leg in slow motion and executed a move he could have only gotten from watching too many Bruce Lee movies, complete with a loud cry of "Hi-YAH!" His leg forcefully kicked the door open, to the surprise of a room full of people who held his GPA in their hands. CLASSIC.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Voice boards were basically final exams for a voice student. Each student would pick a song from their repitore and perform it in front of the music faculty. Then the came the dreaded part - the teachers picked the second song. One semester there was this Berlioz song called "Villanelle." Three verses in French, all different. The tempo was allegretto, in cut time, with only a two-measure intro. I just knew they were going to pick that one. Dr. Roby, with his coffee-steam fogged glasses looked at me and smiled as it rolled off of Dr. Penny's lips.
I nodded to show that I understood the pain I was about to endure. Christa Friel, my ever vigilant accompanist, took that nod to mean "GO, WOMAN!" I had exactly two seconds to start singing. I started with the second verse. Then I sang the third verse. Then....I totally and completely made up a verse.
No one ever said anything about it. I either pulled it off, or they were gracious. I passed. The End.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
During an afternoon (4:10!) recital, I sang a piece that had a huge pause between part A and part B. Dr. Roby told me to use facial expressions to indicate that the song was not finished. As I was wrapping up the first verse I spotted Chris Wann. He was sitting right under a spotlight and had turned his hat around backwards; leaning forward, he had his hands held out in front of him, ready to clap as obnoxiously as possible as soon as the final note faded. I have no idea how I managed to keep a straight face as his lone clapping filled the silent room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some fast funnies to end with...
Brad Bruhn and I got paired up for a class piano duet. During the performance, I finished the piece and Brad kept playing for a good two minutes.
Ben Clark got all the Proclamation guys in trouble for loudly whispering, "MARIA!" in the wrong place during West Side Story rehearsals.
Dr. Hartley accidentally had the Ninety-Nine Nuns in the Minnesota Monastery.
Anyone have others to share?
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Adventures in Homemaking
Who says it's boring to be a stay-at-home mom? Where else can you see...
...a boy sleeping in his pillowcase?
...exploded potatoes (on July 4th, no less; I thought the neighbors had some incredible fireworks!)?
...a for-real shiner (he lost a fight with the side of the swimming pool)?
...a MATER cake (Happy Birthday, my big 4-year-old!)?
...kids making homemade ice-cream, and...
...eating it?
...homemade yogurt dripping whey over a sink (looks nasty but it tasted great)?
...a yogurt-eating dinosaur?
And now for a couple of pics from the Navy Lake fireworks show. Audrey and "Grandma #3," Ms. Teri:
Daddy and Audie
Daddy and Katie
...a boy sleeping in his pillowcase?
...exploded potatoes (on July 4th, no less; I thought the neighbors had some incredible fireworks!)?
...a for-real shiner (he lost a fight with the side of the swimming pool)?
...a MATER cake (Happy Birthday, my big 4-year-old!)?
...kids making homemade ice-cream, and...
...eating it?
...homemade yogurt dripping whey over a sink (looks nasty but it tasted great)?
...a yogurt-eating dinosaur?
And now for a couple of pics from the Navy Lake fireworks show. Audrey and "Grandma #3," Ms. Teri:
Daddy and Audie
Daddy and Katie
Baby Shower Devotion 3 - Moses and Parenting
Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
How to Respond When Your Child Sins Against You:
A Lesson From the Forty-Year Wilderness Wandering
I. Introduction
Quote from Jay Younts in Everyday Talk:
“Moses was charged with leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. God handed Moses an infant nation that was virtually born as it passed through the waters of the Red Sea. Israel could not feed herself, she could not defend herself, she did not know how to what was right. The job of raising Israel to maturity fell to Moses.”
The relationship between Moses and the Israelites is a useful study for parents. Let’s look at some ways in which the Israelites were like our own little ones.
II. God’s Top Two for Children - Obedience and Honor (Ephesians 6:1-2)
The Israelites promised to obey - “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’” Exodus 24:7
A. Disobedience
1. The Manna Hording Incident
“And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.” Exodus 16:19-20
2. The “I Told You Not To Go There” Incident
“Then you answered me, ‘We have sinned against the LORD. We ourselves will go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us.’ And every one of you fastened on his weapons of war and thought it easy to go up into the hill country. And the LORD said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah. And you returned and wept before the LORD, but the LORD did not listen to your voice or give ear to you.” Deuteronomy 1:41-45
B. Disrespect (via Complaining)
1. Pick A Chapter, Any Chapter
Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3; Numbers 11:1, 20:2-5
2. The Carnivorous Incident
“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6
3. The Worthless Food Incident
“…the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’” Numbers 21:4-5
(Do these examples sound familiar? You might want to remind your children that these incidents of complaint and ingratitude were rewarded by plague and fiery serpents!)
C. The scriptures record that Israel was also guilty of self-centeredness and self-pity. Lack of self-control was displayed by frequent weeping and angry outbursts towards Moses. Exodus 18 records Moses’ everyday duties - giving advice and settling disputes from morning until night (sound familiar?). There is one major difference in Moses and you, though….Moses did this for forty years!
III. Our Primary Concern Drives Our Reaction
A. Moses’ Good Reaction to the Golden Calf Incident
“But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, ‘O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’ And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.” Exodus 32:11-14
“So I lay prostrate before the LORD for these forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” Deuteronomy 9:25
(See also a similar reaction to the We Won’t Go Incident in Numbers 14:13-19)
B. Moses’ Excellent Reaction to the “Enter the Land, But I’m Not Coming” Incident
“‘Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’” Exodus 33:13-18
IV. Closing Remarks
Moses’ desire was for the honor, reputation, and glory of God. He was not concerned for himself. Of course, we know that Moses was a sinful person, as we all are. He did not always respond in a way that pleased God. You can read about Moses’ sinful reactions in the Just Kill Me Now Incident (Numbers 11:11-15) and the We’re Thirsty Again Incident (Numbers 20:6-12). That final one cost Moses the moment he had looked forward to for so long - crossing into the Promised Land.
If we truly believe that our children are sinners from birth, it should not surprise us when they sin. Rather, we should expect and plan for those difficult times. This will allow us to focus on God’s glory and our child’s need of a Savior rather than on our own hurt, embarrassment, and inconvenience. We must realize that the root of all sin is directed towards God. “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” Exodus 16:8
Finally, let these promises encourage you.
God Himself will comfort you:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 1 Thessalonians 2:16-17
He will be with you:
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
And He will equip you:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
How to Respond When Your Child Sins Against You:
A Lesson From the Forty-Year Wilderness Wandering
I. Introduction
Quote from Jay Younts in Everyday Talk:
“Moses was charged with leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. God handed Moses an infant nation that was virtually born as it passed through the waters of the Red Sea. Israel could not feed herself, she could not defend herself, she did not know how to what was right. The job of raising Israel to maturity fell to Moses.”
The relationship between Moses and the Israelites is a useful study for parents. Let’s look at some ways in which the Israelites were like our own little ones.
II. God’s Top Two for Children - Obedience and Honor (Ephesians 6:1-2)
The Israelites promised to obey - “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’” Exodus 24:7
A. Disobedience
1. The Manna Hording Incident
“And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.” Exodus 16:19-20
2. The “I Told You Not To Go There” Incident
“Then you answered me, ‘We have sinned against the LORD. We ourselves will go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us.’ And every one of you fastened on his weapons of war and thought it easy to go up into the hill country. And the LORD said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah. And you returned and wept before the LORD, but the LORD did not listen to your voice or give ear to you.” Deuteronomy 1:41-45
B. Disrespect (via Complaining)
1. Pick A Chapter, Any Chapter
Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3; Numbers 11:1, 20:2-5
2. The Carnivorous Incident
“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6
3. The Worthless Food Incident
“…the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’” Numbers 21:4-5
(Do these examples sound familiar? You might want to remind your children that these incidents of complaint and ingratitude were rewarded by plague and fiery serpents!)
C. The scriptures record that Israel was also guilty of self-centeredness and self-pity. Lack of self-control was displayed by frequent weeping and angry outbursts towards Moses. Exodus 18 records Moses’ everyday duties - giving advice and settling disputes from morning until night (sound familiar?). There is one major difference in Moses and you, though….Moses did this for forty years!
III. Our Primary Concern Drives Our Reaction
A. Moses’ Good Reaction to the Golden Calf Incident
“But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, ‘O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’ And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.” Exodus 32:11-14
“So I lay prostrate before the LORD for these forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” Deuteronomy 9:25
(See also a similar reaction to the We Won’t Go Incident in Numbers 14:13-19)
B. Moses’ Excellent Reaction to the “Enter the Land, But I’m Not Coming” Incident
“‘Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’” Exodus 33:13-18
IV. Closing Remarks
Moses’ desire was for the honor, reputation, and glory of God. He was not concerned for himself. Of course, we know that Moses was a sinful person, as we all are. He did not always respond in a way that pleased God. You can read about Moses’ sinful reactions in the Just Kill Me Now Incident (Numbers 11:11-15) and the We’re Thirsty Again Incident (Numbers 20:6-12). That final one cost Moses the moment he had looked forward to for so long - crossing into the Promised Land.
If we truly believe that our children are sinners from birth, it should not surprise us when they sin. Rather, we should expect and plan for those difficult times. This will allow us to focus on God’s glory and our child’s need of a Savior rather than on our own hurt, embarrassment, and inconvenience. We must realize that the root of all sin is directed towards God. “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” Exodus 16:8
Finally, let these promises encourage you.
God Himself will comfort you:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 1 Thessalonians 2:16-17
He will be with you:
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
And He will equip you:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3
Everyday Talk, Chapter 5
The good folk at Shepherd Press have sent me a review copy of Broken-Down House. Of course, I haven't been moving at the speed of light around here lately, and I'm not quite in the middle of Everyday Talk. So, what to do? I think I will try to finish what I've started, then move on to the new book, praying that I'll find more than five minutes here and there to do so!
Chapter 5 is entitled "Don't Be Ordinary." This chapter had a profound impact on me, bringing me to repentance. The basic thought is that our children are born sinners. They will sin against us. So how will we respond? Jay gives several ordinary options: despair, anger, avoidance, self-pity, or ignoring the problem altogether ("just get over it"). For me, it wasn't a matter of which response I am prone to give, but more a matter of which response I will give THIS time. I am guilty of all of these.
Although I do believe total depravity in theory, I must still struggle with it in practice. Sin, in myself or in others, always catches me off guard. Of course my children will sin against me....but wait! WHY, OH WHY, did my precious BABY just sin against me? Of course I am a sinner....but wait! I am such an IDIOT to sin in that way AGAIN! (After all, I *am* better than that, you know.)
All of this is a powerful reminder that parenting is for ME. Dealing with sinful behavior, both in myself and in my children, is clearly displaying my own weakness and Christ's sufficiency. My children are also an in-your-face, all-day-long picture of the amazing love the Father has for us. Just like my kids, I repeat the same sins over and over, yet He forgives. May I be like Him!
Finally, the middle section of this chapter deals with Moses and the Israelites as an example in parenting. This line of thinking was excellent, and timely for me as I was asked to write another baby shower devotional. With all credit going to Jay (THANKS!!!), I'd like to reprint the devotional here as a separate post, as it seems I get a few visitors every week looking for this type of material.
Chapter 5 is entitled "Don't Be Ordinary." This chapter had a profound impact on me, bringing me to repentance. The basic thought is that our children are born sinners. They will sin against us. So how will we respond? Jay gives several ordinary options: despair, anger, avoidance, self-pity, or ignoring the problem altogether ("just get over it"). For me, it wasn't a matter of which response I am prone to give, but more a matter of which response I will give THIS time. I am guilty of all of these.
Although I do believe total depravity in theory, I must still struggle with it in practice. Sin, in myself or in others, always catches me off guard. Of course my children will sin against me....but wait! WHY, OH WHY, did my precious BABY just sin against me? Of course I am a sinner....but wait! I am such an IDIOT to sin in that way AGAIN! (After all, I *am* better than that, you know.)
All of this is a powerful reminder that parenting is for ME. Dealing with sinful behavior, both in myself and in my children, is clearly displaying my own weakness and Christ's sufficiency. My children are also an in-your-face, all-day-long picture of the amazing love the Father has for us. Just like my kids, I repeat the same sins over and over, yet He forgives. May I be like Him!
Finally, the middle section of this chapter deals with Moses and the Israelites as an example in parenting. This line of thinking was excellent, and timely for me as I was asked to write another baby shower devotional. With all credit going to Jay (THANKS!!!), I'd like to reprint the devotional here as a separate post, as it seems I get a few visitors every week looking for this type of material.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Crazy-Good Savings for July 1-7, 2009
Here are my top-favorite buys for Kroger this week. Coupons (loadable and printable) can be obtained from the links in the right margin of this blog, or from your Sunday paper. If you are using Shortcuts or P&G for the first time, you will need to register your Kroger Plus card. Kroger in Atoka will take both loadable and paper coupons for the same item!
Aussie Hair Product - $2 off from P&G Loadable
Pantene Hair Product (Restoratives or Expressions) - $1 off P&G Loadable + $1 off 6/28 RedPlum (newspaper)
Pringles - $.50 off P&G Loadable + $1 off 6/28 RedPlum (GET TWO)
General Mills Cereal - on sale for $2.19; $.55 off Shortcuts Loadable (Lucky Charms); $.55 off Kroger Printable (Banana Nut Cheerios); $.55 off Kroger Printable (Cheerios); $.75 off Kroger Printable (MultiGrain Cheerios)
Yo Plus Yogurt 4 pk. - $1.00 off Shortcuts Loadable; $1.00 off 6/7 SmartSource (newspaper)
French's Mustard - $1 off 6/21 SmartSource
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip - $.75 off 6/21 SmartSource
Nabisco Snack Crackers - 5/17 SmartSource (coupon is for buy Ritz, get Wheat Thins free)
Goldfish Crackers - on sale for $1
Northwest Cherries (fresh) - on sale for $2 lb.
EDITED TO ADD:
Next time I'll probably wait until I get done shopping to post the best buys. Here are some comments after purchasing most of the above....
Aussie Shampoo was $3.49, so I got it for $1.49.
Pantene Shampoo was over $5 so I didn't bother.
I paid $.50 each for the cans of Pringles.
Cereals - Lucky Charms was $1.64; Cherrios and Banana Nut Cherrios were $1.09 each; MultiGrain Cheerios was $1.44.
Yo Plus Yogurt was $.59.
Decided to get French's Honey Mustard for the same bargain - $.49.
Didn't get the Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip because I didn't need mayo and the coupon was for mayo only. (Miracle Whip, I'll catch you for a good price yet!)
Nabisco Snack Crackers - this was an especially good buy. The Ritz Crackers were just under $2 and the Wheat Thins were FREE.
Goldfish Crack, I mean, Crackers, are eaten in vast amounts at Casa Hinton, so I got five bags. They may last the week.
And Kevin has already thanked me profusely for his favorite, Northwest Cherries.
I got a couple of other fantastic bargains - Dr. Seuss toothbrushes for the kids (by Oral B) were $1 each, marked down from $3 each. I also had a BOGO coupon for Reach Adult Toothbrushes, which were on sale for $1.99 each.
Clearasil face cleansers were on clearance and I had a coupon for $2 off, so I got some face wash for $1.84.
Aaaaaand there you have it.
Percentage saved: 39%
$$ Saved: $88.28
Aussie Hair Product - $2 off from P&G Loadable
Pantene Hair Product (Restoratives or Expressions) - $1 off P&G Loadable + $1 off 6/28 RedPlum (newspaper)
Pringles - $.50 off P&G Loadable + $1 off 6/28 RedPlum (GET TWO)
General Mills Cereal - on sale for $2.19; $.55 off Shortcuts Loadable (Lucky Charms); $.55 off Kroger Printable (Banana Nut Cheerios); $.55 off Kroger Printable (Cheerios); $.75 off Kroger Printable (MultiGrain Cheerios)
Yo Plus Yogurt 4 pk. - $1.00 off Shortcuts Loadable; $1.00 off 6/7 SmartSource (newspaper)
French's Mustard - $1 off 6/21 SmartSource
Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip - $.75 off 6/21 SmartSource
Nabisco Snack Crackers - 5/17 SmartSource (coupon is for buy Ritz, get Wheat Thins free)
Goldfish Crackers - on sale for $1
Northwest Cherries (fresh) - on sale for $2 lb.
EDITED TO ADD:
Next time I'll probably wait until I get done shopping to post the best buys. Here are some comments after purchasing most of the above....
Aussie Shampoo was $3.49, so I got it for $1.49.
Pantene Shampoo was over $5 so I didn't bother.
I paid $.50 each for the cans of Pringles.
Cereals - Lucky Charms was $1.64; Cherrios and Banana Nut Cherrios were $1.09 each; MultiGrain Cheerios was $1.44.
Yo Plus Yogurt was $.59.
Decided to get French's Honey Mustard for the same bargain - $.49.
Didn't get the Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip because I didn't need mayo and the coupon was for mayo only. (Miracle Whip, I'll catch you for a good price yet!)
Nabisco Snack Crackers - this was an especially good buy. The Ritz Crackers were just under $2 and the Wheat Thins were FREE.
Goldfish Crack, I mean, Crackers, are eaten in vast amounts at Casa Hinton, so I got five bags. They may last the week.
And Kevin has already thanked me profusely for his favorite, Northwest Cherries.
I got a couple of other fantastic bargains - Dr. Seuss toothbrushes for the kids (by Oral B) were $1 each, marked down from $3 each. I also had a BOGO coupon for Reach Adult Toothbrushes, which were on sale for $1.99 each.
Clearasil face cleansers were on clearance and I had a coupon for $2 off, so I got some face wash for $1.84.
Aaaaaand there you have it.
Percentage saved: 39%
$$ Saved: $88.28
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Diapers and Chocolate
Now that I have your attention, allow me to share two great deals!
Free Chocolate
Get a free Mars candy bar or M&Ms every Friday! Each household can get up to four.
Cheap Diapers
Click on Hot Summer Savings With Online Coupons.
Select the coupon for $3 off Kroger Comforts Diapers.
You have to install the coupon printer unless you have already done so.
You can print two coupons. They did this last month, too, so hopefully they'll keep giving out two coupons per month. At the Kroger Atoka, they will take Internet coupons up to $1 BUT this is a Kroger STORE coupon (NOT a manufacturer's coupon), so they WILL take it.
Oh, and you can only use ONE of these coupons per trip, so print two, use one now, and then use one next time.
Free Chocolate
Get a free Mars candy bar or M&Ms every Friday! Each household can get up to four.
Cheap Diapers
Click on Hot Summer Savings With Online Coupons.
Select the coupon for $3 off Kroger Comforts Diapers.
You have to install the coupon printer unless you have already done so.
You can print two coupons. They did this last month, too, so hopefully they'll keep giving out two coupons per month. At the Kroger Atoka, they will take Internet coupons up to $1 BUT this is a Kroger STORE coupon (NOT a manufacturer's coupon), so they WILL take it.
Oh, and you can only use ONE of these coupons per trip, so print two, use one now, and then use one next time.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Everyday Talk, Chapter 4
Three months later.....(sorry!)
I found this chapter to be especially helpful for applying a specific scripture in a practical manner. The first concept is presented as a graphic and demonstrates how God has established parental authority. This is a visual breakdown of Ephesians 6:1-4. Our directions are, as the chapter title suggests, "Holy Directions" because they are "set apart." The directions of a Christian parent are fundamentally different from those of an unbelieving parent, primarily because a Christian has a higher authority behind him. "Do this because I told you to do it" gives way to "do this because I am your God-given authority and He has commanded that you obey me." (Now I will laugh every time I see one of those cheesy signs that say, "Because I'm the mother, that's why.") For a parent, this is both freeing and binding. Freedom comes from knowing we are leaning on God's higher authority, but the weight of our responsibility is all too clear. We must consider our commands before we throw them out there.
Next, we are asked to consider how we give directions. Do we expect to be obeyed? Of course! But I easily find myself slipping into some of the wrong examples that Jay gives. The encouragement here is to give direct, clear instruction in a pleasant tone of voice, expecting to be obeyed. So easy, so hard! I do love this quote: "God wants your children to obey you because it pleases Him and blesses them." Children MUST obey (Ephesians 6:1). In our home, I constantly tell my children that they cannot do this in their own strength, but that they can pray that God will assist them. We are then reminded that the only God-pleasing response is a pleasant affirmative (Philippians 2:14).
The author then introduces Proverbs 16:20-24, noting poetic structure that was likely employed. This was especially interesting to me and was expounded upon at the end of the chapter. This poetic structure would place special emphasis on vs. 22: "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools." Skipping ahead a bit, vs. 20-21 and 23-24 give the subject matter (listening to instruction and trusting in the LORD) and how this instruction should be delivered (with pleasant words, in a discerning manner). There is much more to be uncovered in these verses; this is just a taste of the riches found in God's word!
A few more needed insights to remember:
Finally, Jay brings hope to those who despair from previous failures. He encourages us to turn to God for help, seeking His word to form our methods.
I will admit that I am not a big fan of questions at the end of chapters. I often find that the questions the author asks have typical "Sunday School" answers. But the questions at the end of this chapter were worth my time to reflect upon. In short:
1. Do I repeat commands?
2. Do I excuse disobedience?
3. What are my "hot buttons"?
4. What is the effect of angry words on my children....and on me?
I found this chapter to be especially helpful for applying a specific scripture in a practical manner. The first concept is presented as a graphic and demonstrates how God has established parental authority. This is a visual breakdown of Ephesians 6:1-4. Our directions are, as the chapter title suggests, "Holy Directions" because they are "set apart." The directions of a Christian parent are fundamentally different from those of an unbelieving parent, primarily because a Christian has a higher authority behind him. "Do this because I told you to do it" gives way to "do this because I am your God-given authority and He has commanded that you obey me." (Now I will laugh every time I see one of those cheesy signs that say, "Because I'm the mother, that's why.") For a parent, this is both freeing and binding. Freedom comes from knowing we are leaning on God's higher authority, but the weight of our responsibility is all too clear. We must consider our commands before we throw them out there.
Next, we are asked to consider how we give directions. Do we expect to be obeyed? Of course! But I easily find myself slipping into some of the wrong examples that Jay gives. The encouragement here is to give direct, clear instruction in a pleasant tone of voice, expecting to be obeyed. So easy, so hard! I do love this quote: "God wants your children to obey you because it pleases Him and blesses them." Children MUST obey (Ephesians 6:1). In our home, I constantly tell my children that they cannot do this in their own strength, but that they can pray that God will assist them. We are then reminded that the only God-pleasing response is a pleasant affirmative (Philippians 2:14).
The author then introduces Proverbs 16:20-24, noting poetic structure that was likely employed. This was especially interesting to me and was expounded upon at the end of the chapter. This poetic structure would place special emphasis on vs. 22: "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools." Skipping ahead a bit, vs. 20-21 and 23-24 give the subject matter (listening to instruction and trusting in the LORD) and how this instruction should be delivered (with pleasant words, in a discerning manner). There is much more to be uncovered in these verses; this is just a taste of the riches found in God's word!
A few more needed insights to remember:
- Cooperation based on negotiation and mutual advantage is not obedience. Obedience is willing submission to authority.
- The parent is the one to blame when she does not see to it that she is obeyed the first time.
- Anger, manipulation, threats, and bribes will not get the job done.
- Pleasant words promote instruction!
Finally, Jay brings hope to those who despair from previous failures. He encourages us to turn to God for help, seeking His word to form our methods.
I will admit that I am not a big fan of questions at the end of chapters. I often find that the questions the author asks have typical "Sunday School" answers. But the questions at the end of this chapter were worth my time to reflect upon. In short:
1. Do I repeat commands?
2. Do I excuse disobedience?
3. What are my "hot buttons"?
4. What is the effect of angry words on my children....and on me?
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