My daughter has been doing Irish dancing for several years, 3 or 4. It is something she absolutely loves and she is quite talented with it. What's interesting is that she doesn't do it to perform in front of others; she turns down opportunities to dance publicly on a regular basis. She dances because she loves it. And just writing that is bringing tears to my eyes. The sad reality of so many dance companies is that they do not glorify the Lord. The music and themes of dances can be quite an offense to a Christian, and the reality we're currently living with is that the year end performance is quite disturbing to our middle girl this year. It didn't become apparent until tonight unfortunately, and the show is fast approaching. Like when a movie is made, dance routines can involve a lot of different age groups and they work piecemeal until they are near the end. As a Christian mom, to see my girl, who is years from puberty, realize something is dark and creepy, makes me thankful. I'm so glad her mind isn't hardened to such things, but I am equally disappointed she thinks it might be time for Irish to go.
I'll admit to having reservations about the music they warm up to. It is completely inappropriate for our taste, and when you work to not expose your children to mind-numbing styles of music it's a bit disconcerting when you are suddenly paying for it to be played loudly. Things didn't start this way....but they got this way over time.
I keep thinking back to years ago when my husband didn't want us to go the Irish route, but his mom and I felt it would be a good fit for this daughter who was completely bored with ballet.
The Dangers of Spiritual Formation
Commentary on the Dangers of Spiritual Formation.
http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue91.htm
Worth listening to if you are unfamiliar with the newer phrase, 'spiritual formation.' http://apprising.org/2012/06/13/dangers-of-spiritual-formation/
When looking at colleges with these classes, it is important to find out just what they mean by this phrase, spiritual formation.
http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue91.htm
Worth listening to if you are unfamiliar with the newer phrase, 'spiritual formation.' http://apprising.org/2012/06/13/dangers-of-spiritual-formation/
When looking at colleges with these classes, it is important to find out just what they mean by this phrase, spiritual formation.
What is Thinking?
Never-ending social needs
Music blares as we do our deeds
Phone is ringing while we text
Computer screen beckons to be next
Lights are glaring
Head is teeming
Not a moment for day-dreaming
Not a care to see what's true
Following blindly is what we do
Conviction is a risky dare
Why slow down to see what's there?
Keep the noise and keep the busy
Cushion excuses until we're dizzy
~J Dub 5/30/13
Music blares as we do our deeds
Phone is ringing while we text
Computer screen beckons to be next
Lights are glaring
Head is teeming
Not a moment for day-dreaming
Not a care to see what's true
Following blindly is what we do
Conviction is a risky dare
Why slow down to see what's there?
Keep the noise and keep the busy
Cushion excuses until we're dizzy
~J Dub 5/30/13
So Goes the Church
Our pastor mentioned the reality of what is happening in churches today--the apostasy isn't going to be a flood that causes a calamity, it is so gradual, to the unwatching and undiscerning, it is nearly imperceptible. One sign that I notice is when the church focuses so heavily on community, community, community...the members are more dependent on each other than I think is healthy. People get together incessantly, but the conversation isn't sanctifying. People are always having noise or are on the go...there isn't thinking, or deep prayer...it's just go, go, go. No time to question, just get out there and live like Jesus, only don't tell people they are sinners in need of a Savoir. Make them feel comfortable coming as they are and staying as they are. Insert 'red flag' here...unbelievers should not feel comfortable in church.
So here is my list of some ways the church goes from being sound to unsound...
It happens when feelings are manipulated and minds disengage.
It happens with counseling centers that are led by people who endorse contemplative prayer.
It happens through guest speakers that say Catholics can rightly be 'on fire' for the Lord.
It happens as we worry more about offending people in our church than telling them the truth about their lost state.
It happens when social justice is taught as a method of evangelism.
It happens when those who sound the alarm for the FIRST time are accused of nitpicking.
It happens as pastors get bored of the status quo (sound preaching and teaching) so introduce more and more creative ways to sell the gospel, all the while moving away from the true gospel.
It happens when junior pastors are fearful and think a head pastor getting it 'mostly right' is good enough on the issue of sound theology.
It happens when pastors are too prideful to admit when they are wrong.
It happens when members have inferiority complexes so they stay in a church with poor teaching because it keeps feeding their self-esteem through positions of leadership.
It happens when members are asleep and unwilling to do the work of finding out what their pastor really believes based on who he quotes and what he reads.
It happens as the faith of the leadership wanes, and men start to think that the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit are not enough to lead the lost to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
So here is my list of some ways the church goes from being sound to unsound...
It happens when feelings are manipulated and minds disengage.
It happens with counseling centers that are led by people who endorse contemplative prayer.
It happens through guest speakers that say Catholics can rightly be 'on fire' for the Lord.
It happens as we worry more about offending people in our church than telling them the truth about their lost state.
It happens when social justice is taught as a method of evangelism.
It happens when those who sound the alarm for the FIRST time are accused of nitpicking.
It happens as pastors get bored of the status quo (sound preaching and teaching) so introduce more and more creative ways to sell the gospel, all the while moving away from the true gospel.
It happens when junior pastors are fearful and think a head pastor getting it 'mostly right' is good enough on the issue of sound theology.
It happens when pastors are too prideful to admit when they are wrong.
It happens when members have inferiority complexes so they stay in a church with poor teaching because it keeps feeding their self-esteem through positions of leadership.
It happens when members are asleep and unwilling to do the work of finding out what their pastor really believes based on who he quotes and what he reads.
It happens as the faith of the leadership wanes, and men start to think that the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit are not enough to lead the lost to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Blessing of Friendship
I would think it is terrific if to have family living nearby-especially if they have the same faith and lifestyle. I've never experienced this, so can't really speak first-hand, but like Anne of Green Gables, I can IMAGINE it. That being said, we should not lament if we are alone in an area: God sees His children's needs and is eager to bless if we seek His will.
If family isn't local or if whoever is local is an unbeliever, having friends is quite necessary. Dare I say, possibly critical. I'm fortunate to be in a close knit homeschool group that has given me, as well as my children, friends. The opportunities to minister to one another abound and it always serves as a sage reminder that even though we all attend different churches, we love the Lord and are a part of the bigger Body of Christ. I'm so thankful for people willing to give of their time and love to my family and who are interested in us blessing them. With what some of our dear friends are presently going through, it has all been fresh on my mind. We take turns comforting and encouraging, truly opening ourselves up to the joy and the pain of intimate friendship.
Reader, if you are lonely, don't worry-God will provide. It may not be through people on your street, at your work, or quite sadly at your own place of worship. God has never failed in giving me people to bless and be blessed by, and we've lived in a few states and once left our church which contained many true friends. Siblings are terrific, but I've definitely seen that no matter how close siblings are, children need at least one or two friends.
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. “You are My friends if you do what I command you. “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. “This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Prov 27:12
Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. Prov 11:14
I don't know about you, but I'm not going to get counsel from people who haven't invested any time in getting to know me or who have not allowed me to know them. Can we be sharpened by others if we keep them at arms' length? How do we love one another--is it to be formal and reserved, or something else? Are we careful to not use our family responsibilities, work responsibilities, schooling responsibilities etc. as an excuse to avoid giving of our time to others? We're ALL busy, but we're all also called to serve one another, not just those under our own roof.
If family isn't local or if whoever is local is an unbeliever, having friends is quite necessary. Dare I say, possibly critical. I'm fortunate to be in a close knit homeschool group that has given me, as well as my children, friends. The opportunities to minister to one another abound and it always serves as a sage reminder that even though we all attend different churches, we love the Lord and are a part of the bigger Body of Christ. I'm so thankful for people willing to give of their time and love to my family and who are interested in us blessing them. With what some of our dear friends are presently going through, it has all been fresh on my mind. We take turns comforting and encouraging, truly opening ourselves up to the joy and the pain of intimate friendship.
Reader, if you are lonely, don't worry-God will provide. It may not be through people on your street, at your work, or quite sadly at your own place of worship. God has never failed in giving me people to bless and be blessed by, and we've lived in a few states and once left our church which contained many true friends. Siblings are terrific, but I've definitely seen that no matter how close siblings are, children need at least one or two friends.
This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. “You are My friends if you do what I command you. “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. “This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Prov 27:12
Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory. Prov 11:14
I don't know about you, but I'm not going to get counsel from people who haven't invested any time in getting to know me or who have not allowed me to know them. Can we be sharpened by others if we keep them at arms' length? How do we love one another--is it to be formal and reserved, or something else? Are we careful to not use our family responsibilities, work responsibilities, schooling responsibilities etc. as an excuse to avoid giving of our time to others? We're ALL busy, but we're all also called to serve one another, not just those under our own roof.
Finishing Strong
There is such pleasure in finishing something well, don't you think? We're officially finished with school and my husband kept encouraging us to stay the course. All of us have that tendency to slack way off.
It was hard pulling the year in to the driveway as rigorously as we began in some respects, but part of that was the reality of having finished curriculum a good bit prior to when I'd planned to test. Traveling for my niece's birth added some more down time that wasn't exactly built in...but here we are, finished on schedule and loving it. This reward for having and keeping a schedule is motivating to do it again next year, only this summer, we will do some other work that wasn't really planned at the outset. Tonight as we enjoyed the backyard, my husband mentioned wanting to stay on track with a few subjects so starting back up in September goes smoother. I could revolt and feel like our months of hot weather are now lost, but I'm choosing to accept it and believe the truth, which is that our summer will go better if the kids have some structure. The really hot days are spent indoors anyway!
Also, it is frustrating for them to forget a lot of the math they've worked so hard to learn, and with Latin, you really do not want to wipe the mind clean for any stretch of time. Another reality is that in doing Classical Conversations we only get 4 days/week for math, so if we do some lessons June-August, that negative will be mitigated.
I like forward progress and our kids do better with some structure. None of us enjoy the feeling of wasting a day, and if we merely sleep in, do a few chores, and play, we'll all feel like we've missed a lot of the fun of summer break. I hope to find the perfect balance with doing some fun schooling (literature for example) and field trips, while relaxing plenty together and going to see the babies.
It was hard pulling the year in to the driveway as rigorously as we began in some respects, but part of that was the reality of having finished curriculum a good bit prior to when I'd planned to test. Traveling for my niece's birth added some more down time that wasn't exactly built in...but here we are, finished on schedule and loving it. This reward for having and keeping a schedule is motivating to do it again next year, only this summer, we will do some other work that wasn't really planned at the outset. Tonight as we enjoyed the backyard, my husband mentioned wanting to stay on track with a few subjects so starting back up in September goes smoother. I could revolt and feel like our months of hot weather are now lost, but I'm choosing to accept it and believe the truth, which is that our summer will go better if the kids have some structure. The really hot days are spent indoors anyway!
Also, it is frustrating for them to forget a lot of the math they've worked so hard to learn, and with Latin, you really do not want to wipe the mind clean for any stretch of time. Another reality is that in doing Classical Conversations we only get 4 days/week for math, so if we do some lessons June-August, that negative will be mitigated.
I like forward progress and our kids do better with some structure. None of us enjoy the feeling of wasting a day, and if we merely sleep in, do a few chores, and play, we'll all feel like we've missed a lot of the fun of summer break. I hope to find the perfect balance with doing some fun schooling (literature for example) and field trips, while relaxing plenty together and going to see the babies.
Submitting to Government
I was listening to a John MacArthur sermon regarding how a Christian should respond to an ungodly government. He was encouraging us to follow the Word of God and not protest, but live peaceably. It really made me think how different Christians would be viewed if we all viewed those we differ with politically as a mission field, as MacArthur has said according to my husband, rather than the enemy. I wonder if we are winning the 'battles' from time to time, but will ultimately lose the war.
In this age of popularizing a social gospel instead of offending with the saving Gospel, we ought to seriously consider if we are really hurting the overall cause of Christ because of our loud political agendas. Are we most concerned with people's hearts, or with making this nation choose morality? Are we most concerned with saving lives or souls? Do we want unbelievers to think we're relevant and cool or do we want them to see someone not afraid to live biblically?
Jesus didn't tattoo himself or hang out partying so that people would then want to sit and listen at his feet.
In this age of popularizing a social gospel instead of offending with the saving Gospel, we ought to seriously consider if we are really hurting the overall cause of Christ because of our loud political agendas. Are we most concerned with people's hearts, or with making this nation choose morality? Are we most concerned with saving lives or souls? Do we want unbelievers to think we're relevant and cool or do we want them to see someone not afraid to live biblically?
Jesus didn't tattoo himself or hang out partying so that people would then want to sit and listen at his feet.
Preparing Our Kids 5/21/13
Parenting is so fun, and one thing that keeps it fun is planning and looking ahead so pitfalls can be avoided. Often parents do not think ahead feeling as though they are rushing things if they do. They fly by the seat of their pants, but in doing this, is it possible to miss the ages where key values training should occur? A dangerous place to be as a parent is being in a position of fearing your children and what they might do if you hold the line. Compromising as a mom or dad, when it comes to life altering decisions, is a recipe for disaster and disappointment.
A particular area where I think parents need to be mindful of their parenting role and what they value is in what is expected of their kids as they enter adulthood. I know some very conservative Christians who do not promote college for daughters, others who believe strongly in only Christian colleges or perhaps, others who believe secular college is better because at least then you know anything worldview related is false. Whatever the case, we can't leave these conversations to chance or wait until 10th grade to start talking with our kids.
If we have strong values about the years following graduation, we need to talk about it
A particular area where I think parents need to be mindful of their parenting role and what they value is in what is expected of their kids as they enter adulthood. I know some very conservative Christians who do not promote college for daughters, others who believe strongly in only Christian colleges or perhaps, others who believe secular college is better because at least then you know anything worldview related is false. Whatever the case, we can't leave these conversations to chance or wait until 10th grade to start talking with our kids.
If we have strong values about the years following graduation, we need to talk about it
when the kids are in middle school. More than just the 'plan', we should take time to flesh out our thoughts and share the reasons behind them. For example, we believe whatever our son does as a vocation, he must be able to provide for his family so his wife can stay home and raise the children. This follows with a biblical worldview, which we are raising our children with. He can do whatever he wants as long as he meets these criteria, and that idea has been discussed from the outset. He is a young man who wants to please God, so we are helping him plan to make decisions that will ultimately give him the life he wants.
Let's have high standards for our kids and model our expectations with what we allow in their lives.
Let's have high standards for our kids and model our expectations with what we allow in their lives.
Super Size Me
You know how people who were once really overweight, but triumphantly lost a great deal of that weight, can struggle to see themselves as thin? Ok, I have no experience with that, but on 'Say Yes to the Dress' there was a girl who lost 120 lbs and she said as much, so I'm going with her. I'm here to tell you, I've got the reverse situation going!! Thanks to the Target dressing room, on this night I've been riveted in to reality. The notorious store lights don't help, but neither does the excess I'm starting to consider a pet.
Before my injury that has left me unable to run, I felt so fit. I'm sure that wasn't exactly the case, but turning back the clock just a little before the lameness on my left, it was true. I loved working out: lifting weights, running, taking classes with a friend...all were glorious, and I admit to a bit of vanity. I think this is one blessing of my injury, which has sucked any desire to workout along with it. A year of pain makes you find new hobbies, like sitting and snacking.
As we're pulling out of the Target parking lot, these thoughts and images of the dressing room are rolling around in my mind, and you know what thought came next, nearly on top of them?? I felt a little rumble in my tummy and thought, "I'm hungry."
If only 20 lbs could melt away while I do my favorite late-night snacking!
I suppose the pain of staying the same hasn't yet outweighed the pain of change.
Before my injury that has left me unable to run, I felt so fit. I'm sure that wasn't exactly the case, but turning back the clock just a little before the lameness on my left, it was true. I loved working out: lifting weights, running, taking classes with a friend...all were glorious, and I admit to a bit of vanity. I think this is one blessing of my injury, which has sucked any desire to workout along with it. A year of pain makes you find new hobbies, like sitting and snacking.
As we're pulling out of the Target parking lot, these thoughts and images of the dressing room are rolling around in my mind, and you know what thought came next, nearly on top of them?? I felt a little rumble in my tummy and thought, "I'm hungry."
If only 20 lbs could melt away while I do my favorite late-night snacking!
I suppose the pain of staying the same hasn't yet outweighed the pain of change.
What is Healthier: Juicing, Smoothies or Coffee?
I am sorry to admit that for a while I was downing a lot of McDonald's coffee drinks with the whipped cream on top. I've also had their strawberry banana smoothie; it does make me cough though and now I don't see any reason to get it (see link below!)
So, what is the low down on juicing, smoothies and coffees?
Check out this list of the worst iced coffees around town.
Here is an article about what is better, juicing or smoothies...from here you'll find the article talking about the worst smoothies! Yikes! Sugar overload!
So, what is the low down on juicing, smoothies and coffees?
Check out this list of the worst iced coffees around town.
Here is an article about what is better, juicing or smoothies...from here you'll find the article talking about the worst smoothies! Yikes! Sugar overload!
Giving Dogs Pills
I could have taken a picture of this, because people do love pictures, but oh well. The camera wasn't upstairs when I prepared Fido's hot dog pill packet tonight, and I was either going to write about this or fixing the chicken run door (which I just reinstalled in the dark).
I know you can buy pill stuff that is like clay and it encases the pill for your dog, but I prefer wrapping them in lunchmeat, cheese, or my all-time favorite, hot dogs. Slicing medallions of chilled, cooked hot dog and sideways pressing the pill right into the little coin shaped beefy mixture works beautifully, and I always have hot dogs on hand. It works great and he loves it. You can stuff several little pills into the dog if you need to (I guess you'd be stuffing BOTH dogs then ha ha ha).
I know you can buy pill stuff that is like clay and it encases the pill for your dog, but I prefer wrapping them in lunchmeat, cheese, or my all-time favorite, hot dogs. Slicing medallions of chilled, cooked hot dog and sideways pressing the pill right into the little coin shaped beefy mixture works beautifully, and I always have hot dogs on hand. It works great and he loves it. You can stuff several little pills into the dog if you need to (I guess you'd be stuffing BOTH dogs then ha ha ha).
Family Denied Asylum
Most people paying attention realize this country is shot...we are going downhill fast and I personally don't believe any means of correction is possible. This quote from Michael Farris of HSLDA sums up the Obama Administration's utter incompetence and anti-freedom sentiments.
“If our Administration is willing to explore a policy of leniency for millions of immigrants, it is simply inexplicable why they cannot find room for one homeschooling family from Germany,” Farris continued.
A Mother's Plea
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O give us homes built firm upon the Saviour,
Where Christ is Head, and Counsellor and Guide;
Where ev'ry child is taught His love and favor
And gives his heart to Christ, the crucified:
How sweet to know that tho' his footsteps waver
His faithful Lord is walking by his side!
O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,
Who always place their hope and trust in Him;
Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers,
Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;
A home where each finds joy in serving others,
And love still shines, tho' days be dark and grim.
O give us homes where Christ is Lord and Master,
The Bible read, the precious hymns still sung;
Where prayer comes first in peace or in disaster,
And praise is natural speech to ev'ry tongue;
Where mountains move before a faith that's vaster,
And Christ sufficient is for old and young.
O Lord, our God, our homes are Thine forever!
We trust to Thee their problems, toil, and care;
Their bonds of love no enemy can sever
If Thou art always Lord and Master there:
Be Thou the center of our least endeavor:
Be Thou our Guest, our hearts and homes to share.
Catholics and Christians
It is rampant right now, this notion that Catholics are Christians. I don't mean Catholics who think they are Christian, for they've always thought that, but I mean Bible believing Christians thinking this suddenly, en masse. While some Catholics might be saved in that religion, it is incidental because what is taught is not Scriptural. Adding to Scripture is a sin, and works-based salvation is selling people a false bill of goods. We can't pick and choose what we want to believe, either the Bible is entirely true or it is not, and if it is, what the Catholic church teaches is clearly in error. Jesus said he paid the price for our sin, once and for all. He does not need any help in satisfying God's wrath toward sin.
We chose not to get on the board of a local pregnancy center because the statement of faith is broad enough that Catholics, and possibly other religions-of-man, could serve there. How can we, Bible believing Christians, stand alongside others who will not offer the true gospel to women in crisis? We would be selling Christianity short and possibly condoning their false beliefs.
Saving the unborn is critical, but saving souls and not blurring the message of salvation is tantamount. It was sad to realize we couldn't get involved as much as we might have with the new pregnancy center, but as Christians we are not doing God any favors pretending to unify with falsehood. Knowingly supporting, as a leader, one woman receiving an accurate gospel presentation and another a Catholic view of salvation would have been wrong for us.
Stating a religion is biblical doesn't make it so. There is one intercessor between God and men--Jesus Christ; not Mary or the Pope. We who are in Christ are called Saints according to Scripture--saints are not special people marked as such after they die, and they have no special power, even if their image is put on a medal or worn as a necklace. Finally, knowing the facts about Christ and believing them does not save--even Satan believes. It is faith that causes repentance which saves, and this faith will cause a person to live as best they can according to God's standards. If a lifestyle of sin can happen comfortably, a person is not safely in the body of Christ. Sin cannot indefinitely abound in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. The most simple way to put it is this, we cannot be found in Christ if we do not ever realize how lost (ie sinful) we are, and in Catholicism there is a lot of pride of why you aren't 'that bad'. This attitude is what keeps people from truly being saved, because according to the Bible, we are ALL 'that bad' and our good works are called filthy rags.
Unity is only possible if we are all believing the truth which sets us free. Unity outside of biblical truth is dangerously close to being nothing other than a worldly, feel-good, social club, which far too many churches are becoming in this post-modern era.
We chose not to get on the board of a local pregnancy center because the statement of faith is broad enough that Catholics, and possibly other religions-of-man, could serve there. How can we, Bible believing Christians, stand alongside others who will not offer the true gospel to women in crisis? We would be selling Christianity short and possibly condoning their false beliefs.
Saving the unborn is critical, but saving souls and not blurring the message of salvation is tantamount. It was sad to realize we couldn't get involved as much as we might have with the new pregnancy center, but as Christians we are not doing God any favors pretending to unify with falsehood. Knowingly supporting, as a leader, one woman receiving an accurate gospel presentation and another a Catholic view of salvation would have been wrong for us.
Stating a religion is biblical doesn't make it so. There is one intercessor between God and men--Jesus Christ; not Mary or the Pope. We who are in Christ are called Saints according to Scripture--saints are not special people marked as such after they die, and they have no special power, even if their image is put on a medal or worn as a necklace. Finally, knowing the facts about Christ and believing them does not save--even Satan believes. It is faith that causes repentance which saves, and this faith will cause a person to live as best they can according to God's standards. If a lifestyle of sin can happen comfortably, a person is not safely in the body of Christ. Sin cannot indefinitely abound in the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. The most simple way to put it is this, we cannot be found in Christ if we do not ever realize how lost (ie sinful) we are, and in Catholicism there is a lot of pride of why you aren't 'that bad'. This attitude is what keeps people from truly being saved, because according to the Bible, we are ALL 'that bad' and our good works are called filthy rags.
Unity is only possible if we are all believing the truth which sets us free. Unity outside of biblical truth is dangerously close to being nothing other than a worldly, feel-good, social club, which far too many churches are becoming in this post-modern era.
Who Is Calling the Shots--When the Gospel is Sold as Insufficient
If the preaching message at church isn't enough to thrill a soul, is it a good idea to make the music be the thing that causes the thrill? If the saving message of the gospel, and the learning and hearing the truth can't draw us and keep us, is there a problem? In other words, if a person can't enjoy a gospel message without the right musical beat to get them feeling all emotional, is that a problem being revealed in the heart of the listener?
What type of people are more at risk of needing an emotional fix to make them think they are communing with God?
Is love a feeling or a choice?
How does marriage relate to our relationship with God?
What I'm getting at is that I think we need to be concerned if the message of truth, a life transformed because of repentant faith isn't what thrills a so-called believer in church. If our feelings are what make us think we are close to God, that is a red flag. We shouldn't need our emotions hyped in order to enjoy church or feel like we are right with God, yet so many churches today send that message loud and clear by going Contemporary. No longer is the message of salvation and being reconciled to God enough to satisfy; salvation is not the key issue, it's how folks feel. Love is not a feeling, it is a choice, yet we market Christianity with feeling based music because the beat is what people want. They aren't intellectualizing the truth, they have to translate it to something very unreliable. This is one reason the charismatic movement is so popular among so many, feelings rule over fact.
Hmmm....
I know in marriage living how we feel is not a good idea. The same goes for parenting. It's pretty true in a vocation as well. Feelings need to follow faith. Our minds have to be engaged in the battle against the spiritual forces of darkness and I think we are hurting the young generation by giving them an appetite for emotive music. Most of us grew to maturity on a diet of music that could save a soul, and that is not the same foundation as what the new, young believers today experience. It is not the same for an adult who is grounded in mature faith to sometimes listen to Contemporary music as it is for someone just learning and growing to feed on that music entirely. Contemporary music glorifies self more often than not; hymns glorify God and Christ.
What type of people are more at risk of needing an emotional fix to make them think they are communing with God?
Is love a feeling or a choice?
How does marriage relate to our relationship with God?
What I'm getting at is that I think we need to be concerned if the message of truth, a life transformed because of repentant faith isn't what thrills a so-called believer in church. If our feelings are what make us think we are close to God, that is a red flag. We shouldn't need our emotions hyped in order to enjoy church or feel like we are right with God, yet so many churches today send that message loud and clear by going Contemporary. No longer is the message of salvation and being reconciled to God enough to satisfy; salvation is not the key issue, it's how folks feel. Love is not a feeling, it is a choice, yet we market Christianity with feeling based music because the beat is what people want. They aren't intellectualizing the truth, they have to translate it to something very unreliable. This is one reason the charismatic movement is so popular among so many, feelings rule over fact.
Hmmm....
I know in marriage living how we feel is not a good idea. The same goes for parenting. It's pretty true in a vocation as well. Feelings need to follow faith. Our minds have to be engaged in the battle against the spiritual forces of darkness and I think we are hurting the young generation by giving them an appetite for emotive music. Most of us grew to maturity on a diet of music that could save a soul, and that is not the same foundation as what the new, young believers today experience. It is not the same for an adult who is grounded in mature faith to sometimes listen to Contemporary music as it is for someone just learning and growing to feed on that music entirely. Contemporary music glorifies self more often than not; hymns glorify God and Christ.
We Don't Have Smart Phones
So I have been doing some texting with my unlimited free plan, but not a lot. My husband regularly cautions against the negative impacts of Twitter, Facebook, texting, and constantly listening to something rather than having quiet time for thinking. Well, he is a very wise individual, and I can't say I disagree. Our house is usually quiet and we don't have smart phones because we know we'll use them too much.
For the record, my husband is one of the few people I know that is visibly maturing in his faith, consistently. He is growing in wisdom regularly, too. I love to listen to him explain deep theological issues!!!!!
This article says there is some research showing people are getting dumber with all of the interruptions technology gives us, up to 20% possibly. Might think twice about how early to introduce portable technology to youngsters given this...
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/brain--interrupted-173621758.html
Something else my husband is often saying is that our kids will likely use where I am (we are) as a STARTING point. This is a factor with dress, entertainment, and technology...they need to understand it, but I don't know if it needs to be shaping their daily lives.
It is kind of common sense...we need time to think and thinking requires uninterrupted time. We can return to a simpler way of life...just like with classical education recovering the Lost Tools of Learning...we can say no to the fast pace of life in this culture if we want to.
So we don't have smart phones, not just for financial reasons, but because we know our limitations and we'll be online through out the day more than we are already...and I'm on too much now!
For the record, my husband is one of the few people I know that is visibly maturing in his faith, consistently. He is growing in wisdom regularly, too. I love to listen to him explain deep theological issues!!!!!
This article says there is some research showing people are getting dumber with all of the interruptions technology gives us, up to 20% possibly. Might think twice about how early to introduce portable technology to youngsters given this...
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/brain--interrupted-173621758.html
Something else my husband is often saying is that our kids will likely use where I am (we are) as a STARTING point. This is a factor with dress, entertainment, and technology...they need to understand it, but I don't know if it needs to be shaping their daily lives.
It is kind of common sense...we need time to think and thinking requires uninterrupted time. We can return to a simpler way of life...just like with classical education recovering the Lost Tools of Learning...we can say no to the fast pace of life in this culture if we want to.
So we don't have smart phones, not just for financial reasons, but because we know our limitations and we'll be online through out the day more than we are already...and I'm on too much now!
God Will Provide...Friends
It is tough when you are a child and your friends move away, or if you move away from your friends. It's hard as an adult, especially if you aren't moving but are leaving the place your friends are. This idea of community in Christianity and homeschooling has become such a high priority, I see people compromise on Truth in order to have it. I see people make educational decisions because of the almighty community and stay in churches with major problems because of the community they are in and love (and have been in forever...). What I don't hear is people preparing their children or themselves to walk through the narrow gate...the gate that is single file, which at some point as we come near to God, is required. We must enter through the narrow gate...
I know we aren't supposed to live in isolation, on the contrary we are told not to forsake assembling together with other believers. We need fellowship. But are fellowship and today's definition of 'community' the same thing? Can we have proper community with people who are seriously off-base with their theology, or what about if we never bother to find out about the people in our 'community' and their theology? I'll tell you, I love to think on this stuff and my mind has been snapped to attention with what I have learned through the years about what other seemingly like-minded people actually believe about various aspects of the Christian life.
When I think of how many of the churches selling Christianity are focused on numbers, and then see mom's working hard to make sure their children feel a connection to the people in the church because deep down they think it's that which will keep them in the faith, it makes me worry. This idea of making the connection to Christ out of people-thread follows the prevailing thought of the SBC these days that the mere message of the Gospel isn't enough...which follows much of the idea behind the contemporary Christian music movement...we have to sound like the world to be relevant, we have to look like the world to be relevant...they won't come if we are too Christian seeming and looking, so rock some flip-flops, jeans, guitars and messy hair and head to church to sway and play music that is "Christian" because of the words (because in today's world, musical appropriateness for worship is all about us expressing ourselves in a way that we like and feel is fun/exciting/comfortable and the musical notes and how they are arranged is highly subjective).
For the record, no one will ever convince me that contemporary Christian music is as holy and worshipful as a hymn. The words of a hymn could lead a person to a saving faith in Christ, and I have yet to hear a CCM song that will do it. Just my .02, but I don't buy in to the 'each generation has its own sound' stuff. I think we've gone so far from holy, worship as it used to be because as the church, we've just moved our measuring stick along with the world. The world has gotten 10 feet more evil, and well, we're not anywhere close to them, so we're OK, yet we've moved our stick right along with them, we're just keeping it back 10 paces. Corporate worship carries a responsibility with it and shallow songs aren't going to grow mature believers. Private worship may be enhanced with the lighter flavor of modern Christian tones...but carefully selected and not as the steady protein of the diet (again, my .02).
As an aside to my aside....
Why should young people, who are not fully grounded in profound spiritual truths, select the music for worship for themselves or others in a corporate setting? Music is powerful and let's not forget, Lucifer had a mighty hand in it. Is it possible Satan uses music as a tool today?
So anyway, you leave your church, you leave your home school group, you become part of minority in this culture who doesn't want to rock out in church with emotional, worldly sounding music, you start wearing dresses only or you get shunned for being convicted to wear a head covering...or your friends move away or you have left where all your friends are....what is to be? Who will love you or like you??
God will provide.
And it's true, if we trust Him to be conforming us more and more to the image of His son, which may or may not require friends...He will provide what we need.
So I told my daughter tonight, simply and succinctly, because news your best friend is finally moving is hard for a 9-year-old, even if you have anticipated it for 2 years, that
"God will provide."
And I know He will. If He wants us to have friends, we will have them. But it is better to be lonely and alone than in ungodly company.
I know we aren't supposed to live in isolation, on the contrary we are told not to forsake assembling together with other believers. We need fellowship. But are fellowship and today's definition of 'community' the same thing? Can we have proper community with people who are seriously off-base with their theology, or what about if we never bother to find out about the people in our 'community' and their theology? I'll tell you, I love to think on this stuff and my mind has been snapped to attention with what I have learned through the years about what other seemingly like-minded people actually believe about various aspects of the Christian life.
When I think of how many of the churches selling Christianity are focused on numbers, and then see mom's working hard to make sure their children feel a connection to the people in the church because deep down they think it's that which will keep them in the faith, it makes me worry. This idea of making the connection to Christ out of people-thread follows the prevailing thought of the SBC these days that the mere message of the Gospel isn't enough...which follows much of the idea behind the contemporary Christian music movement...we have to sound like the world to be relevant, we have to look like the world to be relevant...they won't come if we are too Christian seeming and looking, so rock some flip-flops, jeans, guitars and messy hair and head to church to sway and play music that is "Christian" because of the words (because in today's world, musical appropriateness for worship is all about us expressing ourselves in a way that we like and feel is fun/exciting/comfortable and the musical notes and how they are arranged is highly subjective).
For the record, no one will ever convince me that contemporary Christian music is as holy and worshipful as a hymn. The words of a hymn could lead a person to a saving faith in Christ, and I have yet to hear a CCM song that will do it. Just my .02, but I don't buy in to the 'each generation has its own sound' stuff. I think we've gone so far from holy, worship as it used to be because as the church, we've just moved our measuring stick along with the world. The world has gotten 10 feet more evil, and well, we're not anywhere close to them, so we're OK, yet we've moved our stick right along with them, we're just keeping it back 10 paces. Corporate worship carries a responsibility with it and shallow songs aren't going to grow mature believers. Private worship may be enhanced with the lighter flavor of modern Christian tones...but carefully selected and not as the steady protein of the diet (again, my .02).
As an aside to my aside....
Why should young people, who are not fully grounded in profound spiritual truths, select the music for worship for themselves or others in a corporate setting? Music is powerful and let's not forget, Lucifer had a mighty hand in it. Is it possible Satan uses music as a tool today?
So anyway, you leave your church, you leave your home school group, you become part of minority in this culture who doesn't want to rock out in church with emotional, worldly sounding music, you start wearing dresses only or you get shunned for being convicted to wear a head covering...or your friends move away or you have left where all your friends are....what is to be? Who will love you or like you??
God will provide.
And it's true, if we trust Him to be conforming us more and more to the image of His son, which may or may not require friends...He will provide what we need.
So I told my daughter tonight, simply and succinctly, because news your best friend is finally moving is hard for a 9-year-old, even if you have anticipated it for 2 years, that
"God will provide."
And I know He will. If He wants us to have friends, we will have them. But it is better to be lonely and alone than in ungodly company.
Apostate Watch-Arnold Murray, Shepherd's Chapel 3
I don't pay attention to Arnold Murray but purposefully did a fresh search to see what is printed about his false teaching ministry. Sadly, I used to know someone wrapped up with him, so hope to help a few people get free from the bondage of this cult.
There is true freedom in Jesus Christ, from God's holy word, but apostates like Murray do a damaging disservice preying on the weak-minded or Biblically illiterate. One day God will judge those who lead people astray.
For the record, if a teacher has purposefully lied about himself or his ministry, you need to run the other direction. Knowing the truth of God's word isn't some mystery only reserved for a few. If you are the type of person going about thinking everything is a conspiracy and in your pride you think you somehow have been chosen to see the truth as part of a select few, or have been smart enough to stumble upon the truth, you need to seriously think again and read the Bible plainly.
It is only through God's grace we can ever see God for who He is, and the message is not shrouded in mystery. Once pride enters the equation (if you are thinking you are special and were smart enough to find this hidden truth of how to be reconciled to God), that is a dead giveaway you are off course. Coming to God in faith, because of what Christ has done for us, is extremely humbling. We CAN know the truth and it will set us free, but that has nothing to do with us, it has everything to do with God.
Another point I want to make regards the weak-minded. This is not something any of us wants to be, but let's be honest. Not everyone has a strong mind. Many are driven and tossed by the wind. Many are easily led astray. You know how some individuals always have a lot of drama and hard to follow problems in their life? These folks are generally weak-minded. Anyone whose ever been conned by a pyramid scheme or a cult would not be what I'd call, strong-minded. The weak- minded need others to tell them what to do and they are followers more than they are true leaders, they are people who rely on excuses. We need to know ourselves...we can only do this if we are humble about our condition. If you are weak-minded, realize you are far more likely to fall for a deceptive religion that is not from the true God of the Bible.
Ok, with that, here is the link :
http://www.watchman.org/profile/murraypro.htm
There is true freedom in Jesus Christ, from God's holy word, but apostates like Murray do a damaging disservice preying on the weak-minded or Biblically illiterate. One day God will judge those who lead people astray.
For the record, if a teacher has purposefully lied about himself or his ministry, you need to run the other direction. Knowing the truth of God's word isn't some mystery only reserved for a few. If you are the type of person going about thinking everything is a conspiracy and in your pride you think you somehow have been chosen to see the truth as part of a select few, or have been smart enough to stumble upon the truth, you need to seriously think again and read the Bible plainly.
It is only through God's grace we can ever see God for who He is, and the message is not shrouded in mystery. Once pride enters the equation (if you are thinking you are special and were smart enough to find this hidden truth of how to be reconciled to God), that is a dead giveaway you are off course. Coming to God in faith, because of what Christ has done for us, is extremely humbling. We CAN know the truth and it will set us free, but that has nothing to do with us, it has everything to do with God.
Another point I want to make regards the weak-minded. This is not something any of us wants to be, but let's be honest. Not everyone has a strong mind. Many are driven and tossed by the wind. Many are easily led astray. You know how some individuals always have a lot of drama and hard to follow problems in their life? These folks are generally weak-minded. Anyone whose ever been conned by a pyramid scheme or a cult would not be what I'd call, strong-minded. The weak- minded need others to tell them what to do and they are followers more than they are true leaders, they are people who rely on excuses. We need to know ourselves...we can only do this if we are humble about our condition. If you are weak-minded, realize you are far more likely to fall for a deceptive religion that is not from the true God of the Bible.
Ok, with that, here is the link :
http://www.watchman.org/profile/murraypro.htm
Missional: When Evangelicals Support The Social Gospel/Social Justice by Another Name
Missional: When Evangelicals Support The Social Gospel/Social Justice by Another Name.
Please take time to read this, especially if you are Southern Baptist.
Please take time to read this, especially if you are Southern Baptist.
Soda and Depression
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/sweet-sodas-soft-drinks-may-raise-risk-depression-183000091.html
There is so much information out there about the dangers of aspartame. I hope you don't consume it, but look at the risks if fruit juice is the choice!
There is so much information out there about the dangers of aspartame. I hope you don't consume it, but look at the risks if fruit juice is the choice!
Seeing Sisters
I'm so excited that tomorrow morning, early, the kids and I are heading out to see all of our sisters--meaning mine and my husband's. I wish so much we could stay overnight, but my girls have commitments that will sadly require us to return home. At least before all the babies come, we can have a little visiting in with all the ladies. We'll also get to see one of the kid's grandpa's. He is going to be in the same hospital one of our sister's is in, so it will be one stop visiting. It would be preferable to have everyone home, but at least they will be getting great care where they are. I hope this is the first trip of many, but with healthy babies to snuggle soon enough. Two of our sisters are due any time now and we can hardly wait for new cousins!
Sisters--they bring such joy and fulfillment to life. ♥
Sisters--they bring such joy and fulfillment to life. ♥
Never Enough?
We all have a full life that is busy with obligations.
Anytime people are gone from home for the day there are things which do not get done: laundry, cleaning, shopping, yard work, resting, seeing local friends, and just relaxing together. Many people are also involved with their church and ministry, and those things take time and bring obligations, particularly on weekends. Add pets to the mix, and being away from home brings an additional element of stress and cost. The bigger a family is, the more work life is, so all of the above tasks are multiplied. We can't forget that as kids age, they have friends, schoolwork, and opinions on how their time is spent.
While we all want to feel desired, and are thankful that people want to see us, there are good ways for this to be communicated and not so good ways. Demonstrating a lack of understanding of what is involved in someone visiting you, and expecting others to always come to you, are two things I'd recommend against. This is particularly true during seasons of extra difficulty. As in all areas of life, when we focus on ourselves, we tend to lose. We should make sure our expectations are balanced with what we are willing to give. Ideally, we'll give more than we expect to receive.
-ACL
While we all want to feel desired, and are thankful that people want to see us, there are good ways for this to be communicated and not so good ways. Demonstrating a lack of understanding of what is involved in someone visiting you, and expecting others to always come to you, are two things I'd recommend against. This is particularly true during seasons of extra difficulty. As in all areas of life, when we focus on ourselves, we tend to lose. We should make sure our expectations are balanced with what we are willing to give. Ideally, we'll give more than we expect to receive.
-ACL
successfully traveling by car and plane, alone or with my husband, often staying overnight with 1 to 3 children, never owning less than 2 pets, dealing with food allergies that often limited eating out, to homes not equipped for little kids, in various states, for 13 years.
Proverbs 29
Proverbs 29
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