My Mary Kay Director Stepping Down

For 23 years I've been a Mary Kay Consultant. I joined the company when I was in college after going to a little facial at my closest friend, Ruth's, house. Her director was there and us two--a small group. Ruth's mom had used Mary Kay for years. Her pink compact required water to make the eye color work. Mary Kay was the first skin care I'd really used and it worked well for me;  something I later learned would be uncommon. 

During my time with Mary Kay, and not long in to it, my director from Ruth's house retired and moved to Florida. Her director, a woman named Chan, became my first-line director, so to speak. Financially I don't think Chan ever benefitted from my efforts, but she always included me in her contests and newsletters. When I attended meetings, they were in my state of KY with some great adopted directors. Chan was in Maryland. I didn't do much in person with her, and I never went to Seminar...for a long time I wasn't into prizes or things, though now I hold as very special my Mary Kay pin with a little fancy overlay.

Lately I've been feeling a bit sad as my middle daughter is nearing graduation. Maybe it is coming off covid, which we thought we had last month but turns out, we've had it this month. Being quarantined during December was more fun and easier! This month my oldest is away at school and we're busy praying for college finances to be provided...the looming thought of sending off my sweet middle girl has been at the forefront of my mind. 

How does this tie in to Mary Kay? The passing of time, things that have been constants...Chan has been a constant. She's prayed for me along with the rest of her team. I've prayed for her, and that connects you to a person. She's someone who has always expressed love and kindness. She's real and doesn't pretend to believe something she doesn't. We are both republicans, and that connects people in today's messed up political climate. 

Chan called tonight. She is retiring from being a Director after 30 years. This news has me very sad. It is easy to expect people to always be around, always doing what they've always done. The last few days I've prayed about my future with Mary Kay...I'll be going to work for my son's senior year to help pay for college. My middle daughter can't use Mary Kay due to some strange chemical allergies. Even though I do a small business of just a few thousand dollars a year, Mary Kay has been a continual part of my married years and with that, Chan. Like things we think we appreciate, they take on a new meaning when they are no longer. I hate goodbyes and endings. 

I hope to remember and embody Chan's continual encouragement and positive attitude. She's had some rough waters and never acted down in the dumps with us. She was professional and loving--that is not the easiest combination. She has shown me that you never know who can use some constant love and recognition. It doesn't take much to pour a little something good in to someone else. It just takes some thoughtfulness. 

Thank you for all you've given me, Chan. I'm thankful we'll both be with the Lord one day and I hope we recognize each other. ♥

Humor!! These Are Funny

The link below takes you to better writing than I could ever produce, and who doesn't enjoy a hearty chuckle?! Read on to see what this young lady has to teach us about the best burns and comebacks from Shakespeare :). The Potter's School has an outstanding English Department.  

Evidence lies herein.

https://clay.at-tps.org/2021/01/25/top-10-shakespearean-comebacks-and-burns/#comment-17359

Sauteed Cabbage-Delicious and Easy Side Dish

Cabbage is an excellent side dish when you want a lot of volume with little fuss. I used to primarily eat it with pork butt, potatoes, green beans and carrots all steamed together. Then cabbage became a soup staple for many a winter indulgence. Now, it has advanced to this: Sauteed Cabbage . You can use all green cabbage, or if you have some napa leaves, those are a tasty addition. I didn't add fresh thyme as the picture on that post shows, but did use cast iron and it turned out great. Half a large head of green cabbage and about 10 napa leaves filled a standard sized cast iron and fed 4 people, as a side.

This is a good accompaniment to Momma's Healthy Meatloaf. For the meatloaf, I shredded yellow squash, carrots, mushrooms and red peppers--sautéed them all and used only the veggies, not the liquid. I also put a little ketchup in the meat mixture, used whole oats in lieu of whole wheat bread crumbs, added plenty of black pepper, and topped with bacon strips for cooking. I cooked at 425 degrees for 25-30 min and made two. One to eat fresh and one to freeze. Mixing it all in the Kitchen Aid is a time saver. 

Hope you try it!

Updated Status: Abe Books or booksXpress

I'm sorry to recommend against Abe Books for purchasing quality used or new books. They do not reply to customer issues, such as a package arriving empty. After three attempts with no reply from the company and two or three attempts with the seller, booksXpress, it is clear Abe Books has no interest in settling this matter. The package was not sealed at the top upon arrival, and was just an empty envelope. I've talked with the USPS and it is the seller's responsibility to ensure packages are sealed sufficiently. This is very disappointing as this was a birthday gift bought new and sent to the recipient directly from the seller. If I ever get this resolved, I'll repost. It has been going on unresolved since December 2020 and it is now February 2021.

**February 10th, I never heard from booksXpress after directly contacting them several more times and then also contacting Abe books, per the company's protocol. When I started emailing daily, Abe books finally contacted me. They refunded my money and sent me a coupon for 10 percent off.**

Fetal Cell Lines--What is it All About?

Unfortunately at some point the issue of aborted fetuses comes up with most vaccination discussions. With the covid vaccine being new, there are a few fresh articles discussing this. 

This one from  Nebraska Medicine in Omaha is succinct. 

https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/you-asked-we-answered-do-the-covid-19-vaccines-contain-aborted-fetal-cells

This interview is a bit longer but also worth looking at:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/a-hill-worth-dying-on-expert-explains-how-aborted-baby-cells-taint-covid-vaccines

Understanding more about this:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/april-web-only/why-christians-refuse-measles-vaccinations-moral-grounds.html

Many in our nation are in healthcare fields that require vaccinations. These are tough issues. It is a personal decision each one of us has to make. Does using fetal lines equate fetal tissue being in the vaccination? Does the good that vaccines do get overlooked because of the tainted process by which the vaccine came into existence or was verified? When our own livelihood isn't impacted, we can more readily denounce any part in aborted fetuses in connection with vaccines. It is important, however, to realize that our fellow citizens may be in a much different predicament. May God have mercy on us as we work through these things. 

I hate that aborted fetuses have ever had any part in medicine. It is deplorable to me. But the fact the babies were not killed for medical reasons should be noted. It may not change a person's view, but is it the same thing to kill a baby for medical investigation vs. using the cells for science after the child was already killed? Maybe, maybe not. Some would say that the good which came from the aborted child is a blessing given the fact the innocent child's life was taken by its mother for her convenience. It is rather like donating your own organs should you die by murder rather than an accident. Does the murder get condoned because your organs have helped someone else live? Of course not. But it would be different to murder someone expressly for their cells and then try to make good out of it. With an innocent, aborted child, of course the best thing would have been for the baby to have had a proper burial, honoring its life and the fact it was created in the image of God. For an adult who is shot in cold blood to have their body for scientific advancements, it somehow seems better. Is it the fact the unborn child had no choice in the matter? What if the murdered adult didn't either? I'm against shooting people in cold blood. I'm also against abortion. But I do want to be consistent in my logic if possible.

This is a sin-wrought world. We should all be concerned with the judgment of God, but just what that looks like, as we've seen with mask compliance,  will vary from person to person. This is simply one argument in the corner of why the federal government should not mandate vaccinations.

Abortion and the Catholic Church part deux

More evidence the Catholic church should split.

https://thefederalist.com/2021/01/22/biden-harris-release-statement-celebrating-killing-babies-in-the-womb/

Only a lying fool could call Biden a devout Catholic. But no true Catholic could have voted for him, either. Catholics stand for the unborn. I disagree with any notion of being a good Catholic vs. a bad one. There are criteria for man-made religions and you can't be Catholic and pro-choice. For the record, voting for a baby killer is to have innocent blood on your own hands. Policies govern this nation, and political platforms are well defined before elections. Do you need to repent? God will forgive, but our actions do have consequences regardless.

My hope is that all Catholics will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. A relationship with Christ is nothing like following a man-designed religion. Knowing Christ is personal, life changing, and fills us with hope and purpose. It moves us from self-righteousness to finding our worth in God. It is humbling and brings peace to know God through being born-again. 

Whole Wheat Pita Bread-No Salt or Oil

For months it has been difficult to find the pita bread we prefer. Prior to covid, we usually found it at a retailer for just over $1 per 5 pack. It was whole wheat, low calorie, and tasted good enough. Not finding it for weeks and weeks led to going to a different brand that was not as healthy, and then finally when that was no longer available, to a more expensive store and a yet another brand. The cost has gone up each time we've made a change.

After weeks of a shortage again, I've finally gone to making my own. It isn't difficult, it is just one thing I'd hoped to avoid. Being out of whole wheat flour, at least any I could readily locate in my house, I ground some wheat to make these. The ingredients are whole wheat flour, yeast and water--baked for 5 minutes in a 500 degree oven. It is easier than the pitas I've made in the past which are just flour and water cooked individually on the stove top. :)

You can find the recipe here. I used less than 4 cups of freshly ground flour and rolled them out thinner than stated in the recipe. All but the 3 I forgot to time rose nicely--did better on a metal pan than a baking stone as far as rising due to the rapid heating of the metal. 

Family Foundation Action Center-How to Support Christian Policies in Government

Take Fast Legislative Action

The days ahead in America should not cause despair for Christians, rather what is being pushed by the left should ignite us to greater prayer and precise action. We cannot ignore the evil that President Biden and the Democrats are proposing. As representatives of Christ we must use the resources at our disposal to be a voice for the unborn and for the family as God designed. Our focus can't be to win or to prove someone else wrong. We may not be victorious this side of Heaven, but it is God who rewards and sees our good deeds. The Family Foundation tirelessly works to keep Christian conservatives abreast of the issues that matter. Use the link above to learn what proposed legislation is coming and what you can do. Just knowing is useless. Do something.

Inauguration Day 2021

The liberal Pope Francis is a weak, deceptive excuse for a Catholic. He assists the ushering in of wickedness and supports killing the unborn.

Look at what he is doing to pro-life bishops- Bishops who do not support the moral evils the Pope is hushing.

I used to take some comfort in the bumper sticker that reads "You Can't be Catholic and Pro-Choice". While I don't think most Catholics are born again, I always liked that they at least fought against the war on babies. I've seen first hand how some of today's Catholics are all too eager to have the blood of saline burned bodies of unborn infants on their hands. Some I was once close to helped usher in the horrendous anti-life Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, doing what I never thought I'd see. 

People who don't read from solid news sources like The Federalist or don't read the Bible so they know what God's priorities are, should not claim to know God and then vote. Judgment awaits--God hates hands that shed innocent blood, and it is too far of a jump to say having a rally is equivalent to the purposeful sucking out of an unborn babies brains so you can deliver its then perfect, murdered body. Democrats yearn to expand abortion rights. The new administration wants to roll back the Hyde Amendment and the Mexico City Policy, which will force taxpayers to fund the killing of the unborn again. 

These folks also long to take children out of the home as young as possible so they can be brainwashed by educational "professionals" and taught that gender is a fluid concept  (this is a direct denial of God's beautiful design for mankind, who is made in His image). Democrats are going to reap what they have sown, and may God protect those nearby from the collateral damage. It is a promise and principle set in place by the Creator of the universe. Traditional Catholics stand by values that promote life, religious liberty, and one's gender as given by God. We who represent God because of Christ will also reap what we have sown. That should motivate us to pray for those going to Hell unless their lives intersect with Jesus Christ, resulting in a relationship with Him. That should motivate us to speak the truth, in love. 

With this I bid you, 

Happy Inauguration Day 2021

The Endgame of Transgender Ideology

Kimberly Ells, author of this excellent article, understands what the left's agenda is with dismantling the family. 

Liberalism, feminism, sexual reformers- to include denying one's God ordained gender, all seek to destroy the family. What or who will replace it? Why, the ever-loving, ever-nurturing, warm, efficient arms of the federal government! 

The title of this post is part of the title of her article, linked to above, which spells out what the desires of the left are. Don't be part of the problem. Understand what is going on. 

I'm a Christian-- How Do I Vote?

Having a blog means having a chance to say things one doesn't often get a chance to say. 

With that I share that I don't vote for people; I don't support most candidates as people. I learned long before the embarrassment of our current President to stick to policies.  As a representative of Jesus Christ, I'm accountable to God for how I cast my vote. If I'm unsure of a so-called conservative, I'll trust God and make sure that I can answer to Him on how I vote. Of course I understand 3rd parties and what they do; of course I understand man's wisdom of 'vote for the better person' or 'vote against someone'. That doesn't always apply, however, because at the end of the day, I answer to God. It is He who puts people in power--and I can trust Him to deal with the results. I'll write someone in that I can stand before God and say I voted for in good conscience before I vote my party during an election where there is no clear choice for someone policy-wise. Man's wisdom doesn't trump my being accountable to God at the end of any day.

This all said, our last Presidential election left little room for a Christian to do anything surprising with their vote. We're dealing with very wicked policies from the Democratic party in America. To vote Democrat was to vote to kill the unborn--expanding policies to the max to give as much free reign as possible to tearing those babies apart. To vote Democrat was to support the government overstepping parental rights. This overstepping puts people with disabled children in a predicament if they don't do all the right paperwork as their child reaches 18 yrs old. It makes the government the parent and works to destroy the family as God designed. This overstepping means school officials can confidentially help your child decide they are going to ignore their God-ordained gender. To vote Democrat was to spit in the face of God. 

No genuine, right-thinking Christian could vote Democrat in today's climate. I won't put that on a 'welcome to my church' sign, but I'll put it out for Christians to read because sanctification demands we answer for how we think about the political issues that impact life and the family. I'm not helping a brother or sister in Christ if I pretend they can ignore how the teachings in government funded schools are an affront to God Almighty. No, this isn't an issue to talk to an unbeliever or baby Christian about, but what of the mature believer who wants to act like public schools are neutral spiritually? Realize the Democrats are the National Education Association and they do not like freedom in education for a reason. There is a dangerous agenda in government funded schools. For the majority of Christians, they are a terrible choice. In my state, our department of education is looking at instilling policies that put school officials in positions of great authority over children, irrespective of the parents. Very dangerous stuff. Parents are responsible for what they allow to influence the children God has entrusted to them.

Why am I saying any of this? Because I want to be clear that I have never come out as a person who endorses President Trump. He is not a godly man. He is not a polite man. He does not represent me or Christian behaviors. However, his policies support where I stand on some key issues, and I'm pleased with the direction he's tried to take America the last 4 yrs. You won't find me aligning myself with him through yard signs and bumper stickers. Do those things help elections? Sure, but I answer to God for who and what I hitch my wagon to. I don't want an unbeliever to shun talking to me because of how I'm going to vote. It isn't THAT important--to hinder my witnessing opportunities. But it IS important enough that I get out there and vote according to the principles that matter to me as a representative of Jesus Christ. Because I am a Christian, I'd be ashamed for anyone to think I was a major pro-Trump person. His actions do not glorify God, plain and simple. He acts reckless and rude and does not use wisdom or tact. But I sure will come forth clearly that I vote for protection of the unborn. I vote for parental rights. I vote for freedom with education. Let it be known I will never vote opposite of life if at all possible, no matter how it is packaged with a candidate. Wearing a mask during covid is not caring more about life than protecting the unborn. Only a deceived person would think that way. President Trump has stood by many conservative principles that should be a concern for Christians. He is not a true conservative, but sadly our nation is so far gone we will not vote in a truly good conservative leader. That said, if we are not using the venues God has given us to represent what is right, I expect we will have to give an account on that. May we use wisdom and not steer our kids wrong with their priorities due to our passion for politics, or lose credibility ourselves as lacking wisdom or discretion.

Virginia Department of Education Taking Comments on Proposed Transgender Policies

I want to have this on my blog so that one day, perhaps after the Rapture, people can happen upon this and see the atrocities in America (and the rest of the world, really) that led up to the judgment of God. His wrath over the abominations we humans concoct will be severe and sure. If you are reading this in Jan 2021, please take time to comment your opposition to these dangerous measures.

How can adults, which are entrusted with the nurture of children, allow such twisting and distortion of reality? The mental gymnastics of people denying their actual gender, and then other people encouraging it rather than truly helping them, is deplorable. It is not the Christian, who understands we are made in the image of God, who is at fault, it is those who want to deny nature, who are at fault. Sin is the root of struggles with sexuality, and sin causes people to explore homosexuality and it is the root gender identity issues. The political 'left' think it is loving to endorse and encourage people in these endeavors, but the discontent, depression and other problems many of those folks deal with, is lifelong. You can eliminate every person who is against it, and these people will still be unhappy and feel something is 'off', because trying to thwart God's design, which is right and good, never leads to peace and wholeness. God can help anyone turn from their wrong thinking and wrong desires, but we first have to humbly come to Him and seek His strength and truth. We must admit we are sinners in need of a Savior, and realize it is only Jesus Christ who can forgive us and set us free from these bodies of sin. 

Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Victoria Cobb, President Monday, January 4, 2021 The public comment period for the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) draft model policies for the treatment of transgender students starts today, January 4, 2021, and lasts through February 3, 2021.  These model policies are meant for local school divisions to either adopt as approved, or use them as the basis for even more expansive (and dangerous) “transgender” policies. ACTION: Click HERE to enter a comment on the townhall.gov website, and tell VDOE you do not approve of their proposed guidelines based on radical theories that eradicate all distinctions between male and female and indoctrinate our school children. (Click on “Enter a comment”) To learn more about this issue, you can read our blogs about it here and here.  While there are plenty of reasons to oppose these guidance policies, here are TEN that will help you form your comments: Failure to use a student’s new “preferred pronouns” – which can change from day to day and even defy basic rules of grammar (“ze/hir/hirs”, “they/them/their”) – would be “harassment” and “discrimination”, for which both faculty and students would be subject to disciplinary action. “For transgender students, acts of verbal harassment may include the intentional and persistent use of names and pronouns not consistent with their identity.” (Recommended Standard, p.10) “A school administrator may need to direct school staff to abide by the wishes of a student on their asserted name and pronoun. A school employee’s intentional and persistent refusal to respect a student’s asserted name and pronoun is considered discriminatory.” (Recommended Standard, p.12) “Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived transgender status shall be handled in the same manner as other discrimination or harassment complaints.” (Draft Policy, p.10)   Schools will be permitted to help a student explore, facilitate and make decisions regarding their gender expression of sexual identity while at school, without a parent even knowing! “School divisions will need to consider the health and safety of the student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their transgender status … There are no regulations requiring school staff to notify a parent or guardian of a student’s request to affirm their gender identity...” (Recommended Standard, p.12) The definition of “Gender identity” is completely subjective to each person claiming it, hence it cannot possibly be known by anyone except that person. Since it cannot be tested or ascertained by any objective method, nothing could prevent any student from constantly “changing” their “gender identity” to exploit many situations.  “Gender Identity: A person’s internal sense of their own identity as a boy/man, girl/woman, something in between, or outside the male/female binary. Gender identity is an innate part of a person’s identity and can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth.” (Definitions, p.6)   Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given sex would be at risk of being reported for child abuse or neglect by the school.  “School staff should be prepared to support the safety and welfare of transgender students when their families are not affirming. … Whenever school personnel suspects or becomes aware that a student is being abused, neglected, or at risk of abuse or neglect by their parent due to their transgender identity, they should report those concerns to Child Protective Services immediately.” (Recommended Standard, p.13)   Students will be allowed to claim to be either a biological male or female (or both, neither, or something else entirely) for any duration of time, without providing any evidence to a teacher or administrator, making it impossible for teachers to comply with these policies. “A student is considered transgender if, at school, the student consistently asserts a gender identity different from the sex assigned at birth… it does not necessarily require any substantiating evidence nor any required minimum duration of expressed gender identity ...” (Recommended Standard, p.12)  “Schools shall allow students to assert a name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity without any substantiating evidence.” (Draft Policy, p.13)   Schools would be prohibited from notifying parents if a biological male is using the same changing facility as their daughter that was designated for girls. “In addition to adhering to all legal standards of confidentiality, school personnel shall treat information relating to a student’s transgender status as being particularly sensitive, shall not disclose it to other students and parents, and shall only disclose to other school personnel with a legitimate educational interest.” (Draft Policy, p.12)   All students will be allowed to use any bathroom or locker room they choose, without being questioned by any school administrator or faculty, eliminating privacy and safety of students in states of undress. “Access to facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to a student’s gender identity shall be available to all students.” (Draft Policy, p.18) “School staff should not confront students about their gender identity upon entry into the restroom.” (Recommended Standard, p.18)   The requirements for schools to maintain gender-neutral dress code standards will cause disruptions and distractions, permitting boys to wear skirts and girls to go topless in activities where boys can – such as swimming activities or teams. “Students have a right to dress in a manner consistent with their gender identity or gender expression. Schools shall administer and enforce dress and grooming codes consistently across the student body, regardless of actual or perceived gender identity or gender expression.  Requirements for attire for school-related programs, activities, and events shall be gender-neutral.” (Draft Policy, p.16)   Parents will not be notified that their child is being interrogated by school officials for allegedly violating these policies, or have the opportunity to intervene on their child’s behalf, UNLESS the complaints are not resolved “at the school level.” “Any incident or complaint of discrimination, harassment, or bullying shall be given prompt attention, including investigating the incident and taking appropriate corrective action, by the school administrator. …The [School Division’s Designated Contact] shall be available to hear concerns from students or parents when complaints are not resolved at the school level.” (Draft Policy, p.10)   The policies provide absolutely no exceptions or accommodations for a student or teacher whose religious faith, conscience, or understanding of biology and sociology prevents them from being able to go along with the “transgender” ideology and policies. These troubling policies proposed by VDOE are totally unworkable and will force all students, faculty and administrators to comply with an empirically false view of sex and gender, even if it directly conflicts with their own fundamental beliefs. ACTION: Click "Submit Comment" below to enter a comment on the townhall.gov website, and tell VDOE you do not approve of their guidelines. (Then click on “Enter a comment”)

Submit Comment

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The Left Seeks Continually to Usher in Socialism

I awoke this morning to a thoughtful sounding man talk about how extreme protests from the right are accepted by society more as being political, but protests by the left are not tolerated. They are seen as a threat. He quietly said that socialist upheavals are seen in this manner also.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THERE IS NO WAY THIS MAN BELIEVES WHAT HE IS SAYING ON NATIONAL RADIO!!!!

No one from the right, or a conservative, has condoned the terrible acts yesterday at the Capitol. Every person interviewed stated how they disagreed with such measures, and said that violence is not the solution to our problems. Contrast that with the non-stop talking heads that consistently condoned the marxist BLM riots and protests. Leaders approved of those measures and acted as if those people had no other choice. Seriously? And it just happened to happen during the first global pandemic of our lifetimes. 

HOW CAN PEOPLE NOT SEE WHAT IS GOING ON WITH ALL OF THIS? 

It all brings to mind a relative of mine, who in recent months revealed his leftist political views, who thinks the right is socialist. Lord, help us. Clearly, today's new liberal doesn't read. There is no understanding of what socialism actually is, and those people are the ones who get used by that system to help bring others to power, while everyone else suffers. 

The spiritual blindness and mind control going on around us points to one thing only in my mind--Satanic oppression. There is no other explanation than God is allowing America to start feeling the effects of our wickedness throughout the last 48 years when we legalized abortion. We are starting to see what comes of legalizing a form of marriage that is an abomination to God. We are starting to see what comes of giving the government regular influence over the children God has entrusted to parents.

Communism and socialism are only able to take over a once-free nation when the people are afraid. These afraid people welcome in the 'safe' measures of their ever loving father  government, who clearly only wants what is best for them. 

Bowing at the altar of CNN, MSNBC and false religions is giving us just what we're about to get in this nation.

Come, Lord Jesus, Come. 

Simple Truths About Who Has the Power

No one comes into power outside of God's will. We see too many so-called Christians who fail to live this truthful reality out.

Violence is not the way to express one's discontent. Be mindful who and what you associate with.

All human life is valuable, thus those already born have a responsibility to protect the unborn.

God has ordained that marriage is between one man and one woman. Other unions are not marriage in His eyes. They are an abomination.

Those who claim to be in Christ, but whose lifestyle regularly opposes God's standards, are not actually in Christ. 

The gender you were at birth is still your gender when you are old. No one is helped pretending otherwise, particularly the one questioning this truth..

The vast majority of people die as they lived--either safely in Christ, or sadly outside of Christ.

Freedom is good. 

More people need to read Animal Farm or 1984, especially liberals who don't really understand communism.

Christ is coming for His own as a thief in the night. Be watchful, Christian. Use your time wisely.

2021 Premier Post

Fretting about the good opinion of other people can paralyze a believer's productivity. Why do we care if the lost, or babes in Christ, or even friends or family see things as we see them? Usually this stems from a fear of man. It involves wrong priorities, and serving the wrong master. If possible, we should live at peace with all men, but sometimes that is easier said than done. If we find ourselves in conflict often, we should find out if we've created a dynamic where people can't approach us to reconcile. Have we proven ourselves to be critical and judgmental, selfish or self-absorbed? If we are 'never really at fault', or if we're only at fault 'because of other people's initial wrongdoing', well....we best expect to find ourselves alienated from others.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24

Too often people seek bonding with others on gossip or easy, red-meat issues. "This person is controlled by such and such, I'll get them to like me by bringing that up". Sadly, we can fuel the weaknesses in others by playing that game. We can avoid engaging our own minds on tough issues when we do this.

The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? Ps 118:6

Something else we can too easily do, which undermines our right thinking, is focus on the ONE person who ________ (made a judgmental comment,  kept quiet showing their dissatisfaction, didn't attend, didn't say thank you). Why don't we discipline ourselves to look at the blessings? Recall who WAS there, dwell on who WAS understanding, or think of how all your fellow believers treated you. 💕

Perhaps 2021 should be the year to dwell on what God thinks of what we do, and leave other people's opinions to themselves. 

Colossians 3

Not Carnality but Christ

1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Character of the New Man

12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.