I receive Weekly Wisdom from Christ Notes in my inbox. A couple of weeks ago, the lesson was "You can't have a testimony without a test." The explanation that followed included the statement "The challenging events that we go through are what refine us and make us more like Christ. Indeed, 1 Peter 1:6-7 says that one of the purposes of going through grief and trials is so that our faith can grow and be proven genuine."
I agree with that. I've also noticed that when God has something to tell us, He'll often repeat the message so that we don't miss it. Sure enough, there is a message that God wants me to get, because as I was reading the book I mentioned earlier, there it was again.
Speaking of Abraham's faith, Sheila Walsh points out that his greatest test didn't come early in his relationship with God, but much later, after his faith had matured. Early on, his faith was small, and he kept trying to help God's plan along - fleeing to Egypt, deceiving the king, taking a concubine. . . you know the story. God didn't give up on him, and when the time came for the ultimate test, he was proven faithful.
The message for me is twofold:
1) As I sit here right now missing my kids and feeling discouraged, God is at work, in them and in me. He keeps His promises, and He will equip me to do whatever He calls me to do.
2) It's not about whose mother I am. It's about Who my Father is.
The purpose of this test is to strengthen my faith, and He will sustain me. I can rest assured.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Spiritual Meme
I considered myself tagged for this because BooMama said I could.
What is your life verse?
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. I've always loved this verse, although I haven't always exactly been patient. I definitely need the reminder.
Give a bit of your testimony.
I was brought up in church, baptized at age 9 when my family joined a Southern Baptist church, and saved at the age of 14 when I realized that I hadn't fully understood salvation the first time I walked the aisle. I was faithful and obedient for the next 4 years, then at 18 I took my eyes off Christ and looked elsewhere for fulfillment. I was a prodigal for 10 years, longing to be led back into the fold, but too ashamed to go on my own. When my husband "got religion", we joined a Southern Baptist church near us, and although I knew without a doubt that I was my Father's child, I still struggled with guilt over my many years of rebellion and other issues. I became the church Financial Secretary and taught Sunday school, and tried my best to be what God wanted me to be. I loved church, but I wasn't allowed to bring it home with me. Ten years later, tired of living a lie, I ended my destructive marriage and turned my life completely over to God. He has been with me all the time, waiting for me to realize that my emptiness was a need that only He could fill, and that I didn't have to earn His forgiveness. I now attend a United Methodist church which I am prayerfully considering joining.
Do you have a favorite preacher?
Not really. I like Adrian Rogers, and I do enjoy the sermons of Wiley Magee, a chaplain for the Louisiana State Corrections Department who spoke at my home church a few times.
What's the best Bible study you've ever done?
Returning to Holiness by Dr. Gregory Frizzell. Our church had done the study in preparation for revival several years ago, but I went through it again on my own last year. Very humbling. I'm dying to do a Beth Moore study.
What do you feel is God's calling on your life?
Right now, to be a godly example to my husband and kids as wife and mother/other mother. I went to college for a degree in Speech Pathology, but dropped out after one year and never went back. I think teaching is what I was meant to do, but not necessarily in a classroom.
I'm tagging Barb because she always tags me, and I would love to hear her story; and Mandy because she's a new christian; and Diane because she has such a sweet spirit; and anyone else who hasn't been tagged because I don't want them to feel left out.
What is your life verse?
Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. I've always loved this verse, although I haven't always exactly been patient. I definitely need the reminder.
Give a bit of your testimony.
I was brought up in church, baptized at age 9 when my family joined a Southern Baptist church, and saved at the age of 14 when I realized that I hadn't fully understood salvation the first time I walked the aisle. I was faithful and obedient for the next 4 years, then at 18 I took my eyes off Christ and looked elsewhere for fulfillment. I was a prodigal for 10 years, longing to be led back into the fold, but too ashamed to go on my own. When my husband "got religion", we joined a Southern Baptist church near us, and although I knew without a doubt that I was my Father's child, I still struggled with guilt over my many years of rebellion and other issues. I became the church Financial Secretary and taught Sunday school, and tried my best to be what God wanted me to be. I loved church, but I wasn't allowed to bring it home with me. Ten years later, tired of living a lie, I ended my destructive marriage and turned my life completely over to God. He has been with me all the time, waiting for me to realize that my emptiness was a need that only He could fill, and that I didn't have to earn His forgiveness. I now attend a United Methodist church which I am prayerfully considering joining.
Do you have a favorite preacher?
Not really. I like Adrian Rogers, and I do enjoy the sermons of Wiley Magee, a chaplain for the Louisiana State Corrections Department who spoke at my home church a few times.
What's the best Bible study you've ever done?
Returning to Holiness by Dr. Gregory Frizzell. Our church had done the study in preparation for revival several years ago, but I went through it again on my own last year. Very humbling. I'm dying to do a Beth Moore study.
What do you feel is God's calling on your life?
Right now, to be a godly example to my husband and kids as wife and mother/other mother. I went to college for a degree in Speech Pathology, but dropped out after one year and never went back. I think teaching is what I was meant to do, but not necessarily in a classroom.
I'm tagging Barb because she always tags me, and I would love to hear her story; and Mandy because she's a new christian; and Diane because she has such a sweet spirit; and anyone else who hasn't been tagged because I don't want them to feel left out.
A Good Book to Read
Yesterday I finished reading Sheila Walsh's "Extraordinary Faith", a gift from my friend and ex-wife-in-law.
If you've ever wondered if you have enough faith or if you've ever felt that you have failed God one too many times, I encourage you to read this book.
She points out that God is faithful, even when we falter. When we bring what we have to Him, He will do the rest.
Great gift! Thanks, April.
If you've ever wondered if you have enough faith or if you've ever felt that you have failed God one too many times, I encourage you to read this book.
She points out that God is faithful, even when we falter. When we bring what we have to Him, He will do the rest.
Great gift! Thanks, April.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Thursday Thirteen - Reasons I Love My Husband
Carl and I met online about 6 months before we decided to meet in person. On our first date, he felt something inside his sweater and turned up the front hem to see what it was. When I saw the safety pin, I said the first thing that popped into my head: Aww, did you lose your lunch money? The sound of his laughter was music to my ears. A year and half later, on March 10, 2004, we exchanged wedding vows at the Old Mill in North Litle Rock, Arkansas.It's funny that this would be the topic of today's 13. Just yesterday, when I told him I love him, he asked, "Why?" and I said, "There is no Y in love, dear." To be completely honest, I love him for every reason and for no reason at all. How do you narrow that down? I'll give it a try.
1) He is extremely intelligent, but he doesn't make me feel stupid. He challenges me to think for myself and values my opinion.
2) He is a funny, funny man, and I can make him laugh. Love that.
3) He is a handyman. He can fix just about anything and loves working with his hands. Anyone who calls on him for help knows that he will not turn them down, and he will not accept payment for odd jobs they ask him to do.
4) He is muli-talented. Art, poetry, music - his creativity astounds me. He has played the guitar professionally, both in studio and with a band. He knows every Don Williams song, and I love it when he plays and sings for me. He's also very modest and won't admit to being good, but trust me. He's good.
5) He is romantic. Playing guitar and singing to me? Writing poetry for me? Most romantic man I've ever met. He enjoys holding hands and walking in the park, candlelight dinners, picnics, and quiet evenings at home.
6) He is thoughtful. He's always asking "is there anything I can do for you?" He is affectionate. Hugs and kisses me all the time, touches me when he walks by.
7) He is generous to a fault. He cares nothing about material things and would rather give than receive.
8) He loves me like no other. He knows my faults and doesn't pretend to think I'm perfect. He treats me with respect, opens the car door for me, rubs my feet, massages my shoulders. He thinks I'm beautiful and tells me so. He doesn't expect me to do things for him that he can do for himself. He appreciates everything I do for him. I am his equal, not his servant.
9) He is a family man. He loves his kids and has a wonderful relationship with their mother. He cares very much for my kids, would do anything for them, and is waiting for them to give him a chance. He does not tolerate disrespect of their mother (or other mother) from any of the kids. Activities are kid-centered, not dad-centered.
10) He's handsome. Rugged, but not rough. Strong, but not muscle-bound. My masculine geek (that makes him laugh).
11) He is committed. He doesn't scope out other women. He would never set foot in a "gentleman's club" and finds Hooters offensive. He likes my mind and my company, not just my looks (good thing, too, since they're starting to fade.) He rarely leaves home without me.
12) He is confident. Not the least bit jealous. Not a hint of insecurity. He does not doubt my love for him, and he trusts me completely. We don't keep secrets from each other. He doesn't judge or accuse.
13) He accepts my family and treats my parents with respect.
For all these reasons and more, I love this man who calls me his wife.
Fwd: Fw: Fw: When you care enough to send the very blessed.
To all my friends and fellow bloggers:
I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt, sincerest gratitude to all of you who don't forward the entire contents of your inbox to mine. You read my blog, sometimes leave comments, and sometimes send personal email. For that, I am truly thankful. God bless you!
To everyone else:
I enjoy a good joke, really I do, and I love inspirational stories. Those pictures are very cute, adorable even, and the warnings are helpful. But y'all! Did you know that you can click "Create mail" and send a message of your very own? You can even make up your own title! How cool is that? I know, some things are just too compelling not to pass along, especially if the chances of your wish coming true or your blessings being increased are multiplied by the number of people you send it to. If you must click "Forward", please, please, check the names of the other recipients so you don't send them the same message they just received from whoever sent it to you. We'd appreciate it.
p.s. You're wasting your time if you send me anything that MUST be forwarded in order to have wishes granted or to receive blessings. It shall be deleted.
Let us ponder a few questions, shall we? How do they know how many times that woman has walked around the internet? Who's keeping track? Where do those petitions go, and how do they get them back? What's the point of making a wish before saying a prayer? Is that for "just in case" God and the Forward Fairy are rolling dice to see who gets to grant the next request? Think about that. Email me your thoughts if you like. :)
There are real people out there sharing real stories of pain and healing, struggle and triumph, loss and hope. Their experiences are personal, heartbreaking, uplifting, humbling, encouraging, and genuine. They reach out to one another. They lift each other up in prayer. They are blessed, and I am blessed through them.
That, folks, is why I blog.
I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt, sincerest gratitude to all of you who don't forward the entire contents of your inbox to mine. You read my blog, sometimes leave comments, and sometimes send personal email. For that, I am truly thankful. God bless you!
To everyone else:
I enjoy a good joke, really I do, and I love inspirational stories. Those pictures are very cute, adorable even, and the warnings are helpful. But y'all! Did you know that you can click "Create mail" and send a message of your very own? You can even make up your own title! How cool is that? I know, some things are just too compelling not to pass along, especially if the chances of your wish coming true or your blessings being increased are multiplied by the number of people you send it to. If you must click "Forward", please, please, check the names of the other recipients so you don't send them the same message they just received from whoever sent it to you. We'd appreciate it.
p.s. You're wasting your time if you send me anything that MUST be forwarded in order to have wishes granted or to receive blessings. It shall be deleted.
Let us ponder a few questions, shall we? How do they know how many times that woman has walked around the internet? Who's keeping track? Where do those petitions go, and how do they get them back? What's the point of making a wish before saying a prayer? Is that for "just in case" God and the Forward Fairy are rolling dice to see who gets to grant the next request? Think about that. Email me your thoughts if you like. :)
There are real people out there sharing real stories of pain and healing, struggle and triumph, loss and hope. Their experiences are personal, heartbreaking, uplifting, humbling, encouraging, and genuine. They reach out to one another. They lift each other up in prayer. They are blessed, and I am blessed through them.
That, folks, is why I blog.
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