Silly Bandz

You've heard of Silly Bandz, right? No? Then you are not a parent of school aged children in the south eastern USA! They are all the rage...

Kids wear them on their wrists like a bracelet. They bend, stretch, but always bounce back! Silly Bandz come in all shapes and colors, and some even glow in the dark. Everyone wants them, and the stores are always sold out with yet another shipment on perpetual back order. You can get a 12 or 24 pack anywhere from $3.95 to $6.95, depending on the shapes and overall cool-ness factor. Needless to say, they are very much the "in" thing...

Do you know what they are? Fancy rubber bands.

Now if I said I'd sell you a 24 pack of medium sized rubber bands for $7, you'd laugh at me. There's no way you'd pay that much, and I wouldn't blame you! But throw in some color and mold them to always return to the same shape, and we can't buy them up fast enough! Why is that?

Now, I have nothing against these Silly Bandz. We've purchased several packages (and their off-brand versions), without hesitation. They really are neat. But I must always remember that they are really nothing but rubber bands. It's the same thing with clothing or any sort of fashion. A shirt is a shirt. But if you add a little extra color and stick a brand name on it, it's suddenly worth so much more. Honestly, it's the extra time, attention, and who it was made by that makes all the difference.

Why then, do we think it's any different with being a Christian?

Yes, a Christian is a Christian, but I want to be more than just a plain ole' rubber band for the Kingdom. I want to glow in the dark and be in the shape of some really cool object! That takes a little extra work on me. I have to be colored by the Word in my total composition, or daily, level. I'm required to learn to bounce back to my original shape by adding the compound of humility and service to Christ Jesus.

Then, and only then, will I be worth $7 a 24 pack to Him here on earth. I think that's worth the extra effort, don't you?

Happy Mother's Day to ALL Women

Proverbs 31:10-31

In Praise of a Capable Wife

 ¹⁰ Who can find a capable wife?
    She is far more precious than jewels.    
     ¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will not lack anything good.
    ¹² She rewards him with good, not evil,
    all the days of her life.
    ¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with willing hands.
    ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from far away.
    ¹⁵ She rises while it is still night
    and provides food for her household
    and portions for her servants.
    ¹⁶ She evaluates a field and buys it;
    she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
    ¹⁷ She draws on her strength
    and reveals that her arms are strong.
    ¹⁸ She sees that her profits are good,
    and her lamp never goes out at night.
    ¹⁹ She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
    ²⁰ Her hands reach out to the poor,
    and she extends her hands to the needy.
    ²¹ She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
    for all in her household are doubly clothed.
    ²² She makes her own bed coverings;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
    ²³ Her husband is known at the city gates,
    where he sits among the elders of the land.
    ²⁴ She makes and sells linen garments;
    she delivers belts to the merchants.
    ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing,
    and she can laugh at the time to come.
    ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and loving instruction is on her tongue.
    ²⁷ She watches over the activities of her household
    and is never idle.
    ²⁸ Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
    Her husband also praises her:
    ²⁹ "Many women are capable,
    but you surpass them all!"
    ³⁰ Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
    but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
    ³¹ Give her the reward of her labor,
    and let her works praise her at the city gates.
 

For all women are mothers to someone: Either physically or spiritually.

Happy Mothers Day!!

A Question.

What's the hardest thing you do on a fairly regular basis?

If there's nothing, what make you think you are growing/maturing?

Called to Freedom, But...

For you are called to freedom brothers; only don't use this freedom as on opportunity for the flesh, but to serve one another in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:13-16


For those of you who do not live in middle Tennessee, we have recently experienced what is considered a 100 year flood. Thousands have been displaced, historic buildings and sights were submerged, and the waters have left many dead with several still missing. What I have been most impressed with is the response of aid from locals. There are now so many organizations and areas to drop of supplies that there really is no excuse. They're everywhere.

As Christians we jump to our feed and are usually among the first to help, as it should be. So take the opportunity to jump in. Now.... continue to do so. Yes, we are called to freedom, but not for selfish gain or self-righteousness. We are called to freedom to serve one another. Doesn't sound like freedom to you? Try it.

Why is it, I ask even of myself, that we are willing to sacrifice to give of finances, time, and love when there is a natural disaster, when we seldom do the rest of the time? This is what we should be doing everyday. Yes, we step it up a notch when there is an abundant need such as this, but we shouldn't be scrambling for places to serve. We should already know about them because we have at least one foot in the door somewhere.

I realize suffering brings something out in us that fuels the desire to give, but we need to realize the greatest "natural disaster" of all is the effects of sin. If we want to help save flood victims, we need to float them over to Jesus Christ. He's the only dry land many will know. Are you worried about the hungry? Jesus is the ultimate bread of life. For those who lack clothing, He will dress them in white robes of righteousness. If they need shelter, He will tuck them safely under His wing. There is nothing that the needy need more than Christ Jesus. And that need is always there.

I truly believe that part of the reason I flesh gets in the way so that we start devouring one another is because we get bored when not serving. We will walk in one way or another: Christian or the World.

How is your walk today?

Are You Trapped?

Have you ever felt trapped?

It may have been a job, a decision you made, or one that was made for you. Whatever the circumstance, you feel like a prisoner. Perhaps even like a wild caged animal fighting to get out, yet only wearing down your claws on the immovable metal bars. Confined, helpless, desperate: Trapped.

As Christians we know about the freedom of salvation. We've learned that we have been set free. Our minds know this, but how often do we take that knowledge to our hearts? Have you ever wept with joy over your freedom? It is possible to feel free. Yes, you are in the same job. Yes, there are still the consequences of past choices. Yes, you still have "X" around to annoy the daylights out of you. But you are free.

Do you believe that?

Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and son't submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1


I pray today that the Lord Jesus Christ fills you with the joy of your freedom. We are new creatures in Him. Creatures who have been set free from the yoke of sin, fear of death, judgement, and condemnation. You are free if you have become a slave of Christ Jesus. It sounds messed up, but He knows the essence of how this works, and when you entrust Him with everything, you'll discover how true it is. To gain your life you must loose it. Gain freedom today.

Proof of Rest

Why do we think we still have to accomplish everything even when we are sick?

Today God reminded me of Peter's mother-in-law as encouragement. I was feeling guilty for being sick, to be quite honest, while at the same time was not surprised that I was. That's when He reminded me of Matthew 8:14, "When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever."

It doesn't say she was putting around the house trying to get things done, or that she was coughing and sneezing on them while serving: She was in bed.

Thank you Lord for reminding me it's OK to rest when I'm sick. I needed that.

Just Try

It is so hard to remain faithful to some tasks when you are sick. Sometimes for good reason, and sometime not. I have felt horrible today and though I was able to get all of my studying done, I just can't seem to think straight.

God will honor that I truly believe.

I may not be eloquent, but I am here.
I may not have comprehended most things I normally would, but I tried.
I may not feel ready, but I did what I could.
I may not even remember a thing, but He will.

Sometimes all we can do is try. Praise God He loves us with grace and not works. I pray my trying honors Him, even when it doesn't amount to much. He's the God who can do that.

The Nashville Flood. May 2, 2010.

When the Schedule is Interrupted

How do you respond to God when your life in interrupted?

Here in the Nashville, Tennessee area we have had flooding for the last few days due to a frontal system that stalled over us for about two days. Truly for once, to call it Epic is appropriate.(Building floating down I-24)

I have to admit that while I have talked to God and prayed for many friends whose homes have flooded or were about to, I haven't gotten into the Word as deeply. I'm not saying that God is horribly disappointed or that He doesn't understand and I've been bad. I just miss Him. I miss the Word speaking to me freshly. I'm so grateful that I do. It's a good indicator to me that I really do care deeply about Him and what He has to say to me.


So I'm going to go gorge on it.

In His Hand

NASA Photo of the Day

Don't we have an amazingly creative God?

I love when He shows off...

Gardening

Guess what God has been doing in my life the last few days? Gardening.

I've come to see my life as this beautiful field full of tall grasses, shrubs, and flowers: Rather like a lush, English garden. He and I have worked very hard to make it so. We had cut down all the briers and pulled many weeds. (Those pesky little things just kept popping up! But less in the last few years...) My Father has been great at teaching me when to water, fertilize, and prune. He always knows just when it's needed most in order to flourish. And He knows where to get the best seeds...

But, He's decided it's time to change it up a bit. He wants to plant some things that will produce a lot of fruit. So, He's been digging up some old roots that were still there, hidden underneath and forgotten. He say they're in the way.

But it really hurts.

I'm so glad He's taught me to trust Him. Otherwise there's no way I'd let Him tear me up like this! But I know He's doing it so we can have a great harvest. I'll just keep my focus on Him and think about how good that fruit will taste...

Your Calling

We are all called to service in Christ Jesus.

I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:24-26 Emphasis mine


In what way has God called you to serve? Another way this is termed is "Our Ministry". Some are called to minister to the poor, the hurting, the lost, or to help mature and encourage their fellow Christians.

What is your ministry? How has God called you to service?

If you're not sure what it is, how are you so sure you are serving Him?

Hurting

Did you really know that you are not the only one hurting?

You are not the only one with a closet full skeletons. Did you know that it doesn't matter if it's one little toy sized skeleton or the closet's jammed packed with monstrous sized ones? Rather like sin, even the smallest, white ones are still dry bones.

The wondrous thing is that we don't have to keep them there. Christ Jesus died to save us from the punishment of our sins and those include every brittle bone we have ever stuffed away. It's funny that we all recognize and accept Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", but when it comes to admitting that we still may have consequences from past sins, we feel so alone and that no other Christian will understand.

But, you are not alone.

What is so amazing and gracious about God is He can take those skeletons and use them to His glory through our lives. We can live victoriously, after all!

We need only open the closet door.

What then are we to say about these things? 

If God is for us, who is against us?

He did not even spare His own Son, but offered Him up for us all; 

how will He not also with Him grant us everything? 

Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the one who justifies. 

Who is the one who condemns?

Christ Jesus is the One who dies, but even more, has been raised; 

He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

Who can separate us from the love of Christ?

Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

As it is written: 

Because you were being put to death all day long; 

we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. 

No, in all these things 

we are more than victorious 

through Him who loved us.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, 

nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 

nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing 

will have the power to separate us from the love of God 

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Romans 8:31-39

Prayer

Wikipedia: Prayer

Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional connection to some greater power in the universe through deliberate intentional practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words, song, or complete silence. When language is used, prayer may take the form of a hymn, incantation, formal creedal statement, or a spontaneous utterance in the praying person. There are different forms of prayer such as petitionary prayer, prayers of supplication, thanksgiving, and worship/praise. Prayer may be directed towards a deity, spirit, deceased person, or lofty idea, for the purpose of worshiping, requesting guidance, requesting assistance, confessing sins or to express one's thoughts and emotions. Thus, people pray for many reasons such as personal benefit or for the sake of others.

Most major religions involve prayer in one way or another. Some ritualize the act of prayer—requiring a strict sequence of actions, or placing a restriction on who is permitted to pray—while many teach that prayer may be practiced spontaneously by anyone at any moment.

Tiffany: Prayer

I communicated with the Creator of everything today. I told Him I love Him and was unsure about some things. He knows what to do....

A Few Great Web Sites

Yesterday my daughter and I were blessed to be able to attend a Secret Keeper Girls event held here in the Nashville, TN area. It was a meaty, yet light-hearted event that left my daughter commenting at bed time, "We sure got to hug a lot today, didn't we mom?" I would highly recommend it to any mom who wants to enforce the beauty God created us for in her daughter. My personal favorite comment from the speakers was about how many men we should intoxicate with our beauty in our lives: One. Not one in elementary school, one in middle school, one in high school, one in college..... and so on and so forth!

Take some time to check out their website Secret Keeper Girl. It is full of great tips and resources for both moms and girls.

Another ministry I learned about today is Holt International. This organization is dedicated to supporting orphans in many countries until their adoption and also helps with the adoption process for those who have the heart to expand their family in this way. I have to say my heart went immediately to those in the Waiting Child program who are older, have medical problems, or are in sibling groups. Please take a few minutes to check out this organization and pray for them.

There have also been several of you who have asked for great online resources for Biblical studying. Below are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Bible Gateway
Study Light
Blue Letter Bible
E-Sword   This is a great FREE download to have on your computer at all times. Great for quickly finding the Greek or Hebrew word with Strong's reference number.
Bible Explorer  This is my favorite FREE downloaded program. Just make sure you go to the main page after the initial download and find all the free books you can add. This program is great because there are numerous other materials you can add in an a-la-carte format.