The following comments are based on the linked article on the Word of Faith Movement.
Link: http://apprising.org/2012/06/24/john-macarthur-calls-out-the-word-faith-movement-cult/
I think the best summary I can put is: The Word of Faith (WOF) Movement is Blasphemous and Heretical. Why?...Because it claims God is not sovereign (WOF says God is almighty but not soverign-two different meanings).
WOF claims Jesus has no authority on earth and that authority has been given to the church.
In the WOF system God is not Lord of all, He can’t work unless we release Him to work, He is dependent on human instruments, He is dependent on human faith, and above all, He has to act in response to human words to get His work done.
My opinion: WOF teachings is dangerous because it contorts and twists the Bible for its own uses, claiming verses that unsuspecting people don't know the true context and will agree that what that person is saying is true. They will believe a lie. The only reason I don't think this can be distinctively called a cult is that it says it uses the Bible as its authority as compared to all other cults have something else as the primary authority over the Bible. This however uses experience as authority over the Word of God. It is not outwardly claimed so but in listening to what is preached and taught, this is the case across the board.
The Bible says the heart is deceitful. If what we feel and experience don't line up with the Bible. Throw it out. The false teachers of the WOF are the wolves, don't be deceived. The believers of this teaching need compassion, prayer and love just as anybody that is deceived by false teaching. The Truth of God's character should be stood for.
Definitions: (Source: Wikpedia)
Theology (from the Greek Θεός meaning "God" and λόγος meaning "study of") is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths,
Blasphemy is the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for a religious deity or the irreverence towards religious or holy persons or things.[1]
A Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs.
Great resources that go into more detail on the Word of Faith Movement:
A Call for Discernment DVD series by Justin Peters (also in one hour segments on youtube)
The Healing Promise by Mayhue
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sunday, October 2, 2011
An Day in the Life.....
This would not be a typical day as the course of events go, but busy-ness is becoming normal for our family, and yet ...well it's hard to explain. Let me just tell you about today.
Overview: Ludie preached at our local church in Athlone this morning and it was broadcasted on national radio (the archive can be found at rte.ie) and then we went to Ballinasloe to meet up at the Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship, have a FABULOUS lunch with even more FABULOUS people. We then went from there with the Immersion Team and the First Baptist Woodstock team to the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. The kids and I then came home, ate, played chase and went to bed. Now I am sitting here with dirty dishes taking a sanity break.
Now let me fill in the details. ;)
Last night I stayed up until 1am getting ready for today. I cooked the sausage for breakfast and made the biscuits (not cookies, but savory scone type things) and put those in the refrigerator, got all the clean clothes put away, vacuumed/hoovered the living room (because the floor was just that nasty), cleaned the dishes that had been sitting on the counter since BREAKFAST and put the instant coffee, sugar and whitener (powdered cream) in the cups-because I knew I would need a big cup in the morning and quick! I was so proud I felt like June Cleaver. Probably one of the times I got it right.
So Lila and Ruthie woke up. I put her back in bed and told her it was not time to get up (so thankful for the later sunrise and heavy fog to make their room darker (even with blackout curtains). Fed Lila and then we were all up for the day. I was so excited. Breakfast was done in 15 minutes with a nice meal, coffee, scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage (I know I already told you this but I just had to say it again). Ludie practiced his sermon on us while we ate. It had to be timed to 15 minutes. This is a miracle in itself because his sermons are usually 45 minutes. How do you pack everything in in 15? I did give him a pointer, (honey if you are reading hold on, it gets much better). I told him that it sounded dry, he needed passion. I know he was timing himself and that is what he was most focused on, but it needed passion. I was honestly so scared to tell him. Who really wants any type of input especially before going on national radio in a little over an hour.
We then we all got ready for church. Ludie went out and sat in the car and practiced his sermon again (it was too chaotic in the house I guess to concentrate). Maybe I should just go sit in the car. No, the kids would find me.
Ludie left to go to the Mullins house and pick up some Wellies for me to borrow for the Horse Fair later that day. He also took some things over for Andrew to have while he is in isolation for FIVE WEEKS! (pray for them).
Before we left I texted all our friends and acquaintances to listen to Ludie on the radio. Which is real scary for me for several reasons, however I am thankful for this because I learned about some issues in my heart that needed work. First I hesitated texting them. My pride said, what if something happens and Ludie just has his worst sermon ever, and that is their impression of him and what we are doing in Ireland? What if these people hear this and completely turn their backs on us or against us (a thought I am ashamed of). And just being plain scared (over a radio programme. Then I got frustrated and thought what is a little radio programme got me so worried about and if I were in battle, say the Battle of Jericho, I'd be on the sidelines with knees knocking and crying, I'm just a spiritual weenie.
This was a huge opportunity, one that has not come to our church in 10 years and this is the one chance we have to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Well I had to work on some heart issues.
First issue: Pride: it is not about us. It is not about our capabilities or lack there of. What other peoples' impression of us are is not the measuring stick or our validation.
Next Issue: I should care more about others going to hell than how others view or treat us. I should take every opportunity to share the Gospel and get over myself!!! I've been told not to share the Gospel because it might rock the boat...my response was, "you care more about not rocking the boat than whether or not that person goes to hell?". And yet, I found myself being a hypocrite. "If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." Spurgeon.
Next Issue: The sin of worrying. When I worry, I am not trusting God. I am failing to see Him as God and in complete control of everything. Period. I also need to give myself grace. We are in a battle after all. So I asked forgiveness, repented and focused on who God is and not on who I am.
Anyway, we both met at church. I was early for once! However he forgot his coat and phone charger. I got the text after we got to church. We both forgot the offering and I forgot any money for later that day. Really rivetting huh?
I was on edge (again, yes I really need to take it down a notch). I was wondering how I was going to take care of Emily and nurse Lila while Ludie was preaching. I ended up feeding Lila before the service. Ruthie and Griffin would be in Sunday School. Thankfully the older kids were not with the younger kids this week so I sent Emily with Ruthie to Sunday school. Ludie checked on her and she was having a blast! Thank God. And I had only one child and she was sleeping in my arms.
The service was great. Everything went on schedule according to plan and Ludie really shucked some corn! He did a great job! His passion came through. Real passion, not just putting on a radio show passion but passion that comes from a heart that thrives in sharing the Gospel. You know that twinkle someone gets in their eye when they fall in love and they talk about that person to someone else? And as they talk that passion just oozes out of them? That is the way Ludie is when he talks about the Gospel. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is what flames his heart, and it is evident when he is sharing the Gospel individually or with a nation as was the case today. I know it is all God's doing, but I am sure glad He choses to use my husband, and that my husband is obedient.
We then left there and went to Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship for lunch with the church members, the Immersion Team and the First Baptist Woodstock Team. I just love that fellowship. The people there are some of the best in the world. They love on our family so well and just take care of us and take us in. My children know they are loved when they go there.
We then went to the Horse Fair. Now going to the Horse Fair is fun and Very interesting. It is not the everyday Ireland, and nowhere have I ever witnessed anything like this. There are 100's of horses, riders, carnival rides, and vendors on the street, and people selling poultry, dogs, goats and ferrets. The majority of people there are travelers (formerly known as gypsies). This could be it's own blog post so we'll skip those details this time. I'll just stick to my experience. We parked in the wrong spot so Ludie and David had to move the car and catch up with us. So CJ, Haley and Lindsey took me and the kids to "home base"-a church downtown- that was the meeting spot for our team. Haley pushed Lila in the stroller, Griffin is self sufficient, Ruthie held my hand and Lindsey took Emily because she got to heavy for me to carry after a while. While we were walking up a muddy slope as a cut through, a horse came down the hill while a car that was slipping in the mud tried to get up. We stayed back at a very safe distance but it was a sight to watch. We then met at our home base and then dispersed. There Ludie and the kids and I walked through the streets. I got shot in the rear by a bb from one of the traveler kids.
I honestly would feel completely comfortable navigating through there if I weren't trying to watch four kids in a crowd. I was also tired from the night before, tired from the stress this morning and now this. We got to the green where most of the horses were. I stayed out because there were too many horses for it to be safe for Lila in the buggy/stroller. However where we waited on the side, Lila, Emily and myself there were the occasional horses going by. One of which came flying with his rear end towards us because of his idiotic owner running down the street with him, whipping him around and not having control of him. I did not feel I could move Emily and Lila fast enough out of the way, so I just stood between them and the horse and yelled at the horse, and waiting for whatever happened next. With the adrenaline I had at the moment I think I could have taken Arnold Schwarzenegger out single-handedly. The Coueys, Pat Gaskin, and Ashley were so sweet and stopped and helped with the kids while Ludie had the other two. It all would not be such a big deal but I'm just not as mobile as I would be if I were by myself and could step out of the way, so moms who are reading this, do not worry about your kids. I could have and eventually did get into a safer place where we were blocked from the horses.
We then walked through the part I liked with the miniature horses, goat, chickens, ducks and goats for sale. I could eat that up. And then the strong mist came. We walked what seemed 1/2 mile to a mile back to the car. Emily and Ruthie did GREAT with their little legs and wellies. Griffin is just fabulous as always. We finally stopped walking and Ludie went the rest of the way and got the car for us. While we were waiting I hid Emily behind the stroller and changed her diaper while we were waiting. I was exhausted by then. I got in the car. I forgot to get petrol money out of our envelope. I was low on petrol, it was time for the baby to eat, my phone battery was low, the kids were hungry and tired and we were stuck in traffic. I chose not to worry this time....because God can handle it! I also chose to pray to Him first instead of texting my best friend Sarah. So I prayed and THEN texted Sarah. She prayed too. And then the traffic started moving, the baby fell asleep and the other three listened to a complete Magic Tree House audio book as we drove home. We then came home and ate left over biscuit and sausage, and also had turkey sandwich meat and tomato soup for dinner with orange diluted/squash to drink. Played chase. And now the kids are in bed. Ludie won't be in until the wee hours again, but at least he is somewhere local where he does get to come home for the night.
I got to see my wonderful friends that I have been waiting for so long to see, we really did have a great time at the fair. It was exciting and challenging, and most of all, God showed up today.
Though I unnecessarily fretted today, I have done a better job than usual about laughing at the days to come and not worrying, because I realize that God is in control, despite all the circumstances that surround us. Proverbs 31:25
Prov 31:25
Overview: Ludie preached at our local church in Athlone this morning and it was broadcasted on national radio (the archive can be found at rte.ie) and then we went to Ballinasloe to meet up at the Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship, have a FABULOUS lunch with even more FABULOUS people. We then went from there with the Immersion Team and the First Baptist Woodstock team to the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. The kids and I then came home, ate, played chase and went to bed. Now I am sitting here with dirty dishes taking a sanity break.
Now let me fill in the details. ;)
Last night I stayed up until 1am getting ready for today. I cooked the sausage for breakfast and made the biscuits (not cookies, but savory scone type things) and put those in the refrigerator, got all the clean clothes put away, vacuumed/hoovered the living room (because the floor was just that nasty), cleaned the dishes that had been sitting on the counter since BREAKFAST and put the instant coffee, sugar and whitener (powdered cream) in the cups-because I knew I would need a big cup in the morning and quick! I was so proud I felt like June Cleaver. Probably one of the times I got it right.
So Lila and Ruthie woke up. I put her back in bed and told her it was not time to get up (so thankful for the later sunrise and heavy fog to make their room darker (even with blackout curtains). Fed Lila and then we were all up for the day. I was so excited. Breakfast was done in 15 minutes with a nice meal, coffee, scrambled eggs, biscuits and sausage (I know I already told you this but I just had to say it again). Ludie practiced his sermon on us while we ate. It had to be timed to 15 minutes. This is a miracle in itself because his sermons are usually 45 minutes. How do you pack everything in in 15? I did give him a pointer, (honey if you are reading hold on, it gets much better). I told him that it sounded dry, he needed passion. I know he was timing himself and that is what he was most focused on, but it needed passion. I was honestly so scared to tell him. Who really wants any type of input especially before going on national radio in a little over an hour.
We then we all got ready for church. Ludie went out and sat in the car and practiced his sermon again (it was too chaotic in the house I guess to concentrate). Maybe I should just go sit in the car. No, the kids would find me.
Ludie left to go to the Mullins house and pick up some Wellies for me to borrow for the Horse Fair later that day. He also took some things over for Andrew to have while he is in isolation for FIVE WEEKS! (pray for them).
Before we left I texted all our friends and acquaintances to listen to Ludie on the radio. Which is real scary for me for several reasons, however I am thankful for this because I learned about some issues in my heart that needed work. First I hesitated texting them. My pride said, what if something happens and Ludie just has his worst sermon ever, and that is their impression of him and what we are doing in Ireland? What if these people hear this and completely turn their backs on us or against us (a thought I am ashamed of). And just being plain scared (over a radio programme. Then I got frustrated and thought what is a little radio programme got me so worried about and if I were in battle, say the Battle of Jericho, I'd be on the sidelines with knees knocking and crying, I'm just a spiritual weenie.
This was a huge opportunity, one that has not come to our church in 10 years and this is the one chance we have to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Well I had to work on some heart issues.
First issue: Pride: it is not about us. It is not about our capabilities or lack there of. What other peoples' impression of us are is not the measuring stick or our validation.
Next Issue: I should care more about others going to hell than how others view or treat us. I should take every opportunity to share the Gospel and get over myself!!! I've been told not to share the Gospel because it might rock the boat...my response was, "you care more about not rocking the boat than whether or not that person goes to hell?". And yet, I found myself being a hypocrite. "If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." Spurgeon.
Next Issue: The sin of worrying. When I worry, I am not trusting God. I am failing to see Him as God and in complete control of everything. Period. I also need to give myself grace. We are in a battle after all. So I asked forgiveness, repented and focused on who God is and not on who I am.
Anyway, we both met at church. I was early for once! However he forgot his coat and phone charger. I got the text after we got to church. We both forgot the offering and I forgot any money for later that day. Really rivetting huh?
I was on edge (again, yes I really need to take it down a notch). I was wondering how I was going to take care of Emily and nurse Lila while Ludie was preaching. I ended up feeding Lila before the service. Ruthie and Griffin would be in Sunday School. Thankfully the older kids were not with the younger kids this week so I sent Emily with Ruthie to Sunday school. Ludie checked on her and she was having a blast! Thank God. And I had only one child and she was sleeping in my arms.
The service was great. Everything went on schedule according to plan and Ludie really shucked some corn! He did a great job! His passion came through. Real passion, not just putting on a radio show passion but passion that comes from a heart that thrives in sharing the Gospel. You know that twinkle someone gets in their eye when they fall in love and they talk about that person to someone else? And as they talk that passion just oozes out of them? That is the way Ludie is when he talks about the Gospel. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is what flames his heart, and it is evident when he is sharing the Gospel individually or with a nation as was the case today. I know it is all God's doing, but I am sure glad He choses to use my husband, and that my husband is obedient.
We then left there and went to Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship for lunch with the church members, the Immersion Team and the First Baptist Woodstock Team. I just love that fellowship. The people there are some of the best in the world. They love on our family so well and just take care of us and take us in. My children know they are loved when they go there.
We then went to the Horse Fair. Now going to the Horse Fair is fun and Very interesting. It is not the everyday Ireland, and nowhere have I ever witnessed anything like this. There are 100's of horses, riders, carnival rides, and vendors on the street, and people selling poultry, dogs, goats and ferrets. The majority of people there are travelers (formerly known as gypsies). This could be it's own blog post so we'll skip those details this time. I'll just stick to my experience. We parked in the wrong spot so Ludie and David had to move the car and catch up with us. So CJ, Haley and Lindsey took me and the kids to "home base"-a church downtown- that was the meeting spot for our team. Haley pushed Lila in the stroller, Griffin is self sufficient, Ruthie held my hand and Lindsey took Emily because she got to heavy for me to carry after a while. While we were walking up a muddy slope as a cut through, a horse came down the hill while a car that was slipping in the mud tried to get up. We stayed back at a very safe distance but it was a sight to watch. We then met at our home base and then dispersed. There Ludie and the kids and I walked through the streets. I got shot in the rear by a bb from one of the traveler kids.
I honestly would feel completely comfortable navigating through there if I weren't trying to watch four kids in a crowd. I was also tired from the night before, tired from the stress this morning and now this. We got to the green where most of the horses were. I stayed out because there were too many horses for it to be safe for Lila in the buggy/stroller. However where we waited on the side, Lila, Emily and myself there were the occasional horses going by. One of which came flying with his rear end towards us because of his idiotic owner running down the street with him, whipping him around and not having control of him. I did not feel I could move Emily and Lila fast enough out of the way, so I just stood between them and the horse and yelled at the horse, and waiting for whatever happened next. With the adrenaline I had at the moment I think I could have taken Arnold Schwarzenegger out single-handedly. The Coueys, Pat Gaskin, and Ashley were so sweet and stopped and helped with the kids while Ludie had the other two. It all would not be such a big deal but I'm just not as mobile as I would be if I were by myself and could step out of the way, so moms who are reading this, do not worry about your kids. I could have and eventually did get into a safer place where we were blocked from the horses.
We then walked through the part I liked with the miniature horses, goat, chickens, ducks and goats for sale. I could eat that up. And then the strong mist came. We walked what seemed 1/2 mile to a mile back to the car. Emily and Ruthie did GREAT with their little legs and wellies. Griffin is just fabulous as always. We finally stopped walking and Ludie went the rest of the way and got the car for us. While we were waiting I hid Emily behind the stroller and changed her diaper while we were waiting. I was exhausted by then. I got in the car. I forgot to get petrol money out of our envelope. I was low on petrol, it was time for the baby to eat, my phone battery was low, the kids were hungry and tired and we were stuck in traffic. I chose not to worry this time....because God can handle it! I also chose to pray to Him first instead of texting my best friend Sarah. So I prayed and THEN texted Sarah. She prayed too. And then the traffic started moving, the baby fell asleep and the other three listened to a complete Magic Tree House audio book as we drove home. We then came home and ate left over biscuit and sausage, and also had turkey sandwich meat and tomato soup for dinner with orange diluted/squash to drink. Played chase. And now the kids are in bed. Ludie won't be in until the wee hours again, but at least he is somewhere local where he does get to come home for the night.
I got to see my wonderful friends that I have been waiting for so long to see, we really did have a great time at the fair. It was exciting and challenging, and most of all, God showed up today.
Though I unnecessarily fretted today, I have done a better job than usual about laughing at the days to come and not worrying, because I realize that God is in control, despite all the circumstances that surround us. Proverbs 31:25
Prov 31:25
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
This is what I want to do today....and all days.
I want to let my husband and children know that I love them more than anyone else on this whole earth.
I want to live sacrificially and respond with kindness, gentleness and joy.
When I need to forgive, I want to be reminded of how much I’ve been forgiven.
I want to run and jump and play and chase.
I want to have a puppet show.
I want to write the Word of the Lord on my heart and our children’s hearts.
I want to show grace when the opportunity arises that it is needed.
I want to teach what is right not what is not right by my example of Christ living in me.
I want to blow bubbles.
I want to laugh.
I want to tickle.
I want to read stories of adventures.
I want to act out those adventures.
I want to make new adventures.
I want to not be afraid to make a mess.
I want to stop still long enough to look at the flowers and ladybugs.
I want to lay out in the backyard and look at the clouds.
I want to not be afraid to learn or try something new.
I want to love.
I don’t want to be afraid to make a mistake.
I want to rest in knowing God will complete His work in me.
I want to laugh at the days to come (absence of fear, and have a gentle and quiet spirit).
I want to be able to readily deviate from my plan upon God’s plan taking precedent.
I want my children to know I love them…and that their heavenly Father is even greater and loves them greater than I.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Life and Appliances in Ireland
Here are some things that are different from how I grew up.
The shower is an electric shower. This is a luxury because when you turn on the shower, the water is hot. In our other bathroom the shower is run on an Immersion system (basically a water heater you have to turn on at least 20 minutes before you take a shower). The water heaters do not stay on here. The water is only heated by the furnace being on (heating the whole house, including the water in the water heater (or "Immersion system") or by turning on the Immersion system to heat it up only and not use oil to heat the whole house in the process. The electricity costs a lot and so does oil so you only use it for what you need and when you need it.
The stove has a main electric switch. If this is not on, then you cannot turn the stove on. The oven also has a switch too. I really like this feature for safety reasons also. What stinks is when I forget about it and turn on the burner to boil water or cook, and come back and it is not on because I forgot to turn the main switch on.
The heat in the house is regulated by the furnace which is set to a timer. It does not just automatically turn on or off when the heat goes above or below a certain temperature. If you are cold then you turn on the heat for more time, or hot, turn it off for more time. Usually we try to keep it off from bedtime until right before we wake up in the morning. So it can get really cold at night but the huge duvets take care of that. It also helps being married to Ludie who radiates heat. When he is not home however I turn on the hair dryer, heat up the bed and jump into it.
This is the switch for the Immersion system (or water heater) which not photographed is well insulated by the way. This is my best friend. :)
The outlets have on and off switches. They are 3 pronged outlets and have function on 220 Volts instead of 110 volts. 110 volts will electrocute a 70 lb pig and knock him out (we won't go more into how I know that). Let's just say, we are very careful with 220 volts and don't recommend plugging in any American appliances. Last time I tried, fire shot out of my hair dryer after it sounded like a 747 about to take off.
Well, that's a little fun insight into the life we have come to love here in Ireland.
The shower is an electric shower. This is a luxury because when you turn on the shower, the water is hot. In our other bathroom the shower is run on an Immersion system (basically a water heater you have to turn on at least 20 minutes before you take a shower). The water heaters do not stay on here. The water is only heated by the furnace being on (heating the whole house, including the water in the water heater (or "Immersion system") or by turning on the Immersion system to heat it up only and not use oil to heat the whole house in the process. The electricity costs a lot and so does oil so you only use it for what you need and when you need it.
The stove has a main electric switch. If this is not on, then you cannot turn the stove on. The oven also has a switch too. I really like this feature for safety reasons also. What stinks is when I forget about it and turn on the burner to boil water or cook, and come back and it is not on because I forgot to turn the main switch on.
The heat in the house is regulated by the furnace which is set to a timer. It does not just automatically turn on or off when the heat goes above or below a certain temperature. If you are cold then you turn on the heat for more time, or hot, turn it off for more time. Usually we try to keep it off from bedtime until right before we wake up in the morning. So it can get really cold at night but the huge duvets take care of that. It also helps being married to Ludie who radiates heat. When he is not home however I turn on the hair dryer, heat up the bed and jump into it.
This is the switch for the Immersion system (or water heater) which not photographed is well insulated by the way. This is my best friend. :)
The outlets have on and off switches. They are 3 pronged outlets and have function on 220 Volts instead of 110 volts. 110 volts will electrocute a 70 lb pig and knock him out (we won't go more into how I know that). Let's just say, we are very careful with 220 volts and don't recommend plugging in any American appliances. Last time I tried, fire shot out of my hair dryer after it sounded like a 747 about to take off.
Well, that's a little fun insight into the life we have come to love here in Ireland.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Bumps and Bruises and Bikes
Well, Griffin and Emily both have knots on their heads. I'm praying Ruthie is not the next one! Ludie, Griffin, Ruthie and one of Griffin's friends were in a car wreck last Tuesday. Griffin got the worst of it but thank the Lord, everyone is okay. He had a knot on his head, but thankfully no concussion. The car is done for. It collided with a tractor on a blind curve. Ludie was going slow but just one of those unavoidable things. Big tractors, and rainy narrow roads with hedges and stone walls on each side. Thank the Lord everyone is okay. Ludie is now riding a bike to work. Pray for his safety. .....Big tractors, rainy narrow roads with hedges, hills and stone walls on each side! We just got Griffin's bike repaired, and now it's broken again, ....narrow roads with hedges, hills and stone walls on each side!
Emily's head, just collided with the swing in the backyard.
I think I'll just tie bumper pads to everyone and put football helmets on them!
Emily's head, just collided with the swing in the backyard.
I think I'll just tie bumper pads to everyone and put football helmets on them!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Choosing Gratitude
I am currently working on the devotionals from the book Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
Each day of the 30 day devotional we are to keep a gratitude journal. Today we were to make a top ten list of the things we are most thankful for. Here is an excerpt from today's journal:
Scripture Reading: Romans 11:33-36 “Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! 34- Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor’ 35’Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?’ 36For from him and through him and to him are all things, To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Key thought or insight gained by Scripture reading in relation to thankfulness.
All things come from God, through him and to him. He does not owe us a thing! We have nothing to give Him that He has not first given us. And yet He gives to us. We should be thankful!
Responses to questions in devotional. What is my top ten from my lists so far of things I am grateful for:
1. Jesus Christ! Salvation and looking forward to a better place to live than this fallen world.
2. Husband that loves, cares for, provides for and protects our family. Grounded in the word and spiritually growing.
3. Health and ability to take care of my family, and health of my family
4. Scripture to guide us and point us in the right direction. That is the living, breathing, word of God that is truthful and relevant today as well as yesterday and tomorrow.
5. Friends and Family of Believers
6. Being able to stay at home and also homeschool my kids. Time and resources to invest godly values in my kids.
7. Being able to serve God in ministry and supporters that God used to provide a way to make that happen.
8. Electricity, Safe drinking water, safe place to live, vaccinations for kids, warm, dry house.
9. Freedom to worship and a local fellowship that is Biblically based as well as resources such as Wretched and WOTM!
10. That I am a work in progress, that God does not leave me alone or stagnant. That He is completing a work in me and through me that He set in plan before the world even came to be.
Write out prayers in response to study and meditation. Thank you so much for the refocus on the fact that all we have is from you and to you and through you. That there is nothing we have that is not from you, and that you do not give to us because we owe you something but because you freely give to us and love us, even beyond salvation. I thank you that I can rest in you that I am not left to myself to grow and live on this earth but you are the one, true God that is alive and active. That you are loving and trustworthy. That I can rest in You while I work to grown and learn. That you are working in me and through me, even through my mess ups and wrong choices and distractions.
What the Lord shows me about gratitude as I make this a focus of my thinking. Gives me a completely different perspective and outlook on life, but more importantly a proper perspective on God.
What heart issues need to be addressed, “triggers” to ingratitude that I need to watch out for: Judgementalism and my tongue.
What are some helps in becoming more grateful: Daily reading of the word and doing daily devotions
What are consequences of ingratitude and blessings of gratitude? The effect it has on me, and on how I treat others as well as how I effect others.
So there you go. Nothing that is earth shattering but what the Lord is working on in me through my devotions. And I am so thankful that He is working on me. I'd rather grow than be stagnant, and grow in gratitude.
Scripture Reading: Romans 11:33-36 “Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! 34- Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor’ 35’Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?’ 36For from him and through him and to him are all things, To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Key thought or insight gained by Scripture reading in relation to thankfulness.
All things come from God, through him and to him. He does not owe us a thing! We have nothing to give Him that He has not first given us. And yet He gives to us. We should be thankful!
Responses to questions in devotional. What is my top ten from my lists so far of things I am grateful for:
1. Jesus Christ! Salvation and looking forward to a better place to live than this fallen world.
2. Husband that loves, cares for, provides for and protects our family. Grounded in the word and spiritually growing.
3. Health and ability to take care of my family, and health of my family
4. Scripture to guide us and point us in the right direction. That is the living, breathing, word of God that is truthful and relevant today as well as yesterday and tomorrow.
5. Friends and Family of Believers
6. Being able to stay at home and also homeschool my kids. Time and resources to invest godly values in my kids.
7. Being able to serve God in ministry and supporters that God used to provide a way to make that happen.
8. Electricity, Safe drinking water, safe place to live, vaccinations for kids, warm, dry house.
9. Freedom to worship and a local fellowship that is Biblically based as well as resources such as Wretched and WOTM!
10. That I am a work in progress, that God does not leave me alone or stagnant. That He is completing a work in me and through me that He set in plan before the world even came to be.
Write out prayers in response to study and meditation. Thank you so much for the refocus on the fact that all we have is from you and to you and through you. That there is nothing we have that is not from you, and that you do not give to us because we owe you something but because you freely give to us and love us, even beyond salvation. I thank you that I can rest in you that I am not left to myself to grow and live on this earth but you are the one, true God that is alive and active. That you are loving and trustworthy. That I can rest in You while I work to grown and learn. That you are working in me and through me, even through my mess ups and wrong choices and distractions.
What the Lord shows me about gratitude as I make this a focus of my thinking. Gives me a completely different perspective and outlook on life, but more importantly a proper perspective on God.
What heart issues need to be addressed, “triggers” to ingratitude that I need to watch out for: Judgementalism and my tongue.
What are some helps in becoming more grateful: Daily reading of the word and doing daily devotions
What are consequences of ingratitude and blessings of gratitude? The effect it has on me, and on how I treat others as well as how I effect others.
So there you go. Nothing that is earth shattering but what the Lord is working on in me through my devotions. And I am so thankful that He is working on me. I'd rather grow than be stagnant, and grow in gratitude.
Friday, May 27, 2011
My life.
I have so much I want to tell you. I have so much I think of when I cannot get to a computer and then when I sit down I can't seem to remember the details that I wanted to share, or the way I wanted to put them.
Right now, where I am. I have had several things that I have been praying for and about. Some I knew I'd have to put my seat belt on because I knew I didn't know what I was asking for but trusted God with the results.
I knew that I was losing my patience to easily. I was snapping at the kids, at my husband and looking for someone or something to blame when things did not go my way. Internally I was miserable and I am sure my poor family suffered from it. I was running on empty and had not gone to the source of Living Water. I did not appreciate things like I should. I did not see blessings as I should and I had a sense of entitlement. Now I tried not to be that way, but the little trickling of ungratefulness crept it's way in me and up from my heart and out of my heart into my mind and actions and out of my mouth.
Now this is not something that happened overnight. This is a while in the making. So what did I do? I asked for God's forgiveness. And asked Him to give me the strength and wisdom to turn from old bad habits and ways of thinking and turn to Him. I asked for Him to take my heart of stone and replace it with a heart for Him. I asked for Him to give me quick recognition of wrong thinking and habits that I am unaware of and enable me to change. I did not know where to start. I asked that when I was stressed and squeezed that instead of leaking bitter lemon juice, I would overflow with the sweetness of a Georgia peach out of a heart that was pleasing to Him. He has answered those prayers and is continuing to do so. So now let me give you some snapshots into my life this week to show you how blessed I am and completely grateful for.
This is my life. I neatly made bed (I love a made bed-especially one that my husband made while I was in the shower. He also got all the children downstairs and changed the baby's dirty diaper this morning. That is all a big deal to me for which I am very grateful for. The ribbon is what I bought in America to tie back the blackout curtains I bought there also, at less than half of what it all would cost here. I love simple, cheap ways of beautifying the home and making it home for our family through personal touches like ribbons and buttons. The children's books were on the bed from the kids. My favorite time of day is when we all sit down together in my bed or Griffin's and read. The Manna for Mom's devotional I have not started yet, but am really looking forward to. The Southern Lady magazines that Jenny Hodges mailed me when we first moved here 2 1/2 years ago. She mailed me a care package. I still love reading those 2009 catalogs. The Southern Lady magazine is just the touch I need from home, and also knowing that that is from a Southern Princess that has touched my life in so many ways. Thanks Jenny!
I love that I get to spend the day with my children. It is such a privilege to be able to homeschool. Everyone says how fast they grow up. I only have 18 years, Lord willing, and want to take advantage of every bit of it. From instilling Biblical morals and values in them, to just spending precious time with them that I cannot get back. I love that they have this time together too. Here is Emily wanting to be like her big brother.
I love that they play so well together. Well, er, most of the time. They love to cook and here they are out while Ludie is grilling dinner. Ruthie was going to grill with daddy, and put hers on the little grill, but I think Griffin enjoyed "helping her" set up her grill more than she did.
Look at her. How can you not love her. She has just learned to walk, loves her wellies and loves life fully with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
Here are my two precious men, staining the pic nic table for me. It looks better than the day they brought it home! My love language is quality time followed by acts of service (re:from the 5 Love Languages book from Dr. Gary Chapman).
Thank you God for a wonderful family. And for opening my eyes to appreciate them.
Right now, where I am. I have had several things that I have been praying for and about. Some I knew I'd have to put my seat belt on because I knew I didn't know what I was asking for but trusted God with the results.
I knew that I was losing my patience to easily. I was snapping at the kids, at my husband and looking for someone or something to blame when things did not go my way. Internally I was miserable and I am sure my poor family suffered from it. I was running on empty and had not gone to the source of Living Water. I did not appreciate things like I should. I did not see blessings as I should and I had a sense of entitlement. Now I tried not to be that way, but the little trickling of ungratefulness crept it's way in me and up from my heart and out of my heart into my mind and actions and out of my mouth.
Now this is not something that happened overnight. This is a while in the making. So what did I do? I asked for God's forgiveness. And asked Him to give me the strength and wisdom to turn from old bad habits and ways of thinking and turn to Him. I asked for Him to take my heart of stone and replace it with a heart for Him. I asked for Him to give me quick recognition of wrong thinking and habits that I am unaware of and enable me to change. I did not know where to start. I asked that when I was stressed and squeezed that instead of leaking bitter lemon juice, I would overflow with the sweetness of a Georgia peach out of a heart that was pleasing to Him. He has answered those prayers and is continuing to do so. So now let me give you some snapshots into my life this week to show you how blessed I am and completely grateful for.
This is my life. I neatly made bed (I love a made bed-especially one that my husband made while I was in the shower. He also got all the children downstairs and changed the baby's dirty diaper this morning. That is all a big deal to me for which I am very grateful for. The ribbon is what I bought in America to tie back the blackout curtains I bought there also, at less than half of what it all would cost here. I love simple, cheap ways of beautifying the home and making it home for our family through personal touches like ribbons and buttons. The children's books were on the bed from the kids. My favorite time of day is when we all sit down together in my bed or Griffin's and read. The Manna for Mom's devotional I have not started yet, but am really looking forward to. The Southern Lady magazines that Jenny Hodges mailed me when we first moved here 2 1/2 years ago. She mailed me a care package. I still love reading those 2009 catalogs. The Southern Lady magazine is just the touch I need from home, and also knowing that that is from a Southern Princess that has touched my life in so many ways. Thanks Jenny!
Thank you God for a wonderful family. And for opening my eyes to appreciate them.
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