Eye Candy Will Make You Sick

Can I share something with you that troubles me? Okay, here goes....

Eye candy.

photo credit

Yes, that's right. Eye candy. Pinterest is all the rage right now and, I will admit, I am a fan. I love learning new tips and tricks to better my home, my health, and finding fun activities to try with my kiddo. But I get disturbed when I see tweens, teens, young ladies, and - yes - married women pin pictures of male celebrities onto their boards. ---- Mind you, I'm talking about Christian girls and women.

Remember when your Mom would say, "No more candy. It will give you a tummy ache"? We were taught from an early age that eating too much junk food was bad for us and could make us sick. It's definitely true! Too much candy = bad health. Too much junk food = low energy and an all-around BLEH-feeling! Now let's apply that spiritually.

Spiritually, ANY and all "junk food" makes us sick. It erodes our soul. It drains us of spiritual stamina. It puts our focus on earthly, carnal things instead of heavenly things. Keep in mind sin most always starts with the eyes. We see it. We want it. We take it. The Bible calls it the "lust of the eyes."  (1 John 2:16)

You may be thinking, "Okay I see what you're saying, but I'm just pinning a picture of a good looking guy! No harm, no foul."

I beg to differ.

If you are single, this harms your perception of marriage and devalues men in general. Think about it. Take a second and picture your future husband pinning pictures of ultra-"gorgeous" female celebrities onto his Pinterest board. Picture him gawking and drooling over the skinny, barely clad, airbrushed models that he tags as "sexy" and "delicious." Would it bother you? Intimidate you? Hurt you? Make you feel less than perfect? Likewise. If you fill up your eyes and your mind with "eye candy" you will have little room for good, healthy, Biblical precepts. Proverbs 31:10 asks the question, "Who can find a virtuous woman?"  In verse 12, it says that she (this virtuous woman) does her husband "good and not evil all the days of her life." Let me ask you. Is it virtuous to store up man candy, even while single? Is it doing your future husband good? Are you preparing yourself to be a noble and Godly wife while filing away images of "hot men" that you can (and no doubt will, as is tempting for us to do) compare him to? Think about it, girls. Be wise!

If you are married, this is a slap to your husband. In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus talks about adultery and says some strong words. He said that if a man looks at a woman and lusts after her, he has already committed adultery in his heart. That goes for us, too! Wow...talk about serious! Proverbs 5:15 instructs husbands to "Drink waters out of thine own cistern..."  What does that mean? It means stick with your own wife. And in like manner WE should stick with our own husbands, not only physically by not committing literal adultery, but in every way! Bring your husband honor by regarding him as the only lover of your heart and the only "candy" your eyes indulge in. Build your house, ladies. Don't pluck it down by foolishly allowing your eyes to drink in the shirtless, seductive-posing Hollywood celebs that you are not married to.

It all goes back to purity. Purity is more than being physically abstinent. It's so much more! And, believe you me, impurity has a knack for knocking down a single young person, and utterly pulverizing a marriage.

Simply put: Eye candy will make you spiritually sick.

My "Love Dare" For You

Those of you who have seen the movie, Fireproof, may have recognized the title. In that movie, Caleb, on the brink of divorce, is given a "dare" by his father. The dare shows Caleb what marriage is and, ultimately, leads him to the Cross on the way.
 

Well today is Valentine's Day and, as I type this, I am watching the Tweets and the Facebook posts from people all over. They are posting about flowers, candy, date nights, love letters, their significant others...or their "woes" about being single on this "lover's holiday." As I blogged the other day, Valentine's Day has a pretty rotten origin. And as a Christian, sometimes it's not so simple to know exactly how you ought to respond. My husband and I talked about it again this morning. We don't want to be legalistic but we do want to live righteously. With that being said, I have my own little "Love Dare" for you today. Actually....I have two. :)
 

If you are single...
 
I dare you to draw nigh unto God...(James 4:8)
  
I dare you to trust in Him, with ALL your heart...(Proverbs 3:5)
   
I dare you to let Him show you how to love...(1 Corinthians 13:4-8; John 13:5)
   
I dare you to see HOW MUCH in love He is with you!....(Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 2:19-20; Romans 8:38-39)
  
I dare you to walk in wisdom, in love, and in purity....(Colossians 4:5; Ephesians 5:2; Matthew 5:8)
   
I dare you to let Him lead you in everything...(Proverbs 3:6)
 

If you are married...
   
I dare you to love each other as Christ loves you...(1 John 4:7)
  
I dare you to put one another above yourself....(Philippians 2:3)
  
I dare you (wives) to be your husband's help meet....(Genesis 2:18, Titus 2:3-5, Proverbs 31:10-30)
  
I dare you (husbands) to be your wife's protector and leader...(Ephesians 5:23-29)
  
I dare you to be kind, patient, and servant hearted with one another...(Galatians 5:13; Galatians 5:22-25)
  
I dare you to let God build your life, your marriage, and your family...(Psalm 127:1-5)
   

On this "day for lovers," I challenge you to fall more in love with our Lord and Savior. Because if HE is the all-complete lover of our souls, then all else will fall into place and into perspective.

Valentine's Day Traditions

I am a wife. I am my husband's sweetheart....and he is mine. :)

But I am also a Christian. And as such, I should be known by my discernment and should be asking questions regarding everything that comes into (or out of) my life and my home. Having said that, it brings me to next weeks' holiday. Valentine’s Day.

What IS Valentine's Day, anyway? It is so easy to fall into step with the rest of mankind and follow their customs and traditions without ever pausing a moment and asking ourself, "Why AM I doing these things?" It's so easy! So because I want to be intelligent and "in the know" about everything I participate in, I did some studying. And below is what I have discovered. I hope, just as they answered my questions, I pray they can answer the questions you may have -- and, indeed, I hope you DO ask questions about the customs you practice as well.

    
* What is the origin of Valentine's Day? Like most holidays, Valentine's Day goes WAY back. In the days of the Roman Empire, the month of February was the last and shortest month of the year. February originally had 30 days, but when Julius Caesar named the month of July after himself, he decided to make that month longer and shortened February to 29 days while making July a month of 31 days. Later, when Octavius Caesar (also known as Augustus) came to power, he named the month of August after himself and, not be outdone, he also subtracted a day from February and gave the month of August 31 days. We can see that it's still that way today. The ancient Romans believed that every month had a spirit that gained in strength and reached its peak of power in the middle of the month. This was usually the 15th day, and it was a day when witches and soothsayers worked their magic. Since February had been robbed by the Caesars and had only 28 days, it became a very important pagan holiday in the Empire of Rome. The sacred day of February 14th was called "Lupercalia" and on that day, they worshipped the goddess Juno, Queen of the Roman gods and goddesses and known as the goddess of love and fertility. On February 15, the Romans celebrated Luperaclia, honoring Faunus, their god of fertility. Men would go to a grotto and would sacrifice a goat, don its skin, and run around, hitting women with small whips....an act which was supposed to ensure their fertility.

Then the Catholic church stepped in and, as is their custom, "Christianized" the holiday. Today, the Catholic church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. And, oddly enough, they are recognized on February 14. In an effort to conform, compromise, and put a "Christian" stamp of approval on the pagan Lupercalia festival, they glazed over the celebration of lust and fertility and chose to celebrate on that day as well, using the excuse of their martyrs. Make no mistake. It was done intentionally.
 
Where did Cupid come from? The little baby in a diaper that shoots people with arrows, dipped in a love potion, and makes them fall in love. Sounds like made-up, harmless fun. But it isn't. In Roman mythology, Cupid is a Roman god of passionate love. He is the son of Venus who is the goddess of love and beauty. Again, it is no mistake that he is a primary symbol that dons our Valentine's Day cards and candy.

What is the origin of Valentine cards? I remember, as a little girl, exchanging Valentine's Day cards with friends. We would count them up and, hopefully, have more than everyone else. I remember receiving plenty of "be mine" notes. But....where did that custom come from? Now I know. Remember the above, when on February 15, men would go to a grotto, sacrifice a goat, wear its skin and whip women to ensure their fertility? Well AFTER that, the young women would gather in the city and their names were put into boxes. This was called a "lottery" and these “love notes” were called “billets.” The men of Rome would draw a billet, and the woman whose name was on it became his sexual partner with whom he would play erotic games and fornicate until the next "Lupercalia"....or February 14th. And it was all done in honor of Juno, the goddess of "love"....though "lust" is more what it looks like.

Sadly, THAT is the origin of the, seemingly harmless, "Be my Valentine" tradition.

Obviously, it wasn't about fidelity and true, agape love that 1 Corinthians 13 speaks of. It wasn't even about marriage. The whole thing was to honor pagan gods of fertility and the "love" of the flesh. February 14th - and 15th - became a time of unbridled sexual lust.
  
So there is some information concerning Valentine's Day and its origins and traditions. I pray that you will take this information and pray and ask the Lord how you should respond. Then obey.

That's What Grace Can Do

I used to think I didn't have a testimony.

I know it sounds strange, but I really did used to believe that my testimony wasn't a "real" one. You know what I mean...the "real" ones are epic and dramatic, right? I used to sit in awe as great men and women would stand up and tell about all the things that they had been delivered from through the grace of God.

I was in prison for 15 years for killing someone....

I would smoke anything you would set on fire....

I was a hit man....

I had sold my soul to alcohol....

I was a prostitute and ran a topless bar.....
 
I would sit and listen and think, "Wow. What a great testimony! I wish I had one like that...." Little did I know that my thinking was very much off.

I was raised in Church. I was born into a Christian home, with Christian parents, around Christian people. I was taught the Bible from day one. I literally grew up in buses, in Churches, and in the homes of preachers and pastors and Church people. I constantly heard preaching about Jesus, singing about Jesus, stories about Jesus, and testimonies about what Jesus had done. As I often joke, I was born on a pew. When I was five years old, I asked Jesus to come into my heart. I spent my life trying to make choices based upon solid, Biblical principles, doing my best to allow the Lord to, daily, transform me and make me peculiar and set-apart. I never tasted alcohol. I never tried any drugs. To this day, I've never held a cigarette. I never fooled around with guys. I never even kissed anyone until I kissed Grant on our wedding day. I never cussed and used foul language. I didn't tell crude or sick jokes. I never snuck out of my house. I never watched an R-rated movie! I was a good girl!.....by the world's standards anyway.

Though I had never noticed it before, I realized one day that I had allowed quite a chunk of pride to take up residence in my life. Though I could quote "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10), I didn't truly feel the impact of that truth until I met my husband.

Grant grew up on the other side of the tracks. He was raised in an environment of divorce, alcohol, and drugs. He had seen the inside of a jail cell. He was well acquainted with the atmosphere that drinking would produce. He knew the Church routine but, instead of seeing sold-out people abandoned to Christ, he saw hypocritical Christians who would walk into Church, Bible in tow, but could be found on the bar stool beside him that next Friday night. He saw first-hand what I had only heard about growing up.

When we met, I did not know about his past, but neither did I entertain the thought that we would ever be together. I had assumed I would marry someone just like me..... A guy with a family on the road, homeschooled, a singer, a past that held no bad baggage. But the Lord's ways are always higher than ours. I remember a certain night in October of 2008. Grant and I had become very good friends over the summer. We had spent a lot of time together witnessing with our group. We were both attracted to one another and, though I wouldn't admit it at the time, I was falling for him. Hard. On this particular night in October, Grant had asked me if I would consider pursuing a relationship with him. He had spoken with my Dad and I had told him that I needed to think and pray about it. On this night, we were talking and Grant began to tell me a bit about his past and how he had grown up. Though I had heard a few bits and pieces, it was the first time I heard his whole story. And my pride quickly rose up. As he was confiding in me his "dirty laundry," I found myself thinking, "Oh no....no, God. I CAN'T. No way. There is no way I can EVER be with him now. I mean, I praise God for his salvation and deliverance from sin, but that most certainly does not mean I should have to live with it. No. The guy I marry is going to have a clean past... like me."

Immediately, God placed a firm hand over my spirit's mouth. Even though I hadn't spoken those words out loud, they were said very loud and clear in God's ears. And like a swift, spiritual spanking, the Lord reprimanded me and I felt Him say, "Kristen! What makes you think that you are any better? YOUR sin is just as sickening in My sight."

To say I felt ashamed that my thinking had been so prideful is an understatement. And I began to cry as Grant finished his story. I felt sorrow for everything he had had to see and experience. I felt broken for him. But more than that, I felt utterly disgusted with my own sin - the biggest of which I found was my arrogance and pride. As he ended his testimony, he said, "Kristen, I'm sorry and I hope you can forgive me of everything I did that was ungodly."
    
Suddenly I became aware of what grace really was. For the first time, I was put in a position I had never been in before. I began to think of Jesus and how He looked upon all my sin - all the wretched, foul, and despicable thoughts, desires, actions, and attitudes - and chose to forgive and accept me in spite of it all. He gave me a full pardon. He wiped my slate clean. And here was this man asking ME to forgive him???  With LOTS of tears, I said to my husband-to-be, "If God forgives you....then who am I to refuse to forgive you too??"

That night was a pivotal moment in my life when I suddenly understood grace like I never had before.

Far too many take grace for granted. Far too many do ungodly things in the name of grace. Many choose to lovingly welcome and justify sin and call it grace. Many view grace as the acceptance, without rebuke, of everything that is unholy.

But let me tell you what grace really is.

Grace is the God of all that is just and righteous looking down on a pathetic, despicable, broken sinner and, showing mercy and love, chooses to forgive and cleanse and restore that sinner. Grace is God clothing that sinner in the blood of His Son and sitting them down at His right hand. And grace is that sinner, with thankfulness and praise and humility, showcasing that incredible event to others.
  
Grace is my husband seeing all my of all my flaws and imperfections and yet remain faithful.
   
Grace is my husband forgiving my emotional outbursts of hatefulness and disrespect.
 
Grace is my husband knowing my sins and struggles - past and present - and choosing to love me in spite of them.
   
....and grace is me doing the same.
        
Don't frustrate the grace of God. Don't make excuses for sin in the name of grace. If we do that, we miss all that grace TRULY is!
        
If we - as that broken and shameful sinner - humble ourselves in the sight of God and one another, we will be raised up. We will be healed. We will be strong. We will see the glory of redemption. We will be filled with joy. We will have a bigger impact upon those still in Satan's clutches. And we will have a better understanding of all that was done at Calvary.

That's what grace can do.

Grace! Grace! God's grace!
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace! Grace! God's grace!
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
 

To Love Their Children

The other day, I learned that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced that they are now expecting their 20th child!! ohmygoodness!

I am a big fan of their TV show on TLC and watch it as often as I am able on Tuesday nights and early on weekday mornings. I enjoyed watching the budding romance, engagement, and the wedding of their oldest son, Joshua, to Anna, along with the birth of their two children. I have loved reading their first book (the second is on my Christmas list) and prayed along with thousands as their 19th child, Josie, came into the world four months premature. So, yes, I am a fan. :) A lot of people have had derogatory and....well, let's just be honest....hateful comments about the Duggars and their way of life. I have to say, "Gracious, let them alone!" I, for one, am inspired at their obedience in letting the Lord have full control of every area of their lives, especially in the issue of children. That is when you can truly sing, "I surrender ALL." I'm amazed at how they run their home smoothly and with order with so many kids when I know of countless parents who cannot control the one or two kids they have. Grant and I are praying for Michelle as she sacrifices her body, once more, for the giving of life and for trusting the Lord to do all things well. :) God bless them.

With the Duggar family fresh on the brain, I have been thinking of motherhood.

John Wesley said, "I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England."

The impact of that statement is huge. What a powerful remark! Through his mother's diligence in teaching him about Christ and what it means to be a Christian, he learned what no professor could ever teach. He saw Christianity in action in his home; in the life of his own mom. I have read about his mother, Susannah Wesley. Susannah was the youngest of twenty-five children! (you're not quite there, Duggar family! :) She, herself, bore nineteen children with her husband, Samule Wesley. Many Godly women in history had the honor of bearing many children. Elizabeth Fry, a sweet Quaker woman who reformed prisons in England, bore eleven children. Sarah Edwards, the godly wife of Jonathan Edwards, was also the mother of eleven. Catherine Booth, the wife of the founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, gave birth to eight children.

Psalm 127 verses three and four says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them...."


Happy is the man that hath his quiver full. For some, the Lord may say that one or two is a "quiver full." For others, a quiver full may be twenty or twenty-five! However many children we are blessed with, the Bible gives us, mothers, a great responsibility; mainly to LOVE our children.

Recently, I read a book that convicted me and inspired me to become a more godly wife and mother. It was a study of Titus 2 and, in reading and studying, I was constantly reminded of how I should be as a Christian woman....


Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

It seems like such a no-brainer to love our children, doesn't it? But it doesn't always come so easily. In studying, I learned that the word, love, found in Titus 2 was the Greek word, Phileo, which is where we get the word Philadelphia (the city of brotherly love). This word isn't Agape love (unconditional love; sacrificing love; God-like love). Phileo is an affectionate love; a friendship love; a tender love.

Though Nathan hasn't yet reached the toddler years or the age where he challenges authority, I am working to display phileo love and to make it a lifestyle. Sometimes it's so easy to show sacrificial love and even unconditional love. We, wives and mothers, will clean up milk and kool-aid spills. We will wash dirty underwear and stinky socks. We will labor and sweat over meals. We will work and work and work....from sun up to sun down.... but will we show phileo love? Are we tender? Are we compassionate? Are we affectionate? In studying this word, I have seen my reflection in love's mirror and.... I'm afraid that I am guilty of not showing phileo as often as I ought to. To my husband, I am often quick-tempered and too "busy" to stop and gently kiss his cheek and ask him how his day was. Suffice it to say, I've been convicted. But I pray, with all my heart, that I will learn to make phileo as normal as breathing in and out. I hope the Lord will bless me and Grant with more children, but no matter how many arrows He places in our quiver, my heart's desire as a mommy is to be full of phileo love. When I am tempted to yell in anger or to let my emotions take over when I am irritated, I want to be reminded to LOVE my children. When they have me ready to pull my hair out, I want to remember that God instructs me to phileo my kiddos, even when their hands are covered in peanut butter and they smear chocolate on my purse.
   
With our world news full of stories of mothers who want to rid themselves of their children, I pray that we, Christian mothers, will resolve to rejoice over ours and to LOVE them....and show it.

The God Who Loves The Sinner

Lately in my world there has been much talk of the love of Jesus. Many people believe that I (along with my family) are one sided and view God as a scary judge ready to pound you once you do something bad.

I am here to clear the air.

My writings are often a call to Christians to come out and be separate. Many times, they are earnest pleas and warnings to stay away from "this" or flee from "that." As a result, I have been told on more than one occasion that I am judging and hating and should talk more about the love and acceptance of God than of "blasting" worldly things.

I prefer truth.

Oh friend....if you were ever to know my heart, you would KNOW that I want to love like Jesus loves! I want to have His heart. I want to have His passion. And I want to shine Jesus! As His daughter, I desire to love what He loves and hate what He hates. As a Christian, I am to live as He would live. As His ambassador, I long to proclaim my Lord's Word. As His redeemed, I must declare that He is not willing that any should perish! As His servant, I have to warn others of sin.

Sin has already been judged. The world has already been condemned. Those who are in Christ are free from condemnation (thanks be to our awesome God!), but should we not go and tell others about the gravity of sin, the blackness of our flesh, and the amazing redeeming power and love of God??? YES! But so many think that we should only love. Love IS the key, yes, but it is also only half of the full Gospel. His Word says that if we are FRIENDS with the world, we're ENEMIES with God. That is serious!!....and yet we take that so lightly. We agree that God hates sin, but we shake our heads and say "God didn't mean that" when we read where He tells us to confront sin and call it out. But regardless of what we do or don't do, the Bible still stands as the absolute truth and authority.

His Word says to love as Jesus loves (John 13:34; John 13:35; Romans 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:9). His Word says to be kind, not repaying evil for evil (1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9; Luke 6:35; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Ephesians 4:32). His Word says to walk humbly and in love (Ephesians 5:2; Luke 6:32; Colossians 3:12).

But His Word also says to warn the wicked and unruly of their sins (Ezekiel 33; Isaiah 58:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Timothy 5:20). His Word says to repent and tell others to repent (Mark 6:12; Luke 5:22; Luke 13:3; Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19). His Word says to both encourage and correct one other (Luke 17:3; Proverbs 29:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24; Galatians 6:2; 2 Timothy 4:2).

The Gospel must be lived and taught in its entirety.

All of Scripture is meant to give us a painful realization of our own wretchedness. We are supposed to read Scripture and understand that we can never fulfill the requirements of God’s law. We are supposed to feel “clobbered” by the truth of our own hopelessness.


That’s what makes the Gospel so beautiful!

God is love. We all know this. As 1 John 3:1a says, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God...." What manner of love! That WE should be called the sons of God? US??? You and me??

Paul said that he was the chief of sinners. I beg to differ. I may not have committed murder or robbery, but I was as guilty as the thief upon the cross. I deserved death. I was charged with first degree sin and the only payment was that of my own life.

......until Jesus.

When God came in flesh and died for me, He not only forgave me, but He adopted me! Being free from the death penalty would have been satisfactory, right? It would have been enough. But no, God didn't just save me, He elevated me to the highest position I could have....as His own child.

But that wasn't enough!

He then gave me a job to do. He made me, not only His child, but His ambassador. And from then until now, wherever I go and whatever I do and whatever I say, I am a Representative of Him. I am to be His mouth and proclaim the very same things Christ proclaimed. I am to be His feet and go where Jesus would go. I am to allow Him to live through me because I bear the name, the very image, the very reputation of Almighty God.

THAT'S LOVE!!!

Normally when one Christian stands up for the complete and total Gospel of Christ, the wolves come out and ferociously attack!
              
When a Christian upon the wall sees the enemy near and shouts "DANGER!!! The enemy is coming!" many times the people look up and scowl and say, "Stay out of our business!"

When a Christian sees their fellow brother and sister in the Lord engaging in harmful or sinful things, and rebukes and bring correction, many times their "thank you" is a hateful, "QUIT judging me! It's not your place to judge me!"
              
Ouch. To my complete horror, I have seen professed Christians defend the most ungodly and sinful activities and lifestyles: Prom, Harry Potter, divorce, living together before marriage, homosexuality...on and on it goes! When the people of God stand against the things of the world, they are attacked with statements like:
             
"YOU are not the judge!
              
"It is not your place to say anything negative about this!"
         
"God LOVES everyone and ALL have sinned....even you!!"                 
          
Yes indeed, even me. And because He saved me, I am His temple (and it's not to be defiled). And when He saved me, I became automatically drafted into the army of King Jesus. No, I am not the judge, but I can sure repeat what the Judge has said. I can inspect the fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). I can most certainly make "negative comments" about things that are sinful, worldly, and abominable (Titus 1:13; Titus 2:15; Jeremiah 3:12; Jeremiah 7:2; 1 Corinthians 10:14, etc, etc, etc.).

Jesus has so much love that He is not willing that any should perish. He did not come to this earth to love everyone so much that they couldn't help but get saved. He came to fulfil the law and to save sinners. The law shows us how rotten we are and how desperately we need grace and mercy. It is our condemner that says we deserve hell. Jesus came to fulfil that law and offer grace to those who 1) see their sin, 2) repent from their sin, 3) and accept the free gift of Christs' saving grace.

Do you see?? People must be shown that they are sinners. They will not see it by us simply living nice and sweet and loving. They have to, first, see a change in us. They have to see that their sin is black and evil, and separating them from God. They have to be TOLD that Jesus is the reason for the light in our eyes and the remedy for the blackness that is their sin. That is why Jesus sends us and commissions us to GO AND TELL! What do we tell? We tell them the full Gospel - "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."  (Luke 13:3)

There is no greater love then that of telling the full Gospel; The complete truth that shows you who God truly is. He is a God of love who loves us old sinners enough to become sin for us. But He is a God who demands that we repent.

1 Corinthians 13 for Moms

We all know that 1 Corinthians 13 is called "The Love Chapter." When you really study it out, it is quite mind blowing. Patient? Kind? Doesn't envy? Doesn't brag? Doesn't think about itself? Rejoices in truth? Never fails? etc. etc. etc.

THAT'S love? Boy, have I got a lot to learn then!
 
While reading a book today, I came across a humorous, yet rather startling "revamp" of 1 Corinthians 13 and I thought I would share it with you all. It's the "Love Chapter for Moms," I guess you can say. Though it is a bit funny, it reminded me that love - God's kind of love - endures.

I can read bedtimes stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing "Ten Little Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor - but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone.

I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voicemail, I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in the neighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.

Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window. Love is kind to my teenager. It does not envy the neighbor's swimming pool or their brand-new minivan, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.

Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities and rejoices when other families succeed.

It doesn't boast, even when I've multitasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.

Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you done today?" It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the world revolves around her. It is not self-righteous when I remind my 17-year-old that he is going 83 in a 55-mph-zone, rejoices in the truth.

Love trusts God to protect our children when we cannot. It perseveres through blue nail polish, messy rooms and sleepovers.

Love never fails. But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painful labors, they will fade away. But when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will dissappear. (Thank You, God.)

When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we are parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores, shelters, and holds us when we need to cry.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

A Year of Marriage

I can't believe it's been a year since I stood before Grant in a white wedding gown. SO much has happened!...the biggest thing being, of course, our baby boy who arrived just four days before our anniversary!

Sunday was our first anniversary. It was very different from what I had expected. I didn't expect to be shortly home from the hospital with a tiny little bundle in my arms. But I also didn't expect the day to be so sweet. Both Grant's Mom and my Mom fixed us a romantic dinner, took care of Nathan for us for hours, and hid themselves in the nursery while we enjoyed some time alone to reflect back on the past year. Of course, it wasn't long before we both tip-toed into the nursery to try to pull our baby away from two giddy grandmothers!

A lot can happen in one year. In one years' time, Grant and I both learned an awful lot. We had our share of ups and downs. We had some amazingly sweet and beautiful moments together! We had road trips, revivals, prison meetings, friends gatherings, a mission trip to Israel, and experienced pregnancy and the first chapter of parenthood together.

The years ahead look blurry and I can't see what's up ahead any more than he can. But we both know that the Lord can see....and He is in control. He blessed us with a glorious first year together....and I can't wait for many more up ahead in the years to come.

Anniversary Ideas

I just realized that my first wedding anniversary is in less than 2 weeks! Eeeeee! What an incredible year it has been. Many testings. Many adventures. Many things learned. Many amazingly joyful moments! I love being married and am anxious to see what God has in store for the years to come. Though I can't imagine being more in love with Grant than I am today, I know, from talking with other happily married couples, that it only gets better. And that excites me!

So, with our anniversary only a little over a week away, I am finishing up my gift for Grant (which I will reveal AFTER our day). But I'm curious.... What are some great 1st anniversary gifts? Have any super (but low-key) ideas about how to celebrate? Considering the fact that I will either be a mommy or ginormously huge on the day of my anniversary, we plan to *ahem* stay at home (if we're not in the hospital, that is!).

So....ideas, anyone?

Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day. It is known as the day for lovers.

Chocolates. Flowers. Love letters. Cards. Hearts. Teddy Bears. Candy. Balloons. Pink, red, and white colors....

It all goes into the bucket of what "makes" Valentine's Day.

There are many holidays that we celebrate in America, most of which we know nothing about. The origins of Halloween traditions are dark, evil, and should be avoided entirely! As children of the light, we should have no part in the "works of darkness." There are many origins and traditions of Valentine's Day, most of which are pagan and filled with perversion. The Romans took February 14th and began honoring their goddess of love and marriage, Juno. On February 15th, they would celebrate their male god, Faunus, god of fertility. It's no surprise that now, over a thousand years later, we celebrate "love" and all that it implies on February 14th, sometimes participating in reenactments of the same rituals used by the Romans. Of course, in 469 A.D. the Pope Gelasius and the Catholic church declared February 14th a holy day in honor of Valentinus, a martyr, instead of the pagan gods that were commonly worshipped.

So, what is a Christian to do? Personally, my husband and I do go the extra mile in telling each other that we love each other. We try to make extra, special time to be together. He will give me flowers and I will give him a love letter or small gift. Keeping in mind the origin, we try to take back each day and use it to glorify God. As Christians, we need to do away with the pagan traditions and take each day back from the devil. We should be rid of his works of darkness (not ignore them, mind you, but do away with them) and begin making every day a day that is consecrated to Christ. Personally, we will raise our kids to avoid the Valentine card give-a-ways that are pushed upon today's children. Why? The origin. We will teach our children not to dwell on love and romance before its time. Why? Because it awakens desires prematurely, it cuts their innocence short, and it will cause them to be discontent. (Song of Solomon 2:7, 3:5, 8:4). Instead, we will train them to demonstrate God's love; to be patient, kind, giving, and selfless, refusing proud and envious attitudes. We will train them to wait for romance until God sees fit. We will lead them to the cross and we will train them to flee from worldly customs and to live and rejoice in the truth.

Jeremiah 10:2-3a
"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain...."


Matthew 15:9
"But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

On this day, I challenge every Christian to be aware, be mindful, and be pure! Be firm, be separate, and be holy. If you are married, rejoice in your spouse, not just this day, but EVERY day! Make each day another beautiful chapter God writes in your love story. If you are single and surrounded by couples, remember your King, Jesus, and find comfort and contentment in His love.

Today, instead of getting caught up in chocolates and teddy bears and roses, I want to draw nearer to my Savior who demonstrated true love 2,000 years ago when He came to this earth. I want to rejoice in my earthly husband that He gave me and rejoice in HIM (Christ) who is everything I need. I challenge you to do the same. Trust in Him, rest in Him, rejoice in Him, and remember that He is who He said He was....

The Great Shepherd. I Am. Our Rock. Redeemer. Savior. Friend. Lord. Companion. Father. Creator. Messiah. The Bread of Life. The Door. The Way. The Truth. Giver of Good Things. Provider. Life. Peace. Wonderful. Counselor. Mighty God. Refuge. Strength. Hope. Joy. Salvation. Comforter. Healer. Just. Righteous.

The Author of Love....and the Lover of my soul.

 

John 13:34
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

John 14:15
"If ye love me, keep my commandments."


1 John 3:1
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

1 John 4:10
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

On Top of the World!

I have to give a big CONGRATULATIONS to one of my best and dearest friends, Sarah.

Why?

She is engaged!!!

Asked on December 28, 2010 by her beau, at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado, over 14,000 feet up....it isn't much of a stretch to say that she is literally on top of the world!

I have watched their love story unfold and it has been incredibly exciting! Her example of purity and faithfulness has always inspired me and I couldn't be happier for my sweet friend! I have spent countless hours online, on the phone, and in person with Sarah praying, talking, dreaming, and encouraging. We have talked about the "What If's" and we have wondered together why it is always so difficult to trust God in every area of our life. It is always hard to surrender and let go of something you want and place it in the hands of our Father...and leave it there. But as it has been proven: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17)

He is faithful. He always has been. And He always will be. And once again, He reached down and brought two lives together.

So, CONGRATULATIONS Sarah and her soon-to-be-husband, Ben! May the Author of Love who has brought you this far, rain His blessings upon you and lead you, guide you, and strengthen you always.

My Jesus

This month has been filled with traveling; revivals, weddings, and doctor's appointments. I have to say that this month has taught me many things. The revivals have been uplifting and it has been wonderful to meet new people, get reacquainted with old friends, encourage the young people, and see souls saved and lives renewed. It has been a blessed month. But along with being blessed, I have also been burdened. I have seen, more than ever before, a lack of interest in the Word, in the Gospel, and in Jesus Christ. I have seen a scary decline in the fear of God. I have seen empty hands without a Bible. I have seen immodesty. I have seen cell phones take the place of Spiritual hunger. I have seen and heard girls and boys, claiming Christianity, use filthy and perverted language. I have watched them drink, smoke, and hook up....and I have been consumed with righteous anger and an overwhelming sadness. More than anything, I long to see men and women step up and answer the sacred and holy call of our God and King. He is so worthy....

A few posts back, I blogged about my husband; how he is my love, my prince charming, my best friend, and how happy and utterly blessed I am to be his wife. Now, I would like to brag a bit about another Prince of mine who has my heart, and He is not of this world.

His name is Jesus Christ.

He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Lover, my Creator.

He is my King, my Prince, my Captain, and my Healer.

He is my Forgiver, my Sacrifice, my Light, my Song, and my Leader.

He is my Refuge, my Rock, my Comfort, my Upholder, my Source of Strength....and He is my Salvation!

He is NOT a cuss word! He is not a reason to live your way. He is not an excuse to frustrate His grace.

He forgives, but He demands obedience. He calls us to live holy because He is holy.

He saved me from my sin. He saved me from eternal separation. He saved me from hell. FOR THAT REASON, I will live for Him. I will obey Him, I will follow Him, and I will serve Him. He deserves my allegiance, my loyalty, my respect, my praise - my ALL.   He is worthy of everything.

My Jesus....it is because of my relationship with Him that my earthly relationships survive. It is because of Him that I am alive and well. He is worthy of my life. How I wish others would love Him as much as I do. And how I wish I loved Him more than I do.

If you do not know my Jesus personally, you certainly can right now!

1. Admit you are a sinner
2. Believe Jesus is God

3. Confess your sins to Him

4. Ask His forgiveness

5. Invite Him into your heart and life

Lord Jesus,
Have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe in you and that your word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and eternal life. I know that without you in my heart my life is meaningless. I believe in my heart that you, Lord God, raised Him from the dead. Please Jesus forgive me, for every sin I have ever committed or done in my heart, please Lord Jesus forgive me and come into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior today. I need you to be my Father and my friend.

I give you my life and ask you to take full control from this moment on; I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.


Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23
"...The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 5:8
"God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."

Romans 10:9
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Scripture for the Week -- 08/30/10

John 15:9
"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love."


 

For Such Is The Kingdom

Lately, I have been pondering the phrase Jesus spoke 2,000 years ago.

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."   (Luke 18:16)

It is almost like Jesus is saying that the key to the kingdom of heaven is child-likeness, isn't it? In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus said to be as little children and if we come to Him like a child comes to their father, then we are made great in His kingdom.

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 18:1-4)

These passages in Scripture have been on my mind heavily for quite a while now. Coming from a family of five younger siblings and quite a handful of young cousins, I can say that I know a bit about children.
 
Children are innocent. Children are trusting. Children have a spirit of adventure. Children dream, while adults force themselves to focus on the tough reality. Children believe the unbelievable. Children are teachable; easily able to mold.
 
For such is the kingdom....
 
The more I think about it, the more I realize that I need to be more childlike in my relationship with Jesus. I need to be constantly filled with pure innocence, dwelling on the holiness of God. I need to TRUST my Master in all things. I need to trust that He will never leave me, never do me harm, never stop loving me. He will provide. He will prosper. He will give peace. I need to forever have the spirit of joyful adventure as I walk each day in His will. I should be anxiously and eagerly waiting for Him to move and speak every moment of every day. While living in a sin-cursed world, I should not focus simply on my hardships, but on the beauty of the Christian life, while serving and living out His dreams for me. I need to believe He can do miracles. I need to believe that He will do the impossible. And probably most of all, I need to be teachable by Him. I need to be clay that will not fight the potter; accepting every squeeze, every painful shaping of life, knowing that He who hath begun a good work in me, WILL perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.  (Philippians 1:6)

Too often, I am hard and cold. Unteachable. Untouchable. Haughty. Unkind. When I should be welcoming whatever the Lord brings to me, may it be rain or shine, many times I reject the opportunity to be as a child. When I should be giving, I am often selfish. When I should be trusting, I am frequently doubtful.

How I need more of Jesus in my life! The walk of a Christian really is an endless school of learning how much we lack and how we need Him more and more. I NEED HIM like a child needs his/her father and mother. And even though I am a grown woman, I still need to be as a child for God to work mightily in me.
 
Many times throughout Scripture, Jesus speaks of children. Many times, we see Him healing a child, holding a child, and - best of all - calling US His children.

 
Matthew 18:5
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Matthew 19:13
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray:....
 
Mark 9:37
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Luke 17:2
It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Ephesians 5:1
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;


Our Savior, Christ Jesus, said to be as a child...for such is the kingdom...and I can see why. May it be so.
 

What Kind of Christian Am I?

A Sudanese Christian boy has his knees and feet nailed to a board and he is left to die. When rescued he says he forgives the man who did this because Jesus was also nailed and forgave him.

A Vietnamese pastor is sentenced to two years in prison. When he is offered an early release, he declines stating that he has a group of new Believers in the prison he has to disciple.

A Colombian missionary is kidnapped and told she only has two hours to live. She tells her captors that if she only has two hours to live, she wants to spend it telling them about Jesus.

The persecution of Christians around the world is a tragic reality. Our brothers and sisters are beaten and tortured simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. And some pay with the ultimate price. However, in the midst of this persecution is some of the courageous stories of faith.
http://www.persecution.com/

___________________________________________________________

This brief "article" mixed with over an hour of surfing the World Changers website last night has me asking this question:

What kind of Christian am I?

Am I a Sunday-morning Christian? Am I a Churchgoing, good person Christian? Am I a "I don't all those really bad things" Christian? Am I a Christian only by my words...and not my actions? Or am I a sold-out, unmovable, God-seeking, God-fearing, bold and committed Christian? One who lives for God alone; One who lives for His applause only, not the applause, praise, admiration, or acceptance of other people; A Christian who knows his/her place and gets IN it. Am I a devoted Christian? A disciplined Christian? A Christian who will not be shaken, moved or swayed by the world's loud appeals?

What kind of Christian am I?

Reading the above, I almost cried thinking, Goodness, do I have the kind of Godly, selfless love in me where I would instantly forgive someone who nailed my knees and feet to a board?

Do I have the kind of Christlike mindset where I would forsake the comfort of an early release, choosing to stay longer in a prison so as to lead more souls closer to Jesus?

Do I have the kind of unwavering faith in me, where when I am to die in two hours, my only thoughts are those of my captors' lost souls?

I'd like to stand up, raise my hand, and shout YES I DO! with a very big grin. But I don't think I do. I'm almost ashamed to say that if I had my feet and knees nailed to a board, I would be angry at my enemy, and would probably be filled with bitterness. If I was put in prison for my faith, then offered an early release, I would probably take it immediately and not give one thought of staying to disciple those in my cell. If I was kidnapped and told I would be killed in two hours, I would probably spend those two hours shaking with fear and praying to be delivered from such a fate! I would probably wonder why such things would fall upon me. I would probably wonder what I did to "deserve" such horrible treatment. I would probably doubt God. I would, more than likely, question His ways of running things. I may even doubt His love. I'm not sure what exactly I would do, how I would be or what I would think, but I'm afraid I may succumb to such selfish thinking. And I wonder, HOW could I think of myself? How could my thoughts be on me and my comfort INSTEAD of on the souls around me who are on their way to hell? Instead of on Jesus???

How could I even be so haughty and foolish to think and believe that I deserve better?! My goodness....did not nearly all the great followers of Jesus die horrible deaths? Flayed? Sawed in half? Crucified? Crucified upside down? Beaten? Stoned? Beheaded? Burned? Bound in chains and thrown into the sea?

And I dare to say I don't deserve persecution! I dare to say I don't deserve to live and/or die in "this" or "that" way.

God help me.....

I've read stories of Christian men and women around the world who were attacked, speared, forced to watch their families murdered in front of them, burned alive, raped, tortured, humiliated and viciously killed.

Here I am, in an air conditioned building. I have clothes and shoes. I spent an hour getting ready this morning (complete with shampoo, conditioner, makeup, hair gel, blowdryer, and perfume). I have plenty to eat! I can drive to my destinations. I can go to Church whenever I want and not have to wonder if I will be caught and killed for it. I am free. I can sing a gospel song loudly outside or leave my Bible in plain view in the car. I have friends. I have a wonderful family. I have a TV, a stereo, an iPod, a phone, a camera, a laptop, etc. I have so many "luxuries" and so many blessings....maybe too many. And yet, I sometimes complain about my persecution. Someone hurt my feelings. Someone spread rumors about me. Someone doesn't like me. Ah me, I am persecuted!

*shakes head*

Although, it IS a form of persecution, it can't come close to the unimaginable horrors that Godly men and women - both young and old - are undergoing every day all around the world. And yet....when they are being beaten, burned, stoned, hanged or nailed to boards, they don't complain! Rather, they rejoice that they are counted worthy of such an honor! To be hurt and hated and despised....was not Christ? And they praise God for letting them be worthy enough to share such pain. They don't complain. They don't try to get even. They react in selfless love. They pray for their enemies. They pray for those that "despitefully use them" and they reach out to them, even when they are about to die.

What kind of Christian am I?

Am I bold about my faith? Do I put my God before ALL ELSE? Do my actions back up my words? Do I have a heavy burden for my friends, my coworkers, my family members - total strangers! - who are lost? Do I cry for them? Am I saddened when a Christian isn't living as he/she should? Am I brokenhearted when a lost person dies? Does any of it affect me at all? Do I have a desire to be close to God always? Am I ever satisfied with where I am in my walk, thinking I don't need to be any better? Am I willing to do whatever it takes to be the Christian God wants me to be? Am I willing to step out of my comfort zone and forget about everything except what Christ wants of me?

Am I willing to die for my Savior? I would say yes, I am.

BUT, the bigger question is this:

Am I willing to LIVE for Him?

Not with words alone. Not with Church membership or Church attendance. Not with good intentions. But with the same passion as the greats. The same selfless love. The same perspective. The same mindset.

What kind of Christian am I? What kind of Christian are you?

Love is...Christ is...Am I?

At a Bible Study last year, one of the men of our Church brought out a very interesting view of 1 Corinthians 13 – “The Love Chapter” as it is most commonly referred to. He said, “anytime you see the word love or charity, place Christ’s name there and read through it again. After you finish, place your own name in the place of love.” It struck a chord with me and reminded me of Amy Carmichael’s “Calvary Love” quotations. We are to love with the same love as Jesus Himself. We are to live as He lived, talk as He talked, go as He went, and love as He loves.

Let us love….

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:


Love is patient. Christ is patient. …Am I patient?

Love is kind. Christ is kind. …Am I kind?

Love does not envy. Christ does not envy. …Do I envy?

Love is not proud. Christ is not proud. …Am I proud?

Love is not arrogant. Christ is not arrogant. …Am I arrogant?

Love is not hateful. Christ is not hateful. …Am I hateful?

Love is not selfish. Christ is not selfish. …Am I selfish?

Love is not easily angered. Christ is not easily angered. …Am I easily angered?

Love does not keep a record of wrongs. Christ does not keep a record of wrongs. …Do I keep a record of wrong?

Love finds no joy in sin. Christ finds no joy in sin. …Do I find joy in sin?

Love delights in the truth. Christ delights in the truth. …Do I delight in the truth?

Love can bear anything. Christ can bear anything. …Can I bear anything?

Love never loses faith. Christ never loses faith. …Do I lose faith?

Love is always hopeful. Christ is always hopeful. …Am I always hopeful?

Love endures all things. Christ endures all things. …Do I endure all things?

Love never fails. Christ never fails. …Do I fail?



1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. Love never dies.
– From The Message Bible


1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].– From The Amplified Bible