The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines integrity as, "adherence to a code of values: incorruptability; soundness; completeness." I define character and integrity as one and the same as denoting moral excellence. I like to say that reputation is who you are when people are watching. Character, or integrity, is who you are when no one else is watching. God, of course, sees it all.
I'm constantly shocked by things I read in the news. Two teenage girls shook down a much younger, defenseless, grade school child for Girl Scout money so they could go shopping and joy riding. They had no shame, but laughed and bragged about it. They felt entitled to do so. I hope they're prosecuted. One will be inasmuch as she's been caught shoplifting since then. She now claims she's been traumatized by the realization that she's about to be prosecuted and she's on bed rest, according to her doctors. How did they turn into such monsters? They have absolutely no remorse.
God will preserve the righteous, but He sees and will punish those who do evil (Psa. 7:8-10; Prov. 11:1-3). Let us always endeavor to set an example for others around us, especially the younger adults and children, in dealing honestly and forthrightly with all people (Eph. 4:1-3, 25-30; Titus 2:6-8).
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Where Do Your Priorities Lie?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." ~ Deut. 6:5
The above-cited verse is also quoted by Jesus in Matthew 22: 37-38 as being the "first and greatest commandment."
Joshua 22:5, among other passages, stresses the importance of giving God precedence over everything else in life. I know there are times when we have to deal with the proverbial "ox in the ditch" - the burst water pipe in the laundry room, or some other such one-time reason that may keep us from services (for us it was always a plumbing problem, anyway). There may also be times when you're forced to work by your boss' orders. This, too, cannot be helped. There will be times when we're legitimately physically or emotionally ill and need to rest in the quiet and be left alone. I know God understands. However, much of what we allow to keep us from serving Him as we should is trivial, no matter how important it seems to us at the time, and is not a legitimate reason for foregoing our attending worship services and showing our appreciation to God for all His blessings.
Let's examine some of our excuses:
A. "I had to work." - Like I said, for some this IS a legitimate reason. Many in the health care industry must work on Sundays during hours normally set aside for worship. They have no choice. In my mind, they're doing God's work by attending to the sick. Also, God says we're to work to provide for our own and it's necessary. I believe God understands when people are in this position. However, I don't think He'll give a free pass to those who are simply working to accumulate more wealth so they can buy more amenities and status. Material wealth is temporary in nature, so that is a futile reason to work (Prov. 23:4-5; 1 Jno. 2:15).
B. "Sunday is my only day off. I need that day for myself and to rest." - Our first duty - our whole reason for existence - is to serve God. We're to seek His kingdom first and He has promised to bless us for doing so (Eccl. 12:13; Mt. 6:33-34; Col. 3:1-3).
C. "I'm a good person. I don't have to be present at worship services to be pleasing to God." - For starters, God tells us not to forsake assembling together (Heb. 10: 24-25). He does know our hearts and our hidden agendas (Luke 16:15; Acts 5:29). He knows whether we're inclined to worship or if we're really just wanting to hang with our friends, or go to the lake, to a game, or just get on with our vacation. Remember, God doesn't take vacations. Do you include Him in your weekend/vacation plans? My husband and I have had a blast meeting members of the body of Christ in other parts of the country where we've vacationed.
I know no one's perfect. I'm certainly not and will own the fact! I do, however, try to give God first priority on purpose in my life. I want Him to know I'm on His side and that I'm thankful for all His blessings. I don't want to miss out on any chance to show Him reverence. Also, Christ's blood sacrifice is the veil between my sins and my salvation and I require a steady dose of cleansing. I hope all of you, too, will give God first place in your lives as well.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
The above-cited verse is also quoted by Jesus in Matthew 22: 37-38 as being the "first and greatest commandment."
Joshua 22:5, among other passages, stresses the importance of giving God precedence over everything else in life. I know there are times when we have to deal with the proverbial "ox in the ditch" - the burst water pipe in the laundry room, or some other such one-time reason that may keep us from services (for us it was always a plumbing problem, anyway). There may also be times when you're forced to work by your boss' orders. This, too, cannot be helped. There will be times when we're legitimately physically or emotionally ill and need to rest in the quiet and be left alone. I know God understands. However, much of what we allow to keep us from serving Him as we should is trivial, no matter how important it seems to us at the time, and is not a legitimate reason for foregoing our attending worship services and showing our appreciation to God for all His blessings.
Let's examine some of our excuses:
A. "I had to work." - Like I said, for some this IS a legitimate reason. Many in the health care industry must work on Sundays during hours normally set aside for worship. They have no choice. In my mind, they're doing God's work by attending to the sick. Also, God says we're to work to provide for our own and it's necessary. I believe God understands when people are in this position. However, I don't think He'll give a free pass to those who are simply working to accumulate more wealth so they can buy more amenities and status. Material wealth is temporary in nature, so that is a futile reason to work (Prov. 23:4-5; 1 Jno. 2:15).
B. "Sunday is my only day off. I need that day for myself and to rest." - Our first duty - our whole reason for existence - is to serve God. We're to seek His kingdom first and He has promised to bless us for doing so (Eccl. 12:13; Mt. 6:33-34; Col. 3:1-3).
C. "I'm a good person. I don't have to be present at worship services to be pleasing to God." - For starters, God tells us not to forsake assembling together (Heb. 10: 24-25). He does know our hearts and our hidden agendas (Luke 16:15; Acts 5:29). He knows whether we're inclined to worship or if we're really just wanting to hang with our friends, or go to the lake, to a game, or just get on with our vacation. Remember, God doesn't take vacations. Do you include Him in your weekend/vacation plans? My husband and I have had a blast meeting members of the body of Christ in other parts of the country where we've vacationed.
I know no one's perfect. I'm certainly not and will own the fact! I do, however, try to give God first priority on purpose in my life. I want Him to know I'm on His side and that I'm thankful for all His blessings. I don't want to miss out on any chance to show Him reverence. Also, Christ's blood sacrifice is the veil between my sins and my salvation and I require a steady dose of cleansing. I hope all of you, too, will give God first place in your lives as well.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A New Day
It's amazing what difference a day makes in a person's outlook. I woke up much more optimistic than I did yesterday.
Monday, February 25, 2008
MEH...
I'm currently hooked on this website with funny pictures of animals on it, mostly cats. It's called "icanhasacheezburger.com," and it's an escapism tactic of mine to go on there and find something to laugh at.
I've tried repeatedly this morning to copy and paste a picture of this cat with a wry expression on his face and his lip curled up on one side. It simply states, "MEH," which consequently, is exactly the way I feel about everything right now.
I'm in a quandary and anxious about many things. Oh, I've prayed over the matters, but so far I have no clear-cut answers. I'm trying to go on gut feelings and those are confusing me too. All I'm succeeding in is giving myself migraines and anxiety attacks.
I'm sorry for the light blogging, but I'm having the most aggravating writer's block these days. Bear with me as I'm on the ropes. Sometimes I may just get on here and jabber like I'm doing right now because that frees up my personal logjam. In the meantime, MEH....
Love Ya,
God Bless!
I've tried repeatedly this morning to copy and paste a picture of this cat with a wry expression on his face and his lip curled up on one side. It simply states, "MEH," which consequently, is exactly the way I feel about everything right now.
I'm in a quandary and anxious about many things. Oh, I've prayed over the matters, but so far I have no clear-cut answers. I'm trying to go on gut feelings and those are confusing me too. All I'm succeeding in is giving myself migraines and anxiety attacks.
I'm sorry for the light blogging, but I'm having the most aggravating writer's block these days. Bear with me as I'm on the ropes. Sometimes I may just get on here and jabber like I'm doing right now because that frees up my personal logjam. In the meantime, MEH....
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Friday, February 22, 2008
The Tragedy of Unbelief
There is something that perplexes me greatly. I cannot understand why some people attend church, but do not see the reason for it. By that I mean that some people say they believe in God, but their actions belie their words. It would seem to me that they either don't believe God means what He says, or they don't believe in Him at all. Such folks are not unlikeable, immoral people. Many have been baptized in the body of Christ, I would suppose, as a precaution "just in case." I wonder if they've ever believed, or if they once did and then later changed their minds not to believe. Still, why would someone who apparently doesn't believe in God keep attending church and going through the motions of worship? I hope it's that they're just going through a dry season in their spiritual lives and they're trying to recapture their faith.
I'm very anxious for people who have lost their faith in God and His promises. Unbelief will keep one out of the kingdom of Heaven. I'm not writing this lesson about atheists and agnostics. I'm writing about once faithful children of God. I'm reminded of the numerous times the Israelites doubted God and His existence. Despite his miraculous rescue and provision for His "chosen people," many of them disobeyed and fell dead in the wilderness or were killed immediately for their defiance. Psa. 78: 19-22, 32-33 sums up their attitude best:
"They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?" When the Lord heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. . . .In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror."
Unbelief slams the brakes on God's blessings. Most of us have varied degrees of belief. God will work with whatever degree we have (Mt. 17: 20; Mk. 9: 23-24). However, Jesus wouldn't perform miracles around those who didn't believe he was the Messiah (Mt. 13: 58). Also, some of Jesus' disciples couldn't cure the sick of their afflictions because of their lack of belief.
I fear that some peoples' belief is like that seed that "fell away" in Luke 8: 11-13. There's only remedy I have for flagging belief is to spend time meditating on God's Word and asking Him to help our unbelief.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
I'm very anxious for people who have lost their faith in God and His promises. Unbelief will keep one out of the kingdom of Heaven. I'm not writing this lesson about atheists and agnostics. I'm writing about once faithful children of God. I'm reminded of the numerous times the Israelites doubted God and His existence. Despite his miraculous rescue and provision for His "chosen people," many of them disobeyed and fell dead in the wilderness or were killed immediately for their defiance. Psa. 78: 19-22, 32-33 sums up their attitude best:
"They spoke against God, saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?" When the Lord heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. . . .In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror."
Unbelief slams the brakes on God's blessings. Most of us have varied degrees of belief. God will work with whatever degree we have (Mt. 17: 20; Mk. 9: 23-24). However, Jesus wouldn't perform miracles around those who didn't believe he was the Messiah (Mt. 13: 58). Also, some of Jesus' disciples couldn't cure the sick of their afflictions because of their lack of belief.
I fear that some peoples' belief is like that seed that "fell away" in Luke 8: 11-13. There's only remedy I have for flagging belief is to spend time meditating on God's Word and asking Him to help our unbelief.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
How To Have Friends
Our lesson this week is about fellowship, which is, in reality, friendship. In preparing the lesson, I remembered some horrible things from the past. I have certainly been mistaken before about who I thought were my friends. I also remember three movies in particular that dealt with general meanness and cattiness among teenage girls, and I have seen them all (“Mean Girls,” “Cruel Intentions,” and “Heathers”). Even worse, I have seen real life portray what happens in these films
How would you feel if you gave someone something out of thoughtfulness or did something out of kindness for them only to have them totally disregard your gesture of friendship? At first you’re shocked and appalled by their rudeness, then anger and hurt sets in. The truth is, some people do not know how to be friends and don’t care to be. Such people are an island and don’t make friends easily, or if they do, they don’t keep them very long. Their self-centeredness leaves no room for others. They won’t mind using you, though, when they need something from you. In their minds, the end justifies the means.
I marvel at how disrespectfully people treat each other. This is not limited to teenage girls either. Adults do it too. A so-called friend may backstab, tattle, or spread lies on someone just to defame their character. This is usually done out of jealousy, deceitfulness, anger or an inferiority complex, and we call it “office politics.”
True friendship is based on honesty and not hidden agendas. Consider tips from God’s Word about how to choose friends:
1. Make friends with others who walk with God (Psa. 119: 63).
2. Choose friends who will not hinder your Christian lifestyle (Prov. 12: 25-26 13: 20; Rom. 12: 10-13; 2 Cor. 6: 14; Heb. 10: 24-25).
3. Focus on the quality of your friends rather than the quantity (Prov. 18: 24).
4. A true friend will be real with you and call you on the carpet when you're doing wrong (Prov. 27: 5-6).
5. Friends will give you honest opinions and sound advice (Prov. 27: 9).
6. A friend will strengthen you (Prov. 27: 17; Eccl. 4: 9-10).
7. A friend sacrifices for you—perhaps even to the point of death (Jno. 15: 12-13; 1 Cor. 10: 24).
8. A quality friend is obedient to Christ’s commands (Jno. 15: 14-15).
9. A true friend puts others’ feelings and needs before her own (Rom. 12: 16-18; 1 Cor. 10: 24).
10. Friends are forgiving of one another (Eph. 4: 32).
“Sincere Friends:
Know my feelings.
Reveal to me how they feel.
Teach me about myself.
Are comfortable with silence.
Feel free to tell me the truth.
Give me freedom to fail.
Love me for who I am.
Superficial Friends:
Know only the facts about me.
Tell me what they’ve done.
Tell me about others.
Feel awkward with silence.
Would leave me if I let them down.
Love me for what I can do.”
~ from “Fit for His Excellence” by Sheri Rose Shepherd ~
Love Ya,
God Bless!
How would you feel if you gave someone something out of thoughtfulness or did something out of kindness for them only to have them totally disregard your gesture of friendship? At first you’re shocked and appalled by their rudeness, then anger and hurt sets in. The truth is, some people do not know how to be friends and don’t care to be. Such people are an island and don’t make friends easily, or if they do, they don’t keep them very long. Their self-centeredness leaves no room for others. They won’t mind using you, though, when they need something from you. In their minds, the end justifies the means.
I marvel at how disrespectfully people treat each other. This is not limited to teenage girls either. Adults do it too. A so-called friend may backstab, tattle, or spread lies on someone just to defame their character. This is usually done out of jealousy, deceitfulness, anger or an inferiority complex, and we call it “office politics.”
True friendship is based on honesty and not hidden agendas. Consider tips from God’s Word about how to choose friends:
1. Make friends with others who walk with God (Psa. 119: 63).
2. Choose friends who will not hinder your Christian lifestyle (Prov. 12: 25-26 13: 20; Rom. 12: 10-13; 2 Cor. 6: 14; Heb. 10: 24-25).
3. Focus on the quality of your friends rather than the quantity (Prov. 18: 24).
4. A true friend will be real with you and call you on the carpet when you're doing wrong (Prov. 27: 5-6).
5. Friends will give you honest opinions and sound advice (Prov. 27: 9).
6. A friend will strengthen you (Prov. 27: 17; Eccl. 4: 9-10).
7. A friend sacrifices for you—perhaps even to the point of death (Jno. 15: 12-13; 1 Cor. 10: 24).
8. A quality friend is obedient to Christ’s commands (Jno. 15: 14-15).
9. A true friend puts others’ feelings and needs before her own (Rom. 12: 16-18; 1 Cor. 10: 24).
10. Friends are forgiving of one another (Eph. 4: 32).
“Sincere Friends:
Know my feelings.
Reveal to me how they feel.
Teach me about myself.
Are comfortable with silence.
Feel free to tell me the truth.
Give me freedom to fail.
Love me for who I am.
Superficial Friends:
Know only the facts about me.
Tell me what they’ve done.
Tell me about others.
Feel awkward with silence.
Would leave me if I let them down.
Love me for what I can do.”
~ from “Fit for His Excellence” by Sheri Rose Shepherd ~
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Valentine
Today is Valentines Day and I've been wondering what I could do to express my love, respect and appreciation for my husband. The past year and the beginning of this one have not been easy due to his unemployment situation. However, there have been blessings that have come from it. We've gotten reacquainted. We've fought some, but we've always been quick to resolve it and make up. We've also learned to love deeper.
I'm a frequent insominac. Once I awaken in the night, I have trouble getting back to sleep. Sometimes it's his snoring that hinders me. It used to annoy me; but I remember back to when he wasn't in as good of shape as he is now and he experienced sleep apnea. I would wake up in the night and agonize over his stopping breathing for several seconds at a time. I was afraid he wouldn't live through the night. Now I see his regular snoring as assurance that he's alright and it's music to my ears, no matter how tired I am. He doesn't know that when I awaken in the night that I put my hand on his back and pray for him. I pray that God will grant him long life and the confidence to handle whatever life throws at him. I also thank God for giving me such a tender teddy bear to love.
I still have no clue about anything special to do for today. Sure, I got him a card. Lately though, I've been thinking that it would be romantic to rent and watch the classic film, "From Here to Eternity" together. Also, at some point in the next day or so I would like to read him a bedtime story. NO, not THAT kind of story! I have a children's book that I enjoyed when I was little and I don't know why I want to read it to him, but I feel compelled to do so.
Aside from praying for him, I hope he knows that I think he's the most precious husband a woman could ever have and that I enjoy just being in his presence. I hope he knows that I believe in him more than he does himself; that nothing compares to his warmth and touch; and that I would be a lost puppy without him. I am, in my opinion, most fortunate among women.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
I'm a frequent insominac. Once I awaken in the night, I have trouble getting back to sleep. Sometimes it's his snoring that hinders me. It used to annoy me; but I remember back to when he wasn't in as good of shape as he is now and he experienced sleep apnea. I would wake up in the night and agonize over his stopping breathing for several seconds at a time. I was afraid he wouldn't live through the night. Now I see his regular snoring as assurance that he's alright and it's music to my ears, no matter how tired I am. He doesn't know that when I awaken in the night that I put my hand on his back and pray for him. I pray that God will grant him long life and the confidence to handle whatever life throws at him. I also thank God for giving me such a tender teddy bear to love.
I still have no clue about anything special to do for today. Sure, I got him a card. Lately though, I've been thinking that it would be romantic to rent and watch the classic film, "From Here to Eternity" together. Also, at some point in the next day or so I would like to read him a bedtime story. NO, not THAT kind of story! I have a children's book that I enjoyed when I was little and I don't know why I want to read it to him, but I feel compelled to do so.
Aside from praying for him, I hope he knows that I think he's the most precious husband a woman could ever have and that I enjoy just being in his presence. I hope he knows that I believe in him more than he does himself; that nothing compares to his warmth and touch; and that I would be a lost puppy without him. I am, in my opinion, most fortunate among women.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Dee-Iii-Vee-Ooo-Rrr-Cee-Eee
Did I make it sound Tammy Wynette enough?
I reallllly hate that word! It's not part of my personal lexicon, but it is a fact of life, unfortunately, and I've been asked by one of my students to write a future lesson on it. I know they need to know these things, but it's such a horrible thing to think about. My own parents divorced when I was 9, and I hate reliving it.
Truly, God never intended for divorces to happen. He said so in Malachi 2: 13-16; and as a result of those people's disobedience, He refused to even listen to their prayers. God doesn't listen to us when we sin (Isa. 58:2; Jer. 11: 10-11; Jer. 14: 11-12; Psa. 39:12; 66:18). God goes on record numerous times against divorce: "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (Mt. 19: 6; See also 1 Cor. 7: 10-11, 27; Luk. 16:18; Mt. 5: 31-32; 19:9; Mk. 10: 11; and Rom. 7: 2-3).
I see divorce for reasons that one wants to be with another as the highest level of selfishness. He or she defiles that "new person" they're with and makes them no longer a scripturally viable marriage candidate for anyone else. It's like saying, "He or she is mine, but now this or that one is mine too." More for you and less for everyone else. For such people life is a box of chocolates and they intend to eat them all and not leave any for anyone else.
While it's true that divorce can happen at any stage in a marriage, I think it's more frequent in the under 10 years of marriage period; and then rears its ugly head again sometimes after all the kids have been raised and left the nest. I can attest personally to it being very painful for the divorcing couple's children. Parents in their anger and jealousy use the child as a tool to get back at each other with. They'll ask them to spy or use the children as leverage to manipulate the other parent when they're angry. It devastates child victims on into adulthood. They often experience insecurity, guilt that they somehow caused the split, their performance at school starts flagging; and they're more prone to alcohol and/or drug abuse and suicide. I know myself that until my husband and I passed the 12.5 year as a married couple (the benchmark of my own parents' marital demise), that I didn't relax in my own marriage.
Here's some stats for divorcees:
1. Second marriages tend to be shakier and end quicker than first marriages;
2. Victims of divorce usually suffer more medical crises and chronic medical conditions than happily married people;
3. Divorced men more so than women, suffer higher incidences of psychiatric illness;
4. Divorced women, more so than men, suffer from clinical depression;
5. Alcohol and drug abuse is higher among divorced individuals; and
6. Divorce drives women and children towards poverty-level economically.
Well, that's all I have to say about the matter for today. I think I'll get down off my soap box now and wash my hands of the whole stinking matter.
I reallllly hate that word! It's not part of my personal lexicon, but it is a fact of life, unfortunately, and I've been asked by one of my students to write a future lesson on it. I know they need to know these things, but it's such a horrible thing to think about. My own parents divorced when I was 9, and I hate reliving it.
Truly, God never intended for divorces to happen. He said so in Malachi 2: 13-16; and as a result of those people's disobedience, He refused to even listen to their prayers. God doesn't listen to us when we sin (Isa. 58:2; Jer. 11: 10-11; Jer. 14: 11-12; Psa. 39:12; 66:18). God goes on record numerous times against divorce: "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (Mt. 19: 6; See also 1 Cor. 7: 10-11, 27; Luk. 16:18; Mt. 5: 31-32; 19:9; Mk. 10: 11; and Rom. 7: 2-3).
I see divorce for reasons that one wants to be with another as the highest level of selfishness. He or she defiles that "new person" they're with and makes them no longer a scripturally viable marriage candidate for anyone else. It's like saying, "He or she is mine, but now this or that one is mine too." More for you and less for everyone else. For such people life is a box of chocolates and they intend to eat them all and not leave any for anyone else.
While it's true that divorce can happen at any stage in a marriage, I think it's more frequent in the under 10 years of marriage period; and then rears its ugly head again sometimes after all the kids have been raised and left the nest. I can attest personally to it being very painful for the divorcing couple's children. Parents in their anger and jealousy use the child as a tool to get back at each other with. They'll ask them to spy or use the children as leverage to manipulate the other parent when they're angry. It devastates child victims on into adulthood. They often experience insecurity, guilt that they somehow caused the split, their performance at school starts flagging; and they're more prone to alcohol and/or drug abuse and suicide. I know myself that until my husband and I passed the 12.5 year as a married couple (the benchmark of my own parents' marital demise), that I didn't relax in my own marriage.
Here's some stats for divorcees:
1. Second marriages tend to be shakier and end quicker than first marriages;
2. Victims of divorce usually suffer more medical crises and chronic medical conditions than happily married people;
3. Divorced men more so than women, suffer higher incidences of psychiatric illness;
4. Divorced women, more so than men, suffer from clinical depression;
5. Alcohol and drug abuse is higher among divorced individuals; and
6. Divorce drives women and children towards poverty-level economically.
Well, that's all I have to say about the matter for today. I think I'll get down off my soap box now and wash my hands of the whole stinking matter.
Good Reason To Lose Sleep
Okay, no, it's not what you're thinking. Get your minds out of the gutter! I was awakened at 4:30 a.m. by a book idea that just wouldn't shut up. I think it'll be fun. I plan to select a panel of peeps to give me comments on certain topics and then I will publish them in a dialogue format with myself interacting with them. I really can't say much more than that or I'll give away all my good ideas.
Love Ya,
God Bless!
Love Ya,
God Bless!
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