Passing on the Faith

Are you giving up something?

2012-02-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

Lent is upon us as it is Ash Wednesday today; a 40 day period of prayer and fasting. So I ask you are you giving up something for lent? Are you going to fast from something that will give you the opportunity to draw closer to God? Yesterday, I shared Psalm 119:10 where it stated, "With my whole heart I seek you..." The idea behind giving up something is to allow us to seek God as well as "experience" to a very small degree what Jesus experienced while fasting for 40 days. Jesus was faced with temptation as well as we are faced with the temptation of "using" the very thing we gave up for 40 days. The difference - Jesus did not succumb to the temptation as we do.

Growing up in a Catholic town giving up something for lent topped the conversation chart every time lent rolled around. The students in school would try and hold each other accountable but there was a lack of seriousness to it. It was something that had to be done because that was tradition; however, the tradition failed to hone in on growing closer to God. I would not say that this was the case for everyone, but from my perspective of looking in many felt it was something that was done just because.

So I ask you again - are you giving up something? If you are giving up something is it something that will allow you the opportunity to seek Christ with your whole heart? If you are someone that does give up something for Lent, I challenge you to find something that will allow you to seek Him. If you are not one that gives up something, I challenge you to spend the next 40 days seeking Him through a different avenue.

One idea I came across is a book entitled "Writing to God" by Rachel G. Hackenberg. It is an exercise of 40 days of praying with a pen. This is the challenge I am putting before myself. I am going to spend the next 40 days really focusing on my prayer life; an opportunity to grow closer to my Savior.

Another idea I am asking of a group of people at my church is to send one card a day for 40 days. When the 40 days are up each family will have sent 40 individuals a card. The card can be sent for any purpose, but in that card hopefully Christ's love will be shared in some way. This is a way to serve people as Christ came to earth to serve and not be served. (Matthew 20:28)

I am not one that "gives up" something for lent; yet, I think the focus being on Christ for 40 days is truly important. It reminds us of just what Christ did for us as well as deepens our relationship with Him.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-02-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

This week take some time to ponder Psalm 119:10. "With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments."

We are entering the season of Lent; a time to reflect upon what Christ has done for us. He died on the cross and rose again so we didn't have to. This next week take time to seek Him and reflect upon the goodness of Christ.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-02-13T20:45:00.000-05:00

This week we are looking at James 1:17. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

As you go about your week take notice of all the blessings that are upon you. Even consider taking time to keep a list for the week to show just how abundantly blessed we are from our Heavenly Father. Also remember to take time to thank Him!

Cheryl

Celebrating What Today?

2012-02-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

Do you ever look at websites or calendars that share what the "National Day" is? I was looking through a website this morning and found it amusing to see what we could be celebrating each and every day. National Chocolate Day, National Pancake Day, National G.I. Joe day, and whatever else you want to insert after the word National!

While I was reading the interesting days that we could be celebrating, one stuck out for me. February 11th is "National Shut-in Visitation Day".  What a great way to spend a day!  Go visit someone that cannot go out and visit other people. Go visit someone that is lonely. Go visit someone that would love to see a smile. Go visit someone and share with them God's love.

If you don't know someone that is a shut-in call your church. They have a list of people that would love to see someone.  Call a nursing home and ask if there is someone there that doesn't get regular visitors and would enjoy someone to visit with.  Take a moment in life to share yourself with someone who would love to have someone care about them.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-02-06T13:15:00.000-05:00

This week take a moment to consider Isaiah 64:8. "But now, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."

The Lord is our potter. We are the work of His hands! Place this passage on your bathroom mirror and when you look at yourself you will be reminded that the Lord has molded you!

Cheryl

In Your Time...

2012-02-01T14:33:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought about our sense of entitlement? We as Americans seem to have a huge sense of entitlement and I believe that sense can sum up many of our problems we face! We want things and we want them now. We don’t want to wait for anything including God’s timing.

Psalm 6:4 says, “Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love.” We know, because we have been promised, that our life will be delivered. Christ paid the ultimate price. (John 3:16) He has conquered and overcome the world. (John 16:33) We have nothing to worry about. However, that is not how our sinful being thinks. We want to be delivered from what ever trial and tribulation we are facing NOW! We also have a sense that God has abandoned us because He simply is not taking care of things in a quick enough matter.

This is so far from the truth; yet, we are blinded by our sinfulness. God has a great deal to say about time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11a – “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Hosea 10:12 – “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Romans 5:6 – “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Romans 8:18 – 19 – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

Ephesians 1:7-10 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.”

Ephesians 5:15 – 17 – “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.”

And in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

Nowhere in all of those verses did it say we get what we want when we want it. What it did say was in God’s timing things will happen for the good of all believers. Those verses also gave us a whole heap of hope. We don’t have to sit in despair because God’s perfect timing seems to take a long time. We have grace and mercy in the time of need. He has lavished His forgiveness upon us and His riches as well. He died for us while we were still weak.

God also didn’t say we have to live this life by ourselves and endure the evil by ourselves. He said He would walk side by side, carry our burdens, give us peace, give us wisdom, give us comfort, give us strength, and the list goes on. What we have to do is ask. “Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.” We have to trust God’s timing is perfect and we know He will follow through on all the promises He has provided us.

Psalm 69:13 – “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.” In your time God…

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-01-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

This week take time to reflect upon Psalm 62:8. "Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."

As you go through the week and face whatever the week throws at you, is your trust in the Lord to get you through? Post the bible passage around your house to remind yourself and others that God is our refuge and our trust needs to be in Him for all things.

Cheryl

Parenting vs. Marriage

2012-01-26T15:21:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I really enjoy about my job is the opportunity to research many topics. I spend a great deal of time reading up on a number of things. One of those topics is parenting. There are a ton of books, magazine articles, and research that cover the topic of parenting. This is a good thing as parenting is a monumental task involving the very little people that God has so generously blessed us with; but can be overwhelming because there is so much to read and so little time to read it!

Once again I was reading and studying today and it hit me that most of the parenting material builds upon the foundation of making sure couples are solid in their marriage. Let me unpack this a little. We get married and we devote our time to each other. There is time to just sit, talk and laugh. There is time go out and have a good time. Then the little bambinos come along and our devoted time is diverted to the bambinos. There seems to be no time for just sitting and laughing let alone going out. It is almost as if our “married status” is put on hold and our “parent status” is put on full time status.

Well, “married status” doesn’t stop because kids come along. We have to make sure we have “married status” as well as “parent status”. In fact, if we keep “married status” on the forefront we will have a better “parent status”. You see, God created an amazing unity amongst a husband and wife. In Mark 10:6-9 it states, “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” When we put our “married status” on hold to tend to our children and life in general we start to lose that sense unity with our spouse. It opens the door for life to take over and for couples to drift away from that amazing unity God created. We are “allowing” man to separate us. When we lose that connection, we are not at our best in parenting due to the lack of unity with our spouse.

So don’t put your marriage on the back burner because you have little one’s or teenagers running around. Give your kids the best gift you can – a demonstration of an amazing love and unity you can share with a spouse! A suggestion given by Les and Leslie Parrot is to take 60 seconds when you come together again after being apart all day to “reconnect”. Let each other know that you love and missed each other throughout the day. It is just one simple way to keep your “marriage status” current!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-01-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

This weeks bible passage is from John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world"

I am sure there is not a week that goes by that we don't face some kind of trouble. Post this passage all around so you are reminded that we have peace in Christ! He has overcome the world. What great hope He has given us!!!

Cheryl

Respect

2012-01-18T10:40:00.000-05:00

As noted in an earlier blog post I send out marriage reflections to couples each week. One week we looked at the word respect and the importance of giving respect in marriage.

Respect

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3

Respect is one of those attributes that is highly regarded as well as many times highly misused. Many people have “earned” the respect deserved and others just expect the respect to be there. A marriage where respect is expected but the actions show otherwise from one or both spouses is a marriage that is missing out on the beauty of respect. It is a marriage missing out on the beauty of a deep connection with one another.

The definition of respect according to dictionary.com is…

“Esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability.”

Do you hold and see your spouse in esteem and in excellence? Do your actions make it easy for your spouse to hold you in esteem and excellence?

In looking through different materials about respect, I believe there are levels of respect. One level of respect is what I will call automatic. You respect each other because you are married to each other. That should be an automatic. Ephesians 5:33b states, “The wife must respect her husband.” Romans 12:10 notes, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” It is respecting one another because you have made a commitment to one another.

The levels of respect beyond “automatic” are what I would call “earned”. As you grow in your marriage, you discover one another. You discover what makes each other tick. You discover what is okay with your spouse and what isn’t. As you make discoveries about your spouse you have learned new ways to respect them.

As you go about your week find ways to show respect to your spouse. By showing them respect, you are taking the time to honor them as well.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-01-16T14:11:00.000-05:00

This week we will ponder 2 Thessalonians 3:3 which states, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."

What a comfort it is to know that the Lord is always faithful and He will give us the strength we need as well as protect us from the evil one! Share with others how the Lord has protected you and given you the strength needed.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-01-11T18:41:00.000-05:00

I am late in posting my bible passage for the week. I am in Hawaii enjoying the weather as well as have no Internet in my room. It is kind of weird to not be online all the time!

So the bible passage for this week comes from Isaiah 55:3 "Incline your ear, and come to me; hear; that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David"

Have you taken the time to hear what He is saying to you? Are you in His word and listening? Take time to be still and hear! Take time to delve into His word and see where He is leading you.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2012-01-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

The bible passage for this week comes from Matthew 28:19a. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..."

All nations and all people need to know the Good News! How do you share the good news with those people you come in contact with throughout the day?

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-12-26T12:12:00.000-05:00

As 2011 comes to an end we are going to look at two bible passages.

Malachi 3:6a - "For I the Lord do not change."

Hebrews 13:8 - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

No matter what happened in 2011 or what is to happen in 2012 we have a Savior that is the same yesterday, today and forever! What a great gift!

Happy New Year!

Cheryl

Beyond the realm of understanding!

2011-12-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

Psalm 5:8 notes, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies, make your way straight before me.” We are celebrating our Savior’s birth this weekend and this verse is quite fitting if you think of the Christmas story.

Take a look at Mary. She is about to have a baby and I am sure not real comfortable but couldn’t find a place to give birth. Her Heavenly Father guided her and Joseph to a place where she could give birth to our Savior. However, think about how Mary was led before those moments she was giving birth in a stable. Mary had an angel appear before her and tell her she was going to give birth to a son and she should call Him Jesus. What! I’m sure Mary knew enough about the birds and the bees to know she couldn’t be pregnant. Yet, she trusted the Lord was leading her and would protect her. Mary followed the Lord’s guidance even though it didn’t fit the human knowledge of possibilities.

Then take a look at the shepherds and wise men. The Savior was born and it was quite evident because a bright star appeared in the sky. They made their way to see their Savior and worship Him despite the dangers they could face. Being led the whole way via this bright star and having protection from their enemies was another way God did things in an "unconventional" manner. The Lord even led them to know King Herod was up to no good and they should not follow his orders.

There was also Joseph to consider in all of this. He also was willing to take the Lord’s lead. He was going to marry a girl that was pregnant and not with his baby! Not good! Yet, the Lord assured Him it was okay. Then, he had to worry about his wife and where she was going to have a baby. The Lord provided again. After Jesus was born, Joseph had to take his family and flee because Herod was out to kill Jesus. Joseph was willing to listen to his Heavenly Father and do what He asked, even though like Mary it didn’t register within the human understanding.

This brings me to us. The Lord has promised to lead us. He has promised to lead us on a straight path despite our enemies. However, are we willing to take His lead? Are we willing to listen to His words of guidance even if it is beyond the human knowledge of possibilities? Our human side probably puts on the brakes and says no way! This is just not the way things will be done. Our Heavenly Father says in Psalm 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” AND because His thoughts are not our thoughts He leads us and instructs us through life! Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

It is Christmas and our Heavenly Father sent His only Son to earth for us. It is beyond the realm of human understanding; yet we have a Savior that paid the ultimate price despite our ability to grasp His grace. My prayer is that we are open to whatever it is that He places before us! Just remember, Mary and Joseph were faced with the strangest of events and the Lord led them through and blessed them!

Merry Christmas!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-12-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

This week take time to remember our Savior. Jesus is the reason for this season! "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-12-12T11:52:00.000-05:00

This week take a look at Psalm 40:2. "He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure."

As we live each day, notice how the Lord has provided for us secure steps. We have His promises throughout scripture to know we have solid ground to stand upon. Share this week how Christ has been your rock and your security!

Cheryl

A Strand of Lights

2011-12-10T20:38:00.000-05:00

Have you ever sung the song “This Little Light of Mine”? When I was looking through my pictures and saw this photo that was the song that popped into my head. This little bulb shed enough light to make a beautiful picture! Each of us is a “little light” on this earth that has been created so beautifully and perfectly by our Savior. We have been created to shine His light on the path that Christ leads us down.

Christ doesn’t ask us to “shine” alone. Think about a strand of Christmas lights. Each bulb shines and is beautiful; but when you add the whole strand of lights it is even brighter and more beautiful! You don’t have to stop with one strand of lights. You can add more strands and the brighter it will get. It is almost like the description of the fellowship of believes in Acts. Acts 2:46-47 states, “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

It is Christmas time; a time to remember our Savior’s birth. However, our society tells us we cannot say “Christmas” we have to say “Holiday”. We are more excited to see Santa come than we are to share of our Savior’s birth. It doesn’t have to be that way. We, as a fellowship of believers, can choose to share that it is Christmas. We are a strand of lights connected by Christ’s love that can light up this world with the great news – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

The next time you greet someone, wish them a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-12-06T11:36:00.000-05:00

This week take a look at Isaiah 40:11. "He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

What a peaceful image! Christ will carry us close to Him! Post this around your house. Watch how Christ tends to you like a shepherd tends to his flock. Watch how he gently leads you and guides you. Share with others what an amazing Shepherd we have!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-11-28T19:04:00.000-05:00

The bible passage to ponder this week is from Nahum 1:7 - "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him."

Take the opportunity to post this around your house, put it in your car, post it in your office, or wherever you may be to remind you the Lord is good and will be your stronghold. Share with your family and friends how good the Lord has been!

Cheryl

Tolerance

2011-11-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

The marriage reflection for this week was based upon the word tolerance. I felt it was fitting to share as we enter the holiday season.

Tolerance

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

I think tolerance is a perfect fit for the beginning of the holiday season. It is the season where there are 1000 and 1 things to do and places to be. It is the season where relatives and in-laws are in the mix. It is the season where “quirks” tend to be magnified! It is the season where we forget to be tolerant!

Tolerance is the ability to withstand, or look the other way, when your spouse’s “quirks” drive you nutty! Not only is it the ability to withstand the quirks but it is the ability not to let it get to you. Dan and I fit the “opposites attract” model. He is a morning person – I am a night owl. He is an extrovert – I am an introvert. He is very affectionate – I am not so affectionate. He likes to do things spur of the moment – I like things planned. He is optimistic – I am realistic. Those are just a few of the differences we face each day. The opportunity we have is to work together to fit the needs of each other.

Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” God created each and every one of us unique with gifts and talents that are perfect for us. Therefore, the differences between spouses is not “right” and “wrong” it is the melding of two lives that have been created uniquely different from everyone else. The question is then how do you meld those uniquely different lives to be able to tolerate each other’s “quirks”?

The task of “tolerating” the differences is not a task that happens over night. It is a task of seeing what makes your spouse tick and being aware of that. For instance, Dan has learned the constant chaos and talking in the house eventually wears on me. He quiets down and asks the kids to quiet down. I have learned to be more of a morning person. I have learned to function in the morning so we can do things together. We do those things not because that is what we naturally come by; it is because we truly care about each other. We are “tolerant”, or aware, of what each other prefer.

There are always going to be differences and “quirks” you will be faced with in married life. Have you developed the ability to withstand your spouse’s quirks? There is also the question – do you know things bother your spouse and are you willing to change those things? Colossians 3:13 – “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

As we enter this holiday season take an extra dose of tolerance! Take time this holiday season to share with your spouse the beauty of their individuality. Also take note in your own quirks to see what you can do to lessen the need for tolerance.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-11-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

The bible passage for this week comes from Psalm 4:7 - "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound."

It is the week of Thanksgiving - a time to be thankful for all the blessings we have in our lives. We have been given more joy than those who have "everything". As you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, take time to see the joy in your life because the Lord has given abundantly.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-11-14T10:59:00.000-05:00

The bible passage for this week comes from Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

What a comfort it is to know how Christ will supply for our every need. As you go through this week, take notice of how your needs are met. Share with your family and friends how you see Christ providing for you.

Cheryl

Appreciation

2011-11-09T11:24:00.000-05:00

Taking time to focus on your marriage is so important; yet so many times life gets in the way and keeps us busy. That is why I started a weekly "Marriage Reflections" for couples who wanted to make sure they were putting their marriage on the front burner instead of the back burner. Couples simply get an email every week that gives them an action/word to consider.

I thought I would share week one with you. Week one took a look at the word and act of appreciation.

Appreciation

The definition of appreciation according to Dictionary.com is as follows…

Gratitude; thankful recognition
The act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value
An increase or rise in the value of property, goods, etc.

To appreciate something is simple. The act of appreciation can be done with words, a gesture, or even a look. For instance, to stop and take a look at God’s magnificent beauty is an act of appreciation. To tell someone “Thank You” is an act of appreciation. To wave and say Hi to someone is an act of appreciation.

If appreciation is just a simple act, then why did I choose this word to focus on for the week? Simply put…it is a simple act that we forget to do for the ones we love the most. Think back to when you were dating and you were on your “best” behavior. You said “Please” and “Thank you”. You probably held the door open for your date. You listened intently to the conversation. Then you got married and reality came about J.

The reality being you live with each other 24/7. You see each other’s bad habits. You have to work things out to benefit the both of you. You get involved with work, kids, other activities, etc and the simple acts in our lives can go by the wayside. We forget to appreciate our spouse. We forget to value them as noted in the third definition of appreciation. Our spouse is not a property or a good but one that needs to feel value. By taking the time to appreciate our spouse we are valuing them.

Scripture even talks about appreciation given to one another. Proverbs 31:27-28 states…”She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Colossians 3:15 notes…”And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

This week take the time to appreciate one another. Appreciate the little things each other does. Appreciate the differences you have. Appreciate your Lord together. When you take time appreciate one another make sure you use words and actions and in doing that you will see your spouse in a different light.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-11-07T11:48:00.001-05:00

This week's bible passage comes from Jeremiah 31:25. "For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish."

How does the Lord satisfy, or in the NIV version it says refresh, your soul? Share with family and friends how the Lord replenishes you. It is a great way to see the Lord at work!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-10-31T09:57:00.000-04:00

The bible passage for this week comes from Philippians 1:3 - "I thank my God every time I remember you!"

God places people in our lives that are truly a blessing. As you go through the week, thank God for those people and let those people know they are truly a blessing!

Have a great week!
Cheryl

Rejoice in Suffering?

2011-10-27T16:34:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when I am reading scripture I come across words/phrases that make me stop reading and really think about what God is actually asking of us. For instance, reading in Romans 5:3 it says, “We rejoice in our sufferings…” Really? We are to rejoice in the suffering we are experiencing. I am sure my husband could attest that I lack in the rejoicing piece when I am suffering. Do people really rejoice in their suffering?

These words are words I pondered for awhile and while pondering them I thought of a family that fit this statement. The family is one that consists of Dad, Mom and 4 little girls aging 11 and under. Dad is a pastor and mom teaches part time and stays home with the girls the other part of the time. About a year and a half ago, dad was experiencing some severe headaches that were debilitating. Dad went to the doctor, referred to Mayo Clinic in MN, and essentially stumped the doctors there. In the middle of all of this, mom fell off of a horse and broke her pelvic bone. This meant immediate surgery and being completely immobile for months. The family has now had to move to Houston, TX for dad’s medical conditions. He is in and out of the hospital with surgery looming and a potential for not real good results. Mom has had to have another surgery because the first one didn’t heal correctly. Therefore, she is once again laid up for the months. On top of all of this, their niece was bon at 34 weeks and did marvelously well in the NICU. She had a 19 day stay and then was able to come home. However, after being home for a short period she contracted bacterial meningitis. The bacterial meningitis took her life after being on this earth for four months.

I go back to those words, rejoice in suffering. How can a family rejoice in suffering after going through all of that AND still has more to go through? They do rejoice. Mom writes a blog. Through her blog she shares the suffering that they are experiencing; yet, in that she shares how Christ is so good! She shares all the good that has come from the suffering they have experienced. She shares Christ’s love.

You see the bible passage didn’t just end with “rejoice in suffering”. It goes on to say, “Knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5) Scripture didn’t end with Romans 5:3 either. Scripture is filled with Christ’s promises for us! God doesn’t forget us in our suffering. In fact, He promises to be with us always. (Matthew 28:20) Not only does He not forget us He equips us. Psalm 18:39 notes, “For you equipped me with strength for the battle…” and Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” We have His promises to hold onto. We have His strength to lean upon. We have His love filling us. AND we can rejoice in suffering because in Romans 8:28 it states, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Rejoice in Christ!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-10-24T19:13:00.000-04:00

We have a mighty God that does marvelous things! Psalm 72:18 "Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds."

As you go about this week, take note of all the marvelous deeds God has done. Share with your family and friends how marvelous our God is!

Cheryl

Strength

2011-10-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

Do you ever stop to reflect on things of the past and wonder how you managed to get through it? I have taken time to reflect upon things and I am amazed how “I” got through certain events. For instance, I have three children and when our youngest was born life was in full swing at our house. When Savannah was a couple months old, Dan traveled to Annual Meeting and was gone 10 days. At that point in Savannah’s life, she was up every two hours to eat. Dan usually took a feeding in the middle of the night so I got a little bit of rest as well. However, with Dan gone for 10 days that meant I had to do all the feedings, work, make sure the kids made it to school, dance, karate, and all the other things life threw at us. I remember the tears running down my face as I was telling Dan I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I didn’t know how I was going to function with no sleep for 10 days. Those 10 days I had more energy than I knew what to do with. I fed Savannah every two hours, the kids made it to school, I made it to work and I felt great! I had nothing to with it! There is no way on my strength alone that I could have made it through those 10 days so well.

Psalm 21:1 says, “O Lord, in Your strength the king rejoices, and in Your salvation how greatly he exults.” The six words in this verse that bring a whole heap of comfort are, “in Your strength…in Your salvation”. We can rejoice because we have the strength of the Lord. We can exult and be exuberantly happy because our salvation is in Christ. Take the Lord’s strength to our daily lives. We can survive anything put before us because we have the strength of the Lord. In your strength Lord, I can make it through the challenges of the day. In your strength Lord, I can survive 10 days of very little sleep. In your strength Lord, I can walk the journey of life.

It is a comfort to know we don’t have to do “life” alone! Isaiah41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Cheryl

Peace

2011-10-18T10:12:00.000-04:00

Time has passed by and I have not shared a blessing bible passage in a while. Use this bible passage or other ones I have posted or you have found to share with your children before they go to bed at night. The last words you are sharing with your children before they sleep are God's Words. What a great thing to have in your mind before you fall asleep.

This bible passage comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:16. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."

The Lord's peace is like none other! I pray you enjoy sharing God's word with your children each night.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-10-17T15:58:00.000-04:00

This week take the time to consider 1 Corinthians 13:4. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Post this verse around your house to remind you what love is and what love is not. As you go through the week take opportunities to demonstrate love.

Cheryl

Inconvenient Storms

2011-10-11T20:15:00.000-04:00

I shared these words with my online ladies bible study and I thought I would share them with you.

“Inconvenient Storms” – words that could be used for the things that occur in life that are unsettling or cause bumps in the road. I am sure there are inconvenient storms that occur in everyone’s life. We have probably been told during these storms that God will carry you through. He is with you! He has a plan for you. However, many times it doesn’t feel like it. We are enduring whatever it is and why would God put me through this?

In Psalm 3:7 David cried out “Arise, O Lord! Save me Oh my God!” We cry out – Lord why do I have to endure these inconvenient storms? Jesus cried out, “Let this cup pass from me.” (Matthew 26:39) Wait! Jesus cried out? He is the Christ, Messiah, King of all Kings and He cried out to His Father?

Yes, Jesus cried out to His Father, “Let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Can you imagine if the Heavenly Father would have changed His mind and said “No, My Son, you do not have to suffer?” Where would that leave us? It would leave us in the devil’s hands!

Our Heavenly Father knew His Son had to suffer so we could have life. He knew the big picture. The same goes for us in our daily lives. When God says “For I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11)He isn’t kidding. His plans are “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (29:11) That doesn’t mean we are not going to face the “inconvenient storms” in life. James 1:2-3 states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

What it does mean is He will give us the strength to get through whatever “inconvenient storms” we face in life. He will give us the wisdom to get through the “inconvenient storms”. He will give us the peace to get through the “inconvenient storms”. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” There are plaques that share the words...the Lord may calm the storm or he may calm you to get through the storm. Whichever one the Lord chooses, you have what you need to get through.

I want to go back to those little words, “cried out”. Jesus cried out to His Heavenly Father. We too need to cry out to our Heavenly Father. We need to share our hurts, angers, disappointments, and fears with Him. In doing that, you are giving everything over to Him. The Heavenly Father gave His Son the strength and peace to die so that we may have life! Our Heavenly Father will give us the strength and peace to endure the “inconvenient storms”.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-10-09T17:28:00.000-04:00

Due to a busy travel week, I am going to post our bible passage for the week a day early.

It comes from Philippians 2:4 "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

This is a great bible passage to post around the house to remind us that we need to be concerned about others. Share with family and friends this week who God has placed in your life that you could be of help to. Remember to pray for those people too!

Cheryl

What if?

2011-10-04T20:49:00.000-04:00

One of my new "addictions" is pinterest.com. It is a website filled with ideas, pictures, sayings, etc that can take hours of one's time. The time thing is not so good - the ideas are great! So while spending sometime perusing the other day I came across a saying that humbled me!

"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday." Ouch! I started to think about what I would have and the list was pretty short. Then I took a look around me and I have been blessed beyond words. Can I sigh over the Internet? I have neglected to thank my Savior for the blessings He has given me.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." and Ephesians 5:20 notes, "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." I have heard these verses many times. In fact, they are underlined in my bible; yet, I didn't think much about it.

What a blessing it is to have a Savior that doesn't give us what we deserve! Take time during the day to Thank Him in all circumstances! Remember to thank Him for the little things, the big things, and all the things in between.

Thank you Jesus for blessing us beyond our wildest dreams!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the week

2011-10-03T15:22:00.000-04:00

This week's bible passage to post around the house is Psalm 16:9. "Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure."

How are you rejoicing in the Lord this week? Share with your family and friends the great blessings our Savior has showered on you!

Cheryl

In Flight

2011-09-29T21:40:00.000-04:00

I write this as I am sitting on a plane headed back home from a fulfilling week at a conference in Louisville. (Of course, I posted after I landed J) Anyway, the routine boarding the plane is pretty much that – routine. They call your loading zone, they scan your boarding pass, you enter the plane, find your seat, get situated and then wait to take off. While you are waiting the flight attendant goes over the safety rules. The first thing that is said is to take out the safety cards to follow along. As I looked around me, no one took their safety cards out including me. It is almost an inconvenience to have to sit through the list of instructions. However, if something was to happen and the safety procedures were needed, we would probably all panic because we weren’t listening when the directions were given. And of course it would be the airlines fault because we weren’t following along.

I wonder if life isn’t like that. We have a safety manual. It is called the Bible. The safety manual is filled with instructions, hope, promises, wisdom, and so much more; yet, it is an inconvenience for us to open it. God even gives us “flight attendants” to help us through the instruction manual – AKA – pastors. But that is an inconvenience too. We have to make our way to church and sometimes the pastor preaches WAY TO LONG! Yet, when things go wrong, we panic. We don’t know where to turn and if only the pastor would have been more helpful or preached on a particular subject we wouldn’t be in this predicament.

It doesn’t have to be this way! We have a pilot that guides us, comforts us, strengthens us, fills us with wisdom, and has provided us with Hope! In fact, in Isaiah 30:18 it states, “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you…” He is waiting for us! We don’t even have to “get in line” to board!

Don’t miss the flight! Take time to listen to the “flight attendants” as God uses them to speak to you. Don’t be afraid to open the safety manual and truly dig into it for it is filled with so much! Do continue to build your relationship with your “Pilot” because there is no relationship like the one you can have with Him!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-09-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

This week take time to ponder 1 Chronicles 16:11. "Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His presence continually."

Post this bible passage around your house to remind you that you are to seek Him. Not only are you to seek Him for strength but seek Him continually, or for everything. As you talk with your family and friends this week, talk about how the Lord has been your strength.

Cheryl

Actions Speak Louder than Words

2011-09-21T22:22:00.000-04:00

Dating – a term that will be used within my house before I know it! There will come the time that my little girl will be a young lady and will reach the chapter in life entitled” Dating”. I think the chapter is entitled “Gray Hair” for the parents! Nevertheless, the chapter will come and as parents we have to take that leap of faith and let them go.

However, as parents we don’t have to let them go without preparation. In fact, we shouldn’t let them go without a great deal of preparation. I know – the kids are rolling their eyes at the thought of talking to you about dating, but despite the rolling they hear you. It is a step in the preparation of dating.

Talking is one step; action is another step. There needs to be action behind the words or could I use the phrase “Actions speak louder than words”. Your actions can teach your son or daughter what dating is all about. Your actions can teach them what to expect and how to be treated on a date. Your actions can even bring about a lifetime of memories for your son or daughter.

Dads set the standard for what your daughter should expect on a date. Schedule a date with your daughter. Tell her the time and date she needs to be ready. Ring the doorbell, have a flower in hand to give her when she answers the door, and then take her on a date. While dating, demonstrate all the things she should expect from a young gentleman. Don’t just date her once, date her multiple times. Show her over and over again that she should expect no less than being treated with respect and dignity.

Moms set the standard for how your son should treat a lady as well as show him what kind of lady he should consider dating. Have your son take you on a date. Have him get ready for the date, come to the door and ask for you. He can walk you to the car and open your door. You should probably drive J Give him money in advance so he can pay the bill and let him be the “man”. This too should happen multiple times so he is well prepared when the time of dating transpires.

While “dating” our children, we are not only teaching them what a date should be we are opening a door to a deeper relationship. It is an opportunity to have honest conversations that can be light hearted as well as embark upon some tough subjects. It is a time for our son or daughter to know they hold a special place in our heart.

The instructions given by God for parenting follow the model of talking and taking action too. In Deuteronomy 6:6-9, the Lord gives His commandments and we are to impress them upon our children. We are to do that by talking about it all the time. We are also supposed to take action by tying symbols and writing it out. In other words, our children are not going to learn by us just talking. We need to put actions behind our words. These actions lead to the words in Proverbs 22:6 – “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-09-19T12:48:00.000-04:00

This week we will focus on 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as well as other scripture that God puts in your life.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."

As you spend time in scripture this week, what words are being put before you that God is using to teach you? Share with your loved ones and friends what bible passages have helped you through the hour, day, or week.

Cheryl

God's Magnificient Creation

2011-09-13T11:49:00.000-04:00

Take a moment to think about God’s creation…Now that a moment has passed, have you ever really thought about the magnificent detail in God’s creation? Have you thought about how this big piece of mass floats around in space in perfect unison with all the other planets? Have you thought about how this big piece of mass is perfectly formed so it can support human life? Have you thought about how many people are actually on earth? Have you thought about how animals, people, plants, and insects can all co-exist on one earth? Have you thought about how our body functions with fine detail so we can live? Have you thought about the littlest of details such as the bee that comes around to pollinate blossoms so we have apples? Have you thought about the ant that can carry an immense amount of weight despite the little body it has?

I could ask tons of “Have you thought about” questions. The last one I want to ask is, have you thought about this magnificent world and all its intricate details being created in 6 days? Our God is awe-inspiring! There is not one detail left unturned in His creation. Genesis 1:31 says, “An God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”

What God has made is good! Yet, we live in a world that doesn’t see the good. We lose sight of His magnificent beauty as our sinful nature gets in the way. Our eyes are not on Him; we lose focus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. One way to do that is by taking a close look at His beautiful world.

I have a “photo-a-day” album that sits next to my printer. I love to take pictures of nature and my kids. As I fill my “photo-a-day” album I am amazed at how beautiful God’s creation is. I am amazed at how intricate all the details are in all the things that I take pictures of. Taking photos has really opened my eyes to His beauty and His presence around me.

Take time this fall with your family, friends, or by yourself to really take a look at His beauty. If you have children, give them an opportunity to take photos of what they see in God’s creation. Have a family photo day where you all go out and take photos of God’s beautiful creation. It will lead to great family discussion as well as an opportunity to see what your kids think is beautiful or unique. Most of all enjoy the day and relish in God’s beauty and presence that surrounds us!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-09-12T11:34:00.000-04:00

This week we are going to take a look at Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

We need to post this bible passage around the house to remind ourselves that we need to be sharing with the next generation the greatness of our Savior. Share with each other how you were "trained up" and what you are currently doing to continue to be in His word.

Cheryl

What Legacy are you Leaving?

2011-09-08T10:47:00.001-04:00

During vacation I had the opportunity to visit with my Grandma's and ever since that visit I have had this sense of sadness that I have missed out on something. You see one of my Grandma's doesn't remember much anymore. In fact, I think most of the time I spent with her she didn't really know who I was. This made conversation very difficult. What she remembered was way back when and I know very little about way back when to carry on a conversation.

I was at a loss and yet I didn't want to give up my time with her.  Our God is always good! There on her shelf was an old photo book that had pictures I had never seen before. It was from way back when! It was an opportunity to talk about things she could remember. It was an opportunity to see Grandma as a young and vibrant lady that has left a legacy for 86 years and continues to leave a legacy.

As we live each and every day on this earth we are leaving a legacy.  The question is what legacy are we leaving? Are we leaving one that shares Christ's Victory and Grace or are we leaving one that shows we just existed here on earth?

The legacy my Grandma has left and continues to leave is one that shows what an amazing Savior she has. Grandma has taught me the value of dedication, forgiveness, hard work, giving to others, using what God has given you, and that is the short list. Grandma didn't live her life to just exist; she lived it so that her kids and grandkids knew of Christ's love. Grandma may not remember much anymore, but she still knows her Savior. She could still share with me Christ's love despite the failing memory.

The sense of sadness that I left with was due to the fact there were many stories behind the pictures that I will never know because she no longer can tell me. However, she left me with so much more than those pictures. This leads me back to the question - what legacy are you leaving? Leave a legacy that shows Christ amazing power, love, and strength because there is no better legacy to leave than that!

Cheryl

A Child's Blessing

2011-09-07T14:28:00.000-04:00

Letting children know they are a blessing is priceless! Knowing that we are a blessing in God's eyes is priceless! Therefore, relaying the blessings that God has given throughout his word to our children is priceless!

Colossians 1:11 notes... "May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy."

Take a moment each day to share God's blessings with your children. Tuck this verse between the mattresses and pull it out as you tuck them into bed. What a great thing to hear as you are going to sleep - to be strengthened in His glorious might!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-09-06T13:28:00.000-04:00

Rest and relaxation is always good! I have had the opportunity to go on vacation and take some time with my family to refresh. As I was thinking about the bible passage for the week, I wanted it to reflect rest and relaxation and then I came upon Isaiah 40:28. "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable."

No matter what we are facing in our daily lives our Savior does not grow faint or weary! Take this week and seek out how our Lord does not grow weary and faint in our lives. Share with each other how the Lord is ever-present!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-08-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

Colossians 2:6-7 "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

Take the week and ponder as well as share with one another how you are rooted in Him. The bible passage also notes that we are to walk in Him as we have been taught. As a parent, it is my job to make sure my children have the foundation they need to continue to build their relationship with Christ when they leave the home. This is a great opportunity to show the kids how you are rooted in Christ!

Cheryl

Talking to me?

2011-08-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

I am going to go out on a limb here and claim that many people are not comfortable saying that "God talks to them". I can hear the "insults" already...Bible thumper, Jesus freak, weirdo, gone over the edge, crazy, and the list goes on. Due to the "insults" this topic seems to bring about a quietness in people and credit is not given where credit is due.

Let me explain. The Lord is indeed talking to us. In John 8:47 it states, "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." Then in John 10:27 it says, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." This leaves us with one of two things. Either we are not hearing God or we are not giving God the credit for what He has shared with us because we keep quiet that God talks to us.

Karon Phillips Goodman states the conundrum quite well in her book, "You're Late Again, Lord!" (1984)  She states, "I couldn't hear anything over my own demands. I didn't have time to belong to God - I wanted Him to belong to me." (pg.19) One of the reasons we are not hearing God is because we don't want to hear what He is asking of us, we want it our way.

Building a relationship with Christ is more than an hour a week in a pew. Building a relationship with Christ is spending time in His word and sharing with Him our joys, agonies, worries, thanks, and whatever it is on our hearts.  Being in His word and conversing with Him opens our hearts to hearing Him and following His lead.

I keep a prayer journal, which is a way of keeping me focused when I pray. I write everything out. It also gives me the ability to go back and see how God has answered my prayers. The other day, I was pouring my heart and soul out to God; pleading with Him for a clear answer and path that I was to take. Then at the most unexpected moment He shared His answer with me.

You see, I was asked at the last moment to go to the movies with some ladies. I am not one that does too many things on the spur of the moment. I like life planned out. However, there was no reason not to go to the movies and to spend time with amazing Christian ladies would be good. So off to the movies I went. I was watching the movie and about half way through, God relayed to me my answer that I had pleaded for just the day before. In fact, the last half of the movie was time spent conversing with God and Him sharing with me what it is He is asking of me.

Yes, I know God is talking to me because I hear him!  Don't be afraid to share that God is leading your life! He has amazing plans that go beyond our wildest expectations! Be a bible thumper, Jesus freak, weirdo for Him! You never know how he will use you to reach other people.

BTW - Ladies, the book by Karon Phillips Goodman is a great one to have in your resource pile. It is one to pull out and reread, highlight, ponder, etc. It is no longer in print but you can find used copies on amazon.com.

Thank you to the ladies who invited me and didn't know God was using them to speak to me!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-08-15T11:50:00.000-04:00

This week we will take a look at Jeremiah 16:7-8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

A great passage to post around the house and remember when things are tough. We will bear fruit even in a drought when we plant ourselves by the stream; the stream being our Savior. A stream that continuously feeds and waters us. Share this week how the Lord has taken care of you despite all the things that are going on in the world.

Cheryl

Giving to Others

2011-08-10T14:42:00.000-04:00

The Lord has blessed my husband and I with three beautiful children that have amazing giving hearts. They are truly concerned about other peoples' feelings and needs. They hurt when other people hurt. They laugh when other people laugh. They jump in and help when someone needs help. However, as the kids get older I am noticing there is an internal struggle within them. Society says the world is all about them. Mom and dad say the world doesn't revolve around them.

As a parent, I don't want my kids to lose that willingness to help others. I want them to continue to see the needs of others and have that drive to give to others. One way to foster that growth is to pray for others. While reading the "Homelife" magazine there was a little box that said "Family Challenge". "Adopt" a family for a week and pray for them. Pray for their specific needs or pray for general needs. This opens the door for the kids to see there are other people in the world that are in need; even if that need is just rest and relaxation.

To take it a step farther, after you have spent the week praying for them "give" to them. Send them a card to let them you know they were covered in prayer for a week. If the kids are old enough have the kids write the card. You could bake them cookies if they live close by. No matter what "giving" you do it means a whole lot when you find out someone has been praying for you.

Not only are you "giving" of yourself, you are "showing" others Jesus' great love!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-08-08T12:19:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bible passages since I was a kid was Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice."

Take moments this week to rejoice in the Lord! Share with your family, friends, neighbors, facebook friends, why you are rejoicing in the Lord! The media wants to share the bad or negative - Let us share the good we have through Him!

Cheryl

Laughter Being a Part of Your Day

2011-08-03T11:16:00.000-04:00

I'm sure most of us have heard "laughter is good medicine". Just think about when you laugh. It brings a smile to your face. It lifts your spirit. It puts a bright spot in your day.

Laughter is good medicine because God prescribed it. Proverbs 17:22 "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 15:13 "A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed" Just think about when we don't laugh. We are drained. We have a dim outlook on life. We simply don't care anymore or as God puts it our bones are dried up.

While exercising the other morning in a hotel exercise facility the news was the "entertainment" for those of us walking miles and going no where. The guy on the treadmill next to me said "Is there ever anything good on the news?" It made me stop and think, we are a doom and gloom society. The "bad" stuff makes the news not the joyous stuff.

Therefore, we need to be diligent in taking a moment in life each day to laugh. Share that laughter with a spouse, friend, children, neighbor or simply laugh because you have a memory that brings happiness. My vision of laughter is my grandma. She laughs all the time. In fact, just thinking about it makes me laugh. Life was not easy for her, but she always found the joy in life and still finds that joy today. What a blessing she has given to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Laugh - God prescribed it! Share it - God asks us to share!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-08-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

This week take a look at 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

A passage to remind us that all of our troubles are taken care of by our Lord Jesus Christ and in that we are able to pay the comfort forward. We can share the comfort Christ has given us with others who are hurting.

Take moments to look around you and see who needs to hear the words of comfort from our Lord. It is also an opportunity to pray for others.

Cheryl

Seventh Commandment of Marriage

2011-07-27T00:28:00.000-04:00

I am not sure how time gets away from me so quickly but it has been quite some time since I have posted anything on marriage. Therefore, it is time to take a look at the seventh commandment of marriage within Ed Young's book, "The Ten Commandments of Marriage".

This commandment, I believe is the basis of marriage or any relationship for that matter. "Thou shalt forgive thy mate - 490 times and more." It is at this point I am going to say, buy the book! If you only buy the book to read this chapter, it is well worth your money. I cannot review this chapter and do it justice. In fact, it is a section of a book that needs to be highlighted, written in, and reviewed on a frequent basis.

So on that note, I will add my thoughts about forgiveness and once again encourage you to buy the book.

Forgiveness is one of those things that seems to catch people off guard. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I was so not prepared for marriage when I got married. Yes, I was young but I don't think I would have been too much more prepared if I had been older. I had an ideal of what my marriage was going to be and it sure was pretty.  In fact, I couldn't wait to be married because we could spend all of our time together. Well, it only took about 2 weeks for that bubble to pop and my pretty picture wasn't so pretty anymore.

The short story is we were both in college carrying a full credit load and having to work to support ourselves. My husband had two jobs and I had one. Needless to say there was no spending time together like I had dreamt about. In fact, the stress load was quite intense so the "we will never have major arguments" bubble popped too.  What I was truly not prepared for was the pain that goes along with those major arguments. Who knew? I had no idea how much "love" could hurt. I grew up in a household with married parents and they obviously did a great job of protecting us from their pain within their arguments. For that I am very thankful!

What I had to learn and am still learning is to forgive as well as to ask for forgiveness.  Young notes in this chapter, "A marriage is not so much the union of two great lovers as it is of two great forgivers." (pg. 153) It didn't take long for the bubble to pop because both my husband and I were human. We made mistakes, said things that shouldn't have been said and in that we had to learn how to forgive and be forgiven.  In marriage, I learned that love can hurt but I also learned how love can grow so deep and be so gratifying because we "discovered" the element of forgiveness.

Christ commands us to forgive. He doesn't just say it once, He mentions it multiple times throughout the bible. Therefore, it clearly is an important element in one's life.  The act of forgiveness allows for the love to grow deep and the relationship to strengthen. There is no sin too big that cannot be forgiven. Christ died on the cross and rose again so our sins would be wiped away. He didn't say certain sins were going to be wiped away. He paid the price for all sins. Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

As Christ commands us to forgive, that commandment means 70 x 7 times.  Not only are we commanded to forgive we need to ask for forgiveness as well. We can look at as we need to be forgiven 70 x 7.

Marriage is not an easy road, but it sure is rewarding when forgiveness can occur for one another. By the way, I just celebrated my 16th wedding anniversary and Who Knew? marriage could be so amazing!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-07-25T14:38:00.000-04:00

This week we are going to take a look at Isaiah 30:21.. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Take moments this week to talk about how God is leading you and where He is leading you.

Cheryl

His Creation and His Beauty

2011-07-18T11:49:00.001-04:00

A hobby of mine is photography. This hobby has grown over the years and with my current camera I have taken over 14,000 pictures. Needless to say, I have pictures of a lot of things! Despite the thousands of pictures I am not quite sure what to do with, I have discovered something within my hobby. I have discovered the beauty of God's creation! Looking through my camera lens, I see things I have never noticed before; yet, have walked by "it" a thousand times.

Yesterday, was a day that presented an opportunity which left me speechless. I was up and on the beach prior to the sun "getting up". There I sat facing the Atlantic ocean waiting for the sun to make its debut. Not being a real morning person, my eyes were slightly open and my mind was still snuggled up with the pillow despite my body sitting on the beach. With automatic reflexes the lens was attached to the camera, the camera turned on, and the first glimpse into the morning was there. Wow! What a wake a call. The beauty surrounding me was magnificent. The sky was filled with just a hint of orange as the waves crashed in on the beach. The camera started clicking and God's creation became more visible!

So many times we live life on automatic pilot. By being on automatic pilot we miss out on the little things. We don't see the little bird "footprints" in the sand or the magnificent colors in the sky with the sun rising. This is vacation time for many, which means time to spend with our loved ones. Take moments to "discover" the beauty of God's creation! Zechariah 9:17a notes, "For how great is His goodness, and how great His beauty! Share with one another what it is that you noticed in God's creation. What a great way to continue to discover the awesomeness of our Lord!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-07-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

This week's bible passage will be bible passages. On Sunday, two people who have been suffering with awful illnesses were called home in His glory. Though there is sadness here on earth because loved ones are no longer with us, we can rejoice in the fact that Christ paid the ultimate price for us so we can enjoy the perfect life in Heaven.

The first bible passage comes from Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

The second verse comes from Psalm 73:23-24 "Yet I am always with you; you hold me be my right hand, You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into your glory."

What comfort we can get by His word. He holds our hand and tells us He will help us and when He is done guiding us here on earth He will take us into His glory.

Samantha and Andrea have been lead into His glory!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-07-06T11:12:00.000-04:00

The bible passage to post around the house this week is from Hebrews 2:18.

"For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."

We face temptations daily. Christ is the one to turn to for the help to withstand those temptations. As you discuss this bible passage it can also be a reminder to include this in your daily prayers. Lord, I know you faced temptations. I need help to face the temptations I am facing. Give me the strength and wisdom to be able to withstand those temptations. Amen!

Cheryl

Commandent 6 of Marriage

2011-06-30T14:17:00.000-04:00

Time sure does fly! It has been awhile since I have posted a review of the book, "The Ten Commandments of Marriage" by Ed Young. Today, I will review commandment six and want to remind you that there is much more to the chapter than I review, so if it intrigues you check out the book!

Commandment six is "Thou shalt flee sexual temptation - online or otherwise". I find it appropriate that this would fall as the sixth commandment in the book. In Luther's Small Catechism the sixth commandment is "Thou shalt not commit adultery".

I think this is one of those commandments everyone knows and chalks it up to, "I will never do that" or "That is what so and so did". However, Young makes some really good points throughout this chapter. The first being everyone has to take this commandment seriously. The biblical example used in the chapter is how David committed adultery with Bathsheba and David was a man of God. He fell victim to his sinful desires. Therefore, the underlying theme to this whole chapter is RUN! Do not just flee from sexual temptations RUN from them!

Young uses the illustration of a deadly disease. If someone where to tell you that you could not enter a certain area because there was the potential to contract a highly contagious deadly disease you would not enter the area. In fact, most people would stay far away. However, when sexual temptation is knocking at our door we let it knock. We don't RUN or treat it like a deadly disease. The treatment is likened to "I can handle it" when in reality it is a deadly disease. Sexual temptation can ruin a person along with a marriage. Therefore, sexual temptations of any kind need to be pushed away with a vengeance.

When we RUN we are to run to Christ. It is Christ that guides us, walks with us, and gives us the strength to face any temptation before us. We also need to turn to our spouse. When we are focused on our spouse, not only are the outside temptations pushed aside we are able to become more intimate with our spouse. Being focused on one another allows the ability to get to know one another better and at a deeper level.

Young points out in Song of Solomon 7:11-12 how scripture shares couples need to take time away from everyday life. Couples need to take the opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy each other's company; to take the time to continue to get to know one another on the many levels each of us have. Take Song of Solomon seriously and set aside the time for each other. Not only will it be good for the marriage it also helps keep the temptations away.

God designed sex and it is a beautiful thing! A husband and wife complete each other.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-06-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

It is time to post another bible passage in your house and hopefully have opportunities throughout the week to talk about it.

This week the bible passage comes from Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

I was doing some reading today and this passage was noted. What really caught my attention was the wording of the passage. It states when you pass through or when you walk through... It doesn't say if you walk through... We will walk through the water and fire. We will face trials and tribulations of all kinds. We don't know how long those trials and tribulations will last but no matter what the tribulations are Christ is with us all the time!

This bible passage is a great bible passage to have discussion around because we have the opportunity to share how Christ has been with us throughout the day.

Cheryl

Our Walk with the Lord

2011-06-26T21:33:00.000-04:00

In reading an article the other day out of my "Homelife" magazine, it struck me how easily we as humans get off course. The article is entitled "Walking Sierra - Teaching a puppy to walk on a leash reminds me of my relationship with God" by Gaile Veale. A puppy many times wants to go in one direction and the owner wants to go in another. Just as God is guiding us in one direction and we are pulling with all of our might to go another direction. Another comparison within the article relayed the puppies need to sniff everything and take its time. Do we take time to check out God's word and spend quality time within His word and talking with Him?

Those are hard questions to ponder as we get wrapped in the hustle and bustle of life. Joshua 1:8 states, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to everything written in it." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 notes, "Pray continually". To be in His word day and night and to be praying continually takes diligence. It is taking the time to build a relationship with Christ.

Why spend the time? Because Christ is always there for us, always guiding us, always knows what is best for us and laid down His life for us so we can have a relationship with Him. In spending that time with Him, we can follow the path He is asking us to lead. As noted in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I pray as you walk with the Lord, you find yourself not pulling on the leash in a different direction and taking the time to check out His word along the way.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-06-23T16:07:00.000-04:00

This week has been filled with Vacation Bible School. A week where kids come and have a morning filled with praising God! It is also a week where volunteers get to make a difference and this week they have made a huge difference!

We have spent the week looking at different verses in Psalm 139. The one I would like to share for this week is Psalm 139:4. "Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."

What a great and wonderful God we have. He knows everything! He knows our joys, our sorrows, our pains, and all the things we face daily. What a comfort it is to know that our Lord knows us!

I hope and pray you have opportunities to share these passages with your loved ones and have time to talk about them.

Cheryl

Father's Day

2011-06-17T12:11:00.001-04:00

Father's Day is this Sunday and it is an opportunity to honor our fathers as well as our husbands as fathers. In reading an article this morning there is an opportunity I would like to put on your radar screen.

In September the movie "Courageous" is coming to theatres. This movie was produced by the same church that produced "Fireproof". It is a movie about fatherhood and the significance that role holds. Stephen Kendrick, producer of the movie, noted...

"Men have lost their sense of purpose, honor, and influence. God wants dads to represent Him and introduce Him to the next generation, revealing what He as our Heavenly Father is like: a strong, truthful, and loving Protector, and Leader. This generation doesn't know what great fatherhood looks like. They rarely see it modeled in the media or at home, so they struggle to understand what God is really like." (Taken from an article in Homelife magazine)

If you would like to check out the trailer to the movie go to www.courageousthemovie.com A few of my co-workers had the opportunity to preview this movie last week. The conversations that followed the movie were invigorating. It is a movie that we all need to see.

Happy Father's Day!

Cheryl

Fifth Commandment of Marriage

2011-06-16T14:08:00.000-04:00

It is time to review another commandment from the book "The Ten Commandments of Marriage" by Ed Young. As usual, I will review the chapter but not everything will be covered. It is a great book to check out.

The fifth commandment is "Thou shalt avoid the quicksand of debt". Isn't there a saying - "money is the root of all evil"? Well money can be the root of divorce as well. The beginning of this chapter talks about a newly married couple that "needs" to keep up with the Jones'; bigger house, better cars, newer technology, etc. Just think about our society, we "need" a lot of stuff. We "need" to have the newest, best and fastest thing out there. However, the newest never stays new; the best always changes, and the fastest thing will be slow after a while. Therefore, it is a vicious cycle to keep up with. That vicious cycle brings about tension, which can eventually lead to divorce.

Young talks about stewardship. As Young notes, stewardship is not just a word the church uses it should be something all households use in their everyday language. "God owns everything and entrusts some of it to us to use for a little while. God makes us trustees of His possessions." (pg. 110) When looking at it that way, how one spends the money should definitely change. Are we being good stewards of the blessings that the Lord has given us?

What gets in the way of stewardship? A word and action called greed. "Greed is best defined as mishandled blessings." (pg. 111) A question was put out to the general public of America by researchers Patterson and Kim to see "What would You Do for $10 Million?" It is astounding what people are willing to do to have their hands on mega amounts of money. Some of the things listed in the book are, "abandon their family, abandon their church, become prostitutes for a week, leave their spouse, kill a stranger, put their children up for adoption..." People would do these things to get what? A new house, a new TV, a new...whatever $10 Million dollars can buy. Yet, they would be left without love, without Christ, a guilty conscious, etc. How twisted our society is that it has made the "love of money" so appealing.

Other concepts in the chapter discussed are types of budgets, how to overcome greed, the concept of deceit and rationalizing, etc. It is a great chapter that gives couples lots to consider when they are working towards building their life together.

Psalm 37:16 notes, "Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked."

Proverbs 10:22 - "The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."

We are already rich! We do not need the $10 Million!

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-06-13T21:40:00.000-04:00

It sometimes amazes me how fast time flies. Another week has gone by and it is time to ponder a different bible passage.

This weeks bible passage comes from Ephesians 6:10-11. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."

Notice how it says so we can take our stand against the devil. It doesn't say just in case the devil comes around we need to have some armor ready. The devil is present with many schemes and our armor needs to be put on every day. The Lord goes on in Chapter 6 of Ephesians to relay the exact armor that we need.

While discussing this verse take a moment to read what type of armor the Lord is asking us to put on and how we can go about that daily. Ephesians 6:14-18

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-06-06T14:34:00.000-04:00

We live in a society where we "need" to have alot of stuff! We "need" to have the newest and best thing out there. If one takes a moment to look back at all the stuff "needed", was it really needed? Some stuff fit the bill but other stuff was wasted stuff that sits around the house not being used.

Psalm 37:16 states, "Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked."

This is a great verse to have around the house and committed to memory as we live in the digital age where the new "thing" comes out every 3 months. It is almost impossible to keep up with the trend. Christ promises us that He will provide for us our daily needs not the needs of the digital world.

Cheryl

4th Commandment of Marriage

2011-06-01T13:05:00.000-04:00

This week's book review is the 4th Commandment of Marriage from the book "The Ten Commandments of Marriage" by Ed Young. Just as a reminder, I review the chapter but there is much more in the chapter than I divulge in my writing. I highly recommend this book as a resource on your book shelf.

The 4th Commandment of Marriage is one that each of us needs to take into careful consideration - "Thou shalt make conflict thy ally". I had to read the commandment a couple of times and then read the chapter before it truly made sense for me. What do you mean that conflict should be my ally? I think the author has misprinted the title of this chapter! Clearly, I do not want conflict in my marriage nor do I think it is any fun.

Well, the author did not misprint the title and yes I need to make conflict my ally. When you put two or more people together there is going to be conflict. Conflict will even be there if you are "madly" in love! Therefore it is in the best interest of both people to make conflict the ally! The entire chapter talks about the do's and don'ts of conflicts as well as how to manage conflict.

The don'ts of conflict is a rather long list. The first being "Don't be ashamed of your anger". Anger is motivation to do something about the issue at hand. The problem lies in how we handle the anger. Properly handling the anger can strengthen a relationship. The second don't is "Don't call in heavy artillery or use deadly weapons." The deadly weapons are things such as, "I'll leave or get a divorce", slamming doors and stomping away are just some of weapons that can be used in conflict. The third don't is "Don't air your dirty linen in public". This should never happen! I once heard that if you air your dirty laundry with people you leave them with an impression of your spouse. The problem is those same people are not in your bedroom when you make up. Those people still hold that bad impression. Don't make your spouse look bad to other people. The fourth don't is "Don't paint yourself into a corner". Making broad brush statements that don't allow for an out can cause problems. The fifth don't is "Don't use the turtle approach". Climbing into your "shell" and not saying anything does not help in resolving the conflict. The sixth don't is "Don't keep a chip on your shoulder". When an issue is resolved it needs to stay resolved. Don't carry the chip to bring it back up at another time. Finally, "Don't use sex as a weapon". Young states, "When sex becomes a weapon of manipulation, the whole physical relationship degenerates." (pg. 95)

Conflict needs to stay constructive and not destructive. If there is a pattern within your marriage where conflict arises on a consistent basis, take time to analyze why. Don't analyze in the heat of the moment but analyze when you have time to be truly honest with yourself.

What do you do if the battle lines are drawn and the heat of the moment is upon you? Young suggests six things that can be done. The first being "Talk and listen to God!" Pray! Take time to pour your heart out to God and listen to what he is asking you to do. The next thing is to "Try to understand your mate". What makes your mate tick? Listen to what your spouse is asking for? This learning process will make for a more intimate relationship. However, don't use those things that make your spouse tick against them at a later point! "Try to understand yourself" Not only do you need to know what makes your spouse tick you need to know what makes you tick. Take the time to truly look at yourself. Why do you respond the way you respond? What is making me cranky today? You also need to "Talk to your mate". As Young states, "No relationship can thrive without regular and healthy communication." (pg. 99) The fifth thing is "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." Ephesians 4:26-27 states, "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." Finally, "Make confession and forgiveness a priority". We are all sinners; therefore, we all need to ask for forgiveness.

I think a great way to end this review is by looking at Psalm 141:3 - "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Conflict is inevitable within a marriage. How we handle the conflict is important. The word choices we use is even more important. Words can destroy! Better yet, words can build someone up! Lord please guard my mouth and lips within my anger.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for this Week

2011-05-31T14:18:00.000-04:00

This week's bible passage is from 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Take this bible passage, print it out, and post it around your house. Post it places where conversation can take place as well as places that allow you to see it and ponder it.

Cheryl

3rd Commandment of Marriage

2011-05-26T16:04:00.000-04:00

This post will continue to review the book "The 10 Commandments of Marriage" By Ed Young.

The third commandment of marriage is "Thou shalt continually communicate". The keyword here being contiunally. Too many times couples feel they have worked to build up their marriage and then let it remain stagnate. Marriage is a continual process as well as is the communication piece. I believe Young said it very well. "Too many couples unconsciously buy into the idea that when they say, 'I do', live under the same roof, eat from the same table, and sleep in the same bed, they automatically grow in intimacy. Yet the simple fact is that if those two people are not communicating - if they are merely occupying adjoining space - they are not growing together but growing apart." (pg. 65)

That is what this whole chapter is dedicated to; communicating so the couple can grow together in deep intimacy. One of the first things Young addresses is the hindurances in communication. Young lists schedules, children, television, and fear of conflict as major hindurances in a couples ability to communicate effectively. I would add technology in today's world. Computers, ipads, internet, ipods, etc also play a huge role in taking away time from our spouses. All of these things are not bad things, but need to be carefully monitored so they don't take away the time needed with each other.

Setting the hindurances aside, there are levels of communication couples need to be aware of as well. Young lists five levels of communication. The first level is "Cliche's". This is where one says the words that are socially required of us. "How are you doing" "How are you today" etc. This type of communication doesn't build much of a relationship. The second level of communication is "Just the facts". This level works on passing along the facts. It is an important level of communication but as Young notes, "They can hardly sustain and grow a healthy marriage on this alone." (pg.71) The third level of communication is "Opinions and Convictions". This level of communication allows for a person to be vunerable. If one is offering an opinion or conviction it opens the person up to a possibility of conflict. However, by offering an opinion or a conviction it reveals a piece of who you are as a person. This type of communication allows for relationships to grow/deepen. The fourth level is "feelings" where the growing and deepening will continue. Sharing what one is feeling is raw emotion. However, Young noted, "Discovering what's really going on in the heart of a husband or wife frightens many married people." (pg. 73) Finally the fifth level is "Communicating Needs". "Both the husband and wife must learn to communicate their need for affection, for quiet time, for 'solitary' time, for conversation, for encouragement, and for all the other needs God intends to provide through marriage. It is within the framework of this level of communication that a couple bonds and blends and becomes one." (pg.74)

Communication doesn't just occur with speaking. Most communication is done in a non-verbal fashion. It is important for couples to be aware of their non-verbal communication to the other. The non-verbal communication can change the context of the words being said. In that, one must also learn to listen. Listening is a part of communicating because one is showing the other that they care enough about them to listen. Therefore, it is important to listen attentively.

Finally, praising one another is crucial to a marriage. When your spouse says something great about you it makes you feel good. When you spouse says something great about you in public it solidifies that you are truly loved. Complain about your spouse and all you will see is the negative things. Praise your spouse and you will see all the good things. Remember no one is perfect!

This is just a summary of this chapter in the book. There are many other helpful hints within this chapter. Check it out if you have time. It is a great book!

Cheryl

Family Table

2011-05-24T10:34:00.000-04:00

My friend Karen shared a link with me regarding the family dinner table and it is a great link to pass along. As the article states, the family table is lost in today's society. The concept of sitting down together as a family and spending time talking is so important for the dynamics of the family. It is a time to deepen the relationship you as a family share. In my family, we play cards while eating. Everyone dishes up their plate and then we sit down and play a game of Euchre. The kids are good enough at it now that we can generally have some discussion about the daily events while playing. Our littlest one is starting to join in on the card playing with her own deck. She gets just as excited as the other kids.

Here is the link... http://blog.e-mealz.com/2011/05/say-yes-to-the-family-table/

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-05-23T14:26:00.000-04:00

This week I would like to share Matthew 24:36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."

In light of the events of this weekend, or the events that didn't happen this weekend, I think it is imperative to know what the word of God says. There will be many people that will try and lead us astray but God's word holds true through everything. This is a bible passage to keep in the back of our mind that when someone says they know when the end of the world is, you know they don't know. This is also a bible passage to begin conversation about one's faith and the grace we receive from our Father in Heaven.

Cheryl

Commandment 2 of Marriage

2011-05-17T20:14:00.000-04:00

"Thou Shalt Cut the Apron Strings" - Commandment 2 of "The 10 Commandments of Marriage" by Ed Young.

God's perfect design for marriage is to leave and cleave as noted in Genesis 2:24 - "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." This concept is mentioned five different times in the bible. As Young noted in his book, "all marital problems stem from the husband's or wife's failure to fully follow the insturctions of Genesis 2:24 to leave, cleave, and become one flesh". (pg. 47) The rest of this chapter is based upon how to leave and cleave to one another.

The first concept is to leave the parents. The parents are no longer the authority over their children. The couple now holds each other accountable. Young points out that there is more to the concept of leaving the parents beyond just leaving the house and no longer dictating what he/she can do. The parents are no longer the counselors for their children. The now married couple need to go to each other to work out their problems. Parents can give advice but Young strongly notes that all parties must be listened to including the in-law. However, this is something that should not be done on a regular basis. "If you want a healthy marriage, you must leave the 'safety net' of your parents behind and create your own 'home, sweet home". (pg.51)

The other piece to leaving the parents is losing the economic strings. Parents that give continually tend to have the ability to control what does and does not happen in the couples household. This does not allow for the couple to cleave together. In fact, it could cause great tension.

Young points out other pieces of "life" that need to be left behind. Past people, past problems and past places are three areas he touches on. Past people include people such as past boyfriends/girlfriends or other people that can drive a wedge in the union of the marriage. Past problems is the baggage that is brought to the marriage.  Everyone is a sinner and baggage is brought to the relationship.  They key to those problems is leaving them at the foot of the cross. Christ died to wash away all of our sins not just some of them. In fact, Micah 7:19 states, "He will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." The baggage brought to the marriage doesn't need to be a stumbling block for the couple to cleave together. Finally, the past places that bring about memories that don't help the couple cleave together need to be left behind.

We now know what to "leave" but how does one "cleave"? The first thing is to cleave to the covenant.  When a couple gets married they have a covenant with God and with each other.  While cleaving to the covenant the couple needs to cleave to God's principles. The bible is the instruction guide and provides the wisdom in how to handle all types of situations. By using the bible as the instruction guide it also keeps the couple in His word and grounded in His principles. Finally, cleave to your mate. That does not mean husband and wife must be together at all times. It means that you feel joy when the other feels joy. You hurt when the other one hurts. You encourage one another and hold one another up through out the marriage.

Young closes this chapter with this; "When two people become one, there may be an explosive convergence as they adjust to the new relationship. But as they get father 'downstream' a wonderful thing happens: oneness". (pg. 60)

Remember commandment one was "Thou Shalt not be a Selfish Pig".  If a couple is going to cleave together they cannot be selfish.

I pray this review helps you evaluate your marriage and remember the great things about your spouse!

Cheryl

Bible Passage from Romans

2011-05-15T20:28:00.000-04:00

I apologize for getting this out late. The blogger site was down on Thursday when I tried to post and I haven't been on since.

So for this week the bible passage is one that has been floating around through my emails this past week. Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

This is a bible passage that could spur conversation everyday at the dinner table, driving in the car, or while doing chores around the house. What hope have you seen today? What affliction are you facing and how do find the patience in that? Then end the conversation with prayer. Being faithful in prayer with help you see the hope and find the patience needed.

This is one of those bible passages worth memorizing.

Cheryl

A Parent's Blessing

2011-05-09T12:50:00.000-04:00

The last blessing posted was from Lamentations 3:22-23 where it stated the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and His blessings are new every morning. I pray you have had opportuntities to share the Good News with your children.

There are so many blessings in the bible and having one more blessing in your "toolbox" to share with your children will hopefully continue to build relationships. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all."

Knowing the Lord of peace will give peace at all times is something we each can hang onto through the daily trials and tribulations we face. Remember you do not have to memorize these. Put them on a piece of paper, tuck it under your child's mattress and pull it out when you are blessing him/her. Repetition in using these blessings will help all involved to remember the blessings He has given. This is a "tool" in the "toolbox" for our children as they grow up and enter into the adult world.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-05-05T13:47:00.000-04:00

It is time to look at another bible passage. Mother's Day is on Sunday and it is fitting to look at how wonderfully made we all are.

Psalm 139:13 -14 "For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well."

What a great bible passage to post all around the house to remind us that we are wonderfully made by our Creator and Savior! It is also a great bible passage to help start conversation with our kids and each other regarding what great attributes the Lord has given us.

Cheryl

Commandments of Marriage

2011-05-03T11:52:00.000-04:00

In writing this blog, I am trying to cover as many topics and scenarios possible to be able to reach out to all. One topic I haven't really touched yet is marriage. Marriage is a beautiful gift given to us from God and yet the institution of marriage seems to be dwindling. Therefore, taking time to reflect upon marriage and how our marriage is going is something that should be on the front burner regularly.

I have multiple resources on marriage in my office with so many more out on amazon.com to consider! The books sitting in my office are a great resource for me, but you don't have access to them. My plan over the next 10 weeks is to review a book by Ed Young entitled "The Ten Commandments of Marriage". I will summarize each commandment over time and hopefully this will allow for you time to ponder your marriage. The book is a great book and my summaries will cover only portions of the book, so if you are looking for something to read, pick it up!

The first commandment in marriage according to Ed Young is "Thou Shalt not be a Selfish Pig". The disease surrounding this commandment is "pigitis". How do you know if you have "pigitis"? Here are the symptoms...Immaturity, time choices, insensitivity, and stubbornness. Philippians 2:3 states, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

Immaturity is moving your love from "puppy love" to a "mature love". Puppy love is wanting to be with the person because they make you feel good as opposed to a mature love seeking to grow and mature together. In my opinion, one of the best quotes in this section of the book is,"If you build your marital relationship on puppy love, you'll end up living a dog's life!" (pg.26)

Time choices look at where is it that most of your time is spent. Do you take time to for your spouse or do they just get the leftovers? Is ESPN or HGTV taking the place of quality time with your spouse?

Insensitivity, as Young states, "Kills a marriage and can destroy any kind of relationship." (pg. 29) In the day to day life of your marriage are you taking the time to understand what your spouse wants, needs, and is feeling and then acting upon those wants, needs and feelings?

Finally, there is stubbornness. Are you willing to compromise in decisions and take the time to listen to what your spouse needs?

There is a treatment for pigitis! Young has pointed out three things couples should consider. Priorities, Expectations, and Patterns. Each couple should sit down and discuss what their priorities are. Each person will bring personal priorities to the table and discussing those priorities helps you to get on the same page. Everyone brings expectations to a marriage and finding out what each others expectations are early on can save from many pointless fights. The patterns in a marriage are important also. Discuss how you are going to handle big decisions, money, discipline, etc.

Our Savior has given us the best example of love. He died on the cross for us. That is the most unselfish love their is. While considering if you have pigitis :-) take a moment to reflect on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. What is love? It is...
Patient - Kind - not envious - does not boast - not arrogant - not rude - does not insist on its own way - not irritable - not resentful - does not rejoice in wrong doing - rejoices with the truth - bears all things - believes all things - hopes all things - endures all things.

So much to consider! Praying you are taking time for your marriage and enjoying each other's company.

Cheryl

Bible Passage for the Week

2011-04-21T13:56:00.000-04:00

Another week has passed and time to post another bible passage to put up in your house to ponder for a week.

This week's bible passage will hopefully help you reflect upon Holy Week and what Christ has done for us.

It is Psalm 72:18 "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things."

During Holy Week we focus on what Christ has done for us. It is in Christ alone that we have salvation. As this passage is visible in your house consider the daily things that Christ has done for you. Talk about how Christ is visible every day. He alone does wondrous things!

Happy Easter to all of you!

Cheryl

Holy Week ideas

2011-04-19T10:47:00.000-04:00

It is Holy Week! This is a week to observe and remember what Christ has done so we may have salvation. A friend of mine found a website that gives ideas for daily activities to do this week. Focus on the Family sponsors the page. The link is
http://www.thrivingfamily.com/Features/Magazine/2011/easter-activities-and-crafts.aspx.

It is a great week to spend some extra time focusing on our Savior!

Cheryl

A Bible Passage for the Week

2011-04-14T12:08:00.000-04:00

It is time to post another bible passage to consider for the week.

This week I have picked 1 John 3:18 "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." It is easy to talk the talk but can we walk the walk? Remember to walk the walk all we have to do is ask for God's guidance and wisdom.

Put this passage in your house in a place that is visible frequently as well as allows time for discussion.

Have a great week everyone!

Cheryl

Family Faith Walk for Palm Sunday

2011-04-13T14:13:00.000-04:00

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and your gates." In other words, the Lord's words are supposed to be a part of our every day life.

So that brings me to today's post. I have a book entitled "Family Faith Walks" by Kelly J. Haack that gives ideas and suggestions for families of all kinds to incorporate Christ into their daily lives. This particalar idea/topic is for Palm Sunday, which is the beginning of Holy Week. You can find the Palm Sunday account in Mark 11:1-11, Matthew 21:1-11, Luke 19:28-44 and John 12:12-19.

It is spring and yard work is on the top of the list of things to do. The sticks are in need of being picked up! While picking up sticks have a discussion with your family about how the people waved the palm branches in glory of our Savior. How can the sticks being picked up be done in glory of our Savior? The conversation can lead to how can we glorify Jesus in our everyday life through regular everyday activities.

If you have younger children that like to do crafts, make palm branches out of newspaper or regular paper and write words of praise on them. Display those words of praise somewhere in your house to remind you of what Jesus has done for us and what positive words we can use in our daily life.

If you have any ideas to go along with this faith walk post a comment. As I see more family faith walks that fit a particular topic/season I will share them with you. Praying your time working in the yard leads to great conversations with your loved ones!

Cheryl

A Parent's Blessing

2011-04-12T10:50:00.001-04:00

While sitting at a conference a while back a comment was made about the need we all have in us to have our parent's blessing. Looking thru childhood, kids need to know their parents appreciate and love them. When a dating couple is considering marriage, many times the guy asks the girl's father for his blessing upon the marriage. Our Father in Heaven has blessed us immensly. When the service ends every Sunday, it ends with a blessing from the Lord. Numbers 6:24 - "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Take time each night to bless your children. The last thing you say to them before they go to bed is a blessing. What a precious gift to give your children. They know you love them and care for them and they will know the promises of God through the blessings you share.

There are many blessings throughout the bible to use in doing this. You don't have to make up your own great saying, the Lord has provided that for us. You don't even have to memorize the bible passage. Have it printed out on a piece of paper and tuck it under their mattress. When you come in each night pull it out from between mattresses.

So what bible passages do you use? I will post bible passages that fit this category from time to time. By using different bible passages throughout the years, your kids will have instilled in them the Greatness of our Lord! They will know His promises.

The first bible passage I will post comes from Lamentations 3:22-23. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." I chose this verse because it gives us hope each day that the love of the Lord never ceases and His mercies are new every morning. It doesn't matter how tough the day was, the Lord still loves us and we get to start new in the morning. AMEN!

By the way... The gentleman who shared this idea said that when his son left for college he called back home the very first night of being in the dorm. He missed his blessing!

What a great way to connect with our kids - through Christ's promises!

Cheryl

How do we pass on the faith?

2011-04-07T14:19:00.000-04:00

The title of the blog is Passing on the Faith. How do we do that in our own "little" world? James 1:22 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only..." The bible is filled with instruction and promises that are meant for us and everyone on this earth. In order to know those promises and instructions we need to be in His word and have it visible to us on a daily basis. As we become more aware of his promises and instructions we can share that with our family, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, the list is endless!

Idea...
Post a bible passage somewhere in your house and spend the week focusing on that bible passage.

Bible Passage for the week...
James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

We all face things that we simply do not know what to do with. Ask God! He says he will give the wisdom generously.

Where to post the bible passage...

on the fridge
on the bathroom mirror
in your car
on your kitchen table

Talk about the bible passage...

while having dinner
while driving in the car
while doing yard work
while talking with a friend on the phone
while doing dishes

All get involved...

If you have children have them post the bible passage in a chosen place
Share how God has given you the wisdom to get through...
Simply talk about how the Lord was present in your life today

I will post a bible passage a week for you to put in your house and focus on for the week, or pick your own bible passage and focus on that for the week.

Cheryl

A Night Out!

2011-04-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for a night out with friends, spouse, family, or just yourself? This Friday, April 8th, the movie "Soul Surfer" is coming to theaters. It is a true story about the champion surfer from Hawaii, Bethany Hamilton, that was attacked by a shark. Recalling her live interviews after the attack, she always gave credit to God in her ability to move on and continue in life. I do not know if that credit will be given in the movie, but the movie trailer look good. Check it out at http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/page/surf.html

If you go see the movie be a critic! Post a comment about the movie and let us know what you thought of the movie.

Have a wonderful day!

Cheryl

Why blog?

2011-04-05T18:46:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, while sitting at my desk or driving down the road God reveals to me the "craziest" of plans. Actually, I think they are crazy and He obviously doesn't because His plans are always good. About a month ago, the need to be able to reach people in a different manner other than in the "traditional" sense was weighing on me heavily. One "untraditional" way of reaching out to people in ministry is to blog; therefore, that is what I am going to try.

The Lord reiterated today, while sitting at a conference, that reaching out to people outside the walls of the church is crucial. Even the title of the blog, which had been picked prior to attending today, fits perfectly. We are all called to pass on the faith. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19 Making disciples of all nations is to be done wherever it is that you are placed. Through this blog, I hope to be able to give ideas, resources, etc to all readers.

Not all posts will apply to everyone, but you may know someone who could benefit from the post or tuck it away for future use. I look forward to sharing with you as we embark on this new adventure together.

Cheryl