Bible Passage for the Week

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

1. Gratitude; thankful recognition
2. The act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value
3. 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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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