Boy, do I need this study today! I personally hate black Friday....I mean, I'm just as materialistic as the next girl( sadly) but I try to at least keep up the appearances that I'm not....there is nothing about Black Friday that exudes conservative or being happy with what one already has. Nothing. And so I hate it. Oh and I hate crowds and getting up early or staying up late-so there's that too ;)
Anyway, I had to go against everything that I stand for today and go wrap presents at the Px ( basically a cross between a Walmart and a Kmart that also sells Coach purses...) to raise money for Brett's company's Family Readiness Group. Five hours on my feet....wearing an elf hat and making up different words to Jingle Bells that basically says "Let us wrap your presents, you give us five dollars..."
Put all that together and I'm grouch.
So I came home, gave my kid a bath and read...
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 and then Isaiah 11:1-4, 6-9
and then I went and listened to this...
Now, did that not give you chills when it gets to the chorus, "WONDERFUL! COUNSELOR! ALMIGHTY GOD!...." ?!
That's how these verses need to be read...with that kind of joy and expectation, that kind of reverence.
And getting down to business, I confess that I actually went about memorizing this whole chapter this past summer and I got to...ooooh....verse 3. This has reminded me and inspired me to pick it back up. Because, while it is a Promise about Jesus-something that's already happened. I also find these verses to be a Promise for the future.
First of all, the government will be on His Shoulders. Basically, bottom line. He will Rule over all. No more stressing and worrying about this or that about our own government...at least not worry to the point of distraction. For here I am reminded that ultimately there is One who will have Victory over it ALL...
Wonder Counselor- I learned today that the word "Wonderful" actually means "miraculous". and Counselor is "one of great wisdom". Oh how we all desire that! Someone who is miraculously wise when it comes to our lives. How I must trust in Jesus that He is, indeed, just that!
The Mighty God- Ah yes, important detail, since so many like to say Jesus was a "prophet" or a "wise man"...here it flat out says that He is God. We cannot dilute and decide which bits and pieces we want to believe. He is God. The Almighty God. And He deserves my Praise.
The Everlasting Father-Oh how wonderful! We are all in need of a Daddy. A true Father. One who loves us, disciplines us, protects us, instructs us....Jesus is just that. He is are everlasting father.
Prince of Peace- I love this one! The one who brings peace. The giver of blessing. I saw the great need for this characteristic of Jesus in the Px today. So many searching for peace and blessing in a giant TV....And I too am guilty of looking in all the wrong places. And yet, here it is, the Answer. Jesus is the Prince of Peace....
And then I love at the end of verse 7 it says "And the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this." Wow. Nothing, nothing could get in the way of the Lord's ultimate plan of sending us a Savior in the form of Jesus. And this was prophesied ( here in Isaiah) a good 700 years before Christ ( or so my wikipedia skills tell me). And I was reminded in Genesis last week, the Lord knew from the BEGINNING that He would one day bring a Savior to Earth. Awesome, truly awesome.
And now, since I'm once again in danger of making this post too wordy...my favorite favorite part of the Chapter 11 reading has to be verse 3:
His greatest joy will be to Obey the Father. This king will not judge by appearances and listen to rumors...
Many spend so much time reading the Gospels ( the books, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to figure out the characteristics of Christ-as well we should! But I forget to look elsewhere as well for the characteristics of Jesus that I can try to emulate and learn from....and after a day spent surrounded by gossip and the temptation to be catty. I am glad of a reminder of our Lord, a thankfulness in my heart that He is both fair and just and the perfect example of an obedient Son.
Spending an evening thinking about these characteristics of Christ reminds me afresh how much I love Him and delight in celebrating His birth and look expectantly to His coming.
November 25, 2011
November 21, 2011
I wish I'd thought of this sooner ( Happy Birthday, Me.)
So, on Sunday I was taking my thirty minute walk with God...which turned into me sitting on a swing in the elementary school's playground that is conveniently located across the street from our house....the sky was beautiful, bright autumn blue with streaks of clouds across it. The air was warm, but since it was about 3pm most of the humidity had burned off ( thanks Georgia Fall...you just CANT make up your mind can you!?)...anyway, I was listening to praise music and thanking God for many things. And I was reminded that when I turned 22, I took the time every day of the month of November, up until my Birthday...to talk about a different person ( or persons) who have impacted my life up to that point.
So I went back, and I checked it out.
Its interesting that if I was to do the same thing today, there would be a whole slew of new people that I would need to add, and that in just 6 years I could think of ten people ( or peoples) who I would definitely need to talk about, thank God for, be reminded of how they have impacted me, changed me and helped shape the person I am today. ( and that list includes really impacting people...like my husband(!) and son(!)) Its amazing how quickly time passes and how much has happened in the past 6 years. I've moved 6 times and lived in 4 different states, I've gotten married, "joined" the Army Life, I've had four jobs-two of which were non-paying ( haha!) ...so make that FIVE jobs ( I'm now counting Mothering as a job), and I've had a child, I've become an aunt several times over, and I've made many new friends and lost touch with several. I've come to terms with the person that I once was, and I've learned a lot about who I want to be.
I am excited that the next six years prove to be JUST as exciting!!
So I went back, and I checked it out.
Its interesting that if I was to do the same thing today, there would be a whole slew of new people that I would need to add, and that in just 6 years I could think of ten people ( or peoples) who I would definitely need to talk about, thank God for, be reminded of how they have impacted me, changed me and helped shape the person I am today. ( and that list includes really impacting people...like my husband(!) and son(!)) Its amazing how quickly time passes and how much has happened in the past 6 years. I've moved 6 times and lived in 4 different states, I've gotten married, "joined" the Army Life, I've had four jobs-two of which were non-paying ( haha!) ...so make that FIVE jobs ( I'm now counting Mothering as a job), and I've had a child, I've become an aunt several times over, and I've made many new friends and lost touch with several. I've come to terms with the person that I once was, and I've learned a lot about who I want to be.
I am excited that the next six years prove to be JUST as exciting!!
November 18, 2011
Advent Week #1
Gen. 3:8-19, Gen 22:15-18
As far as this study goes ( if you're inclined to look ahead at the coming weeks readings), this week has by far the "hardest" passage. And it may even seem odd that we'd read about the "fall of man" during the Christmas season, a time of Joy and Hope.
But, really, as with any gift, the gift is much better when you know how much went into it-time, thought, money....these are things we often subconsciously calculate when valuing a gift we receive. And of course, the BEST gifts are the ones you really want ( or if you're dramatic like me...need.)....
And if there was every a gift that we needed more than anything-it would be Jesus. The Son of God.
In reading Genesis 3, especially the first part ( I took a running start at our reading for the study), is such a grim reminder of what a scummy person I really am...even on my best days. I am JUST like Adam and Eve ( pointing the finger, making excuses etc. etc.) and just like Adam and Eve, I'm sinful. Very very sinful.
And yet, how glorious is verse 15?!?
When right there as God's talking to the Devil he talks about His Son for the first time....
"You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers ( JESUS!!!!!) will strike you on the head, and you shall bruise his heal."
Right here at the very BEGINNING of the Bible, God is really ready with a way to send freedom and victory to mankind. Beautiful. Awe-inspiring.
Which brings me to the second passage for this week, a little change of gears but always a great piece of our Christmas "Heritage"....
I always love looking at these Promises that God makes to Abraham and after him Isaac, and Israel, and even David later on....with each, God talks about their Family, their Nation....how they will be more "numerous than the sands of the seashore" and how their "descendants ( JESUS!!!) will be a blessing to the whole world!! I always get goosebumps when I think about how this is quite literally talking about all of us! How because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we are now part of this Family.
What a family, a family that may not be connected by blood, but instead by Heart.
This holiday season I thank God for my "extended" family...the ones connected by Blood...but not family blood, but instead the Blood that Christ spilled for us all. (oooops! Look at me! I switched and went all Easter on this Christmas post!! Gah! I can't help it!). I have such an amazing family-and even though Brett and I and now Ransom too are all over the place, I know we are never alone. I am grateful for my family.
As far as this study goes ( if you're inclined to look ahead at the coming weeks readings), this week has by far the "hardest" passage. And it may even seem odd that we'd read about the "fall of man" during the Christmas season, a time of Joy and Hope.
But, really, as with any gift, the gift is much better when you know how much went into it-time, thought, money....these are things we often subconsciously calculate when valuing a gift we receive. And of course, the BEST gifts are the ones you really want ( or if you're dramatic like me...need.)....
And if there was every a gift that we needed more than anything-it would be Jesus. The Son of God.
In reading Genesis 3, especially the first part ( I took a running start at our reading for the study), is such a grim reminder of what a scummy person I really am...even on my best days. I am JUST like Adam and Eve ( pointing the finger, making excuses etc. etc.) and just like Adam and Eve, I'm sinful. Very very sinful.
And yet, how glorious is verse 15?!?
When right there as God's talking to the Devil he talks about His Son for the first time....
"You and this woman will hate each other; your descendants and hers will always be enemies. One of hers ( JESUS!!!!!) will strike you on the head, and you shall bruise his heal."
Right here at the very BEGINNING of the Bible, God is really ready with a way to send freedom and victory to mankind. Beautiful. Awe-inspiring.
Which brings me to the second passage for this week, a little change of gears but always a great piece of our Christmas "Heritage"....
I always love looking at these Promises that God makes to Abraham and after him Isaac, and Israel, and even David later on....with each, God talks about their Family, their Nation....how they will be more "numerous than the sands of the seashore" and how their "descendants ( JESUS!!!) will be a blessing to the whole world!! I always get goosebumps when I think about how this is quite literally talking about all of us! How because of His sacrifice on the Cross, we are now part of this Family.
What a family, a family that may not be connected by blood, but instead by Heart.
This holiday season I thank God for my "extended" family...the ones connected by Blood...but not family blood, but instead the Blood that Christ spilled for us all. (oooops! Look at me! I switched and went all Easter on this Christmas post!! Gah! I can't help it!). I have such an amazing family-and even though Brett and I and now Ransom too are all over the place, I know we are never alone. I am grateful for my family.
November 13, 2011
GET EXCITED!!!! ( New Bloggin' Bible Study!!)
So, I have to tell you I was a bit...I dont know...at a loss about what to do for the next Bloggin' Bible Study. And since most of you where all about starting up again immediately...the crunch was on! At first, I was all about doing another poll and voting about which book of the Bible to study next (I still want to do this in the future...) , but then...then I read a blog post and I got really inspired. Strike that. I got inspired and EXCITED!!
The blog post I read is here. But basically its an advertisement for an album put out-all proceeds go to help those affected by human trafficking-by the band Jubilee. The album is an Advent Album, basically 9 "lessons" ( or scripture readings) and some Christmas Hymns to be meditated on leading up until Christmas...and this got me thinking. WE HAVE GOT TO CELEBRATE Advent together here on our Bloggin' Bible Study! What better way to study the bible in this busy "holiday" season then to prepare ourselves with some preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ?!?!
So, we've got (pauses to count) 6 weeks until Christmas. And I would like to do at least 5 weeks of "lessons" ( though I think I'll do one for Christmas Eve too...just because I love it so much!)....
Now, this time it'll be a little bit harder to keep up because we're jumping around the Bible, but hopefully we'll get some great thoughts about Jesus's coming and a better grasp of the "big picture" of Christmas and it'll all be worth it! Here is my guide for the coming weeks!! I'll be referencing back to it as the weeks go on, but feel free to read the passages and go with what the Spirit leads you on how YOU study it!! And once again, remember to link your thoughts to me in the comment section and I'll be keeping up with all the links up at the top of the page under "bloggin' bible study"
Week One ( Nov 18):
Read Genesis 3: 8-19, Genesis 22:15-18
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Two (Nov 25):
Read Isaiah 9:2, and verses 6-7, Isaiah 11:1-4, and 6-9
Week Three (Dec 2):
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Four (Dec 9):
Read Luke 2:1-16
Week Five (Dec 16):
Read Matt 2:1-12
BONUS CHRISTMAS READING (Dec 24):
Read John 1:1-14
The blog post I read is here. But basically its an advertisement for an album put out-all proceeds go to help those affected by human trafficking-by the band Jubilee. The album is an Advent Album, basically 9 "lessons" ( or scripture readings) and some Christmas Hymns to be meditated on leading up until Christmas...and this got me thinking. WE HAVE GOT TO CELEBRATE Advent together here on our Bloggin' Bible Study! What better way to study the bible in this busy "holiday" season then to prepare ourselves with some preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ?!?!
So, we've got (pauses to count) 6 weeks until Christmas. And I would like to do at least 5 weeks of "lessons" ( though I think I'll do one for Christmas Eve too...just because I love it so much!)....
Now, this time it'll be a little bit harder to keep up because we're jumping around the Bible, but hopefully we'll get some great thoughts about Jesus's coming and a better grasp of the "big picture" of Christmas and it'll all be worth it! Here is my guide for the coming weeks!! I'll be referencing back to it as the weeks go on, but feel free to read the passages and go with what the Spirit leads you on how YOU study it!! And once again, remember to link your thoughts to me in the comment section and I'll be keeping up with all the links up at the top of the page under "bloggin' bible study"
Week One ( Nov 18):
Read Genesis 3: 8-19, Genesis 22:15-18
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Two (Nov 25):
Read Isaiah 9:2, and verses 6-7, Isaiah 11:1-4, and 6-9
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Three (Dec 2):
Read Luke 1:26-38.
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Four (Dec 9):
Read Luke 2:1-16
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
Week Five (Dec 16):
Read Matt 2:1-12
Check to see if there are other accounts of this particular event in other gospels...think about how this particular passage may or may not be how I've always thought it was ( i.e. in childhood stories etc.) and once again ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
BONUS CHRISTMAS READING (Dec 24):
Read John 1:1-14
Make sure I understand the context, and connect it to Jesus coming to Earth. ( by looking at the whole chapter if need be and surrounding verses, check out http://biblos.com/ for added notes and commentary if you want.)
Ask myself what this speaks to my life today. And how is this going to affect this Christmas for me?
A good season
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall say green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jer 17:7-8
I think we just might be in a “year of drought” around here. Now, I hesitate to say that because usually ( and here comes my non-Pollyanna thought process…) when I think things are bad I get shown what bad reeeeally looks like. But, anyway, instead of saying things are bad, I’ll just say that things are currently hard.
But, I was really encouraged by the whole “does not cease to bear fruit” part. I think I often critique my circumstances and think, “well, I shouldn’t start looking for God to do anything right NOW…because right now is really bad…I’m sure he’ll wait and do something later when things are better…”
Which brings me to Joshua 3. I read this a few months ago and was reminded of it today...This chapter BLOWS MY MIND. Imagine Israelites wandering around in the desert for 40 years and then finally, after all that time God decides to send them on over into the Promise Land…”when the river was at its fullest.” Um..really?! 40 years and God had to wait and send them during the rainy season?! During the season when crossing rivers is the hardest?!?!
WOW. Bad planning God. Or iiiiissss it?!
But, I bet the Israelites didn’t see it coming, bet they thought-as I would have, that surely God would wait for a more “optimal” time to do his work. Wrong.
I think we should expect God to move ALL the time! There is no bad season with God. There is no drought, or flood that can stop God from doing what He wants in our lives. His fruit has no particular season in which it grows best. Instead all that matters is the ground in which its growing. I need to stop looking around at my circumstances and instead make sure my tree has some deep/long roots….then just start watching. Because something’s bound to happen!
November 07, 2011
Philippians Bloggin Bible Study- In Review
So, I've been thinking about how I'd classify this Philippians Bloggin' Bible Study...and I'd have to say "refreshing" and "laid back" would be at the top of my list.
Refreshing because its been good to have the accountability and the consistency of really digging deep into the Word and ask questions, not just reading it because "I should" or its a "good idea" but because its meant to deeply impact my life and its one of the ways in which God speaks to me...so really why wouldn't I be doing this more?!?
And laid back because I've been down right delighted that people do not find the "Fridays" deadline as a restriction for doing the studies...eventually. hehe!! I've SO loved going back and seeing people slowly trickle in as they find the time to read and study a chapter and share their thoughts! I think all told about 14 people participated at some point or another and I hope that those who only got through the first few chapters do not consider this bible study "finished" until they've added their thoughts for the final chapters!! I'm still adding links up at the top of the page there! So feel free to let me know when you want added...
Also, I've added a little poll to the sidebar of this blog, so if you're reading this on your phone, ipad, or on a blog roll, please visit my ACTUAL blog and answer the question pleeeeease! :-)
And feel free to add your "review" of this "bloggin' bible study" in the comment section. I'm looking for things like, "your posts were too long." " I wish we'd had more time on each chapter." "I loved your witty remarks about holy scriptures." and "why don't they give out Oscars for Blog posts?! You should get one." etc. etc.
And of course, head on over to the Link at the top of the blog where you can visit all the ladies who've participated in this study and read all their great thoughts on Philippians! I keep adding to the list so check back in! :-)
Refreshing because its been good to have the accountability and the consistency of really digging deep into the Word and ask questions, not just reading it because "I should" or its a "good idea" but because its meant to deeply impact my life and its one of the ways in which God speaks to me...so really why wouldn't I be doing this more?!?
And laid back because I've been down right delighted that people do not find the "Fridays" deadline as a restriction for doing the studies...eventually. hehe!! I've SO loved going back and seeing people slowly trickle in as they find the time to read and study a chapter and share their thoughts! I think all told about 14 people participated at some point or another and I hope that those who only got through the first few chapters do not consider this bible study "finished" until they've added their thoughts for the final chapters!! I'm still adding links up at the top of the page there! So feel free to let me know when you want added...
Also, I've added a little poll to the sidebar of this blog, so if you're reading this on your phone, ipad, or on a blog roll, please visit my ACTUAL blog and answer the question pleeeeease! :-)
And feel free to add your "review" of this "bloggin' bible study" in the comment section. I'm looking for things like, "your posts were too long." " I wish we'd had more time on each chapter." "I loved your witty remarks about holy scriptures." and "why don't they give out Oscars for Blog posts?! You should get one." etc. etc.
And of course, head on over to the Link at the top of the blog where you can visit all the ladies who've participated in this study and read all their great thoughts on Philippians! I keep adding to the list so check back in! :-)
November 05, 2011
Headed home
So, I've been pretty MIA this week because my brain has been on vacation since last Thursday...in fact, the brain went on vacay a bit TOO early, since I was one minute late for check in and was told that we could not check any bags.
I literally stuffed Ransom's Pjs and a few diapers and our tooth brushes into my purse and had to give my suitcase to my friend Miranda to take home....a ten day trip with only the clothes on our backs....awwwwwwweeeeeessssssooooooome!
But as irony would have it, while I couldn't be ONE MINUTE LATE for check in....my plane could be 45 minutes late without any repercussions. However, the silver lining was Miranda miraculously did not go straight home,but went just down the street to Birlington Coat Factory. So she was able to quickly buy a Carryon bag,stuff as much of our clothes into the bag and bring it to me at security. Whew! Crisis semi-averted.
BUT THEN I went and left my iPad on the plane in Dallas. So yeah. That was also a no-brain moment. ( after a tearful night, a million calls to the airport lost and found and a drive BACK to the airport, I did get it back. Praise God.)
So, that's how I started the trip. So needless to say, I'm a bit nervous about Ransom and my return trip tomorrow.
Though I will say, with a time change and a time zone change I honestly have NO IDEA when we're getting home. Hahaha
The rest of our trip to Texas was a total 180 from the beginning ( minus the stomach bug that Ransom and I both got...on the same night...awful) and we had a grand time with family! We loved every minute. I was gratified to notice that Ransom seemed to recognize all his Nacogoches "haunts" immediately and didn't need any time to get use to his bed in the closet again. ( I will be so sad when Ransom outgrows sleeping in a walk in closet on trips...it's SO handy). Which makes me even more excited about Christmas when we can spend even more time with both sides of the family and most importantly Brett will be with us too! I love the thought that Ransom is going to have such great memories of time in Nacogdoches...the place where all the people who spoil him live.
But, at least for now, we must return to real life. A root canal calls my name on Tuesday. And Ransom needs to realize that he can walk just as well at home as it can in Texas. We get to look forward to Daddy coming home from the field and hopefully get some time together. a thanksgiving celebration to plan. And, of course, I've got a finale Philippians Post to write and hopefully some much needed hang outs with my darling friends that I've missed while being gone!! real life isn't all THAT bad
See you when I get back :-)
I literally stuffed Ransom's Pjs and a few diapers and our tooth brushes into my purse and had to give my suitcase to my friend Miranda to take home....a ten day trip with only the clothes on our backs....awwwwwwweeeeeessssssooooooome!
But as irony would have it, while I couldn't be ONE MINUTE LATE for check in....my plane could be 45 minutes late without any repercussions. However, the silver lining was Miranda miraculously did not go straight home,but went just down the street to Birlington Coat Factory. So she was able to quickly buy a Carryon bag,stuff as much of our clothes into the bag and bring it to me at security. Whew! Crisis semi-averted.
BUT THEN I went and left my iPad on the plane in Dallas. So yeah. That was also a no-brain moment. ( after a tearful night, a million calls to the airport lost and found and a drive BACK to the airport, I did get it back. Praise God.)
So, that's how I started the trip. So needless to say, I'm a bit nervous about Ransom and my return trip tomorrow.
Though I will say, with a time change and a time zone change I honestly have NO IDEA when we're getting home. Hahaha
The rest of our trip to Texas was a total 180 from the beginning ( minus the stomach bug that Ransom and I both got...on the same night...awful) and we had a grand time with family! We loved every minute. I was gratified to notice that Ransom seemed to recognize all his Nacogoches "haunts" immediately and didn't need any time to get use to his bed in the closet again. ( I will be so sad when Ransom outgrows sleeping in a walk in closet on trips...it's SO handy). Which makes me even more excited about Christmas when we can spend even more time with both sides of the family and most importantly Brett will be with us too! I love the thought that Ransom is going to have such great memories of time in Nacogdoches...the place where all the people who spoil him live.
But, at least for now, we must return to real life. A root canal calls my name on Tuesday. And Ransom needs to realize that he can walk just as well at home as it can in Texas. We get to look forward to Daddy coming home from the field and hopefully get some time together. a thanksgiving celebration to plan. And, of course, I've got a finale Philippians Post to write and hopefully some much needed hang outs with my darling friends that I've missed while being gone!! real life isn't all THAT bad
See you when I get back :-)
October 28, 2011
Philippians Chapter 4
Well, here I am on chapter four! I love that this bible study is dragging out...every week it seems someone gets behind or even starts the bible study for the first time and I keep having to go back and add people's links to the Bloggin' Bible Study page at the top of this blog as they get their study completed! That just tells me that we're all a little bit rebellious and "deadlines" are just suggestions here! Love it. ;-) Keep your thoughts coming and nevermind if you're behind or on a completely different chapter! Jump in where you left off.
Buuuut, since I started this thing I'm doing my darndest to be on time! So here are my thoughts on chapter 4.
The first thing that stuck out to me was about Euodias and Syntyche. ( verse 2). Ok, nevermind that these ladies made the cut into the Bible ( its not like they lived to see that happen). But can you IMAGINE how it must have felt to have your names read aloud at the gathering of the church ( probably in someones home, everyone crammed into the living area, probably eating a little bread, having some wine....listening with eagerness to Paul's letter to them...). And to have Paul CALL YOU OUT.
Oh. Snap.
So, immediately identify. Maybe because I probably need calling out so much of the time. To be perfectly honest, some of the people I have the hardest time getting along with are Sisters in Christ. Ladies who I should be working along side, ladies with a common goal. But instead I get hung up on little things. It needs to stop.
In the book of Ephesians 4:2 it says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Wow, what beautiful verses that have a lifetime worth of change in my heart listed. I do not want to be a Euodias and Syntyche.
And now to the big guns!!!! I think just about EVERYBODY that did the overview of Philippians the first week mentioned these verses. They are just that good. I've been looking forward to getting to them this whole study and now that I'm hear I read them:
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And then let the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
What can I add this go around? What more can I glean from these verses that I even have memorized I love them so?
I think its the "And then" part. I'm like a big ol' "prayer and petition" girl...because lets be honest, I'm also an "anxious" girl...and so I get that part of the verse right. I immediately start quoting this verse in my head, "Do not be anxious about anything..." and then I start praying...and I basically start complaining/pleading with God. But, I forget about the connector, the "with thanksgiving" which I think just might be the key to the "And then..." part which talks about the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.
Because THAT'S THE GOOD STUFF!! I'm telling you, there is nothing more wonderful than having the peace of God, that you cannot even EXPLAIN to people when they wonder why the heck you're so calm, or so happy or so peaceful when faced with ....well....let's be honest....life. And so what's the key? I think the key is the thanksgiving part.
I think its being able to thank God for all that He Is. All that He Does. All that He WILL Do. All that He Has Done. And yes, I just used a bunch of capital letters incorrectly. I guess I'm just lacking in the ability to describe what Praise and Thanksgiving are. But I definitely know they are lacking in my life right now.
I have GOT to find a way to have some peace and quiet ( there's something about quiet for me...) in my day, its definitely not happening while Ransom's awake that's for sure, so I don't know....I need to reevaluate my time.
Alright, I should also talk about verses 8 and 9 because they are also totally fantastic and speak to me a lot...but dang it, I'm probably already going on too long and I'm running at risk that you're already bored. *sigh*
Maybe I'll just sneak it in next week when I do my Philippians: RE-CAP. Which is basically when I just re-read philippians. Look back over the key things I've learned and then tell you guys how AWESOME its been reading all your thoughts...so stay tuned for that next week. :-)
Till then...Chapter 4? What do ya think?
October 25, 2011
Back up plan.
Sometimes I totally doubt that things aren't going to work out. Sometimes I think about Brett deploying and what I'll do when he does.
However, I really need to remember this truth.... When I envision the future I always leave out a very important factor: The GOD factor.
Like, today for instance. Last night Ransom took two tiny steps. I immediately texted Brett to tell him the exciting news, but at the same time my heart hurt for him! There seemed NO WAY that I'd be able to capture first steps on camera for him to see, and he's always always at work. But, then, this morning after our usual walk my friend Miranda and I were standing in the front yard-SIDE NOTE: ( we'd actually just got back from driving our walking route because we'd lost a blanket from Ransom's stroller some where on the way and had to drive a windy way around our neighborhood till we found it. Good times.).
And I was trying to get Ransom to take a few steps again. But he didn't. Instead he started for REALZ walking...like, ALL OVER the front yard. And so, because Miranda was there to make sure Ransom didn't face plant...I was able to play camera woman ( and crying mother).
See? I couldn't have guessed that would happen. It was not the perfect perfect way ( as in Brett and I were there together to cheer on Ransom), but in some ways this is more perfect. This is the life God has given us, and He helps us through it....
On that same note, Brett is headed off into the field tomorrow for 15 days. The cool thing is I'm headed to Texas the day after. The extra cool part is that my family was planning a little "family reunion" that weekend anyway, without even asking what our schedule was ( they always just assume we won't be able to make it.) so it turned out wonderfully that while Brett is gone Ransom and I will be distracted for 10 days by wonderful Texas Family!
This is JUST LIKE the last time Brett was in the field and our friend Tabitha came to visit. A trip we'd planned long in advance and had no idea that Brett would be gone that week. And there it was. Once again a perfect distraction and company to help me through the lonely times!
I know that there are a lot (lot) of tough things in our future. But I also can not begin to imagine all the ways the Lord will help us through them.
Now, check out my kid truckin' it across the lawn...would you guess these are this 3-20th steps ever?!
October 21, 2011
Philippians Chapter 3 ( part 2)
Ok, so where were we?!? Taking a tiny breather and moving on...sometimes I find that if I read too many of these posts all at once my mind gets BLOWN and I need to eat a cookie or something to help my blood sugar levels ( hehe. any excuse for a cookie).
Anyway, continuing on with Philippians 3....
Next I would like to talk about verse 13-14, because its always been a favorite of mine:
...forgetting what lies behind and striving forward to what lives ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
I personally really liked the "Basic English Version" of this too:
..one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before..
I like the word choice of "letting go" there because we all know that we usually don't actually forget our past, but I think we can all get a little something from the idea of letting go. How hard it is at times to let go of the past, the things hanging over us, whether
guilt, shame, fear, even sadness and grief. They often hang there and do not let me move forward to a closer relationship with Jesus....but I love this verse! A reminder that the only way to truly press forward and "win the prize" ( as stated in verse 14) is to look ahead! I guess its encouraging to know that that's what JESUS actually wants me to do! He wants me to stop dwelling on what is already done and move forward!
I liked what I read in Barnes commentary:
So, I am going to look over my day to day thoughts and see if I am holding on a little too tightly to anything from the past and if so, I'm going to try to sort those things out...
Anyway, continuing on with Philippians 3....
Next I would like to talk about verse 13-14, because its always been a favorite of mine:
...forgetting what lies behind and striving forward to what lives ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
I personally really liked the "Basic English Version" of this too:
..one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before..
I like the word choice of "letting go" there because we all know that we usually don't actually forget our past, but I think we can all get a little something from the idea of letting go. How hard it is at times to let go of the past, the things hanging over us, whether
guilt, shame, fear, even sadness and grief. They often hang there and do not let me move forward to a closer relationship with Jesus....but I love this verse! A reminder that the only way to truly press forward and "win the prize" ( as stated in verse 14) is to look ahead! I guess its encouraging to know that that's what JESUS actually wants me to do! He wants me to stop dwelling on what is already done and move forward!
I liked what I read in Barnes commentary:
| |||
So, I am going to look over my day to day thoughts and see if I am holding on a little too tightly to anything from the past and if so, I'm going to try to sort those things out...
Philippians Chapter 3 ( part 1)
So here we go...next chapter and oddly enough I think my application for this week comes for verse ONE!
"Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord...."
I looked up the word "rejoice" in the greek and it its original meaning here is something along the lines of "be conscious of his grace." Nice. I definitely have not been doing that enough, and thinking about my prayers lately the are mostly if not completely requests. Sometimes I'm thankful for prayers that have already been answered, but I've definitely been spending ZERO time just rejoicing in God for who He is. For the grace that He bestows continually...something I want to do more, especially as we enter into the Thanksgiving season ;-)
oooooo...there's so much in this chapter and I think I could write about something from every verse, but I'll just do my favorites...
in verse 3 ( ok, so I didn't get much further! heh) it reads:
"For it is we who are the circumcision ( meaning Jews, or God's chosen people), who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh-even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh."
So, this could be a bit confusing if you don't know some background key "bible back story". Basically the Jews are God's chosen people as decided by their great great great (great) granddaddy's relationship with God ( Abraham). Then through Moses, God gave these people the rules to live by "The Law" ( which includes but is not limited to the ten commandments) ...and so, as Jewish people they had a lot of (rightly to some extent) confidence in their heritage and there relationship with God. However, and what Paul is talking about here, when Jesus and died on the cross came he did away with the Law...he got rid of all the hoops and bells and whistles that a person once had to jump through in which to get "in good" with God. He also did something marvelous ( in my opinion) and got rid of the whole "having to be a Jew" thing and basically gave EVERYONE the right to become children of God ( John 1:12) . And so here Paul is reminded the Philippians of that fact. And here's where I stopped to ponder....
Do I sometimes put my confidence in other things, other than in Jesus and what He's done for me?
Do I often put my confidence in my own heritage ( after all, I am lucky enough to have a pretty amazing family ( both blood and not) who have good relationships with Jesus and who's faith is strong ( BUT THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!) and afterall, I am a good person- even though I have really really wanted to yell at my downstairs neighbor ( yes, the ones with the naked little boy sign out front) for waking Ransom up from his nap TWICE this week..I haven't=good person. And I volunteer, and give to the poor and I exercise and eat right and take care of the environment ( we drive a Prius!!) (ALL OF THESE THINGS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!) . I also read my Bible every day, and do Bible studies ( like this one!) and I pray and I try to help others grow in their relationship with God! ( NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!). Yup, bottom line. I should not be putting my confidences in any of these things, but instead realize and delight in the fact that all of this is not important. The only thing that is important-" the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." ( verse 7) .
Jesus wants me to KNOW his, and have a RELATIONSHIP with Him....and He wants me to quit putting all my trust ( aka. my worries, my time, my energies) into things that are not as important. Sure, all those things I listed above are part of it, but they are just that-PART, the toppings, the condiments...they are not the juicy goodness that is the bottom line: A relationship. With Jesus.
OH MAN! I haven't even gotten past verse 3!!! And I've said so much already!
How bout we call this part one and I post part two a little later?!?
"Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord...."
I looked up the word "rejoice" in the greek and it its original meaning here is something along the lines of "be conscious of his grace." Nice. I definitely have not been doing that enough, and thinking about my prayers lately the are mostly if not completely requests. Sometimes I'm thankful for prayers that have already been answered, but I've definitely been spending ZERO time just rejoicing in God for who He is. For the grace that He bestows continually...something I want to do more, especially as we enter into the Thanksgiving season ;-)
oooooo...there's so much in this chapter and I think I could write about something from every verse, but I'll just do my favorites...
in verse 3 ( ok, so I didn't get much further! heh) it reads:
"For it is we who are the circumcision ( meaning Jews, or God's chosen people), who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh-even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh."
So, this could be a bit confusing if you don't know some background key "bible back story". Basically the Jews are God's chosen people as decided by their great great great (great) granddaddy's relationship with God ( Abraham). Then through Moses, God gave these people the rules to live by "The Law" ( which includes but is not limited to the ten commandments) ...and so, as Jewish people they had a lot of (rightly to some extent) confidence in their heritage and there relationship with God. However, and what Paul is talking about here, when Jesus and died on the cross came he did away with the Law...he got rid of all the hoops and bells and whistles that a person once had to jump through in which to get "in good" with God. He also did something marvelous ( in my opinion) and got rid of the whole "having to be a Jew" thing and basically gave EVERYONE the right to become children of God ( John 1:12) . And so here Paul is reminded the Philippians of that fact. And here's where I stopped to ponder....
Do I sometimes put my confidence in other things, other than in Jesus and what He's done for me?
|
Do I often put my confidence in my own heritage ( after all, I am lucky enough to have a pretty amazing family ( both blood and not) who have good relationships with Jesus and who's faith is strong ( BUT THAT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!) and afterall, I am a good person- even though I have really really wanted to yell at my downstairs neighbor ( yes, the ones with the naked little boy sign out front) for waking Ransom up from his nap TWICE this week..I haven't=good person. And I volunteer, and give to the poor and I exercise and eat right and take care of the environment ( we drive a Prius!!) (ALL OF THESE THINGS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!) . I also read my Bible every day, and do Bible studies ( like this one!) and I pray and I try to help others grow in their relationship with God! ( NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!). Yup, bottom line. I should not be putting my confidences in any of these things, but instead realize and delight in the fact that all of this is not important. The only thing that is important-" the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." ( verse 7) .
Jesus wants me to KNOW his, and have a RELATIONSHIP with Him....and He wants me to quit putting all my trust ( aka. my worries, my time, my energies) into things that are not as important. Sure, all those things I listed above are part of it, but they are just that-PART, the toppings, the condiments...they are not the juicy goodness that is the bottom line: A relationship. With Jesus.
OH MAN! I haven't even gotten past verse 3!!! And I've said so much already!
How bout we call this part one and I post part two a little later?!?
October 20, 2011
New Recipe time!!!
So, as I have said before...I'm a little bit addicted to Pinterest. But, unlike past addictions this one is a KEEPER! I currently have a cute fall wreath on my front door, a fun fall centerpiece on my table and I'm working on a wine bottle vase right now....and don't get me started on the recipes.
Well, actually you SHOULD get me started because you have just GOT to try some of the yummy things that have been going on in my house lately.
First of all, Sunday Waffle Day is something everyone should do. I mean, if you need to make it Saturday Waffle Day or Sunday Pancake Day that's ok too...the point is. Breakfast is a lost art in my house most of the time...but I'm LOVING bringing it back and making it "special" again.
So, we tried a truly awesome recipe a few weeks ago and I've already made them again! PUMPKIN WAFFLES! ( I adapted my recipe from this link ...its pretty much the same I just save you a little on how many bowls you need to use-seriously. Who likes to do dishes?!?)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- • 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
- • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- • 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- • 1/2 tsp. salt
- • 1 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
- • 2 tsp. ginger
- • 1/4 tsp. cloves ( I have yet to have this on hand...still turned out yum!)
- • 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1 cup whole milk
- • 1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
- • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and warm
- Lightly oil the waffle iron with vegetable oil, and set it to the desired temperature.
- Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a large bowl. Whisk together to break apart the cornstarch. Add the remaining dry ingredients, and whisk to blend.
- Separate eggs: yolks go into dry ingred. bowl and whites get set aside in a smaller bowl.
- Add pumpkin and milk to the egg yolks.
- Whip egg whites with a hand mixer on high until stiff peaks form – about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes. Set aside.
- Pour melted butter into the yolk/milk/pumpkin mixture. As you pour, use electric mixer to mix everything together. ( This is why I do the egg whites first..so I can use the same dirty electric mixer...)
- Slide the whipped egg whites out of the bowl and onto the mixture you just prepared. Gently fold them in until no white bits are obvious.
- Pour into waffle iron. ENJOY!
October 18, 2011
No time for the internet?!?!
Seriously. That's how life has been lately. But it's time for a genuine catch up so here goes:
Ransom's been wanting to walk all over the house. Which he could TOTALLY do without me, but its SO MUCH BETTER ( according to a recent poll of one) if he's holding on to my index finger....so that takes up time.
And then there's hosting various visitors and guests in our home. ( our friend Christoph just left this morning. I hadn't seen him in ten years and Brett hadn't seen him in seven, but he's one of those totally awesome people that you can be comfortable around IMMEDIATELY. We loved having him in our home, I just hope he enjoys watching a one year old exclaim about cars driving by...because that's about the height of excitement around here....)
Brett's working at least 15 hours a day and some during the weekend for good measure. You just don't notice all that your husband does for you until he's not around ;-)....but when we DO get to see him luckily our time is filled up doing Army related activities. Examples: Last week we went and saw a play that Brett had to attend, and on Saturday we all went to the teeny tiny town of Lumpkin and enjoyed there Street Fair. I will say, on the Street Fair note, I'm almost glad we were "invited" to go, since I would have NEVER gone otherwise...and I would have then missed out on the 4 piece marching band.
And speaking of.... I'm getting a ROOT CANAL. Which is AWESOME. I literally have ONE cavity in my WHOLE HEAD and it turns out to need a root canal?!?! Doesn't that seem fishy?!? So yes.
I know, I know, this post paints a dreary picture, but its really not- Fall is my absolutely favorite time of year and I refuse to have it ruined. Next week Ransom and I are headed to Texas for a week ( wooo!) and I'm currently digging an AMAZING Bible Study series that we're doing with some friends of ours...its called Experiencing God ( please ignore the scary looking Moses on the cover) and I have literally had all sorts of misconceptions about God ( and myself) blown out of the water almost daily. It's THAT amazing. I've also been making some rockin' recipes lately that I plan to share with you all in a few posts so staaaaay tuned!
Ransom's been wanting to walk all over the house. Which he could TOTALLY do without me, but its SO MUCH BETTER ( according to a recent poll of one) if he's holding on to my index finger....so that takes up time.
And then there's hosting various visitors and guests in our home. ( our friend Christoph just left this morning. I hadn't seen him in ten years and Brett hadn't seen him in seven, but he's one of those totally awesome people that you can be comfortable around IMMEDIATELY. We loved having him in our home, I just hope he enjoys watching a one year old exclaim about cars driving by...because that's about the height of excitement around here....)
Brett's working at least 15 hours a day and some during the weekend for good measure. You just don't notice all that your husband does for you until he's not around ;-)....but when we DO get to see him luckily our time is filled up doing Army related activities. Examples: Last week we went and saw a play that Brett had to attend, and on Saturday we all went to the teeny tiny town of Lumpkin and enjoyed there Street Fair. I will say, on the Street Fair note, I'm almost glad we were "invited" to go, since I would have NEVER gone otherwise...and I would have then missed out on the 4 piece marching band.
And speaking of.... I'm getting a ROOT CANAL. Which is AWESOME. I literally have ONE cavity in my WHOLE HEAD and it turns out to need a root canal?!?! Doesn't that seem fishy?!? So yes.
I know, I know, this post paints a dreary picture, but its really not- Fall is my absolutely favorite time of year and I refuse to have it ruined. Next week Ransom and I are headed to Texas for a week ( wooo!) and I'm currently digging an AMAZING Bible Study series that we're doing with some friends of ours...its called Experiencing God ( please ignore the scary looking Moses on the cover) and I have literally had all sorts of misconceptions about God ( and myself) blown out of the water almost daily. It's THAT amazing. I've also been making some rockin' recipes lately that I plan to share with you all in a few posts so staaaaay tuned!
October 14, 2011
Philippians Chapter 2
613 miles....that's the distance that Epaphroditus had to travel from Philippi to Rome. NO WONDER HE ALMOST DIED!! Across modern day Turkey, Macedonia, probably part of Greece ( I'm no historian here)...and then cross the Adriatic Sea and then over Italy to get to Rome.
THAT'S what E ( I am getting tired of slowly spelling out his name every time..and besides if we were in a real live Bible study right now I'd be calling him "E" because I can never pronounce names in the Bible anyways...so this makes it way more realistic), so that's what E had to do to bring some money to Paul in Rome.
I think after I had read the whole chapter and then did my research on E's travels it totally changed everything I was going to write about the chapter. It just became a lot more REAL. Paul talking about putting others before ourselves. Reminding his readers of the Example of Christ-who came to SERVE not to be BE SERVED ( Mark 10:45), who gave His very life for us all...my favorite "Easter" verses in this chapter being: (7-8)
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
then Paul's reminder to the Philippians to not grumble or complain about doing good works ( this is no accident!! As soon as you start telling me to be selfless and humble, all the arguing and bad-attitude-ness in me starts bubbling over and I'm guessing its the same for the Philippians too!
And then Paul brings it back to talking about his own feelings towards them where we get to this verse:
(verse 17)
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you..."
Which when I thought about what that MEANS:
Ok, so a drink offering in my limited knowledge was basically pouring out some wine on to the ground. Now, its kind of a cool symbol of giving something up to God because-have you ever tried to scoop up a drink when you've accidentally spilled it ( let's say something precious like baby formula)?-its pretty well near impossible. So, the picture Paul is painting is here is that he's willing to literally spill out his life, "waste" it, not get it back, give it up completely for the Philippians. Wow.
I think its the idea that its "wasteful" which I kind of talked about in my last blog post. I seem to put way to much importance on whether its "worth it" not whether its just something that would honor God in doing it. Something to think about.
Anyway, back to the chapter. Like I was saying, after seeing the living example of this guy "E" I think I understand what verses 3 and 4 mean a lot more:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of others.
613 miles.
So what's my application for this week? First let me tell you about this last week....I think that I was able to encourage someone else, in fact, God was very cool and allowed me to help someone on a particularly awful day: Army Packing Up All Your Stuff Day. So I was grateful for that answered prayer. And I was also able to tell someone who's been an encouragement to ME, "thank you"...but honestly it was not as well as I would have liked. It ended up being over text message and that's about as special as toast. But I'll try to do better on that one.
Ok, so this week...this week I feel like the study as shown me a lot about just HOW un-servant like I am. And that deep down, I am CONSTANTLY counting the cost rather than just diving in headfirst to love and serve others. So, this week I'm going to specifically do something that gave me a bad attitude all last week! More of my time ( and sadly money) to Brett's work environment. I'm going to stop there with the details because I don't really want to talk about it much here, but that should be enough for you to keep me accountable to doing it!!
Alright! What did you guys think of Philippians 2? And those of you who didn't write up a chapter 1 study...no biggie! Would still love you thoughts on either chapter just link them up here! :-)
THAT'S what E ( I am getting tired of slowly spelling out his name every time..and besides if we were in a real live Bible study right now I'd be calling him "E" because I can never pronounce names in the Bible anyways...so this makes it way more realistic), so that's what E had to do to bring some money to Paul in Rome.
I think after I had read the whole chapter and then did my research on E's travels it totally changed everything I was going to write about the chapter. It just became a lot more REAL. Paul talking about putting others before ourselves. Reminding his readers of the Example of Christ-who came to SERVE not to be BE SERVED ( Mark 10:45), who gave His very life for us all...my favorite "Easter" verses in this chapter being: (7-8)
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
then Paul's reminder to the Philippians to not grumble or complain about doing good works ( this is no accident!! As soon as you start telling me to be selfless and humble, all the arguing and bad-attitude-ness in me starts bubbling over and I'm guessing its the same for the Philippians too!
And then Paul brings it back to talking about his own feelings towards them where we get to this verse:
(verse 17)
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you..."
Which when I thought about what that MEANS:
Ok, so a drink offering in my limited knowledge was basically pouring out some wine on to the ground. Now, its kind of a cool symbol of giving something up to God because-have you ever tried to scoop up a drink when you've accidentally spilled it ( let's say something precious like baby formula)?-its pretty well near impossible. So, the picture Paul is painting is here is that he's willing to literally spill out his life, "waste" it, not get it back, give it up completely for the Philippians. Wow.
I think its the idea that its "wasteful" which I kind of talked about in my last blog post. I seem to put way to much importance on whether its "worth it" not whether its just something that would honor God in doing it. Something to think about.
Anyway, back to the chapter. Like I was saying, after seeing the living example of this guy "E" I think I understand what verses 3 and 4 mean a lot more:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of others.
613 miles.
So what's my application for this week? First let me tell you about this last week....I think that I was able to encourage someone else, in fact, God was very cool and allowed me to help someone on a particularly awful day: Army Packing Up All Your Stuff Day. So I was grateful for that answered prayer. And I was also able to tell someone who's been an encouragement to ME, "thank you"...but honestly it was not as well as I would have liked. It ended up being over text message and that's about as special as toast. But I'll try to do better on that one.
Ok, so this week...this week I feel like the study as shown me a lot about just HOW un-servant like I am. And that deep down, I am CONSTANTLY counting the cost rather than just diving in headfirst to love and serve others. So, this week I'm going to specifically do something that gave me a bad attitude all last week! More of my time ( and sadly money) to Brett's work environment. I'm going to stop there with the details because I don't really want to talk about it much here, but that should be enough for you to keep me accountable to doing it!!
Alright! What did you guys think of Philippians 2? And those of you who didn't write up a chapter 1 study...no biggie! Would still love you thoughts on either chapter just link them up here! :-)
October 13, 2011
Philippians Chapter 1....again
So, before I get started on Chapter 2, I have to share with you something that I got from my chapter 1 study this week...sometimes I'm a slow learner and I have to ruminate on things for longer than just a week-which is why I'm digging this study so much! No time restraints! Go at your own speed! It just all about reading the Bible and thinking about it a little more deeply! ( how many more exclamation marks can I use in a paragraph?)
So, last we I mentioned that I went and read Acts 28 which gives kind of the surrounding story of what was going on in Paul's life when he wrote the letter to the Philippians-anyway, it says in verse 30 that "He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him..And now thinking back to what he wrote in Chapter 1 he says that he was rejoicing in his circumstances as long as it meant that the Gospel got out to people! So I just now connected the fact that he was not only in prison, and not only still preaching from prison ( which had to be limiting to say the least) but he was paying for it OUT OF POCKET!
Ok, so lets talk about money for a second because its here that I need some altering of mind. Basically, I think I could almost be as chill as Paul about his circumstances being less than stellar until I realized that I was going to have to pay for it! Sad but true. I would have started complaining immediately. And in realizing this, I am realizing that I may not be trusting God with our finances as much as I would like. Especially finances that we give away.....key word "away". As in no longer under my rule. I need to be ok with God deciding to use that money ANY way He sees fit...even if its something unpractical like paying for a prison sentence that seemingly limits ones ability to get around and preach...yeah. That's a good example of it not making sense in human terms but making perfect sense in God terms. In fact, after going back and re-reading this paragraph-I need to let go of my "rule" of ALL our money and resources! I am waaay too controlling!
Stay tuned for Chapter 2....
So, last we I mentioned that I went and read Acts 28 which gives kind of the surrounding story of what was going on in Paul's life when he wrote the letter to the Philippians-anyway, it says in verse 30 that "He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him..And now thinking back to what he wrote in Chapter 1 he says that he was rejoicing in his circumstances as long as it meant that the Gospel got out to people! So I just now connected the fact that he was not only in prison, and not only still preaching from prison ( which had to be limiting to say the least) but he was paying for it OUT OF POCKET!
Ok, so lets talk about money for a second because its here that I need some altering of mind. Basically, I think I could almost be as chill as Paul about his circumstances being less than stellar until I realized that I was going to have to pay for it! Sad but true. I would have started complaining immediately. And in realizing this, I am realizing that I may not be trusting God with our finances as much as I would like. Especially finances that we give away.....key word "away". As in no longer under my rule. I need to be ok with God deciding to use that money ANY way He sees fit...even if its something unpractical like paying for a prison sentence that seemingly limits ones ability to get around and preach...yeah. That's a good example of it not making sense in human terms but making perfect sense in God terms. In fact, after going back and re-reading this paragraph-I need to let go of my "rule" of ALL our money and resources! I am waaay too controlling!
Stay tuned for Chapter 2....
Take a moment
This morning Ransom woke up with a runny nose. A seriously runny nose. And whether its allergies, teething or a real live cold we all know that where there's snot there are germs and so I had to sadly cancel my afternoon plans with some lovely lovely ladies ( and their daughters).
A serious BUM. ER.
And I was all pouty and such and when I put Ransom down for his nap instead of dusting and sweeping like I TOLD myself I would...I plopped down to blog read.
And I read today's blog post by a lovely lady Jeanne who I have known my whole life....( you know when you get older and you realize that your childhood playmate's parents are really cool and you wish that they'd like you and be friends with you too? Anyway, that's how I feel about this lovely lady.) And she shared a video that she had done for Mikeschair's new album.
Now, let me just say this, I remember being a little kid and hearing what was happening to her son, I remember the prayers, the tears. But it resonated all over again today. I sat on my couch and cried.
Friends, we live in a fallen world, a world full of sorrow and sometimes things happen that are SO mysterious that the only place to find an answer is at Jesus's Feet. I loved how Jeanne shares how she realized the only way to get through what was happening was to go to the One who had let it happen in the first place...wow. As soon as she said it I remembered back to our own Heartbreaks and I knew exactly what she meant. Its probably one of the HARDEST challenges of my life, but I am so grateful for the beauty that such sorrows have taught us. Please watch this video. Currently words are failing me. I pray its an encouragement today!
A serious BUM. ER.
And I was all pouty and such and when I put Ransom down for his nap instead of dusting and sweeping like I TOLD myself I would...I plopped down to blog read.
And I read today's blog post by a lovely lady Jeanne who I have known my whole life....( you know when you get older and you realize that your childhood playmate's parents are really cool and you wish that they'd like you and be friends with you too? Anyway, that's how I feel about this lovely lady.) And she shared a video that she had done for Mikeschair's new album.
Now, let me just say this, I remember being a little kid and hearing what was happening to her son, I remember the prayers, the tears. But it resonated all over again today. I sat on my couch and cried.
Friends, we live in a fallen world, a world full of sorrow and sometimes things happen that are SO mysterious that the only place to find an answer is at Jesus's Feet. I loved how Jeanne shares how she realized the only way to get through what was happening was to go to the One who had let it happen in the first place...wow. As soon as she said it I remembered back to our own Heartbreaks and I knew exactly what she meant. Its probably one of the HARDEST challenges of my life, but I am so grateful for the beauty that such sorrows have taught us. Please watch this video. Currently words are failing me. I pray its an encouragement today!
October 07, 2011
Philippians Chapter 1
So, to set the scene. I have a headache. I found out today my babysitter had an accident has two torn ligaments and a sprained femur....and has to have surgery next week. ( and of course my first thought was THERE GOES MY DATE ON SATURDAY not to mention all the other sitting jobs I have lined up with her). Ransom continues his crazy nap schedule today by only sleeping 45 min. ALL DAY....and I'm WORN OUT.
And that's the state that I entered into Philippians 1. Awesome!! But, seriously, its at times like these when my head is ANYWHERE but the right place that I NEED to be running to my Bible. This is the time for me to have some Jesus-work done....
So the first verse that "popped" for me was verse six:
6And I am sure of this, that he who began(H) a good work in you. will bring it to completion at(J) the day of Jesus Christ.
Incidentally, I copied that straight from Biblegateway.com where I can literally click on the cross references and they take me right to other verses in the bible on the same topic. Sweet!
Which, I really liked this one:
I think I've always found oddly comforting in verse 6 of Phil 1, because it puts in blunt terms that which I am already very aware of: "I'm not done yet."
If I were in the oven, you'd want to stick me back in. The older I get the more I realize just HOW much grace I still need from Jesus ( case in point: me thinking about myself and not my poor sweet babysitter with the messed up knee.) BUT there's a promise there. A promise that God is at work in me ( as long as I let Him!) and He's gonna stay there until His work is done!! I am so grateful that He does not give up on us, that while He does, indeed, know just what kind of awfulness goes on in my head, He's fully capable and willing to help me become a better person...to become more like Him.
The next verse that struck me was verse 12:
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
This read through I actually went and read specifically about Paul's imprisonment in the Book of Acts:
Chapter 28 and how Paul lived in Rome ( under house arrest) for two years at his own expense talking to anyone that would come and visit him and talk to him about Jesus. I think it helped give me greater perspective. I know it might be a bit geeky but it helps me to get the "story" behind what Paul's writing his letter. And I think what reeeeally stopped me in my tracks was what he said about how him being imprisoned there had caused the Truth about Jesus to spread-sometimes because of people being sincerely inspired to share and other times because of some other mean-spiritedness in the person...either way Paul was happy that the Gospel was shared. Ummm...wait. Hold the phone!! You mean to tell me Paul didn't care what the motives of a person where as long as the Truth was shared?!? And this is how I need to be too?!?
Well, then I've wasted a LOT of energy in the past trying to figure out if the people around me were sincere or not!! I've also wasted a lot of energy judging others on how they like to tell others about Jesus, or how they show love...I'm a judger-mcjudger-pants.
The bottom line is if I cared a little less about what other people are doing and saying ( and thinking too..if I could some how figure that out) and spent more time trying hard to share what I know about Jesus and what He's done in my life with people. Well....yeah. That'd be better.
I am sincerely humbled by how little amount of credit Paul wants for himself ( I'd be all like, look at me and how God's using me! ME! ME! ME!) and how He give ALL glory to God.
And now on to verse 21-26:
For to me to live is Christ ( meaning sacrifice and suffering) , and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh ( as in on Earth), that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain (here on Earth) is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
I love these verses for several reasons. First once again, it shows Paul's devotion to the people in Philipi that he was willing to keep on going because he knew that it would be better for THEM. The other great thing here is Paul's obvious desire to be with Jesus.
I don't think I think about Heaven enough. But, really, the thought of being with Jesus is an encouragement and puts everything of today into perspective.....
I actually had to take a break writing this post last night because some things came up, and then in the middle of the night, the guy staying with us got up to take a shower and head to the airport...but left his phone alarm that had woken him up ( at 2am) on...and so, I spent a good ten minutes around 2:30am trying to find a guys phone in the midst of all his stuff while it goes off SO LOUDLY you could hear it in our room...all while he's happily in the shower.
I tell you that, because I am in desperate need of perspective. My thoughts, my priorities they are all very "worldy". They have so much to do with just getting through today, when really I should have my heart and mind so transfixed on Jesus that that stuff is but a blip. I mean, don't get me wrong. I feel sure that even Paul would have been annoyed by that cell phone. ( haha!) but I think he would have used that hour or so after when he was lying in bed, heart still racing, to pray and spend time with his Best Friend....I want to be more like that.
Ok, so this is getting super long! But I've got ONE MORE thought, and this one is where my application comes into play!!
Its from verses 27-28, ... that I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your.
opponets...
I realize more and more just how SUPER IMPORTANT it is to have at least one person who you're walking side by side with it does indeed help you to stand firm and to keep striving and to not be frightened by things that come up against you ( even if its just the day to day stuff...) and so while my first thought in how to "apply" this particular idea to my life was to just in a very general way, I want to make sure its something I can quantify to you next week. So, instead, I've decided to specifically tell someone who's been of a particular encouragement in my Faith lately just HOW much they've encouraged me...and then I will also meet up with someone who I know I've neglected in the same way and hopefully I can be an encouragement to them!! I'll let you know how I do!
And that's the state that I entered into Philippians 1. Awesome!! But, seriously, its at times like these when my head is ANYWHERE but the right place that I NEED to be running to my Bible. This is the time for me to have some Jesus-work done....
So the first verse that "popped" for me was verse six:
6And I am sure of this, that he who began(H) a good work in you. will bring it to completion at(J) the day of Jesus Christ.
Incidentally, I copied that straight from Biblegateway.com where I can literally click on the cross references and they take me right to other verses in the bible on the same topic. Sweet!
Which, I really liked this one:
| |||
I think I've always found oddly comforting in verse 6 of Phil 1, because it puts in blunt terms that which I am already very aware of: "I'm not done yet."
If I were in the oven, you'd want to stick me back in. The older I get the more I realize just HOW much grace I still need from Jesus ( case in point: me thinking about myself and not my poor sweet babysitter with the messed up knee.) BUT there's a promise there. A promise that God is at work in me ( as long as I let Him!) and He's gonna stay there until His work is done!! I am so grateful that He does not give up on us, that while He does, indeed, know just what kind of awfulness goes on in my head, He's fully capable and willing to help me become a better person...to become more like Him.
The next verse that struck me was verse 12:
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
This read through I actually went and read specifically about Paul's imprisonment in the Book of Acts:
Chapter 28 and how Paul lived in Rome ( under house arrest) for two years at his own expense talking to anyone that would come and visit him and talk to him about Jesus. I think it helped give me greater perspective. I know it might be a bit geeky but it helps me to get the "story" behind what Paul's writing his letter. And I think what reeeeally stopped me in my tracks was what he said about how him being imprisoned there had caused the Truth about Jesus to spread-sometimes because of people being sincerely inspired to share and other times because of some other mean-spiritedness in the person...either way Paul was happy that the Gospel was shared. Ummm...wait. Hold the phone!! You mean to tell me Paul didn't care what the motives of a person where as long as the Truth was shared?!? And this is how I need to be too?!?
Well, then I've wasted a LOT of energy in the past trying to figure out if the people around me were sincere or not!! I've also wasted a lot of energy judging others on how they like to tell others about Jesus, or how they show love...I'm a judger-mcjudger-pants.
The bottom line is if I cared a little less about what other people are doing and saying ( and thinking too..if I could some how figure that out) and spent more time trying hard to share what I know about Jesus and what He's done in my life with people. Well....yeah. That'd be better.
I am sincerely humbled by how little amount of credit Paul wants for himself ( I'd be all like, look at me and how God's using me! ME! ME! ME!) and how He give ALL glory to God.
And now on to verse 21-26:
For to me to live is Christ ( meaning sacrifice and suffering) , and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh ( as in on Earth), that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain (here on Earth) is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
I love these verses for several reasons. First once again, it shows Paul's devotion to the people in Philipi that he was willing to keep on going because he knew that it would be better for THEM. The other great thing here is Paul's obvious desire to be with Jesus.
I don't think I think about Heaven enough. But, really, the thought of being with Jesus is an encouragement and puts everything of today into perspective.....
I actually had to take a break writing this post last night because some things came up, and then in the middle of the night, the guy staying with us got up to take a shower and head to the airport...but left his phone alarm that had woken him up ( at 2am) on...and so, I spent a good ten minutes around 2:30am trying to find a guys phone in the midst of all his stuff while it goes off SO LOUDLY you could hear it in our room...all while he's happily in the shower.
I tell you that, because I am in desperate need of perspective. My thoughts, my priorities they are all very "worldy". They have so much to do with just getting through today, when really I should have my heart and mind so transfixed on Jesus that that stuff is but a blip. I mean, don't get me wrong. I feel sure that even Paul would have been annoyed by that cell phone. ( haha!) but I think he would have used that hour or so after when he was lying in bed, heart still racing, to pray and spend time with his Best Friend....I want to be more like that.
Ok, so this is getting super long! But I've got ONE MORE thought, and this one is where my application comes into play!!
Its from verses 27-28, ... that I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your.
opponets...
I realize more and more just how SUPER IMPORTANT it is to have at least one person who you're walking side by side with it does indeed help you to stand firm and to keep striving and to not be frightened by things that come up against you ( even if its just the day to day stuff...) and so while my first thought in how to "apply" this particular idea to my life was to just in a very general way, I want to make sure its something I can quantify to you next week. So, instead, I've decided to specifically tell someone who's been of a particular encouragement in my Faith lately just HOW much they've encouraged me...and then I will also meet up with someone who I know I've neglected in the same way and hopefully I can be an encouragement to them!! I'll let you know how I do!
October 05, 2011
Twwwoooo moooore daaaays
Hey peeps.
This week has been totally crazy. Case in point: Two and a half hours at the doctors office. During Ransom's nap time. awwwwesome!
Luckily we got medicine and Ransom is currently sleeping it off ( I've got my fingers and toes crossed that he'll sleep longer than usual.). Ironically he's been in that horrible transition between two naps and one for a while now, and today might ACTUALLY be the best napping we've had all week. Wouldn't that be ironic?!?
Anywhos. I just wanted to remind everyone to enjoy the fine "fall" weather ( 80 degrees...that counts right?!) or whatever weather you're having in your local...and then DON'T FORGET TO DO YOUR Philippians study!!! I'll be sharing my chapter 1 thoughts on Friday and I can't wait to hear what you guys think too! ( check out the top of the blog for all the links to everyone's thoughts from last week)
This week has been totally crazy. Case in point: Two and a half hours at the doctors office. During Ransom's nap time. awwwwesome!
Luckily we got medicine and Ransom is currently sleeping it off ( I've got my fingers and toes crossed that he'll sleep longer than usual.). Ironically he's been in that horrible transition between two naps and one for a while now, and today might ACTUALLY be the best napping we've had all week. Wouldn't that be ironic?!?
Anywhos. I just wanted to remind everyone to enjoy the fine "fall" weather ( 80 degrees...that counts right?!) or whatever weather you're having in your local...and then DON'T FORGET TO DO YOUR Philippians study!!! I'll be sharing my chapter 1 thoughts on Friday and I can't wait to hear what you guys think too! ( check out the top of the blog for all the links to everyone's thoughts from last week)
October 02, 2011
Lovely lovely lovelies
Just wanted to post to let everyone know that I've added a little Page Tab at the top of my blog where you can find all the links to the Philippians Week One studies. I need to ponder how/ or if to post the ones sent to me via email. I feel like I'm the winner here since I get to read ALL the posts! You guys make my day ( and week!).
So Ransom might be in the dreaded transition from two naps to one. Either that or he's teething/sick/or just plain ornery...all that to say-we had to spend a goodly amount of time outside in the lovely fall day in the hopes that it would rub off on him. It didn't.
So Ransom might be in the dreaded transition from two naps to one. Either that or he's teething/sick/or just plain ornery...all that to say-we had to spend a goodly amount of time outside in the lovely fall day in the hopes that it would rub off on him. It didn't.
Nothing like some spontaneous stopping of a walk to enjoy a spot.
You can see here in this picture that Ransom is patting his chest in his "Please" sign. That took a MONTH to perfect. Whew.
These are all the acorns that Ransom picked up and then dutifully brought over to me. Sometimes he can be sweet.
September 30, 2011
Intro to Philippians.
Dun-dun-dun-DUUUUNNNN!!!! We're here!! And If I could make a trumpet sound I totally would! Almost every day this week someone's jumped on board the Bloggin' Bible Study train and I've become more and more excited about it. You guys have shown me that its NOT scary to study the Bible, especially if its in the un-scary ( hehe) realms of the internets where no one can come to your house and TP it because you didn't answer "Jesus" to every question ( that would never happen) and apparently you guys are totally willing to join in this little experiment with me and hopefully bring this particular blogging community closer together! Excellent!
So lets get this party started:
Philippians. The background:
It was written by this guy named Paul ( read how Paul became a follower of Jesus here) . And he probably dictated it to this other guy named Timothy ( basically Paul's right hand man, quite a bit younger but had also helped Paul start the Church at Philippi ) . He wrote it while he was in PRISON ( now there's a long story, and if you don't know it...I suggest you read the book of Acts sometime) . And he wrote it to the church in the city of Philippi in around the year 63 A.D. ( whatever that means! Man, I wish I was good at history sometimes!!) .
Now, I got most of my background info on this book from this handy-dandy other book called "Halley's Bible Handbook" but you could probably find most of your basic background on the book of Philippians in most Study Bibles or....the wonderful world of Wikipedia.
Some of the things that were clarified for me by doing my background research is that, it had probably been three or four years since Paul had last been to Philippi and it had been about ten years since his first visit when he founded the church there. It looks like the church had sent this guy, Epaphroditus ( don't name your son after him...please) with some monetary support for Paul and he'd gotten really sick on the way. When he recovered Paul sent him back with this letter ( Phil. 2:25-30, 4:18).
Major themes thoughts of the Letter (I guess I'll stop calling it a book now...)
Without even realizing it I picked a nice seemingly "lighthearted" book to study. Which I dig. But its also a bit of a mishmash of topics and I got waaaaay overwhelmed trying to make it into any kind of outline/major themes. So instead I'll just point out some things that stuck out to me this read-through.
~Using seemingly difficult/awful circumstances for the good and glory of God. ( Chapter 1: 12-, 27-)
I definitely need to have this attitude more often. The attitude that even when things do NOT go my way, my prayer should be that my circumstances in some way are advancing the Kingdom of Jesus. I guess I'd call that "Heavenly Minded"...which I am not.
~A reminder of how Christ lived( and how we should live):
Treat each other in a servant hearted manner ( first section of chapter 2). Something I really want to do better in. Especially with the people that have been placed in my life that may not be the easiest to love.
Remember you are a light in a world that may not know Jesus. You might just be someones only chance of meeting Him ( through you!). (second section of Chapter 2)
~A reminder that just because Paul had 'everything together' none of that really matters for Christ has made us ALL equal in our salvation in Him. ( Chapter 3:2-11) I need to stop looking at my "street cred" as a Christian...the fact that I give money to the poor...that I volunteer...the fact that I've read the Bible...memorized verses etc. etc. as what makes me cool or uncool. Bottom line. NONE of us are "Good People" unless we have Jesus in our lives. Period.
~Striving to be like Christ, look to others that are doing the same and look to them to help you in your growth. ( chapter 3:12-20) I really want to reavaluate and make sure that the people I'm looking up to, the people I'm spending my time with and who influence me the most are REALLY the type of people that I want to be like. aka...are they following hard after Christ?
~Chapter 4:4-6...these are the verses I quoted yesterday and that I need to seriously write on my forehead sometimes!! They are SO helpful.
Chapter 4:8-9...very helpful to me in keeping my mind from dwelling on whatifs and fears and concerns that I've contrived in my head..they've even helped me from spending my time daydreaming and thinking about things that I WISH would happen...which can be just as detrimental.
Final thoughts:
One thing that reading through this whole letter reminded me of this week, is that there may just be sections that I just DO NOT GET. And that's ok too....in fact, that's one of the major cool-factors of doing this bible study with all you awesome people. So I'd like to go ahead and add that to next weeks homework: Ask some questions that you do NOT have the answer to......I think sometimes the "A-student" in me comes out and I only want to ask questions that I immediately have the answer for, but there's something really great about reading the Bible with the attitude that we do not understand everything in it...and that we can come away with new questions and answers every time we read it! again and again!
OK, now I'm SUPER EXCITED to hear what you guys think!! I'll be collecting your studies ( if you want to send them in!) via email and blog-link. And I'd love to share some of your thoughts here on my blog if that's ok! Maybe a little sum-up-age later this weekend? ;-)
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