So, here's my confession. Things at home have been crazy. And when I say crazy, that doesn't mean busy, or funny, or easily solved. I mean crazy as in crazy-making, deep-seeded systemic problems that have probably plagued me my entire life. Isn't that a great thing to "wake up" to?
My theme this year is "action." Like stop talking, and start doing. Stop dreaming, and start moving. Stop wishing, and start acting. You got the picture, right?
But I had to realize that action without refining and redefining my thought processes is nothing but shallow and minor changes that won't ever take lasting root. They won't...and they can't, because there is no value or belief that the changed behavior is rooted in.
For example...I'm going to diet. Okay, so workout more and eat less. But if I don't process why I eat when I eat, and why I hate working out but hold myself to a standard of body that is impossible to achieve without it, then I haven't solved anything. I'll probably watch what I eat for maybe 2 weeks, if that. You know, until that crisis happens, and I turn to the pretzels for answers...or maybe some ice cream! :)
So the behavior, without modifying your thoughts is worthless. All the pills, diets, accountability partners, church activities, friends, blogs, facebook confessions will not solve anything unless you change the inner workings of your mind.
And that's how we go in circles, around and around without ever improving, without ever going anywhere. And pretty soon, you are CRAZY!
This morning at Titus 2 was a much needed wake-up call for me regarding submission and my marriage...and the selflessness that is supposed to accompany the union between Cliff and I that is meant to be the image of the 3-in-1 trinity.
Talk about being hit between the eyeballs!
Then to read Proverbs 12 (since today is the 12th)...well, let's just say, there is no escaping the Lord if He wants you to learn something!
1 To learn, you must love discipline;
it is stupid to hate correction.
**But the Lord doesn't promise that discipline/correction will come easy or be painless. In fact, our pride and selfishness probably makes the discipline much more worse. Instead, allow your hearts to be open to His words without a defensive response mechanism.
And in fact, allow your hubby to correct you without being defensive. Again, swallow that pride and be selfless...for the betterment of your union with your hubby. I stink at this! But if you do this once, he might think you're crazy...but after awhile, well, wouldn't this crazy be awesome if it was normal??
3 Wickedness never brings stability,
but the godly have deep roots.
**Rooted in the glory and truth of the Lord. Rooted in His words. Not in our thoughts, our emotions, our instincts. But in Him. And He is not crazy!
4 A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.
**Yikes! So, if I'm the cancer, maybe I need chemotherapy?? For I have not been worthy to Cliff in the past two weeks.
8 A sensible person wins admiration,
but a warped mind is despised.
**How many of us allow our thoughts to run our lives? We get caught up in what we perceive as reality and then those thoughts warp our actions, reactions, and interactions with others...and then we truly are despised.
9 Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
than to be self-important but have no food.
**In this verse, the self-importance chokes out the need for anything else. It actually chokes out your true purpose, and it can become so blinding that you do not do what is necessary just to survive. Hence the "no food" comment and how crazy to love yourself more than the sustenance that it takes to keep you alive!
How many of us do this with our hubbies? We see ourselves as too important to do the little things to make his life easier. I know I do! No wonder I drive him crazy!
15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to others.
**Goes with v. 1...correction and discpline vs. self-important pride. This is how crazy people actually do get crazy. They belief their "truth" more than reality's truth...and then they're wandering around downtown LA talking their crazy with no one but themselves.
26 The godly give good advice to their friends;s
the wicked lead them astray
** This is you, girls! Good advice comes from those rooted along with you in the family of Christ and who are thinking and acting with a humble and caring Christ-like heart. And I am grateful for you and the role you play in my life!
How's that for an action packed day...and I haven't even picked Keegan up from school yet! CRAZY! But this time, maybe it's crazy GOOD.
Crazy good because I am loved by a God who created me perfect in His image, with a plan and purpose for my life, who will grow me and love me through this process of becoming more like Him.
How crazy amazing is that?
I hope you have a crazy afternoon too!
With love and appreciation for you-
Rebecca
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Humility
Hey Girls! Happy Monday!
Don't ask why, but I now love Sunday nights and Monday mornings.
I love knowing that everything in my house is as it should be on Sunday night...and that on Monday morning there is structure back in my day to give me that discipline that I lack (or am able to let go of) during the weekend! :)
I hope your weekend was awesome, and granted you that well-deserved rest before hitting a busy week!
Proverbs 11
**********************************
2 Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Isn't this completely opposite of what society tells us? In the world, pride may look like wisdom. It may even look like self-confidence or self-worth. But in the end, pride always comes before the fall.
When we are dealing with our families this week, remember that humility goes a long way. It softens hearts; it allows for gentleness to be expressed; and it keeps the "collateral" damage to a minimum.
Humility is also honored by the Lord, and it is He who is able to take your humble heart and make its affects stretch to the ends of your world.
*************************
I "love" the next string of verses. I don't mean "love" as in, "these are awesome, encouraging, pick-me-up verses," but I love that the Lord is gracious enough to give us direct instructions on what being godly looks like...and what it doesn't.
3 Honesty guides good people;
dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
(omit v. 4)
5 The godly are directed by honesty;
the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
6 The godliness of good people rescues them;
the ambition of treacherous people traps them.
7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.
8 The godly are rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;
they shout for joy when the wicked die.
The contrast between the wicked and godly is strong and sharp. It cuts the population in two, and everyone knows it. Even the "whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicke die."
In our society, the line between wicked and godly has a lot of grey in it. We give ourselves permission to see degrees of grey in our own lives, because our sin may not be "that bad." Our sin may not be as blatent as our friend's, our child's, or our spouse's sin.
And yet, we are called to be humble in that comparison.
You see, the two go hand in hand. We are to stand for the righteous acts of the godly, but we are to cheer for the humble hearts with even more passion.
I think as mommies, and as mentors to younger women, this is key in raising the next generation.
We know they are born with limited wisdom, and we teach them to recognize right from wrong, but do we teach our babies to love humility, to defer to others, and to love others more than themselves?
Then as the "older woman," do we demostrate this to them in our actions? Are we being wise, continually being shaped by His wisdom, loving humility, and loving others more than ourselves? For actions speak much louder than words.
This is my challenge to you today, as it is for my life, in ways you couldn't imagine!
Humility, grace, wisdom, righteous living, honesty, relying on His strength, and trusting in His plan for my life! That is on my plate today!
Love girls! Happy Monday!!
R
Don't ask why, but I now love Sunday nights and Monday mornings.
I love knowing that everything in my house is as it should be on Sunday night...and that on Monday morning there is structure back in my day to give me that discipline that I lack (or am able to let go of) during the weekend! :)
I hope your weekend was awesome, and granted you that well-deserved rest before hitting a busy week!
Proverbs 11
**********************************
2 Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.
Isn't this completely opposite of what society tells us? In the world, pride may look like wisdom. It may even look like self-confidence or self-worth. But in the end, pride always comes before the fall.
When we are dealing with our families this week, remember that humility goes a long way. It softens hearts; it allows for gentleness to be expressed; and it keeps the "collateral" damage to a minimum.
Humility is also honored by the Lord, and it is He who is able to take your humble heart and make its affects stretch to the ends of your world.
*************************
I "love" the next string of verses. I don't mean "love" as in, "these are awesome, encouraging, pick-me-up verses," but I love that the Lord is gracious enough to give us direct instructions on what being godly looks like...and what it doesn't.
3 Honesty guides good people;
dishonesty destroys treacherous people.
(omit v. 4)
5 The godly are directed by honesty;
the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
6 The godliness of good people rescues them;
the ambition of treacherous people traps them.
7 When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
for they rely on their own feeble strength.
8 The godly are rescued from trouble,
and it falls on the wicked instead.
9 With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
10 The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;
they shout for joy when the wicked die.
The contrast between the wicked and godly is strong and sharp. It cuts the population in two, and everyone knows it. Even the "whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicke die."
In our society, the line between wicked and godly has a lot of grey in it. We give ourselves permission to see degrees of grey in our own lives, because our sin may not be "that bad." Our sin may not be as blatent as our friend's, our child's, or our spouse's sin.
And yet, we are called to be humble in that comparison.
You see, the two go hand in hand. We are to stand for the righteous acts of the godly, but we are to cheer for the humble hearts with even more passion.
I think as mommies, and as mentors to younger women, this is key in raising the next generation.
We know they are born with limited wisdom, and we teach them to recognize right from wrong, but do we teach our babies to love humility, to defer to others, and to love others more than themselves?
Then as the "older woman," do we demostrate this to them in our actions? Are we being wise, continually being shaped by His wisdom, loving humility, and loving others more than ourselves? For actions speak much louder than words.
This is my challenge to you today, as it is for my life, in ways you couldn't imagine!
Humility, grace, wisdom, righteous living, honesty, relying on His strength, and trusting in His plan for my life! That is on my plate today!
Love girls! Happy Monday!!
R
Friday, January 8, 2010
Beyond Emotions
Happy Happy Friday, girls!
What a week it has been! I know for so many of you, this first complete week of the year has not been all you imagined. But you are on His journey, and every event is evidence of His grace, His plan, His power, and your faith. Keep on keepin' on, my friends. And hold on to wisdom!
Wisdom:
Wisdom is not your feelings. It is not your emotions. It is not your woman's intuition. It's not even our raw reactions to circumstances and people. In fact, you aren't even born with it.
And if you need proof of that, just look at your little ones running around with scissors and hiding their cut hair under their beds. But not that I speak from personal experience with that example! Haa!
We have the capacity to develop wisdom. We have the inate desire (unless, again, totally psychotic) that stems from our soul longing for Him, that in turn automatically craves wisdom. Everyone has this capacity.
Whether it's developed or not, that's a whole other story.
Read this Proverb as a sales pitch for why someone should love wisdom. Not only does it tell us all about her benefits (v. 6-20, 32-35) and gives us her resume and history with God (v. 22-31), but also gives her warnings of what life is like without her (v. 36).
It's pretty convincing sales pitch, don't you think?
See this as a calling to start placing wisdom into your daily thoughts and actions.
For here is the crux of why we are digging deep into His Word: without knowledge of Him through His Word, wisdom is not possible. And then I dare say that without being in a fellowship of believers where iron sharpens iron, wisdom is not given an opportunity to grow.
Sure, it is possible to read the Proverbs over and over again, and never to change one thing about your life. It is possible to read His Word and not be transformed, if your heart and mind are not open to receiving the truth of His words (and remember, sometimes truth hurts), especially if it's just a task to check-off on your to-do list of the day.
It is also possible to be in a mix of believing and practicing Christians, but to not let your guard down and pretend all is well. And then you go home and reality hits. You lose it with your hubby; you are fed up with your kids; you can't get a grasp of His reality for your life; and as a result, fall right back into "un-wisdom."
Girls, been there, done that. In both categories!
So, pick this Proverb apart. Look at all wisdom has to offer. Lay down those things in your life that keep wisdom from getting close. And pray that the Lord transform your mind this weekend, making sensitive the "wise" lobe in your brain! :)
Here's to a great weekend!
Lots of love!!
Rebecca
PS...I dropped Makena off at preschool and a mom was very upset with me for reasons far out of my control. All I could think of on the way home was, "WISDOM!!!! Do not call her. Do not fixate on this. Instead pray for her. And have WISDOM!!" Maybe I should tattoo this word somewhere where I would see it often! Who says God doesn't ask you to put into use the things of the day??? Ha! Love!!
What a week it has been! I know for so many of you, this first complete week of the year has not been all you imagined. But you are on His journey, and every event is evidence of His grace, His plan, His power, and your faith. Keep on keepin' on, my friends. And hold on to wisdom!
Wisdom:
Wisdom is not your feelings. It is not your emotions. It is not your woman's intuition. It's not even our raw reactions to circumstances and people. In fact, you aren't even born with it.
And if you need proof of that, just look at your little ones running around with scissors and hiding their cut hair under their beds. But not that I speak from personal experience with that example! Haa!
We have the capacity to develop wisdom. We have the inate desire (unless, again, totally psychotic) that stems from our soul longing for Him, that in turn automatically craves wisdom. Everyone has this capacity.
Whether it's developed or not, that's a whole other story.
Read this Proverb as a sales pitch for why someone should love wisdom. Not only does it tell us all about her benefits (v. 6-20, 32-35) and gives us her resume and history with God (v. 22-31), but also gives her warnings of what life is like without her (v. 36).
It's pretty convincing sales pitch, don't you think?
See this as a calling to start placing wisdom into your daily thoughts and actions.
For here is the crux of why we are digging deep into His Word: without knowledge of Him through His Word, wisdom is not possible. And then I dare say that without being in a fellowship of believers where iron sharpens iron, wisdom is not given an opportunity to grow.
Sure, it is possible to read the Proverbs over and over again, and never to change one thing about your life. It is possible to read His Word and not be transformed, if your heart and mind are not open to receiving the truth of His words (and remember, sometimes truth hurts), especially if it's just a task to check-off on your to-do list of the day.
It is also possible to be in a mix of believing and practicing Christians, but to not let your guard down and pretend all is well. And then you go home and reality hits. You lose it with your hubby; you are fed up with your kids; you can't get a grasp of His reality for your life; and as a result, fall right back into "un-wisdom."
Girls, been there, done that. In both categories!
So, pick this Proverb apart. Look at all wisdom has to offer. Lay down those things in your life that keep wisdom from getting close. And pray that the Lord transform your mind this weekend, making sensitive the "wise" lobe in your brain! :)
Here's to a great weekend!
Lots of love!!
Rebecca
PS...I dropped Makena off at preschool and a mom was very upset with me for reasons far out of my control. All I could think of on the way home was, "WISDOM!!!! Do not call her. Do not fixate on this. Instead pray for her. And have WISDOM!!" Maybe I should tattoo this word somewhere where I would see it often! Who says God doesn't ask you to put into use the things of the day??? Ha! Love!!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Deep In Our Hearts
Hey Girls:
Quick correction to yesterday's Proverbs 6: v. 16-19 does not have 6 things the Lord hates, but 7!! I hate, hate, hate typos!! But because this had to do with His content, well, I had to correct my mistake! :)
Okay...so the immoral woman AGAIN!
I love v. 1-4:
1 Follow my advice, my son;
always treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands and live!
Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.
This is not the first, nor the last time in Proverbs, that we are told to write His Word deep within our hearts. And I love this!
My heart is where I hold everything dear to me, everything I love, everything I value.
And physically, your heart is what keeps everything technically alive in your body. Your brain can stop functioning, but you can technically still be considered "alive." However, when your heart stops pumping, it is then, and only then, you are considered "dead."
Your heart can determine how healthy you are, your life expectancy, your physcial strength, and without it, nothing in your body can remain alive.
It is central to your existance, just as God's Words are central to your life's walk. Without His Words, you are dead.
So, my friends, write His words deep in your heart. Repeat them while doing dishes, folding laundry, making beds, driving to the grocery store...when disciplining, when trying to talk your mind down from needless angst, when facing disappointment or destruction, when talking with friends who need to hear His Words, and when feeling at the end of your rope. His Words are life-giving, self-protecting, and ever-true.
I have more thoughts, but it's 7am and I must wake my kiddos! :) (Aren't you glad these emails have time limits, or you might never get through them! HAAA!)
Have a fabulous day! Write some of His words on your heart...for you are precious in His sight!
Love!!
Rebecca
Quick correction to yesterday's Proverbs 6: v. 16-19 does not have 6 things the Lord hates, but 7!! I hate, hate, hate typos!! But because this had to do with His content, well, I had to correct my mistake! :)
Okay...so the immoral woman AGAIN!
I love v. 1-4:
1 Follow my advice, my son;
always treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands and live!
Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Love wisdom like a sister;
make insight a beloved member of your family.
This is not the first, nor the last time in Proverbs, that we are told to write His Word deep within our hearts. And I love this!
My heart is where I hold everything dear to me, everything I love, everything I value.
And physically, your heart is what keeps everything technically alive in your body. Your brain can stop functioning, but you can technically still be considered "alive." However, when your heart stops pumping, it is then, and only then, you are considered "dead."
Your heart can determine how healthy you are, your life expectancy, your physcial strength, and without it, nothing in your body can remain alive.
It is central to your existance, just as God's Words are central to your life's walk. Without His Words, you are dead.
So, my friends, write His words deep in your heart. Repeat them while doing dishes, folding laundry, making beds, driving to the grocery store...when disciplining, when trying to talk your mind down from needless angst, when facing disappointment or destruction, when talking with friends who need to hear His Words, and when feeling at the end of your rope. His Words are life-giving, self-protecting, and ever-true.
I have more thoughts, but it's 7am and I must wake my kiddos! :) (Aren't you glad these emails have time limits, or you might never get through them! HAAA!)
Have a fabulous day! Write some of His words on your heart...for you are precious in His sight!
Love!!
Rebecca
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
SOAP
So, my master plan of waking up early is never hard on the first, even the second day, but the third...oh, mama! :) Somewhere deep there is energy. I'm just not sure where.
But isn't that life and our walk with the Lord? He provides enough strength for today and all it requires...and we are to "stay in that day." We are not to jump ahead and worry about what is down the line...but stay present, thankful for the provisions of the day, rely on His wisdom and strength, and put one foot in front of the other (because I know when I stop moving, then the whole brain shuts down!).
And let me just say about my Proverbs emails: I am so not the expert at anything. I am not the end all, be all of anything. I am just a mommy and a wife believing that the Word of God can transform even my most destructive and unwise ways.
I hope you know that I am right there with you- walking straight into the same wall over and over again, feeling the bump on my head, saying it hurts, only to walk right back into the same wall. Sometimes I inform God that I've learned His lesson for me...and yet, I wind up right back to where I started weeks later. Isn't that unbelievably frustrating? Not at God, but at me!! Human nature is very defeating!
So Proverbs 6: I like the Proverbs where the sections are all topical. Call me neurotic, but I like when the themes are clustered:
v. 1-5 Don't Loan Money to Friends
v. 6-11 Don't be Lazy
v. 12-15 Definition of Evil People
v. 16-19 6 Things the Lord Hates
v. 20-23 Listen to Good Counsel
v. 24-29 Immoral Women (again!!)
v. 30-35 Consequences of Adultery (acting upon v. 24-29)
So, choose the section that speaks the most to you. And ladies, take it to heart.
Try the SOAP journal method on a sheet of paper. Take that section and write the Scripture (S) reference, then your Observation (O) in that passage, then how you will Apply (A) this passage in your life TODAY (key because if you don't put it to use today, you won't ever use it!), and then write a short Prayer (P) asking the Lord to put the Scripture into your heart and burn it into your mind.
I'm pasting a response from my friend Carolyn below to yesterday's immoral woman Proverb. I love that you have responses. If you don't mind, I'll make everyone's email available and we can have an email chat about the Proverbs. I'd love that! I'd also love to learn from you!!
Love girls! Have a fantastic day! Happy Middle-of-the-Week!!
Rebecca
****************************************************
From Carolyn:
It’s crazy because once you’re married you think you’ve won the prize. I mean you both said, “I do,” in front of friends and family and were bound for life by God. If you look at it like you have to compete to keep your man, like one of those Survival competitions, that’s more like it. There’s so much temptation out there, through technology and people that cross paths with your husband. You have to work at it to keep that spark alive. Unfortunately, we also know sex is so important to our guys and it’s the first thing we tend to use as leverage in many situations. It’s also the first thing on the list of things to do that often get crossed out because we’ve run out of time or energy or both. We really have to make an effort to keep that spark alive and make home the place our hubby’s come to be filled up. It’s a tall order!!!
But isn't that life and our walk with the Lord? He provides enough strength for today and all it requires...and we are to "stay in that day." We are not to jump ahead and worry about what is down the line...but stay present, thankful for the provisions of the day, rely on His wisdom and strength, and put one foot in front of the other (because I know when I stop moving, then the whole brain shuts down!).
And let me just say about my Proverbs emails: I am so not the expert at anything. I am not the end all, be all of anything. I am just a mommy and a wife believing that the Word of God can transform even my most destructive and unwise ways.
I hope you know that I am right there with you- walking straight into the same wall over and over again, feeling the bump on my head, saying it hurts, only to walk right back into the same wall. Sometimes I inform God that I've learned His lesson for me...and yet, I wind up right back to where I started weeks later. Isn't that unbelievably frustrating? Not at God, but at me!! Human nature is very defeating!
So Proverbs 6: I like the Proverbs where the sections are all topical. Call me neurotic, but I like when the themes are clustered:
v. 1-5 Don't Loan Money to Friends
v. 6-11 Don't be Lazy
v. 12-15 Definition of Evil People
v. 16-19 6 Things the Lord Hates
v. 20-23 Listen to Good Counsel
v. 24-29 Immoral Women (again!!)
v. 30-35 Consequences of Adultery (acting upon v. 24-29)
So, choose the section that speaks the most to you. And ladies, take it to heart.
Try the SOAP journal method on a sheet of paper. Take that section and write the Scripture (S) reference, then your Observation (O) in that passage, then how you will Apply (A) this passage in your life TODAY (key because if you don't put it to use today, you won't ever use it!), and then write a short Prayer (P) asking the Lord to put the Scripture into your heart and burn it into your mind.
I'm pasting a response from my friend Carolyn below to yesterday's immoral woman Proverb. I love that you have responses. If you don't mind, I'll make everyone's email available and we can have an email chat about the Proverbs. I'd love that! I'd also love to learn from you!!
Love girls! Have a fantastic day! Happy Middle-of-the-Week!!
Rebecca
****************************************************
From Carolyn:
It’s crazy because once you’re married you think you’ve won the prize. I mean you both said, “I do,” in front of friends and family and were bound for life by God. If you look at it like you have to compete to keep your man, like one of those Survival competitions, that’s more like it. There’s so much temptation out there, through technology and people that cross paths with your husband. You have to work at it to keep that spark alive. Unfortunately, we also know sex is so important to our guys and it’s the first thing we tend to use as leverage in many situations. It’s also the first thing on the list of things to do that often get crossed out because we’ve run out of time or energy or both. We really have to make an effort to keep that spark alive and make home the place our hubby’s come to be filled up. It’s a tall order!!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Warrior Wives
So, obviously this applies to you immoral friends of mine! Hee! So so kidding!
But let's dive deep into why this passage happens to be plunked smack down it the middle of Proverbs with so much detail in it. And remember, nothing in the Bible is a mistake or happen-stance. It is God-breathed and therefore intentional and perfect in every way.
I think more and more in this society, there is a LACK of understanding of who this immoral "woman" is, because the lines of appropriate and inappropriate have failed to been drawn by either the pursued or the pursuer (in this case, the man is the pursued, and the immoral woman the pursuer).
Last month it was around the 5th that the Tiger Woods scandal broke. If that is not a perfect example of a man who allowed himself to be flattered, tempted, led,and acted upon the "greater than life" reputation that even HE believed, then I've got a gazillion of other examples of men who have fallen publicly. It is a tale that is too old to tell, but that will keep repeating until the world has ended and sin is no more.
As wives...and the guardians (as much as possible) of our hubby's heart, here's the thing. Men don't normally fall into temptation (or look for the temptation) if there is NO temptation standing before them or if they are not lacking in any way. Very rare (or almost impossible) is it that a person who is truly walking in His light, has NO access to darkness, and is being protected by those who love him, actually fall into sexual sin (unless they are sociopaths and lack a moral compass at all, which means if you thought they were walking in the light truthfully, well, they were probably just the greatest act ever!).
And you, my friends, are those warrior women out for blood when it comes to her hubby's heart and well-being.
So, who are the temptresses? These are the women that made the Tiger Woods story possible. Can you imagine if Tiger was looking for a hook-up, but all the girls said, "Eww, no! You're married!" Then we'd have no story. But they didn't.
They are the ones that do not have respect for marriage, for a commitment, and for a covenant that was made to the one you loved before a God who holds it together. They are the ones that will flatter, giggle, and hold your hubby's attention for a little longer than what is comfortable. And quite honestly, they are the ones that are lacking in a true spiritual connection with our Lord. For if they were walking with Him, they wouldn't need to be fulfilled by some man who was already spoken for.
So read this Proverb like you're a detective, looking for clues of the suspect. And then tuck those facts in the back of your mind, and love your man like crazy. For if you're not, then someone else is ready to.
Love you mamas! Off to wake-up my chillens for school. Here's to an amazing day!
R
But let's dive deep into why this passage happens to be plunked smack down it the middle of Proverbs with so much detail in it. And remember, nothing in the Bible is a mistake or happen-stance. It is God-breathed and therefore intentional and perfect in every way.
I think more and more in this society, there is a LACK of understanding of who this immoral "woman" is, because the lines of appropriate and inappropriate have failed to been drawn by either the pursued or the pursuer (in this case, the man is the pursued, and the immoral woman the pursuer).
Last month it was around the 5th that the Tiger Woods scandal broke. If that is not a perfect example of a man who allowed himself to be flattered, tempted, led,and acted upon the "greater than life" reputation that even HE believed, then I've got a gazillion of other examples of men who have fallen publicly. It is a tale that is too old to tell, but that will keep repeating until the world has ended and sin is no more.
As wives...and the guardians (as much as possible) of our hubby's heart, here's the thing. Men don't normally fall into temptation (or look for the temptation) if there is NO temptation standing before them or if they are not lacking in any way. Very rare (or almost impossible) is it that a person who is truly walking in His light, has NO access to darkness, and is being protected by those who love him, actually fall into sexual sin (unless they are sociopaths and lack a moral compass at all, which means if you thought they were walking in the light truthfully, well, they were probably just the greatest act ever!).
And you, my friends, are those warrior women out for blood when it comes to her hubby's heart and well-being.
So, who are the temptresses? These are the women that made the Tiger Woods story possible. Can you imagine if Tiger was looking for a hook-up, but all the girls said, "Eww, no! You're married!" Then we'd have no story. But they didn't.
They are the ones that do not have respect for marriage, for a commitment, and for a covenant that was made to the one you loved before a God who holds it together. They are the ones that will flatter, giggle, and hold your hubby's attention for a little longer than what is comfortable. And quite honestly, they are the ones that are lacking in a true spiritual connection with our Lord. For if they were walking with Him, they wouldn't need to be fulfilled by some man who was already spoken for.
So read this Proverb like you're a detective, looking for clues of the suspect. And then tuck those facts in the back of your mind, and love your man like crazy. For if you're not, then someone else is ready to.
Love you mamas! Off to wake-up my chillens for school. Here's to an amazing day!
R
Monday, January 4, 2010
Care Instructions
Good early morning!
Part of my NY's resolutions is to actually get up at 6am when my alarm goes off! Haaa! Imagine actually following through with your own master plan! So, let's consider Day 1 successful! :)
Proverbs 4 this morning...get to it after you get home from dropping your little ones off at school...or find some quiet time during their nap time to grab a little spiritual refreshment...you know, before you reheat your coffee, reach for the computer, turn on The View, or gab on the phone. Try putting time with Him first in those quiet moments.
I love Proverbs 4, v. 20-27...and if I could get them posted on every person's "instruction" sheets, I would.
Imagine if you came with a set of "Care Instructions" tucked away in your back pocket for intense situations and things that are seemingly out-of-control. And you just plucked those instruction sheets out, referenced your problem, and wah-la...there's your answer.
Well, these verses would definitely be on MY instruction sheet. When the rubber meets the road, I do not fall back to these words of God. Trust me. And because I don't, well, let's just say the situation, whether just in my mind, or in my words and actins too, increasingly (and sometimes at an alarming pace) gets out-of-control.
We women are awesome at that, aren't we? We take one thing, and blow it up, analyze it from every aspect, spin it, and make it into something (all in our minds) that it probably wasn't in the first place.
But God says,
19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don't lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
24 Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
So, this is my prayer for myself today. And I will be praying for you.
If you want to meet us for coffee, tomorrow (Tuesday Jan 5th) at 9am at the Starbucks on the corner of Seco Cyn and Copperhill...
Love!!
Rebecca
Part of my NY's resolutions is to actually get up at 6am when my alarm goes off! Haaa! Imagine actually following through with your own master plan! So, let's consider Day 1 successful! :)
Proverbs 4 this morning...get to it after you get home from dropping your little ones off at school...or find some quiet time during their nap time to grab a little spiritual refreshment...you know, before you reheat your coffee, reach for the computer, turn on The View, or gab on the phone. Try putting time with Him first in those quiet moments.
I love Proverbs 4, v. 20-27...and if I could get them posted on every person's "instruction" sheets, I would.
Imagine if you came with a set of "Care Instructions" tucked away in your back pocket for intense situations and things that are seemingly out-of-control. And you just plucked those instruction sheets out, referenced your problem, and wah-la...there's your answer.
Well, these verses would definitely be on MY instruction sheet. When the rubber meets the road, I do not fall back to these words of God. Trust me. And because I don't, well, let's just say the situation, whether just in my mind, or in my words and actins too, increasingly (and sometimes at an alarming pace) gets out-of-control.
We women are awesome at that, aren't we? We take one thing, and blow it up, analyze it from every aspect, spin it, and make it into something (all in our minds) that it probably wasn't in the first place.
But God says,
19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don't lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
24 Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
25 Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
27 Don't get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil.
So, this is my prayer for myself today. And I will be praying for you.
If you want to meet us for coffee, tomorrow (Tuesday Jan 5th) at 9am at the Starbucks on the corner of Seco Cyn and Copperhill...
Love!!
Rebecca
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