Okay, I admit it! I’m not the Suzy Homemaker type. I barely know the difference between a colander and a custard. Did you know that dusting can mean putting something on something OR taking something off something? You dust the coffee table – you dust the coffee cake. No wonder I’m confused.
I don’t really have any excuses for not being more domestic, either. We live in a world where appliances do all the hard work for us. The grocery store has food – it’s not like we have to plant and harvest it ourselves. I just don’t really enjoy it very much. I love the results, but getting there is not fun for me.
However, my friends still hang out at my house occasionally; my kids (when they lived at home as teens) invited their friends over and nobody got sick; and I’ve even been known to host an occasional Tupperware® party. I guess I’m somewhat hospitable, but I’m sure there’s room for improvement.
Hospitality is important to God. After all, He’s in heaven preparing a home and a banquet for us. He wants us to practice hospitality here as well. Romans 12:13b says it plainly: “Practice hospitality.” Over the next three days, I want to introduce you to three women who were hospitable in ttheir own ways.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Bible Reading Challenge
Yesterday I met with three of my girlfriends to touch base and pray. We talked about the changes we'd like to see in our spiritual lives in 2011. One thing we all mentioned is that we'd like to be reading our Bibles more.
Excuses I've heard - and used myself - for not reading the Bible:
I don't have time - my schedule is too busy.
I need sleep - my body and mind is too tired.
I don't understand what I read - the Bible is too
complicated.
The word of God changes us. I was a christian for over 12 years before I started reading my Bible regularly. It wasn't until that time that I started to really understand who Jesus is and how He loves me. I learned that I must not let the "tyranny of the urgent" crowd out what is really important.
The priorities of life become clearer and I was able to let go of the assumptions, expectations and obligations that really weren't worth my time and effort.
Rest and refreshing came when I spent time reading and meditating on the Bible. I slept better and became a more cheerful and positive person. Even if this was the only benefit, it was worth it.
The more I read the Bible, the more I was able to make connections between the Old and New Testaments. I learned to understand and apply the principles outlined there. It became less complicated and more cohesive. I came to understand how important context is and how the contradictions I thought I saw weren't really contradictions at all. I also learned that Jesus loves me unconditionally, and without restraint. His promises are for me.
AND...they are for you. But you won't know what they are unless you read your Bible regularly.
A Challenge: Read Your Bible Every Day For A Month
(Get a translation you understand. I use the New International Version (NIV))
Go to www.heartlight.org for a Bible Reading Plan. I suggest choosing a New Testament one to start.
Keep a notebook with your insights, thoughts and questions. I'd like to know what changes occur after reading every day for one month and I'd like to know if you plan to keep reading.
Excuses I've heard - and used myself - for not reading the Bible:
I don't have time - my schedule is too busy.
I need sleep - my body and mind is too tired.
I don't understand what I read - the Bible is too
complicated.
The word of God changes us. I was a christian for over 12 years before I started reading my Bible regularly. It wasn't until that time that I started to really understand who Jesus is and how He loves me. I learned that I must not let the "tyranny of the urgent" crowd out what is really important.
The priorities of life become clearer and I was able to let go of the assumptions, expectations and obligations that really weren't worth my time and effort.
Rest and refreshing came when I spent time reading and meditating on the Bible. I slept better and became a more cheerful and positive person. Even if this was the only benefit, it was worth it.
The more I read the Bible, the more I was able to make connections between the Old and New Testaments. I learned to understand and apply the principles outlined there. It became less complicated and more cohesive. I came to understand how important context is and how the contradictions I thought I saw weren't really contradictions at all. I also learned that Jesus loves me unconditionally, and without restraint. His promises are for me.
AND...they are for you. But you won't know what they are unless you read your Bible regularly.
A Challenge: Read Your Bible Every Day For A Month
(Get a translation you understand. I use the New International Version (NIV))
Go to www.heartlight.org for a Bible Reading Plan. I suggest choosing a New Testament one to start.
Keep a notebook with your insights, thoughts and questions. I'd like to know what changes occur after reading every day for one month and I'd like to know if you plan to keep reading.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry CHRISTmas!
Today I choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is my God, my King, my Lord, my
Savior, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Friend, my Brother, my Husband, my Father, my Peace, my Hope, my Joy...He is EVERYTHING to me!
I am so very, very grateful for His grace and mercy. For His choice to come to earth and make Himself subject to my situation (human-ness), so that eventually I can be 'subject' to His situation (heaven.) For His sacrifice (death on the cross) for me so I can sacrifice for Him (give my life.) For His good plans for me, for a hope and a future. He has made the way. I declare today that I trust Him with my life, my heart, my family and friends.
Mere words cannot express my love for Him. My heart is full.
Thank you, My Jesus, for loving me so. It's amazing and wonderful and more than I could ever express in human words. I love you, My Jesus.
Savior, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Friend, my Brother, my Husband, my Father, my Peace, my Hope, my Joy...He is EVERYTHING to me!
I am so very, very grateful for His grace and mercy. For His choice to come to earth and make Himself subject to my situation (human-ness), so that eventually I can be 'subject' to His situation (heaven.) For His sacrifice (death on the cross) for me so I can sacrifice for Him (give my life.) For His good plans for me, for a hope and a future. He has made the way. I declare today that I trust Him with my life, my heart, my family and friends.
Mere words cannot express my love for Him. My heart is full.
Thank you, My Jesus, for loving me so. It's amazing and wonderful and more than I could ever express in human words. I love you, My Jesus.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
My Favorite Worship Song
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Eight Important Scriptures You Need To Know:
2 Samuel 14:14
Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.
Romans 3:23
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
Romans 6:24
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-10; 13
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:2, 21
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 3:11-12
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.
Romans 3:23
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
Romans 6:24
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-10; 13
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 12:2, 21
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Revelation 3:11-12
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
My Heart For You
"Oh that your heart would be inclined toward Me. Not that I need or want to be adored. But I want life to go well for you. I want you to be full and free. And I want to be your everything - because I AM."
Thursday, April 1, 2010
You Were Made for Me
Contentment eludes me; satisfaction never comes.
What’s wrong with me? I cry. Why can’t I be happy with what I have?
His voice rings true and strong:
What you want will never satisfy.
And there’s nothing wrong with you.
You were made for another world.
You were made to long for something else,
something more than this.
The things you long for here are just shadows
Of what you were made for.
Love deserts me. Emptiness always comes.
What’s wrong with me? I cry. Why can’t I be full with what I have?
His voice croons soft and low:
Earth’s love will never satisfy.
And there’s nothing wrong with you.
You’re a vessel for My love only.
You were made to be full of Me
And after you’re full, to pour yourself out.
The love you long for is just a shadow
Of the love I have for you.
Come with Me into the quiet places, beside the still waters.
Come restore your soul.
Come let Me love you – hear My heart.
Come let Me fill you – rest in Me.
What’s wrong with me? I cry. Why can’t I be happy with what I have?
His voice rings true and strong:
What you want will never satisfy.
And there’s nothing wrong with you.
You were made for another world.
You were made to long for something else,
something more than this.
The things you long for here are just shadows
Of what you were made for.
Love deserts me. Emptiness always comes.
What’s wrong with me? I cry. Why can’t I be full with what I have?
His voice croons soft and low:
Earth’s love will never satisfy.
And there’s nothing wrong with you.
You’re a vessel for My love only.
You were made to be full of Me
And after you’re full, to pour yourself out.
The love you long for is just a shadow
Of the love I have for you.
Come with Me into the quiet places, beside the still waters.
Come restore your soul.
Come let Me love you – hear My heart.
Come let Me fill you – rest in Me.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
An Ever-Fixed Mark
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Isaiah 53
My Jesus…
He was naked, so I could be covered.
He was punished for sin, so I could be free from death.
He was weak, so I could be strong.
He was wounded, so I could be healed.
He was disfigured, so I could be beautiful.
He was despised and rejected, so I could be loved and accepted.
He was abandoned, so I could be comforted.
He became like me, so I could become like him.
He took on darkness, so I could walk in light.
He was naked, so I could be covered.
He was punished for sin, so I could be free from death.
He was weak, so I could be strong.
He was wounded, so I could be healed.
He was disfigured, so I could be beautiful.
He was despised and rejected, so I could be loved and accepted.
He was abandoned, so I could be comforted.
He became like me, so I could become like him.
He took on darkness, so I could walk in light.
Encounter in Haiku
Outside my window
In the deep quiet of night
The Lord calls my name
Eyes closed, I listen…
Telling of His love for me
In words so tender.
A song from my heart
Rises to His inclined ear.
He smiles, satisfied.
In the deep quiet of night
The Lord calls my name
Eyes closed, I listen…
Telling of His love for me
In words so tender.
A song from my heart
Rises to His inclined ear.
He smiles, satisfied.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Taking the Sabbath Seriously
The Sabbath is the only one of the Ten Commandments we don’t take seriously. One of the reasons the Israelites went in to exile was because they didn’t honor the Sabbath. Of course, idol worship and turning their backs on God were two other reasons, but not honoring the Sabbath was another reason cited in the Bible.
The reasons for honoring the Sabbath are for our benefit. We need to rest. It's like rebooting a computer. We turn it off, clearing its memory queue, so it can reallocate resources. We also need to re-set and re-focus. We need to re-establish our priorities, goals and direction. God knows this - after all, He made us.
I need to change how I live in regard to the Sabbath - NOT because I’m legalistic about how I live as a Christ-follower, but because I can see that God’s provision (a day of rest) is good for me. He wants me to be healthy, happy and functioning well.
The reasons for honoring the Sabbath are for our benefit. We need to rest. It's like rebooting a computer. We turn it off, clearing its memory queue, so it can reallocate resources. We also need to re-set and re-focus. We need to re-establish our priorities, goals and direction. God knows this - after all, He made us.
I need to change how I live in regard to the Sabbath - NOT because I’m legalistic about how I live as a Christ-follower, but because I can see that God’s provision (a day of rest) is good for me. He wants me to be healthy, happy and functioning well.
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