Been thinking about my prayer life. This song just makes me think of just how much I need to pray, get alone with God, and seek time with him in my life. I have a lot on my mind as of late and who better to tell than God???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4SbZj1tCec
Loneliness and solitude are two things not to get confused 'cause I spend my solitude with you.
Gather all the questions of the things I just can't get straight and I answer them the way I guess you do.
'cause this is my therapy, 'cause you're the only one that's listening to me.
This is my therapy, just call it what it is and what we were with a death grip on this life that's in transition. This is my therapy 'cause you won't hear me out and that makes God the only one who's left here listening.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Homeschool stat # 1 my issue w/ spiritual claims
First let me be clear....I've been 100% supportive of homeschool in my previous post. To say again I think so highly of that option and this by no means is a rant against homeschool. Kids are so blessed because of it and I'd defend a parents right til I am blue in the face to make that choice. While it's not my choice for now, it's always open for review.
Okay....
Homeschooling blogs and authors ( who are Christians) often use this statistic when advocating for homeschooling. That "75 - 90% of kids lose their faith by the end of their freshmen year in college." Somehow they associate this to the type of schooling a child has gotten. In this case pointing out the folly of sending your kids to public school.
You know I just can't connect the dots inside that conclusion. Studies suggest time and time again that Christian parents are not training their kids in the faith. Parents take their kids to church but that's about it. There isn't spiritual training at home in most Christian homes.......parents aren't opening the Bible with their kids, talking about spiritual matters, training their kids to process things through a Biblical lens, praying with or for their kids, taking head on the myths of the culture ( like evolution, safe sex, tolerance) etc etc etc. That to me speaks volumes and is one of the underlying causes of kids falling away from the faith once they're on their own.
I don't see how schooling has much to do with keeping or losing faith. It's the purposefulness of the parents and the training that has to take place in the home. If we parents fail to do that we should expect to keep losing our young ones. Ultimately though in the end its up to our kids to embrace it or not, but parents are mandated to do everything they can.
There aren't guarantees but Proverbs 22:6 does offer this truistic statement .....
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
The Bible is comfortably silent on school choice. It doesn't say who should teach our kids in the academic arts. It does however command all parents to teach their kids about God, his ways and precepts, God's character, his works and ultimately the salvation of Christ.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
Psalm 78:4-7 (New International Version)
Deuteronomy 11:19 (NLT)
18“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.
Okay....
Homeschooling blogs and authors ( who are Christians) often use this statistic when advocating for homeschooling. That "75 - 90% of kids lose their faith by the end of their freshmen year in college." Somehow they associate this to the type of schooling a child has gotten. In this case pointing out the folly of sending your kids to public school.
You know I just can't connect the dots inside that conclusion. Studies suggest time and time again that Christian parents are not training their kids in the faith. Parents take their kids to church but that's about it. There isn't spiritual training at home in most Christian homes.......parents aren't opening the Bible with their kids, talking about spiritual matters, training their kids to process things through a Biblical lens, praying with or for their kids, taking head on the myths of the culture ( like evolution, safe sex, tolerance) etc etc etc. That to me speaks volumes and is one of the underlying causes of kids falling away from the faith once they're on their own.
I don't see how schooling has much to do with keeping or losing faith. It's the purposefulness of the parents and the training that has to take place in the home. If we parents fail to do that we should expect to keep losing our young ones. Ultimately though in the end its up to our kids to embrace it or not, but parents are mandated to do everything they can.
There aren't guarantees but Proverbs 22:6 does offer this truistic statement .....
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
The Bible is comfortably silent on school choice. It doesn't say who should teach our kids in the academic arts. It does however command all parents to teach their kids about God, his ways and precepts, God's character, his works and ultimately the salvation of Christ.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NIV)
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Psalm 78:4-7 (New International Version)
4 We will not hide them from their children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,
his power, and the wonders he has done.
Deuteronomy 11:19 (NLT)
18“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 19Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 20Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.
To me home school or public/private school parents don't hold a spiritual monopoly over the other. Rather our homes have an advantage if we stay true to how the Bible wants us to raise our kids over parents that don't follow God's advice. I would say that the stats between kids that we're raised from strong loving Christian homes are pretty similar when it comes to keeping the faith into young adulthood. Just an educated guess right now because I have yet to find research on that. But general studies do conclude that all kids have a better shot at keeping the faith if they we're taught it at home.
I guess this blog is a response to other bloggers who promote homeschool solely for Christian families. I've heard some pretty bad things......like...."public school is evil" it is the "devil's camp" or it's "prison for kids," or pretty much saying you love your kids less if you send your kids to school. Or the "exodus mandate" which declares it is a sin to send our kids to public school.
A. I think that attitude has killed a witness for Christ.
B. Such a viewpoint is false, seemingly to me being rooted in pride similar to the pharisees. Being in love with a system of man, rather than willingly honoring God with their lives, in this case honoring God in the system of education you use for your kids.
C. Such a view isn't rooted in scripture.
This topic is honestly near and dear to me lately. While we aren't choosing public school upfront for our kids and we aren't choosing to formally homeschool them either, I just have a desire to equip and encourage public school parents. There is a very vocal minority in the homeschool community that slams fellow Christian parents for choosing public school. Why not offer encouragement, listen to concerns, and offer things to equip them? Why limit what God can do in the hearts of their children or in their home? Even in their schools? Aren't we as Christian parents in the same pursuit for raising Godly kids/families? Aren't we in the same fight when it comes to protecting our kids from the toxicities of the world?
Believe me I know there are good and Godly reasons to homeschool your kids. I support your option. I also believe that Christian families can thrive inside the choice of public school as well. All in all the parents have to decide what's best, adjust when necessary, pray and give it all to God. After all God is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 111:10)
These have been my spiritual concerns on the claims of homeschool. Oh I believe homeschool students can and do thrive spiritually in their homes, but it took parents to foster that environment. Just like it takes parents to foster the same thing in homes that don't choose homeschool as the primary way to educate their children. This to me shouldn't even be a divisive issue among parents in the wider church. Thanks for reading.
Friday, August 27, 2010
part of a letter I wrote to a Latter Day Saint friend
This is a part of a letter I wrote to an old friend of mine who is in the LDS faith. In talking to him I always tried to be very gracious in my speech, as he was to me in a few discussions we had. This is not to bash those in the LDS (or Mormon) faith, but to show the distinction between the LDS and Christian faith. The two are not one and the same. This may be the first in a series of blogs I am planning in comparing Mormonism to Christianity.
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You are well versed in your faith as well. I do remember a conversation you and I had as kids in regards to "Kolob", we talked about it a little bit after you moved to your new room in the basement. I also remember spending the night and asking your dad about what you guys believed. Not to mention I remember when you Dad visited our class to talk about his missionary trip to Denmark. ( I think that is the right country) I say these things because I always recognized in you ( and your family) that religion was important to you guys. It's no wonder you have a strong faith, your parents were very well meaning and purposeful.
We Christians can learn a lot from many LDS families in regards to teaching their faith to their young. I used to work in Independence at a college, there is a huge RLDS population there as you can imagine ( now called Community of Christ). We had a RLDS group use our facilities on Saturday nights, there used to be this boy who would come out and play when he was bored. He was playing with B.O.M. action figures ( nephi and the like) He asked me point blank if I read the BOM, to which I replied I have looked into it but I just read the Bible. He was shocked. Which again is a testimony to the LDS ( and various LDS sects) about how they purposefully teach their young.
There is a whole host of issues I could talk about, but you did ask specifically regarding "grace" so I'll address that. I also address a few other things that have come up in our conversation but won't go into anything else after that.
I know you about grace. That salvation is a gift from God. An undeserved gift. You know that clearly. However from your last email you still have to admit that " in a sense" works is still part of how you view salvation, or of a keeping God's grace. That's where I believe you and I differ. (I know LDS use the title LDS - Christian, for the sake of clarity I'll be using the term Mormon with no disrespect but to show distinction.) That to me is where the Christian scripture the Bible differs from the Mormon Scriptures. ( Book of Mormon, D and C, Pearl, writings of the prophets) Christianity seems to suggest that God's grace is enough, and Mormonism seems to suggest that God's grace is enough only after we've done everything we can do.
It's easy for a Christian to come up to a Mormon and say " well you aren't saved by works" , you yourself know that. That evangelical didn't know how to respond because he's coming at you like you are a non-religious person with no concept of grace yourself. Your faith does teach a concept of grace. So this is my true aim in talking about the subject of grace......I want to show you that after the fact of salvation we don't have to comply with a system of works, rituals, special practices etc. My aim isn't either to "convert" you to the Biblical mode of Christianity. Just to show you the contrast between the Bible and the Mormon Scriptures. Primarily using the Bible only. I will be mentioning a few of the letters of Paul which was really to believers telling them that there are no further requirements for salvation, or after you accepted Christ ( evangelical term = is saved) that Christ fulfilled the requirements.
Paul in Philippians warns us of folks who say that you are saved but here's what you still have to do to be completed. ( reference Philippians 3:2 - 3 ,the issue then was circumcision) Paul essentially is saying the work of Christ on the cross is enough. We can't do anything to surpass that and to think otherwise only takes us back under the law, not grace. ( Galatians 3:10 -11 , Ephesians 2:15) There doesn't seem to be a need for grace to bring a system of works.
There is no need for rituals that make us "better Christians", or for a " your saved after all you can do" type of attitude for the Christian. ( paraphrasing 2nd Nephi 25:23 ) How much more can we do than believe in Jesus the one who paid everything? God's grace is sufficient before and after the fact. It's not that we come to believe and then have to work work work and "then His grace is sufficient for us." ( paraphrasing 2nd Moroni 10:32) There is no cloak or garment we can wear to make us more "righteous" that wearing only the righteousness of Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2nd Cor 5:21) If we are in Christ what counts in our new creation, and that in Him we bear fruit. ( Galatians 6:15, John 15:5 ) I think its clear in the Bible to add on as system of rituals or works is to tie ourselves back to the law to which Christ fulfilled. ( scripture references Galatians 5:1, Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 4:4-5, Romans 11:6, Galatians 2:19 - 21 ) Paul does warn us that going back to a system of works can ruin our happiness. (Galatians 4: 8 - 15) Even still many are attracted to the idea of works even after a saving faith. ( Colossians 2:23) Not saying specifically this verse refers to Mormons, but it to me refers to the fact that even under saving grace we still try to find a way for earn more grace.
That's where I am coming from (name). You and I believe in many similar concepts, but our scriptures teach very different things. It's hard to communicate because the similarities and the language barrier behind the meaning of our words. Despite our barriers....I'd just ask ( and I have to ask myself this too) it's is possible to be raised on something, believe with a sincere heart, but be sincerely wrong?
On a side note it's kind of funny that we are talking in faith terms, because you believe I have an incomplete gospel and I believe you have an added on one. Anyway....
In terms of revelation, I guess I'd ask in a biblical sense was there really a need for more of it? ( revelation) Wasn't ( as Paul suggest throughout his writings) Christ the mystery that was revealed to us? Christ came down, taught us, rescued us by his death and resurrection and established his church and ordered the great commission. So to me the further revelation was in spreading what was revealed aka the good news to the world. The dual side of that revelation was the word of God itself, it is as Hebrews 4:12 says "living and active." To me what I gather from the Bible, Christ was the completion for what God was planning to reveal to mankind.
I do believe Joseph Smith is sincere, I do think he experienced something supernatural. I don't think he had ill will, but I do firmly believe that he did not "test the spirits. "(1 John 4:1) I also don't think he could of written those things without spiritual guidance. I have already laid out my case biblically for what I believe those angels, or spirits to be. In fact to me Satan and spirits/demons have a primary goal of distorting the gospel. (2nd Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:8) these verses were not part of the original letter I wrote.
I mentioned why would there be a need for Christ to "restore" His church when he already said not even the gates of Hades could remove it. Why would Christ send out the great commission and have it spread rapidly, even under great persecution for the first 300 years and then in it's 1,900 year era have to restore it?
( Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 3:3, Hebrews 1:1-4, Colossians 2:2, Romans 16:25-26)
To me the difference in the Bible and Mormons scriptures are so great one would have to conclude that either God changed, or only one view has to be the truth. ( Malachi 3:6, James 1:17) Even in the LDS there are various sects who claim ongoing revelation , with their own prophets, which is true? I don't say that to slam but to make the point.
I just can't reconcile why God would reveal himself to the Jews and Gentiles of Israel , and then to another people in another different way to the ancient Israelites in American or to the people of the 19th century. Again they both can't be right. (Hebrews 13:8)
(name) thanks for reading. I appreciate that you followed my blog. I am sorry for this being really long in response mainly to grace. I took a lot of time putting this together, so the only thing that I ask is that you look into this matter for eternities sake. It isn't my aim to "convert you" , but just to first show you that Mormon scripture and Biblical scripture cannot reconcile together. Would you just investigate? Read into other Mormon testimonies who've embraced Christianity and their reasons. At the very most it will sharpen your LDS faith making you a strong apologist, on the other side it may change your life all together. I say this as a friend, just as you would to me if you were sharing your faith. That concept I know you can understand.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You are well versed in your faith as well. I do remember a conversation you and I had as kids in regards to "Kolob", we talked about it a little bit after you moved to your new room in the basement. I also remember spending the night and asking your dad about what you guys believed. Not to mention I remember when you Dad visited our class to talk about his missionary trip to Denmark. ( I think that is the right country) I say these things because I always recognized in you ( and your family) that religion was important to you guys. It's no wonder you have a strong faith, your parents were very well meaning and purposeful.
We Christians can learn a lot from many LDS families in regards to teaching their faith to their young. I used to work in Independence at a college, there is a huge RLDS population there as you can imagine ( now called Community of Christ). We had a RLDS group use our facilities on Saturday nights, there used to be this boy who would come out and play when he was bored. He was playing with B.O.M. action figures ( nephi and the like) He asked me point blank if I read the BOM, to which I replied I have looked into it but I just read the Bible. He was shocked. Which again is a testimony to the LDS ( and various LDS sects) about how they purposefully teach their young.
There is a whole host of issues I could talk about, but you did ask specifically regarding "grace" so I'll address that. I also address a few other things that have come up in our conversation but won't go into anything else after that.
I know you about grace. That salvation is a gift from God. An undeserved gift. You know that clearly. However from your last email you still have to admit that " in a sense" works is still part of how you view salvation, or of a keeping God's grace. That's where I believe you and I differ. (I know LDS use the title LDS - Christian, for the sake of clarity I'll be using the term Mormon with no disrespect but to show distinction.) That to me is where the Christian scripture the Bible differs from the Mormon Scriptures. ( Book of Mormon, D and C, Pearl, writings of the prophets) Christianity seems to suggest that God's grace is enough, and Mormonism seems to suggest that God's grace is enough only after we've done everything we can do.
It's easy for a Christian to come up to a Mormon and say " well you aren't saved by works" , you yourself know that. That evangelical didn't know how to respond because he's coming at you like you are a non-religious person with no concept of grace yourself. Your faith does teach a concept of grace. So this is my true aim in talking about the subject of grace......I want to show you that after the fact of salvation we don't have to comply with a system of works, rituals, special practices etc. My aim isn't either to "convert" you to the Biblical mode of Christianity. Just to show you the contrast between the Bible and the Mormon Scriptures. Primarily using the Bible only. I will be mentioning a few of the letters of Paul which was really to believers telling them that there are no further requirements for salvation, or after you accepted Christ ( evangelical term = is saved) that Christ fulfilled the requirements.
Paul in Philippians warns us of folks who say that you are saved but here's what you still have to do to be completed. ( reference Philippians 3:2 - 3 ,the issue then was circumcision) Paul essentially is saying the work of Christ on the cross is enough. We can't do anything to surpass that and to think otherwise only takes us back under the law, not grace. ( Galatians 3:10 -11 , Ephesians 2:15) There doesn't seem to be a need for grace to bring a system of works.
There is no need for rituals that make us "better Christians", or for a " your saved after all you can do" type of attitude for the Christian. ( paraphrasing 2nd Nephi 25:23 ) How much more can we do than believe in Jesus the one who paid everything? God's grace is sufficient before and after the fact. It's not that we come to believe and then have to work work work and "then His grace is sufficient for us." ( paraphrasing 2nd Moroni 10:32) There is no cloak or garment we can wear to make us more "righteous" that wearing only the righteousness of Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2nd Cor 5:21) If we are in Christ what counts in our new creation, and that in Him we bear fruit. ( Galatians 6:15, John 15:5 ) I think its clear in the Bible to add on as system of rituals or works is to tie ourselves back to the law to which Christ fulfilled. ( scripture references Galatians 5:1, Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 4:4-5, Romans 11:6, Galatians 2:19 - 21 ) Paul does warn us that going back to a system of works can ruin our happiness. (Galatians 4: 8 - 15) Even still many are attracted to the idea of works even after a saving faith. ( Colossians 2:23) Not saying specifically this verse refers to Mormons, but it to me refers to the fact that even under saving grace we still try to find a way for earn more grace.
That's where I am coming from (name). You and I believe in many similar concepts, but our scriptures teach very different things. It's hard to communicate because the similarities and the language barrier behind the meaning of our words. Despite our barriers....I'd just ask ( and I have to ask myself this too) it's is possible to be raised on something, believe with a sincere heart, but be sincerely wrong?
On a side note it's kind of funny that we are talking in faith terms, because you believe I have an incomplete gospel and I believe you have an added on one. Anyway....
In terms of revelation, I guess I'd ask in a biblical sense was there really a need for more of it? ( revelation) Wasn't ( as Paul suggest throughout his writings) Christ the mystery that was revealed to us? Christ came down, taught us, rescued us by his death and resurrection and established his church and ordered the great commission. So to me the further revelation was in spreading what was revealed aka the good news to the world. The dual side of that revelation was the word of God itself, it is as Hebrews 4:12 says "living and active." To me what I gather from the Bible, Christ was the completion for what God was planning to reveal to mankind.
I do believe Joseph Smith is sincere, I do think he experienced something supernatural. I don't think he had ill will, but I do firmly believe that he did not "test the spirits. "(1 John 4:1) I also don't think he could of written those things without spiritual guidance. I have already laid out my case biblically for what I believe those angels, or spirits to be. In fact to me Satan and spirits/demons have a primary goal of distorting the gospel. (2nd Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:8) these verses were not part of the original letter I wrote.
I mentioned why would there be a need for Christ to "restore" His church when he already said not even the gates of Hades could remove it. Why would Christ send out the great commission and have it spread rapidly, even under great persecution for the first 300 years and then in it's 1,900 year era have to restore it?
( Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 3:3, Hebrews 1:1-4, Colossians 2:2, Romans 16:25-26)
To me the difference in the Bible and Mormons scriptures are so great one would have to conclude that either God changed, or only one view has to be the truth. ( Malachi 3:6, James 1:17) Even in the LDS there are various sects who claim ongoing revelation , with their own prophets, which is true? I don't say that to slam but to make the point.
I just can't reconcile why God would reveal himself to the Jews and Gentiles of Israel , and then to another people in another different way to the ancient Israelites in American or to the people of the 19th century. Again they both can't be right. (Hebrews 13:8)
(name) thanks for reading. I appreciate that you followed my blog. I am sorry for this being really long in response mainly to grace. I took a lot of time putting this together, so the only thing that I ask is that you look into this matter for eternities sake. It isn't my aim to "convert you" , but just to first show you that Mormon scripture and Biblical scripture cannot reconcile together. Would you just investigate? Read into other Mormon testimonies who've embraced Christianity and their reasons. At the very most it will sharpen your LDS faith making you a strong apologist, on the other side it may change your life all together. I say this as a friend, just as you would to me if you were sharing your faith. That concept I know you can understand.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Education Decision
Well my wife and I have talked, researched the options, prayed about it and we both genuinely feel the tug for private school. We both really like the idea of sending our kids to school and being very active/supportive parents during their education.
We took a hard glance at homeschool, while we think so highly of that choice it's just not an avenue we feel led to do. That choice is always open for review. We also have a high view of our local public schools and have heard great things from fellow parents who are using them. At some point we most likely we'll use them.
Choosing Christian school is a really exciting thing for us. We've chosen this avenue for several reasons. Generally we just like the idea of sending our kids to school. We think there are a lot of benefits in that decision. As parents we really like the idea of being connected to a school community. Relationally as parents we want to support our kids teachers in various ways. ( even if/when we would choose public school) I personally believe that there are a lot of skills formed in the classroom that translate into the real world.
We also like the idea of sending them to a school that shares our faith and values as a Christian family. We like a strong academic curriculum that includes God inside of it. Keeping in mind I believe if a parent does choose public school God's self evident truths can be found in much of the curriculum, it's up to parents to shed that light all in all.
I don't like the term socialization, I sense that has been abused among those that fight both pro and con in the homeschool versus public school arena. Rather I think school can greatly help a young person form SOCIAL SKILLS. From making friends, experiences that are positive and negative, dealing with good times and let downs, to respecting authority (teachers, parents, admin, etc) and dealing with difficult people. I believe two things ....that all education should be parent directed and that all parents are homeschoolers despite the specific system they choose for their youngsters. In order for kids to learn how to process their world they need their parents to help with the filtering. Kids sooner or later will get eaten up by influences if they don't get "guidance" from their parents. There are no genuine guarantees, but there are proven and consistent principles that generally hold true.
My wife and I can't wait to be a home that supports our kids in their education wholeheartedly. It's our aim to start out with private school and sustain that as long as we can. We don't know if we can sustain that cost all the way through, but it's our goal to stretch it out as long as we can. Especially during the formative years. However we do feel that eventually our local public schools are a safe and healthy place to land should we have to choose them along the way. All in all we are going to trust God the whole way through.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Song Series part 1 - "Spartan" by FIF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUh2CZz4V3E
This song really resonates how I feel today. It's one of my favorite songs, from my favorite albums, from my favorite band. If that makes sense? Five Iron Frenzy!
The lyrics that really get me today are this....
...."he said love endures all things and it hurts to think its true, if I mark a span of failure is his burden just as light?"
1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I don't want to expand my thoughts to broadly today..... but I am really thinking....man if you love someone you endure for their sake. You drive on until you can't drive on anymore. You display patience, kindness, and "speak the truth in love." I genuinely feel my love for others is being tested. My own sensitivities are being challenged and in regards to caring for people my flesh and spirit are locked in combat.
What if I do fail? In the confines of a direction or choice? Will my failures reflect Christ, will they prove Him to be true to his word? That his burdens are light in comparison to what I could ever carry. Will they be light in my failures as well? Will I be failing at all?
I know one thing right now, I never want to close my heart off. I never want to be someone who just folds there arms and says I don't want to play anymore. I want to be a person that can endure. Believe me I can be just as fickle or fair weather as anyone, shame on me if I ever succumb to that.
To others I want to display a genuine love despite my circumstances and feelings. Just like Paul did as displayed in the verses below.
2 Corinthians 6:3-6 (NLT)
Paul’s Hardships
3 We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. 4 In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 5 We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. 6 We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.Here are the rest of the lyrics to "Spartan"
Billie Holiday on the radio
My sluggish heart is beating seven beats too slow
Another sad song and another shot of blue
Cold and unconcerned are anything but new
He said love endures all things, and it hurts to think He's right
If I mark the span of failure
Is his burden just as light?
I am, Spartan
Close my heart so tight
Jesus
Save me
From myself tonight
Limping through the world
There's a knowing look or two
Is it just the cripples here
Who understand the truth?
Why is love so painful?
Why do we always lose?
Paving pathways for the lost
The bitter, and recluse?
He said love endures all things, and it hurts to think it's true
Did it nail Him on a cross?
Did it crucify Him too?
I am, Spartan
Close my heart so tight
Jesus
Save me
From myself tonight
The angels are singing over oe'r the plains
The shepherds are quaking, echoing refrains
And all of our slogans, designed to take away the pain
Meant nothing to the Son of God that night in Bethlehem
I am, Spartan
Close my heart so tight
Jesus
Save me
From myself tonight
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
If moms got paid....
If a stay at home mom got paid she'd make about 117,000 a year according to an article I read. A mom that juggles the load of a full time job outside the home and in the home would get paid about 68,500 a year. No it doesn't mean the working mom is less valuable, just that she has to contract some of the services out. ( day care etc) What do the figures tell you? That moms work hard inside the home, be it working mom or full time stay at home mom, y'all do a lot.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-05-09/news/17154292_1_stay-at-home-mom-day-care-center-teacher-motherly-duties
Been thinking about this lately because I've been staying home the last couple of weeks with my wife, daughter and new son. Since my wife has been recovering from a c-section I've been doing the laundry, running errands, doing house work etc. I keep telling my wife she is so much better at this than me. That her job is harder than my job(s) outside the home. She really is a great home maker and mama. It has been and always will be my aim to uplift her in just how hard she works for our family. These last couple weeks of being "Mr. Mom" has given me a new appreciation of her. Thankfully she's had grace on me because I don't run as tight a shift as she does, nonetheless she's appreciated the time off I've had and the things I've helped with around the house.
Colossians 3:19 (NLT)
19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly
http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-05-09/news/17154292_1_stay-at-home-mom-day-care-center-teacher-motherly-duties
Been thinking about this lately because I've been staying home the last couple of weeks with my wife, daughter and new son. Since my wife has been recovering from a c-section I've been doing the laundry, running errands, doing house work etc. I keep telling my wife she is so much better at this than me. That her job is harder than my job(s) outside the home. She really is a great home maker and mama. It has been and always will be my aim to uplift her in just how hard she works for our family. These last couple weeks of being "Mr. Mom" has given me a new appreciation of her. Thankfully she's had grace on me because I don't run as tight a shift as she does, nonetheless she's appreciated the time off I've had and the things I've helped with around the house.
Colossians 3:19 (NLT)
19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly
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