Whirlwind Weekend

The weekend consists of 63 precious hours, from 5pm on Friday to 8am on Monday. This weekend I used every single one of those hours. I had two options regarding my weekend plans and although I wanted to do both options, I am very happy with how my weekend turned out.

It was family time vs. friend time.
 It was less driving vs. lots of driving.
And it was Dr. Albert Mohler vs. Dr. Doug Bookman. [Both of whom have been two of the most influential Bible teachers in my life.]

    Friday night sunset

I ended up seeing family and friends, seeing/hearing Dr. Bookman, and spending lots of quality time in my car. To simplify, this was my weekend:

17 hours of driving
8 hours in Kansas City
27 hours with friends
1 hour at Longview Lake
10 hours at home

    Saturday morning sunrise


The normal weekend cleaning still needs to be done and the fridge and cupboards are bare, but it was a refreshing time with people so dear to me and I'm so glad I did it.

    A spotted fawn and its mother. I also saw an armadillo and turkeys. 

Sometimes traveling back to visit can be awkward and sad, but not so. God has been so good to bless me with great friends who love Him and encourage me to do so. I had a relaxing time enjoying their friendship, just hanging out, and celebrating the new and coming babies.

    Sunday night sunset

 Of course, I missed my boys back at home. I got a picture text from them on Sunday...

    "Good morning, Mom. I miss you. See you tonight. Dad is the best."


No matter how much I would love to be sharing my day-to-day with these girls, I would much rather be with Hubs and the Pups. I'm back home and I'm ready to continue building relationships here and looking forward to more great relationships.

What Israel Looks Like

I obviously still having trouble putting Israel into words. But here we go.

The terrain of Israel varies so much. It's such a small piece of land, but it is so diverse. What we came to understand on this trip was how important the diversity of this land is.

The Mediterranean Sea was similar to other oceans we've visited. The beach was sandy and you had to go down cliffs to get to it. There were palm trees and tropical birds. Buildings and communities are very close together. 

Here I stand on Mt. Gilboa (2 Samuel 31) overlooking the Jezreel Valley. This valley has seen international traffic for thousands of years. It is the only way for travelers to get through this country and sort of connects Asia with Egypt. This valley will continue to see lots of action in the future, too. As you can see it is very green and fertile. We saw many, many crops growing all over Israel.

My favorite terrain was in Dan, formerly Laish. It was beautiful with a large natural spring and felt like Colorado hiking. This was in the northernmost part of Israel, bordering Lebanon and Syria. 

The Sea of Galilee is surrounded by mountains, or the hill country. I don't have any really good pictures of how mountainous it is. It sits below sea level and is green and pretty and fertile. 

Next we saw the wilderness. Think of where David hid from Saul in caves - rocky, steep incline, jagged cliffs, winding caverns, and barren. This is where the Dead Sea is - water that gives life to nothing. Not beautiful, but definitely amazing.

From there we moved to the Negev. Dessert everywhere. No more jagged cliffs like before, but rolling hills of rocky sand and dirt. This is where the Bedouins live, and the camels!

Before our eyes the terrain changed dramatically. The Shephellah is an area of rolling hills. Again, lots of crops seen growing around here.

Finally, we went into the hill country and we felt like we were traveling in Colorado, on a much smaller scale of course. Jerusalem is build on these limestone hills and there isn't a flat spot to be found!

Now you can see we saw a little bit of everything. Next up: placing Bible stories with the locations!

Smarts

There are a lot of really smart people in the world, but not all of them can dumb-it-down in an understandable way.

I used to think my science teacher was the smartest person I knew. He knew all the answers and had great ways of helping us understand. Well, Mr. Best, you have been beat.



Dr. Bookman's resume speaks for itself - found on his website, http://www.bookmanministries.com/. He is one of those people that you can listen to and not realize how much time has passed. He is intriguing, he is interesting, and his life is completely invested in what he teaches - the Word of God.

Dr. Bookman has been to our church a few times and is coming again this summer. Last year he taught on the Passion Week, during the Passion Week. What an amazing time it was! I understood Easter more fully than ever before. Hubs and I also listened to him on a recent road trip. It was completely captivating to sit and listen as he taught on the Life of Christ.

The most crazy part of Dr. Bookman's teaching is the rabbit trails he finds himself on. Appropriately, his blog is entitled, the rabbit train (http://www.therabbittrail.wordpress.com/). There is so much knowledge in his brain that he gets taken to different topics along the way in a desire for you to understand what he does. Amazingly, he always finds himself back to where he started and can keep us tracking with him the entire time. That is one gifted teacher.

I've been blessed enough to work with Dr. Bookman over the past few months and I am excited to listen to him again very soon. He is truly the smartest person I've ever known. But it isn't just smarts, it is truth that he believes with all his heart. And that's what is so cool.


If you ever get the opportunity to hear Dr. Bookman, do it. Seriously.

Why I didn't get the jeans

There was a big sale at Banana Republic yesterday. A pair of very cute skinny jeans that were marked down from $89.50 to $49.50. Then, they were an additional 30% off - making them only $34.65 - which is a G-R-E-A-T deal. I debated all day as they sat in my shopping cart waiting for me to push "Complete Order."

But, I didn't do it. And here is why:

1.  I did not NEED the skinny jeans. I already have a pair that I LOVE, and even though I was sure to love these, sigh, I knew that I should use money on something I really need - like slouchy suede boots or cute sweaters.

2.  I need to learn to not spend money just because it is a G-R-E-A-T deal.

3.  My birthday is right around the corner (25 days) and I am hoping to shop-til-I-drop in Kansas City!

4.  I am trying to be extra budget-conscious for the next few months as we save up for our GIANT vacation.

Where are we going? Let me give you a few hints...

It's ancient.
It's fought over.
It's smaller than New Jersey (in square miles).
And here is some of what we will see:

The Mediterranean Sea

 Old walls

Desert and maybe some camels

Jerusalem

Yes. We are going to Israel!

I could only be more excited if I was pregnant (haha). Really, we are thrilled for this opportunity. It is a study trip, so we will be taking in more than our little brains can handle from Dr. Doug Bookman of Shepherd's Theological Seminary. He is awesome, by the way.

I can't wait to be in a place where so much history has taken place and so much more will take place. We will see all of Israel and we will learn so much about God in the process.

Does that concern you?

I've debated over how to present this post. I'm still not sure I have the best way, but I know I want to share these experiences with you.

Hubs felt a desire to work at our church's state fair booth this year. Our church buys a spot at the fair where we can simply share the good news of Jesus Christ with anyone who will listen. He signed himself up and began preparing for it, diligently both through prayer and through a DVD/book series called Way of the Master. Knowing I also needed to do this, I signed up but haven't been quite as excited as he.

It has been bothering me that it is so "hard" to share the gospel with others. Really, it just shows my selfishness - if I truly loved other people, I would be concerned for their spiritual state and want them to know that hell is real, that good people go to hell, and that there is only one way to heaven. So, I also started preparing for this day in my head, knowing that this is one of the things God has clearly called believers to do. No excuse. Period. And really, the fact that God uses us to draw others to Him is pretty amazing.

So, today was the first day of the Kansas State Fair. I worked our booth from 2-6 pm, in the HOT, HUMID weather. Satan was certainly trying to discourage me. My head pounded for all 4 hours. Sweat trickled down my entire body - gross. I was weary by the time I got to the booth. And after standing around for a while, I knew I needed to initiate my first conversation.

Here is a taste of my four hours:

"I've seen Jesus in my house, twice. He told me to stop doing drugs."

"Am I scaring you?"

"I ask for forgiveness, so I that's all I can do. Then, I hope that is good enough."

"Eternity isn't really forever."

"I don't know what Hell is, so why would I be concerned about going there?"

"I hate pastors."

"Everyone in churches are hypocrites."

"I believe we are in Hell now."

"I guess I don't know if I would go to Heaven."

"I just try to live how God wants me to live."

I was hugged by a man who hasn't showered in years days.

I was ignored by tons of people.

I was yelled at.

I was given crazy looks.

I stumble-mumble-bumbled plenty. I stuttered and slurred my words. I didn't know what to say at times. And, I wished I would have said something different when they left. But I cared about each person that walked in that tent and I did not want a one of them to walk away without understanding their place before God and their need for Jesus. And no matter how my previous encounter went, I was looking forward to the next.

I am surprised that I can't wait to go back. I want to keep sharing so that I can get better, and I want to keep sharing so that more people hear.

I am walking away from the first day praising God for salvation and praying that somehow, someway God is using what I said to bring people to Him.

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give see to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
Isaiah 55:10-11

Still Learning

Around the time I got married, a sweet friend of mine shared this verse with me:

"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJ)

During the first three years of marriage, my Bible flipped open to this verse on its own. I clung to it. When my mind wandered, when I wanted to trust in myself, I said this verse in my head. PEACE, perfect peace, was for the one whose mind was fixed on the Lord. The one who trusted in Him.

I assumed that when dental school was over, peace would come more naturally. I would find a new verse to get me through.

WRONG.

Those first months in Kansas were long. The days dragged on and were completely focused on me. I swung from one mood to the next, fighting off tears, anger, and even happiness. I longed for attention, friendship, and direction, but I would not allow myself to take control of my emotions to return to a normal state of mind. Instead, I gave into the feelings that were wrong and ungodly. I would wake up in the morning determined to change and start anew, only to hit 2:00 and launch back into depressive thoughts. I even tried getting a dog to make me happy and bring me companionship. It didn't work. Nothing did.

And the verse was still there in my mind, in the very back of my mind. Promising peace if I would only trust in God; if I would only keep my mind on Him. Finally, I did. After fighting God for weeks, I gave over my plans to Him and trusted that His way was better than mine. For me, that meant not going to school right now, which was so hard. It meant letting God have my heart so that He could mold it for His plan.

And there was peace.

----------------------------------------------------------------

I thought I was past the emotion game. I thought I had them in control again. As I was preparing for a book study this week, I was silently "amening" the fact that I have all these issues with my emotions in order. Pride comes before the fall.

This very weekend, I again struggled. I pulled myself into my own world and erected a wall so that nobody Hubs could not get through. Everything was suddenly his fault, and in less than 24 hours I already knew I was sinning horribly.

But, I kept doing it anyway.

When I finally humbled myself and repented to God and Hubs, I felt peace. The peace I know is there for me when my mind is on God. So many things distract me - books, tv, daydreams, emotions, myself, others - but I can overcome them and when I do, I see how incredibly rotten my sinfulness is and how completely sweet my fellowship with God is.

Happy Easter!

There was no ham. No painted eggs (although I LOVE doing that). No big family gathering. There was no chocolate bunnies. None of that annoying plastic "grass."

There was sunshine and warmth. There were songs about Christ's resurrection. There was friends and family. There was a lot of food. There was one of the best sermons I have ever heard.

Hubs and I spent the day with friends, my brother, a basset hound pup and Ransom. We sat in the sun. We talked. We played wii. And really, we just relaxed.

Never before on Easter have I pondered Christ's death and resurrection as I have this year. Since Wednesday evening, we have been going to a Bible Conference with Dr. Doug Bookman who is really an expert on the details of Jesus' life. He has particularly been going through the Passion week and my eyes have been opened to so much and my heart has been stirred. Never before has Christ's life been explained to me in this way. This morning he culminated the last week of study into Christ's death and resurrection and I could hardly stay in my seat and contain myself over what I was hearing. So much fit together in my mind that I just wanted to praise God for our Savior.

Happy Easter! Death is defeated. Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed.

Amen and amen.

What a journey

Three months ago I was struck with the realization that if Christ returned or if I died and saw Jesus face-to-face, I would have not read the entire Bible. I would have to shamefully admit to my Savior that His words to me weren't important enough for me to read them all. Not to mention that at that point in my routine, I was actually rarely finding making time to devote myself to His words.

Thus, I began a challenge within our church to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I wanted to know what the books of Ezra and Nehemiah were about. I wanted to get an overall grasp for the flow of the Bible, the chronological sequence, and the details that I have never understood. I also wanted to make it a habit to set aside time in my day, mainly in the morning, to sit and read my Bible.

After 90 days, I happy to say that I got way more than I planned. The Bible is filled with mystery, scandal, adventure, romance, wickedness, disaster, and punishment. As someone who believes in the Bible's every word and as one who has a personal relationship with its author, however, it was even more. I learned about God - who He is throughout the entire Bible. How much He loves His children and how much we deserve death.

I read as God put the earth into existence. How He sustains everything. I read as His people continually chose other gods before Him. I read as they repeatedly turned away from God for their fleshly desires. And I thought, That sounds like me. 

I read as God sent His only Son to be a perfect man in order to save sinful man who deserved death. I read as Jesus, who did nothing wrong, willingly was mocked, beaten, and crucified in my place. I read as Christ then conquered death and rose again so that I could live with him forever and never fear death again. Then, I read as those who believed in Christ were persecuted: mocked, beaten, jailed, stoned, killed; all because they accepted the free gift of salvation and desired to share it with everyone they met so they too might have life. And I thought, That doesn't sound like me. 

Finally, I read the end. I read that it is a happy ending for some - those who have given their lives to Christ and accepted Him as their Savior. I read that it is an ending of torment lasting forever apart from God for those who don't know Him. And I thought, Who am I going to tell today?

Have you read God's Word? Have you accepted its truths? Dear friend, I cannot impress on you enough that life, peace, and joy can only be found through knowing Christ as your Savior. You must realize that you cannot get life, peace, or joy through any other way than through Jesus.

Now what? A few days ago Hubs asked me what I was going to do after this was over and I had no clue. I knew I wanted to study the Bible in a deeper way, not just reading it through as I had been doing. I had so many questions and thoughts. So, I have picked one of the books and I am going back to read it slower and study its words. I want it to penetrate my life to cause me to live differently. I want to cherish it and commit it to memory. I want to live by it and have it infiltrate my life so much that I base my every thought and decision on it. It is, after all, God's very words written to me. 

The Word

Hubs and I feel utterly and completely blessed to sit under biblical teaching week after week. Finding a church that teaches the Word seems to be a challenge these days. Oh, there are churches that teach lessons from the Bible, but it must go further than that.

I have thought about posting about what we learn on Sunday mornings, but I never do. Mainly because I know I can't replicate what was said and how it was said. Instead, I would rather you listen to them if you want by clicking here (may I suggest "Serious and Sound: The Word of God").

I think what we love about our church is the incredibly high view of God and the dependence on the Word of God. Whenever a decision is made or a question is asked, repeatedly our pastors turn to the Word of God and what it says. The authority of our lives and of our churches must be the Bible. Our church teaches us that.

I had to ask myself recently, What kind of passion do I have for the Word of God? It's not just a book. It's not even just a study. It is not even just a manual. It contains the Words of Life. It contains God's thoughts to us.

In that case, it should be the most precious thing in the world to me.

So the question today is not, Do you have a Bible? Anymore, most people in the United States do. The question is, Do I have the Bible in me?

A Bible in the car cannot keep me from sinning. A Bible on the coffee table cannot change my actions or how I think. A Bible, even if it is open and sitting on our desk, cannot change our lives. The Bible treasured in our hearts gives us counsel. It prevents wrong thinking. It leads our life. It relieves temptation. It encourages and strengthens us. And it can only be treasured if it is inside my heart and my mind.

If it does all of those things, why would I look anywhere else for answers, peace, or life? It's all right in front of me.

A new challenge

I am embarking on yet another 90-day challenge.

I was nervous when we started P90X. I honestly wondered if I would have the endurance, strength, and discipline to see it through. But, I did; and it felt good. Since I have devoted 90 days to my physical health I have gotten on a good track for my life. Now I am going to devote 90 days to my spiritual health.

Do you know that I have never read the entire Bible? If Jesus returned tomorrow, I would have to tell him, "Sorry, Lord. I have known you almost my entire life, yet I have never taken the time to read the Word you gave to me." Wow. This is just sad.

I know you are thinking exactly what I thought when this idea was proposed to me. There is NO WAY I could read the ENTIRE Bible in 90 days. I can't even read it in a year. Well, hear me out.

A year is too long. Ninety days is more attainable; the end is in sight. You can do anything in 90 days if you really want to.

Plus, they have packaged the Bible into a book that helps us get over our pre-conceived thoughts.

If you saw the size of this book, you could read it. Hey, I read the 4 Twilight books in a week...thousands of pages!

The breakdown is thus: 12 pages/day for 88 days (they allow 2 days to skip). For an average reader, that will take about 45 minutes per day.

I am really excited about this. I can't wait to see what books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Joel are about! Plus, spending 45 minutes per day in God's Word will hopefully help start a good track for years to come.

Will you join me?

Historic travels

I love traveling to places of history. Specifically early American to the Civil War time period. And, ancient history! Thinking about different peoples in different times walking on the same ground as I am, gets me so excited.


I think about what it was like then. How was it different? What did it look like before all the modern conveniences were around? What did they struggle with? How did they live? What did they think about? It adds a dimension to travelling and it makes history seem more real to me.


I experienced this in Rome, especially at the collesium and walking through the Roman Forum. I remember thinking, People actually came here. They walked these streets hundreds of years ago living a life completely different than mine.

My dad is in Israel right now. How amazing would that be? To be in the middle east where civilization actually began. To realize that so much of the most important historical events took place all around you. To see places that the Bible actually refers to would put a visual perspective on what we read and believe.

Am I just crazy to enjoy this stuff? Is there anywhere you want to travel purely for historical purposes?

Thinking of my Hubs and learning to live

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

These verses makes me think of Hubs. He is training for a marathon right now. He goes for some ridiculously long runs on Saturdays, and without the goal of the upcoming race it would be hard for him to get out there and put the miles in. When he goes on a run he lays aside all the troubles of the day. He pushes towards his goal and he runs.

He's also been in college for 7 years with the goal of becoming a dentist. There have been tough days and weeks. He's jumped through the hoops of the education system and he's pushed through these past years with a goal. A goal that seemed so far off it would never be within an arms reach as it is today.

Yes, Hubs has taught me a lot about endurance when I am much more of a sprinter. I have bursts where I read my Bible, I pray every day, I am bold about my faith and my beliefs. Then I get tired and I stop to rest instead of pushing through.

These verses remind me that I can't live my christian life with all my sin weighing me down. I would tire quickly from the load. Hubs can't run as well with his hiking boots and heavy clothes - he'd get tired too fast and would never make it the full distance. Instead, he sheds the heavy shoes and wears the lightest clothing possible so he can keep going. I must leave my burdens behind, too, if I ever plan to go the full distance.

They remind me that I must look towards a goal. It's hard to motivate and push yourself without a goal in sight. Hubs wouldn't be running such long distances if he didn't have a race coming up. Without a goal, if he got tired, he could just quit early since there was no reason to run so far. Much the same, if I am not looking towards Jesus, I can easily get sidetracked and start walking...maybe even stop.

Last night I was running on the treadmill. I set a time goal. I was going to run 20 minutes at a certain speed without stopping (I had already done 20 minutes on the eliptical). The first 13 minutes sped by. I looked straight ahead and cranked my music up loud. Then, it started getting boring. I started glancing at the time. My stride faltered and I told myself to stop at 15 minutes instead.

Then, I remembered my goal. Twenty minutes. Non-stop. I looked straight ahead. I got back into my groove, and I pushed through those last five minutes. I met my goal.

When the times come that I lose sight of my goal to glorify the Lord with my life, my stride falters and I get weary. I decide to stop and rest, and then it is hard to get going again. So, I put it off to another day, and another. Soon, I'm out of shape, I have all my heavy clothes back on, and I want to try and sprint to catch up on all I missed.

I'm reminded today that I can run without the heavy burdens of my life. I can run with endurance only by looking to Jesus who endured so much more that I ever will.

And He did it all for me.

Feather Thoughts

Whenever I come across some interesting quotes, or my brain is on thinking overload, I debate over whether to share them with you. The main reason is that they will probably bore you. But these thoughts don't leave my head until I share them, so I have come up with an alternate solution.

I have added a feature to the sidebar called, "Feather Thoughts." This is where I will put my random questions, my "aha! moments," or just interesting thoughts I have come across in reading or otherwise. You can read them if you like, make comments if you like, or ignore them if you like.

So, check out the first Feather Thoughts on peace. I stole most of this from a book written in 1975, but I found it very applicable to society, foreign affairs, psychology - pretty much our world in general.

I hope it provides you with Peace.

I Know.

I love books - just looking at a book gets me excited. There is only one Book, however, that I believe to be true in every word. There is no spin on the facts, no personal interpretation to grasp - just Truth. The Bible convicts and challenges; it brings counseling; it comforts and encourages. It is the words of the God of the universe written down for us. It is our way of knowing God intimately.

These verses are on my mind this morning and have brought me comfort.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth;
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know,
That in my flesh I shall see God,
Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27

I have no doubts that I will see God someday. I have no idea what that will be like, I can't even fathom it; but I know.

That's all.

Perfect Peace

You may already know that one of my favorite verses is Isaiah 26:3-4.

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.

These verses have been my encouragement throughout the last 2 1/2 years, and just when I think I have worn them out, God brings them to my mind again. Lately, I have been tired and overwhelmed. It seems like there is a lot of things going on in our life that I cannot control. I don't necessarily know what to do or what to say. The apartment has been too quiet; silence makes me nervous. And despite the myriad of things on my mind, life keeps going and I am forced to try keep up with it, or play catch up over the weekend.

The thing I do know and the thing that keeps me going is that I can have peace when my mind is stayed on the Lord because He is my stength. My mind can only be stayed on the Lord when I am in His Word and talking to Him daily - which has not been happening and explains the lack of peace.

Later on, in that chapter of Isaiah, it reads:

Yes, in the way of Your judgments,
O LORD, we have waited for You;
The desire of our soul is for Your name
And for the remembrance of You.
With my soul I have desired You in the night,
Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early;
For when Your judgments are in the earth,
The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

I love the phrase, "The desire of our soul is for Your name and for the remembrance of You." We have been studying the names of God in a ladies Bible study and this month we are studying Jehovah-Shalom. Jehovah-Shalom means "The Lord of Peace." In a world full of chaos, crisis, concerns, and fears I am so thankful that I know the God of Peace - who promises peace, brings peace, and is peace - and that I can rest in Him no matter the circumstances.

Hallelujah!

There are a few things wrong with this picture.
1. I am not with the Cambridge Singers.
2. The Royal Philharmonic will not be there.
3. John Rutter will not be conducting - that, by the way, would be a privilege.
4. It will not be the complete work.

However, the picture provides a springboard into the topic of a local production of The Messiah.
1. A choir composed of 3 local churches.
2. An orchestra composed of the same churches.
3. A conductor from one of the churches.
4. Comprised of 5 choral pieces and 4 solo pieces.

If you have never been to a performance of Handel's Messiah, you are truly missing out. Biblical text put to a masterful music score featuring elaborate solos and arrangements. It tells the story from the prophecy of the Messiah to His death and ressurection. Usually, you will see the complete work performed at Easter which is about four hours in lenth. I have been fortunate enough as to have sung the entire work four times with some amazing artists.

Tomorrow and Saturday, however, we will be performing a smaller portion of The Messiah for the community. It will only be about 35 minutes long and will feature some amazing local solists. The best part is that it is FREE! I have really enjoyed preparing for this because it has been so long since I have sung great choral music.

Let me know if you would like more details about the performance by emailing me.

Get rid of the 'tude

As a teen, my parents were always telling me I had an attitude and that I needed to "get rid of it right now." Yeah right. I always thought, Well, I didn't have an attitude, but now that you said that I sure do.

As an adult, that attitude still creeps up sometimes often. I am unkind, I don't like to socialize, I say things I will regret, and "no body understands me." The 'tude can develop anywhere, anytime but usually when something doesn't go as I want or when people don't do what I think they should.

Then, I begin to justify it with popular phrases like: But, this is how I feel, so others can just deal with it. I'm just thinking about what is right for me. I deserve something better. I just don't feel like it today. It doesn't matter how I respond to others; I'm not having a good day.

Wait a minute. Isn't this what the world says is good and right? "Do what is right for yourself." Most talk show hosts will encourage this whether refering to building a career or getting a divorce. That can't be the wrong attitude, can it?

As I was feeling sorry for myself this weekend and developing the 'tude (multiple times, by the way), I realized how self-absorbed I can be. And contrary to the popular advice, it isn't and shouldn't be all about me. And, I'm not just talking about self-pity here; the 'tude mostly presents itself when I am thinking great and wonderful thoughts about me, myself, and I.

Now, there are definitely times that we aren't having a good day, right? That still does not mean we should develope an attitude and not treat others kindly. But guess what? Thinking selfishly about ourselves, and then acting in that manner is super easy because it's natural. It's sinful.

What's the Bible's solution for getting rid of the 'tude? Exactly opposite to the world's advice: to just quit thinking about yourself so much and think of others.

Rom. 12:10, 16 - Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Phil. 2:3-4 - Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Gal. 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are...jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions...of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

So, let's all do the thing that doesn't come naturally. Next time you feel the 'tude coming on (because I know I am not the only person out there that suffers this illness), confess your selfishness and conciously think of someone else in a loving, kind manner. Even take the next step and do something for someone else. It won't feel natural at first and you may want to go back to focusing on you, but read these, and other, verses.

Let's get rid of the 'tude!

The Love of Books and the Hate of Untruth

I love books. Fiction & Non-Fiction. Classics & Contemporary. There is just something about a book that lures me.

The most dangerous place for me to be is in a bookstore with no spending limit. I hope I someday have a room in my house that is wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor filled with books. The room will have huge picture windows and over-sized furniture for reading pleasure.

However, I do not love all books and I think some people write, well I'll just say it, crap. For instance, if I am reading a novel with a lot of cussing or intimate scenes, I stop reading and if I purchased the book, I put it in the trash.

I also believe books can be deceiving, most especially Christian non-fiction. The cover can look beautiful. It can entice you to buy, make you think its content will be worth the money, and even create a false sense of trust in the author. You may think, "It is in the Christian aisle or bookstore, so it can't be all bad." And, you may be right. But, don't you want the book to be all good so that you don't have to pick out the truths from the half-truths?

More than once I have stood in the local Christian bookstore appalled by what they are selling, but even more appalled by what they are NOT selling. I have been known to tear-up in the aisle in both anger and sadness as I think of how authors are deceiving people and, most of all, offending God. It makes my heart hurt.

I have had the wonderful privilege of growing up in a home that taught me to validate everything I read and hear with what the Bible says because the Bible is the authority and Word of God. Therefore, I have a spectrum of authors and preachers that I feel comfortable reading and here's why: these authors start with the Bible and end with the Bible. They merely explain what it is saying and challenge me to live thus.

There are many authors out there that write good things, but subtly in the text are truths that do not completely align with God's Word. What a scary thing!

And that, my friends, is why I enjoy Elizabeth George (more in a future post). She does not try to appeal to women by using feelings and emotions. She knows how women think; how women struggle; and how women react. She knows what the Bible says about how we are called to live. She takes those truths and challenges women to apply them to their lives and live godly.

All that to say, be careful what you read and hear. Match everything up to what God has written in His word.

The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:10-14

And, from the final chapter of the Bible:

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Revelation 22:18-19

Don't Let Go

From, Streams in the Desert: September 18:

The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again."

That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place--this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength!

I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know It is a fact. Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee."

I read this today and thought, What a wonderful picture of how we can be lifted up through communion with God even in the worst storm. In the words from from a friend, "Hold on to Him. Don't let go." This is the only anti-depressant that cures (but that is a totally different conversation).

"They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine." -Hosea 14:7

New Shoes & More

It has crossed my mind that most of my blogging friends write about much more substantial, worthwhile things in life (ie - their children, their house building progress) besides their new shoes. Oh well.

Richard heard on the radio that a local mall was giving out a $15 gas card if you spent a certain amount of money at any of their stores this weekend. Richard and I both were overdue on new running shoes and Richard also needed some stuff for his bike, so we decided this would be a great time to take a little shopping trip. Once we got to the shoe store, our decision was confirmed because Scheel's was having a sale on shoes - $15 off any pair!

I must insert a little aside here - I have only had one pair of running shoes so far (Asic's Kayanos) and they lasted me 3 years. Therefore, the shoe shopping experience for Richard versus me is quite different. I have no idea what I am looking for in a running shoe - comfort? support? So, I would pick a shoe that I liked, show it to my hubby, and he would give the yea or nay.

So, I pick out 3 pairs of shoes and ask a saleslady to bring me a size 6. She returns with nothing. So I pick out 3 more pairs of shoes and she returns with the kayanos (same shoes I have been running in). I try them on and they are great shoes really. So comfy and I already know that they are good shoes for me since I have enjoyed the pair I have already. The down-side is that the Kayanos are pricey. I ask for 2 more pairs of shoes, just to compare, and she returns with none. Richard finally asks, "Do you have ANY in a size 6?" She encourages me to keep picking out some and she will keep checking. So, I grab 5 pairs of shoes - not caring about the style, fit, or brand anymore - just hoping that there will be some in the back room! While she is gone, I start picking out some more, knowing she will come back with nothing, but to my surprise, she comes back with 4 pairs. I try them on and narrow it down to 3 pairs - Asics Kayano, Asics Nimbus, and Brooks Defyance (like you care, right?).

Here they are - my new pair of running shoes. The Brooks Defyance. The Asics were great, but more bulky than the Brooks. Plus, the Brooks were less pricey which is a plus for sure.

I have been told that you should put 400 miles on your running shoes before buying a new pair. Hence the reason I had my last pair for 3 years! I've starting a spreadsheet and I am going to record how long it takes me to get to 400 miles...any guesses? I haven't updated you on my running progress, but I have continued to run since the Havelock race is over. I will admit that vacation and the extreme heat has put a damper on the progress, but I am not going to let myself quit. Honestly, I have come to enjoy the activity.

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Richard and I took a bike ride on Saturday morning. That is a great way start the day. It wasn't unbearably hot and I just love the morning-time. We also went to the pool and played Bingo with our flock. Richard and I didn't win, but it was fun.

My grandparents were in town and we had coffee with them. They gave us great encouragement from the Word in making decisions for our future. Verses that I am sure God wanted us to remember as we seek His will for our life.

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At my Bible study on Saturday morning we continued discussing Elohim, which is the word used for God during the creation account, and other places throughout the Bible. I don't think it was coincidence that I was studying this name while we were in Hawaii. God revealed Himself to me in how great and awesome He is through His creative creation. Look up these verses and you will see what I mean:

Isaiah 40: 12, 15, 22, 26-31

Yet a God this big - who weighs the mountains, pulls the heavens back like curtains, and lifts up the islands - He desires a personal relationship with you and me.