J.O.Y

Most Christians know what J.O.Y stands for....Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

I want to take a moment to say while this is true, we need to remember that the "Y" is also included....Yourself is included! We need to remember to take care of ourselves, to take time for ourselves, to rest, to nourish ourselves both physically, mentally and spiritually. 

So often this little acronym is used to rebuke and remind us that we should be last on the list. I am not sure this is completely right. Yes, we are not to be selfish and self-centered but we need to remember that unless we replenish ourselves and take care of us, we will quickly run out of energy to give to and do for others. Jesus took time to be alone and pray and spend time with the Father. God gave command to several prophets to go and eat and rest. God himself rested on the seventh day! 

Everything in moderation!!! This little acronym was made to remind us not to become too self involved but it doesn't mean deny self to the point of complete depletion and having nothing left to give back to others or in service to Christ. 

Are You a Trophy Wife?

I noticed recently that someone commenting on one of my friend's facebook posts had the name "Trophy Wife" instead of their name. It got me thinking about the term and the meaning of it. 

Usually when someone is deemed a trophy wife, it is because they are beautiful, sexy, and often have a very shapely, fit body such as models or movie stars. The term is intended at times to be negative. Often they are viewed as not very bright and only as a trophy for the husband to make him the envy of his friends and coworkers. 

I think every wife should be considered a trophy wife by their husband. After all, they loved them enough to marry them and must have at the time of the wedding been attracted to them physically. As love grows and deepens over time, the wife's inner beauty should shine through and make them even more attractive to their husbands, even if weight has changed or wrinkles have started appearing. There should be enough history between the two and so much loved built up that each husband ought to feel his wife is a trophy God has rewarded him with. Isn't that what a trophy is?....a prize put on display to admire? 

Ladies should think of themselves as that trophy and do all they can to remain shiny and spiffy and someone that can be shown off. Let's not allow ourselves to become dusty and grimy and tarnished over time. Use your strengths to keep your shininess going. Help your husband to want to show you off like a trophy! 

If someone asks if you are a trophy wife....smile and say "yes"!

Journey to Good Health

I have decided to blog or journal about the journey I'm on to have better health.  These posts may not be interesting for anyone else to read and that's ok if no one reads...not many readers anyhow. I'm blogging about this for my own help and future remembrance. It all begins with assesments of my overall health, symptoms I'm experiencing, and testing with a FDN practioner. FDN is Functional Diagnostic Nutrition that takes a holistic and natural approach to better health rather than the typical medical approach of covering sypmtoms with medicine or removing ailing body parts. They use in depth diagnostic testing to figure out where the root of the problem is and then use lifestyle changes, supplements, and diet changes to naturally heal the body and get it to optimum functioning. 

My first two tests were a urine and saliva test. They check different body chemistry levels. Each level leads them to knowledge about how my body organs are functioning. They are big indicators that point to possible problems or causes of symptoms I am having. Two things that I found out were that I'm not breaking down or processing any proteins correctly and also the biggie is that I'm in adrenal exhaustion. Because of this exhaustion, all my hormone levels are off. 

The first thing I was advised to do was to remove gluten from my diet (just to see if some symptoms improve), change bed times to earlier as often as possible, remove all regular iodized table salt and replace with natural sea salt (even drinking filtered water with a small pinch of sea salt and a small amount of lemon juice in it), and to begin cutting back on sugar intake.

Next week, after I've practiced the above for a few days, we will introduce some new supplements that will help restore some balance. 

I'm proud to say that I have eaten no gluten for the past 2 1/2 days and it hasn't been terribly horrible. The first day I tried no gluten and no sugar at all but by late afternoon, my body sorta spazzed out on me and I ate something sugary and it helped some. (I'm not supposed to throw myself into stress trying to do these things...go slowly if necessary as long as I'm making strides)

I will eventually explain the reasons and whys for some of the advice..(ADVICE not medical prescriptions or diagnosis) Until I do more research on my own to verify some of the things I'm told, I will refrain from saying too much to avoid contraversy (I do enough of that as it is). I'm hoping that in blogging about this journey to health that someone else will learn and move themselves towards better health. I trust what I'm being told and believe in it, but I don't want to involve others until I do further investigating and research. I hope you will follow me on this path as I share details about my personal life and health.

To Cleanse or Not

This post may get a little controversial. I'm sure opinions may fly after reading but hey, a little debate is good sometimes. Recently, folks have been posting on facebook pass alongs about how the church is a hospital for sick sinners and not a museum for saints. I reckon I have had a mind set change on this idea as I age and read and understand my Bible more. I think most people including Christians do not understand the purpose of the church assembly. It is FOR THE SAVED ...it is for edification and perfecting of the saint, it is for the admonition and rebuke of the saint, it is for the partaking together of the Lord's Supper (communion), it is for praising the Lord together, and it is for the fellowship of the saint. The Bible says so!!! As a matter of fact, the Apostle Paul tells the church at Corinth to get those living in sin out of the church. Read 1 Corinthians chapter 5 and you will see what I am talking about. Revelation also talks about it. The church in Bible times was for the saved believer not the lost person. I don't think there is any reference of someone getting saved during a church assembly in the new testament. No Pentecost doesn't count....they were not yet meeting from house to house. The preaching services were purging out Jewish customs and traditions and teaching sound doctrine and how to witness and conduct yourself.  Soul winning and reaching the lost was done outside the walls of the church meeting. In the streets, markets, and temple (to reach the Jews). Somehow over the years, church meetings have evolved into bringing in lost people hoping the preacher can preach and reach them for Christ. 

Now, before anyone gets all annoyed thinking I want no lost person in a service, that is not the case. I'm simply pointing out that the Bible says not to keep those engrossed in sin inside the church. Yes, we are all sinners but there is a difference in someone who slips up and commits a sin and someone who just chooses to engage in a sinful lifestyle choice or who has an "I don't care" attitude about their sin. I also agree that none of us are to become self-righteous in our attitudes for we are all able to fall into temptation. 

I'm sure I have upset some with this opinion but hey, my blog, my opinion. I don't think the church is solely a hospital for sinners. Yes, it is a place to get right with the Lord, but it is a place that was intended for the saved believer (saint) to fellowship and learn and grow in God's Word. The world has changed the purpose not God. 

Becoming Like A Shepherd - Lesson 5 Lessons from the Farm Series

Is. 40:11 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Ezek 34:12 - As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 

John 10:1-5
Psalm 23

So in these verses we find the duties of a shepherd. A shepherd is to provide, feed, protect, lead, guide, gather into the fold and correct when necessary. I want to look at how we as mothers, grandmothers, teachers, and Christians can apply the principles to our lives as we influence the world around us.

Provision:
Prov. 13:22a - A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children:
-- doesn't have to be money, can be godly heritage too

1 Tim. 5:8 - But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
--applies to men but many women (especially single moms) help to provide financially, but also can apply to providing meals, clean clothes, clean house, etc.

Gal. 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
--if we see someone with a need that we can supply we are to do it! - especially for another Christian

Feeding & Teaching:
Ps. 78:5-7 - For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6- That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 
7- That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
--we are to teach God's Word to the next generation and also declare His works before them...talk about and praise God when He blesses and speak about His chastisements too. - so they learn that God blesses and corrects His children

Acts 18:26 - And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
--men and women are to teach God's Word to others 

Titus 2:3-5 - The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4- That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5- To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
--older should teach younger in word and by example

Gal. 6:6 - Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
--more grounded Christians should help teach new Christians

Gathering:
Mark 10:13-14 - And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14- But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
--bring kids to Christ, make them part of the fold

Prov. 11:36 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
--witness and tell others about salvation of Christ

Acts 8:29-31 - Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30-And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31-And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:35 - Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
--Philip immediately was obedient to the prodding of the Holy Spirit, and was bold in preaching Jesus to the man

Correction & Guidance:
Prov. 22:15 - Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
Prov. 29:15 - The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
--children need consitant correction and discipline---when left to themselves to raise they will not make right choices and will definitely get into mischief and sin that bring shame

Eph. 5:9-11 - (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 - Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11- And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
--correct others (in love) when they do wrong and all things should be proven what is acceptable to God by His Word

1 Tim. 5:20 - Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
--when grave sin is present, it should be rebuked before all so others know not to do it

Phil. 2:15 - That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst os a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
--be a guiding shining light that points to Jesus!

Now the last thing I want to talk about is based on the verses in John 10. These verses talk about "his own sheep" and "they hear my voice". In other words it is a personal relationship not just an acquaintance.

We need to be personal with those God gives us to influence. Our children need to feel close to us and should know us well enough that they know what is expected of them. (Don't be wishy-washy in our standards and expectations of them) Our influence should reflect on them.

Our children and children we teach at church or any other place should hear our words echoing in their ears when they are tempted. These should be from Bible lessons we have taught. We should be living examples to follow! If you want your children to pray then let them see you praying. If you want them to trust God in all areas  then let them see you do that. If you want them to be kind to others and bear other's burdens then let them see you do it. The best way to to that is to start young and make them participate when you make a meal for someone. Let them help make it and deliver it, for an example. Children learn what they live!

We can also have the same positive infuence on other adults. The same principle applies.

The Voices in Our Heads

I was reading a book recently and also noticed in a movie I was watching how we ladies pass judgment on one another. We are all aware of these judgments so therefore the little voices in our own heads is sometimes ever present...whispering---sometimes screaming. Because of these noises in our heads, we then allow guilty feelings to overwhelm us, we worry about what others will think or say, we second guess our decisions all in trying to live up to what we think others think of us. 

When these voices come, we need to block them out and listen closer to the still small voice of the Lord. Maybe we even need to stop, step back and take a moment to regain ourselves. We need to remember that other ladies are not the ones whose standards we must live up to...it's God's first and foremost and then our husbands if we are married, and then our children. It's not our friends, our extended family, our neighbors, or even our fellow church members that should drive our decisions. I'm aware that all this is easier said than done but it is something we must strive to accomplish. 

Spend time reading your Bible, talking with the Lord and seeking guidance from Him about even the smallest decisions in your daily life. This will help you better block out the voices whispering and sometimes screaming in your head! Practice this anecdote and it will get easier each day! 

Striving But Not Arrived

Not sure how this post will go but I will be sharing my heart. This time of year is always somewhat melancholy for me and has been that way for years, even though fall is my favorite time of year. My heart has been heavy for several days because I have offended someone unintentionally (and I actually am not sure what I actually did or said -- only told that I had). I have apologized but the damage is already done and therefore I must reap the consequences. As a pastor's wife, you are always put on the spot. You must keep your composure no matter what is going on in your mind and heart. You must smile through heartache, criticism, extreme pressures of ministry life even when you want to cry or feel like yelling. You must handle yourself with as much grace and tact as you can muster and do your very best not to be offensive to others. Now, if someone doesn't like or gets upset about something I am teaching from the Bible (and I am teaching it correctly and in context) then I do not apologize for what God's Word says. I never have and don't ever intend to. The person offended needs to take it up with the Lord not me. However, if I allow my actions or most likely my tongue to offend in my daily life in dealing with others then I need to correct myself and self evaluate. I also need to apologize when I know I have hurt someone or made them upset. 

While I believe whole heartedly that a pastor and even his family is held to a higher standard (above reproach) and that they are to be an example, I do wish that church members, friends, community leaders and others would allow for mistakes. We are people too! We are prone to sin, saying things we shouldn't, not being as attentive as we should at times, being inconsiderate, selfish and the list could go on. We make mistakes too. Really, the thing to do is to come to the person who has offended you and try to work it out. It may just be there was a misunderstanding somewhere. Completely separating yourself from them without allowing them to even know that you offended them doesn't resolve anything. No one can apologize and make things right if they never know they have done someone wrong. 

The past few days of self reflection has reminded me in a big way that I have not yet arrived...I am still striving daily to live the life God wants me to live and be the Christ like person he wants. I fail sometimes to live up to the standard. ---especially that others want. I do not ever want to hurt or offend people around me..especially those I care about and those in the flock God has given to Bob and I. It grieves me to know when someone is upset with me even if we have had an argument and I was also upset and angry. I don't like conflict between me and others. 

Ok, so this post was somewhat strange and was sharing my heart but sometimes my blog is for my own therapy. I know I cannot dwell on my mistakes, I must forgive myself as I know God has and move on whether the other person forgives or not. All I can do is apologize and try to make it right.