Last week I saw a post on Facebook about drug addiction and about the question that's often asked of "where were the parents?" It was very well written and carried much truth. This post is in no way going to contradict the message in that post. It is agreeing with it and maybe even expanding upon it. Also, I want to state right here and now that what I write today is not in any way intended to bring hurt, shame or judgment upon any parent who has done their best by their child. It is by the Grace of God that neither my daughter or son drank, did drugs or got into any real rebellion. I praise the Lord often for that!! Just as I often praise Him for their healthy bodies and minds along with my grandchildren. My heart aches for parents who have lived through the worst imaginable things with their children -- both physically and emotionally. Some of my dear close friends are my "God questions" when I get to heaven for what they've had to go through.
Anyhoo, back on topic. For all those people sitting in judgment of parents with children who become addicted to drugs and wonder where were the parents -- I've watched first hand as relatives and dear friends cried, fought for, prayed over, begged, practiced tough love, practiced compassion, helped them into rehab, welcomed them home afterward, stood by them, weeped and worried over their safety, dealt with guilt over their occasional thought of "maybe it would be better if my child went on to heaven", dealt with anger and bitterness, and continued to love their child during every moment mentioned! I've watched and know their hearts!
Yes, there are many drug addicts out there in the world who are re-living what they watched their parents do, but those I know personally, did NOT. Did the parents do everything right? Did they ever make a mistake where their child was concerned? Only God knows that truly. What is done with one child or what one child may be exposed to or influenced by will effect each child differently. What brings down one person will not even have an effect on another. Sometimes the slightest little thing will bear future heartache for life.
I can say with absolute certainty that they all loved and love their child and did the very best they knew how to do at the time. That is what matters! Because, in each case, and there are several, the parents were and are there. They were pleading, fighting and doing all they knew to do. The addicts were not repeating a vicious cycle they had learned as sometimes is the case. Each one, however, made their own choices and that lead to their trouble.
See, as parents it is our job to train, to do the best we know how to do and protect our children and teach them to grow up and live responsible, productive lives. We cannot lock them in a room and just forbid as a form of protection. Eventually, after we train, we must allow them to test and practice the training we gave. Here's the thing, in the end, despite what we've done our best to teach, they will make their own choices. They're like people that way! lol Sometimes, one small choice can have ramifications for the rest of your life. After the training, all that's left is prayer and being there for them as cheerleaders when good choices are made and to help with mistakes and yes, even pick up the pieces of broken lives and help them to mend.
So, let's try backing off the judgment of other parents when you know nothing of the situation! I hope if you have ever been guilty of wondering where the parents were when a child gets into trouble, this post will make you stop and consider that maybe the parent was and is there.
This is a blog to hopefully encourage and help others in their journey through life to become a better Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, or person because NONE OF US have arrived. We are all Rubies in the Making! Rubies in the rough have not yet been perfected. My goal is to be a thought provoker! I will share ideas, thoughts, poems, recipes and yes even an occasional rant. My prayer is that I will be a help to someone.
September 28, 2017
September 19, 2017
The Time That Remains
I went to a ladies conference recently and one of the speakers mentioned that all we have is the time that remains. There has never been a truer statement!
This blog is called Journey Through My Dash and it's about the dash between my birth date and my future death date. But, all I have is the time that remains in that dash to accomplish my goals.
I sometimes talk about things in my past - things from earlier in my dash. Mostly I give opinions and thoughts I have currently. I do, however, have dreams and goals for my future. It is a sobering thought to think about the time that remains being all I have.
At some point in the future be it in an hour, a day, a month or several years from now, the Lord will call me home. In that time, I want to influence my grandchildren, my extended family members, my church family members, my town and yes my country and even other parts of the world.
One thing that was brought out at the conference I attended was that it matters not at all what you and your life was like previous to this day because what matters is the time you have left. Whether you were a scoundrel or a super sweet person who was always kind, what only matters is who you are and become in the time that remains of your life. We are daily free to choose a different path than before, to make different choices than before --for good or bad and we must always, ALWAYS remember that we are constantly teaching others whether we realize it or not for good or for bad.
My advice (though unsolicited) is that you make great use of every teachable moment that exposes itself to you for molding and shaping everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis. If you do not like who you have previously been, change! Make different choices.
The Bible tells us to redeem the time...so make wise and good choices in the time that remains. We don't have forever here on earth. Leave your mark! Leave a legacy to your loved ones! Everyone has the same 24 hrs in a day.
Just a thought provoker!
This blog is called Journey Through My Dash and it's about the dash between my birth date and my future death date. But, all I have is the time that remains in that dash to accomplish my goals.
I sometimes talk about things in my past - things from earlier in my dash. Mostly I give opinions and thoughts I have currently. I do, however, have dreams and goals for my future. It is a sobering thought to think about the time that remains being all I have.
At some point in the future be it in an hour, a day, a month or several years from now, the Lord will call me home. In that time, I want to influence my grandchildren, my extended family members, my church family members, my town and yes my country and even other parts of the world.
One thing that was brought out at the conference I attended was that it matters not at all what you and your life was like previous to this day because what matters is the time you have left. Whether you were a scoundrel or a super sweet person who was always kind, what only matters is who you are and become in the time that remains of your life. We are daily free to choose a different path than before, to make different choices than before --for good or bad and we must always, ALWAYS remember that we are constantly teaching others whether we realize it or not for good or for bad.
My advice (though unsolicited) is that you make great use of every teachable moment that exposes itself to you for molding and shaping everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis. If you do not like who you have previously been, change! Make different choices.
The Bible tells us to redeem the time...so make wise and good choices in the time that remains. We don't have forever here on earth. Leave your mark! Leave a legacy to your loved ones! Everyone has the same 24 hrs in a day.
Just a thought provoker!
September 16, 2017
What Accompanies Salvation?
I've been reading in Hebrews lately and read verse 6:9 this morning. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Quite a thought provoking verse! The writer is writing to Jewish Christians and he tells them basically that we expect better of you and we expect to see in you all the things that accompany salvation. Hmmm!
It made me stop and ponder on what comes with salvation. The first thing I was aware of upon my salvation was joy. Joy that my future was secure and I would not have to suffer in hell. Joy over the sights of heaven I'd one day see. With that joy came peace.
Beyond that, learning what comes with salvation came over time. I was taught about witnessing to others so they could also have salvation. With salvation comes learning to live as righteous a life as possible and to seek forgiveness when I mess up. With salvation comes desiring to study God's Word and understand what He expects of my life. With salvation should also come a desire to fellowship with like minded people in a church where you can be fed on the Bible.
To whom much is given, much is required. I've always said with great knowledge comes great responsibility. We are given so much in salvation. God requires much in return.
Salvation is so much more than escaping hell. Read the Bible and you will see!
Just a thought provoker today.
Quite a thought provoking verse! The writer is writing to Jewish Christians and he tells them basically that we expect better of you and we expect to see in you all the things that accompany salvation. Hmmm!
It made me stop and ponder on what comes with salvation. The first thing I was aware of upon my salvation was joy. Joy that my future was secure and I would not have to suffer in hell. Joy over the sights of heaven I'd one day see. With that joy came peace.
Beyond that, learning what comes with salvation came over time. I was taught about witnessing to others so they could also have salvation. With salvation comes learning to live as righteous a life as possible and to seek forgiveness when I mess up. With salvation comes desiring to study God's Word and understand what He expects of my life. With salvation should also come a desire to fellowship with like minded people in a church where you can be fed on the Bible.
To whom much is given, much is required. I've always said with great knowledge comes great responsibility. We are given so much in salvation. God requires much in return.
Salvation is so much more than escaping hell. Read the Bible and you will see!
Just a thought provoker today.
August 29, 2017
God Works in Mysterious Ways
Has anyone else noticed that whenever it seems this country is at an all time high of hate and fragmentation and division that God sends some catastrophe or major incident to put things into perspective for everyone?! Recently there was protesting in several areas of the nation where chaos and turmoil broke out. There is no doubt that hatred for their neighbor and brethren were at stake. Race lines have been drawn, political parties have been drawn, economic lines have been drawn and yet in the wake of Hurricane Harvey all that has been set aside and none of it matters as people of all walks of life come together to help.
It's too bad it always takes something so drastic to bring people back together and show what really matters....LIFE! Human beings caring for one another's needs, giving sacrificially, lifting one another's burdens. Just doing right for a change and doing it in a heart of love! My eyes are teared over as I type this. This is the type of thing that reminds us of the Good Samaritan story in Scripture.
Hey, search online and on Facebook for pictures of everyday folks helping one another no matter what skin color, economic status or ideals they carry. It will lift your heart as yes, there is tragedy for many but there is giving and loving of those in the midst of the tragedy. This, this is the core of what in the past has made America great!!! No one cares what color, whether rich or poor, whether they agree politically or not....they are just helping. Isn't that what Jesus would want? Everyday!?
It's too bad it always takes something so drastic to bring people back together and show what really matters....LIFE! Human beings caring for one another's needs, giving sacrificially, lifting one another's burdens. Just doing right for a change and doing it in a heart of love! My eyes are teared over as I type this. This is the type of thing that reminds us of the Good Samaritan story in Scripture.
Hey, search online and on Facebook for pictures of everyday folks helping one another no matter what skin color, economic status or ideals they carry. It will lift your heart as yes, there is tragedy for many but there is giving and loving of those in the midst of the tragedy. This, this is the core of what in the past has made America great!!! No one cares what color, whether rich or poor, whether they agree politically or not....they are just helping. Isn't that what Jesus would want? Everyday!?
August 27, 2017
Creating a Home Through AROMA
I want to say upfront that this is a lesson I tweaked and pulled together from two different sources. I no longer have the book or other source to give credit to the creators. I make every lesson my own even when I borrow but I still prefer to give credit when I can.
Aroma is a pleasant odor (apparently if it is not pleasant then it is a smell or just plain stinky!)
Eph. 5:1-2
As Christians we should model Christ in love & become a sweet smelling sacrifice. We need to bring this first to our homes.
Affection
Respect
Order
Merriment
Affirmation
Atmosphere is the light that glows from inside a home. As wives and mothers we should want that atmosphere to be so inviting that family members can't wait to get inside. If we intentionally create affection, respect, order, merriment, and affirmation; then our family will want to experience that atmosphere again and again.
We'll look at each of the aspects of AROMA one by one.
AFFECTION - giving/having tender or loving touches or compliments
Ex. Hugs, kisses, caresses, praise, "I love yous"
Prov. 14:1 - build up others
Prov. 31:26 - speak kindly and with wisdom
Rom. 12:10 - show affection to each other
Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Model affection on a consistent basis
2. Don't withhold affection as a reaction to a child's or spouse's behavior
3. Know the person well enough to know what type of affection they prefer (some people don't like their feet touched, or are uncomfortable with public compliments)
RESPECT - holding other people in honor so they may recognize their own worth
**Self-worth & attitude are built brick by brick on loving acts of respect in all circumstances
Luke 6:31 - golden rule
Eph. 4:32 - be kind and forgiving
Eph. 5:22 - wives submit to husband as though to the Lord
Eph. 5:33 - men love wives & wives reverence
Eph. 6:2 - honor parents
Ex. Do kind gestures that family members would enjoy
Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Be generous with honoring members in life's ups & downs (allow mistakes & let them grow & learn)
2. Allow others their own opinions & ideas - even if you disagree
3. Confront self criticism with positive in put - be a cheerleader
4. Avoid hateful or disrespectful speech
5. Say "I'm sorry" & "please forgive me" quickly - this shows humbleness
ORDER - the act of managing and modeling godly leadership in the home, resulting in a refuge of calm
**Someone must be the anchor
**Others, especially children & spouse, have a hard time staying calm & peaceful in an atmosphere of chaos, turmoil & disarray
The purpose of order is to foster a sense of security within the boundaries & rules of the home by creating a habitual rhythm in daily routines & traditions
Prov. 16:32 - Keep in check & be slow to anger
Prov. 17:1 - Keep strife away
Prov. 29:15 - Train children & have rules
Prov. 31:27 - Keep up with the house & family
Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Make CLEAR rules that can be kept with consequences when broken
2. Set priorities for home and future goals
3. Keep home clean & free of messes
4. Create family traditions & habits - brings a sense of peace
5. Keep a calm spirit at all times (easier said than done!)
MERRIMENT - an atmosphere with uninhibited laughter & enthusiasm
Laughter and crying are two emotions that draw people closer together when shared.
Laughter has been proven to help offset illness
Prov. 15:13 - Facial expressions often reveal emotions
Prov. 17:22 - Laughter is like medicine
When I was growing up I was surrounded by love and laughter by a large extended family. These are some of the most vivid and precious memories I have from childhood.
Fun, laughter, and enthusiasm create a joyful and happy home
Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Do fun things as a family
2. Learn to laugh at yourself
3. Laughter should always be WITH but not AT someone
AFFIRMATION - positive declaration or confirming a clearly held position through kind words and actions
*Affirmation is a combination of all the other parts of AROMA to help hold & confirm the positive atmosphere of the home
I Thess. 5:11 - Edify and comfort each other
Guidelines to accomplish:
1. Use positive reinforcement through praise & encouragement
2. Help family members pursue their dreams & potential
3. Show mercy & forgiveness when mistakes are made
4. Communicate & be there when they need to talk
August 26, 2017
The Bible is NOT a Buffet!
We all love to go to buffet restaurants (which I believe more contributes to obesity than alot of fast food because everyone continues to go back so they "get their money's worth") and the reason we love them is because there is a large variety to choose from. You can pick and choose the foods you want and leave the ones you don't.
Unfortunately, many people use God's Word in the same way. They want to pick and choose what they want to believe and practice. God never intended us to do this. Now, I believe some things were written specifically to certain people or a certain person however, overall, the commands and expectations are a guideline for everyone who wants to be a child of God.
People tend to cling to verses that they like and explain away or rationalize why they don't have to follow other verses. This is even common to everyday Christians who attend church at every service. It's wrong!
I want to be as right with God as I can be on a daily basis. Yes, I often mess up that rightness with my sins but I am quickly repentant and asking forgiveness. I cannot be right with God if I ignore His Word. I can best accomplish staying right by knowing His Word and that comes only through reading, studying and hearing it preached and taught! God has much to say about being obedient and following His commands. Get in the Bible and read for yourself. And, don't pick and choose what to believe. Don't treat it like a buffet!
Unfortunately, many people use God's Word in the same way. They want to pick and choose what they want to believe and practice. God never intended us to do this. Now, I believe some things were written specifically to certain people or a certain person however, overall, the commands and expectations are a guideline for everyone who wants to be a child of God.
People tend to cling to verses that they like and explain away or rationalize why they don't have to follow other verses. This is even common to everyday Christians who attend church at every service. It's wrong!
I want to be as right with God as I can be on a daily basis. Yes, I often mess up that rightness with my sins but I am quickly repentant and asking forgiveness. I cannot be right with God if I ignore His Word. I can best accomplish staying right by knowing His Word and that comes only through reading, studying and hearing it preached and taught! God has much to say about being obedient and following His commands. Get in the Bible and read for yourself. And, don't pick and choose what to believe. Don't treat it like a buffet!
July 18, 2017
When You Question What You Thought You Knew
I've been wanting to blog about this topic for some time but wasn't sure how it would go over. I even wrote out first most of what I wanted to say so that I was careful in my presentation. I'm sure I will take some flack for what I'm about to post but I just want to give people something to consider.
A few years ago when the movie Soul Surfer came out, everyone kept telling me what a great movie it was and how it was helping to further the cause of Christ. I rented it when it came out on DVD. Now, first of all let me say I liked the part about being a survivor and overcoming. I can relate! It was inspiring as far as that goes. However, the almost complete nudity in the movie left me questioning my faith. Seriously, I was a mess for quite some time afterward. The teeny, tiny, floss like bikinis worn in the movie meant my husband and son couldn't watch. They tried and had to leave the room in order to protect their minds. Yes, the family in the movie attends church services (which the girls showed up late for and were dressed straight from surfing!) and their is a missions trip involved also, but I just couldn't get past all the inappropriate dress. After all, they could have worn the surfing body suits or something instead of displaying all that flesh. Other "Christian" movies have not compromised for ticket sales!
What had my mind messed up was how Christianity was being furthered under circumstances going against the commands of the Bible. I finally, after much Bible study and praying and soul searching came to the conclusion that Paul talks about in Philippians chapter 1. Whether Christ is preached in sincerity or in jest, (paraphrased) at least Christ is preached. Truthfully, this was the only way I could settle my mind and stop questioning what I believed to be true from God's Word.
Still, I think movies and shows that on one hand speak of Jesus, God and faith but on the other hand display Christians doing unchristian things, waters down Christianity. It gives the idea that you can be a Christian and still act in ways that go against God's Word and it's all ok and a barrel of laughs. God may forgive sin but never wants us to be complacent or nonchalant about it!!!
Let me here name another show--Duck Dynasty. While I know I have doctrinal issues different from the Robertson family, I love the personal testimonies and stances that they take that I have heard watching interviews outside of the show. While I do think there is much humor to the show, it drives me crazy how they pray at the end of each show yet during the show they are engaging in illegal activities such as poaching or trespassing and in my opinion the ladies are not as modestly dressed as they could be. All this is in fun. (BTW, if you think this was real life and not rehearsed or any reality show is unrehearsed you are naive!) Did you know that A&E wanted to do the show at first to make fun of the family?! Little did they know that many people in this country do still care about family and God and prayer. The country certainly allowed A&E to get rich using this family. Even when they threatened to kick people off or tried to tone down the God talk, people boycotted and stopped A&E from doing so.
Because they are famous and acting in these ways, I believe it has gone a long way to adding to the nonchalant Christianity we see today. There is no blush left. There is no striving to live a life pleasing to God. It is the attitude of "I am saved and going to heaven so how I live daily doesn't matter". So many people are on Facebook quoting scripture on one post and dropping curse words or sexual innuendos on the next! Many are sharing pictures and posts about getting drunk and think they are right with God just because they are saved. Now, I know that when we ask forgiveness for our sins that we are forgiven. However, I can't help but wonder how many actually are sorry and ask God to forgive them after they got drunk! or do they just go on in their everyday life never giving it another thought that they have offended a holy God?
You may be thinking that I am taking things way too seriously. Well, let me just say that Christians acting in unchristian ways is why my father in law will not get saved!! Too many Christians, or Baptists he knows have cheated him in a sales contract or he's watched them sleeping around outside of marriage or covering up someone else's sin. He has no need of what we try to offer from God's Word. He is just fine. So, my question to you is...Who are you preventing from accepting Jesus as their Savior? Maybe your nonchalant attitude is sending someone who is watching you straight to hell! Sobering thought, huh?! BTW, I have fallen short of always conducting myself in a Christian manner and will stand before God someday for the stumblingblock I have been to others. So there are three fingers pointing at myself as my one is pointing at you. I am convicted when I mess up in this fashion and try to be aware of my conduct.
I just think that if you are claiming the name Christian --- THEN ACT LIKE THE CHILD OF THE KING YOU BELONG TO!!! Sure, all of us will stumble and even fall (I recently blogged about this but it's a heart issue!) but there is a difference in that and one of total disregard for God's Word. Having the attitude that you are saved and on your way to heaven but can live your life any old way you want to and think God is pleased makes you an immature Christian who may be causing someone else to never accept the gift of Salvation.
Everyone thinks that Jesus brought in the age of grace and He did. However, Jesus didn't do away with the moral law only the ceremonial law. He actually raised the bar....thou shalt not commit adultery became, whosoever looks on a woman with lust has committed adultery in his heart already and thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy became love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you. Pretty high standards!
I know this was long but I hope it makes someone out there reading think about their actions. Also, if you look around and see the things that I see, find peace in God's Word. Study it, and use it to respectfully rebuke and train.
A few years ago when the movie Soul Surfer came out, everyone kept telling me what a great movie it was and how it was helping to further the cause of Christ. I rented it when it came out on DVD. Now, first of all let me say I liked the part about being a survivor and overcoming. I can relate! It was inspiring as far as that goes. However, the almost complete nudity in the movie left me questioning my faith. Seriously, I was a mess for quite some time afterward. The teeny, tiny, floss like bikinis worn in the movie meant my husband and son couldn't watch. They tried and had to leave the room in order to protect their minds. Yes, the family in the movie attends church services (which the girls showed up late for and were dressed straight from surfing!) and their is a missions trip involved also, but I just couldn't get past all the inappropriate dress. After all, they could have worn the surfing body suits or something instead of displaying all that flesh. Other "Christian" movies have not compromised for ticket sales!
What had my mind messed up was how Christianity was being furthered under circumstances going against the commands of the Bible. I finally, after much Bible study and praying and soul searching came to the conclusion that Paul talks about in Philippians chapter 1. Whether Christ is preached in sincerity or in jest, (paraphrased) at least Christ is preached. Truthfully, this was the only way I could settle my mind and stop questioning what I believed to be true from God's Word.
Still, I think movies and shows that on one hand speak of Jesus, God and faith but on the other hand display Christians doing unchristian things, waters down Christianity. It gives the idea that you can be a Christian and still act in ways that go against God's Word and it's all ok and a barrel of laughs. God may forgive sin but never wants us to be complacent or nonchalant about it!!!
Let me here name another show--Duck Dynasty. While I know I have doctrinal issues different from the Robertson family, I love the personal testimonies and stances that they take that I have heard watching interviews outside of the show. While I do think there is much humor to the show, it drives me crazy how they pray at the end of each show yet during the show they are engaging in illegal activities such as poaching or trespassing and in my opinion the ladies are not as modestly dressed as they could be. All this is in fun. (BTW, if you think this was real life and not rehearsed or any reality show is unrehearsed you are naive!) Did you know that A&E wanted to do the show at first to make fun of the family?! Little did they know that many people in this country do still care about family and God and prayer. The country certainly allowed A&E to get rich using this family. Even when they threatened to kick people off or tried to tone down the God talk, people boycotted and stopped A&E from doing so.
Because they are famous and acting in these ways, I believe it has gone a long way to adding to the nonchalant Christianity we see today. There is no blush left. There is no striving to live a life pleasing to God. It is the attitude of "I am saved and going to heaven so how I live daily doesn't matter". So many people are on Facebook quoting scripture on one post and dropping curse words or sexual innuendos on the next! Many are sharing pictures and posts about getting drunk and think they are right with God just because they are saved. Now, I know that when we ask forgiveness for our sins that we are forgiven. However, I can't help but wonder how many actually are sorry and ask God to forgive them after they got drunk! or do they just go on in their everyday life never giving it another thought that they have offended a holy God?
You may be thinking that I am taking things way too seriously. Well, let me just say that Christians acting in unchristian ways is why my father in law will not get saved!! Too many Christians, or Baptists he knows have cheated him in a sales contract or he's watched them sleeping around outside of marriage or covering up someone else's sin. He has no need of what we try to offer from God's Word. He is just fine. So, my question to you is...Who are you preventing from accepting Jesus as their Savior? Maybe your nonchalant attitude is sending someone who is watching you straight to hell! Sobering thought, huh?! BTW, I have fallen short of always conducting myself in a Christian manner and will stand before God someday for the stumblingblock I have been to others. So there are three fingers pointing at myself as my one is pointing at you. I am convicted when I mess up in this fashion and try to be aware of my conduct.
I just think that if you are claiming the name Christian --- THEN ACT LIKE THE CHILD OF THE KING YOU BELONG TO!!! Sure, all of us will stumble and even fall (I recently blogged about this but it's a heart issue!) but there is a difference in that and one of total disregard for God's Word. Having the attitude that you are saved and on your way to heaven but can live your life any old way you want to and think God is pleased makes you an immature Christian who may be causing someone else to never accept the gift of Salvation.
Everyone thinks that Jesus brought in the age of grace and He did. However, Jesus didn't do away with the moral law only the ceremonial law. He actually raised the bar....thou shalt not commit adultery became, whosoever looks on a woman with lust has committed adultery in his heart already and thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy became love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you. Pretty high standards!
I know this was long but I hope it makes someone out there reading think about their actions. Also, if you look around and see the things that I see, find peace in God's Word. Study it, and use it to respectfully rebuke and train.
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