The winds of change is a term often used when someone can sense or feel things are stirring and about to change. Funny thing about winds. Some are soft and gentle and some are strong and cool and yet some are forceful and even twisting like a tornado.
Sometimes when change comes God uses a soft breeze to gently guide and direct you in a particular direction. Just ever so lightly nudging you on. These winds are pleasant and feel good and make you smile and enjoy the ride.
Sometimes He must use stronger winds that are cold and damp and bring sudden gusts that are uncomfortable. Usually this happens because we didn't allow Him to move us with the gentle breeze.
Sometimes he sends the tornado to twist our lives into chaos and turmoil and quickly change things up. This also can be due to not allowing yourself to move with the earlier winds but sometimes they just come because it is part of God's plan to mold and shape you and rip you from a particular path and quickly move you where He wants you. He is always at work and no matter which wind He sends, you can trust that it is for your good and for His glory even when you don't understand.
This week I feel like the tornado ripped through and not only will I have to wait for debris to be cleared and for wounds I received during to heal but I must also wait for a clear path to go down on that future gentle breeze which I know God will send again. Praise God nothing comes to stay on this earth. For all things come to pass.
Tonight, the remaining faithful members decided to close Rock Solid Baptist Church that was planted 7 years ago on May 6, 2007. I do not have answers to the questions that many may have about this. I just know that we feel we gave our best and did all we knew to do. There were many good times, much struggle, many lives changed for eternity and many who grew in knowledge of God's Word. However, numbers would not hold and sustain the finances of the church even after downsizing almost 3 years ago to a smaller building. The church simply wouldn't continue to grow as it had the first two years, no matter the effort. It was a very difficult decision for my husband to make. He has prayed, struggled and agonized over it for nearly 2 years but just always decided to keep pressing forward even though seasoned pastors had counseled against it. The state of the finances of the church helped this week to make the decision.
This wind of change was a strong one for sure. It took with it a church, a dream, identities and a sense of belonging that brings a feeling of security. I feel a little lost and unsure of what to do except to read my Bible, pray, find a church that will allow us to heal (been there before) and trust God to give us another opportunity to lead and serve.
This is not the first tornado God has sent my way. There have been many in my life. He has always brought me through. Somehow, He strengthens me, comforts me, holds me up and gives me joy despite the rough times.
I'm sure that I will use this blog as an outlet to sort through my feelings and desires and try to figure out and understand where the path will lead as the debris begins to be cleared. I hope that it will be a help and encouragement to someone else as I bounce ideas and thoughts on here.
Just some thoughts to share today.
Has anyone noticed the condition of the world and especially the USA? This week President Obama signed into law something that is supposed to help women receive equal pay. I believe this is just a ploy to boost his ratings and help the democratic party because it has already been reported that in his own White House staff the women make less than their male coworkers! If he really believed in gender equality he would live it by example. I DO believe that all qualified people, doing the same work should get the same pay. However, women should not necessarily be taking up those work positions that take away from men being able to fill the roles. I know that there are some women who must work. There are some women who are single and need a way to support themselves and their kids. My mom was a widow at age 30 with a 12 year old and a 9 year old to support and that was in 1979. While there are survivor benefits it is often not enough to live on so she had to go to work. But too often women are working because of a sense of pride, ego, wanting to climb the corporate ladder, to "be somebody", etc. They do not HAVE to work. They just WANT to work! They do not feel fulfilled staying home, taking care of the kids and keeping the house and helping be a support to her husband. Even tho this is what God says is their first priority! Welp, let me say that being a homemaker is a full time job when done correctly! Anyhoo, I don't want to jump too far off in this direction because that is not the point of the post today.
This was just a jumping off spot to the real point. I believe what every woman wants ... deep down... even if they are a big "women's libber" is this... they want a knight in shining armour. They want to be defended, protected and taken care of. They want a hero! The problem is that women have the attitude that they can do it themselves, without a man. "They are woman, hear them roar". They can do it every bit as good as a man and actually better. Then, when a man doesn't hold the door open for them in public, or offer to pay when on a date, or help them when the car is broke down; they get upset and call men jerks. Welp, ladies, the women of the world have trained the men this way! You demand your equal rights instead of the place that God intended for you...which is upon a pedestal with dignity and respect and nurture. You have taken away their opportunity to treat you this way by your attitude. You want to be in charge and have their place in society. You want their jobs. You want to even fight beside them in the military! You want to wear their clothes, their colors and many like it when men wear women's colors. Welp, as my husband says the world has for years trained a generation to "chickafy" the man and "masculatize" the woman to the point of there is no difference. We are all just people. We are the same. Well, in God's eyes as far as love and salvation goes, this is true. However, God made them male and female. He made them different with different roles.
I say, leave pink and purple to the ladies and leave camo to the men! Btw, you can shoot a gun with a dress on if necessary! Pioneer women did!
I know that women are strong and intelligent. As a matter of fact, I believe women are better at improvising than men. We have had to be. We have to learn to overcome because we are not as physically strong as men. Therefore, we have to figure out ways to get a job done. It may not be the technically correct way to do it but it will be accomplished! I believe we are the reason and the ones who coined the phrase "Where there's a will, there's a way". When I say women are strong, I believe it is more mental than physical tho it is true that if men experienced the pain of labor and giving birth the human race would have ended! hee hee! Some of the strongest people I know are women. They tend to keep going even through tough times and are less likely to give up than most men.
I'm rambling now and I'm sorry for that but someone who reads this must need something in it because the thoughts just keep flowing.
Back to title of post. If you want a knight or a hero, then give the man an opportunity to be one!
Been thinking a lot lately about standards. My own and those of people I know and those of the world. Everyone seems to have the attitude that God doesn't care as long as.....
As long as you show up for church He doesn't care what kind of church it is (I believe it should be preaching and teaching the whole word of God and correct doctrine), as long as you give an offering of some kind, as long as you obey regardless of the attitude that goes with it, as long as you are in a skirt or dress of some kind, as long as you go to church 3 times a week regardless of the attitude in which you listen to the preaching, as long as you take a turn cleaning the church building regardless of how you gripe about it while doing it, as long as you don't drink to the point of drunkenness, as long as you are not as bad as the person down the street or down the aisle at church....get the meaning?
Welp, I don't know how your Bible may read but mine has very specific and detailed commands for God's people in it. God cared and cares about the smallest details of everything. He demanded and expected perfection and still does; not just any old thing will do. He expects His commands to be followed. The story of Cain and Abel is a good example of what God wanted and expected. God had respect for Abel's offering which followed His commands. A lamb of the firstlings and the fat thereof. It says that Cain brought an offering from the field. Not the kind God demanded just an offering and more than likely not even his best of the field.
God gave very specific details about how the sacrifices should be done, about the smallest details of how the tabernacle and the temple would be built, about how the priests would handle things and how they would dress and who would be the priests. Men were killed by God for putting "strange fire" on the altar!
Numbers 18:29 - Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part thereof out of it.
Lev. 22:21 - And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted, there shall be no blemish therein.
Not just any old offering will do. Not just showing up will do, not just any old clothing, not just half hearted attempts will do when you know to do better or more.
James 4:17 - Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
I have long believed that with great knowledge comes great responsibility. And God does hold someone with knowledge more accountable than someone without it.
I believe that God wants our best not our leftovers. Not just half hearted compliance but full commitment. I'm quite sure that everyone of us has been guilty of not giving 100% or our best to the Lord at times. That doesn't make it right. How often have we said to our kids, "Just because others are doing it, doesn't mean it is right"?
We should never ever judge ourselves by the best others are doing. Jesus and God are the examples and who should be setting our standards. When it is not spelled out exactly in black and white and red in the Bible by God then we must look to examples, principles, and ideas brought forth in the Bible.
Some say that the Bible doesn't say not to drink alcohol but the Bible DOES say not to be drunk. I say that you never know which swallow will tip you to that point of drunk (by the way, buzzed is drunk!). The Bible says to be clear headed.
Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13
Some say that it doesn't say for a woman to not wear pants. I agree. It DOES say that a woman is not to put on that which pertaineth to a man. (nor vice versa by the way) The Bible DOES say that a woman is to be modest in her appearance and that a meek and quiet spirit is to be her ornament. 1 Peter 3:1-6 Now, some say that there are women's pants and men's pants. I agree, though since the 90s and the "unisex" idea came about rampidly, there is less of a distinction. I believe it is much more difficult to achieve modesty in a pair of pants. Here's the thing, Christians are to be different than the world. We have been sanctified (or set apart) so why not look it? Do I think a woman can be a Godly woman in pants? Sure. Do I think all woman who wear only modest dresses and skirts are always Godly? Absolutely not! But, I want people to know right away that I am different. Many, many times I have been in a public place and had someone ask me where I go to church. Due to my appearance they are convinced I am a Christian and that is why I look the way I do. I have asked them why they assume I go to church and that is ALWAYS the reply! Unfortunately, I have not always had my words and actions display the same thing as my outward appearance. I sometimes do fleshly things. Those are things I must and do confess to God. I was a huge tomboy growing up and despised skirts. Not til the second year of my husband's ministry did I make changes in my dress. I like wearing skirts because they remind me to keep myself in check and be more lady like. I believe whole heartedly that if I can't do it in a skirt - or at the very least in Culottes, then I don't need to be doing it. No more excuses. I don't really wear Culottes much anymore. Only on uuggh days or cleaning days and I only rarely wear them out in public. As I type this post, I am convicted further about my church clothes on Wednesday nights. I often wear a denim skirt and sometimes a sweatshirt. That certainly is not my best. It is what is comfortable for me at the time. I don't have a problem with denim skirts (tho some do) but throwing on a sweatshirt to be comfortable instead of a nice top is being complacent and not giving God the honor He deserves. I know, that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit if I am saved but we go to church to worship, to praise, to learn more about God and His Word and what He wants and expects. ...To grow in maturity as a Christian. I wouldn't throw on old clothes to go meet someone who I idolized on this earth.
I think it is funny how so many get new Easter dresses and come to church all fancied up on that day when it more than likely is not to reverence God, it is to show off to others their new duds. Just saying. On Easter and Christmas the whole church will be fancied up as though God only deserves that on those two days.
Mostly, it is a heart issue. It is, why do I come to church? Is it just because you are supposed to? Do you want to grow and learn and become a better Christian? It is, why do I not want to dress up for church? You figure that God doesn't care. That He accepts you any old way. Hmm, re-read your Bible and see His explicit attention to details in every aspect. Why do I want to wear jeans? Why do I want to wear a mini skirt or a low cut top or tight jeans? You ladies know why you want to! Deep down you know! You want to draw attention to yourself. (the same goes for men who wear tight jeans and shirts that show off body build) Attention that is why. Well, you are a stumbling block to others when you do that. You may cause someone to lust. Someone other than your own husband or wife. Why do you not get more involved and help at church? Is it because you look around and think I already do more than so and so? Even though the Lord is burdening you in a particular area about serving in some way.
So, should we have the attitude of "good enough" or should we be giving our best? By the way, just because something isn't spelled out as a sin in the Bible doesn't mean it is good or right for us.
1 Corinthians 10:23 - All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Not all things are expedient (suitable for achieving a particular end). Not all things edify (to instruct and improve in moral and religious knowledge).
Some things are weights to us. They may not be sinful but if they keep us from better serving God, from prayer life, from family life (which God ordained), from Bible reading, from telling other about Jesus then they are weights that keep us from running our race to the best of our ability.
I think good enough or best can be summed up in the verse ...
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Prove what is good and acceptable and prefect. Don't give God the left overs, or good enough. Give Him the best!
Jesus gave His best! He gave His life on the cross to keep us from the torture of hell!
God knows that we will never be perfect on this earth. That is why Jesus came. But God does expect us to strive for it. He says Be ye holy for I am holy. He also says Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God,...1 Peter 1:16 and 1 Kings 8:61.
In a couple days it will be the first day of spring! Yay! Though here in Missouri, you'd not know it from the weather. We have been teased with a few days of warmth here and there like Saturday with temps around 60 but then lows in the 20s overnight and rain, sleet, freezing rain, and snow on Sunday. Only about an inch or two but not much warming today so it is sticking around. The weather man promises warmer temps beginning tomorrow through the end of the week. Next week is warmer but below normal they predict.
Spring always makes me think of new beginnings and plants and trees greening up and flowering. Many people think of new beginnings at the start of the new year and I do too ... some; but spring hits me harder with it. Easter is approaching and of course that makes me think of the resurrection of Jesus and the new life promised to everyone who believes and puts their faith in the work He did on the cross.
Thinking about new beginnings makes me contemplate things I've learned. The lessons I've learned over my lifetime. Really, this blog is about that I reckon. The lessons in my dash so to speak. I have been observing and noticing people as I am out and about just living and doing in my daily life. There are some days I would love some do overs and most assuredly I'd love to have the energy and less hurting and body aches, sagging, wrinkles and gray hairs like I had in my younger days. However, I'm not sure I'd give that in return for the wisdom and knowledge I've gained.
It is funny how when you are a teenager and even young adult in your 20s how you think you are quite something. You do things and say things and act in ways that are so immature and harmful to yourself and especially others. I recently watched a group of teen girls walking across two parking lots and then on down the sidewalk laughing, rolling their eyes, swaying their hips and prancing as though they had the world by the tail and were in complete control. I smiled to myself and thought, "you know absolutely nothing yet." I could hear them talking about "Geeks" and "Skanks" and how wonderful one of their boyfriend's is. You can't blame them for their attitude really. They are just young and have much to learn still. They don't know that life is waiting to teach and mold them in ways they never could imagine as of yet. They don't realize that they are not all they think they are and that life is not fantasy land. Marriage, parenthood, college, careers, energy, health, family are real life and never turn out completely the way you think. God often has other plans.
I'd love to take back all the mean things I did and said to others over my lifetime but it would take a whole second lifetime to do so. Young people are more apt to live selfishly and go with the flow of their peers rather than stand up for doing right. Unfortunately, this doesn't always fall to just teens and young adults. Some people are 40 before they learn to stop living for self only and some never learn. I am fully aware that kids today learn hard life lessons at younger and younger ages because parents have stopped parenting correctly, but for the most part their life is a daily drama. (Especially the girls - this knowledge was well learned after working with teen youth groups for 4 years) They don't know that the $400 dress for a school dance is not the be all end all in life or that not getting a new hair cut or latest in-style shoes is not as important as paying the electric bill. Parents CAN teach and help them to understand in an appropriate way. Many kids whose parents are in full time ministry are forced to be taught these lessons. Not all of them must learn it but many do.
There are some people who seem to have a natural instinct of compassion to others even as a toddler but the average person I think learns that much later in life. It comes from being humbled through life's events and from just plain old maturing as we grow older. It comes from realizing that self isn't quite as important as we once thought. The old acronym of JOY will always apply. Jesus first, others second and yourself last is the way in life that brings the most happiness and joy.
I'm not sure that this post was anything more than me just rambling but I have had these ideas and thoughts rolling through my mind for almost a week and decided I needed to put them on here. I hope it made some sense to those who read it ... though I know that I don't have many readers maybe it will be a help to someone.
Was reading in a book this morning about perseverance and what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7...I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
The Bible often compares life, especially the Christian life as a race. A race to be run. A race that is sometimes uphill and hard and in need of strength, endurance and determination to finish.
Sooo, how's your race? See so many people have great starts but lousy endings? It is not just important HOW you run the race. It is important that you FINISH the race on the course, also! So what if you run great for the first part and out do everyone else if you never make it to the finish line!? Some people cheat and take short cuts or quit.
First of all, to start the Christian race you must be saved. You must have come to a point in your life where you recognize that you are a sinner. If you ever sinned one time ever in your life then you are a sinner in need of saving. If you rob a bank only once, you are a bank robber. If you intentionally kill one person, you are a murderer. If you tell one lie ever, you are a liar and the Bible says all liars go to hell too. So you need to be saved from that wrath of God. However, Jesus came to earth to die and then raise from the dead after three days to conquer death for us. He died to pay the debt of sin you and I owe but he rose to give us victory over death and eternal life in heaven with Him if we believe on Him, accept His payment for our sin and ask Him to forgive us and save us. It is that simple. At that point you begin the race!
Will you sometimes fall during that race? Yep. But you get up, repent, confess it to God and try to do better. You keep on going! Now, all races have a course to follow. God has a perfect and exact and individual course for every one of us. Some people's courses have more hills and valleys and loop da loops, some have waters to cross and pit falls and some have more smooth courses that go in twisty turns. His desire if for everyone's race to be a Christian race though he knows that some will not choose to enter that race. God wants us to "Stay the Course". He wants us to use His map (the Bible) to navigate the course. We learn about the map by reading it, studying it and listening to preaching and teaching from it so that we can better understand it.
So often people decide to veer from the course. Some even turn around and go back towards the starting line or never leave the starting line. They refuse to run the race thinking they can't and so they don't even try. Some quit the course and race all together. These are the ones who have lousy endings or finishes. They decide God's race is too much work, takes too much time or whatever and so they decide they want to leave the course God mapped out and do it their own way in life. The prize is the rewards you receive in heaven one of which may be hearing "Well done thou good and faithful servant". I want to hear that more than anything!
The Apostle Paul knew he was about to die for preaching the gospel. That is why he said he had finished the course. He had reached the point of death (the finish line) but he didn't just cross the finish line with dying he also kept the faith all the way to the finish line. That should be the goal of every Christian. Staying the course all the way to the finish line!
So run the race ... on the course God mapped ... that you may obtain.
Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Thought I'd share ideas to be a good Valentine to your spouse...
1. Be Kind and Thoughtful...do something little for your loved one.
2. Give a foot massage or a full body massage. (cocoa butter oil is cheap at Walmart!)
3. Serve breakfast in bed.
4. Go watch a sunset or a sunrise ... You could even make out ... you are married!
5. Have a picnic on the living room floor.
6. Write a love note.
7. Write a poem.
8. Light candles and relax in bed and talk or whatever.
9. Re-live a date from courting days.
10. Find out a fantasy or dream and try to fulfill it.
***Just KNOW your spouse and figure out what they would love and do it!!!
Ingredients:
1 box oven ready lasagna noodles
4 T. butter
1-2 T. minced garlic
1 med. onion chopped
4 T. flour
2 T. cornstarch
2 c. milk
1 c. heavy cream
1/4 t. black pepper
1 t. salt
1 t. basil
1/2 t. oregano
8 oz. cream cheese cut in cubes
2/3 c. Parmesan cheese
2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 c. cottage cheese
1 egg, beaten
1-2 cans chicken breast, drained or 2 c. cooked chicken breast, diced
(amount of chicken depends on how meaty you want it)
1 c. mozzarella cheese
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Saute onions and garlic until translucent. Add flour and cornstarch, stirring to mix. Add milk and heavy cream, pepper, salt and basil, & oregano whisking til well mixed. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly.
Add cream cheese and reduce heat to med-low. Cook and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring to mix well. Remove from heat. ***If it gets too thick add more milk til desired consistency.
In a separate large bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese and chicken with the egg.
Grease 9X13 pan. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom of the dish. Top with half the chicken mixture. Put a layer of noodles on top of mixture. Top with half the white sauce. Continue layering ending with sauce. Sprinkle remaining cup of mozzarella cheese on top to cover. Bake uncovered at 350 for 30-40 minutes or til lightly browned.
***Double this recipe to make a large (truly lasagna size - 11.5 X 16.5) for large gatherings.
