Remember next time you are tempted to look sideways at a brother or sister for an action of theirs that you are only a step away yourself from "falling off of the curb" (or mis-stepping, trespassing, SINNING). Put yourself in their shoes for a minute in your mind and ponder not only how you would feel but also if you would be in need of a friend. Would your heart not be even more deeply burdened by the gawking and slander of seemingly perfect people? And at what point was it that you yourself reached perfection? We are told in the fourth chapter of the book of James to not speak evil against one another or to judge (v. 11), and that there is only one lawgiver and judge and he is able to save and destroy (v. 12) - what can you do for that person? You can do what Christ would!
Would Christ turn his head the other way when that person comes walking across their path because he is worried he might say something wrong as a result of his own harsh opinion? He would put his loving arm around that person's shoulder and gently guide him back in the direction he needs to go and will speak the sweet words, "You are forgiven."
That is exactly how we need to be - full of grace and forgiveness, and willing to help one another get back to where we need to be.
(Disclaimer: This post is not being written because I have a specific example in mind of when this was done. I am not writing this to any one or group of individuals and it does also apply to myself. It is just simply something that I came to realize tonight and I hope it is taken well. Sometimes words of truth are not what we want to hear and can be perceived as harsh. I am not saying this to judge those who are doing the judging either, but rather to encourage them to look at the picture a little differently. I also do realize that not everyone is approachable and willing to accept the help of others, but we can still show grace without speaking!)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A little bit of humor..
My sisters and I put together a quick comic strip after dinner tonight about our mother who has an unending supply of great new ideas for what she will sew next for her etsy shop! We love you, Mom!
Oh, the little scribbles on the wall on slide number 3 are of Ava's special touch.
Oh, the little scribbles on the wall on slide number 3 are of Ava's special touch.
"Christ is All"
“If a man has Christ, then what does he want else? If a man has Christ, he has everything. If I want perfection, and I have Christ, I have absolute perfection in Him. If I want righteousness, I shall find in Him my beauty and my glorious dress.
I want pardon, and if I have Christ, I am pardoned. I want heaven, and if I have Christ, I have the Prince of heaven, and shall be there by-and-bye, to live with Christ, and to dwell in His blessed embrace for ever. If you have Christ, you have all.
Do not be desponding, do not give ear to the whisperings of Satan that you are not the children of God; for if you have Christ, you are His people, and other things will come by-and-bye. Christ makes you complete in Himself; as the apostle says, “Ye are complete in Him.”
I think of poor Mary Magdalene. She would have nothing to bring of her own. She would remember that she had been a harlot but when she comes to heaven’s gates, she will say, ‘I have Christ,’ and the command will go forth, ‘Let her in, Gabriel; let her in.’
If a man has Christ, he has all for eternity. And if he has not Christ, he is poor, and blind, and naked, and will be miserable forever. Will not you, then, who are listening to me now, resolve, in the strength of the Lord, to seek Him at once, and make Him your Friend?
No matter what may be your state or condition, you are invited to come to Him. Ye blind, ye lame, who are far from Christ, come to Him, and receive your sight, and obtain strength! He is made your all; you need bring nothing in your hand to come to Him.
‘Ah!’ says one, ‘I am not good enough yet.’ Beggars do not talk thus: they consider that, the more needy they are, the more likely are they to obtain that for which they ask. The worse the dress, the better for begging. It is the same with respect to the gospel.
You are invited to come to Christ just as you are, naked and miserable, that He may clothe and comfort you.”
–Charles H. Spurgeon, “Christ is All” an exposition of Colossians 3:11 delivered on February 18, 1915, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England.
I want pardon, and if I have Christ, I am pardoned. I want heaven, and if I have Christ, I have the Prince of heaven, and shall be there by-and-bye, to live with Christ, and to dwell in His blessed embrace for ever. If you have Christ, you have all.
Do not be desponding, do not give ear to the whisperings of Satan that you are not the children of God; for if you have Christ, you are His people, and other things will come by-and-bye. Christ makes you complete in Himself; as the apostle says, “Ye are complete in Him.”
I think of poor Mary Magdalene. She would have nothing to bring of her own. She would remember that she had been a harlot but when she comes to heaven’s gates, she will say, ‘I have Christ,’ and the command will go forth, ‘Let her in, Gabriel; let her in.’
If a man has Christ, he has all for eternity. And if he has not Christ, he is poor, and blind, and naked, and will be miserable forever. Will not you, then, who are listening to me now, resolve, in the strength of the Lord, to seek Him at once, and make Him your Friend?
No matter what may be your state or condition, you are invited to come to Him. Ye blind, ye lame, who are far from Christ, come to Him, and receive your sight, and obtain strength! He is made your all; you need bring nothing in your hand to come to Him.
‘Ah!’ says one, ‘I am not good enough yet.’ Beggars do not talk thus: they consider that, the more needy they are, the more likely are they to obtain that for which they ask. The worse the dress, the better for begging. It is the same with respect to the gospel.
You are invited to come to Christ just as you are, naked and miserable, that He may clothe and comfort you.”
–Charles H. Spurgeon, “Christ is All” an exposition of Colossians 3:11 delivered on February 18, 1915, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England.
Friday, October 15, 2010
First Love
"So, beloved, if we live near to Christ, we cannot help loving him: the heart that is near Jesus must be full of his love. But when we live days and weeks and months without personal intercourse, without real fellowship, how can we maintain love towards a stranger? He must be a friend, and we must stick close to him, as he sticks close to us—closer than a brother; or else, we shall never have our first love."
I just finished listening to this sermon by C.H. Spurgeon this morning on the Declension From First Love. The message is based on Revelation 2:4 where Paul is speaking to the church at Ephesus. The Ephesians had seemingly everything in order in their church, but they were missing something important - they had left their First Love.
Brothers and Sisters, if you are suffering today, perhaps it is that you have lost your first love. Maybe your walk is well seasoned but your passion for God has dissipated. Or perhaps you are a young Christian and you are still blossoming - the fire has not gone out but is burning brightly. We must remember that it is bound to happen to all of us that the fire will go out for a time. The points that Spurgeon makes here are helpful in guarding against that likelihood of letting your First Love slip away from your hearts and minds and also in getting your First Love back.
There are so many points I want to make here, but I'm afraid I'd go into too much detail and then prevent you from actually listening to the message which is given much better than I ever could (possibly because I'm not intended to)! So I will end my portion here and allow you to move forth and fill your cup with spiritual goodness.
So here it is:
"Declension From First Love"
C.H. Spurgeon
I just finished listening to this sermon by C.H. Spurgeon this morning on the Declension From First Love. The message is based on Revelation 2:4 where Paul is speaking to the church at Ephesus. The Ephesians had seemingly everything in order in their church, but they were missing something important - they had left their First Love.
Brothers and Sisters, if you are suffering today, perhaps it is that you have lost your first love. Maybe your walk is well seasoned but your passion for God has dissipated. Or perhaps you are a young Christian and you are still blossoming - the fire has not gone out but is burning brightly. We must remember that it is bound to happen to all of us that the fire will go out for a time. The points that Spurgeon makes here are helpful in guarding against that likelihood of letting your First Love slip away from your hearts and minds and also in getting your First Love back.
There are so many points I want to make here, but I'm afraid I'd go into too much detail and then prevent you from actually listening to the message which is given much better than I ever could (possibly because I'm not intended to)! So I will end my portion here and allow you to move forth and fill your cup with spiritual goodness.
So here it is:
"Declension From First Love"
C.H. Spurgeon
Thursday, September 23, 2010
L.O.V.E.
God's love is perfected in us if we love because he loved... [1 John 4:7-12]
This love (agape) is not the love that we as humans are capable of producing on our own based on feelings/emotions. This love is a selfless love - a love that we may only receive from God. A love poured out through us, given us by the Holy Spirit. It is a sacrificial love. A love that gives without expectation. A love that gives unconditionally. It is through this love that we love one another as Christ loved us.
The perfect example of this kind of love was acted out when He sent his Son to die on the cross for undeserving sinners (us!) to provide eternal life through the ultimate sacrifice.
"By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." 1 John 3:16
So with that being said... let us LOVE!
(It is so exciting to be able to understand these things!!!! OK, This is the end of my thought process for it is late. It is bedtime now... Goodnight my nonexistent readers!)
This love (agape) is not the love that we as humans are capable of producing on our own based on feelings/emotions. This love is a selfless love - a love that we may only receive from God. A love poured out through us, given us by the Holy Spirit. It is a sacrificial love. A love that gives without expectation. A love that gives unconditionally. It is through this love that we love one another as Christ loved us.
The perfect example of this kind of love was acted out when He sent his Son to die on the cross for undeserving sinners (us!) to provide eternal life through the ultimate sacrifice.
"By this we know love, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." 1 John 3:16
So with that being said... let us LOVE!
(It is so exciting to be able to understand these things!!!! OK, This is the end of my thought process for it is late. It is bedtime now... Goodnight my nonexistent readers!)
Monday, September 20, 2010
Puzzles and Cups
I am often amazed at God's timing of things and how he brings about little pieces of wisdom to fill our personal puzzles with.
I continue to be thankful for the fact that I am able to serve a God who is not only gracious but loves to see us happy and bless us.
Today, my cup is full.
"For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the work of your hands I sing for joy." Psalm 92:4
I continue to be thankful for the fact that I am able to serve a God who is not only gracious but loves to see us happy and bless us.
Today, my cup is full.
"For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the work of your hands I sing for joy." Psalm 92:4
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
What A Savior!
"When the cares of my heart are many, your consolation cheers my soul." Psalm 94:19
I am so thankful for God's mercy and grace, and the joy he fills me with even amidst the most pugnacious of trials. Thank you, God, for all you do - for never leaving or forsaking your children.
I am so thankful for God's mercy and grace, and the joy he fills me with even amidst the most pugnacious of trials. Thank you, God, for all you do - for never leaving or forsaking your children.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Words by Jim Elliot
"O Lord, against this bosom blast
of coiled and seething feelings.
Batt'ring passions, ebbing yearnings,
oozing ache of inner man,
Raise Thou the flinty walls of stuff of
which Thy Son was made,
Yea, build in me the buttressed
bastions of faith.
That shall resist the undersucking flow
of soulish tide,
And make me to endure this late attack.
I pray, in Jesus' name."
Written by Jim Elliot.
Taken from Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot.
of coiled and seething feelings.
Batt'ring passions, ebbing yearnings,
oozing ache of inner man,
Raise Thou the flinty walls of stuff of
which Thy Son was made,
Yea, build in me the buttressed
bastions of faith.
That shall resist the undersucking flow
of soulish tide,
And make me to endure this late attack.
I pray, in Jesus' name."
Written by Jim Elliot.
Taken from Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot.
Monday, August 23, 2010
New Perspective
It is funny how we can read things (scriptures, stories, books...) over and over again and each time we read it we get something new out of it. I read an article today and it hit me in a different way than ever before. It was much needed considering a recent development in my life.
Reading this article and grabbing something new from it made me think of how much I love tjat God brings things into perspective at the perfect time. One can read the same passage over and over again and perhaps get something out of it (but not everything), or maybe nothing at all.. But then comes a point in our lives when a lesson is needed to be taught or when we really need to be reminded of the love that Christ has for us and how we are not ever alone with Him and God then points something huge out. He is so good. How can anyone ever doubt Him?!
Reading this article and grabbing something new from it made me think of how much I love tjat God brings things into perspective at the perfect time. One can read the same passage over and over again and perhaps get something out of it (but not everything), or maybe nothing at all.. But then comes a point in our lives when a lesson is needed to be taught or when we really need to be reminded of the love that Christ has for us and how we are not ever alone with Him and God then points something huge out. He is so good. How can anyone ever doubt Him?!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Alright. I just have to say...
Spring Sensations tea is not springy, nor is it sensational. It is in fact sedative. Don't drink it if you are looking for energy!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Knitting Fever
The knitting bug is creeping up on me again. I can't help it. I always end up giving it up though, because I take on big projects that require more time than I have and by the end of the season, the summer sweater I want to make is halfway done and won't be finished until winter! Same goes with hats and gloves. I started a pair of gloves last year and wore them halfway done. I wonder if I'll ever amount to anything more as a knitter than stuffed elephants and bunnies.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
The "Glory Box"
Many of you may be taken by surprise by the statement I'm about to make, while others may not be: Today was the first time I have really been introduced to the idea of a "Glory Box" as they call it in the Land down Under (or a Hope Chest - or to some a "Hopeless Chest" LOL in the States).
With an ever-growing desire to be a virtuous wife (I've already acheived motherhood!) someday, I was so excited when I heard about this whole idea. For those of you who don't know what the idea is, basically a young woman collects things that she hopes to use in her own home someday after she leaves her parents and is (finally) united with her husband.
While reading through an article about this very matter, I started thinking about how I've not prepared quite like I might like to for my future home! (Oh, how I wonder what it will look like!) My perspective is forever changed when I happen to lay my eyes on that beautifully crafted wall-hanging at the farmer's market or perhaps heirloom seeds for my garden (if they last that long? That is something I will have to look into...)!
Also, Ava has a beautiful antique black with gold trim wood chest with her name painted on the front by a friend of ours and I've been using it as a toy box for her, somewhat reluctantly because of how beautiful it is. I now know exactly what we will use it for once she becomes a young woman! I may even start putting things in it for her that she can go through when she becomes a little lady.
I just love how sweet the idea is and can't believe I hadn't heard of this before. Or maybe I had but wasn't listening...
I look forward to finding items to fill in my "Glory Box" (I really like that name better) so that I can begin to put things away for the day that I am able to be the glory of my husband (Proverbs 12:4) and to pass on this wonderful tradition to my children and theirs!
Before closing, I do want to make mention that the reason I'm doing this is not because I want to be caught up in materialism but because I want to have things for my home when the time comes so we aren't without, and as I put these things in my box I can say a prayer for my future husband and family! What sweet memories lie ahead!
"I dream of the day I’ll walk down the aisle
In a pure white dress with a beautiful style!
I pray for my man that he’ll be righteous and true,
Hard-working, faithful and really “true blue”!
I pray he’ll love children and have a father’s heart
And from our marriage covenant never depart!
I will wait with patience for this godly man
And while I am waiting I’ll prepare and plan.
I’ll make myself ready in every way
Purifying my heart and character each day.
I’ll seek to be honest in all that I say
To keep my marriage from going astray.
I’ll fill my “glory box” with goods for my home
And make it a place from where we’ll never roam.
I will gather treasures, useful and rare
To make our home a place that is fair.
I will be ready to make my home a delight
Filled with God’s presence, His love and light,
Enhanced by the assets I save in this chest
To make our home a “glory”, the very best!"
By Nancy Campbell
AboveRubies.org
With an ever-growing desire to be a virtuous wife (I've already acheived motherhood!) someday, I was so excited when I heard about this whole idea. For those of you who don't know what the idea is, basically a young woman collects things that she hopes to use in her own home someday after she leaves her parents and is (finally) united with her husband.
While reading through an article about this very matter, I started thinking about how I've not prepared quite like I might like to for my future home! (Oh, how I wonder what it will look like!) My perspective is forever changed when I happen to lay my eyes on that beautifully crafted wall-hanging at the farmer's market or perhaps heirloom seeds for my garden (if they last that long? That is something I will have to look into...)!
Also, Ava has a beautiful antique black with gold trim wood chest with her name painted on the front by a friend of ours and I've been using it as a toy box for her, somewhat reluctantly because of how beautiful it is. I now know exactly what we will use it for once she becomes a young woman! I may even start putting things in it for her that she can go through when she becomes a little lady.
I just love how sweet the idea is and can't believe I hadn't heard of this before. Or maybe I had but wasn't listening...
I look forward to finding items to fill in my "Glory Box" (I really like that name better) so that I can begin to put things away for the day that I am able to be the glory of my husband (Proverbs 12:4) and to pass on this wonderful tradition to my children and theirs!
Before closing, I do want to make mention that the reason I'm doing this is not because I want to be caught up in materialism but because I want to have things for my home when the time comes so we aren't without, and as I put these things in my box I can say a prayer for my future husband and family! What sweet memories lie ahead!
"I dream of the day I’ll walk down the aisle
In a pure white dress with a beautiful style!
I pray for my man that he’ll be righteous and true,
Hard-working, faithful and really “true blue”!
I pray he’ll love children and have a father’s heart
And from our marriage covenant never depart!
I will wait with patience for this godly man
And while I am waiting I’ll prepare and plan.
I’ll make myself ready in every way
Purifying my heart and character each day.
I’ll seek to be honest in all that I say
To keep my marriage from going astray.
I’ll fill my “glory box” with goods for my home
And make it a place from where we’ll never roam.
I will gather treasures, useful and rare
To make our home a place that is fair.
I will be ready to make my home a delight
Filled with God’s presence, His love and light,
Enhanced by the assets I save in this chest
To make our home a “glory”, the very best!"
By Nancy Campbell
AboveRubies.org
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Just because..
I just changed the layout of my blog and I must say that I like it much more than the previous one. It may be pre-fabricated by someone else but it sure saved me a lot of time to put together and is pleasing to look at.
Ah, this reminds me of my most recent reading subjects (aside from my reading from The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh) - natural healing, eating organic and other things of the like...
It's so much easier to go to the store and buy something that someone else made in a factory, packed a bunch of GMO's and preservatives into a box so it can sit on a shelf for seven years without growing fungi, and sit down and enjoy the flavor of the enhancers that are going to kill us. Why would someone want to actually take the time to make something that is not only nutritious, but is possibly going to help with other ailments in their life?
Why are we so dependent on instant gratification? Because we are lazy and uneducated!!!
(Funny how this started out as a quick post about my new layout and turned into a rant by an aspiring health nut.)
Ah, this reminds me of my most recent reading subjects (aside from my reading from The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh) - natural healing, eating organic and other things of the like...
It's so much easier to go to the store and buy something that someone else made in a factory, packed a bunch of GMO's and preservatives into a box so it can sit on a shelf for seven years without growing fungi, and sit down and enjoy the flavor of the enhancers that are going to kill us. Why would someone want to actually take the time to make something that is not only nutritious, but is possibly going to help with other ailments in their life?
Why are we so dependent on instant gratification? Because we are lazy and uneducated!!!
(Funny how this started out as a quick post about my new layout and turned into a rant by an aspiring health nut.)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Another Shot at This...
I haven't posted in a REALLY long time. I miss writing and am going to try to be more consistent with blogging about my thoughts and life - even if no one out there feels like reading it.
Here's a quick rundown...
Lately I've been filled with a lot of joy - more than I've ever experienced before. The blessings of the Lord are abundant and I'm beginning to see them in areas I never saw before. I'm so thankful for my relationship with Him.
One of these areas of blessings I've been especially focused on is my daughter. I just love the person she is. She is going to be a funny woman as she is always doing silly things and making everyone laugh. She listens to me as best as she can and desperately wants to please me. I'm so thankful for her!
Work has increased and I've actually had to outsource some work lately. I was able to pick my help so I handpicked a family member! It's definitely nicer to work with someone I know than a complete stranger oceans away.
Spiritually, I've been growing as well. In a search for what book I should study, the Lord sent someone along to open up the book of Romans for me and point out the three main aspects of the book: Salvation, the Mercy of God, and Service, each broken down by chapters and verses. I look forward to my continued growth in Him through this study. I will post more later as I'm able.
Sorry for the sporadic and short post (if anyone reads this anymore)...
Until next time...
~ Courtney
Here's a quick rundown...
Lately I've been filled with a lot of joy - more than I've ever experienced before. The blessings of the Lord are abundant and I'm beginning to see them in areas I never saw before. I'm so thankful for my relationship with Him.
One of these areas of blessings I've been especially focused on is my daughter. I just love the person she is. She is going to be a funny woman as she is always doing silly things and making everyone laugh. She listens to me as best as she can and desperately wants to please me. I'm so thankful for her!
Work has increased and I've actually had to outsource some work lately. I was able to pick my help so I handpicked a family member! It's definitely nicer to work with someone I know than a complete stranger oceans away.
Spiritually, I've been growing as well. In a search for what book I should study, the Lord sent someone along to open up the book of Romans for me and point out the three main aspects of the book: Salvation, the Mercy of God, and Service, each broken down by chapters and verses. I look forward to my continued growth in Him through this study. I will post more later as I'm able.
Sorry for the sporadic and short post (if anyone reads this anymore)...
Until next time...
~ Courtney
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