This has been a wild couple of weeks.
UPDATES:
Living Proof Live with Beth Moore in San Diego was such an encouragement to me. Travis Cottrell and his praise team/band knocked it out of the park. To say Mrs. Moore spoke some important truth into my life is a great understatement. If you ever have a chance to go to Living Proof Live, don't ask, don't think, just buy the ticket, make the hotel reservations and go. She is speaking in Las Vegas in September at the Deeper Still conference with Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirrer. Again I say don't think, just do it.
I'm in!
Before LPL I attended Wired, a women's ministry training event put on by Lifeway. I sat at the feet of some of the most incredible women I have ever met! Leighann McCoy blessed and encouraged me with her compassion and energy. She spoke about helping women in crisis and spoke eloquently from personal experience. Loved her. Debbie Stuart lit a fresh fire in my heart to minister specifically to women. I wish she lived closer because I know we'd be friends. She was so funny and challenged us to be about the business of Kingdom Work (focusing our efforts on glorifying God), not busyness. Chris Adams was so real when she spoke. She gave us some helpful tools to prevent burnout and shared a bit about the challenges she has faced as a woman ministering to women. Kelly Minter is a woman loving the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and strength! She shared something with us from scripture that I had never considered and I'm still pondering two weeks later! She is using her many talents to glorify God! This woman knows how to worship!
I was educated, humbled and encouraged.
Hubby was asked to speak in front of a Legislative committee in Sacramento this week. One of the companies in town flew him and another gentleman up there in their private plane (...I know, oh my gosh!) and through witnessing the behavior in the room during the meeting, came to an understanding of why some people would think we evolved from lower life forms. My husband, while pretty abrupt most of the time, is refreshingly gracious with most people. When he came back from that meeting he told me it was all he could do to keep himself from smacking a few of those people upside the head.
Them's strong words from my man.
Took husband and son to see Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed last weekend. My son and I were on the edge of our seats in total fascination, but hubby nodded off a couple of times. Just being honest. I guess watching a bunch of guys talk for two hours is more than some people can take. That said, I'd see it again. There is very little that is more attractive to me than an articulate man. Maybe I shouldn't see it again...
I'm just sayin'.
My Scentsy business has taken off like a rocket! It is so nice to spend my time doing something I enjoy and brings other people such ...hmmm...how shall I put it...pleasure doesn't quite cover it: delight and giddiness. Yup. I have actually had women call me giggling over their Scentsy stuff. These are professional business women! I refuse to name names!
I love my new job!
The puppy is about to break my spirit. Pray when you think of it. Remember the patio furniture I got for my birthday last year? He chewed through one of the ottomans. Today he ate a rubber ball. He treats the cat like a chew toy. He chewed the sheer curtains right off the french doors. He tinkled on husband's shoes.
It's a good thing he's adorable.
I think I'll leave it at that.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Mom Frustration: A Memory to Share
We were cleaning out a file this evening when we found this. After passing it around the entire family (and the boyfriend) and laughing hysterically, I KNEW I had to share this one! At 14 and 17, I know I am blessed with the two most interesting, loving, creative children on the planet, but when they were younger I sometimes wasn't so sure....
This is for all you moms in the trenches with your pre-k and elementary-aged siblings. My two must have been 8 and 5 when this was drafted. I don't even remember writing this, but I must have been really mad. In all honesty, I don't think I could have really gone through with my final threat, so thank goodness they didn't call my bluff. For your edification, enjoyment and encouragement (and my embarrassment), I give you
...I made them sign it.
Sheesh.
This is for all you moms in the trenches with your pre-k and elementary-aged siblings. My two must have been 8 and 5 when this was drafted. I don't even remember writing this, but I must have been really mad. In all honesty, I don't think I could have really gone through with my final threat, so thank goodness they didn't call my bluff. For your edification, enjoyment and encouragement (and my embarrassment), I give you
The Contract:
I will be polite to my brother/sister when we go with Mom to pick up transcription.
The first time I am mean to my brother/sister in the car when we go to pick up transcription I will go to bed at 7:00pm.
The second time it happens I will go to bed at 6:00pm.
The third time it happens I will go to bed at 6:00pm for 1 week.
The fourth time it happens, Mom will get a job outside the house and I will have to go to daycare.
...I made them sign it.
Sheesh.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Choosing our "Christian" music wisely
I have commented in the past here about some songs that we sing in church, but somehow don't seem doctrinally sound to me. For example:
"I'm trading my sickness, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord."
Please don't hate me. I know many people LOVE this song. I'm just not one of them.
While I like the thought, it doesn't jibe with what scripture says. We can't just lay down our sickness, walk away from it and have only the joy of the Lord to contend with. Sometimes, no matter how much we'd like to dump pain on the side of the road and leave it there, our suffering instead becomes a part of our lives and, hopefully, a part of our witness. We can, however, rejoice in our suffering (Romans 5:3-5), knowing it will mature us in our faith. We can also count our trials (i.e. suffering and pain) as joy (James 1:2-4) for the same reason. But that is not the same thing as laying down our sickness and pain. That is only one example, of course, and many, MANY, songs are written that are consistent with scripture. Some favorites:
Shout To the Lord -All time #1 (Psalm 98:4-8)
He Knows My Name (Brings my thoughts directly to Psalm 139 every time we sing it)
How Great is Our God - A new favorite! (Only touches the surface of Psalm 104. Lovely.)
I bring the issue up again, first, in the hopes that it might be a reminder that just because a song seems to be "Christian," doesn't mean it is biblically accurate. We need to be careful what we listen to, especially when it comes to songs written for Christian audiences. Turning our radio to the Christian station does not give us permission to put our thoughts on auto pilot. Think about the words being sung in the song. Yes, it may have a catchy beat or make you feel special, but is it TRUE?
Lifeway is getting ready to release a new 2008 edition of the Baptist Hymnal. Baptist Press published an article on the subject that included some really important stuff. First, Jon Duncan, state music director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, said something that is so true I needed to read it twice just to take it in:
I believe that, along with most Baptists, my theology was shaped through the singing of hymns... Although I didn't understand everything I was singing as a young boy, the theological deposits being made during these formative years provided anchors for my life. As a result, the teaching impact through singing our hymns cannot be understated.
He is absolutely right! Much of our personal theology is shaped through the music we listen to and sing! Think about it! We need to be careful that the music we expose our children to presents the Gospel accurately or they may grow up to have an inaccurate understanding of God. That's big stuff.
The committee took their job of selecting songs to include in the hymnal very seriously. Here is the criterion they used:
Each song's suitability is based on these questions:
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of God?
-- Is it God-honoring?
-- Does the hymn present a biblical view of man?
-- Does the song help us to cover the depth and breadth of our theology?
-- Does the hymn call us to true discipleship, service, repentance, witness, missions and devotion?
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of salvation?
-- Does it engage the whole person - allowing a person to express his deepest feelings?
-- Does the hymn emphasize that Christ is the Christian's Lord, Master and King? (the idea of total submission)
-- Does the hymn present an Americanized/Westernized gospel? (civil religion)
-- Is there a balance with corporate and individual response in worship? (immanence and transcendence)-- Does the hymn speak biblically about the church, the body of Christ?
If we used such a criterion to consider the songs we allow in our homes, cars and even our churches, do you think it would change anything?
I'm just askin'.....
The new hymnal will include about 650 songs, 300 of which are brand new to the hymnal. Some of the titles are:
Amazing Grace
Awesome in This Place
Better Is One Day
Breathe
Change My Heart, O God
Draw Me Close
God of Wonders
Have Thine Own Way, Lord
He Knows My Name (YES!)
I Give You My Heart
I Worship You, Almighty God
Just As I Am
Made Me Glad
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Shout to the Lord (Double YES!!)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
You Are My King [Amazing Love]
and the list goes on...
I am not saying the Baptist Hymnal is the "bible" to be used to judge whether or not a song is Biblically accurate! What I am clumsily trying to express is that we need to use discernment regarding everything we expose ourselves and our children to, including music written for Christian audiences. The list of criterion the committee who chose the songs to be included in the hymnal impressed me as something that could be applied in many circumstances. That's all.
You can read Mr. Duncan's interview through this link.
You can read the Baptist Press article, which lists the criterion, through this link.
You can find the complete song list at http://www.lifewayworship.com/
"I'm trading my sickness, I'm trading my pain, I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord."
Please don't hate me. I know many people LOVE this song. I'm just not one of them.
While I like the thought, it doesn't jibe with what scripture says. We can't just lay down our sickness, walk away from it and have only the joy of the Lord to contend with. Sometimes, no matter how much we'd like to dump pain on the side of the road and leave it there, our suffering instead becomes a part of our lives and, hopefully, a part of our witness. We can, however, rejoice in our suffering (Romans 5:3-5), knowing it will mature us in our faith. We can also count our trials (i.e. suffering and pain) as joy (James 1:2-4) for the same reason. But that is not the same thing as laying down our sickness and pain. That is only one example, of course, and many, MANY, songs are written that are consistent with scripture. Some favorites:
Shout To the Lord -All time #1 (Psalm 98:4-8)
He Knows My Name (Brings my thoughts directly to Psalm 139 every time we sing it)
How Great is Our God - A new favorite! (Only touches the surface of Psalm 104. Lovely.)
I bring the issue up again, first, in the hopes that it might be a reminder that just because a song seems to be "Christian," doesn't mean it is biblically accurate. We need to be careful what we listen to, especially when it comes to songs written for Christian audiences. Turning our radio to the Christian station does not give us permission to put our thoughts on auto pilot. Think about the words being sung in the song. Yes, it may have a catchy beat or make you feel special, but is it TRUE?
Lifeway is getting ready to release a new 2008 edition of the Baptist Hymnal. Baptist Press published an article on the subject that included some really important stuff. First, Jon Duncan, state music director of the Georgia Baptist Convention, said something that is so true I needed to read it twice just to take it in:
I believe that, along with most Baptists, my theology was shaped through the singing of hymns... Although I didn't understand everything I was singing as a young boy, the theological deposits being made during these formative years provided anchors for my life. As a result, the teaching impact through singing our hymns cannot be understated.
He is absolutely right! Much of our personal theology is shaped through the music we listen to and sing! Think about it! We need to be careful that the music we expose our children to presents the Gospel accurately or they may grow up to have an inaccurate understanding of God. That's big stuff.
The committee took their job of selecting songs to include in the hymnal very seriously. Here is the criterion they used:
Each song's suitability is based on these questions:
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of God?
-- Is it God-honoring?
-- Does the hymn present a biblical view of man?
-- Does the song help us to cover the depth and breadth of our theology?
-- Does the hymn call us to true discipleship, service, repentance, witness, missions and devotion?
-- Does the hymn speak biblically of salvation?
-- Does it engage the whole person - allowing a person to express his deepest feelings?
-- Does the hymn emphasize that Christ is the Christian's Lord, Master and King? (the idea of total submission)
-- Does the hymn present an Americanized/Westernized gospel? (civil religion)
-- Is there a balance with corporate and individual response in worship? (immanence and transcendence)-- Does the hymn speak biblically about the church, the body of Christ?
If we used such a criterion to consider the songs we allow in our homes, cars and even our churches, do you think it would change anything?
I'm just askin'.....
The new hymnal will include about 650 songs, 300 of which are brand new to the hymnal. Some of the titles are:
Amazing Grace
Awesome in This Place
Better Is One Day
Breathe
Change My Heart, O God
Draw Me Close
God of Wonders
Have Thine Own Way, Lord
He Knows My Name (YES!)
I Give You My Heart
I Worship You, Almighty God
Just As I Am
Made Me Glad
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Shout to the Lord (Double YES!!)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior
You Are My King [Amazing Love]
and the list goes on...
I am not saying the Baptist Hymnal is the "bible" to be used to judge whether or not a song is Biblically accurate! What I am clumsily trying to express is that we need to use discernment regarding everything we expose ourselves and our children to, including music written for Christian audiences. The list of criterion the committee who chose the songs to be included in the hymnal impressed me as something that could be applied in many circumstances. That's all.
You can read Mr. Duncan's interview through this link.
You can read the Baptist Press article, which lists the criterion, through this link.
You can find the complete song list at http://www.lifewayworship.com/
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Ben Stein's Expelled...A MUST SEE!
Opens April 18, 2008!
The website for this movie is up, running and stuffed with great things! Check it out at http://expelledthemovie.com/
This one looks really good, people! Finally, someone in "Hollywood" who is willing to blow the lid off the myth of evolution and the censorship forced on those in acadamia who disagree with Darwin's theory.
Do any of my Bakersfield buddies want to go as a group? It's going to be playing at the Pacific Theatre by the Mall (although the Expelled website calls it the Bakersvield Stadium 14). Any takers? C'mon! Let's support the good stuff together!
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