Good morning! Today we begin chapter 8 of Luke. In this chapter Jesus tells the parable of the sower - some seed landed on rocky soil, some fell among thorns, and some fell on good soil. And some fell by the wayside. Some of us let the seed get trampled before it has a chance to grow. Others start out great, but having no soil take root in --studying, and learning more , the light goes out as quickly as it came in. Still others hear the word joyfully and take root, but the cares of the world choke them out as weeds do in a garden. Then there are those who fall into good soil --they've studied, and continue to study, and pray to take out the weeds or thorns that could choke out the light of God, and they bear fruit. I've greatly paraphrased verses 5 through 18 so I hope you will take the chance to read it for yourself.
I am not a farmer, and I haven't done well with even simple gardening. I do understand that for plants to grow and thrive there must be sunlight, water, and nutrients in the soil. Weeds must be kept at bay as well. My son and I are quite a pair. If I have plants indoors, I tend to forget to water them. J tends to believe they do not belong in the pots and takes them out. Neither of these things are good for plants. Our souls also need TLC in order to grow and thrive. Our souls need good soil -a tender heart with a thirst to know God. We also need Son light. We need to hear and read the word of God, and commit it to memory, and live as closely as we can to his word. We need water and nutrients --this comes by living faithfully, participating in worship and fellowship with other Christians regularly, so that we might encourage and be encouraged, and learn more than just what we might read. We must keep the weeds out as well. When we have a problem, we should be able to go to our Christian brothers and sister for guidance, for assistance, for prayer. And we should be able to go to one another in love --and accept when they come to us in love- to point out something that may be amiss. We do this not because we think we are living better than someone who has fallen, but because we love one another and want others to not miss the opportunity to reach heaven because a sin was ignored blatantly.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Should We Keep Christ in Christmas?
Hallee the Homemaker linked an article on Christmas that got me to thinking. I don't want to tell anyone whether they should or shouldn't celebrate Christmas, nor do I wish to tell anyone how it must be done. I simply wish to share some of my thoughts on the matter.
Long before Thanksgiving I began seeing on facebook diatribes on Christ in Christmas --from both sides. Non Christians (and even some Christians) asserting that Christmas is a pagan holiday, those of faith insisting that Christmas must have Jesus as the centerpiece. Some that I've begun deleting as soon as I see them start out with, I don't care if this offends anyone. That's great, if that is how you feel about it. Personally I think the politically correct business needs to stop. On both sides. If someone says Merry Christmas to me, I say it back. If someone says Happy Holidays, I return Merry Christmas to them, also with a smile. If I know the person celebrates Hannukah or Kwanzaa I extend greetings to them for their holiday. And yes, sometimes I do say happy holidays because there is more than one being celebrated during this time of year.
As a Christian, I do celebrate Christmas, but although I enjoy the Christmas carols speaking of Jesus birth, I don't celebrate it as a religious holiday. Nor do I think we should spend every penny we have plus burn plastic to make everyone's wishes come true. It is great to want to spoil the children (and adults, lets be honest here) a little. Mom's had her eye on a Kindle Fire, Dad wants a new set of golf clubs, Suzy wants an electric guitar and a doll and five hundred other things that catch her eye. One popular store sent out a catalog of nothing but toys all with little boxes beside each one. Hand the booklet to your child and let them check off all the toys they want. Easy shopping! I can imagine that most kids would have marked off most of the items in the thing. Or, as I like to tease my husband with a catalog of rubber stamps and papers and the like, hand it back with the answer Yes please. One of each, thanks.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with one or two gifts per person. Take some time, realize what you can realistically afford to spend, and figure out what the person really wants. If you can't afford to spend money, either go in with one or more loved ones to buy just one special gift, or make something. As much as I like gadgets and pretty things, I adore items that took more time than money. Can't sew or craft but everyone loves your desserts? Bake one up and maybe tuck in a coupon for a free cooking lesson or two from you.
To get back to the main subject of this piece ( i do tend to get sidetracked on certain things, sorry) I've been thinking that sometimes we tend to get so focused on keeping Christ in Christmas, that he may lie dormant in our hearts until the obligatory time to think of his death and resurrection --Easter. Also a holiday with pagan roots. Although we pretty it up as well with chocolate crosses and religious stickers for the eggs, what do bunnies and eggs have to do with Christianity? Again, nothing wrong with the Easter Bunny as long as we aren't worshiping him. But....But. Shouldn't we be reflecting on Jesus and why he came here on earth more than just twice a year?
The bible tells us we should be commemorating his death, burial and resurrection each first day of the week (Sunday.) There are more than one Sunday each year, usually 52. Scholars tell us that Jesus was most likely born in the spring or the fall. I have no idea because I haven't studied it enough. I'm content with the knowledge that the bible does not tell us the date, and since the date for many other things are mentioned, there must be a purpose for the omission. We can reflect on his birth at any time of the year, certainly at this time, but any other time as well. While we think of his birth, let's remember why he was born. He didn't stay a baby. He grew up to teach, and to heal, and ultimately, to give his life in exchange for ours if we will only accept that gift by hearing, believing, repenting, confession, being baptized, and living the life.
This year, my family will be at worship service on Christmas, barring any reason such as illness. We wont be there because it is Christmas but simply because it is the first day of the week. We will be with the church (the people) to worship, to partake of the memorial feast (the bread and the fruit of the vine) and to fellowship with other Christians for a bit. To gain spiritual strength for the week. Then we will go home and enjoy time with family, and friends too hopefully.The more the merrier. Bottom line? Keep Christ in every day.
Long before Thanksgiving I began seeing on facebook diatribes on Christ in Christmas --from both sides. Non Christians (and even some Christians) asserting that Christmas is a pagan holiday, those of faith insisting that Christmas must have Jesus as the centerpiece. Some that I've begun deleting as soon as I see them start out with, I don't care if this offends anyone. That's great, if that is how you feel about it. Personally I think the politically correct business needs to stop. On both sides. If someone says Merry Christmas to me, I say it back. If someone says Happy Holidays, I return Merry Christmas to them, also with a smile. If I know the person celebrates Hannukah or Kwanzaa I extend greetings to them for their holiday. And yes, sometimes I do say happy holidays because there is more than one being celebrated during this time of year.
As a Christian, I do celebrate Christmas, but although I enjoy the Christmas carols speaking of Jesus birth, I don't celebrate it as a religious holiday. Nor do I think we should spend every penny we have plus burn plastic to make everyone's wishes come true. It is great to want to spoil the children (and adults, lets be honest here) a little. Mom's had her eye on a Kindle Fire, Dad wants a new set of golf clubs, Suzy wants an electric guitar and a doll and five hundred other things that catch her eye. One popular store sent out a catalog of nothing but toys all with little boxes beside each one. Hand the booklet to your child and let them check off all the toys they want. Easy shopping! I can imagine that most kids would have marked off most of the items in the thing. Or, as I like to tease my husband with a catalog of rubber stamps and papers and the like, hand it back with the answer Yes please. One of each, thanks.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with one or two gifts per person. Take some time, realize what you can realistically afford to spend, and figure out what the person really wants. If you can't afford to spend money, either go in with one or more loved ones to buy just one special gift, or make something. As much as I like gadgets and pretty things, I adore items that took more time than money. Can't sew or craft but everyone loves your desserts? Bake one up and maybe tuck in a coupon for a free cooking lesson or two from you.
To get back to the main subject of this piece ( i do tend to get sidetracked on certain things, sorry) I've been thinking that sometimes we tend to get so focused on keeping Christ in Christmas, that he may lie dormant in our hearts until the obligatory time to think of his death and resurrection --Easter. Also a holiday with pagan roots. Although we pretty it up as well with chocolate crosses and religious stickers for the eggs, what do bunnies and eggs have to do with Christianity? Again, nothing wrong with the Easter Bunny as long as we aren't worshiping him. But....But. Shouldn't we be reflecting on Jesus and why he came here on earth more than just twice a year?
The bible tells us we should be commemorating his death, burial and resurrection each first day of the week (Sunday.) There are more than one Sunday each year, usually 52. Scholars tell us that Jesus was most likely born in the spring or the fall. I have no idea because I haven't studied it enough. I'm content with the knowledge that the bible does not tell us the date, and since the date for many other things are mentioned, there must be a purpose for the omission. We can reflect on his birth at any time of the year, certainly at this time, but any other time as well. While we think of his birth, let's remember why he was born. He didn't stay a baby. He grew up to teach, and to heal, and ultimately, to give his life in exchange for ours if we will only accept that gift by hearing, believing, repenting, confession, being baptized, and living the life.
This year, my family will be at worship service on Christmas, barring any reason such as illness. We wont be there because it is Christmas but simply because it is the first day of the week. We will be with the church (the people) to worship, to partake of the memorial feast (the bread and the fruit of the vine) and to fellowship with other Christians for a bit. To gain spiritual strength for the week. Then we will go home and enjoy time with family, and friends too hopefully.The more the merrier. Bottom line? Keep Christ in every day.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Gratituesday: Being Thankful in All Circumstances
I'll be perfectly honest with you: I don't want to be thankful right now. I want to complain. Something happened and I want to whine. It's not fair! That's true, because life isn't fair. It shouldn't have happened! True again, but this could have been prevented; it just wasn't.
This particular instance has some negatives to it, but there is a positive to it: I can use this instance to whine and complain, or I can use it as a learning experience. I know how to fix it and I know how to prevent it from happening again.
The bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (English Standard Version). Does this mean God wants us to be stuck in a rut in the road? No, not really. He wants us to understand that although we find ourselves stuck in a rut -by choice or out of the blue--He is there with us! We aren't alone in this, and its okay. Sometimes, as in my case, he allows us to mess up so that we will learn a lesson. I confess, there are times I remind myself of the mule tied to the sorghum mill. I'm putting one foot in front of the other and I'm logging miles, but I'm not really getting anywhere. I'm just plodding around in circles. It takes me awhile to get the message I'm supposed to learn sometimes.
Yes, I have a setback today. But it is inconvenient , not life threatening. I have many blessings to focus on --a roof over my head, a healthy family, my mother in law's birthday.How wonderful to be able to say Happy Birthday to her one more time!
So today I am grateful for a few lessons learned and for one more day with a special lady. What are you grateful for today?
Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
This particular instance has some negatives to it, but there is a positive to it: I can use this instance to whine and complain, or I can use it as a learning experience. I know how to fix it and I know how to prevent it from happening again.
The bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (English Standard Version). Does this mean God wants us to be stuck in a rut in the road? No, not really. He wants us to understand that although we find ourselves stuck in a rut -by choice or out of the blue--He is there with us! We aren't alone in this, and its okay. Sometimes, as in my case, he allows us to mess up so that we will learn a lesson. I confess, there are times I remind myself of the mule tied to the sorghum mill. I'm putting one foot in front of the other and I'm logging miles, but I'm not really getting anywhere. I'm just plodding around in circles. It takes me awhile to get the message I'm supposed to learn sometimes.
Yes, I have a setback today. But it is inconvenient , not life threatening. I have many blessings to focus on --a roof over my head, a healthy family, my mother in law's birthday.How wonderful to be able to say Happy Birthday to her one more time!
So today I am grateful for a few lessons learned and for one more day with a special lady. What are you grateful for today?
Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!
A Morning Cup of Tea: The Pharisee's Hous
Today we are finishing chapter seven of the book of Luke. Beginning in verse 36. A Pharisee wanted Jesus to come to dinner. A woman, who was a known sinner, came in and stood behind Jesus. She carried with her an alabaster box of oil. With her tears she washed Jesus' feet, and dried them with her hair. She used the oil to anoint Jesus' head.
The Pharisee saw all of this and could not understand why Jesus would even let this woman touch him. Surely if he knew this woman was a sinner he would not! (Paraphrase)
Jesus told the man a parable about a man who had two debtors. One owed 500 pence, the other owed him 50. Neither man could pay their debts, and the man forgave them both. Jesus then asked, which will love the creditor more? Of course the Pharisee answered, the one who owed the most.
Then Jesus explained that while the Pharisee did give him water with which to wash his feet (as was customary at the time), the woman did so much more. Jesus forgave her sins. This made those at the table wonder more about who Jesus is, that he could forgive sins.
The Pharisee saw all of this and could not understand why Jesus would even let this woman touch him. Surely if he knew this woman was a sinner he would not! (Paraphrase)
Jesus told the man a parable about a man who had two debtors. One owed 500 pence, the other owed him 50. Neither man could pay their debts, and the man forgave them both. Jesus then asked, which will love the creditor more? Of course the Pharisee answered, the one who owed the most.
Then Jesus explained that while the Pharisee did give him water with which to wash his feet (as was customary at the time), the woman did so much more. Jesus forgave her sins. This made those at the table wonder more about who Jesus is, that he could forgive sins.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday Morning Report
Good morning! It is indeed a Monday morning and started out at an hour than can only be described as "O Are You Kidding Me?" A.M. Yes ladies, the laziness (!!) of the holiday is over and we are back to "normal."
The hubs has first shift at work this morning, and he was not the only one awake at that early hour. I heard not only the alarm but also the voice in the next room, singing happily and assuring me that he was not about to drift back off into dreamland any time too soon. No, dear J was on a mission and his mission was food! So, food he got. The furballs also thought early morning was a great feeding time so they got an early breakfast as well. J was presented with boiled eggs, the easiest thing I can think of without resorting to "Let him eat cake!" That will not happen on my watch. Things can get quite ugly when J is coming off of a sugar high. That tends to regress into meltdowns and we don't need those at any time, much less very early in the morning.
J wasn't too thrilled with boiled eggs first thing in the morning. He held one aloft and proclaimed "food!" Yes son, boiled eggs are indeed food. Mommy's brain is mush at the moment despite being a morning person. Definition of morning: the sun must be up. Otherwise it is still night time to my brain.
At any rate, I'm sure you didn't come here to read the breakfast menu. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend. The thankfulness is still there, and I hope I remember to be thankful everyday, not just on or near a specified holiday. We were blessed to spend Thanksgiving with my mother and brother, and then a few days later, we had Thanksgiving with my mother in law, sister in law, and her husband's family. It was good to enjoy the time together.
My sisters both have their Christmas trees up already. I haven't gotten that far yet. In fact, there are no decorations up yet, but within the next two weeks I hope to have that remedied. This week I need to be cleaning and organizing, maybe making a few cards. I like making my own Christmas cards, but I just haven't had the time or energy to do much of that, although I did make a few on Thanksgiving while my family napped. This year only a few people will get the handmade cards, and all others on my list will get a regular Christmas card. All will be sent with love, though.
What about you? Are you ready for the Christmas /holiday season? Have you begun shopping? Are you already done? Or do you make your gifts? I think a lot of ours will be handmade this year. I adore gifts that take some thought and time.
What does your week look like? Are you excited for the next few weeks, or are you ready to scream in horror? I'm sort of in the middle, myself. There is so much that needs to get done and things I want to get done. The one thing I have a hold on is Christmas day itself. Christmas falls on a Sunday this year and my husband actually has the day off!!! I'm very excited about that, although truth be told I'm holding my breath, half expecting a schedule change at hubby's work. I pray that doesn't happen.
My mother wants a ham for Christmas dinner, so that makes the menu fairly easy. Cooking is also easier. She can handle that one, and if she decides to go to worship with my brother that day, the ham will be fine until they get home. I will spend a day before hand cooking most of the side dishes and desserts at her house, and on Christmas day my husband, son and I will worship with the church at Statesboro and then go to my mom's house. We will have dinner and then the rest of the festivities, or the other way around, depending on the rest of the family. That's the plan, anyway.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
The hubs has first shift at work this morning, and he was not the only one awake at that early hour. I heard not only the alarm but also the voice in the next room, singing happily and assuring me that he was not about to drift back off into dreamland any time too soon. No, dear J was on a mission and his mission was food! So, food he got. The furballs also thought early morning was a great feeding time so they got an early breakfast as well. J was presented with boiled eggs, the easiest thing I can think of without resorting to "Let him eat cake!" That will not happen on my watch. Things can get quite ugly when J is coming off of a sugar high. That tends to regress into meltdowns and we don't need those at any time, much less very early in the morning.
J wasn't too thrilled with boiled eggs first thing in the morning. He held one aloft and proclaimed "food!" Yes son, boiled eggs are indeed food. Mommy's brain is mush at the moment despite being a morning person. Definition of morning: the sun must be up. Otherwise it is still night time to my brain.
At any rate, I'm sure you didn't come here to read the breakfast menu. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving weekend. The thankfulness is still there, and I hope I remember to be thankful everyday, not just on or near a specified holiday. We were blessed to spend Thanksgiving with my mother and brother, and then a few days later, we had Thanksgiving with my mother in law, sister in law, and her husband's family. It was good to enjoy the time together.
My sisters both have their Christmas trees up already. I haven't gotten that far yet. In fact, there are no decorations up yet, but within the next two weeks I hope to have that remedied. This week I need to be cleaning and organizing, maybe making a few cards. I like making my own Christmas cards, but I just haven't had the time or energy to do much of that, although I did make a few on Thanksgiving while my family napped. This year only a few people will get the handmade cards, and all others on my list will get a regular Christmas card. All will be sent with love, though.
What about you? Are you ready for the Christmas /holiday season? Have you begun shopping? Are you already done? Or do you make your gifts? I think a lot of ours will be handmade this year. I adore gifts that take some thought and time.
What does your week look like? Are you excited for the next few weeks, or are you ready to scream in horror? I'm sort of in the middle, myself. There is so much that needs to get done and things I want to get done. The one thing I have a hold on is Christmas day itself. Christmas falls on a Sunday this year and my husband actually has the day off!!! I'm very excited about that, although truth be told I'm holding my breath, half expecting a schedule change at hubby's work. I pray that doesn't happen.
My mother wants a ham for Christmas dinner, so that makes the menu fairly easy. Cooking is also easier. She can handle that one, and if she decides to go to worship with my brother that day, the ham will be fine until they get home. I will spend a day before hand cooking most of the side dishes and desserts at her house, and on Christmas day my husband, son and I will worship with the church at Statesboro and then go to my mom's house. We will have dinner and then the rest of the festivities, or the other way around, depending on the rest of the family. That's the plan, anyway.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus Speaks of John the Baptist
Good morning! For anyone who reads this on a daily basis let me apologize. It's been five days since I've last written the Cup of Tea posts, or anything for that matter, other than a short blurb about the puzzle piece Christmas tree ornament.
Sadly, it's been five days since I have done my bible reading as well. The two are connected, and this part of my blog is supposed to keep me accountable and make sure I read every day. I let other things get in the way for a few days. But I won't let this bump in the road become a major roadblock. I will just start back where I left off and continue forward. How wonderful it is that we don't have to continually beat ourselves up for our sins and mistakes. Even after baptism we will continue to stumble at times, but now we can acknowledge it, repent, and move forward.
Today we are reading a few verses in chapter seven of Luke; verses11 through 28. Jesus was coming to a city called Nain, and near the gate of the city Jesus and his disciples saw a funeral procession. A young man had died. His mother was a widow, and he was her only son. Jesus spoke to the woman and told her not to cry. Then he spoke to the young man and commanded him to arise. The young man rose from the dead at Jesus' words. Many people in the city were witness to this , and they had much fear (respect) of God, and glorified God at this miraculous site. They spoke much of the prophet who visited and did this wondrous thing, and word spread throughout all of Judea and and the region around it.
John the baptizer heard about this, and he sent some of his own disciples to Jesus, asking, Are you the one we've been waiting for? Or should we look for another?
Jesus gave them the answer in verses 22 and 23, that yes, he was the one.
Once John's disciples had left to give the answer to John, Jesus spoke of John to his own followers. Jesus had much good to say about John, but also said that he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John. I think he said that so that others would not decide that John should be worshiped.
Sadly, it's been five days since I have done my bible reading as well. The two are connected, and this part of my blog is supposed to keep me accountable and make sure I read every day. I let other things get in the way for a few days. But I won't let this bump in the road become a major roadblock. I will just start back where I left off and continue forward. How wonderful it is that we don't have to continually beat ourselves up for our sins and mistakes. Even after baptism we will continue to stumble at times, but now we can acknowledge it, repent, and move forward.
Today we are reading a few verses in chapter seven of Luke; verses11 through 28. Jesus was coming to a city called Nain, and near the gate of the city Jesus and his disciples saw a funeral procession. A young man had died. His mother was a widow, and he was her only son. Jesus spoke to the woman and told her not to cry. Then he spoke to the young man and commanded him to arise. The young man rose from the dead at Jesus' words. Many people in the city were witness to this , and they had much fear (respect) of God, and glorified God at this miraculous site. They spoke much of the prophet who visited and did this wondrous thing, and word spread throughout all of Judea and and the region around it.
John the baptizer heard about this, and he sent some of his own disciples to Jesus, asking, Are you the one we've been waiting for? Or should we look for another?
Jesus gave them the answer in verses 22 and 23, that yes, he was the one.
Once John's disciples had left to give the answer to John, Jesus spoke of John to his own followers. Jesus had much good to say about John, but also said that he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than John. I think he said that so that others would not decide that John should be worshiped.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Puzzle Piece Christmas Ornament.
While browsing through facebook I noticed a cute ornament in the shape of a Christmas tree --made with puzzle pieces. To learn more on how to make one for yourself (and to see what it looks like) go here.
Although the ornament is found on About.com, I found it on Autism Creations. Having a son with autism, I was immediately drawn to this. I hope you like it as well.
Although the ornament is found on About.com, I found it on Autism Creations. Having a son with autism, I was immediately drawn to this. I hope you like it as well.
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