a knitter-ly kind of thing

Alternatively Titled:  stuff I’d like to knit. As soon as I replenish my stash. I haven’t bought yarn since February of ‘09. Feels like a looooong time.

I’m loving the new yarns from Knitpicks. Since the closest yarn shop is 45 minutes away, the internet is my best friend.

I’d like to knit the monkey and all its accessories. Not that I have children who would appreciate such a thing. (too cool for school and all that…)

But hey, I could find a child who would…

I’m loving hats these days. Less hair-doing.

I’d like to try gloves.

I’d like to try socks. (Oh, maybe not. remember LAST time?)

Suggestions of patterns or sites to visit? leave a comment!

please pray

for Stellan.

 

God hears our cries.

 

Thank you.

Whom Do I seek to impress?

Continuing my discussion from yesterday, regarding my situation and my present attitude–

I often wonder who I am trying to impress. Who am I seeking praise from? Is it my family? My husband? My kids? My community? My friends? My blog readers (ha!)? My enemies? Who is it? If it were any of those people, certainly my behaviour would show it, right? Well, that’s where I get caught. With my excuses. Becuase honestly? Yes, I do seek to impress all of those listed……and more, I’m sure.

Honestly? Every minute of my life should be about pleasing Jesus. But it’s usually (Regrettably)  not.

What if I lived out my life seeking only to “impress” God? What if I lived out my life only to “impersonate” Jesus? To make Jesus known to those in my life?

How would my life look different than it does today?

1 Thessalonians 2:4

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man,

but to please God who tests our hearts.

I’d like to share something I recently read that is along those same lines…you know, the lines of “Well, I’m too __________ to share the Good News with the dying and perishing world.” you know, those lines.

I find myself threatened, challenged, and exhilarated by Christ’s freedom from human respect, His extraordinary independence, indomitable courage, and unparalleled authenticity. In preaching the gospel, I have been graced to speak fearlessly in the knowledge and conviction that the Word of God must not be fettered, compromised, or watered down; but in my personal life, my fearsa dn insecurites lead me voraciously to seek the approval of others, to assume a defensive posture when I am unjustly accused, to feel guilty over refusing any request, to doggedly live up to others’ expectations, to be all things to all men in a way that would make Paul shudder. (Brennan Manning, Reflections for Ragamuffins, p. 299)

So, how would your life look different?

Excuses….

This week has caught me with excuses. I am living my life in the midst of blaspheming individuals and/or congregations on a daily-weekly-monthly-yearly basis–and this week, I threw up my hands in utter disgust and desperation. I  am failing to see what my teenytiny influence is having on anyone coming nearer to the cross of Jesus.

And last night, in what I can only surmise as a God-sent email between a very good friend and I, I’ve been stirred up.  I’ve been renewed in the purpose for which I was sent to this place. There are people dying, and going to hell–because they are being told a false gospel, and being given false hope. And if all my God has asked me to do is to gently re-direct them, and to come before His throne of grace and mercy in *my* time of need, then I will do it.

And praise be to God, my Abba Father, who sees fit to put me (ME!) here–I’m so unprepared and so not the person He needs (familiar with the excuses of Moses, anyone?) …but He knows better than I. So I will serve Him, while I’m waiting.

(and for your reading pleasure….here is a post written lately by that same good friend–full of our excuses, and the reasoning behind them.) I can’t link to her blog, its private. But Praise God for her and her wise words.

I exist to point people to Christ.

If they are not Christians, then I am to share the Gospel with them, with words (a tract is sufficient for this, and good enough when I cannot have a conversation, such as when I have the girls or it isn’t reasonable to have a conversation.)

If they are Christians, then I am to encourage them in the Lord, help build them up, and encourage them in any way they need it.

Simple.

Tough.

I wanted to share with you some of the reasons I have not been sharing the Gospel as faithfully as I am not convicted that I need to, and the answers I believe discount all my reasons.

1. I am afraid of being rejected. Luke 6:22 – Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

2. I am afraid I’ll lose a friend. If my friend is going to spend their eternity suffering in hell as a result of their sin, what benefit do I gain by keeping silent and staying their friend here, on earth?

3. I’m afraid they’ll think I’m a lunatic. God will love that I am spreading the word about His Son, regardless of what they think.

4. I’m reluctant to interrupt their day. Death is a pretty big interruption to their day. And its too late then.

Those are my top issues.

Do you see a theme? I do. I have an over-concern for my own appearance and perception coupled with an under-concern for their eternal well-being, tied together by a completely temporal view of life, and disregard for how God actually views things. That’s what God has been showing me lately.

It’s not about me.

It’s about Christ.

False, False, False (A Difficult Subject, Part 3)

This is one of those times where I’m quoting someone smarter than me.

Just saying it up front.

I have a lot of experience dealing with false teachers, false organizations, false prophets, false apostles and false gospels.

But sometimes, people just say it better than I ever could.

(I’ll interject my own thoughts as well. They’ll be the italicized ones, in gray. There won’t be much from me, if anything.)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

God wants us to defend the Gospel by exposing lies.

We must identify the sources of error that may  be influencing our lives or the lives of those we love. Perhaps it’s a cult or a New Age thinking or theological errors. 1 John 4:1 instructs us to “test the spirits”, attempting to determine whether they are from God. Whatever their words–whether they are spoken by preachers, teachers, psychologists, authors, talk show hosts, or radio speakers–all teachings are to be judged by the Eternal Word Of God. (John 17:17)

The character and methods of false teachers are exposed for us in the Word:

They preach another gospel and a different Jesus from the one revealed in Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-9)

“They speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the LORD” and prophesy lies in God’s name, trying to make His people forget about Him and His Word (Jeremiah 23:16; Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Jeremiah 23:25-27)

They dismiss guilt and justify sin, calling “evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20)

They “secretly bring in destructive heresies.” (2 Peter 2:1)

“They speak great swelling words of emptiness” and entice people through the flesh, promising them liberty but instead enslaving them. (2 Peter 2:18-21)

They cause dissension in the church when “untaught and unstable people” follow their example and twist Scripture for their own purposes. False apostles often appear to be apostles of Christ. (Romans 16:17; 2 Peter 3:16; 2 Corinthians 11:13)

In the end times, false prophets will be joined by false christs, who will”show great signs and wonders to deceive” (Matthew 24:24) Christians are warned to have no fellowship with these teachers and the “unfruitful works of darkness” but rather to “reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11) and to be careful not to be taken captive or cheated by their false doctrines. (Colossians 2:8) False teachers are empowered by Satan, and we must be courageous and vigilant against this cunning enemy who seeks to “devour” us. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

(This is taken from Nancy Leigh Demoss in Our Journey, October 22)

________________________________________________________________________________________

This has stirred in me once again the reason and rhyme why hiding the Word of God in our hearts and minds is so important. Fighting the enemy may not involve anything tangible that you can compare it against. You need to know the Word in order to know where the false-hood is.

Please please please test everything you read, hear, see and listen to by the Word of God. It is and forever will be the Only Reliable Source for Truth.

Living out of the Center

I’m not talkin’ about “centering prayer”, or yoga, or eastern meditation here.

I’m referring to something interesting I read recently that, for some reason, hit a tender spot in me. I am my own worst enemy, rarely ever finding anything good or lovely or praiseworthy in myself, even though it is no longer I, but Christ who lives in me…

Living out of the center is not a rarefied, spaced-out state. It has helped me achieve connections and insight into the Word of God that were hitherto hidden. For example, Jesus told us to consider ourselves the least of all. He also told us that what we do for the least brother, we do for Him. Since whatever is done for the least is done for the Lord, our compassion must start with ourselves. Before I am asked to show compassion toward my brothers and sisters in their suffering , I am asked to accept the compassion of Jesus in my own life, to be transformed by it, and to become caring and compassionate toward myself in my own failure and hurt, in my own suffering and need. His love  is not conditioned by what we are  or what we do. He will be gracious and compassionate toward us no matter what our track record, for that is what Jesus means–”the One who saves”.  Those who live out of the center know in their bones that they are poor and sinful, but there is a spirit of self-acceptance without self-concern. This is the heart of the gospel…that we can be gracious and compassionate toward ourselves (And I might add here–as Jesus is.)

(Reflections for Ragamuffins, Brennan Manning, p. 270)

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit  1 Peter 3:8

If I can learn to love me the way Christ loves me, then how much more of an effective warrior and champion of Him can I be? This is not an endoresment of the self-esteem movement, but one for the “Christ-esteem” movement. If He considered me worthy to die for, shouldn’t I, at the very least, consider myself loved?

Thoughts? Comments?

Contending

When you see something that isn’t God-glorifying in your world, do you do anything?

Do you…

Say anything?

Write anything?

Picket anything?

Speak up?

Speak out?

Where is the line between contending for the faith and being  a nuisance?

About a month ago, I was over at Mckmama’s website, and noticed a “response” to a “topic” on her blogfrog. I’d NEVER been on it before, (just noticed topics here and there while reading Mckmama’s blog) and had often wondered who has the time to go on discussion boards anymore...(I always forget that the rest of the world isn’t like me. They may not have that crazy disease that comes from too much computer usage..FOMS (Fear of Missing Something) NOR do they probably homeschool their kids. ) But in my mind , this had to be addressed. It was basically a woman, opening up about her “faith” to the rest of the board to ask questions. Very bold and open  (and admittedly brave) thing to do. **Applause** However, when I saw that not only was she not telling the whole truth about her “faith” but also trying to say that hers was a Christian “faith”, I think I found MY LINE to cross.

So I crossed it.

I clicked into blogfrog and told the truth. And helped others tell the truth when the truth coming from my mouth was ignored by said woman…

And while it has opened cans and cans of worms,  (and an unbelievable amount of drama to go with those worms….), it has also brought me to a place in my faith where I am ready to go back to “before” and defend Christ.   I was in this woman’s shoes once–although not nearly as outspoken or bold regarding my religion–I had been brought up that way, and knew what she was saying was basically just regurgitated from another source. And I didn’t want any of her “openness” and “transparent-ness”** to sway anyone in that direction.

Faith in Jesus is a very personal thing, and to be “converted” by an internet chat or a couple of well-meaning advocates at your door is the wrong way to go about it.

Sure, asking lots of questions of lots of people is great. Getting all the information before making that ONE decision for Jesus is the best thing you can do. Jesus Himself said so.

But to trust that what this woman is feeding others is TRUTH goes against the very scripture she (and her “christian faith” )claims to BE SCRIPTURE. (“So far as it is translated correctly. #8“  google it.) We are supposed to test EVERYTHING we read, hear, listen to, talk about, and write against the Word of God.

So, I guess my original question stands. Do you stand up for Jesus when you see His Name defiled in any way?

Why or why not? How do you define Your Line?

**I know that’s not a “real” word. I make them up sometimes.

Fed

This past weekend, I was fed.

God is so gracious and good and wonderful.

(I could end the post right here. And it would be True and complete. But I’ve gotta tell ya’ll something….)

And just when I think I might starve to death (ha!) because of lack of fellowship or community with other believers, He sends me right in the middle of 10,000 women who believe and struggle and love and grieve and desire Jesus just like me.

I laughed until my sides hurt.

I cried until my tears were gone and my face was a mess.

I sang my heart out.

I sat, stunned, several times as if the speaker or the song was direct communication between my God and me.

And then it started all over an hour later….

He knows what our hearts need. He knows our doubts, our questions, our joys, our sorrows. And none of it is too small for our God. He never grows weary or tired or sick or unable.  He is God, and He is sufficient.

The Before and After

Before I knew Jesus, I didn’t have before and afters. I just lived.

Now, I do.

And lately, my before and afters have taken on a whole new meaning.

God has given me some very amazing friends, women who LOVE Jesus, and I can’t remember my life before them. It’s all after now.

So, girls. You know who you are. And to you, I say, thanks be to my Abba Father for knowing what I need, and for loving me enough to not only provide, but to provide so lavishly.

Glory to God.

Amen.

In Christ, I am…

I have been struggling this week about Who I Am In Christ. I have a lot of issues stemming from my childhood about my identity–and when I found Jesus, I thought those had been “removed”. Turns out, notsomuch.  But It’s been good for me to read and re-read the promises and identities that He’s given me. I know the enemy of my soul just waits for me to start back down this spiral every so often…..doubting my identity, my assurance…But I know Who my King is. It just takes a little reminding.

I am accepted…

John 1:12 I am God’s child.

John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 I have been justified.

1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.

1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.

Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.

Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.

Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.

Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. I am secure…

Romans 8:1-2— I am free from condemnation.

Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.

Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.

Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.

Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.

Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.

2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. I am significant…

John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.

John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.

1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.

Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.

Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.

Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

What do you struggle with? What is something that you go back to over and over again, that God re-teaches you?