June 6, 2009 by pamela ♥.

  So, you’re here again today for a visit at the kitchen table.  I’m having a cup of tea… because of some recent health problems, I’m making some radical changes.  Yes… sniffle, sniffle, one of them includes drastically reducing coffee consumption — caffeine, really, and anything that contributes to high blood-pressure and high cholesterol.  I have a little elevation of one and a lot of the latter.   

So, I’m trying not to get too caught up in the going’s on.  But it’s really difficult to ignore blatant apostacy.  I mean, as I have written a number of times in the past, it’s expected that the world will decline, degrade and decay.  And it’s really not unexpected that the most effective way or place for the devil to move is to have a slow and steady, multi-pronged attack against and within the church — either subtly, boldly, directly or indirectly. Watch for it — you’ll see: it’s happening!  It’s really happening.  And I’m not talking about trends of worship style in what most mainstream Christians mean when they refer to church — the meetings that happen on Sunday mornings — or for the very contemporary: Saturday evening.  Because, contrary to common misconceptions — what happens on Sunday mornings (or Saturday evenings) isn’t church — it might be a meeting of the church, but it’s not church.  Church is not a place or event but a body of believers — and people do a lot of things for or against ‘the church’ because of what they think of the event (or location) that happens on Sunday mornings — or what’s happening to the building ‘the church’ meets in.

The Proverbs (27.12 & 22.3)

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

A combination of local and national headlines and news stories, recent ‘church’ news and clips, and recent scripture studies have me just shaking my head again and again.  I’m grieved over the slip ‘n slide of the church in America.  Just read titles of books in the “christian” bookstore or read anything by “progressive” christians and you’ll see the blast of decay.  I’ve been trying to make a point to not be caught up in all the verbiage and mess of politics and global garbage and all the emergent lies — I really have been looking for glimpses of fruit — sweet fruit.  So, truly, it’s with near anguish I consider the pitiful decline of the church... the shameful view or portrayal of God and His Word — the utter lack of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God’s Word coupled with the arrogance and carelessness of so-called “pastors” and “preachers” of the Word.

So… here at the kitchen table this afternoon I’ve been reviewing some different mails that have come in, newsletters and links that have been suggested.  I think of the different things going on and I marvel at the stunning actions, remarks and positions being made or taken by notorious ‘mega church’ pastors and ‘leaders’ today. People are flocking after many of these illustrious individuals and I would hazard to guess they don’t really even know what these men are actually saying — and truly, it’s a lack of understanding what the Bible really says and their simple acceptance of whatever’s being bandied about.

I had no idea that Frank Navasky was so down-to-earth… You read his stuff, you think he’s going to be so obscure and abstruse. He’s always talking about Heidigger and Foucault and I have no idea what any of it’s about, really.”

This is a line from the movie, You’ve Got Mail, and the character was gushing over reporter, Frank Navasky’s work.  It seems to me that that’s how many Christians are behaving toward *many* of the mainstream church ‘leaders’ today — just gushing.  It’s amazing… and what’s so astonishing about it all is that I truly believe a lot of them don’t even know they’re being totally duped by these ‘pastors.’

• In the “you-just-can’t-make-this-stuff-up” category, consider this: a local church is giving away money to its congregants –or, actually, anyone…
  

“People who take the money aren’t required to be members, and it doesn’t matter if they’ve never been to the church before, Ehoff said. He’s not worried about losing the odd $100, and expects most families to bring in a profit.”

They say the plan is biblical… a loaves and fishes sort of deal.   I’m trying to be charitable here, I am.  I really am.  But I’ve just gotta say — this. is. unbelievable. and. it’s. sad.  Considering the justification of what really is looking a lot like gambling… justifying their decision because of Jesus’ parable of the talents and also His miracle of feeding thousands with five loaves and two fish.  And to make it applicable to their situation?!?!!?!!?!!  So… in three months the folks will return the money and any profit they miraculously make — hmmmm… it’s like a game — each member needing a $40,000. miracle.   Only… it’s not a game — the church needs a f.o.u.r  m.i.l.l.i.o.n. d.o.l.l.a.r. “miracle” for their expansion bcz their bank loan fell through.  It’s like they might as well just check in with the government and its form of miracle-making… you know: money out of thin air — but it’s really money that’s not even theirs to budget, grab and spend.

  I know I am sounding critical — and believe me, I do not want to be harsh—I so want to be loving here.  I just must say — this seems to me to be sooooo lacking true faith, trust and obedience in, for and to the LORD — our Living LORD God.  It’s just unconscionable.

I keep wondering…  will the church wake up and see?

Posted in Life in Laodicea, The Church Today, Potpourri | Print | 3 Comments »

June 6, 2009 by pamela ♥.

[ongoing Letters to my friend…]

Dear Sarah,
I’m just checking in to say hello and to encourage you to… Press on. :o)

The weather’s changed just a bit and the day doesn’t seem as bright out — and so I got to thinking about you and am just praying that you’re doing well — that you’re not discouraged with the load you are carrying in this season.

So, as I send this, I am praying that you will just be encouraged and just do *one* thing today that you’ve been meaning to get to.  Just *one* thing that’s been pressing or blocking some other things from getting done.  I’m doing this today — I have some ironing that *needs!* to be done and so I am just going to do it right now after writing to you.  I think we all have things that are blocking other things from getting done and then we listen to the devil tell us we’re not doing *anything* right.  So, I pray you’ll just smile through this day doing just one more thing…

I have found over the years that I suddenly get bored with my doings and then I fall into the trap of feeling overwhelmed and then think I can’t do anything.  It’s the enemy attempting to thwart my motherhood journey.  It’s a battle — more of a battle for some than for others — but it’s a battle, nonetheless.

The LORD has given me such a love for you and I don’t even know you so well yet.  I pray today’s a real blessing to and for you.

With love, pamela

Posted in Letters to Sarah | Print | 1 Comment »

June 5, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Posted in Humour stuff | Print | 2 Comments »

June 2, 2009 by pamela ♥.

I’m going to be gardening in the sunshine tomorrow… so a few things I’ll probably be thinking about as I dig around in the dirt.  So, here’s some.  (yeah, it was intended)

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

1 John 2.16

BHObama declares June …pride month.

‘guess I’ll be heading into the my library to see this year’s display.  Last year’s show at our library was quite bold.

• WND’s David Kupelian writes an excellent and timely article. [note when it was written]; you may remember I’ve written in support of his very insightful work many times and have suggested reading his book The Marketing of Evil.    
  • This, from WorldNet Daily today, June 2, 2009:  “Author’s note: Although I wrote the following article two weeks ago for the June edition of Whistleblower titled  “DON’T TREAD ON ME,” for release later this week),  the murder of Wichita abortionist George Tiller, M.D., makes its message especially urgent.”
    

Take time to read the article — it will be worth your while.  It, like his other writings, is insightful, thougthful and thorough.  I think his reasoning is sound — I wouldn’t recommend it if I thought otherwise.

• More anti religion in schools… another very good reason to choose to *home educate* the children in your family.   Perhaps when more children are home educated with historically accurate curriculum the Constitution of The United States of America will be properly applied.

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

• And another entry in the ‘curiouser and curiouser’ category in freedom of assembly — this time for a home Bible study gathering.  I wonder if that county official would have sought to break up the meeting or joined the group for punch and cookies had it been a packed out, full house, cars lining the street, reelect Obama meeting.   I’m just sayin…
• Some people are still watching for Obama’s birthcert… no, not that one, the original.  Dontcha wonder what’s on it?

  I know, personally,that one can own two very different but very identical looking “original” birth certificates.  I know I could present one or the other and either would be accepted as proof of my birth.  I know the one that’s real and the one that replaced it when I was adopted by my mother’s husband.  I keep wondering (if the allegations are correct regarding all the descrepencies) how long it’ll be before the truth is finally made known.  Sad thing is — even if it’s found to be another lie, it really won’t matter much to a vast number of people.  They’re willing to blindly follow the man who, along with his administration, has destroyed or eroded much of America’s strength and foundation of freedom.

• I wrote some observations regarding the death of ‘dr.’ George Tiller yesterday.  I’m still thinking about his life and his demise.  Again, I am not ‘glad’ or any other similar thought that he is dead.  But I am thankful that no baby was murdered in his office yesterday or today.  And he will not murder another one tomorrow.  It’s been reported that he was one of three persons who performed ‘late term abortions’ in the US.  I pray the other two will voluntarily close their doors.

  I’m not sure how people can possibly miss the gruesome, deplorable acts of this man — his manipulation, deception and sick practices are nothing less that atrociously shocking.  I pray the attention being given to his ‘life’ will assault deadened senses and make people aware of the absolute barbaric and deplorable practice this society has not only accepted but fought to uphold.

  This sad and sickening story is but one example of a ‘patient’ whose emotions were greedily, sadistically exploited — one of the tens of thousands who were swindled, manipulated and deceived by this now deceased murderer.  Wiki is filling fast.

  Killing that man wasn’t the answer.  Killing babies is not the answer.

  

Posted in Political stuff, Society, News DuJour | Print | 1 Comment »

June 1, 2009 by pamela ♥.

 In case it seems I’ve lost the lighthearted side… I haven’t.  Here’s my lighthearted side.

Jump!

Jump!

Jump!

The local farmers do three cuttings a year… and through the years, the youngest of our children have the greatest time jumping from bale to bale all over the land!  I don’t usually get pictures of this fun event, but my neighbor graciously gave me these!  It’s always a sad day when the tractor loads the bales of hay onto the truck and drives them away.

Posted in Family | Print | 2 Comments »

June 1, 2009 by pamela ♥.

A career is ended.  During that infamous career, tens of thousands of innocent people were killed.

A tragedy to be sure.  I think of this all day today; what a shame — what a tragic end.  A man responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent children.  I consider these things all day.  I decided to refrain from reading editorials about the man… the man who was shot while attending & ushering at ‘church’ yesterday.  I wonder why he went to church.  I wonder how he could do what he did tens of thousands of times and not only ‘attend church’ but hold the office of usher in that congregation.  I wonder, how could his conscience be so seared that he was past feeling or past personal responsibility?  How could he be so depraved he didn’t recognize his work was beyond reprehensible?  For a little bit, I get tripped up in the thought:  how could he do that?  He was totally given over to a reprobate mind.

But then I go back to my initial reaction when I first read the article in the paper this morning… killing that killer was not the answer (other attempts to take his life, bombings, etc., were also not the answer — for the record).

Tonight I mull over… was this such a tragedy bcz his actions so horrifically despicable and now there is no possible opportunity for him to express remorse for knowingly, willingly, murdering tens of thousands of viable human beings?  Or, was it so heinous bcz he lied to all those mothers and profited from all those deaths?  Or, that now, someone else will imprisoned and will likely be lawfully executed for killing that killer? I can see why he did it - or, rather, I can imagine why — but there is no excuse for it.

But in all of this, I imagine the point of focus will not be on the abortionist, George Tiller, and will perhaps, eventually, not even really be on the gunman who entered that church and committed the murder — but the focus will likely be shifted to anti-abortion extremists (read: right-wing extremists), anyone who vocalizes opposition to abortion or who peacefully protest abortion (or anything else).

I do pray this event will make people stop and consider abortion for what it is — and not allow this tragic event to draw attention away from the heinous atrocity of abortion in this country (and around the world). I pray that people will wake up to the fact that abortion is a sin — a national tragedy — a judgment on society.  I pray that people will see that abortions not only happen at the hands of so-called doctors, like Tiller, but by abortifacients such as birth-control pills and IUD’s and medications given to women who want to kill their babies.  I pray this tragic event will cause people to take another look at the lie of abortion — that people will see abortion is not a choice — it’s murder; and that abortion is not ‘family planning’ but death in a family.  Abortion is not a right; abortion is a wrong.

So this day’s nearly over.  Lives have been forever changed, lost or destroyed.  Truly sad, truly tragic.

Again, I am not thankful George Tiller is dead.  But I am thankful he will never have another opportunity kill another baby and will never cause more pain, death, grief or tragedy.

It is a tragedy he is dead, but the real tragedy is that this man will never have the opportunity to repent of his sin and turn to the LORD and give God glory for what could have been an honourable life.  George Tiller will never have the opportunity to repent and express genuine sorrow to all those he misled, for all the lies he lived and all the precious lives he destroyed.  Another sad case of two wrongs never equalling right.  Now, two killers, two tragedies.

Posted in birth control, Society, News DuJour | Print | 3 Comments »

May 26, 2009 by pamela ♥.

The Supreme Court.  Brightest minds. Greatest thinkers.  Makers interpreters of law.

I know. I know.  It’s not that big a deal.  It’s only one seat. of. nine. — for. life.

Posted in Political stuff, Society | Print | 1 Comment »

May 18, 2009 by pamela ♥.

The reasoning behind the resolution passed by the state senate of Hawaii eludes me. [edited - the original link was to a story regarding the establishment of “Islam Day” in Hawaii — the linked story is no longer available.  Here’s another ‘general’ one.  Google the resolution to find many articles.] 

The bill recognizes what it calls “the rich religious, scientific, cultural and artistic contributions” that Islam and the Islamic world have made.”

Well… hmmm…. I’m thinking.  I wonder why they didn’t include building redesign or reengineering.   Or their incredible contribution to creative landscaping, bombing materials, crowd control and an ability to reorganize the way whole cultures function in a matter of hours.  Yes… what was done to the New York skyline was a remarkable contribution — remarkable, but not worthy of any commemoration.

{this is an old post… had it in the drafts folder along with about 57 other incomplete blog entries}
[further edit: new story…BHO’s muslim roots.  Ain’t hatin’ here… just sayin’…]

Posted in Political stuff | Print | 7 Comments »

May 14, 2009 by pamela ♥.

  And so it goes.

President Barack Obama didn’t shy away from the “snub” by Arizona State University officials who said he hadn’t accomplished enough yet to earn an honorary degree. In a commencement speech Wednesday to a stadium full of young graduates, he said the officials were right.

“I come here not to dispute the suggestion that I haven’t yet achieved enough in my life,” Obama said. With a smile he added: “First of all, Michelle concurs with that assessment. She has a long list of things that I have not yet done waiting for me when I get home.”

“But more than that I come to embrace the notion that I haven’t done enough in my life. I heartily concur,” the president said. “I come to affirm that one’s title, even a title like ‘president of the United States,’ says very little about how well one’s life has been led.”

Sad.

The title (and the life) of “President of the United States” really. ought. to. say. a. lot. about. how. well. one’s. life. has. been. led.  Truly.

Lost on President Obama is the fact that the Arizona State U faculty wasn’t referring to his lack of accomplishing home duties. That was just an arrogant snub to intelligent people — and a cool deflection.  They weren’t inferring he hadn’t done enough tasks in his life — the honourary degree would have been conferred, I’m supposing, had what he had accomplished in his life thus far been worthy of the degree.  Now if ASU offered Red Herring degrees…

But, apparently, they’ve read that book… and they just don’t see the fine gold threads either.

You know I’ve used that story as an analogy of this president’s life/policies for some time… and, I’ve just gotta say, lately, I’m coming to think that it seems he’s playing both parts: the emperor and the deceiving clothiers.

Posted in Political stuff, Society | Print | 2 Comments »

May 9, 2009 by pamela ♥.

our daughters… and me

I’m in awe…with more than I could ever have asked or imagined.


my mother, mother-in-love and me

Posted in My life, Motherhood | Print | 2 Comments »

May 9, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Happy Mother’s Day

Thank you, Mama, for the gift of my life,
for the years of sacrifice
and love you have given on my behalf.
Thank you for you. 

I celebrate *you* today, Mother…  I thank the Lord for the blessing you are and have been to me.  I pray He will bless you with faith, with love, with peace, with health, with hope and with joy today. Thank you for the blessing you are to me, to my husband and our children. 

with love, pamela

Posted in My life, Motherhood | Print | 1 Comment »

May 8, 2009 by pamela ♥.

A Mother Worthy of Remembrance
by pamela spurling

No matter who you are, where you live, what your age… the very mention of the word “mother” likely conjures up many emotions. Even when we mothers look at ourselves in the mirror, we undoubtedly have mixed emotions as to who we are, what we do, what we hoped we’d be and what we are becoming. We may think back on memories of our mothers with bittersweet emotion… loving them for who they were or tried to be, cringing with regret for taking them for granted, regretting things they did that hurt us or things we did that hurt them, we may feel a sense of loss over the mother we never really knew, we may have ambivalent feelings toward them who have or had lives so different than our own… Whatever the case, Mother’s Day surely is a time when emotions run high, when remorse or guilt grips us, or when joyful memories flood our hearts and minds.

This Mother’s Day, I am especially mindful of who I am as a mother to my children, of how I am viewed by them and how they’ll remember these days of their childhood and early adulthood—thus the title of my message today: A mother worthy of remembrance.

In addition to considering how I will be remembered by them, I am now also considering another phase and that is how the LORD will use me in the lives of my grandchildren… and I am continually sobered by the thought that the grandchildren, like my own children need loving encouragement and they need a faithful mother/grandmother who will daily be remembering them at the feet of the LORD, that someone loves them and cares so much for them that they are a frequent topic of conversation before the LORD. I know that one of the saddest thoughts I had at the passing of my husband’s grandmother was the fact that we would no longer have her daily prayers of intercession on our behalf. I knew that day by day we were carried to the throne of God in her prayers. It was knowing this that taught me to daily pray for our children… it was her example of steadfast prayer that taught me to pray and to wait on the LORD for His timing and His answers, in the same way, she taught me to pray for their future spouses, for their lives and for the work the LORD had planned for them. Her dedication to prayer and of daily waiting on the LORD was a discipline she learned from her mother—of whom, as I understand it, was also widely known as a woman of prayer.

It amazes me how the LORD works, in that some of her prayers were not answered until long after her death, and yet, seemingly unanswered prayer was not a discouragement to her while she lived. It is knowing this and trusting in the LORD’s timing that has inspired me to pray for our children in a whole new way. I pray for many things for them and I pray that they, too, will learn the discipline of prayer—the obedience of prayer. I pray for their daily walk, their decisions, their future work, for their future spouses, and so on. Recorded prayers and recorded answers to prayers have surely been an encouragement to me as I look back on petitions before the LORD and His directions and answers to them. More and more I hunger for the times of the day when I can go aside and pray. The LORD has demonstrated His loving and listening ear over and over as He directs through His Word and in answers to prayers. He has confirmed His listening ear time and time again and I trust Him for His past deeds and future promises—for what He has said, that will He do. The prayers of His saints are wafting up as incense about His throne. What a blessing this is to know. And so, prayer is one of the disciplines of a mother worthy of remembrance.

These Grand and great-grandmothers were models to emulate; they are mothers worthy of remembrance … and their disciplines are worthy of remembrance today, as I know that my mother in law credits her own disciplined life to the examples she saw in her mother and grandmother. Faithful women. We may not personally have living examples of faithfulness, but the LORD has given us models of women who trusted in Him, whose faith was a credit to them. We have past lives and living examples and accounts of women in the Word who stand as models for us today. Sarah is an example of a woman whom the LORD found faithful. We are told in 1 Peter that we are her daughters if we do well and are not afraid with any amazement… or as the American Standard says: “…if ye do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.” We are to trust and not fear. We see once again that fear and faith cannot be carried in the same bucket. And so, faithfulness is one of the disciplines of a mother worthy of remembrance.

It is the desire of our hearts to be found faithful… just as we read in the Word: “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” —Matthew 25.23

I so wish that I had had the wisdom in the early years to carefully weigh the decisions I was making and the lasting impact those decisions would have. I didn’t grow up as a disciplined person, nor did I learn to carefully plan decisions. Oh, how I thank and praise the LORD today for His watchcare over me even when I did not know Him. Motherhood sort of just “happened” to me as a young married and I would apply what I was reading or what was suggested to me at the time. I must thank the LORD continually that He specifically placed me in “strategic” places where I would learn or hear ideas and try and do them. I didn’t know early on that decisions needed to be made with wisdom. I didn’t carefully weigh out all my decisions in light of the future or in light of eternity. The tyranny of the urgent and the expedient ways of doing things dictated how I made decisions. As I look back now, very seldom was wisdom employed in the making of decisions. I was easily swayed by emotion and worldly reasoning. I didn’t weigh out the consequences of my actions… though I was hemmed in by the LORD, I took much liberty to exercise what I would later come to see as poor judgment.

I continually grow in this area of decision making as I still on occasion tend to be impulsive and have to keep this in mind when buying things for our home, for our children, etc.

I see such great need for wisdom and understanding when teaching the children, when talking with others, in making lists for the day, in planning schedules or whatever other decisions might need to be made. I often pray for wisdom and understanding as I seek the LORD as the mother in our home. I sometimes think that there is nothing I need more than this with the passing of each day. The Word teaches us that wisdom is more to be desired than gold. Proverbs 31.26 says: “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” And so this tells me that seeking wisdom is one of the disciplines of a mother worthy of remembrance.

Psalms 49.3 “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”

Psalms 51.6 “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”

Psalms 90.12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Another one of the disciplines of a mother worthy of remembrance is the discipline of virtue. We learn of this in the Word that the Proverbs 31 woman was a woman of virtue. She was a woman of excellence. What a loving and Marvelous God to give us this insight into His design for us each one. O, that it might be said of us: “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” (Proverbs 31.29) We learn of this quality in the New Testament as well. 2Peter 1.3 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” This quality is both passive—and what I mean by this is that it is a quality of the mind or the way we think on things—and it is active, it is what governs what we do and how we behave, and it is given to us by the Lord Himself.

Philippians 4.8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

2Peter 1:5 “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”

Desiring and becoming a virtuous woman means deciding to leave off with worldly thinking and worldly ideals. A virtuous woman cannot be measured by the standards of the world—she is measured by the standards of the Word. And just as I shared with you earlier as well as last week, faith and fear cannot be carried in the same bucket, so also the Word and the world cannot be carried in the same bucket—one will displace the other. In order to follow the Word, you must leave off following the world. The road of either one is going in an opposite direction. A virtuous woman does not travel both roads… she has chosen the better part, she has chosen to be a woman of the Word. And so, at any cost, seeking to be virtuous is one of the disciplines of a mother worthy of remembrance.

Proverbs 31.10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”

And finally, though this subject is far from being covered, a mother worthy of remembrance is a mother who is loving. O, how I desire to be a mother who, through love, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I feel quite certain that this aspect of love is the desire of your heart as well. No matter how much I pray, no matter how disciplined I am, no matter how I seek wisdom and virtue, if I don’t have or demonstrate love, I am nothing… and that’s not how I want to be remembered.

A truly loving mother… that’s a mother worthy of remembrance.

pamela spurling ~ TheWelcomeHome ~ 2001 ~

Back to WelcomeHomeMessages

Posted in Motherhood | Print | 1 Comment »

May 7, 2009 by pamela ♥.

“Living in Union with Christ…”  This is the title of a series of messages by a Romanian born pastor, Josef Tson. He makes so many, many vital comments — it’s difficult to determine which to relate to you — it’s difficult to choose which are the gems of the gems.  I’d like to share more on this in the days to come.

I feel like I’ve been at an ongoing banquet for the last few weeks as I’ve had the huge privilege of listening to some of the greatest teachings I’ve ever heard — I’m not inferring these are sensational teachings — or that these are exciting teachings or that these have been so thrilling and entertaining — no.  The different talks I’ve been able to listen to, either in person, audio or video, have been profound — not the sort of entertainment ‘teaching’ so common in ‘churches’ today. No tickling of ears or exaltation of ’self’ in these teachings.

The Word says (2Timothy 3.1-7) this of the last days:

1 ¶  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away, 6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

I’m sharing this here as I do many times bcz I think sisters all over the world are being mesmerized and seduced by attractive, smooth talking ‘preachers’ and ’spiritual leaders’ and ‘christian’ writers.  They are promoting, by the things they teach, “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;   Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”  2 Corinthians 10.5

And I want to boldly say, as is said in 2Timothy, from such turn away.  Turn away from teachings of prominent ‘leaders’ who are denying the gospel and preach a different Jesus.  Beware of prominent ‘leaders’ who teach another Jesus — teachers who have immersed themselves in feel good, big tent, ‘have it your way’ theology and have fallen into deception by teaching the ‘many ways’ to heaven. Turn away from prominent ‘leaders’ who lie about who God is — who lie about hell, about eternal damnation, the centrality of the Cross, the only means by which one can be saved.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:”  Amos 8.11

But they’re so interesting, so believable, and they sound so right.  How will you know the Truth?  How will you discern?

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10.17

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” Hebrews 4.2

There is a reason so many are being deceived.  There is a reason so many have left off sound reasoning…they do not know the Word of God — they do not know Jesus - the Only Living Lord — the Lord God — they are deceiving and being deceived.  Starved for the truth, even silly things seem good — even lies seem fine… Super Sugar Crisp.  Starved for the truth, many are dying in their sin.  There is a famine in this land.  There is a famine of the hearing of the Word of God.

Galatians 1.3-10
3  Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5  To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 ¶  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 ¶  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Posted in devotionals, The Church Today | Print | No Comments »

April 30, 2009 by pamela ♥.

[edited May 9, 09]
The University of Notre Dame is set to crown Barack Obama with an honorary degree — in addition to the invitation to deliver the 2009 commencement address.  So, don’t you wonder how this anti pro-life president will handle the commentary generated from accepting the invitation to address the graduating class of Notre Dame?   You know, what I find so disturbing is that he has the temerity to accept an honourary Doctor of Laws degree — from. a. Catholic. University — no, on second thought, it’s disturbing that the University would confer it on him.

This is unbelievable — on so many levels.

In a perversely paradoxical sense, it is the pro-life community at Notre Dame which is responsible for the abomination which this invitation represents. By steadfastly opposing the display of abortion photos on their campus, they have allowed abortion supporters to create the misleading impression that abortion is a nominal evil. Dr. Martin Luther King didn’t trivialize lynchings by handing out white carnations or empty red envelopes. He won passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by forcing the American people to look at shocking images of African Americans being savagely beaten for trying to register to vote.”

The Center For Bio-Ethical Reform (CBR) has begun displaying large abortion photos on the sides and backs of a fleet of billboard trucks which will operate in the South Bend area between now and the conclusion of graduation ceremonies.”

And the furthest left-leaning president in US history, President Obama, will accept an honourary doctorate from a university that, according to its foundational platform:

From its earliest days, Notre Dame’s distinctive mission has set it apart from other institutions of higher education. The difference lies not so much in terms of subject matter and academic disciplines as in the perception of how  those disciplines ought to serve God and humanity. At the very heart of Notre Dame’s mission is its profound faith heritage and aspiration to be at the center of Catholic intellectual life—to be a bellwether institution in the pursuit of truth and knowledge, while remaining guided and elevated by the moral imperatives of the Catholic faith.” (Faith and Service at Notre Dame)

I guess, in reality, I ought not think it strange that Obama would take this doctorate — I really ought to be questioning the University’s decision to give it out.  But then… it’s not really strange… I guess — for people are giving the Obama a pass just about everywhere he goes regardless what he says he will do and doesn’t or what he says he won’t do and does.  It doesn’t seem to matter.

Update: (5/9)
Protests = arrests at Notre Dame.
Apparently, by which, Mr. Obama is not swayed.  I mean, ‘ Doctor ‘ is ever so much more persuasive and sounds so much more official than: Community Organizer or president.

Posted in Political stuff, Society | Print | 7 Comments »

April 27, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Someone could be listening in on your cell phone conversations.  Or your personal conversations — even if you’re not using your cell phone.  Anywhere, anytime… someone can be tracking you… receiving text messages you receive on your cell phone.

Anywhere, anytime.  It’s amazing where technology has brought us.  Go here for more info; or watch a YouTube video report.

Posted in Society | Print | 2 Comments »

April 22, 2009 by pamela ♥.

I’m doing housekeeping today… many things needed sorting and filing, washing and ironing.  Teatime brought to mind some thoughts from the past weekend.

• It’s getting fiercer and fiercer, the slick and sick double standard of those who scream to be tolerated –  not just tolerated, but venerated — endorsed — lauded.   I’m not a proponent of beauty pageants per se, but it’s sure detestable that a ‘qualified contestant’ is being dragged through the mud for articulating her answer to a question regarding her thoughts on marriage — the answer was contrary to one or more of the “judges’” personal beliefs and, therefore, she’s unqualified.  So much for tolerance.
• The new Free Speech:  You’re free to say what you like and hold the beliefs you choose to hold so long as you make sure you agree with  homosexual behaviour and the propaganda machine that is ravaging the world.   And if you don’t believe there’s an agenda, read:  The Marketing of Evil by David Kupelian — you’ll be introduced in that book to another book, After the Ball, and if you dare to read it (and I don’t say this lightly, it is not light reading and may not be suitable for anyone) it is sobering, you’ll see the agenda is well underway and very, very successful in a dark way.   (I wrote about Mr. Kupelian’s book a few years ago…. I can’t recall the blog date on that).

• Voddie Baucham

  Family Driven Faith

  A man who is not afraid to speak the Truth.

  
  

  David Kupelian’s

  The Marketing of Evil 
  
  

  it’ll change the way you see everything in society!

• As long as you don’t mess with the agenda, you’ll be accepted — if not, you’ll be castigated, mocked and scorned to death.  You can read a bit more of what happens when you dare to teach the truth which is not believed by a percentage of the population.   We attended the Worldview Apologetics Conference held at the Crossroads Bible Church in Bellevue last weekend — obviously a predetermined target — at the start of the conference, the church building was vandalized by a group determined to “bash back” with pink paint, foul words and phrases and broken locks and other damages.

  Two of the speakers at the seminar were Voddie Baucham and Doug Geivett.  Both were excellent at articulating the Truth of the Word, the climate of society today and the bold attempt to destroy the Truth and Believers.   Voddie Baucham is probably one of the most articulate and inspiring speakers I’ve ever had the privilege of listening to.  I first heard him and thought this two years ago at the Heritage Homeschool conference — he will be the keynote speaker again this year.  If you haven’t heard him or read any of his books, I would highly recommend that you hear his talks and read his books.  For info on the Christian Heritage Conference being held this coming weekend go here.    I would recommend this conference for *every* believer… *every* parent.

• One of the weapons against the church or “conservatives” is the word: hate.  If you disagree, you hate.  If you disagree, you’re a hater.  If your view is Biblical, you’re intolerant.  If you, on biblical grounds, disagree with a lifestyle choice, you are an intolerant, judgmental person.  But those who disagree with Christians… are not judgmental?Christians must judge situations — Christians must prove all things — must hold to that which is good.

  Those in disagreement are duping Christians into believing they must be tolerant… they say Christians are not to judge — au contraire — Christians must identify that which is Truth and follow it — and those things that are contrary to the Truth are to be condemned - it takes wise judgment to discern good and evil.  I marvel that Christians are willing to allow ideas contrary to the Word of God to determine their world view.   For lack of knowledge, believers are being destroyed.  When Bible teachers do not teach what the Word says and believers do not read what the Word says — and when, instead, “pastors” teach from stories of paraphrases of the Bible, people, who do not study for themselves what the Scriptures say, will be ignorant of the Truth.

Fear of being judged by those who hate God’s Word
is keeping those who would love God from obeying His Word.

Posted in Society, The Church Today, Potpourri | Print | 2 Comments »

April 21, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Love is not Irritable.
This chapter begins with a verse from Proverbs 16.32
And then continues, “Love is hard to offend and quick to forgive.”

To be irritable means ‘to be near the point of a knife.’ Not far from being poked.  People who are irritable are locked, loaded, and ready to overreact.”

I know I get irritable when there’s a deadline and I’ve not adequately prepared for it… when I don’t feel well and don’t have a quick solution… when I don’t have a meal prepared on time or when I’ve not planned well enough for an event or when I think things will never change in this or that person’s life — in all this — even knowing that there’s nothing whatsoever I can do about the situation, I still fret and become irritable sometimes — but I determine not to be irritable with my husband.   I have continually striven to stop and recount the ways of the LORD and His dealings and have sought to live in accordance with His Word — bcz it is there that I know I will find hope and peace for certian.

A little further on in the chapter we read,

A loving husband will remain calm and patient showing mercy and restraining his temper.  Rage and violence are out of the question.  A loving wife is not overly sensitive or cranky but exercises emotional control.  She chooses to be a flower among the thorns and respond pleasantly during prickly situations.”

The book suggests that there are at least two key reasons for irritability — stress and selfishness.   Of selfishness we read:

When you are irritable, the heart of the problem is primarily a problem of the heart.”  (Matthew 12.34)

I smiled as I read differences between people and the characteristics of fruits — peaches and lemons.  So, when things get stressful and the squeeze is on… remember lemons and peaches — be a peach, the result is sweet.

Being easily angered is an indicator that a hidden area of selfishness or insecurity is present where love is supposed to rule.  But selfishness also wears many other masks:  Lust… Bitterness… Greed… Pride…  These motivations can never be satisfied. But when love enters…”

I liked the analogies and comparisons.  I like ‘two things’ type lists — catchy phrases, and the exhortation in this chapter to “respond… with patience and encouragement rather than anger and exasperation.”

Today’s Dare

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation.  Begin by making a list below of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule.  The list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life [I would write:  list any wrong motivations you need to repent of, confess as sin and seek forgiveness for].
_____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.”

To the questions, I am mulling over my responses — I know I need to work on priorities and to stay ahead of my work — for I am learning more and more that I will neglect important things or drop important things — schedule-wise — instead of saying or volunteering in advance that I cannot do something by a specific date/time.  I recognize that these failures lead to irritability — the very last thing I want to be / respond.

Where do you need to add margin to your life?  When have you recently overreacted?  What was your real motivation behind it?  What decisions have you made today?

I’m mulling this over — especially in light of some recent health problems in which I have had to realize I am not handling things as well as I had thought and that I need to not fret about things — I need to just rest in what I can do today and not get caught up in what others are doing or what I think they might be thinking if I don’t have this or that thing done.  My husband’s been very, very helpful to me in seeing these things.  O, for grace to trust the LORD with things I grieve over — things I cannot do anything about.

Posted in TheLoveDareJournal, Potpourri | Print | 1 Comment »

April 20, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Today was an outside most all day long.  The first mowing of the year, the first trimming of the year (besides the pruning of the fruit trees and roses done last month), and first real sunny-warm-play in the water sort of day. 

  Mama, I’m so glad you had more children.  I’m so happy I can play with my brothers and sisters — I would be so sad if you didn’t have any more children and I was all alone.  [Hug, hug, hug…] I’m so happy…”

I smiled and said, “me, too.”

And I’ve been smiling about that over and over again… and I’m thinking, I’m sure thankful the last baby is glad I had more children. 

Posted in HAOHT, Motherhood | Print | 4 Comments »

April 20, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Today’s “Dare” begins:  Love is not rude.

Once again, I find it difficult to carry out the dare of the day.  I say this because I genuinely feel as though I am never rude to my husband.   In fact, from the beginning of our marriage, courtesy and manners have been something we’ve continually practiced.  But I am determined to go through this book and so I read the chapter and considered the definitions, thoughts and suggestions.  And then I had thought on them for a number of days.

Nothing irritates others as quickly as being rude.  Rudeness is unnecessarily saying or doing things that are unpleasant for another person to be around.  To be rude is to act unbecoming, embarrassing, or irritating.”

I’ve considered several scenarios and I’ve realized that I will occasionally make a comment that interrupts or even contradicts something my husband has said.  In times past I have thought I do this bcz I know him so well that I know what he meant to say and so I occasionally interject what he meant to say.  And you know… I got to thinking about this and realize that I need to keep this in check — O, I’m not saying I wouldn’t tell him something — but rather, the way it’s done is what I need to determine to redouble my efforts to consider.

 The chapter continues with suggestions as to what rudeness looks or sounds like and some Scriptures — concerning how rude behaviour affects a husband (Proverbs 25.24) and the importance of discretion and graciousness. (Proverbs 112.5)  The sugesstions were followed by some questions — one being:

Would your husband or wife say that you are a blessing, or that you’re condescening and embarrassing?”

Then tree suggestions (with comments):
1. Guard the Golden Rule…
2. No double standards…
3. Honour requests…

Just yesterday I heard a request — I complied… but I didn’t complete the task — and actually didn’t realize I hadn’t completed the task.  Do you know why?  I hadn’t listened carefully to the information I was given.  I hadn’t paid close attention to the details.  Now, in that situation there was no harm done whatsoever — except — that I hadn’t paid close attention to specifics.  So from that I now know two things — the next time I am to complete that specific task, my husband will remind me of what I missed this time and *I* will pay very close attention to look in the place he told me I would find the product he had purchased. :o)

Do you think I wanted to ask the questions in this chapter’s exercise?  Really… I don’t mind — even though, as with any test, confrontation or question I get nervous that I won’t measure up.  I know one thing’s for sure — when my husband tells me something I need to do or something he’d like to have done I kow he is *for* me and wants the very best for me.  Time and experience has proven this over and over.  I am assured of his love and respect.  Here’s this chapter’s dare:

 Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you.  You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behaviour.  This is from their perspective only.”

______ check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.

There’s space in the book to record what your spouse pointed out; space to record how you handled it; and space to record what you plan to do to improve these areas.   Tomorrow, Day 6:  Love is Not Irritable.

Posted in TheLoveDareJournal, Potpourri | Print | No Comments »

April 19, 2009 by pamela ♥.

This isn’t a blanket endorsement of Stephen Colbert or The Colbert Nation… but I’m just posting this so that you’ll see the lengths to which some people are going to deceive others or to discredit the Bible.  I first saw this at an apologetics conference this weekend during a talk by Dr. Doug Geivett.  He was talking about evidence and why it matters — evidence for Christian theology.  He made an interesting comment regarding evidence:

  Evidence has never mattered more than it does today.

           Evidence has never mattered less than it does today.

Do you get that?  Let it sink down in your ears.

I’ve been mulling this thought over and over.  I have been trying to articulate this for years — that the Bible matters.  Truth matters. Knowing God matters.  Knowing God’s Word matters.  Faith matters. Obedience to God’s Word matters.   But it seems — if you listen to or read books by mainstream pastors — like none of all that matters all that much.  Truly… if you follow mainstream preacher/teacher sorts, you will find that *the Truth* doesn’t always matter so much as what it is that they think that matters.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/224128/april-09-2009/bart-ehrman

Posted in Society, The Church Today | Print | 1 Comment »

April 18, 2009 by pamela ♥.

There’s more to this than meets the eye.
Stuff you don’t know until you do.

Posted in menopause | Print | 1 Comment »

April 17, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Have you let someone mock you and steal your dream?

Our family crowed [sorry, that’s a typo.  Our family didn’t crow around the computer — we crowded; c-r-o-w-d-e-d]around the computer to view a YouTube video that was suggested to us.  So we waited for the video clip to upload….

When she walked on the stage of “Britain’s Got Talent” it was obvious what the audience thought of the contestant, Susan Boyle.  Standing there, smiling and obviously pleased to be there, she was — to worldly eyes –  not stylish, attractive, seductive or of much interest — and certainly not a star.  And it’s shocking, isn’t it, how much stock the world puts in worldliness or in people who *seem* to have it all together  — or how powerful the world is in defining worth.   So, here she was — engaging — but from audience reactions, apparently odd — unprofessional and awkward.  Additionally, she didn’t appear to have talent except whatever talent it took to make it to that mark on the stage.

Susan Boyle was asked by one of the judges, Simon Cowell, “Okay, what’s the dream?” She answered, “I’m trying to be a professional singer.” And at that, the camera, panning the audience, stopped on a young girl wearing a blue blouse — gasping and crossing her arms, rolling her heavily black-lined eyes — obviously thinking this next contestant was a joke.  I thought, how pitiful that we are often derailed in life by small people who are so filled with their own self importance and ridicule of others — and yet we, for whatever reason, believe or fall prey to their mockings or belittling.   After answering the “What’s the dream” question, Susan Boyle was asked, “And why hasn’t it worked out so far, Susan?”  She answered,  “Well, I’ve never been given a chance before, but here’s where I figure it will change.”  And for a moment the mocking and  preconceptions rippled through the audience — but the moment she began to sing, stunned audience was transformed.

I, at once, admired her obvious eager desire and tenacity.  I am not a television viewer and I don’t know and don’t follow talent programs or personalities.  I’m not a follower of celebrities and had to look up the program and names of the judges (Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan); and, by the way, even mentioning this program might be misconstrued as an endorsement — I assure you: it is not.  But I am attempting to make a point — and it is this:  small people steal big dreams.  I am reminded once again — and it’s hit me profoundly — to not be careless with other people’s dreams and to not let others be careless with mine.

I was thinking about this through the evening and this morning.  And I was considering the number of times — and lengths of time — I have been derailed by others and what they thought — or, more accurately, what I think they thought — because, in reality, I know people don’t think as much about us as we think they do.  And… sadly, we often ignore or discount those who think highly of us (because we allow ourselves to be squashed by, and dwell on, those who don’t care much about us).

I think of the times I’ve felt like a Susan Boyle with big dreams… and then I am derailed as I let my eyes fall on an ignorant girl rolling her eyes back at me with disgust at my pitiful hopes. I hate that I am inhibited by fear of foolishness or ineptitude.  I think of situations where I’ve been chided or mocked through the years for things I do or choices I’ve made — and occasionally have allowed my mind to be overrun with negative thoughts.  The times I’ve not taken every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2Cor10.5)  I then feel stupid and small (or too poor or too fat or too old or too ignorant or whatever) and then I’m sort of paralyzed by those negative thoughts and don’t carry out what I know I ought to be doing.In those times I forget what my Heavenly Father thinks of me — how He loves and cares for me.

In those times I forget what He has created me to be and do.
In those times I forget (or dismiss) how much my husband loves and cares for me.
In those times I forget the promises of God and His glory and plans.

I think there are lots of us who occasionally allow the enemy’s mocking to squash our hopes and cloud our days.  I pray from here on out… we’ll just be a big surprise to the watching world.  To God’s glory.

[I need an editor]

Posted in My life, Society | Print | 4 Comments »

April 12, 2009 by pamela ♥.

I’m in awe… thankful and amazed at the mercy of God.
I could never do anything, be anything, think anything: to earn my way to redemption.
But God! Because of the cross… 

because of Jesus

– Jesus alone
I stand redeemed. I stand in awe, I stand redeemed.

Consider Jesus… who lived among men, was crucified, suffered, died, rose again, was seen by many, ascended into heaven
and ever lives to make intercession for us who believe.
Jesus is coming again. 

Trust in Him.
Believe today… repent and follow Him.

because of Jesus… we have life.

  “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12.2

One day I will see my Saviour face to Face and I will be home… today, because of the Cross,
because of the finished work of Jesus Christ… through faith by the grace of God: I stand redeemed.

It’s only Jesus.  It’s always been just Jesus.
 ”Neither is there salvation in any other:
for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Acts 4.12

He is Risen!

Jesus is Alive

the stone’s been rolled away…

God has given the greatest gift ever given. 

The awful stone of your life can be rolled away today…

and for you today — today — can be the day of salvation.

Salvation through faith in the living LORD — Yeshua… Jesus 

Posted in Potpourri | Print | 1 Comment »

April 12, 2009 by pamela ♥.

       “Love thinks.  It’s not a mindless feeling that rides on waves of emotion and falls asleep mentally.  It keeps busy in thought, knowing that loving thoughts precede loving actions.”

Today’s ‘dare’ is based on the  principle that Love is Thoughtful.  I have been prompted to ask myself many times:  is this thoughtful… am I mindful of his feelings, wishes, desires?  Am I thinking — really thinking — of his needs?

The book outlines ways we slip out of being thoughtful — or how we tend to be less thoughtful than we were, say, when we were first falling in love.  We told one another we couldn’t stop thinking of the other.  And… after marriage other things are allowed to come in and crowd our thoughts toward our spouse… that we ‘drift into thinking about your job, your friends, your problems, your personal desires, yourself.  After awhile, you unintentionally begin to ignore the needs of your spouse.”

So, I thought about this chapter.  I asked — boldly asked myself: do I do this?  Do I think of everyone else or everything else before I think of him?  Do other things hold greater priority in my thoughts, plans and decisions?

“If you don’t learn to be thoughtful,  you end up regretting missed opportunities to demonstrate love.  Thoughtlessness is a silent enemy to a loving relationship.”

This day’s dare was to:  “Contact your spouse sometime  during the business of the day.  Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.”  (and again, a _____ Check here when you’ve completed today’s dare.)

This was not really a new thing to me… I often call my husband and he often calls me. But you know what grabbed my attention?  He left me a cell-phone text message of a phone number I was to call and bcz it was not a call I could have made right then… I didn’t reply right away.  I knew he was busy so I justified my not returning the message  — his message required no reply, really.   But, later, I thought… now, it would have been thoughtful to return the message with any sort of affirmation or acknowledgment .  You see? I could have used that text to give thanks as well as ask if there was anything I could do for him.

So, I determined to use that experience as a prompting to be more attentive and thoughtful… even in the smallest things.   And I do want to be faithful (and thoughtful) even in the smallest things.  And not bcz of any book or dare or anything like that… but bcz it’s the very least I could do for the great love that’s been shown and given to me.

Posted in LoveDare Journal, marriage | Print | 1 Comment »

April 11, 2009 by pamela ♥.

Love is not Selfish.  This chapter begins with the comment:     “We live in a world that is enamored with  ’self.’  The culture around us teaches us to focus on our appearance, feelings, and personal desires as the top priority.  The goal, it seems, is to chase the highest level of happiness possible…”

I am continuing to mull over each days’ entries and suggestions.  I am finding that it’s increasingly difficult to relate to this book from my personal standpoint — and I’ll tell you why.  My husband and I have determined to whatever has been necessary to have a strong, commited, loyal and enduring marriage.   So… the Love Dare book is not a challenge, necessarily.   Interestingly enough though,  I find this to be a valuable book — but it’s not something that’s particularly grabbing my attention for personal application like the movie “Fireproof” grabbed my attention.  And I think it’s bcz I saw the movie and for two hours I was reveling in the fact that I love(!) marriage — I love(!) my husband — I am, year after year, fighting to proclaim this message of hope, commitment, covenant and importance of marriage and, therefore, I have recommended the movie, Fireproof, bcz it very much championed my deeply held personal convictions. For the two hours of the movie, I was cheering the decisions to fight for marriage — to contend for the faith in Jesus Christ and to live according to His Word.

I do this daily.  I have been doing this daily.  I will continue to do this daily.

Our marriage is strong.  Our love is strong — our commitment to one another *and* to the Lord Jesus Christ is strong.  We are already merciful with one another.  We are already patient with one another.  We are already not selfish with one another… and tomorrow’s exercise (Love is thoughtful) we are already doing as well… and the next day (Love is not rude) we are already doing as well.

So, why am I still determined to keep plugging away at this book?  Well… I’ll tell you… it’s not necessarily going to be for our marriage… but I am using it as a personal life “check-up.”   I wouldn’t think of being unkind, rude, selfish, impatient… etc., etc. with my husband… but what about my whole life?  What about my life in general.  Now, I will keep my focus on the intent of this book — but my husband does not like being a project any more than I do and we both destest contrived situations — and so, I am telling him about the day’s ‘topic’ and we’re sort of working through things together and I’m using the suggestions to “go the second mile” so to speak.

I’m behind on recording the entries for each day.  The day I was working on “Love is not selfish,” my husband was driving me an hour south of our home to a doctor appointment.  From there, he would drive me another 2 hours north of  our home I was to attend and would teach in a Titus2 group meeting.  I exclaimed to him…. wait!  I’m supposed to not be selfish today! ;o)  And he, not missing a beat, quickly answered… “O, I am doing today’s lesson!”    Where I was not to be putting my interests, desires and priorities in front of my husband… that day it seemed that that’s just what I was doing.   And yet, the Lord spoke to my heart.  I was yielding to my husband’s care and provision and protection… I could have been selfish and could have said:  No, I’ll go myself — I’ll drive myself and you don’t worry about a thing.  Instead, the *un*selfish thing to do was to share the afternoon — be taken to my appointment and then on to the meeting.

So… in answer to the questions posed in the book:  (I answered heartily: yes!)

Do I truly want what’s bet for my husband?
Do I want him to feel loved by me?
Does he believe I have his best interest in mind?
Does he see me as looking out for myself first?

The ‘exercise’ was to do something for your spouse that would show investment in them… to buy something that would say:  “I am thinking of you today.”   Well… on the way to the meeting, we stopped and shared dinner at an old fashioned ice cream parlour sort of diner.  As we ate, we talked over my talk for the meeting, the Love Dare book — that day’s ‘dare’ and many things.  We reminisced over the many times we’d gone to similar sorts of places and thought of how we’d done different things for one another over the years.   So… I gave my husband attention — he gave the same to me.  Love is not selfish.

Just as I have been very conscious of the previous days’ dares… I am adding them day by day and these “dares” are sort of governing and prompting my thoughts.   I am hemmed in… the LORD has so blessed me.

”

Posted in LoveDare Journal, marriage | Print | 1 Comment »