This was just too cute to pass up. . .
Children ages 4 to 8 were asked "What is love?" Here are my favorites from the email I received. . .
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
~Billy, age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
~Danny, age 7
(In my family it is me tasting it to make sure it is not too hot)
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
~Bobby, age 7
(Amazing!)
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend you hate"
~Nikka, age 6
(Another amazing one!)
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
~Noelle, age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
~Tommy, age 6
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
~Chris, age 7
(Or Tim McGraw!)
"I know my older sister love me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go buy new ones."
~Lauren, age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."
~Karen, age 7
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
~Mark, age 6
"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
~Jessica, age 8
And last but not least, an author and lecturer (Leo Buscaglia) once talked about a contest he judged. The purpose was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child who lived next door to an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap and just sat there. When his mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."
If those don't bring a smile to your face, I don't know what will
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Worshiping with total abandon
I don't know about you but when I'm around others it is many times hard for me to truely worship. To stop worrying about what I sound like, what I look like and what others think of me. Due to this, it is hard for me to truely focus on my object of worship, God!
I'm getting better at this. Especially in my home church. I know I'm among family there and don't need to worry about anything. But I should really always feel this way, no matter who I'm around. My focus should be on God and God alone. Nothing else matters.
Tonight when we worshiped we had our children come in and join us. As I sat there with my daughter in my lap holding her little brother and watched her close her eyes in total abandon and worship the Lord I saw what I long for. That is how I want to worship my God. The way an innocent child does, knowing that nothing else matters. Acknowledging that God is the one and only worthy of our total adoration.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
God's role in a Nation's Rise and Fall
Here are some verses to meditate on when considering the current state of our nation, where we are headed and how we should pray for the U.S. and our leaders.
Acts 17:26
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of sons of Israel.
Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Job 12:23
He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.
We must realize we may not always understand why certain people are in positions of leadership, but nothing happens, nobody rules without the Almighty's permission. As a nation, we are great and mighty because of the Lord's grace and blessings. He can just as easily take it from us if He chooses to do so because we turn from Him. It is easy to become arrogant and think this is all because of us and our strength, but the reality is that it is not true. As a nation we need to turn back to Him and follow in His path. He holds the fate of our nation in His hands. He knows what is best for us and will be patient for only so long. If we follow Him, He will guide us down the path that is best for us.
Acts 17:26
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.
Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of sons of Israel.
Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Job 12:23
He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and disperses them.
We must realize we may not always understand why certain people are in positions of leadership, but nothing happens, nobody rules without the Almighty's permission. As a nation, we are great and mighty because of the Lord's grace and blessings. He can just as easily take it from us if He chooses to do so because we turn from Him. It is easy to become arrogant and think this is all because of us and our strength, but the reality is that it is not true. As a nation we need to turn back to Him and follow in His path. He holds the fate of our nation in His hands. He knows what is best for us and will be patient for only so long. If we follow Him, He will guide us down the path that is best for us.
Family
My family back home (WA State) had their family Thanksgiving dinner today and my uncle hooked some of us who could not be there on Yahoo. We were able to hear what was going on and we could see video. I grew up with all of these family get togethers with aunts & uncles, grandparents, great grandparents, cousins and the whole crew. Now I'm two states away and not able to participate except by the internet or about once a year when I'm able to make it up there. The others online were my uncle in New York and my aunt in Australia. (If you read this, it was great to hear your voices!)
Now watching it on video via the internet is a blessing and kind of sad. It makes me want to go back up there more often for these family get togethers. I wonder if everyone who was able to make it in person this year realizes how blessed they are to get to see everyone at Thanksgiving, Christmas and at our family reunion every August.
I think I took these get togethers for granted as I was growing up. I look back with fond memories now. Maybe it is that I am now older and have children of my own and I'm seeing all my cousins with spouses and children now. I wish I could have been there.
Make sure that you don't take your family and time with them for granted. It is precious!
Now watching it on video via the internet is a blessing and kind of sad. It makes me want to go back up there more often for these family get togethers. I wonder if everyone who was able to make it in person this year realizes how blessed they are to get to see everyone at Thanksgiving, Christmas and at our family reunion every August.
I think I took these get togethers for granted as I was growing up. I look back with fond memories now. Maybe it is that I am now older and have children of my own and I'm seeing all my cousins with spouses and children now. I wish I could have been there.
Make sure that you don't take your family and time with them for granted. It is precious!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
A Christmas Story
Okay, I admit I had never seen this movie until my huband and I started dating in the early 90s. This is his favorite Christmas movie and I admit I do enjoy it, but definitely not to the same extent as he does. I really think it is a "guy thing"!
I just found this article on the web about the house from the movie being turned into a museum by another fan of the movie. If you've seen this movie and enjoyed it, check out this article.
Turn
I just started reading another book called Turn by Max Lucado. As with all of his writing, this book is amazing. He has a way of getting your attention and making you think about things in new ways you've never considered before.
This book is written around one scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14
He disects this verse into four different parts, four different things God wants from us to heal us and our land. He relates these to us turning to God not only as a country, but in our personal lives. Let's face it, we can't turn to God as a counrty to be healed if we have not turned back to Him in our personal lives!
Here is a brief peek at the introduction of this book. After this there are four sections, one for each turning point Lucado talks about. For those of you who don't have a fondness for reading I would suggest this book still. It is a quick read and really not very long. It is very thought provoking though and may have you on your knees praying for yourself and your country. We could always use more of that!!!
1. "Called by my name" - To turn from self-promotion to God-promotion, Turn to God's Glory
2. "Humble themselves and pray" - To turn from self-reliance to God-dependence, Turn to God in prayer
3. "Seek my face" - To turn from self-direction to God-direction, Turn toward God's Word
4. "Turn from their wicked ways" - To turn from self-service to repentence, Turn toward God in repentence
Each of the four items above (last phrase) are the four parts in the book. Lucado ends the introduction with. . .
For excerpts please visit my website. I'll add more as I finish the book.
This book is written around one scripture, 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive thier sins and will heal their land.
He disects this verse into four different parts, four different things God wants from us to heal us and our land. He relates these to us turning to God not only as a country, but in our personal lives. Let's face it, we can't turn to God as a counrty to be healed if we have not turned back to Him in our personal lives!
Here is a brief peek at the introduction of this book. After this there are four sections, one for each turning point Lucado talks about. For those of you who don't have a fondness for reading I would suggest this book still. It is a quick read and really not very long. It is very thought provoking though and may have you on your knees praying for yourself and your country. We could always use more of that!!!
1. "Called by my name" - To turn from self-promotion to God-promotion, Turn to God's Glory
2. "Humble themselves and pray" - To turn from self-reliance to God-dependence, Turn to God in prayer
3. "Seek my face" - To turn from self-direction to God-direction, Turn toward God's Word
4. "Turn from their wicked ways" - To turn from self-service to repentence, Turn toward God in repentence
Each of the four items above (last phrase) are the four parts in the book. Lucado ends the introduction with. . .
"God offers to heal our land. He tells us what to do. He's done His part. Now, it's up to us. It's our TURN. "
For excerpts please visit my website. I'll add more as I finish the book.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Are we thankful?
Two verses I read yesterday, that made me think about how thankful I am to the Lord. They also made me realize how often I take these things for granted when I should always be extremely thankful.
I ask you to meditate on these verses. Aren't they amazing! Just the opposite of how we human beings normally react if we were to be treated the way we sometimes treat God. Are we truely thankful for the grace and mercy God has consistently given us? Do we even acknowledge it or do we take this for granted?
Romans 5:5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:20
. . . But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.
I ask you to meditate on these verses. Aren't they amazing! Just the opposite of how we human beings normally react if we were to be treated the way we sometimes treat God. Are we truely thankful for the grace and mercy God has consistently given us? Do we even acknowledge it or do we take this for granted?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
What I'm thankful for. . .
On Thanksgiving we are supposed to think about what we are thankful for, here are mine. . .
1. God's mercy & grace
2. My wonderful husband, Shaun
3. My three beautiful children
4. A supportive family
5. An amazing church family who is always there for me and loves me unconditionally
6. Loyal friends
7. A good job that pays our bills
8. A home I can call my own
9. This blog, where I can write and share with others
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Teaching through Scripture
Once again the Lord is using my children to speak to me. I was reading my book again today (Creative Correction) and at the end of the chapter there is a 'Toolbox'. This chapter's 'toolbox' includes scripture you can teach your children in order for them to understand what God (and you) expect of them and why we should do certain things. They are divided up by subject.
As I started reading these, ready to make mental notes of which ones I'm going to add to my children's memory verse lists, I was immediately convicted by the Lord. How can I expect to teach these things to my children if I do not model them myself? Where I tend to have the most problems with these particular ones is not a place where my children usually see me, however it is convicting.
Here are some of them that I'll be meditating on and memorizing myself in the next few days. The subjects these were listed under were Aggravating/Stirring up Strife, Anger, and Arguing.
Notice the italics above added by me. I've heard and known this scripture for years, but this last part I've seemed to gloss over in the past. Tonight it jumped out at me. Our refusal to let go of our anger gives the devil a foothold into our lives and gives him control.
So as I try to learn to deal with my children in a more godly way and raise them up in the ways of the Lord, the Lord Himself is raising me up in His Ways.
As I started reading these, ready to make mental notes of which ones I'm going to add to my children's memory verse lists, I was immediately convicted by the Lord. How can I expect to teach these things to my children if I do not model them myself? Where I tend to have the most problems with these particular ones is not a place where my children usually see me, however it is convicting.
Here are some of them that I'll be meditating on and memorizing myself in the next few days. The subjects these were listed under were Aggravating/Stirring up Strife, Anger, and Arguing.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Ephesians 4:26-27
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Notice the italics above added by me. I've heard and known this scripture for years, but this last part I've seemed to gloss over in the past. Tonight it jumped out at me. Our refusal to let go of our anger gives the devil a foothold into our lives and gives him control.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguements, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
So as I try to learn to deal with my children in a more godly way and raise them up in the ways of the Lord, the Lord Himself is raising me up in His Ways.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Discipling through Scripture
My mind tends to wander from thought to thought so that in the end I sometimes have no idea how I got from my first thought to the last thought. Last night I was reading a book called Creative Correction which I picked up on account of my middle child, Austin. He is a wonderful, loveable little boy, but also can be a handful. You see, he is adorable and knows it.
The Smith Clan - Can you guess which one is Austin?
Anyway, it was talking about how God is the perfect example of how a loving parent disciplines their children out of love. A loving parent is not too strict and demanding, but at the same time does not give in to their children. They allow them to suffer consequences for their actions." . . . My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as his son."
~Hebrews 12:5-6
The author (Lisa Whelchel) has explained this to her children with the example of an umbrella. The kids are standing under an umbrella which represents their parents. As long as they stay under that umbrella, mom and dad will be able to protect them from whatever rains down on them. If they step out from under mom & dad's direction (umbrella) they must suffer the consequences of what rains down, without mom and dad's protection. This is the same for us, except our umbrella is much better because it is our all knowing Father in Heaven!
The following scripture is listed in this chapter and got me to thinking about how this applies to our lives.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
~2 Timothy 3:16-17
This got me to thinking about how God sees us as His children. Think of how you love your children and try to guide them to do what is right. God does the same for us.
I remember my mother many times telling me that no matter how old I get, I'll always be her little girl. Here I am now, almost 32 with three children of my own and she still sees me as her little girl. I am starting to understand that now with my own little ones.
This is also how God sees us. No matter how old we are or what we've accomplished in our lives, we are still God's little girls and boys. That is comforting to know. He will always be there to protect me if I stay under His umbrella. If I step out I'll have to suffer getting wet, but He'll always have room for me to step back under His umbrella!
Friday, November 17, 2006
Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism
Here is an interesting article regarding a book to be released next week. It is based on research that shows Conservatives on average give more to charities/nonprofits than Liberals.
Check it out.
Thank you Tanya for sharing.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
New Website
Okay, after today I promise I'll start writing again!
But in the meantime, I've signed up with bravehost to start a website. Not much there yet, but I wanted to start a reading room and have some ideas for other things as well.
If you have some suggestions for the website, please let me know.
Currently I'm using one of their templates. I'll be changing things along the way and would love for you to check it out every once in awhile and let me know what you think.
I've added the links to the main page (not much there yet) and the Reading Room (more to come on this one) on the sidebar of my blog.
But in the meantime, I've signed up with bravehost to start a website. Not much there yet, but I wanted to start a reading room and have some ideas for other things as well.
If you have some suggestions for the website, please let me know.
Currently I'm using one of their templates. I'll be changing things along the way and would love for you to check it out every once in awhile and let me know what you think.
I've added the links to the main page (not much there yet) and the Reading Room (more to come on this one) on the sidebar of my blog.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Email Notification of Changes
Are you tired of checking back to my blog to see if I've been up and writing lately? I've now added Feed Blitz to my blog. What is that you may ask? It allows you to subscribe to my blog so an email is sent to you each day of any changes I've made to the blog. It will notify you if I've made any changes!
For example, if you were already subscribed, you would get an email at the end of the day saying I made this post!!
Give it a try!
Either click on this link
Subscribe to Ang4him
or look in the side bar to the right and enter your email in the subscription form located at the top of the second section (just above the labels & archive sections)
For example, if you were already subscribed, you would get an email at the end of the day saying I made this post!!
Give it a try!
Either click on this link
Subscribe to Ang4him
or look in the side bar to the right and enter your email in the subscription form located at the top of the second section (just above the labels & archive sections)
Today's Meditation
I was doing some reading today for a bible study I'm currently going through and came across these two verses. I feel the Lord telling me, I need to meditate on these today so I'm going to share them with you as well.
Colossians 3:8,12
3:8
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.
3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:8,12
3:8
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips.
3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Sunday Scribblings - "I don't want to be a passenger in my own life."
Written for Sunday Scribblings.
This week's prompt is to write about this quote:
"I don't want to be a passenger in my own life." (Diane Ackerman)
I've thought about this statement for quite a bit now and the more I do, the more I don't agree with it. You see, the problem is I've been trying to be the driver in my life for too long. I keep making wrong turns and getting lost. I try to turn on the navigation system and that helps a bit, but I still get lost. It is a little easier to find my way back out, but those maps are still error prone when my judgment is involved. Basically, I'm ready to finally surrender the driver's seat to someone else who knows the way and can get me there safely. Then I can sit back and enjoy the view.
Now you may be thinking, "She's lost it, totally gone bonkers on us. What is she talking about?"
Here it is. I'm a control freak and a bit of a perfectionist. Maybe that is why I went into Accounting and am successful in this profession. However, the problem is no matter how hard I try, I'm not perfect and I don't know the way. God does though. One of my favorite verses talks about God guiding us down the correct path if we turn away from it.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left , your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)
You see, I've tried driving myself in my life and it does not work. The navigation system is my use of God's Word and His Church to try to find my way. The problem is I'm still depending on myself and my knowledge to interpret the directions AND I'm still the one behind the wheel.
Unlike me when my poor husband is driving, God won't be a backseat driver. He'll let us go where we want and waits for us to look to Him for direction. But He would like it even more if we were to completely let go and surrender to Him. At that time He will lead our lives in His Will and we will see His Power and Glory working in us. That is what I want for my life.
I'm not guaranteed that the road will be smooth all the time with God driving, but I am guaranteed to get to my final destination safely! And what a ride on the way!
This week's prompt is to write about this quote:
"I don't want to be a passenger in my own life." (Diane Ackerman)
I've thought about this statement for quite a bit now and the more I do, the more I don't agree with it. You see, the problem is I've been trying to be the driver in my life for too long. I keep making wrong turns and getting lost. I try to turn on the navigation system and that helps a bit, but I still get lost. It is a little easier to find my way back out, but those maps are still error prone when my judgment is involved. Basically, I'm ready to finally surrender the driver's seat to someone else who knows the way and can get me there safely. Then I can sit back and enjoy the view.
Now you may be thinking, "She's lost it, totally gone bonkers on us. What is she talking about?"
Here it is. I'm a control freak and a bit of a perfectionist. Maybe that is why I went into Accounting and am successful in this profession. However, the problem is no matter how hard I try, I'm not perfect and I don't know the way. God does though. One of my favorite verses talks about God guiding us down the correct path if we turn away from it.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left , your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)
You see, I've tried driving myself in my life and it does not work. The navigation system is my use of God's Word and His Church to try to find my way. The problem is I'm still depending on myself and my knowledge to interpret the directions AND I'm still the one behind the wheel.
Unlike me when my poor husband is driving, God won't be a backseat driver. He'll let us go where we want and waits for us to look to Him for direction. But He would like it even more if we were to completely let go and surrender to Him. At that time He will lead our lives in His Will and we will see His Power and Glory working in us. That is what I want for my life.
I'm not guaranteed that the road will be smooth all the time with God driving, but I am guaranteed to get to my final destination safely! And what a ride on the way!
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Ted & Gayle Haggard's Letters
"Forgiven", painting by Thomas Blackshear II
Between Two Worlds has published the letters Ted & Gayle Haggard wrote and had read to their former congregation. I pray those reading these will see the amazing grace and mercy of God. As I said yesterday, Ted has a lot to repent of, however he seems to be very sincere and I can already see God's power and grace in his and his wife's life. He will still have to suffer the consequences of his actions but God has used this scandal to eventually strengthen Ted & Gayle's relationship with Him. I truely believe this. I think it will also touch many others as well.
We've seen many times in the Bible where God has turned bad things/sinful actions to his advantage and I believe this will prove to be another instance.
This man and his family will continue to be in my prayers for healing and I pray others will see the grace and love of God through them.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Ted Haggard
There has been a lot in the news lately regarding Ted Haggard. Personally, I have mixed feelings regarding this. Obviously he was portraying one image to the world and was a leader in the Body which according to the Bible sets him to a higher standard. One the other hand he is human and not perfect. Any of us could fall into sin if we continue to harbor sinful thoughts. Thoughts lead to action and we continously need to be on guard and asking the Lord to help us put these aside. I'll be the first to admit I'm not always successful at this. He is definitely a hypocrite, but I can't say that I'm not at times. He just happens to be in the spotlight more than I am.
I do think he should be held to a higher standard as a leader (as I mentioned above, the Bible states this too!) however if he is truely repentent I believe as a church body we need to help him. He is going to be going through some really rough times in his life right now and his family will be as well. I'm by no means making excuses for his behavoir, it is horrid. However, we have to strike a balance as God does between our hatred for the man's sin and the mercy and love of our heavenly Father.
Here are some articles/blogs that I've been reading which have some good points to think about regarding this scandal.
Mike's Noise - Weekend Reading: Ted Haggard Roundup
First Things - On the Square - Observations & Contentions
Reformation 21 - Just like Ted Haggard?
Think Christian - We Never Just Fall
I do think he should be held to a higher standard as a leader (as I mentioned above, the Bible states this too!) however if he is truely repentent I believe as a church body we need to help him. He is going to be going through some really rough times in his life right now and his family will be as well. I'm by no means making excuses for his behavoir, it is horrid. However, we have to strike a balance as God does between our hatred for the man's sin and the mercy and love of our heavenly Father.
Here are some articles/blogs that I've been reading which have some good points to think about regarding this scandal.
Mike's Noise - Weekend Reading: Ted Haggard Roundup
First Things - On the Square - Observations & Contentions
Reformation 21 - Just like Ted Haggard?
Think Christian - We Never Just Fall
Monday, November 06, 2006
Love Song
We've all seen the movies and read the books. Ladies, you know the ones I'm talking about. The ones that fill us with dreams of what true love should be like. The ones that build up our expectations with ideas of romance that no man could ever live up to. Then we get involved in a relationship and get married and are disappointed when he can not live up to these expectations. No matter how wonderful our man is, he will never be able to live up to the hype of these movies and books. And it is not fair for us to expect him to, after all, he's human just like us. He has no special powers to read our minds and fulfill our every desire before we even think it. In fact, he probably would not want to read our minds even if he could!
However, we don't have to give up these dreams completely because there is someone who can and does love us this much. He not only can read our minds, he knows the deepeset desires of our heart even better than we do! And the best part is that if we put him first and rely on him to meet our needs instead of putting all that pressure on our spouses, our marriage will actually improve. Because to be honest we are not our husband's dream wife, anymore than he is our perfect spouse. However, if we look to our heavenly husband, Jesus Christ to fulfill our needs, our husbands will be free to make us happy without feeling as if they will always fall short. And we will appreciate their efforts that much more.
I've been thinking about this alot lately since hearing a song by Third Day. It is on their Offerings CD and is called Love Song. I read these words and listened to the song and was overcome with the realization that the fairytale love I always wanted is possible. I've just been looking in the wrong place and putting unnecessary and unfair pressure on my wonderful earthly husband.
This realization has drawn me closer to God and to my husband because I can now love and serve my husband without worrying about my own selfish needs. The Lord will take care of them!
This is a love song to each of us from our heavenly husband and one that is not just talk. He means every word and has already proven that He loves us this much.
LOVE SONG - Third Day
I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done.
I've never climbed the highest mountain
But I walked the hill of calvary
Chorus:
Just to be with you,
I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you,
I'd give anything
I would give my life away.
I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
How may times has he broken that promise
It can never be done
I've never swam the deepest ocean
But I walked upon the raging sea
Repeat Chorus (Bridge)
I know that you don't understand
The fullness of My love
How I died upon the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
How much that I gave you
But I promise, I would do it all again.
Just to be with you, I've done everything
There's no price I did not pay
Just to be with you,
I gave everything
Yes, I gave my life away.
However, we don't have to give up these dreams completely because there is someone who can and does love us this much. He not only can read our minds, he knows the deepeset desires of our heart even better than we do! And the best part is that if we put him first and rely on him to meet our needs instead of putting all that pressure on our spouses, our marriage will actually improve. Because to be honest we are not our husband's dream wife, anymore than he is our perfect spouse. However, if we look to our heavenly husband, Jesus Christ to fulfill our needs, our husbands will be free to make us happy without feeling as if they will always fall short. And we will appreciate their efforts that much more.
I've been thinking about this alot lately since hearing a song by Third Day. It is on their Offerings CD and is called Love Song. I read these words and listened to the song and was overcome with the realization that the fairytale love I always wanted is possible. I've just been looking in the wrong place and putting unnecessary and unfair pressure on my wonderful earthly husband.
This realization has drawn me closer to God and to my husband because I can now love and serve my husband without worrying about my own selfish needs. The Lord will take care of them!
This is a love song to each of us from our heavenly husband and one that is not just talk. He means every word and has already proven that He loves us this much.
LOVE SONG - Third Day
I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done.
I've never climbed the highest mountain
But I walked the hill of calvary
Chorus:
Just to be with you,
I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you,
I'd give anything
I would give my life away.
I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
How may times has he broken that promise
It can never be done
I've never swam the deepest ocean
But I walked upon the raging sea
Repeat Chorus (Bridge)
I know that you don't understand
The fullness of My love
How I died upon the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
How much that I gave you
But I promise, I would do it all again.
Just to be with you, I've done everything
There's no price I did not pay
Just to be with you,
I gave everything
Yes, I gave my life away.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
We are like Lot
I read something today which made me look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in a new light. In Genesis 18, Abraham is visited by the Lord. During this visit Abraham is warned that the Lord is planning to destroy the cities because of their grievous sins.
Now, Abraham's nephew Lot and his family live in the cities. Abraham loves his nephew and therefore asks the Lord if he is able to find 50 righteous men, would He spare the cities? The Lord says yes. Abraham goes on to ask would he spare the cities if He could find only 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? Each time the Lord answers in the affirmative.
However, the Lord is not able to find even 10 who are righteous, however due to Abraham's intervention the Lord decides to spare Lot's family.
Isn't it amazing that although Abraham already had the Lord's favor, he choose to intervene on behalf of Lot and his family? He even went so far as to make himself downright annoying (he basically asked the same question six time! Reminds me of my children!) in order to plead for Lot.
The amazing thing is that we have someone who loves us even more and intercedes for us at the throne of God everyday. This man is Jesus! He loved us so much he died for us as intercession for us although there was not even one righteous! And now he is constantly interceding for us because of his great love for us. That is an amazing love!
Now, Abraham's nephew Lot and his family live in the cities. Abraham loves his nephew and therefore asks the Lord if he is able to find 50 righteous men, would He spare the cities? The Lord says yes. Abraham goes on to ask would he spare the cities if He could find only 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? Each time the Lord answers in the affirmative.
However, the Lord is not able to find even 10 who are righteous, however due to Abraham's intervention the Lord decides to spare Lot's family.
Isn't it amazing that although Abraham already had the Lord's favor, he choose to intervene on behalf of Lot and his family? He even went so far as to make himself downright annoying (he basically asked the same question six time! Reminds me of my children!) in order to plead for Lot.
The amazing thing is that we have someone who loves us even more and intercedes for us at the throne of God everyday. This man is Jesus! He loved us so much he died for us as intercession for us although there was not even one righteous! And now he is constantly interceding for us because of his great love for us. That is an amazing love!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Time Flies
Boy, it's been awhile since I've posted. Time sure flies by and I've been learning lots of things that I want to share with everyone. That is if you are still out there and have not given up on me yet!I'll be trying to post this week (even with month end upon us!) however, for now I'll leave you with pictures of my little ones!
First, Tyler's school had a field trip to the local pumpkin farm last week and these are the pumpkins we picked out for her and Austin.
The next picture is my new favorite Superheros! Tyler loves Batman right now. Her birthday
party was even a Batman theme this year. So, of course, for Halloween she chose Batgirl. From there it was an obvious choice to have Austin be Batman. He doesn't really have much of an opinion yet so I can dress him as pretty much anything I want right now. We even had him trying to hum the batman theme! (the one from the old t.v. show)
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