I'm plagiarizing today...I copied this off of my son's myspace blog...thought it would be a good post.
"Daily Christian living is daily Christian dying...what does it mean to give it all for God?
Die daily, to things that snare us, things that are not in line with Him, thoughts, words & actions; be aware daily that without Him, we are but a mere speck, a gnat on an elephant in a galaxy of Africa's.
To die is gain, to get past me, to know we were made to glorify Him. It's not enough to live it only on Sunday or Wednesday, we must live it DAILY.
To rescue the perishing, knowing that without Him, I am at the top of the list.
Do you want to live? Then today, choose to die.†"
Pretty strong words, huh?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Here I Am
"Here I am Lord, have your way in me, use me for You, let all people see, that You are the Son, the Son of God."
I've worshipped to that song so many times that I can recite it without trying. Today, however, I realized, as I was hurrying the kids up, irritated that one of them had wet the bed, again, that I haven't really been living it. I've griped about the weather, been tempermental, gossipped...to name a few. I certainly have not "let my light shine so the world can see, let my light bring glory to Your name."
But in the mist of my self-condemnation, I call to mind (or does He?), that, "now there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 is my mantra, when the enemy continues to stab me with guilt--that he would I, too--I recall the precious words Paul was inspired to pen.
Growth always comes with some discomfort; am I willing to grow despite pain? I pray it is so. I also need to daily surrender my life, rather than try to follow my own will and then try and squeeze God into that will.
So, Here I am Lord, have Your way in me. Gut my heart, clear the cobwebs, re-shelve the west wing. Without total remodeling, I can never hope to be what I sing so loudly in service.
I've worshipped to that song so many times that I can recite it without trying. Today, however, I realized, as I was hurrying the kids up, irritated that one of them had wet the bed, again, that I haven't really been living it. I've griped about the weather, been tempermental, gossipped...to name a few. I certainly have not "let my light shine so the world can see, let my light bring glory to Your name."
But in the mist of my self-condemnation, I call to mind (or does He?), that, "now there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 is my mantra, when the enemy continues to stab me with guilt--that he would I, too--I recall the precious words Paul was inspired to pen.
Growth always comes with some discomfort; am I willing to grow despite pain? I pray it is so. I also need to daily surrender my life, rather than try to follow my own will and then try and squeeze God into that will.
So, Here I am Lord, have Your way in me. Gut my heart, clear the cobwebs, re-shelve the west wing. Without total remodeling, I can never hope to be what I sing so loudly in service.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Happy Birthday!!
(always had to nap hugging his pups! 7 years old)Well, son, you are one year closer to being a "man." But...didn't you already decide that you were going to put away childish things? I remember clearly our conversation about there not being any "teenagers" in the Bible. I pray you keep true.
It's been tough watching you grow up, trying to cherish each and every moment, one minute wanting you to grow up and the next wishing you were still a little guy crawling in my lap. I will ask for your forgiveness now, as I am sure to get even more clingy with you now as your big brother prepares to head off to Austin in less than one year.
I pray that you continue to look forward to 180. I pray you grow strong enough to lead your own destiny. I pray that the God you seek so often will start reflecting in your daily decisions, in your relationships, and in your everyday walk.
I cannot thank Dad enough for finally bringing you home. And even though there are many times that I know you hate being homeschooled, I can also see that it's now an internal struggle, and that your good days are outnumbering your bad. I cannot thank God enough for speaking His wishes so clearly to have you home.
Most of all, I love you deeply, son. I know that God has given you to me, and that you are His and are simply on loan to me. I pray that I make the decisions He would have me make, and that it brings you joy in the process.
Happy birthday, my love!
(the b-day boy...not much has changed in 8 years!)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
OBAMA WINS!
Got your attention?
Now I'm not going to use this as a platform to spew politics, that's one area I don't usually touch unless face to face. But...what does a win for Obama mean?
First, let me say that the way the campaigning has gone for several months, you'd think the decision made on November 4, 2008 would herald in a utopic state, regardless of who was chosen to run this country. Will it?
The gloom & doomers would predict one thing, the hopefuls another. What's changed?
Okay, far be it for me to say that last night's victory for Obama was not significant...it is. I am going to go out on a ledge now, but he erased the excuses. No more minority "boo-hoo," no more majority "ha-ha." No longer can we as minorities state that we don't have a fair advantage, no more can we say poor me. The bar has been raised for some, and for others, higher still.
But does November 5, 2008 and on have the sun still coming up in the east and setting in the west? Yes. Am I still a homeschooling mama? Yes. Does my Lord and King still reign? Certainly. I can't help but wonder if the 1st Tuesday of November, every four years, has people thinking that God steps off the throne. The way some of the people were carrying on for the last few months certainly did make me pause!
I am an American, first and foremost. I claim my roots to Spain & Mexican-Indian. My biological children can claim Spanish, Mexican-Indian & Italian to their roots, plus they were born in Germany, which means they can also claim German citizenship. My adopted children are anglo, anglo mix, African-American mix, and Mexican descent. They are all, also, American's.
After American, we are Monarchists. We honor only One King, One Ruler, One God. He is a respector of no persons, but deserves all of our respect. We allow Him to rule our lives, not always without a struggle, as the enemy wanders around, seeking whom he may devour.
We struggle, we fall, but with His Grace, we can get back up again. As we head in a four-year "new era," let's not forget that God is still God, He is still on the throne, and He remains as always unchanged. Trust, and He will lead....regardless of who is the White House!
Now I'm not going to use this as a platform to spew politics, that's one area I don't usually touch unless face to face. But...what does a win for Obama mean?
First, let me say that the way the campaigning has gone for several months, you'd think the decision made on November 4, 2008 would herald in a utopic state, regardless of who was chosen to run this country. Will it?
The gloom & doomers would predict one thing, the hopefuls another. What's changed?
Okay, far be it for me to say that last night's victory for Obama was not significant...it is. I am going to go out on a ledge now, but he erased the excuses. No more minority "boo-hoo," no more majority "ha-ha." No longer can we as minorities state that we don't have a fair advantage, no more can we say poor me. The bar has been raised for some, and for others, higher still.
But does November 5, 2008 and on have the sun still coming up in the east and setting in the west? Yes. Am I still a homeschooling mama? Yes. Does my Lord and King still reign? Certainly. I can't help but wonder if the 1st Tuesday of November, every four years, has people thinking that God steps off the throne. The way some of the people were carrying on for the last few months certainly did make me pause!
I am an American, first and foremost. I claim my roots to Spain & Mexican-Indian. My biological children can claim Spanish, Mexican-Indian & Italian to their roots, plus they were born in Germany, which means they can also claim German citizenship. My adopted children are anglo, anglo mix, African-American mix, and Mexican descent. They are all, also, American's.
After American, we are Monarchists. We honor only One King, One Ruler, One God. He is a respector of no persons, but deserves all of our respect. We allow Him to rule our lives, not always without a struggle, as the enemy wanders around, seeking whom he may devour.
We struggle, we fall, but with His Grace, we can get back up again. As we head in a four-year "new era," let's not forget that God is still God, He is still on the throne, and He remains as always unchanged. Trust, and He will lead....regardless of who is the White House!
Friday, October 31, 2008
To Trick? To Treat?
This seems to be a hot topic among Christians today...and everyone has an opinion, so, why not me?
We used to celebrate Halloween the way everyone did...going all out on the decorations, spending an idiot amount of money on costumes, candy, pumpkin carving...you name it. I have some great pictures of the kids when they were younger. Both of my oldest kids are gifted artists and the pumpkins they carved were truly amazing.
I myself grew up going door to door begging for candy on this night. I remember our neighbors would make popcorn balls from scratch. We had other neighbors give us home-made candy apples and fresh cookies. My parents themselves sat on the porch handing out candy, and woe to the child who did not say thank you as they walked off. (and by the way, I'm not yet 40 so I'm not rhapsodizing Little House on the Prairie times.)
So, the debate of whether Christians should celebrate or not, is not my top concern. We all have to answer for our own actions. What saddens me is that my kids have never known a time when they could walk down the street and not worry about getting accosted, have never had a care-free spirit of eating homemade popcorn balls and candy apples (unless I made them...and after eating my treats, they don't usually ask for more--okay, so I can't cook well!) We didn't know about child-molesters, tainted candy and other such misery. Our children are growing up with it.
So, what do we do? First, let me say that there is a neighbor who locks her gate and has a sign posted "sorry, children, we are Christians and we don't celebrate evil. Please don't ring the bell." Has this person opened herself up to witnessing? Before knowing the Lord, I made sure I steered clear of that "nut-case." I couldn't believe these people were so judgemental. Now, as
a Christian...I still steer clear of that person, and I still can't believe they are so judgemental (am I judging?). We are called to be witnesses to Christ, of knowing Him and making Him known. Does hiding behind locked doors to "stay away from evil" provide an opportunity for doing as I have been commissioned? I don't believe so.
I am still a sinner, I still depend on the blood of Christ to cleanse me, I still talk to everyone who will respond. So, again, what do we do? My children still dress up, albeit not in scary costumes, they hit a few blocks of begging, and then come home and wait for us to inspect the candy. My oldest sits on the porch and hands out candy with bible verses attached...the little we do on this night may not be much, but we try to do what we can. After the inspection, we turn off the lights, I pop popcorn, mix it with candy, eat caramel apples I made (sometimes) and we watch movies. This is our little routine.
I've done the research and know more about the history of Halloween than most people, but I've also prayed about this, and my children have prayed about it. Tonight, as we prepare to hit a few blocks and beg for candy, I will keep in mind my Lord, long for the old days, then come home and pig out with my kids...what can be better than that?!
We used to celebrate Halloween the way everyone did...going all out on the decorations, spending an idiot amount of money on costumes, candy, pumpkin carving...you name it. I have some great pictures of the kids when they were younger. Both of my oldest kids are gifted artists and the pumpkins they carved were truly amazing.
I myself grew up going door to door begging for candy on this night. I remember our neighbors would make popcorn balls from scratch. We had other neighbors give us home-made candy apples and fresh cookies. My parents themselves sat on the porch handing out candy, and woe to the child who did not say thank you as they walked off. (and by the way, I'm not yet 40 so I'm not rhapsodizing Little House on the Prairie times.)
So, the debate of whether Christians should celebrate or not, is not my top concern. We all have to answer for our own actions. What saddens me is that my kids have never known a time when they could walk down the street and not worry about getting accosted, have never had a care-free spirit of eating homemade popcorn balls and candy apples (unless I made them...and after eating my treats, they don't usually ask for more--okay, so I can't cook well!) We didn't know about child-molesters, tainted candy and other such misery. Our children are growing up with it.
So, what do we do? First, let me say that there is a neighbor who locks her gate and has a sign posted "sorry, children, we are Christians and we don't celebrate evil. Please don't ring the bell." Has this person opened herself up to witnessing? Before knowing the Lord, I made sure I steered clear of that "nut-case." I couldn't believe these people were so judgemental. Now, as
a Christian...I still steer clear of that person, and I still can't believe they are so judgemental (am I judging?). We are called to be witnesses to Christ, of knowing Him and making Him known. Does hiding behind locked doors to "stay away from evil" provide an opportunity for doing as I have been commissioned? I don't believe so.I am still a sinner, I still depend on the blood of Christ to cleanse me, I still talk to everyone who will respond. So, again, what do we do? My children still dress up, albeit not in scary costumes, they hit a few blocks of begging, and then come home and wait for us to inspect the candy. My oldest sits on the porch and hands out candy with bible verses attached...the little we do on this night may not be much, but we try to do what we can. After the inspection, we turn off the lights, I pop popcorn, mix it with candy, eat caramel apples I made (sometimes) and we watch movies. This is our little routine.
I've done the research and know more about the history of Halloween than most people, but I've also prayed about this, and my children have prayed about it. Tonight, as we prepare to hit a few blocks and beg for candy, I will keep in mind my Lord, long for the old days, then come home and pig out with my kids...what can be better than that?!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I am the wretch
I have a shirt that I bought at CBD.com that states "I am the wretch the song refers to." It's crazy how many times I've had people ask me "what does that mean?" and worse, "No you're not!". Truly, the 2nd one is worse.
First, what does it mean? (besides the obvious). I am a sinner, saved by grace. But, I won't let Satan deceive me by not letting me take it further....I am also 100% worthy, wholly eligible, absolutely a co-heir with Christ...not because of anything I've done, but because of what He's done for me.
I'm forgiven...need I say more? My son has a favorite saying..."daily Christian dying." I didn't understand it at first, but, like the guy he is, he reminded me that I must die to self, to everything that does not coincide with the Word. So now, I'm trying to live it...that is, to die it.
But when I hear "no, you're not," I cringe...simply because I know the truth. I know my past, and I am grateful my God is a forgiving God. Because of what Christ did for me on the cross, I also have eternal life...I have a place set aside for me when we join Him at the heavenly feast.
Christ died for me, the least I can do is live for Him.
First, what does it mean? (besides the obvious). I am a sinner, saved by grace. But, I won't let Satan deceive me by not letting me take it further....I am also 100% worthy, wholly eligible, absolutely a co-heir with Christ...not because of anything I've done, but because of what He's done for me.
I'm forgiven...need I say more? My son has a favorite saying..."daily Christian dying." I didn't understand it at first, but, like the guy he is, he reminded me that I must die to self, to everything that does not coincide with the Word. So now, I'm trying to live it...that is, to die it.
But when I hear "no, you're not," I cringe...simply because I know the truth. I know my past, and I am grateful my God is a forgiving God. Because of what Christ did for me on the cross, I also have eternal life...I have a place set aside for me when we join Him at the heavenly feast.
Christ died for me, the least I can do is live for Him.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My Joy
My oldest son is getting ready to graduate. Only a few more months and he's off into the world. Kind of scary, since he's been homeschooled most of his life. I'm scared, some for him, mostly for me. Is it selfish to be afraid of not having him next to me? For 18 years, what a joy he's been!
I have a very special bond with him. He's my helper and the one I lean on when the homeschool day gets tough. He instinctively knows when I'm hanging on by a thread and am only willing myself to continue the day. Thankfully for him, that doesn't happen often. Oh, what a joy he is!
He's unsure what he wants to do. He's a very gifted artist, but is unsure if he wants to do this for a living. He has a passion for Christ that shames me when I think of myself at his age. He wants to be a fireman, an architect, an artist for God, spend three years with Master's Commission, can't wait to fall in love, prays to marry a godly woman...what a joy he is!
Others don't always understand him. A difficult birthing left him with the inability to think abstractly. He tries harder than anyone I have ever met, and I am not being biased. What comes easy and natural for most comes at a sweat for him. And still, what a joy he is!
As a big brother, he looks out for the younger ones, yet can tease them endlessly. One minute he's poking fun, the next he's saying sorry. Although he only has one biological brother, he's accepted his adopted siblings with ease, even though at times he feels like he's been pushed aside. And yet, he has remained a joy.
With unfathomable love, in a day of myspace, texting and hooking up, this young man has tried hard to stay true to His God. He's given into temptation, repented, and fallen again, but always manages to get right back up. Yes, what a joy he will always be!
I have a very special bond with him. He's my helper and the one I lean on when the homeschool day gets tough. He instinctively knows when I'm hanging on by a thread and am only willing myself to continue the day. Thankfully for him, that doesn't happen often. Oh, what a joy he is!
He's unsure what he wants to do. He's a very gifted artist, but is unsure if he wants to do this for a living. He has a passion for Christ that shames me when I think of myself at his age. He wants to be a fireman, an architect, an artist for God, spend three years with Master's Commission, can't wait to fall in love, prays to marry a godly woman...what a joy he is!
Others don't always understand him. A difficult birthing left him with the inability to think abstractly. He tries harder than anyone I have ever met, and I am not being biased. What comes easy and natural for most comes at a sweat for him. And still, what a joy he is!
As a big brother, he looks out for the younger ones, yet can tease them endlessly. One minute he's poking fun, the next he's saying sorry. Although he only has one biological brother, he's accepted his adopted siblings with ease, even though at times he feels like he's been pushed aside. And yet, he has remained a joy.
With unfathomable love, in a day of myspace, texting and hooking up, this young man has tried hard to stay true to His God. He's given into temptation, repented, and fallen again, but always manages to get right back up. Yes, what a joy he will always be!
Title
I'm new to blogging, wanted to first explain the title.
God loves me, in spite of all I do...
I am a mom to 8, several biological, several adopted. I cook, I clean, I help my husband raise our children...
I also am very human...I call myself a Christian, but I need to learn to BE one, not just act like on.
So, the title...In Spite of Me...He's here.
I hope to get a handle on blogging...sometime I just need an outlet, and for the few minutes a day that I have to call my own, I like to write...with or without viewers, my thoughts will be recorded!
God loves me, in spite of all I do...
I am a mom to 8, several biological, several adopted. I cook, I clean, I help my husband raise our children...
I also am very human...I call myself a Christian, but I need to learn to BE one, not just act like on.
So, the title...In Spite of Me...He's here.
I hope to get a handle on blogging...sometime I just need an outlet, and for the few minutes a day that I have to call my own, I like to write...with or without viewers, my thoughts will be recorded!
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