Read 1 Samuel 1
1. From verses 1-8 describe Hannah's conflict.
She couldn't have children and Peninnah teased her. She wanted to trust God and it caused conflict within her.
2. Who was responsible for her condition?
verse 5 says the Lord had shut her womb.
3. How does God use hardships to bring blessings to our lives?
Without the hardships, we wouldn't seek God sometimes, and we would also not always recognize the blessings if we didn't have the hardship first.
4. How did Hannah first respond to her condition? (vv 6-7)
She cried and wouldn't eat
5. Can you think of a conflict in your own life that affected you in a similar way? Explain.
Last year I was having a great deal of stress over conflict within our family. Thankfully things have settled down alot and I can enjoy having all of my children living close to us again.
6. What did she finally do to overcome her bitterness? (vv 9-19)
She prayed, cried and made a vow. The priest thought she was drunk cause she was quietly pouring her heart out to the Lord. Basically she turned it all over to the Lord and was no longer sad. She allowed the Lord to carry her burden.
7. What principles can we learn from Hannah's prayer? (v 11)
8. Describe the changes in Hannah's attitude toward the Lord and toward her husband. (1:19- 2:1)
9. List some benefits that Hannah experienced as a result of her victory in dealing with her problem of barrenness. (1:27-28, 2:20-21, 3:19-21)
10. In light of 1 Sam 2:17, how do you think Hannah would have reacted at this point if she still did not conceive? Explain.
11. Apply each of the following verses to Hannah's life and to your own life.
Pr 9:10, Pr 15:33, Pr 22:4, Rev 14:7
12. Hannah voluntarily surrendered er most valuable possession to the Lord. Who benefited from this surrender and is what ways?
13. Is there something God has asked you to surrender that is not yet yielded to Him? Write out the reasons why.
Sorry I can't post more of my answers but I forgot I need to meet Stephen at the ortho this morning to bring him to school once the appt is done.
Have a blessed day.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Virtuous Woman- Lesson 3
Pr 31:10-31
1. Find Titus 2 qualities illustrated in Pr 31:10-31.
Behaviour as becometh holiness control of tongue
self-control, not given to habits love for husband
love for children keeper at home
discreet chaste
teacher of good
2. What does the bible say about virtuous women in Proverbs 31:10 and Ecc 7:28? To what is she compared? What does this tell us about the number of such women in our world?
She is said to be worth more then rare jewels. And she is said to be hard to find.
I have a son who is 19. And I so want him to find a virtuous woman. If you think about him, please pray that God would send him the woman God has chosen as his helpmeet.
3. How can a single girl model the qualities of Pr 31?
4. Discuss one of the qualities of Proverbs 31 you learned from observing the life of an older woman.
5. The "bottom line" quality of the virtuous woman is fearing the Lord (vs 30). How does that trait make all the others possible?
Because without our Lord's help we won't be able to do all of the rest. It would be impossible to do all of them in our own strength, but with His help we can do anything.
6. Make a list of particulars in Pr 31:10-31. If there is not an exact match in today's economy place one next to that on your list (e.g. spindle & distaff - sewing machine). Next grade yourself (A B C D F) as to how your life matches the biblical ideal.
7. Now take the same list and write next to each particular a woman from the bible and a woman you have known personally who exemplified such a trait.
8 What steps can (will) you take to "bring up your grades"?
I will try to keep all of these things in mind daily and try my best to live up to them.
Sorry I don't have more time to post more of my answers but wanted to give you a couple at least each day.
1. Find Titus 2 qualities illustrated in Pr 31:10-31.
Behaviour as becometh holiness control of tongue
self-control, not given to habits love for husband
love for children keeper at home
discreet chaste
teacher of good
2. What does the bible say about virtuous women in Proverbs 31:10 and Ecc 7:28? To what is she compared? What does this tell us about the number of such women in our world?
She is said to be worth more then rare jewels. And she is said to be hard to find.
I have a son who is 19. And I so want him to find a virtuous woman. If you think about him, please pray that God would send him the woman God has chosen as his helpmeet.
3. How can a single girl model the qualities of Pr 31?
4. Discuss one of the qualities of Proverbs 31 you learned from observing the life of an older woman.
5. The "bottom line" quality of the virtuous woman is fearing the Lord (vs 30). How does that trait make all the others possible?
Because without our Lord's help we won't be able to do all of the rest. It would be impossible to do all of them in our own strength, but with His help we can do anything.
6. Make a list of particulars in Pr 31:10-31. If there is not an exact match in today's economy place one next to that on your list (e.g. spindle & distaff - sewing machine). Next grade yourself (A B C D F) as to how your life matches the biblical ideal.
7. Now take the same list and write next to each particular a woman from the bible and a woman you have known personally who exemplified such a trait.
8 What steps can (will) you take to "bring up your grades"?
I will try to keep all of these things in mind daily and try my best to live up to them.
Sorry I don't have more time to post more of my answers but wanted to give you a couple at least each day.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Foundations #2
Today's took longer for me to answer and now I am almost out of time before I really have to get moving around here. But I did want to post the lessons so I will just post the verses to read and then the questions.
Read Titus 2:1-5
1. Whom are women to teach?
2. In what ways is such teaching done?
3. Define sober and list some areas of life where sobriety is needed.
4. Why do you think we have limited sobriety to the area of intoxicating drink, taking from the word its broader meaning?
5. List some ways young women may be taught to love thier husbands? Explain the difference between acts and attitudes.
6. What does it mean for a woman to love her children? How can this be taught?
7. Define discreet and list some areas of life where discretion is needed.
8. Why is the command to be keepers at home essential if one is to fulfill the prior comands in verses 4 & 5?
9. Define obedient. Is this command relevant in our day? Explain how ignoring God's command leads one into the philosophy of the world?
10. Define blasphemy. How is the word of God blasphemed by a disobedient woman? How does such an attitude affect one's teaching of the young women?
11. List some areas in your life that are not surrendered to Gods will and how they could potentially harm others.
Read Titus 2:1-5
1. Whom are women to teach?
2. In what ways is such teaching done?
3. Define sober and list some areas of life where sobriety is needed.
4. Why do you think we have limited sobriety to the area of intoxicating drink, taking from the word its broader meaning?
5. List some ways young women may be taught to love thier husbands? Explain the difference between acts and attitudes.
6. What does it mean for a woman to love her children? How can this be taught?
7. Define discreet and list some areas of life where discretion is needed.
8. Why is the command to be keepers at home essential if one is to fulfill the prior comands in verses 4 & 5?
9. Define obedient. Is this command relevant in our day? Explain how ignoring God's command leads one into the philosophy of the world?
10. Define blasphemy. How is the word of God blasphemed by a disobedient woman? How does such an attitude affect one's teaching of the young women?
11. List some areas in your life that are not surrendered to Gods will and how they could potentially harm others.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Study of Holy Women
Today I am looking at a study on holy women. Will see where this leads over the next few days.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.
Let's start right here. I only want sound doctrine straight from the word of God. I like that about this guide I am looking at cause it has you read a section of scripture, (today is Titus 2:1-5) and then asks questions. You decide on the answers based on God's word. This was a free study that I printed off a long time ago. Sorry there isn't a link anywhere on the papers that I can find. It does state there is no copyright so I will post the questions and maybe, some or all of my answers. I will decide as I go.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Since verse 2 deals with men, let's move on to verse 3.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
:5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, taht the word of God be not blasphemed.
Here are the questions and some of my answers. I did answer all of them in my journal but will share just a couple or so of my answers so this doesn't get to long.
1. After thought and reflection evaluate your concept of womanhood.
2. How have your ideas about womanhood changed since you became a christian? If you have been a christian since you were young, how has your concept changed over the years?
Wow, I could write a book to answer this one. I was saved at age 13, but honestly didn't know what that really truly meant for many years. Over the years, God has dealt with me on many issues. As He has dealt with me on issues concerning me as a woman, it has definitely changed my ideas.
3. Think of a woman you admire as an outstanding christian. Why do you esteem her?
A woman came immediately to mind. She has always been a great example to me of what a christian woman should be like. Do I have her on a pedestal? No, cause she is quick to tell you if you see any good in her, it is cause of Jesus. She taught me alot about submitting to my husband, without being a doormat, how to love my husband and respect him and to teach my children to do the same, even though she never had children.
4. Think of a powerful woman in the secular world. Name the negative results of her influence on women.
5. Who is your favorite female character in the bible? What characteristics does she have that makes her so admired?
Even though she isn't really named, we know her as the PR 31 woman. Her characteristics are all laid out for you to read there.
6. From Titus 2:1-5 list the qualities God admires. Next to them write the opposite of these qualities.
7.How do the qualities you esteem compare or conflict with the list above?
8. All women are not ready to teach younger women, or be a proper example, to others. What are teh prerequisities according to our passage?
9. How can a woman manifest behavior as becometh holiness to God? Why do you think this quality is named first?
10. Why is control of the tongue (not false accusers) so important? Can you think of an example when God's name has bee dishonored or His work hindered by a slandering woman?
11. Define temperance. Why is it important for a godly woman to be free from addiction to wine, or any excess?
I posted a few of my answers but it would have made this even longer had I posted all of them. I would love to know if anyone out there does this too. Leave me a link to your blog if you do it there, or email me. I would love to hear from you.
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.
Let's start right here. I only want sound doctrine straight from the word of God. I like that about this guide I am looking at cause it has you read a section of scripture, (today is Titus 2:1-5) and then asks questions. You decide on the answers based on God's word. This was a free study that I printed off a long time ago. Sorry there isn't a link anywhere on the papers that I can find. It does state there is no copyright so I will post the questions and maybe, some or all of my answers. I will decide as I go.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Since verse 2 deals with men, let's move on to verse 3.
Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
:5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, taht the word of God be not blasphemed.
Here are the questions and some of my answers. I did answer all of them in my journal but will share just a couple or so of my answers so this doesn't get to long.
1. After thought and reflection evaluate your concept of womanhood.
2. How have your ideas about womanhood changed since you became a christian? If you have been a christian since you were young, how has your concept changed over the years?
Wow, I could write a book to answer this one. I was saved at age 13, but honestly didn't know what that really truly meant for many years. Over the years, God has dealt with me on many issues. As He has dealt with me on issues concerning me as a woman, it has definitely changed my ideas.
3. Think of a woman you admire as an outstanding christian. Why do you esteem her?
A woman came immediately to mind. She has always been a great example to me of what a christian woman should be like. Do I have her on a pedestal? No, cause she is quick to tell you if you see any good in her, it is cause of Jesus. She taught me alot about submitting to my husband, without being a doormat, how to love my husband and respect him and to teach my children to do the same, even though she never had children.
4. Think of a powerful woman in the secular world. Name the negative results of her influence on women.
5. Who is your favorite female character in the bible? What characteristics does she have that makes her so admired?
Even though she isn't really named, we know her as the PR 31 woman. Her characteristics are all laid out for you to read there.
6. From Titus 2:1-5 list the qualities God admires. Next to them write the opposite of these qualities.
7.How do the qualities you esteem compare or conflict with the list above?
8. All women are not ready to teach younger women, or be a proper example, to others. What are teh prerequisities according to our passage?
9. How can a woman manifest behavior as becometh holiness to God? Why do you think this quality is named first?
10. Why is control of the tongue (not false accusers) so important? Can you think of an example when God's name has bee dishonored or His work hindered by a slandering woman?
11. Define temperance. Why is it important for a godly woman to be free from addiction to wine, or any excess?
I posted a few of my answers but it would have made this even longer had I posted all of them. I would love to know if anyone out there does this too. Leave me a link to your blog if you do it there, or email me. I would love to hear from you.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ever wonder?
Why some people are harder to reach for Jesus then others?
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
I must remember always when witnessing to someone, anyone, to pray, pray, pray before, during and after. Cause I guarantee you if I open my mouth to witness to someone, satan will be right there whispering in their ear that I am lying, crazy, well you know all the lies he tells people about us.
2 Cor 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
See this is something else I must remember. When they reject what I am saying, they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting Christ. Well unless I am promoting myself, which I pray I never do, I only want to promote Christ. I am but His servant, a vessel presented to Him daily (at least that is my prayer, some days it is harder then others), for His use, to bring Him glory.
Today I am doing some laundry, a few dishes, having lunch with a friend, quilting/knitting probably. Then supper if Lester is off, will be another cooking demo. If he is working late, then it will be just me here and I will figure that out later lol. There is plenty of food here to eat so I won't go hungry.
I pray you have a blessed day in the Lord.
2 Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
I must remember always when witnessing to someone, anyone, to pray, pray, pray before, during and after. Cause I guarantee you if I open my mouth to witness to someone, satan will be right there whispering in their ear that I am lying, crazy, well you know all the lies he tells people about us.
2 Cor 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
See this is something else I must remember. When they reject what I am saying, they aren't rejecting me, they are rejecting Christ. Well unless I am promoting myself, which I pray I never do, I only want to promote Christ. I am but His servant, a vessel presented to Him daily (at least that is my prayer, some days it is harder then others), for His use, to bring Him glory.
Today I am doing some laundry, a few dishes, having lunch with a friend, quilting/knitting probably. Then supper if Lester is off, will be another cooking demo. If he is working late, then it will be just me here and I will figure that out later lol. There is plenty of food here to eat so I won't go hungry.
I pray you have a blessed day in the Lord.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Want wisdom, knowledge and understanding?
Pr 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive My words, and hide My commandments with thee:
:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Notice in verse one, the word if? It is our choice. We must choose to receive His words. If we do verses 1-4 then we shall understand in verse 5.
So clearly God wants to give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But are we willing to do what it takes to receive that from Him? Just as He could have changed us into perfection at our salvation, He could give us all these things with just a thought. But He gave us a free will. And above all He wants us to choose to follow Him, choose to do His will, choose to receive all the good things He has for us. But along with those choices, He wants us to choose to not sin, choose to not turn our back on His word, choose to not let satan rob us of our joy in the Lord.
What choice will you make?
:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
:6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
Notice in verse one, the word if? It is our choice. We must choose to receive His words. If we do verses 1-4 then we shall understand in verse 5.
So clearly God wants to give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding. But are we willing to do what it takes to receive that from Him? Just as He could have changed us into perfection at our salvation, He could give us all these things with just a thought. But He gave us a free will. And above all He wants us to choose to follow Him, choose to do His will, choose to receive all the good things He has for us. But along with those choices, He wants us to choose to not sin, choose to not turn our back on His word, choose to not let satan rob us of our joy in the Lord.
What choice will you make?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
You are unique
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God made each of us different. No two of us are the same. Even identical twins have differences. We are each made up of three parts: spirit, soul and body. In each part we are different then everyone else. Only God could do that!
God created us exactly like we are for a reason. Nothing in us is wasted, no one is unimportant. None of us is just like everyone else. And the reason He created us the way He did is so that whatever He has planned for us we will be equipped to do. Cause remember God doesn't call the equipped He equips the called.
So the fiber optics people were here again this morning. They rewired the tvs and everything is working great right now. If there are any more glitches they will know that it is from the box on the outside of my house to the terminal that feeds it so that is good news. Hopefully there are no more glitches.
Stephen is home sick today. He had to be picked up yesterday from school and went to the doctor. He can return to school tomorrow. They think it is viral. Now the weather is changing here again back to cold after a few 80 degree days. Everyone around here is battling some kind of crud cause the weather can't make up its mind. I pray it does soon even though I am not looking forward to 90+ degree weather.
I will bring in my basil plant this time cause the other herbs did ok with the cold but it didn't.
I have done dishes, doing laundry now, and hopefully will mop now that I am done with workers coming in and out. They tried to be careful about tracking in mud, etc but well, with that many in and out that much it just was bound to need mopping now that they are done lol.
Jimmy worked last night but is still sore with his back. Please keep him in prayer. He works again tonight.
I will have all the grandchildren this afternoon as Andy has the flu and so they are riding the bus here in the afternoons. Alexis is doing well with her knee even though there is still bruising of the bone. It is a long slow progress, but at least it is progress.
Stephen will have xrays again in 2 weeks on his thumb and hopefully the break will be healed and the brace can come off.
Guess that is all the updates for now.
God made each of us different. No two of us are the same. Even identical twins have differences. We are each made up of three parts: spirit, soul and body. In each part we are different then everyone else. Only God could do that!
God created us exactly like we are for a reason. Nothing in us is wasted, no one is unimportant. None of us is just like everyone else. And the reason He created us the way He did is so that whatever He has planned for us we will be equipped to do. Cause remember God doesn't call the equipped He equips the called.
So the fiber optics people were here again this morning. They rewired the tvs and everything is working great right now. If there are any more glitches they will know that it is from the box on the outside of my house to the terminal that feeds it so that is good news. Hopefully there are no more glitches.
Stephen is home sick today. He had to be picked up yesterday from school and went to the doctor. He can return to school tomorrow. They think it is viral. Now the weather is changing here again back to cold after a few 80 degree days. Everyone around here is battling some kind of crud cause the weather can't make up its mind. I pray it does soon even though I am not looking forward to 90+ degree weather.
I will bring in my basil plant this time cause the other herbs did ok with the cold but it didn't.
I have done dishes, doing laundry now, and hopefully will mop now that I am done with workers coming in and out. They tried to be careful about tracking in mud, etc but well, with that many in and out that much it just was bound to need mopping now that they are done lol.
Jimmy worked last night but is still sore with his back. Please keep him in prayer. He works again tonight.
I will have all the grandchildren this afternoon as Andy has the flu and so they are riding the bus here in the afternoons. Alexis is doing well with her knee even though there is still bruising of the bone. It is a long slow progress, but at least it is progress.
Stephen will have xrays again in 2 weeks on his thumb and hopefully the break will be healed and the brace can come off.
Guess that is all the updates for now.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Purpose
God has a purpose for everything He does.
The word purpose refers to an intention, a determination, and end to be attained.
Ps 139:15-16 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
God knew His plan for us before birth.
There is nothing random with God.
We must come to a place where letting life happen to us is less desirable then spending the time with God in prayer and study of His word to learn His purpose for us each day.
Let's seek the Lord each day for His will and purpose for us. I don't know about you, but when I don't I can just see God laughing at me as I go about planning my day. He always has the last laugh.
Today I went with Stephen and Leslie to the orthopedic. He put him in a thumb brace and he will redo xrays in two weeks to see if the brace can come off.
The word purpose refers to an intention, a determination, and end to be attained.
Ps 139:15-16 My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
God knew His plan for us before birth.
There is nothing random with God.
We must come to a place where letting life happen to us is less desirable then spending the time with God in prayer and study of His word to learn His purpose for us each day.
Let's seek the Lord each day for His will and purpose for us. I don't know about you, but when I don't I can just see God laughing at me as I go about planning my day. He always has the last laugh.
Today I went with Stephen and Leslie to the orthopedic. He put him in a thumb brace and he will redo xrays in two weeks to see if the brace can come off.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
A Woman's Role
Virtue has many synonyms. Some include: courage, strength, conformity, moral excellence and chastity.
Pr 31:10 says: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
If virtue means all of those things I listed, is it any wonder her price is far above rubies?
As anyone who has been reading my blog or known me for awhile knows, I love revisiting the Pr 31 woman. Each year I spend time in those verses, and each year the Lord teaches me something new about her.
As women, we know we are to submit to our husbands, if we are married. But does that mean we are to be a doormat? Not according to my bible.
I am not sure where this will lead, so bare with me please lol. I am sorta studying and rambling this morning. Hopefully something useful for you (and me) will come from my rambling.
God created men and women different. We are physically different of course. But we think differently and respond differently in situations also. I say often to my daughters that are raising sons, and I have one son, that men respond with their heads usually and women with their hearts. In alot situations this is true. And alot of times consulting with our husbands can keep both of us grounded in making decisions.
If you are a working wife/mom, I salute you. You must wear even more hats all at once then stay at home moms. But stay at home moms don't have an easy life either. Just some of the hats we must wear are: cook, tutor, lover, nurse, secretary, bookkeeper, chauffeur, story reader, hug giver, kiss receiver. See I threw in the last three as encouragements and reminders that we do get some pretty good rewards especially when we have smaller children. All of my children are grown now, but I do have 4 grandchildren and two of them right now are here every day after school for a couple of hours, so I do get some hugs and kisses still.
I guess that is it for today. Still not sure where this will lead lol. Maybe to my study this year of Pr 31, but we will see.
Last night one of our grandsons, Stephen, ended up in the ER. He got hit by another boy during PE when they were playing soccor yesterday at school. He ended up with a crack by the first knuckle. So he has a nice bandaged hand till the swelling goes down and the bone heals. Always something going on around here.
Update on Alexis' knee: she had mri this week and there is still alot of bruising on the bone. The injury was so severe that it is taking longer to heal then they thought at first. So she continues with therapy and we wait for the healing to proceed. She is out of the brace and walking pretty well, but still doesn't have full range of motion.
So far today I have: mopped the living room and hall, managed to pull a muscle in my back while doing it, sigh. Jimmy came home early from work last night cause he did the same thing.
I have showered and dressed, paid bills, balanced the checkbook and did a devotional.
Now I need to: get haircut, go to grocery, have lunch with a friend and maybe go sit and knit. Oh and I need to go by our local quilt store and pick up the new bom fabric.
Have a blessed day!
Pr 31:10 says: Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
If virtue means all of those things I listed, is it any wonder her price is far above rubies?
As anyone who has been reading my blog or known me for awhile knows, I love revisiting the Pr 31 woman. Each year I spend time in those verses, and each year the Lord teaches me something new about her.
As women, we know we are to submit to our husbands, if we are married. But does that mean we are to be a doormat? Not according to my bible.
I am not sure where this will lead, so bare with me please lol. I am sorta studying and rambling this morning. Hopefully something useful for you (and me) will come from my rambling.
God created men and women different. We are physically different of course. But we think differently and respond differently in situations also. I say often to my daughters that are raising sons, and I have one son, that men respond with their heads usually and women with their hearts. In alot situations this is true. And alot of times consulting with our husbands can keep both of us grounded in making decisions.
If you are a working wife/mom, I salute you. You must wear even more hats all at once then stay at home moms. But stay at home moms don't have an easy life either. Just some of the hats we must wear are: cook, tutor, lover, nurse, secretary, bookkeeper, chauffeur, story reader, hug giver, kiss receiver. See I threw in the last three as encouragements and reminders that we do get some pretty good rewards especially when we have smaller children. All of my children are grown now, but I do have 4 grandchildren and two of them right now are here every day after school for a couple of hours, so I do get some hugs and kisses still.
I guess that is it for today. Still not sure where this will lead lol. Maybe to my study this year of Pr 31, but we will see.
Last night one of our grandsons, Stephen, ended up in the ER. He got hit by another boy during PE when they were playing soccor yesterday at school. He ended up with a crack by the first knuckle. So he has a nice bandaged hand till the swelling goes down and the bone heals. Always something going on around here.
Update on Alexis' knee: she had mri this week and there is still alot of bruising on the bone. The injury was so severe that it is taking longer to heal then they thought at first. So she continues with therapy and we wait for the healing to proceed. She is out of the brace and walking pretty well, but still doesn't have full range of motion.
So far today I have: mopped the living room and hall, managed to pull a muscle in my back while doing it, sigh. Jimmy came home early from work last night cause he did the same thing.
I have showered and dressed, paid bills, balanced the checkbook and did a devotional.
Now I need to: get haircut, go to grocery, have lunch with a friend and maybe go sit and knit. Oh and I need to go by our local quilt store and pick up the new bom fabric.
Have a blessed day!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spiritual Maturity
So how can I cooperate with God while He is growing me up so to speak.
I will be using some of the same scriptures I have used the last couple of days again cause they fit so well.
First off I can believe God is working in my life even when it doesn't appear He is doing anything.
Remember Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
And don't forget 2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We should keep a notebook of things we have learned so when we face that type of situation again, we will remember what happened and how God brought us through. Cause I don't know about you, but my life seems to run in patterns alot.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
We should be patient not only with God but with our selves also. Maturing takes time whether we like it or not. Patience is not an easy thing to have in the midst of a trial is it? But it is necessary. Cause our impatience won't make it go away any sooner. But it will make the trial more difficult to go through.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfet work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Ok, well I am off to practice patience as I deal with trials that may come my way today. I have already faced one lol. I was cleaning the shelf over my washer and dryer area and had alot of empty hangers. I stacked them up carefully (or so I thought at the time lol) and they all went sliding to the floor. So I had to pick them all up, sort them out again, and hang them back up. Took alot longer to do the job because of that. I should have realized when I was putting them someplace to stick them in the basket instead and I would have saved myself some aggravation. But alas, we learn from our mistakes don't we lol.
Be blessed today!
I will be using some of the same scriptures I have used the last couple of days again cause they fit so well.
First off I can believe God is working in my life even when it doesn't appear He is doing anything.
Remember Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
And don't forget 2 Cor 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
We should keep a notebook of things we have learned so when we face that type of situation again, we will remember what happened and how God brought us through. Cause I don't know about you, but my life seems to run in patterns alot.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
We should be patient not only with God but with our selves also. Maturing takes time whether we like it or not. Patience is not an easy thing to have in the midst of a trial is it? But it is necessary. Cause our impatience won't make it go away any sooner. But it will make the trial more difficult to go through.
James 1:4 But let patience have her perfet work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Ok, well I am off to practice patience as I deal with trials that may come my way today. I have already faced one lol. I was cleaning the shelf over my washer and dryer area and had alot of empty hangers. I stacked them up carefully (or so I thought at the time lol) and they all went sliding to the floor. So I had to pick them all up, sort them out again, and hang them back up. Took alot longer to do the job because of that. I should have realized when I was putting them someplace to stick them in the basket instead and I would have saved myself some aggravation. But alas, we learn from our mistakes don't we lol.
Be blessed today!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Maturity
What is your eventual destination? I know you are thinking heaven right? But I was thinking along the lines of maturity when I asked that question. How mature are you? Now I am not talking age here. Let's think about our spiritual maturity. Since I have been thinking about time recently, this was a somewhat to me anyway natural progression. First of all, just as in our physical maturity our spiritual one has no shortcuts. It takes time for Christ to mature us. Ever wish when you were saved that He just zapped you and viola! you were completely mature in Him? I guess we have all felt that way at some time or other. But honestly, I don't think any of us could stand up to the amount of changes He would have had to make in each of us. I know I couldn't. I struggle with those changes sometimes when He deals with them one by one. Do any of you struggle? Probably not lol. I am sure that it is just me.
Eph 4:13 says, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
See it takes time. And we will never be perfect till we are with Christ, so it is a never ending change that must take place. And just as it takes a long time to age from a newborn to old age, we must be patient along the way. We can't rush it no matter how much sometimes we wish we could.
Remember the scripture yesterday? Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I am holding fast to that scripture as I go through the many changes Christ still has to make in me.
Today I am finishing up the spring cleaning in the kitchen, doing laundry, starting with spring cleaning in another room, haven't decided which yet. Also I will either knit or quilt a little during rest breaks.
Supper will be a nice stuffed beef roast that I will cook in the oven tonight with potatoes and carrots, and a little rice for my cajun hubby and son lol.
Praying your day is blessed!
Eph 4:13 says, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
See it takes time. And we will never be perfect till we are with Christ, so it is a never ending change that must take place. And just as it takes a long time to age from a newborn to old age, we must be patient along the way. We can't rush it no matter how much sometimes we wish we could.
Remember the scripture yesterday? Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I am holding fast to that scripture as I go through the many changes Christ still has to make in me.
Today I am finishing up the spring cleaning in the kitchen, doing laundry, starting with spring cleaning in another room, haven't decided which yet. Also I will either knit or quilt a little during rest breaks.
Supper will be a nice stuffed beef roast that I will cook in the oven tonight with potatoes and carrots, and a little rice for my cajun hubby and son lol.
Praying your day is blessed!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Time
It has been awhile since I blogged. Recently I have been pondering time. How sometimes I seem to have alot of free time, and yet I get alot of need to do things done. Other times it seems no matter how long or hard I work I never have free time. Some times I find plenty of time to spend in God's word and others I struggle to find 10 minutes to spend there. Sometimes I have lots of time to blog and read blogs and other times I can barely glimpse at the ones I follow.
Ecc 3:1 says: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
This makes me understand a little better that these seasons are normal. And therefore all I can do is go with what God has for me right now in this time/season. But sometimes that is not easy for me. Cause I would rather do something else. That is where obedience to God comes in. Just as a child gets upset when they are made to do something that they don't feel like doing, I also get upset. And then I hear God say, my child, just obey and trust Me. And then I repent, trust and obey. Why must I ever doubt or want my own way? Well because I am still in this earthly body and still have a will.
But today I take comfort in this next verse: Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
So here is how I have obeyed so far this week. I started my spring cleaning a month earlier then normal and have my kitchen almost finished. I just have the cabinet doors and floor left to clean. Oh and the top of the fridge lol. I always seem to forget about that.
Today I cleaned a house with my youngest daughter. She has a house or two that she cleans that are very large and it is much easier if I help her with those. And it gives me a little extra spending money in these trying economic times. So all that will be done here at my home today is the regular things that are done on a daily basis. Tomorrow I will finish up the kitchen, cook a nice supper for my family, and start on either the living room, bathroom or our bedroom.
Praying this finds you safe, heathy and blessed.
Ecc 3:1 says: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
This makes me understand a little better that these seasons are normal. And therefore all I can do is go with what God has for me right now in this time/season. But sometimes that is not easy for me. Cause I would rather do something else. That is where obedience to God comes in. Just as a child gets upset when they are made to do something that they don't feel like doing, I also get upset. And then I hear God say, my child, just obey and trust Me. And then I repent, trust and obey. Why must I ever doubt or want my own way? Well because I am still in this earthly body and still have a will.
But today I take comfort in this next verse: Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
So here is how I have obeyed so far this week. I started my spring cleaning a month earlier then normal and have my kitchen almost finished. I just have the cabinet doors and floor left to clean. Oh and the top of the fridge lol. I always seem to forget about that.
Today I cleaned a house with my youngest daughter. She has a house or two that she cleans that are very large and it is much easier if I help her with those. And it gives me a little extra spending money in these trying economic times. So all that will be done here at my home today is the regular things that are done on a daily basis. Tomorrow I will finish up the kitchen, cook a nice supper for my family, and start on either the living room, bathroom or our bedroom.
Praying this finds you safe, heathy and blessed.
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