Saturday, June 29, 2013

Feelings Are Not Fact!

Because the fruit is there, you just can't see it!
 
"My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God's word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes - many times - my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens - and it happens everyday in some measure - I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with my God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth."      
 - John Piper

Friday, June 28, 2013

Purity


When I was growing up, it wasn't presented as "purity," it was presented, incorrectly I might add, as virginity. In fact, the entire emphasis was on saving yourself for marriage and not in a positive way, but in a legalistic, condemnation way and who can win with that dragon breathing down your neck? What's more when you fell off the virginity wagon, well you might just give up on the glorious plans God has for married sex.
 
Thankfully, wisdom has begun to prevail. And, God in His infinite greatness, has put it on the hearts of many wise people to present what He REALLY has to say about sex, which is purity before (and actually after) marriage. But guess what people, purity isn't just about sex. Say what? Purity is a whole package. Sex is a part of it and saving yourself for marriage is, too. Absolutely. However, when you look at it from a purity perspective, which God has all along, then it becomes about your heart. A pure heart. Me likey.
 
I have three daughters. I know the kind of world we live in. Sex sells. What's more, it's in ALL the ads of airbrushed perfect bodies (although it is subtle sometimes), it's in commercials, t.v. shows, videos and movies, sexting, pornography, suggestive conversation. Need I say more. I mean, why not have sex when you want? Why not? Because our Creator, the One who loves us THE MOST and who wants what's best for us didn't make up rules just to be cruel and steal all our fun. He created parameters, boundaries for us to live in that create joy, protect our heart and result in "life and life to the full." Exactly what He came to give us, what He died on the cross for. That is what I want my three daughters to get. These parameters/boundaries are for our GOOD and His GLORY and they result in awesomeness. Serious awesomeness!
 
Is purity easy? No ma'am, or sir, depending on who is reading. Nope. It's not always easy. In fact, it can be pretty stinking hard. I would, however, like to say, it can be done with the help of the Holy Spirit, who is ready and waiting to come to our rescue ALWAYS. And, it seems (and this is truth) that things that are easy, are not always worth it. Purity is not always easy, but speaking from experience, it is ALWAYS worth it. ALWAYS.
 
My prayer is that my lovelies and any other lovely they or I cross paths with that needs to hear it, will have a deep understanding about purity. Why God calls us (me included) to it. A pure heart. A pure life. A pure love before Him. And, as a huge FYI, He doesn't leave us to ourselves to accomplish this. He has given us His Spirit to help and guide us. He didn't/hasn't left us here willy-nilly to figure it out and accomplish it all on our own (BTW, wouldn't happen).
 
So, jump on the purity bandwagon. I'm telling you, it's worth the ride! :)
 
P.S. A couple of resources (and there are many more) for such a great Godly choice as this ...
  • The Bible
  • "Pure Life, Pure Love" by Elsa Kok Colopy ... and just one of my favorite quotes from the book: "Purity: living your love for God in the good things you pursue. It's guarding what you think about, what you look at, and what you communicate (through all forms of communication)." translated: GUARDING your body, PROTECTING your emotions and POURING your passion, that passion into great things!
  • purelovepurelife.com ...  may I now say, this is a rocking website!
 
P.P.S.S. Oh, and if you've already crossed the line (mind, body or spirit), guess what? It's NEVER too late to start over. We have a God, a Heavenly Daddy, who's all about forgiveness and restoration. Serious restoration. Jaw-dropping restoration. It's way too awesome. Just ask Him! And, if you need a wee guidance, leave a comment and I'll contact you and walk with you. I promise, I will NOT publish your comment!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

(Re)Focused

 
 
"Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."  Isaiah 50:7
 
 
*Photo credit Ant Magazine.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Markers


Altars. They are scattered throughout the Bible for a multitude of reasons. Some for making sacrifices for the atonement of sins, some torn down because there were used to make sacrifices to false gods, some were built as a witness. I especially love the story about Elijah and the altar on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18 and of Paul and the altar to the “unknown God” in Acts 17. In the beginning of the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses built altars as a marker to the greatness and glory of their God, the One and Only God, and very often, they built them using a pile of stones as markers.
We build altars, are building altars. Making markers. Because in building altars and making markers, not only are we reminding ourselves Who the Provider is, we are reminding ourselves of His goodness (then, now and to come) and are glorifying Him. We are reminded of what He sacrificed to set us free. We are reminded of His goodness in the land of the living and we are reminded of His great, unfathomable love.
 
“Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.”  Genesis 35:3


Monday, June 24, 2013

The Exchange


I wrote cards to my aunt and cousins as Father's Day approached as this would be their first without their husband/Dad on this earth. You see, my Mother's brother went to be with Jesus a month before she did. I know how hard firsts are, and even after that first year, there are still many things that are hard. I know this because I have been there losing a Dad and now, I am here again, only this time, it's my Mom. I miss her terribly. Every. Single. Day. But as I was praying and writing I said this:

"My prayer is that God will
take the sting of loss and exchange it for the joy of having had."

I realized after I wrote it, what was a pretty deep and profound thought it was. One only the Holy Spirit could plant in a brain and one that only He can work out in our lives as we surrender every day to Him. Every day isn't perfect, by any means. But, truly, that is what He is doing. In the midst of painful grief, He is bringing joy. Thankful.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Paw-Paw


He's pretty stinking cool! :) Thankful we have him.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

I Needed This ...


I don't know, but this quote and the article that went with it were just what I needed to be reminded of. 'Cause we're in a desert place. And, ugh. Just keeping it real. But, a desert place doesn't equal forgotten. In fact, it can equal some pretty good stuff, with quiet and surrender. Why? Because He is everywhere ... even in the desert places. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Earth Is Filled With His Glory!

"Holy is the Lord God Almighty,
the earth is filled with His glory.
Holy is the Lord God Almighty,
the earth is filled with His glory."
 
 









 
"It's rising up all around, it's the anthem of the Lord's renown.
Holy is the Lord God Almighty,
The earth is filled with His glory."

Monday, June 17, 2013

Night Ninja's


 
Coming, armed with plastic forks, to a yard near you! You've been warned. :)

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day!

 
 
... to this Handsome Prince! He has stolen my heart, all of our hearts. He leads our home with wisdom and grace. He loves the Lord more than us! :) He works hard to provide for us. He is our rock and support on this earth. He loves us best. He fights for us. He sacrifices for us. He is tender and protective. He is all that and a bag of chips! And, we are thankful every.single.day that God gave us to him and him to us! Happy Father's Day Babe!

Friday, June 14, 2013

A Very Fun Day, Part 2

So, after you've regrouped at Spring Creek BBQ for lunch, you go the next obvious indoor fun spot, Altitude, and jump until everyone is content and exhausted! (... or until your hour and a half is up and the biggest of the birthday girls super sprains her ankle.)
 
Loving her some jump!
 
Birthday Girl #1

Birthday Girl #2
 
 
We got some serious talent here, folks!
 
 
Look out for this dynamic duo!




Stiff competition to be sure!

Our resident gymnast! :)


We are family!

A Very Fun Day, Part 1


We spent a rockin' rainy day in May with our favorite peeps in the world celebrating spring, the big girls' birthdays and just enjoying each others company. It all started with "Homeschool Day at Six Flags." LOVE! Short lines, well-behaved kids, people smiling. Yep! A good day ... then, the rain. The big folks made a couple roller coasters before the weather changed. We made one ride as a group and stood in line (which is rare, but it was one of the few rides open due to weather) for another before the rain forced us on to other fun activities. But hey, it was a great start to a great day!

Big girl ride with the biggest sister!



Beauty waiting her turn!




BFF's plus one! :)


Love, love, love ...
 
... love these kids!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

You go where He is ...

When you feel lost and sad and broken and you need to be found, you go where He is. And, while He is always there, always where you are, sometimes, He is ever more evident and ever more present in the things He has created. In those precious things are peace and loveliness. Space where you can breathe full. That is where healing is. In His arms.