Our hands are one of the most useful parts of our bodies. We can do so much good with our hands, but we can also do harm if we are not careful. Perhaps the damage is not done in an intentional way most of the time. It may be that we are failing to do good and that is just as bad as doing harm. When we have an opportunity to help someone with our hands and we choose not to, we are squandering a chance to show that person the joy of Christianity and the joy of helping others.
There are many ways to help and we are presented with opportunities more often than we realize. We can do good with our hands in small ways: holding a door for someone, helping an elderly person pick up something they have dropped, holding a child’s hand when they are crossing the street or patting someone on the back when they have done well or if they are having a hard time. There are also things we can do that have the potential to make an even bigger impact. For example, we can pick up a phone to call someone and invite them to worship or to have a Bible study. Or we can drive to someone’s house to pick them up and take them to worship. These things are easy to do and don’t take a lot of time, but they could change someone’s life and their eternal destiny. Do you have someone in your life whom you could call and invite to worship? Can you take the time to change someone’s life by using your hands?
April
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
If you were a....
Just a little Friday affirmation! :)
If you were a star, you'd be the bright one.
You'd be the rare rainbow if rainbows were few.
If you were an answer, you'd be the right one.
You'd be the perfect fit, if you were a shoe.
If you were a fine pie, you'd be the finest one.
You'd be nice as the sunshine that makes the sky blue...
but you're YOU...which is better
than all these things put together.
Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
If you were a star, you'd be the bright one.
You'd be the rare rainbow if rainbows were few.
If you were an answer, you'd be the right one.
You'd be the perfect fit, if you were a shoe.
If you were a fine pie, you'd be the finest one.
You'd be nice as the sunshine that makes the sky blue...
but you're YOU...which is better
than all these things put together.
Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Monday, June 2, 2008
O Be Careful Little Ears
(If you're just checking out this blog, go back and find the first article, "O Be Careful Little Eyes".)
Every time we turn on the television or go to a movie or simply walk around in public, it is likely we will hear profanity, hear the Lord’s name taken in vain or hear a perverted joke or some innuendo. We should try to stay away from this type of language whenever possible. If you hear it on tv, change the channel. If you hear it on the radio, change the station. If you are around someone who is using bad language, ask them to stop. If you sometimes find yourself using this type of language yourself, pray to God and ask Him to help you to use your words in a better way.
The things we hear, like the things we see, become a part of us. If we are always exposing ourselves to negative language, it will eventually become a part of us. Even if you don’t say things out loud, you may think them. Or you may find that you’ve become immune to such language. We should always work to avoid becoming immune to any thing that goes against God’s Word. James 4:4 says, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” If we allow ourselves to accept all behavior, even if it is against God’s will, we have allowed ourselves to become His enemies. This is certainly not the side we want to be on!
April
Every time we turn on the television or go to a movie or simply walk around in public, it is likely we will hear profanity, hear the Lord’s name taken in vain or hear a perverted joke or some innuendo. We should try to stay away from this type of language whenever possible. If you hear it on tv, change the channel. If you hear it on the radio, change the station. If you are around someone who is using bad language, ask them to stop. If you sometimes find yourself using this type of language yourself, pray to God and ask Him to help you to use your words in a better way.
The things we hear, like the things we see, become a part of us. If we are always exposing ourselves to negative language, it will eventually become a part of us. Even if you don’t say things out loud, you may think them. Or you may find that you’ve become immune to such language. We should always work to avoid becoming immune to any thing that goes against God’s Word. James 4:4 says, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” If we allow ourselves to accept all behavior, even if it is against God’s will, we have allowed ourselves to become His enemies. This is certainly not the side we want to be on!
April
Where does the time go?
Yeah, so I'm over a week late with posting something. Time flies when you're...oh wait, the end of that statement is "having fun", isn't it? I can't exactly say that the past week has been fun! It started out amazingly as our family enjoyed a mini-reunion and Monday off for Memorial Day (no school!). But then we did have school, and it was FINALS week. You might think that's only crazy for students, but teachers go nuts then, too. We want summer vacation as much as you!!! On top of all of that, TJ and I have spent the last few days working on the new youth group song book and a VBS story room!
On a good note, Emmalynn and Kayla both graduated from kindergarten on Thursday. Now, I am sitting at home with 4 kids (although Em has morning cheer camp), but I am already enjoying summer!!!!
I'm back on track for posts and things this week. You will see April's post shortly that I should've posted Saturday!!
You know, maybe you can use my crazy life and my lack of time as a lesson. Realize that time will run out before we realize it. We have to MAKE time for God and make some study and prayer time a priority. Also, don't hesitate in making sure you are right with God. We never know when our last day will be. Don't want to sound morbid, but it's the truth. Always be prepared!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
O Be Careful, Little Eyes...
(Hope you enjoy my Saturday articles. Please comment and let me know what you think!)
Around every corner, we are faced with a barrage of images. Some images are positive. It is inspiring to see a beautiful piece of art or to watch a movie that uplifts and encourages us. But we may find ourselves watching television shows and movies, or looking at things on the Internet, that do not help us in our walk with God, but rather hinder it. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” How can we meditate on things that are good and pure when we are filling our minds with things that are negative and unacceptable to God?
Also, as women, it is important that we are not causing anyone else to stumble with their eyes by the way that we dress. Romans 14:21 says, “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” Although we are not ultimately responsible for the soul of another, we will be held accountable if we cause another to stumble in their walk with God by the way that we dress or act or talk. I Timothy 2:9 says “…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety (appropriateness) and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” God put in us the ability to appreciate beauty. It is good for us to feel good about the way we look and to take care of our bodies. But we have to do this within the confines of God’s will for us. More importantly, we must seek to be beautiful on the inside. Inner beauty is the only kind that counts with God and the only kind that lasts.
April
Around every corner, we are faced with a barrage of images. Some images are positive. It is inspiring to see a beautiful piece of art or to watch a movie that uplifts and encourages us. But we may find ourselves watching television shows and movies, or looking at things on the Internet, that do not help us in our walk with God, but rather hinder it. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” How can we meditate on things that are good and pure when we are filling our minds with things that are negative and unacceptable to God?
Also, as women, it is important that we are not causing anyone else to stumble with their eyes by the way that we dress. Romans 14:21 says, “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” Although we are not ultimately responsible for the soul of another, we will be held accountable if we cause another to stumble in their walk with God by the way that we dress or act or talk. I Timothy 2:9 says “…in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety (appropriateness) and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.” God put in us the ability to appreciate beauty. It is good for us to feel good about the way we look and to take care of our bodies. But we have to do this within the confines of God’s will for us. More importantly, we must seek to be beautiful on the inside. Inner beauty is the only kind that counts with God and the only kind that lasts.
April
Friday, May 23, 2008
Two Are Better Than One...
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls for he has no one to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Friends are one of the greatest blessings God gives us. They are there to enjoy the good times with us and to support us through the rough time. Christian friends can be a twofold blessing. Not only are they fun, but they can be a huge help in our Christian walk...and the opportunities for you are countless. Together, you can increase the good that you can do for God.
I am blessed with many good friends in my life. One of my best friends is April, an amazing Christian lady that I met when we were both students at Freed-Hardeman University. She is one of the most grounded, Spiritually minded women that I know. I am so grateful to her right now because she has graciously agreed to be our Saturday "guest blogger". :) Tomorrow, she is going to begin a series based on the children's song "O, Be Careful..." I think you'll enjoy and appreciate what she has to say.
Thanks and I <3 U, AJ.
Friends are one of the greatest blessings God gives us. They are there to enjoy the good times with us and to support us through the rough time. Christian friends can be a twofold blessing. Not only are they fun, but they can be a huge help in our Christian walk...and the opportunities for you are countless. Together, you can increase the good that you can do for God.
I am blessed with many good friends in my life. One of my best friends is April, an amazing Christian lady that I met when we were both students at Freed-Hardeman University. She is one of the most grounded, Spiritually minded women that I know. I am so grateful to her right now because she has graciously agreed to be our Saturday "guest blogger". :) Tomorrow, she is going to begin a series based on the children's song "O, Be Careful..." I think you'll enjoy and appreciate what she has to say.
Thanks and I <3 U, AJ.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
FAITH
Forsaking
All
I
Trust
Him
Do you really have faith? Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The acrostic above tells us that to fully put our faith in Christ, we have to forsake all. We cannot let other things like friends or extra-curricular activities get between us and God. We have to prioritize and make sure our focus is always on Him. When we focus on Him, everything else falls into place.
We also have to trust that, when we are focused on the cross, God is going to lead us on the right path. He will guide our decisions and will protect us in the choices we make. We only have to have complete, total faith in Him. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Remember, if God leads you to is, He will lead you through it.....IF you let Him.
All
I
Trust
Him
Do you really have faith? Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The acrostic above tells us that to fully put our faith in Christ, we have to forsake all. We cannot let other things like friends or extra-curricular activities get between us and God. We have to prioritize and make sure our focus is always on Him. When we focus on Him, everything else falls into place.
We also have to trust that, when we are focused on the cross, God is going to lead us on the right path. He will guide our decisions and will protect us in the choices we make. We only have to have complete, total faith in Him. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Remember, if God leads you to is, He will lead you through it.....IF you let Him.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Have You Prayed Today?
If not, maybe you should stop right now and do that. Don't know how? It's as easy as talking to your best friend.
Phillipians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God."
Don't let your worries pile up. Take them to God immediately. You don't have to get on your knees and close your eyes to pray. You only have to focus by whatever means it takes for you to give all of your concentration to your prayer. Admit in prayer that you need God's help. Ask Him to guide you on the right path and to keep you safe. Ask Him to lead you in making the right decisions. Focus on God and asking for His wisdom - don't focus on yourself and your wants.
Finally, don't forget to thank God for the blessings He pours out on your daily. Mention specifics. Remember, you should be closer to God than any person on Earth, so there is nothing that is too insignificant to mention in prayer.
Phillipians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God."
Don't let your worries pile up. Take them to God immediately. You don't have to get on your knees and close your eyes to pray. You only have to focus by whatever means it takes for you to give all of your concentration to your prayer. Admit in prayer that you need God's help. Ask Him to guide you on the right path and to keep you safe. Ask Him to lead you in making the right decisions. Focus on God and asking for His wisdom - don't focus on yourself and your wants.
Finally, don't forget to thank God for the blessings He pours out on your daily. Mention specifics. Remember, you should be closer to God than any person on Earth, so there is nothing that is too insignificant to mention in prayer.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Thought for the Day
The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.
--Norman Vincent Peale
Wow. Who couldn't use more energy? I think this quote is saying that when you immerse yourself and become passionate about something, you will be more driven and more enthusiastic about it. If you love to play basketball, you will enjoy practicing and playing. If you don't, you won't. It's a lot easier to work at something that you like than something you care nothing about.
I think that applies to our faith also. If we lose ourselves in God, we will have more energy and zeal to serve him. If you start your day by praying or reading your Bible, I think you'll find that you are ready to face whatever comes at you in the day ahead. When you find yourself struggling, stop and pray - rejuvenate your faith. At the end of the day, pray and turn it all over to God. Let him carry your burdens and you'll sleep well at night.
Readers - what do you lose yourself in? What are some other ways you find to energize your faith?
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Complacent or Content?
When it comes to your life, which are you?
Complacent means to be “pleased with one’s merits, advantages, situation, etc. often without awareness of some potential danger”(http://www.dictionary.com/). This means you go along in life without any cares or concerns. When applied to your Christian walk, it means you are stagnant and unconcerned with pursuing more for yourself. It means you just walk in a daze without realizing that spiritual dangers lurk around every corner. You aren’t necessarily doing anything wrong, but you aren’t doing much to make sure you stay on the right path.
Complacency is dangerous. The Bible refers to this as being “lukewarm”. Revelation 3:16 says, “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot or cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” We cannot be lukewarm; we as Christians must work for the Lord. Christ knows what effort we put into our faith.
There is a Switchfoot song with lyrics that I think are applicable. It says, “We were meant to live for so much more, have we lost ourselves?” Sometimes it’s hard to maintain a fervent zeal for God. As teenage girls, there are so many things out there ready to tear you down. Now, more than ever, you have to focus on Christ and be active in your faith. It is easy to lose your ambition or drive, so you have to continually study and recharge yourself spiritually. Make time to read the Bible and don’t discount the power of an active prayer life. Nothing you want to say to God is insignificant.
Content means to be “satisfied with what one has”. The difference is that when you are complacent, you are unaware of your situation; basically, you are uninvolved in your Christianity. If you are content, you are fully aware of the blessings God has bestowed upon your life, and you know your place in His plan. You are living your life to the fullest and are passionate about your faith in Him. I Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
So, what’s it gonna be? Do you want to be spit out of His mouth? Or do you want great gain?
Readers – how do you achieve contentment in your life? Share your responses in the comments.
Complacent means to be “pleased with one’s merits, advantages, situation, etc. often without awareness of some potential danger”(http://www.dictionary.com/). This means you go along in life without any cares or concerns. When applied to your Christian walk, it means you are stagnant and unconcerned with pursuing more for yourself. It means you just walk in a daze without realizing that spiritual dangers lurk around every corner. You aren’t necessarily doing anything wrong, but you aren’t doing much to make sure you stay on the right path.
Complacency is dangerous. The Bible refers to this as being “lukewarm”. Revelation 3:16 says, “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot or cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” We cannot be lukewarm; we as Christians must work for the Lord. Christ knows what effort we put into our faith.
There is a Switchfoot song with lyrics that I think are applicable. It says, “We were meant to live for so much more, have we lost ourselves?” Sometimes it’s hard to maintain a fervent zeal for God. As teenage girls, there are so many things out there ready to tear you down. Now, more than ever, you have to focus on Christ and be active in your faith. It is easy to lose your ambition or drive, so you have to continually study and recharge yourself spiritually. Make time to read the Bible and don’t discount the power of an active prayer life. Nothing you want to say to God is insignificant.
Content means to be “satisfied with what one has”. The difference is that when you are complacent, you are unaware of your situation; basically, you are uninvolved in your Christianity. If you are content, you are fully aware of the blessings God has bestowed upon your life, and you know your place in His plan. You are living your life to the fullest and are passionate about your faith in Him. I Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
So, what’s it gonna be? Do you want to be spit out of His mouth? Or do you want great gain?
Readers – how do you achieve contentment in your life? Share your responses in the comments.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
What Must I Do?
I felt like this was an important place to start because what good will any of this do if any of you aren't saved yet? Before you can live a Christian life, you have to turn your life over to Him and become a Christian. Read below and take the time to look up the scriptures for yourself. If you don't have access to a Bible, check out http://www.biblegateway.com/ where you can read verses online.
First of all, it's important to realize that the gift of salvation is only available through Christ. No one else can provide us with that opportunity. I Peter 1:18-19 says, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
The plan of salvation is clearly laid out in God's word.
1 - HEAR - This seems obvious enough. A girl must hear the Word of God before she is able to proceed. (Check out Rom. 1:16 and Rom. 10:17) With this hearing comes obedience. Following God's commandments means doing what He asks of us. (Heb. 5:9)
2 - BELIEVE - Along with obedience comes belief. Believing in God means trusting and having enough faith that you will do everything else that He wills. It means having faith without being able to see everything. It is a belief that Jesus is His son and that the Bible is His word. (Read Heb. 11:16 and Mark 16:16)
3 - REPENT - Repentance is a pivotal step in turning your life around for Christ because it means just that...to turn around. Repentance isn't just asking God to forgive your past sins. It's about making the commitment to change and to turn from your former wicked ways and follow the Godly path. (See Acts 17:30 and II Peter 3:9)
4 - CONFESS - When you confess, you stand before others and acknowledge your beliefs. You affirm that you believe in Christ and believe that He is the Son of God. (Find this in Rom. 10:10 and Acts 8:35-38)
5 - BE BAPTIZED - This step is commanded as a part of our salvation. It is not an optional step; it is not something that can be done later. Each step must be completed as a part of the process, and this cannot be left out. Being baptized means being immersed (not sprinkled!) in water for the remission of your sins. This water represents the blood that was shed by Christ on the cross to save us. (See this in Mark 16:16, Rom. 6:3, and Acts 2:38)
***Every instance of conversion in the New Testament includes baptism. Take some time to read the following conversion stories and you will find baptism included as a part of their process.
First of all, it's important to realize that the gift of salvation is only available through Christ. No one else can provide us with that opportunity. I Peter 1:18-19 says, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
The plan of salvation is clearly laid out in God's word.
1 - HEAR - This seems obvious enough. A girl must hear the Word of God before she is able to proceed. (Check out Rom. 1:16 and Rom. 10:17) With this hearing comes obedience. Following God's commandments means doing what He asks of us. (Heb. 5:9)
2 - BELIEVE - Along with obedience comes belief. Believing in God means trusting and having enough faith that you will do everything else that He wills. It means having faith without being able to see everything. It is a belief that Jesus is His son and that the Bible is His word. (Read Heb. 11:16 and Mark 16:16)
3 - REPENT - Repentance is a pivotal step in turning your life around for Christ because it means just that...to turn around. Repentance isn't just asking God to forgive your past sins. It's about making the commitment to change and to turn from your former wicked ways and follow the Godly path. (See Acts 17:30 and II Peter 3:9)
4 - CONFESS - When you confess, you stand before others and acknowledge your beliefs. You affirm that you believe in Christ and believe that He is the Son of God. (Find this in Rom. 10:10 and Acts 8:35-38)
5 - BE BAPTIZED - This step is commanded as a part of our salvation. It is not an optional step; it is not something that can be done later. Each step must be completed as a part of the process, and this cannot be left out. Being baptized means being immersed (not sprinkled!) in water for the remission of your sins. This water represents the blood that was shed by Christ on the cross to save us. (See this in Mark 16:16, Rom. 6:3, and Acts 2:38)
***Every instance of conversion in the New Testament includes baptism. Take some time to read the following conversion stories and you will find baptism included as a part of their process.
Pentecost - Acts 2
Samaritans - Acts 8:12
Simon - Acts 8:13
Eunuch - Acts 8:35-40
Saul - Acts 9:22
Cornelius - Acts 10
Lydia - Acts 16:14-15
Jailer - Acts 16:30-34
Corinthians - Acts 18:8
Ephesians - Acts 19:1-5
If you have any questions about anything you read here, please comment. Readers, feel free to comment with additional verses in regards to the steps. Those I listed are but a few.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Purpose
Besides knowing about me, I guess you wanna know why I'm even writing this blog, huh? Well, I truly believe that teenage girls need guidance in their spiritual walk. I see every day the struggles of teen girls in a high school setting, and I remember being one not too long ago. It's rough, especially when you WANT to fit in.
Well, being a Christian isn't about fitting in, but it's about finding ways to be strong enough to stand firm and stick to your beliefs. I truly believe that I can have a positive influence on young girls and want to use my writing abilities combined with my personal studies of the scriptures to help them make good decisions.
Plus, I am a young woman trying to stay faithful as well. What you see in this blog will be a reflection of my own studies, so it's sort of a spiritual journal for me.
If at any time you do not agree with something I've said, please share your thoughts in a respectful manner. If I am in error, I want to be shown that error. If I am right and you are in error, I would like to show you where the Bible teaches the truth. Together, we can walk the Heavenly way.
Well, being a Christian isn't about fitting in, but it's about finding ways to be strong enough to stand firm and stick to your beliefs. I truly believe that I can have a positive influence on young girls and want to use my writing abilities combined with my personal studies of the scriptures to help them make good decisions.
Plus, I am a young woman trying to stay faithful as well. What you see in this blog will be a reflection of my own studies, so it's sort of a spiritual journal for me.
If at any time you do not agree with something I've said, please share your thoughts in a respectful manner. If I am in error, I want to be shown that error. If I am right and you are in error, I would like to show you where the Bible teaches the truth. Together, we can walk the Heavenly way.
About Me
To help you feel confident in the messages in this blog, I am sure you'd like to know a little about the author behind it. Maybe author isn't the right word. Perhaps "messenger" is more like it. I will be supplying you with information from a variety of sources, some of which I may not even know.
First and foremost, I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was born of a virgin and walked this earth. I believe that He died on the cross for our sins and was raised on the third day. I believe He has gone to prepare a place for those who do the will of His father. I believe I am commanded to live my life according to the truths shown in the Bible.
Beyond that, I have been married to my husband since 2000. We have two beautiful daughters together, and we currently have 2 precious foster children with us as well. I am a high school English teacher, and I love my job. My family attends the Glendale Church of Christ in Newbern, TN. My husband works with the youth group at our congregation, and I am blessed to be a part of that work. Besides being a part of the group devotionals and get-togethers, I have been able to teach teenage girls' classes. I absolutely love working with them.
Any other questions about me, please feel free to ask!
First and foremost, I am a Christian. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He was born of a virgin and walked this earth. I believe that He died on the cross for our sins and was raised on the third day. I believe He has gone to prepare a place for those who do the will of His father. I believe I am commanded to live my life according to the truths shown in the Bible.
Beyond that, I have been married to my husband since 2000. We have two beautiful daughters together, and we currently have 2 precious foster children with us as well. I am a high school English teacher, and I love my job. My family attends the Glendale Church of Christ in Newbern, TN. My husband works with the youth group at our congregation, and I am blessed to be a part of that work. Besides being a part of the group devotionals and get-togethers, I have been able to teach teenage girls' classes. I absolutely love working with them.
Any other questions about me, please feel free to ask!
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