Modesty Series, Part 1

Talk about a loaded word - modesty! It is often not a comfortable topic, but it is a necessary one. I have found that there are just so many different opinions about what modesty means in today's culture. Sometimes it even seems overwhelming because in Christian circles, people believe so differently about this subject. I'd like to offer some simple, straightforward ideas about this subject.  My goal is to simply write about my perspective, and not come across as a condescending know-it-all or a self-righteous judge. It is my personal belief that the Lord is the One that brings conviction for areas we are to change in our life. I didn't always know, understand, or believe the way I do now about issues of modesty.

 I don't have the belief that God hears my prayers because I wear skirts, but He doesn't hear yours because you wear pants. I don't believe that I will be getting a fancier mansion than you because I don't wear low cut tops, or short shorts, or spaghetti strap dresses, or fill in the blank. I don't believe that dressing a certain way earns me salvation. I don't believe that I have any favor with God because I wear or don't wear certain things. I don't believe God loves me more than you if your clothes are different than mine. And lastly, I don't believe I am some sort of judge over you that can dictate to you what you can and cannot wear in order to be right with God. I have some OPINIONS, and I can share with you MY EXPERIENCE, but what you wear is between you and God.

I grew up in the Midwest mostly. I was raised by parents who trusted Christ as their Savior shortly before I was born. They loved the Lord with all their heart, and it showed. They did their best to raise their children according to Biblical principles. My mother told me that when she got saved, one of the things that she was immediately convicted about was wearing very short shorts, dresses, and skirts. I never remember seeing my mother dressed immodestly a day in my entire life. My mom let me wear shorts and jeans to play in, but insisted I wear a dress or skirt to church. That's just what we did. That's what pretty much all the girls and ladies in our church did. We wore dresses or skirts to church because it felt like a way to show respect to the Lord by dressing up in our best clothes.

When I went to a large Christian college, I was told that pants were not allowed. I didn't have too big a problem with that, because it was only going to be for four years. There were times when it seemed annoying, but it wasn't too bad. But then I started hearing some chapel messages on why pants weren't a good choice for Christian ladies. I was speechless! Then I was mad! What????? What in the world are you talking about? How could pants be wrong? I didn't wear tight pants, like what the style was (well, tight pants during the 90's are nothing compared to the skinny jeans of today, but anyway). As long as my pants weren't tight, I didn't see a problem. I had surrendered my whole life to the Lord, and I didn't think I was holding anything back. I was in college to train to go the mission field. I was not living in open sin towards the Lord. So it made me actually furious to be told that I was perhaps doing something that didn't please the Lord. Perhaps some of you have been confronted about something you were wearing, and felt the same way. It doesn't feel good, does it?

But wait. As I look back, I see a couple things. First, my immediate reaction to being confronted with an area to consider was to become angry and defensive. That is not the mark of surrender to the Lord. I could have prayed about it, to ask God to give me wisdom on this subject. But I didn't want to do that. I didn't want to think that I could have thought wrong about this. I blamed the chapel speaker, and picked apart everything he said. I told myself he was just so condescending and judgmental that I didn't need to listen to THAT! So, I didn't. I closed my Bible during the chapel service, and sat with my arms crossed. How dare he imply that I, a good Christian girl, could possibly be wearing something that displeased the Lord!

The kicker is that I was planning to be a missionary to Africa after college. I had been two missions trips to Africa already, and I knew that is where I wanted to end up. I also knew that meant giving up pants, because I was planning to go to a remote village to share the gospel and work among the people, and I had already been told that culturely, pants would not be acceptable in remote villages. So, I was already planning to give up pants. Just not because I thought they were wrong, but because they were culturally unacceptable. Bottom line, I just didn't want to be told I COULD BE WRONG.

Fast forward several years. My husband grew up in a pastor's family of a Baptist church, and his mom and sister did not wear pants or shorts. But my husband was willing to let me continue to wear pants until such a time as I decided on my own that I preferred dresses or skirts, if that time came. I knew he would prefer me to wear skirts or dresses, but he honestly left if up to me. As time went along, the issue still nagged at me. I began to feel uncomfortable in jeans. The styles of the day were getting even tighter , and it was hard to find loose-fitting pants. The words I had heard in those college chapels came back to me, about how pants automatically draw attention to certain parts of a woman's body. I had scoffed at that idea when I was in college, but I had to admit that yes, pants did draw at least SOME attention to certain areas that skirts did not. As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't deny it much longer. My jeans DID seem revealing. I noticed that I felt more lady-like and feminine in a skirt. It also hid my figure more than pants did. No, I'm not saying I looked like I was wearing a potato sack. (See, a lot of girls think that there are two options - jeans or a potato sack. But ladies, there are PLENTY of cute, modern skirts out there that don't make you look like a pioneer woman.)

Now, my husband also became the principal of a Christian school around this time. I am sure that part of my uncomfortableness with pants was caused by realizing that my husband had a position of spiritual leadership, and as his wife, students and parents would be watching us. There is a fine line between fear of man (desperately trying to please everyone just to make yourself look better) and setting a high standard. This is not just true in Christian circles, but in the secular work place as well. When I was in high school, I was a cashier at a large grocery store. We cashiers had a somewhat relaxed dress code. If I remember right, we could wear something as basic as a tshirt, jeans, and sneakers. But the store boss wore dress pants, shirt, and tie every day. His position of leadership was easily recognizeable by his attire. It was expected that he dress more professionally than us. People do hold those in leadership positions to higher standards, whether you like it or not. As the wife of the principal, I felt I needed to hold myself to a higher standard, and I decided to put aside pants and  wear skirts or dresses.

So, this whole post has kinda gone on and on mostly about pants. Am I saying that pants are the biggest issue here? No. Modesty is so much more than "to wear pants, or to not wear pants." I am really just telling my back story so that you can maybe understand my perspective. I feel that I understand both sides of this issue, because I have been on both sides. I'll be adding part 2 soon, and I'll talk about more than just the pants issue!

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

(photo by me)

 

O Love that wilt not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee;

I give thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.

 

O light that followest all my way,

I yield my flickering torch to thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in thy sunshine’s blaze its day

May brighter, fairer be.

O Joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to thee;

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain,

That morn shall tearless be.

O Cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from thee;

I lay in dust life’s glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red

Life that shall endless be.

~ George Matheson

I love the line in the first verse that says, "I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be." What a beautiful picture of surrending one's life completely to God's will, allowing Him to choose how one's life is best to be spent.

Sharing the Gospel with a Lost and Dying World

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What is the Gospel? Have you ever wondered what it means to "be saved?" Maybe you have heard Christians talking about this subject, and you might have thought, what do I need to be saved FROM? Or perhaps you are already saved, but are not sure how to share the gospel with your unsaved friends, family, and coworkers. Well, this post answers all these questions. Evangelist Dr. John Van Gelderen (Revival Focus Ministries) gives a very thorough presentation of the gospel in THESE VIDEOS. It will be well worth your time! If you have questions, feel free to post them in the comments, and I will try to answer them in the best way that I can.

Famous Quotes by Corrie Ten Boom

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I first heard the story of Corrie Ten Boom when I was a child. My mother read The Watchmaker's Daughter to me, and I will never forget the story of this courageous woman. Corrie survived a Nazi concentration camp, although sadly, her sister did not. Corrie's story of trusting God inspite of the most horrific conditions she had to endure has inspired me throughout my life. She emerged from such a tragedy, not with a broken, bitter spirit, but with a forgiving heart and a deeper faith and trust in the God who had sustained her the entire time.

I find many of Corrie's quotes to be so insightful of what it means to forgive even when great harm has been done, to truly trust in the Lord's goodness, and to live a Spirit-filled life. The following are some of her quotes that are my personal favorites:

* “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

* “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

* “This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”

* “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.”

* “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”

* “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”

* “Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”

* “Dear Jesus...how foolish of me to have called for human help when You are here.”

* “When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.”

* “When I try, I fail. When I trust, He succeeds.”

* “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”

* “There are no 'ifs' in God's Kingdom. His timing is perfect. His will is our hiding place. Lord Jesus, keep me in Your will! Don't let me go mad by poking about outside it.”

* “Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do. ”

* “.....joy runs deeper than despair.”

* “Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.”

What's so wrong about Contemporary Christian Music?

Contemporary Christian music is a huge issue in today's churches. Many churches are leaving the old traditional hymns behind, and embracing Contemporary Christian music. David Cloud (Way of Life Ministries) has put together an excellent DVD entitled "Foreign Spirit of Contemporary Worship Music." It is a current video (March 2012) and is well-documented. This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to know WHY Contemporary worship music has no place in a Christian's life.

HERE is the link for this DVD.

Here is Love

Photo credit - photo taken by me on Sanibel Island

Here is love, vast as the ocean,

Lovingkindness as a flood,

Jesus, Prince of Life, is dying,

Life for us is in His blood.

O, what heart can e're forget Him?

Who can cease His praise to sing?

Boundless love, forever cherished

While the heav'ns with music ring.

On the mount of crucifixion,

Fountains opened deep and wide;

Through the floodgates of God's mercy

Flowed a vast and gracious tide.

Grace and love, like mighty rivers,

Poured incessant from above,

And Heav'n's peace and perfect justice

Kiss a guilty world in love.

Let me all Thy love accepting,

Love Thee, ever all my days;

Let me seek Thy kingdom only

And my life be to Thy praise;

Thou alone shalt be my glory,

Nothing in the world I see.

Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,

Thou Thyself hast set me free.

In Thy truth Thou dost direct me

By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;

And Thy grace my need is meeting,

As I trust in Thee, my Lord.

Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring

Thy great love and power on me,

Without measure, full and boundless,

Drawing out my heart to Thee.

~ William Rees

This was a beautiful hymn used during the Welsh Revival of 1904.

The Necessity of Forgiveness

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One of my favorite passages in the Bible that deals with forgiveness is Matthew 18:21-35. Peter asks Jesus how many times should one forgive others. Perhaps Peter thought he was being generous in suggesting that he forgive someone seven times. But the Lord answered, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." I believe that Jesus' point was not that we should literally only forgive 490 times and then that's it. But rather, seventy times seven implies we should forgive so many times that we just do not even keep track. Jesus then tells the story of the king and his servant. A certain servant owed the king a huge sum of money - ten thousand talents. I do not know the exact amount in today's standards, but I have heard that it was probably millions. The Bible clearly states that the servant did not have the money to pay the king back. The servant was brought before the king and ordered to pay all that he owed. The servant fell at the king's feet and begged the king to be merciful. The king had declared that the servant was to be sold, along with the servant's wife and children, and all that he owned, in order to pay the king back. I mean, can you just imagine the hopelessness that this poor servant must have felt. Not only would he be separated from his wife and children, they would all be split up, too, and sold into slavery. There would be no chance of every being free again and being a family, because the debt was too great for someone such as this servant to ever pay back.

I love how the Bible says the king was "moved with compassion." He had pity on him. Not only did the king decide not to sell the servant and his family into slavery, but he COMPLETELY FORGAVE THE DEBT. All of it! Can you even imagine what that must have been like? Two seconds ago, your life was over and you would probably never see your family again. Now, you are forgiven. Freely and completely forgiven, and you never have to worry about that debt hanging over your head again. What would you do? You would think this servant would run home as fast as he possibly could and hug his family tighter than he ever had.

Unfortunately, that is not even close to what happened. It's interesting that the Bible says that the servant went out and FOUND one of his fellowservants who owed HIM money. That seems to tell me that servant #1 went looking for servant #2, to intentionally try to collect on his debt. Sometimes do you ever find yourself wishing you could go back in time and just smack some sense into someone like this? I do, until I realize that I have done the EXACT SAME THING to people in my own life. Anyway, more on this in a minute - I'm going to finish the story first.

So, servant #1 finds servant #2 and asks sweetly and respectfully if servant #2 could pay him back. Wait, maybe that version is in the NIV, but that's not what the KJV says. (A little tongue-in-cheek there, folks!) No, he put his hands on him and GRABBED HIM BY THE THROAT. He starts choking this poor fellowservant because he is so angry that servant #2 owes him money. The Bible says it was a "hundred pence." Again, I do not know how much exactly that is in today's standard. I've heard anywhere from a few pennies to around $15 dollars. Not a huge amount, compared to what servant #1 owed the king.

Servant #2 falls down on the ground, begging for servant #1 to be patient with him and give him a little more time. Sound familiar? You would think that would trigger pretty recent memories in servant #1, wouldn't you? But servant #1 wasn't going to hear any of it. He threw him in prison until he could pay the debt. Of course the rest of the story goes on to say that the king was told of servant #1's actions, and the king rebuked him for what he had done, and ended up punishing him in prison for his lack of compassion and forgiveness.

God is like the king in this story, who forgave me for my sin debt. I could never pay him back for all my sins, and therefore, I was doomed to spend eternity in the place of punishment, the place called hell. That was like the first servant who owed a million dollars - there was no way he could pay that back ever, even if he spent the rest of his life trying. I could never be good enough to atone for my sins. I could never pay God back by being good enough, even if I spent the rest of my life trying. God loved me, and had compassion on me. The Bible says that God is not willing for ANY to perish (that means be separated from God by spending eternity in hell). Now, unlike the king, God could not just overlook my sin. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, died on the cross and shed His blood to pay that debt. He took my place, and because of this, God is able to FREELY and COMPLETELY forgive my sins. All of them. He gave me back my life when I placed my faith and dependence fully on Jesus Christ alone as my Savior, and offered me eternal life in heaven with Him. So you would think I would spend each day freely forgiving others, remembering I had been spared from the fires and torment of hell. You would think I would forgive quickly. That any petty little thing that came up, I would not even give a second thought to.

Unfortunately, that is not what I do. No, I don't literally go up to people that have wronged me and choke them! But how many time have I spoken hateful words to them that wound just as deep? I often hold little grudges and bitterness in my heart. I act coldly towards them because they did me wrong. Don't we all? And is anything that any human could do to me as significant as the huge sin debt I owed God? If we are honest, we would have to say no. It's like comparing a few dollars to a million dollars. There really is NO comparison.

Whenever I am really struggling to forgive someone, I try to think of this passage. It really puts things in perspective for me. It suddenly makes what someone else said to me or did to me seem like the first servant choking the second servant. And you know, verse 35 talks about forgiving from the heart. I used to not really see the significance of this. I've come to believe that you can forgive with your lips, but not with your hearts. You can begrudgingly say to someone, "I forgive you," because you feel like you have to. But all the while, you harbor angry feelings towards them in your heart. Those angry feelings turn into bitterness if left unchecked. But when you forgive with your heart, you do not hold any more angry feelings in your heart towards that person. Now we as humans are not good at doing this. We actually like to nurse angry, bitter feelings because somehow we think we are hurting that person back by doing so. It's like a way to get a little piece of revenge - we think. Actually, the truth is it just hurts our own self. We need the Lord to help us get rid of the anger and bitterness when someone has wronged us. Can people do some pretty hurtful things to us? Oh my, yes! Can we trust the Lord to help heal that hurt and take the sting of those hateful words or actions away? Absolutely!

So, how do you forgive? Ask the Lord to teach you how to have compassion, and how to freely forgive from the heart. He can and will teach you, if you allow Him to. Then, remember this verse: II Corinthians 1:3. God is the God of all comfort. That circumstance that hurt you and wounded you so deeply that you don't think you will ever come back from this?  - He is powerful enough to help you to forgive and take that sting away. Is anything to hard for the Lord?

The Lord IS good!

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The Lord is good

Tell it wherever you go,

The Lord is good

Tell it that others may know;

Tell of His blessings and

Tell of His love,

Tell how He's watching

From Heaven above:

The Lord is good

Tell it wherever you go.

 - Alfred B. Smith

Remember to reflect on God's goodness today. Not just how He has been good to you in easy times, but especially how He was good to you during the difficult times and brought you through. I find that when I remember His faithfulness to me in the past, I learn to trust Him more with my present and future.

Discipleship Training

Have you heard of Bright Lights? "Bright" stands for Being Radiant In Godliness, Holiness, and Testimony. Their website gives the purpose of this ministry - "to give practical training in godliness, to encourage young woman to live the years of their youth fully for Christ, to provide edifying fellowship and accountability, and to be a group which will minister to others." Our church is in the process of starting a Bright Lights group in about three weeks. This is a discipleship training program for young girls, although they have also started a new group for young boys called The Light Shop. You can check out their website for more details on this program, as well as how you could start a Bright Lights ministry in your own church. Our church purchased the training manual and dvds so that all of our workers could learn the philosophy behind this ministry. The training dvds have been excellent! The Bright Lights lessons teach concepts such as children giving their heart to their parents, learning how to get along with brothers and sisters, having a clear conscience before God, and many others. The recommended ages for a Bright Lights group is for girls age 10-13. Our church has decided that we are going to also adapt the lessons for girls as young as second grade. While we whole-heartedly believe in reaching teen girls for Christ and discipling them, we are finding that many girls are already "set in their ways" by the time they reach their teen years, and often have a hardened heart towards the things of the Lord. We are hoping to reach younger girls and teach them Biblical concepts before they even reach those extremely critical years.

Character Qualities

Dr. S. M. Davis, along with Park Meadows Baptist Church, has a wonderful ministry of helping Christian families. His website is SolveFamilyProblems. Dr. Davis has preached in our church, and the truths he preached have deeply impacted our church, Christian school, and my own family. He talks a lot about anger, rebellion, marriage, character, parenting, friendships, and much more. He has put his sermons on DVD, using a unique technique of hundreds of picture illustrations that really drive home the points, while making every sermon very interesting and easy to listen to. He even has some free downloads on his website. Our school's theme this year is developing Christian character. Dr. Davis has a free downloadable chart of the 49 Character Qualities on his chart. These are so good, I have listed this chart below. I think teaching good, godly character is something that is desperately missing from many of our Christian homes these days. As I read through the list, all I can say is "Oh me. I have some work to do in my own life!" Through watching Dr. Davis' video sermon on instilling godly character in children, my husband and I have renewed our determination to teach our children these Biblical concepts, as well as work on them in our own lives.

1. Truthfulness vs. Deception - Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25)
2. Obedience vs. Willfulness - Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority (II Corinthians 10:5)
3. Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy - Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22)
4. Virtue vs. Impurity - The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God's Word (II Peter 1:5)
5. Boldness vs. Fearfulness - Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right, and just in the sight of God (Acts 4:29)
6. Forgiveness vs. Rejection - Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me (Ephesians 4:32)
7. Persuasiveness vs. Contentiousness - Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks (II Timothy 2:24)
8. Alertness vs. Unawareness - Being aware of that which is taking place around me so I can have the right responses (Mark 14:35)
9. Hospitality vs. Loneliness - Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life (Hebrews 13:2)
10. Generosity vs. Stinginess - Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purpose (II Corinthians 9:6)
11. Joyfulness vs. Self-pity - The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with God (Proverbs 15:13)
12. Flexability vs. Resistance - Not settling my affections on ideas or plans which could be changed by God or others (Colossians 3:2)
13. Availability vs. Self-centeredness - Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving (Philippians 2:20-21)
14. Endurance vs. Giving Up - The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God's best (Galatians 6:9)
15. Self-Control vs. Self-Indulgence - Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God's Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25)
16. Reverence vs. Disrespect - Awareness of how God is working through people and events in my life to produce character in me (Proverbs 23:17-18)
17. Diligence vs. Slothfulness - Picturing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it (Colossians 3:23)
18. Thoroughness vs. Incompleteness - Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected (Colossians 3:23)
19. Dependability vs. Inconsistency - Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice (Psalm 15:4)
20. Security vs. Anxiety - Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away (John 6:27)
21. Patience vs. Restlessness - Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3-4)
22. Wisdom vs. Natural Inclinations - Seeing and responding to life situations from God's frame or reference (Proverbs 9:10)
23. Discernment vs. Judgment - The God-given ability to understand why things happen (I Samuel 16:7)
24. Faith vs. Presumption - Picturing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it (Hebrews 11:1)
25. Discretion vs. Simple-mindedness - The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences (Proverbs 22:3)
26. Love vs. Selfishness - Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal reward (I Corinthians 13:3)
27. Creativity vs. Underachievement - Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective (Romans 12:2)
28. Enthusiasm vs. Apathy - Expressing with my spirit the joy of my soul (I Thessalonians 5:15, 19)
29. Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness - Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard (Luke 15:10)
30. Thriftiness vs. Extravagance - Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary (Luke 15:11)
31. Contentment vs. Coveteousness - Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness (I Timothy 6:8)
32. Punctuality vs. Tardiness - Showing high esteem for other people and their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
33. Tolerance vs. Prejudice - Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity (Philippians 2:2)
34. Cautiousness vs. Rashness - Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions (Proverbs 19:2)
35. Gratefulness vs. Unthankfulness - Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefitted my life (Ephesians 4:25)
36. Orderliness vs. Disorganization - Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency (I Corinthians 14:40)
37. Initiative vs. Unresponsiveness - Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it (Romans 12:21)
38. Responsibility vs. Unreliability - Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting of me (Romans 14:2)
39. Humitiy vs. Pride - Recognizing that God and others are actually responsible for the achievements in my life (James 4:5)
40. Decisiveness vs. Doublemindedness - The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God (James 1:5)
41. Determination vs. Faintheartedness - Purposing to accomplish God's goals in God's time regardless of the opposition (II Timothy 4:7-8)
42. Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness - Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve (John 15:13)
43. Attentiveness vs. Unconcern - Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions (Hebrews 2:1)
44. Sensitivity vs. Callousness - Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me (Romans 12:15)
45. Justice vs. Fairness - Personal responsibility to God's unchanging laws (Micah 6:8)
46. Compassion vs. Indifference - Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others (I John 3:17)
47. Gentleness vs. Harshness - Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others (I Thessalonians 2:7)
48. Deference vs. Rudeness - Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve (Romans 14:21)
49. Meekness vs. Anger - Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God (Psalm 62:5)

Where is a Gideon?

I have heard this song before, but I heard it again this past Sunday in our church, and was reminded again why I like this song. I know that the best example in Scripture for us to follow is Christ's example, but I think we can learn a lot from other Bible characters, even if they did make some mistakes that are recorded for us. Gideon at least started off right and did mighty things for the Lord, and this song is about those times he stood for the Lord and for the right. Does it seem sometimes like there are not many Christians who are willing to take a stand for Christ? It is easy to get discouraged, looking at the world around us. Things were tough in Bible times as well, and have been throughout all of history. God is still looking for men and women and even children who are willing to take a stand for truth and what's right. You and I can still make a difference in our world, and be that light that shines, piercing the darkness.

This is a day when idols are worshiped,

Even God's people are trapped in their snares.

Good men have fallen, standards have shaken -

Where is the answer? Who even cares?

Where is a Gideon? Where is the man

Who'll be a leader, and follow God's plan?

Where is God's champion? Who'll be the one

To stand like Gideon? I'll be that man!

Where is a man who gives up ambition,

Worldly desires are all set aside!

Where is the man, though lowly be service,

Who's satisfied only in Him to abide?

Where is a Gideon? Where is the man

Who'll be a leader and follow God's plan?

Where is God's champion? Who'll be the one

To stand like Gideon? I'll be that man!



How big is Space?

Here's an interesting link about the relative size of some of the solar system: Earth and Sun. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom, because it is just mind blowing. How magnificent our Creator God is! The heavens truly show His handiwork!

Backing authority in your child's life

One of the most important things a parent can do for their child is to back their child's authority. I'm primarily thinking of the Christian school setting for this post. Obviously, God designed parents to be the primary human authority over their own children, but if a parent chooses to place their child in a Christian school, the parent is essentially entrusting some of that authority to the teacher, at least for the hours the child is at school. I think as parents, our initial, normal reaction is to want to defend our child. There can be a time and a place for that, if we do it the right way. And granted, teachers are human and make mistakes just like everyone else.

If there really is a situation where you feel your child has been unfairly treated by a teacher or some other authority figure, the best thing you can do for your child is to NEVER let your child see that you disagree with the decision made by the teacher. Letting your child see that you disagree - or worse, that you are angry and resentful towards the teacher - does great damage to a child. In fact, it breeds rebellion in the heart of a child. and it is extremely difficult to undo that kind of damage in your child's heart. Instead, go to that teacher privately to speak with them. But the key here is to wait until you have had time to calm down. Don't go talk with that teacher when you are so mad and upset that you cannot even see straight. No good is going to come of that, and you will probably end up saying much that you regret.
Also, realize that many, many times there was just a big misunderstanding. Get to the bottom of the situation before you jump to conclusions, even if the conclusions seem logical. Give the teacher the benefit of the doubt. And it's important to realize that children sometimes get the story wrong. It's hard as a parent to not immediately take your child's side. It is possible - and highly likely - that a child will put some sort of a spin on the story to make himself appear more innocent than he really was in the matter. Am I saying that you should consider that your child sometimes does not tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?Well.....er....um.....YES!  (Not my child, you say to yourself. My child would never lie to me!) Yes, it is entirely possible that your child just told you a bold-faced lie to get out of being in trouble. I'm not suggesting that you should become overly suspicious of anything your child ever says. Absolutely not! But what I am saying, is that you need to get to the bottom of the situation, and do not "take up the cause" for your child before you even know whether the child was in the wrong or not. Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment in how you should proceed with problems between the teacher and your child.

I've heard the story of a teacher who told all of her students' parents on the first day of school - "If you promise not to believe everything your child says happened at school, I promise not to believe everything your child says happened at home." I like this humorous saying, because it really does go both ways. Teachers and parents both need to work together at solving little problems that come up. If they both gave each other the benefit of the doubt before getting angry, we would have a lot fewer problems in the classroom.

Follow-up post about Thyroid disease

Yet another thyroid post - can you handle another one? :) I wanted to update about my appointment today. But first, what does the picture have to do with thyroid disease, you ask? Not one thing, but I just thought this post needed a fun picture. :)

I took my My Med Lab bloodwork results sheet to show my doctor. In my last post, I mentioned that my TSH was 5.54. My doctor said he wants to get that number below 1. He said a lot of doctors think that a TSH of below 1 is over-medicating. He disagrees. The research I have done also has indicated that a TSH below 1 is so much better than a 1 or a 2. He was not as concerned with my Free T3 and Free T4 numbers, and here's why. In about a month, he is going to have me come back to do extensive bloodwork. I can't even remember all the tests he said he would run, but I do remember a few - antibodies, insulin resistance, cortisol, cholesterol, progesterone, estrogen. There were more, but like I said, that's all I remember. He said he needs a baseline from which to then be able to treat my symptoms fully. He said there is a reason why my levels are off, but it could be any number of things, and he's going to try to find out why through the bloodwork. The main thing he advised me to do was 1.) always take my medication (I take Armour) on an empty stomach, and 2.) avoid the following foods like the plague - soy and all soy products of any kind, peanuts and peanut butter, and garbanzo beans. I have to chuckle at that last one.....I've never heard anyone say to avoid chick peas! Too funny! Come to find out, garbanzo beans are a "close cousin" to soybeans. Soy, peanuts and garbanzo beans all INTERFERE with the thyroid. I'm not going to pretend like I understand exactly how (my doc explained it, but it was pretty technical), but suffice it to say, they do. :)

My husband was able to go with me for this appointment, and I was so glad he was able to hear exactly what the doctor said. I always seem to forget half of what was said, or sometimes I have a hard time explaining technical things to someone else. My husband has done even more research than I have about the thyroid, and he was very impressed with my doctor's answers and explanations. He feels that this doctor will really be able to get to the bottom of my symptoms.

Of course, we realize that all healing and help comes from the Lord. We are praising the Lord for the way in which He continues to work in this situation. I just cannot say this enough, if you or someone you know is struggling with thyroid problems, please please please do not give up. Keep fighting for answers and don't give up hope that one day soon your life will be back to "normal" again.

photo from free pixels

Medical Testing / Thyroid Testing

Disclaimer - the following post is meant to be simply informative, but in no way is it meant to treat, diagnose, or give any kind of medical advice. I am not a My Med Lab affiliate.

Have you heard of My Med Lab? You can register for a free account and request blood work, all without a script from a doctor. There are many different types of tests - thyroid, autism, vitamin levels, cancer screens, female wellness, male wellness, hormones, diabetes, liver, autoimmune, and more. The tests are very reasonably priced, at least as far as I have found. Once you have selected and paid for the tests you want, your order will be reviewed and approved within two hours. My order for some thyroid tests was approved almost instantly. Then you just print out the approved order, and take it to the nearest lab that is affliated with My Med Lab. In my case, I just took it to the nearest Labcorp. I walked into Labcorp, handed them my order, and I had my results back from my blood work THE NEXT DAY! I was able to view my results online at My Med Lab. Now all I have to do is print out my results to take them to my doctor at my next appointment.

Why would you need to use My Med Lab? I often hear of people with thyroid problems or suspected thyroid problems that have trouble getting their doctor to agree to run certain tests. You can order your own blood tests, without needing your doctor to approve them. This happened to me. I asked my doctor (at the time) if he could run Free T3. My doctor only wanted to run Total T3. My doctor said it was an extremely expensive test. I ran TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 for about the same price I always paid for my bloodwork at other labs.

Another reason you might want to use My Med Lab is if you suspected that your thyroid levels were off, but didn't want to make an appointment with your doctor just to get a script, then have to go get bloodwork, then make another appointment to discuss the results with your doctor. Using My Med Lab eliminates that first apointment. You can simply order your tests first, then make one appointment to discuss the results.

I will point out that my family and I have chosen not to have traditional health insurance. We are part of Samaritan Ministries, and I will try to write a post explaining how Samaritan Ministries works in regards to health care very soon. I pay out-of-pocket for bloodwork and doctor's appointments. I am not sure how My Med Lab would work for someone that does have insurance.

So the results from today - TSH was 5.54, Free T3 was 3.3 (range 2.0- 4.4), and Free T4 was 0.91 (range 0.82 - 1.77). After I see my doctor about my results I'll write a post explaining these levels. I know the TSH is way too high, and the Free T4 is too low. I'm not sure about the Free T3 since I have never had that tested before. While the TSH is not super high (I've been at 54 before), it is still high enough to explain why I've been feeling bad again lately.

Resurrection Sunday

This coming Sunday is Resurrection Sunday. It's also called Easter, but I love to call it Resurrection Sunday. It's my most favorite Sunday of the entire year! It is a day of reflection as I recall the story of the brutal torture and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that He was on that cross dying for me. It is a day of gratefulness as I thank Him for willingly laying down His life and shedding His own precious blood to pay my sin debt. It is a day of rejoicing, as I worship the One Who has the power to raise Himself from the dead. My Savior is living!

I often wonder what it was like to be one of the women who went to the tomb that morning. Their day did not start out triumphant. (Now Jesus had actually already risen from the dead sometime before dawn, but of course, the women did not know this yet.) Their day started with sadness and sorrow, and possibly dread, as they faced their task of going to the tomb. They expected to see the torn, bruised body of the One they loved so much. I'm sure there were tears as their mind played over and over the horrific scenes of the crucifixion they had witnessed just days earlier. They did not understand, they could not comprehend why Jesus had to die in such a way. And what were they to do now? What would happen to them?

But I love the account given in the Bible. They found the heavy stone already rolled away from the tomb. The two angel messangers said unto the women, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen...." Aren't those just some of the most beautiful words in all the Bible? The women's lives were changed forever, as they realized the Savior was alive again!

Yet how sad that we often fill the day up with things that have nothing to do with the Resurrection! I'm not going to list out all kinds of things that I think are not wise for a Christian to participate in. Often that just brings division and offense. But my point is, are the things you are planning to participate in on Resurrection Sunday honoring to the Lord, and do those things put Him FIRST on this special day? (Of course, we are to put the Lord first every day, in every area of our lives, but we're specifically talking about Easter here.) My personal belief is this - if your plans for Easter cause you to miss church, then would it not seem that Jesus is not being given first place? I know there would be those that say that is a little strict, that there is no such commandment in Scripture to go to church twice (morning and evening service) on Sunday, but would it not seem right to put Him first ALL day, and maybe put off some of our own plans until another day so that we would be able to be in church for both services?

I hope we will not be so caught up in "observing a holiday" that we miss the importance of this day. I do think there are many special things we can participate in on this day that do not detract from the Lord Jesus in any way. But I hope that in our activities and in our hearts we put the Lord Jesus Christ first in all that we say and do - on Resurrection Sunday, and all other days as well. For doesn't He deserve our best service, after all He has done for us?

He Remembers

I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure. ~ Genesis 33:14

Entire Selection from Streams in the Desert -

"What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not lead on according to what a strong man like Easu could do and expected them to do, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in arranging the marches. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience. And so he said, "I will lead on softly" (Gen. 33:14. "For ye have not passed this way heretofore." (Joshua 3:4)


"We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. It is all untrodden and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The steep bits that take away our breath, the stony bits that make our feet ache so, the hot shadeless stretches that make us feel so exhausted, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through - Jesus has gone through it all before us. "He was wearied with his journey."

"Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect leader by the things which He suffered. "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure. Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all. ~ Francis Ridley Havergall"

In "pastures green"? Not always; sometimes He

Who knowest best, in kindness leadeth me

In weary ways, where heavy shadows be.

So, whether on the hill-tops high and fair

I dwell, or in the sunless valleys, where

The shadows lie, what matter? He is there.

~ Barry

Photo by me

Camping Adventure

I like nature. I really do. I like it as long as I can look at it from a distance, and not actually experience it up close and personal. What I mean is I love to look at photographs of nature, or watch nature shows on TV, but, well, being out IN nature for extended periods of time is not really my thing. I get creeped out by bugs, especially poisonous or stinging ones, and snakes, and just critters in general. Oh, and bears. Florida has bears, you know. Add to that poison ivy or any other type of plant that makes you itch, and no thanks, I'll just stay inside, thank you. 
So, it was with much fear and trepidation (not really) that I reluctantly agreed to go tent camping (for only the second time in my whole life) with my husband Phil, our kids, and my husband's family last weekend. I personally was not super thrilled to go, but I knew that Phil really wanted to go. I knew it would be fun for the kids, and be a wonderful memory with my inlaws. My main concern was bathrooms and showers. I figured if they had an actual bathroom with running water and warm showers, I could make it. I've tried the whole "go in a bucket in the woods somewhere," and I have vowed never to get into that kind of situation again. So, we decided to go. It was just one night, I figured I could survive a few hours.

We headed out on Friday afternoon and got to the campsite around 6:30 p.m. The first thing that kinda freaked me out was how close all the "neighbors" (other campers) were to our campsite. I thought it was going to be a little more remote. I worried about what kind of crazy people would be camping next to me all night. As soon as I got out of the car, I begged asked Phil to take me home right then and there. Yeah, I'm a wimp. He just laughed.
So everyone was getting set up for dinner, cooking on grills and camping stoves.

My kids ran around the campsite playing with their cousins and exploring everything in sight. They were definitely in their element. Strange that neither of them take after their mama. I chalk that up to the fact that they just don't KNOW about all the terrible dangers that I know about that lurk in nature. Shortly before dinner, my father-in-law had to move his vehicle to another location, and as he was driving away, the trailer on his truck caught one of the tents and ripped a huge gash in the side. Of course, it had to be the tent I was going to sleep in. So my father-in-law had to run to the store and get some duct tape, and he managed to get it taped up pretty well.

I will have to say, dinner was awesome. At least food tastes extra good that has been cooked outside on the grill! After dinner we roasted giant marshmellows and popped popcorn over the campfire and just hung out.

 I let my kids get extra dirty, and tried not to mind too much. The kids begged their grandpa to tell them a scary story before bed, Thankfully, he didn't make it too scary. It was pretty late by this time, so everyone prepared to turn in. We got everyone down for the night, and I hoped everyone would sleep through the night. Such was not to be the case.  Ironically, it was not bears, snakes, or crazy people I had to be afraid of on the camping trip. The real terror was a handout given to us by the park service containing the pictures of an entire page full of poisonous fuzzy caterpillars to stear clear of. Sort of like this:

Try going to sleep thinking about poisonous caterpillars finding some little hole (or big hole, remember the rip in the tent?) in the tent and stinging you to death in your sleep. Add to that a child in one of the neighboring campsites screaming for half the night, as well as 50-degree weather at night, and me being all like, "aww, thanks Mom, but I don't need a sleeping bag, I'll be fine with my three fleece blankets I brought," when my mother-in-law so kindly offered to let me use some sleeping bags....for which I should have taken her up on, because I freeze quite easily, and indeed was freezing the entire night. And my poor parents-in-law's brand new air mattress somehow developed a hole and lost so much air during the night. Same thing happened to one of my sister-in-law's air mattress. And, raccoons made their way into our campsite and helped themselves to an entire un-opened package of hotdogs that was INSIDE a cooler, then found a chicken and veggie shish-kabob (left-over dinner) that had fallen under the picnic table unbeknownst to us and ate just the chicken off of it, and finally, shredded a roll of toilet paper we had brought just in case the public bathrooms ran out. And did I mention how cold it was? I did? Well, it's worth mentioning again, because it was cold. Don't laugh, all of you Northerners. That might be a heat wave to you, but I've lived in Florida for 15 years, and my body doesn't know how to handle temperatures below 70 degrees.

Needless to say, it was a very long night. I laid awake alternately thinking about caterpillars and how cold it was. I must have finally gone to sleep, but I'm convinced it was probably only for 2 or 3 hours. I was so glad when it was morning. You didn't have to tell me twice to get up. Morning meant that I could go home in a few hours! I headed off for the showers, and then we all ate a big breakfast of eggs, toast, sausage gravy, and corned beef hash. I considered giving the kids a bath, but I knew that they would get dirty again, so I figured I'd just give them a bath when we got home that afternoon. I don't think they have ever been so dirty in all their little lives! They were having so much fun though. We had a leisurely morning just hanging out together, but soon it was time to pack up and head home (yay!).

To be honest, I really am so glad that we had the opportunity to spend time as a family and with our extended family, and I got lots of pictures and video. We all definitely got in some serious bonding time, that's for sure.
P.S. To family - just because I had a great time, you shouldn't assume I will be game to go again next weekend. It's gonna take a while for the "pain" to wear off. :))))



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Tortellini Soup

I'm always on the lookout for quick, easy, healthy recipes. I made Taste of Home's Tortellini Soup for dinner one night this week, although I modified it just a little bit to fit our tastes, and added twice the vegetables. It was perfect for a cool, rainy day!

I Will Not Doubt

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea

Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;

I will believe the Hand which never fails,

From seeming evil worketh good for me.

And though I weep because those sails are tattered,

Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:

"I trust in Thee."

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return

Unanswered from the still, white realm above;

I will believe it is an all-wise love

Which has refused these things for which I yearn;

And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,

Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing

Undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,

And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.

I will believe the heights for which I strive

Are only reached by anguish and by pain;

And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses,

I yet shall see through my severest losses

The greater gain.

I will not doubt. Well anchored in this faith,

Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;

So strong its courage that it will not quail

To breast the mighty unknown sea of death.

Oh, may I cry, though body parts with spirit,

"I do not doubt," so listening worlds may hear it,

With my last breath.

~ Unknown, selected from Streams in the Desert

What a beautiful, heart-felt poem! I hope it speaks to you as much as it did to me. What a difference it would make in my life if I faithfully trusted God during the difficult times. It's so easy to trust when there are no hardships or pressing troubles. I'm reminding of the Israelites who witnessed God's power, protection, and provision first-hand, but then as soon as a new problem arose, they became fearful and doubted that God would be faithful to help them. They forgot God's blessings. They forgot all the times in the past when God fought for them. They forgot all the times God provided food and water in the wilderness. But don't we do the exact same thing? We forget the times God has worked in our life, too. We forget the times God has showed us His goodness and power. We become fearful, and begin to doubt that God can handle this new problem in our life. He saw us through in the past, why wouldn't He be faithful to see us through now? Trust the Lord to work that problem you are facing to your good, and trust Him to be faithful to comfort you and guide you through the dark times.