I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine, making request for all of you with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now being confident of this very thing. He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3-7
With enthusiastic gratitude,
11.26.2008
11.23.2008
Sweet Gratitude
Noah's Mommy, the sweetie that she is, gave me a lovely award! She's on my "follow list" and her tagline says it all, "The Life and Times of being a NEW stay at home mommy....and I thought the corporate world was hectic???"
I'm not a SAHM, but I have SO much respect for those of you who are, and it's my secret fantasy life! One of my favorite things about the blogosphere is all of the wonderful fellow bloggers I'm "meeting". I'm so grateful for all of you, and here are a few "Bloggy Goodness" picks!
My sweet IRL bloggy friend, Sunrae. I'm so blessed to have found our church community and made friends like you!
A new bloggy buddy, Kimmie, who is a passionate Christ-follower and self-proclaimed "orphan gatherer". She and her DH are loving parents to six children ("five adopted, one homemade"), and are in the process of adopting another.
Grafted Branch and her DH ("Jim Dear") are parents to three beautiful young ladies. She is an example of so much I aspire to be, and I love reading about her life!
Hiho-Ohio is a recent add to my bloglist, and she is wonderful! She just cut her beautiful long "creme brulee" hair to chin length, and donated FOUR ponytails to Locks of Love. What a sweetie!
These are just a few of the folks for whom I'm grateful as we head into Thanksgiving! Stop by and visit them, and be sure to tell your friends that you're grateful for them!
Dearest God, I am so grateful for my life, my family, my friends. I am grateful to You, who gave the greatest gift so I might enjoy all of my blessings, every single day.
11.17.2008
Christmas Spirit
I complain every year about Christmas being forced up on us earlier and earlier by a secular, sales-driven retail economy. I get all Scrooge-y by Thanksgiving because of the Christmas decorating that we do for my job.
I figured this year would be no exception, and yes, I did have my momentary rant. But honestly, I'm actually excited about the whole season this year. Maybe it's because Thanksgiving's a bit later. Maybe the economy and my quest to go "Christmas Frugal" has kind of gotten me really pondering the whole "true meaning of giving". At any rate, I found myself humming along to the Christmas tunes last night at Wal-Mart.
And wanting to hear more.
And buying my first Christmas decorations.
And finally getting around to deciding what to do about our rapidly-dwindling Nativity Scene.
And then I decided, while it's a bit annoying to see Christmas decorations up before Halloween, isn't it nice to start focusing on the birth of our Lord even that much earlier?
And how bad can something be if it makes us really focus on celebrating the season that precedes Christmas--Advent. A time of preparation, preparing our hearts and homes for the arrival of the Infant Saviour.
It's all about your perspective. And mine is from that of a wounded, broken heart, eagerly anticipating the arrival of a Saviour, Gift to All Humanity.
Enthusiastically preparing...
I figured this year would be no exception, and yes, I did have my momentary rant. But honestly, I'm actually excited about the whole season this year. Maybe it's because Thanksgiving's a bit later. Maybe the economy and my quest to go "Christmas Frugal" has kind of gotten me really pondering the whole "true meaning of giving". At any rate, I found myself humming along to the Christmas tunes last night at Wal-Mart.
And wanting to hear more.
And buying my first Christmas decorations.
And finally getting around to deciding what to do about our rapidly-dwindling Nativity Scene.
And then I decided, while it's a bit annoying to see Christmas decorations up before Halloween, isn't it nice to start focusing on the birth of our Lord even that much earlier?
And how bad can something be if it makes us really focus on celebrating the season that precedes Christmas--Advent. A time of preparation, preparing our hearts and homes for the arrival of the Infant Saviour.
It's all about your perspective. And mine is from that of a wounded, broken heart, eagerly anticipating the arrival of a Saviour, Gift to All Humanity.
Enthusiastically preparing...
11.15.2008
In the Quiet of the Morning
3:26, according to my kitchen clock.
And yes, that would be a.m.
Not sure exactly why my body is so wide awake at this hour, but there you have it. I'm still battling the remnants of sick, so it may be that. Or it may be The Manimal, who in his half-asleep stage decided to invade my side of the bed.
The dog is pretty happy. While she's not exactly nocturnal, her lupine roots come through whenever there is a human conscious in the weird nighttime hours.
The house is blissfully (and unusually) quiet. The perpetual "on" state of both boy children has been silenced for more than the normal 18 minutes.
We have plans for later in the day, but for now, it is quiet. The family is safe and sleeping. All is well with the world.
And yes, that would be a.m.
Not sure exactly why my body is so wide awake at this hour, but there you have it. I'm still battling the remnants of sick, so it may be that. Or it may be The Manimal, who in his half-asleep stage decided to invade my side of the bed.
The dog is pretty happy. While she's not exactly nocturnal, her lupine roots come through whenever there is a human conscious in the weird nighttime hours.
The house is blissfully (and unusually) quiet. The perpetual "on" state of both boy children has been silenced for more than the normal 18 minutes.
We have plans for later in the day, but for now, it is quiet. The family is safe and sleeping. All is well with the world.
11.10.2008
Sick
As in I am. Hope to be feeling better soon. Hard to feel enthusiastic about anything when I seem to be leaking out of every orifice.
11.09.2008
Beautiful
There are those days when I don't feel beautiful, inside or out. This song means so much to me, and although it was written as a love song between two people, it is a good thing to remember that's how our God feels about us as well.
"Beautiful in My Eyes" by Joshua Kadison
You're my peace of mind in this crazy world.
You're everything I've tried to find, your love is a pearl.
You're my Mona Lisa, you're my rainbow skies,
and my only prayer is that you realize
you'll always be beautiful in my eyes.
The world will turn and the seasons will change,
and all the lessons we will learn will be beautiful and strange.
We'll have our fill of tears, our share of sighs.
And my only prayer is that you realize
you'll always be beautiful in my eyes.
You will always be beautiful in my eyes.
And the passing years will showthat you will always grow ever more beautiful in my eyes.
When there are lines upon my face from a lifetime of smiles,
and when the time comes to embrace for one long last while,
we can laugh about how time really flies.
We won't say goodbye 'cause true love never dies.
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes.
You will always be beautiful in my eyes.
And the passing years will show
that you will always grow ever more beautiful in my eyes.
The passing years will show that you will always grow
ever more beautiful in my eyes.
Dearest Lord Jesus, Help me to remember that even when I feel like You couldn't possibly want me, You're always waiting for me to return.
"Beautiful in My Eyes" by Joshua Kadison
You're my peace of mind in this crazy world.
You're everything I've tried to find, your love is a pearl.
You're my Mona Lisa, you're my rainbow skies,
and my only prayer is that you realize
you'll always be beautiful in my eyes.
The world will turn and the seasons will change,
and all the lessons we will learn will be beautiful and strange.
We'll have our fill of tears, our share of sighs.
And my only prayer is that you realize
you'll always be beautiful in my eyes.
You will always be beautiful in my eyes.
And the passing years will showthat you will always grow ever more beautiful in my eyes.
When there are lines upon my face from a lifetime of smiles,
and when the time comes to embrace for one long last while,
we can laugh about how time really flies.
We won't say goodbye 'cause true love never dies.
You'll always be beautiful in my eyes.
You will always be beautiful in my eyes.
And the passing years will show
that you will always grow ever more beautiful in my eyes.
The passing years will show that you will always grow
ever more beautiful in my eyes.
Dearest Lord Jesus, Help me to remember that even when I feel like You couldn't possibly want me, You're always waiting for me to return.
11.08.2008
Bubble, Bubble
Bubbling around in my head. Lots of thoughts. Not too much clarity right now. Hope to be able to make some sense of it soon.
11.07.2008
Memo
11/7/08
To: ElleBee
From: The Boss
Re: Your Life
Today I will be handling all of your problems.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Simply put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. All situations will be resolved, but please note that resolution will come in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for which driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who is out of work.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
To: ElleBee
From: The Boss
Re: Your Life
Today I will be handling all of your problems.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Simply put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. All situations will be resolved, but please note that resolution will come in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for which driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who is out of work.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
11.06.2008
Innocence Lost
I had no intention of writing anymore about the election. I'd said my piece.
Until last night.
Last night, my sweet eight year-old boy asked me a question that made me want to cry. For loss of innocence of children. For the ignorance and intolerance of adults. For my baby.
"Mommy, did Barack Obama say it's ok to kill babies?"
Now a few things before any of you go crazy conservative on me. I do plan to leave the comments open, and don't moderate this blog, but I reserve the right to delete that are vitriolic or attacking. This is not a forum for anger. I did vote for John McCain, but not because I agree with him across the board. I do believe that abortion is wrong, with few, if any, exceptions. My own belief is that yes, I'd love for abortion to be illegal if it would guarantee that nobody would ever have one. But we all know that's not how it would go down. If my views cause you to quit reading my blog, I'm sorry.
However, my view is not the point of this post.
I picked my jaw up off the ground and asked who told him that. He said that the kids at school told him that's what their parents said.
That's what their parents said.
Parents told their ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN that the President-Elect of the United States said it's OK to kill babies. And because they told their children this, I had to explain to my eight year-old child about abortion, and why people would want it to be legal, rather than illegal.
MY eight year-old.
And while I certainly support your right to raise your children in the manner you see fit, please do not use the religious veil of "pro-life" to excuse passing along hateful comments about public figures (or anyone for that matter) to your children. Because they will tell others. They will tell my child.
My eight year-old.
Who is a little less innocent today than yesterday.
Until last night.
Last night, my sweet eight year-old boy asked me a question that made me want to cry. For loss of innocence of children. For the ignorance and intolerance of adults. For my baby.
"Mommy, did Barack Obama say it's ok to kill babies?"
Now a few things before any of you go crazy conservative on me. I do plan to leave the comments open, and don't moderate this blog, but I reserve the right to delete that are vitriolic or attacking. This is not a forum for anger. I did vote for John McCain, but not because I agree with him across the board. I do believe that abortion is wrong, with few, if any, exceptions. My own belief is that yes, I'd love for abortion to be illegal if it would guarantee that nobody would ever have one. But we all know that's not how it would go down. If my views cause you to quit reading my blog, I'm sorry.
However, my view is not the point of this post.
I picked my jaw up off the ground and asked who told him that. He said that the kids at school told him that's what their parents said.
That's what their parents said.
Parents told their ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN that the President-Elect of the United States said it's OK to kill babies. And because they told their children this, I had to explain to my eight year-old child about abortion, and why people would want it to be legal, rather than illegal.
MY eight year-old.
And while I certainly support your right to raise your children in the manner you see fit, please do not use the religious veil of "pro-life" to excuse passing along hateful comments about public figures (or anyone for that matter) to your children. Because they will tell others. They will tell my child.
My eight year-old.
Who is a little less innocent today than yesterday.
11.05.2008
No Worries!
I know certain things about myself.
I dislike conflict.
I'm a control freak.
I'm also a certified rose-colored glasses wearing, Pollyanna, cockeyed optimist, glass-half-full kind of girl.
So today's reactions (of Republicans) to the results of yesterday's Presidential election are driving me a bit batty.
Perhaps your candidate didn't win. Perhaps you're REALLY disappointed. But honestly people, we have to remember who's still in charge here, and it's not Barack Obama (or George Bush, for the next 70+ days).
It's God. As in Jesus Christ, Savior of the World.
He's got it all under control.
So please, for the sanity and sake of all of the other non-Obama voters out there, please stop forecasting the doom and gloom. Instead, why don't we all focus on PRAYER?
From a website called "Fire In My Bones":
By J. Lee Grady
I’ll admit this election did not turn out as I had hoped. I supported McCain primarily because I am pro-life and I prefer his small-government mindset. But now that the election is over, I’m not going to harbor bitterness toward Obama supporters or go into attack mode. Obama has been elected president of this country, and that means I have a biblical responsibility to support him in prayer—even if I challenge his policies.
Whether you voted for Obama or not, you need to pray for him. Here are 10 ways I plan to intercede for him regularly:
1. Pray for Obama’s protection. We already know that some weird, neo-Nazi fanatics in Tennessee plotted to kill Sen. Obama during his campaign. Let’s pray that racist hatred is not allowed to spread. Let’s cancel every assassin’s bullet in the name of Jesus. May civility triumph over bigotry.
2. Cover his wife and daughters in prayer. It is not easy to live under constant media scrutiny. Pray for Obama’s wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia and Natasha, as they face invasive cameras, nosy reporters, maniacal fans and dangerous enemies. Obama is not only a politician but also a husband and a father.
3. Pray that Obama will govern with God’s wisdom. God rewarded Solomon because he asked for wisdom instead of wealth, long life or vengeance on his enemies (see 1 Kings 3:11-12). Pray that Obama will order his priorities like that. Despite Solomon’s tragic character flaws, his legacy was wisdom. We can ask God to give our president the same grace.
4. Ask God to keep our president humble. Many great American leaders became corrupt after they moved to Washington. The fatal attraction of fame, wealth and power proved irresistible. The only thing that will guard a man or woman from this pitfall is humility. May God deliver President Obama from the curse of pride.
5. Pray for wise and righteous advisers to surround him. Godly leaders cannot do their job alone. Even the best leaders have failed because they trusted the wrong people. Pray that Obama will not select his counselors based on party, race, pedigree or political cronyism but on godly character and proven wisdom. Pray also that he will not allow secret traitors into his inner circle.
6. Ask for the spirit of reconciliation. Some segments of our deeply divided society want nothing to do with Obama now that he has won the presidency. Even some Christians will be tempted to harbor resentment and nurse political grudges throughout his term in office. Pray that God will grant forgiveness and healing so that leaders on all political levels can have constructive dialogue.
7. Pray that Obama will adopt pro-life convictions. Many politicians have changed their views on key issues while in office. In the 1800s some leaders who favored slavery later denounced it. In the 1950s some who opposed racial integration later became champions of it. Even though Obama won approval from many voters because he sanctions abortion, God could soften and change his heart.
8. Bind all evil forces assigned to manipulate our president. The specter of Islamic terrorism looms over the United States, and dark forces are ready to infiltrate. Our only hope lies in prayer to the God who is able to expose and outwit the schemes of the wicked. This is truly a time for spiritual warfare, and intercessors must not come off the wall in this hour! Pray that no foreign government, terrorist organization or demonic principality will use Obama as a tool. We must stand strong against the spirit of antichrist that promotes dictatorship, persecution of Christians and hostility toward Israel.
9. Pray that Obama’s door will remain open to the church. The loudest voices of secular culture—from Bill Maher in Hollywood to atheists in academia—would be happy if religion were removed from public life. Pray that Obama, who claims to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, will unapologetically welcome Christian leaders into his company and seek their counsel. And pray that false religious leaders (who claim to know Christ but deny His power) will not have his ear.
10. Pray that our nation will enjoy God’s peace and blessing during the Obama administration. The apostle Paul instructed early believers to pray for all in authority “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2, NASB). God’s will is for America to experience peace and prosperity so that we can continue to export the gospel to the nations. This must happen whether a Democrat or a Republican is in the White House. As we cry out for God’s mercy on our wayward nation, pray that He will allow us to be a light to the world as we finance global missions, feed and heal the world’s poor and share Christ’s love at home and abroad.
As a side note, Michelle & Barack Obama's daughters are Malia and Natasha, who is often called "Sasha".
Praying enthusiastically for our Nation and our World...
I dislike conflict.
I'm a control freak.
I'm also a certified rose-colored glasses wearing, Pollyanna, cockeyed optimist, glass-half-full kind of girl.
So today's reactions (of Republicans) to the results of yesterday's Presidential election are driving me a bit batty.
Perhaps your candidate didn't win. Perhaps you're REALLY disappointed. But honestly people, we have to remember who's still in charge here, and it's not Barack Obama (or George Bush, for the next 70+ days).
It's God. As in Jesus Christ, Savior of the World.
He's got it all under control.
So please, for the sanity and sake of all of the other non-Obama voters out there, please stop forecasting the doom and gloom. Instead, why don't we all focus on PRAYER?
From a website called "Fire In My Bones":
By J. Lee Grady
I’ll admit this election did not turn out as I had hoped. I supported McCain primarily because I am pro-life and I prefer his small-government mindset. But now that the election is over, I’m not going to harbor bitterness toward Obama supporters or go into attack mode. Obama has been elected president of this country, and that means I have a biblical responsibility to support him in prayer—even if I challenge his policies.
Whether you voted for Obama or not, you need to pray for him. Here are 10 ways I plan to intercede for him regularly:
1. Pray for Obama’s protection. We already know that some weird, neo-Nazi fanatics in Tennessee plotted to kill Sen. Obama during his campaign. Let’s pray that racist hatred is not allowed to spread. Let’s cancel every assassin’s bullet in the name of Jesus. May civility triumph over bigotry.
2. Cover his wife and daughters in prayer. It is not easy to live under constant media scrutiny. Pray for Obama’s wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia and Natasha, as they face invasive cameras, nosy reporters, maniacal fans and dangerous enemies. Obama is not only a politician but also a husband and a father.
3. Pray that Obama will govern with God’s wisdom. God rewarded Solomon because he asked for wisdom instead of wealth, long life or vengeance on his enemies (see 1 Kings 3:11-12). Pray that Obama will order his priorities like that. Despite Solomon’s tragic character flaws, his legacy was wisdom. We can ask God to give our president the same grace.
4. Ask God to keep our president humble. Many great American leaders became corrupt after they moved to Washington. The fatal attraction of fame, wealth and power proved irresistible. The only thing that will guard a man or woman from this pitfall is humility. May God deliver President Obama from the curse of pride.
5. Pray for wise and righteous advisers to surround him. Godly leaders cannot do their job alone. Even the best leaders have failed because they trusted the wrong people. Pray that Obama will not select his counselors based on party, race, pedigree or political cronyism but on godly character and proven wisdom. Pray also that he will not allow secret traitors into his inner circle.
6. Ask for the spirit of reconciliation. Some segments of our deeply divided society want nothing to do with Obama now that he has won the presidency. Even some Christians will be tempted to harbor resentment and nurse political grudges throughout his term in office. Pray that God will grant forgiveness and healing so that leaders on all political levels can have constructive dialogue.
7. Pray that Obama will adopt pro-life convictions. Many politicians have changed their views on key issues while in office. In the 1800s some leaders who favored slavery later denounced it. In the 1950s some who opposed racial integration later became champions of it. Even though Obama won approval from many voters because he sanctions abortion, God could soften and change his heart.
8. Bind all evil forces assigned to manipulate our president. The specter of Islamic terrorism looms over the United States, and dark forces are ready to infiltrate. Our only hope lies in prayer to the God who is able to expose and outwit the schemes of the wicked. This is truly a time for spiritual warfare, and intercessors must not come off the wall in this hour! Pray that no foreign government, terrorist organization or demonic principality will use Obama as a tool. We must stand strong against the spirit of antichrist that promotes dictatorship, persecution of Christians and hostility toward Israel.
9. Pray that Obama’s door will remain open to the church. The loudest voices of secular culture—from Bill Maher in Hollywood to atheists in academia—would be happy if religion were removed from public life. Pray that Obama, who claims to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, will unapologetically welcome Christian leaders into his company and seek their counsel. And pray that false religious leaders (who claim to know Christ but deny His power) will not have his ear.
10. Pray that our nation will enjoy God’s peace and blessing during the Obama administration. The apostle Paul instructed early believers to pray for all in authority “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2, NASB). God’s will is for America to experience peace and prosperity so that we can continue to export the gospel to the nations. This must happen whether a Democrat or a Republican is in the White House. As we cry out for God’s mercy on our wayward nation, pray that He will allow us to be a light to the world as we finance global missions, feed and heal the world’s poor and share Christ’s love at home and abroad.
As a side note, Michelle & Barack Obama's daughters are Malia and Natasha, who is often called "Sasha".
Praying enthusiastically for our Nation and our World...
11.04.2008
Go Forth and Vote
As American citizens, we have the right and responsibility to help select the leaders of our towns, states and country. As a Christian, I have the right and responsibility to seek wise counsel and pray on my choices. Please consider your rights and responsibilities today.
Dearest Lord Jesus, help us all make wise, moral choices on this (and all) days. Lead us to select the best candidates for office, based on our conversations with You and others. Most of all, draw us closer to you, the Leader of all.
Enthusiastically awaiting the results of today's elections...
Dearest Lord Jesus, help us all make wise, moral choices on this (and all) days. Lead us to select the best candidates for office, based on our conversations with You and others. Most of all, draw us closer to you, the Leader of all.
Enthusiastically awaiting the results of today's elections...
11.03.2008
God's Truth
In our small group from church, we're reading "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. If you've not read it, I highly recommend it. The subtitle of "Repainting the Christian Faith" is so descriptive.
In the third chapter, Bell talks about finding and claiming truth in all aspects of life. Basically, his argument is that this world is God's world, so everything in it is His as well.
"So as a Christian, I am free to claim the good, the true, the holy, wherever and whenever I find it. I live with the understanding that truth is bigger than any religion and the world is God's and everything in it." (p.80)
He illustrates the point by describing a trip to Turkey, where he saw a great number of homes in various states of construction. "It looked like a lot of homes had been started and then the workers went to lunch...for a year." (p.80)
When he asked his friend about it, Bell learned that the Muslim culture doesn't allow for financial debt, so faithful Muslims only build when they have the cash to pay for it. They build for awhile, then stop, then start again when they have the money. Eventually they have a house, which they own free and clear.
Bell muses that "debt free" is certainly a better way to live than how most Americans live. He speaks of affirming this value because it is true and good, "a better way to live". It doesn't matter that it is a "Muslim" value; it is of God, and it is good.
This is a radical departure for some Christians, whose beliefs may lead them to condemn any "non-Christian" ideas or values. Recently, it has been much the same with Democrats and Republicans. People of either party may refuse to condone or agree with particular stances taken by the opposing party simply on the basis that they are OF the opposing party.
Tomorrow we will elect a new president. He may be a Democrat; the first Black man to serve our country in that position. He may be a Republican; the oldest first-term elected President. In the end, a whole lot of people will be disappointed because "their guy" didn't win.
I hope that at the end of the day, we all realize that God's truth is out there. It may not be where we expect it. It may, in fact, be where we least expect it. All we can do is pray purposefully that His will be done, and follow the words of Micah 6:8.
Do justice.
In the third chapter, Bell talks about finding and claiming truth in all aspects of life. Basically, his argument is that this world is God's world, so everything in it is His as well.
"So as a Christian, I am free to claim the good, the true, the holy, wherever and whenever I find it. I live with the understanding that truth is bigger than any religion and the world is God's and everything in it." (p.80)
He illustrates the point by describing a trip to Turkey, where he saw a great number of homes in various states of construction. "It looked like a lot of homes had been started and then the workers went to lunch...for a year." (p.80)
When he asked his friend about it, Bell learned that the Muslim culture doesn't allow for financial debt, so faithful Muslims only build when they have the cash to pay for it. They build for awhile, then stop, then start again when they have the money. Eventually they have a house, which they own free and clear.
Bell muses that "debt free" is certainly a better way to live than how most Americans live. He speaks of affirming this value because it is true and good, "a better way to live". It doesn't matter that it is a "Muslim" value; it is of God, and it is good.
This is a radical departure for some Christians, whose beliefs may lead them to condemn any "non-Christian" ideas or values. Recently, it has been much the same with Democrats and Republicans. People of either party may refuse to condone or agree with particular stances taken by the opposing party simply on the basis that they are OF the opposing party.
Tomorrow we will elect a new president. He may be a Democrat; the first Black man to serve our country in that position. He may be a Republican; the oldest first-term elected President. In the end, a whole lot of people will be disappointed because "their guy" didn't win.
I hope that at the end of the day, we all realize that God's truth is out there. It may not be where we expect it. It may, in fact, be where we least expect it. All we can do is pray purposefully that His will be done, and follow the words of Micah 6:8.
Do justice.
Love kindness.
Walk humbly with our God.
Walk humbly with our God.
Always walking in Him,
11.02.2008
Decor?
It seems a bit early to go into full-blown holiday rant mode, so I'll spare you a bit, but I stopped by Target on Friday (October 31st, remember?) to pick up a few things and they were replacing the Halloween items...
With...
Christmas decorations.
Ugh.
Dearest God, please help us all to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Help us to remember that You sent Your Son without the fanfare of Christmas trees, stockings or glass balls. Decorations are beautiful, and can help to enhance this beautiful season, but let us always remember that the spirit of Christ in a home is the most beautiful decoration of all.
With...
Christmas decorations.
Ugh.
Dearest God, please help us all to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Help us to remember that You sent Your Son without the fanfare of Christmas trees, stockings or glass balls. Decorations are beautiful, and can help to enhance this beautiful season, but let us always remember that the spirit of Christ in a home is the most beautiful decoration of all.
11.01.2008
NaBloPoMo
Well, I'm going to try NaBloPoMo on, not one, but TWO blogs. We'll see how it goes.
I think it's pretty apropos for this blog. Why, you ask? Well, here's how I see it. Since one of the things I always struggle with is being a control freak, I am constantly trying to remember that God is here, with me, every.single.day.
So it only seems to make sense that I post something "enthusiastic" every.single.day. (At least for the month of November!)
Dear ever-present God, please remind us that You are ALWAYS with us.
Enthusiastically,
I think it's pretty apropos for this blog. Why, you ask? Well, here's how I see it. Since one of the things I always struggle with is being a control freak, I am constantly trying to remember that God is here, with me, every.single.day.
So it only seems to make sense that I post something "enthusiastic" every.single.day. (At least for the month of November!)
Dear ever-present God, please remind us that You are ALWAYS with us.
Enthusiastically,
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