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Riding of collections

Everyone’s seen it. Walk into a house and a collection is apparent as an image is plastered upon the walls and setting in array about the room. The home owner's interest for a particular item is probably one topic of conversation brought to everyone’s attention as they enter the room.

For me, it was anything I deemed sentimental as a teen posted on every inch of my bedroom walls. When in college and after I got married, it was turtles. Turtle figurines, stuffed animals and who knows what else.  I was always captivated by reptiles and since snakes and lizards could become aggressive, I gained a fascination with turtles.

For some people it’s a different animal they love or a certain item that strikes a chord in their life. Either way, this is a common scenario. I’m not saying a collection of sorts is a horrible thing, but one day (don’t remember when), God revealed in my life to no longer spend my time, money and energy on finding space for countless turtle figures.

Aside from the perk of having less to dust (I hate dusting), not focusing on a collection of images freed time, money and energy to be put elsewhere. I no longer had to steer toward turtle merchandise in a store with the conclusion of having to make a purchase. I was free to simply make a comment of liking the turtle candle holder or whatever it was and move on.

This left more money in my husband’s wallet for other necessities in life. Of course, when I decided to get rid of much of my collection in a yard sale, my husband followed suit. He sold nearly all of his pricey John Deere items.

Our next step was convincing others not to lean to these types of purchases during the holidays. For others, buying the first green and yellow John Deere thing they found for a Christmas present was easy. We soon helped others understand John Deere products and turtle figures were unnecessary for our family. Now, when you walk into our home you will see an uncluttered space used for family life and love.

I’m not sharing this to criticize those who through years have built a collection. Many of my family members have such decorations within their homes without harming anyone. However, think about all the money put into a collection or just the space it takes to display or store a collection. When the light bulb came on for me, I hadn’t invested a great deal into my collection, but I am glad looking back I didn’t continue my collection. Those material items aren’t as important as I thought nor will they be carried out of this life. I would rather store up my treasures in Heaven and treasure what I love here on Earth, which is my family and friends.

I want to finish up with some Scripture. In Psalm 115:4-8 the paragraph explains how idols have the appearance of eyes, ears, nose, etc., but they are nonfunctioning. Those who make and believe in such idols are unproductive as well.

So, while a collection of images may not mean life or death for you, be careful not to allow such items to become idols in your home. When someone walks in my house, I don’t want them to be drawn to talk about an immense number of turtles on shelves. Rather, I would enjoy spending my energy discussing more meaningful parts of the life with which God has blessed me.

Fornication Among Church Goers

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you… One of my favorite Christian R & B songs gives a message to move as God tells us because if we love Him then we will keep His commandments. ( Move by Flame) It targets several different areas of our life to do as the Word instructs, but one in particular I value is expressing the need to get out of relationships that are about shacking up rather than having a loving marriage parallel to Jesus’ love for the church.

 “You in that relationship, do you plan to marry her? Love her like Christ loves the church ‘til you burry her? You in that relationship, do you plan to marry him? Submit to him like you are the church or just worry him? If you’re not then pack it up, leave the temptation.”

 I love these lyrics from the song. The lyrics do not leave room for a gray area. We are not to be compromising within the church body when it comes to fornication, and yet we see this throughout our culture. According to facts found on guttmacher.org, the United States continues to have one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the developed world. This is probably because by their 19th birthday, seven in 10 teen men and teen women have had intercourse. The Web site continues with lots of information regarding sex education in public schools, including those who use abstinence only educational programs. The programs target pregnancy and multiple partners as their discouragement.

 It astounds me when parents leave it up to the schools to complete all the teachings necessary concerning sex education. Shame on you, if you are a Christian parent and have not laid out a plan to have multiple discussions with your children about sexual intercourse. It should not be a taboo topic, as it was when I was a child.

All my lessons on such issues were given to me by a couple sex education programs running through a few of my classes beginning in sixth grade and ending in my junior in high school. That’s a total of approximately 5 hours my entire teen years for formal education and facts. In addition, television and talk among peers gave tidbits of information.

Sadly, my church-going parents as well as my church gave me the least guidance in this area of life. Occasionally, I heard how bad it was to be sleeping around, and how it doesn’t portray a positive image. I was never told how this type of union with man and woman can become a beautiful part of marriage nor that sex is actually necessary for a healthy marriage.

Of course, I also learned later how so much of what we physically do in a relationship affects you mentally and spiritually. I’m proud to say because a counselor took the time to have an intimate conversation with Brandon (my husband) and I at an engagement retreat, I took a completely different view of sex and we saved that union for after we made our life commitment to one another. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen for most teens.

Even with my engagement to Brandon, this was such a life alternating experience, and meant a great deal to our relationship. (So, even if you are engaged, sex is for after the I dos.)

 When someone has little guidance they blindly follow one action to the next leading to an unknown destination. I wonder how this has an effect on the many teens I hear moving into a bedroom with one another.

 I started this article with words from 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Paul is addressing the church about fornication found among them and gives word to put away the wicked. The Bible I am reading from is a teen bible with devotions, or challenges periodically throughout the Scripture. In this case, it says that Christians should beware of other Christians who intentionally keep sinning.

In my opinion, this is where so many of the church members knowingly flow into the sanctuary with the person they slip into bed with as an unmarried couple. (Notice I say church members, not Christians, as only God knows if they are truly following Christ)

 This Bible reads, “Do you have a friend whose behavior drags you down day after day? Step back and think about taking a break from them for a little while. If they ask why, be honest.” I want to emphasize, BE HONEST. Be honest and use the mouth God gave you to share His word about this thing so many dance around called fornication. Just because it is the norm to shack up and you can find every “reason” in the world for why a couple “has” to live with that type of arrangement, does not flower it up enough to make it okay. Fornication is still wrong, but while this is very true, sexual intercourse is still very right for those God has joined together.

 So, take time to read what God says about this big part of life. I mean, it’s how God creates life. And then, pass the knowledge God gives you to others. It doesn’t have to be a hushed topic.

short & sweet

Found an old poem I wrote in a notebook while helping Autumn practice her letters... so figured, why not throw it up here.

A prayer long forgotten
in its simplicity
told in secret and
thought to be lovely
brought about a relationship
in its purity

A perfect match
him to her
set on rotation
with love and splender
giving all thanks
to our Creator

Too many lanes in my head.

I have definitely neglected my blog on a personal basis. I cheat and just slap on articles I have written and call it a day. However, this morning I felt like just chatting in a more informal manner.

Life is crazy, especially, when my brain works faster than I can keep up. I have the joy of tackling parenthood with the two most unique, beautiful girls. I am not longer working outside the home full time, so much of my time is spent at the house doing mommy duties. I'm not complaining, makes for a very flexible schedule, which is probably why I always have a million things going on at once.

They (not sure who this encompasses) say a woman's brain is like a multi-lane interstate. Thoughts and ideas traveling in all directions all at once. We, as women, have the task of grabbing on to one of these lanes and running with it, hoping we don't get a mile down the road and switch to another lane. This describes me in a nutshell.

When I first decided I would not have the opportunity to return to work full time after giving birth to my second daughter, I thought that I could probably become a substitute teacher ( I have my Missouri Sub. Certification). Later, I jumped on the idea I could watch a child or two at my house. In May I will begin watching an infant part time. I have also thought about extending my writing into free lancing for fun. Of course, now I have taken hold of my love for photography, hoping to nurture the love into a small business to enjoy some time outside the home.

In addition, my full time position as a mother brings along an agenda. The highway of motherhood has picnics at the park, play dates when possible, doctor appointments, gymnastics and educating my 3-year-old with kindergarten readiness, and that's just the tip of the ice berg.

Oh, and we cannot forget my time spent planning mealtimes and cleaning house. On most days, my husband is blessed to walk in from work shortly after 5 p.m. to a hot meal traveling from the stove to his plate. Plus, I'll be managing our veggie garden soon since we just planted cucumbers, bell peppers and tomatoes. I sometimes have time to do couponing for groceries as well. Just writing about all this can make someone exhausted.

Most importantly, it is my desire to take on the massive interstate of lanes running through my life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord with His will for my family in mind. This is a big load on my shoulders. Probably why my favorite time of the day is in the quietness of a hot shower, that is, if it isn't interrupted by a 3-year-old yelling from a distant, "Mommy," with what is a desperate need of some sort.

So, when 8 or 9 p.m. approaches, yes I am tired. And even if I appear to have done nothing for the day, just all this running through my brain is enough to wear me out.

With that in mind, my computer time is coming to an end. I have to get two kids ready to go out the door, which takes way too much time. I have to feed a baby who at 5 months old continues to refuse a bottle. I have to take my 3-year-old to gymnastics where I pray she listens to the teacher the majority of the time without trying to kill herself for the pure joy of falling to the floor. I have to run by a store having a sale on some items I need to pick up for my photography and a party I am hosting this weekend. All of this before lunch.

Of course, keep in mind, I might be tired, but I have a smile in the midst of this hectic lane switching because I know I am blessed.

God's name in vain

Past teachings have given evidence the term conversation in the Bible refers to one’s lifestyle. It isn’t what is said alone, but rather your entire life that shows if you are a Christ follower. Likewise, when Scripture makes mention of using God’s name in vain, Scripture doesn’t mean just God’s name used inappropriately with words spoken.

Our lifestyle and choices made are also important when avoiding the use of God’s name in vain.

First, let’s lay down a foundation. Yes, it is wrong to take the Lord’s name in vain. Let’s notice Scripture says TAKE not the Lord’s name in vain not speaking the Lord’s name in vain, which encompasses more than our words. (Exodus 20:7) Also, the meaning of vain is of no purpose or in an improper or irrelevant manner.

So while the misuse of the Lord’s name with our words is not okay, there are other ways to misuse the Lord’s name.

Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

This tells where someone could deny God and steal taking His name in vain.

If we claim to represent God but do so in an improper manner, it is as though our efforts are in vain because we are not accurately representing who God is in the right light.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

This Scripture explains how a wicked community knew God but did not Glorify Him as God in their lives. Their imaginations were vain and their hearts darkened. This verse doesn’t say they said God’s name in vain with their words (though they may have). It focuses on their imaginations as being vain. The ideas they were conceiving were not Glorifying God. The vain imaginations this chapter in Romans is referring to is homosexual acts. Because we are created in God’s image for a purpose of being fruitful and multiplying within marriage, to know God and do the complete opposite is taking God’s name in vain. Whether words spoken are a reflection of the vain thoughts and actions or not, to withhold yourself from Glorifying God as who He is can be vain.

Taking the Lord’s name in vain is slandering His name or reputation by more than words alone and can lead to a darkening of your heart.

Now the good news, the great Gospel; God’s mercy and grace are not given in vain. The grace given to us is for a great and wonderful purpose. Our salvation is not meant to be taken in vain. Once we come to the knowledge of the Lord, we need to continue to resist vanity as we glorify God for who He is in our lives.

2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Bad Seed

Okay, I am going to be real. Yes, it’s true, I have a few faults. I bet you didn’t know. Ha ha, right.

These faults I carry can sometimes bring struggles in the midst of my blessed life, and it is my responsibility to be assertive enough to weed out the problems that tend to bloom up at any given time. For instance, yesterday, when I let anger consume me.
I’m sure you’re on the edge of your pew with anticipation about this anger issue, so I will explain.

I know, given my childhood, that I can become extremely angry at the thought of the man of the house putting his desires, especially work, before regarding the love and care he is to show his family. This situation can send a shock wave right through my mind bringing about some serious harsh comments and stress-building anger. When some time has passed without Brandon spending time with me and the girls, I become on edge with arrow-piercing words ready to spew from my mouth. Though Brandon is the most wonderful husband, he leans toward the workaholic side of life, making me on constant lookout for the unwanted neglectful situation.

The fault doesn’t set with his driven frame of mind, but the anger I let overtake our household when I perceive his hours away from home as his desire not to be with his family. Again, this is due to the life I led as a child and the role my dad played with my brother and me.

So, when I was reading the passage in Scripture where Jesus gives the parable of the Kingdom of God being like sowed seeds in a field, a new meaning hit me in the face.
Jesus explains the parable where there is good seed and then an enemy came and sowed tares. He is asked if the good seed should be pulled up with the bad, and Jesus says to let the seeds both grow together and at the time of harvest He will separate them. Jesus explains that the enemy is the devil and the bad seed are the wicked that he deceives. (Matthew Chapter 13)

When I read this chapter again last week, I began to think of this parable in a different way. Yes, I know that I want to be the good seed Jesus is able to allow into the Kingdom of Heaven. However, I began to imagine there could be good seed and bad seed sown into our lives we may need to weed out as it blooms to deter from allowing destruction.

One big seed placed in my life as a young child was one of a part-time dad and dysfunctional, unstable family. This seed grew alongside the seeds of my grandmother’s Christian influence, peer pressures and traditional education. While some seeds bloom positive outcomes, others show an ugly head of negativity.

Again, I am responsible for the reaction and actions I take as a result of these sown seeds. (It isn’t Brandon’s fault I grew up with a dad who came in and out of my life with father-daughter heart breaks along the way, and Brandon doesn’t deserve a quick lash of words when he is unaware of what he may have done to upset me.)

To make good choices pleasing to God in spite of the sown bad seeds or tares in my life, personally, I believe you have to be fully aware of who you are as a whole person.

I know myself well enough to know I have anger issues when dealing with certain situations. I know if someone is brave enough to ask for an honest opinion, I will be brave enough to tell them my thoughts and hope I don’t lack good tactics or a kind tone of voice. I know I tend to push others toward making decisions I would want them to rather than allowing room for lessons learned through fault.

I need to acknowledge my tendencies to be capable of being cautious of my attitude and actions. If I am unable learn my weaknesses and to hold on to God’s strengths through my life’s negative triggers, I won’t be watchful enough to keep from, in turn, planting bad seed in someone else’s life.

My desire is not to become an enemy tearing apart the good seeds God is seeking to plant for others. God will hold us accountable for the production or fruit in our garden and at the time of the harvest, He will make a separation between what is good and bad according to His standards.