2007 was a year of new revelation for me. I got a glimpse of my true purpose in life...To glorify God in everything that I say, do, think and feel.
Now this may seem simple and trite. But I assure you that this is no small task and I fail frequently. But I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind. And I am ever more mindful of of my sinful ways and my sinful motives.
I am constantly asking myself, "Why are you acting that way?" "Why are you feeling that way?" "Why are you doing things that way?" and "Why are you saying things that way and with that tone?" and finally, "Are you bringing glory to God with that thought, word or deed?"
And bottom line is if it not for the glory of God, then to me it is sin .
So, I've been digging deep into my heart even in regards to homeschooling. And I thought I'd share some food for thought:
Why am I homeschooling?
In all honesty for me, it has always been to avoid the negatives of traditional schools and gain the positives of homeschooling. The positives were close family relationships, better character, ability to train my kids in the way we thought best (using the Bible), and academic excellence. The negatives were avoiding peer pressure and accessibility (and frequent contact) to sinful attitudes, behaviors and actions (disrespect, rebellion, drugs, promiscuity, etc),
And if I look even further into my heart, I would see some even uglier things--like wanting my kids to be a trophy of some sort (better, smarter, kinder, with godlier character). And I find that in the end it all leads to sinful pride.
So what is the remedy? Christ alone! You see Jesus is not interested in what's in it for me and how He can make me look better (or even my kids to look great). It's all about the glory of God. When I teach my children, it should be to the glory of God. What am I teaching them? How am I acting towards them? What am I saying to them?
On a daily basis, I need to put away such futile and fleeting thoughts about how great my children are. Of course I love them and think they are great. But what is the purpose of my training? It HAS to be for the glory of God, so that He can use them to bring glory to Himself. Otherwise, I'm just teaching them to be prideful, arrogant, haughty, self-righteous, and even lazy. And these attitudes will do nothing but lead them astray.
When we focus on ourselves and what's in it for us and how we are better than others, we are only following our sin nature and our flesh. And I would even venture to say that when we compare ourselves to other kinds of schools, many times we are doing that as well. We need to be careful of such thoughts and words for we do not know the paths of others that God will use to bring glory to Himself.
So my question to you today is why are you homeschooling? Search your heart and see what's really in there. And if you, like me, are convicted by what you see, I pray you will repent and ask the Lord to change you from the inside.
May we always seek to honor and glorify the Lord in everything we do, say, think and feel.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Pictures from our 1st Tea
Pictures from our first tea. First picture is all of the ladies in attendance. Second picture of me and K.Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Traditions
This year the ladies of our clan are beginning a new tradition--an annual Christmas Tea. Our tea will be in a couple of days at my house and I'm busily preparing for everyone to come and enjoy a relaxing time. I so love having everyone over! It is one of my greatest joys in life.
And as I've been physically preparing my home, I've been thinking on the idea of traditions. Why are they so meaningful and when did the idea of traditions start?
I think if we look back to the Bible we can definitely see the traditions that God instituted during the time of Moses (i.e. the feasts and festivals, as well as the oral tradition and the rituals of the Levitical priests, etc.)
But upon further reflection, I think the idea of traditions started when man did--at the beginning. You see, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). It was their practice to meet with God--to fellowship with Him and to learn from Him.
And when I think of this new tradition that is exactly what I hope for my dd, K--that she would cherish this tradition as a time to fellowship with the wonderful godly women of our family and to learn from them.
For me traditions, bring comfort, security, and identity. They hold a special place in my heart as all that was good in my childhood. We had many traditions in my family at Christmas--hanging up our favorite ornaments from year to year, then hanging icicles on all of the branches making sure that you put just the right amount on each branch. We made Christmas cutout cookies every year. And on Christmas Eve, we always had one present to open. You guessed it--Jammies! Grandma always gave us a new ornament for our tree every year and I still use most of them for my tree today.
Christmas Day was all about the food and being with family. Grandma was the best cook in town and she even let my cousin and I help set the table and put garnish on the food. Then after dinner my cousins, my brother and I would put together a Christmas play using our favorite gifts from that Christmas.
My children have many of these same traditions and some new ones from their Daddy's side of the family and others that we've incorporated over the years. As a funny aside, this year I asked the boys if we could change a few things. They were shocked that I would even mention it and told me in no uncertain terms that they'll have the traditions like they are--thank you very much!
I pray that the traditions that we have as a family will give them a sense of family identity and truly fond memories of our family. And as they grow up and leave the nest, they will have a strong sense of identity that will carry them through the seasons of their lives.
And as I've been physically preparing my home, I've been thinking on the idea of traditions. Why are they so meaningful and when did the idea of traditions start?
I think if we look back to the Bible we can definitely see the traditions that God instituted during the time of Moses (i.e. the feasts and festivals, as well as the oral tradition and the rituals of the Levitical priests, etc.)
But upon further reflection, I think the idea of traditions started when man did--at the beginning. You see, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). It was their practice to meet with God--to fellowship with Him and to learn from Him.
And when I think of this new tradition that is exactly what I hope for my dd, K--that she would cherish this tradition as a time to fellowship with the wonderful godly women of our family and to learn from them.
For me traditions, bring comfort, security, and identity. They hold a special place in my heart as all that was good in my childhood. We had many traditions in my family at Christmas--hanging up our favorite ornaments from year to year, then hanging icicles on all of the branches making sure that you put just the right amount on each branch. We made Christmas cutout cookies every year. And on Christmas Eve, we always had one present to open. You guessed it--Jammies! Grandma always gave us a new ornament for our tree every year and I still use most of them for my tree today.
Christmas Day was all about the food and being with family. Grandma was the best cook in town and she even let my cousin and I help set the table and put garnish on the food. Then after dinner my cousins, my brother and I would put together a Christmas play using our favorite gifts from that Christmas.
My children have many of these same traditions and some new ones from their Daddy's side of the family and others that we've incorporated over the years. As a funny aside, this year I asked the boys if we could change a few things. They were shocked that I would even mention it and told me in no uncertain terms that they'll have the traditions like they are--thank you very much!
I pray that the traditions that we have as a family will give them a sense of family identity and truly fond memories of our family. And as they grow up and leave the nest, they will have a strong sense of identity that will carry them through the seasons of their lives.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Reflection
I was thinking about Christmas this morning while I was making breakfast and before everyone was up.
All the preparation up to "the event." The decorating, putting up the Christmas tree, purchasing gifts and wrapping them and putting them under the tree, Advent devotionals, the Advent calendar, buying the food for Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner. Each thing a sign that Christmas is getting closer.
And how we all anticipate the moment-- The kids waking up and sitting on the top step, then coming down to open stockings. The excitement is so real. It's even hard for the kids (and me) to sleep on Christmas Eve cause we are so excited.
And I had the thought that that same anticipation should be how I feel about the Lord Jesus returning. As the signs get closer my heart should leap and the return of my King. And as I think on that moment when I see my Lord face to face and reflect on his return I am filled with that same anticipation that I felt this morning. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. For your bride has made herself ready!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Memorizing Scripture
I've decided it's time to get serious about memorizing scripture. I've gone back and forth with memorizing a verse here and there. But I've been challenged how JJ has memorized James 1 and is working on James 2.
I just read this article by Dr. Davis on the Value of Scripture Memorization and intend to put this into practice.
Since our church is going through Colossians, I figure that would be a good place to start.
So my start date for memorizing Colossians is December 12th. And my goal for finishing is April 9th.
May the Lord bless the meditation of His Word and help me to accomplish this goal.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Worship
I was recently challenged by this sermon by Rick Gamache on worship.You can download it from Desiring God here.
In it he gives this quote, "Pleasure is the measure of our treasure." And goes on to expound that what we take pleasure in most is what we treasure most. How do we spend our time? What do we think about most? On what do we spend our money?
Sadly, I shudder to think how much time I spend thinking on all kinds of things--what my plans are for the day, the week and the month, what the children need to be doing, how am I gonna get everything that I need to do accomplished? What do others need from me? Etc.
I wonder if this is idolatry? For the end of all of this thinking doesn't really seem to lead to glorifying God.
Now I'm not saying that every thought needs to be only on the Lord with my head in the Bible and all money only applied to Christian pursuits. But...I'm praying that my pleasure will be more and more found in the Lord and that this will be reflected more and more in my actions, throughts, words, deeds (and expenditures. :-))
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Spiritual Spaghetti
Spiritual Spaghetti
By Debbie Lindstrom
Oct 30, 2007
Ahh…spaghetti! Just the thought of it makes one’s mouth water. The soft and chewy pasta cooked to perfection—al dente, of course. The rich savory tomato sauce laden with spices and tender veggies. And don’t forget the meat! It’s not real spaghetti unless there’s meat in it. Each part is essential to the making of a meal that is one of my family’s favorites and I’m sure yours as well. Today I’d like to take a different look at spaghetti and show how this favorite meal can remind us of our Christian walk.
Spaghetti has 3 essential parts: the pasta, the sauce and the meat. Together these 3 ingredients give us a wonderful nutritious meal that helps us to be healthy and strong. In the same way there are 3 aspects of our Christian walk that if we will be faithful to do, we will be spiritually healthy and strong.
The first ingredient in spaghetti is the pasta. Pasta is a carbohydrate and useful for quick daily energy. Carbohydrates are filling and quickly satisfy cravings and hunger pangs. But as Christians, we also need quick energy for our daily walk. We have a hunger for the things of God that daily needs to be satisfied. How can we get this quick spiritual energy? By praying, worshiping, and thanking God. As we turn our hearts to focus on the Lord in these acts of worship, our energy is renewed. As we sing songs of praise even when we don’t “feel like it,” somehow our outlook on life is changed. What seemed so big at the moment now seems so small in light of an infinite God and eternity. Instead of focusing and worrying about our problems, we can turn them over to God and trust Him to help us endure through to the end of that trial. We can pray for others and lift up their needs as well. And by doing so, our problems seem to diminish. And instead of looking at our lack, we can praise God for all the blessings that we have in Him. So the next time, you are feeling low and need some energy in your day, grab some spiritual carbs and start worshipping, praying and thanking God. But carbs by themselves are kinda bland and usually need something to give them some flavor.
Gong back to the spaghetti, it’s the sauce that gives it its flavor and spice. And we need flavor in our spiritual lives! We tend to get in ruts and routines. We tend to just go through the motions. But God is so good to spice up our lives by giving us daily opportunities to glorify Him. It may be by serving others, helping someone in your family, calling a friend to offer encouragement, sharing a bit of wisdom from God’s word to a hard situation, sharing the Gospel with a stranger, working through a conflict in a godly way. The list is endless and unique to each individual. Look for opportunities that God gives to spice up your life! And purpose in your heart to glorify Him! This is no small task and many times we fail. But the good news is that the recipe is not spoiled by our failures. We usually get the opportunity to try that test again to gain victory in our lives. What joy there is in serving the Lord! There is such pleasure in knowing that the Lord has somehow used us to bless someone else. So like every good spaghetti sauce, don’t skimp on the spices. Use every opportunity that God brings your way to glorify and enjoy Him.
Now pasta and sauce are delicious. But if our meal doesn’t have any meat, it won’t stick with us. Meat is a protein to give us strength and build muscle. And just as we need to exercise our physical muscles, we also need to develop our spiritual muscles. Our spiritual lives need meat too, and God has provided through the meat of His Word. As we feed on His Word, we will be strengthened. Through the Word, God shows us what He requires of us. We find out what displeases Him. We gain wisdom for walking our daily lives. We learn to trust Him because of His faithfulness throughout the generations. We learn how to solve problems and how to relate to others.
Oh the depth of the Word! Libraries of books have been written on what the Bible contains and yet there is still more that we can glean from it. It is the best selling book of all time and for a reason, because it is God’s love letter to us--full of love, encouragement for daily living, and wisdom. It shows us where we’ve failed and how to get back up. When all else fails, we can go to the Word and there are words of life to spur us on. And as we daily feed on His word, we are strengthened in our faith. We need the Word to have the stamina to make it through each day. And by disciplining ourselves to read the Bible daily, we develop spiritual muscles to fight the battles that come our way. Battles such as laziness, contentment, laying down our lives for others when what we really want is for others to lay down their lives for us. We learn to emulate Christ, our Lord, by laying down our lives for others instead of satisfying our own fleshly desires. The Word is essential to our walk and our spiritual food. It satisfies our souls, just as spaghetti satisfies our palette.
So the next time you eat a plate of spaghetti, I encourage you to think about your spiritual walk. Are you incorporating a good balance of all the ingredients necessary for your spiritual health? Spaghetti that is lacking just one of these ingredients just isn't the same. In the same way, we need all these disciplines for our daily walk with the Lord. And as we learn to glorify Him, our lives will be more enjoyable just like a well-balanced plate of spaghetti! Bon a petit!
By Debbie Lindstrom
Oct 30, 2007
Ahh…spaghetti! Just the thought of it makes one’s mouth water. The soft and chewy pasta cooked to perfection—al dente, of course. The rich savory tomato sauce laden with spices and tender veggies. And don’t forget the meat! It’s not real spaghetti unless there’s meat in it. Each part is essential to the making of a meal that is one of my family’s favorites and I’m sure yours as well. Today I’d like to take a different look at spaghetti and show how this favorite meal can remind us of our Christian walk.
Spaghetti has 3 essential parts: the pasta, the sauce and the meat. Together these 3 ingredients give us a wonderful nutritious meal that helps us to be healthy and strong. In the same way there are 3 aspects of our Christian walk that if we will be faithful to do, we will be spiritually healthy and strong.
The first ingredient in spaghetti is the pasta. Pasta is a carbohydrate and useful for quick daily energy. Carbohydrates are filling and quickly satisfy cravings and hunger pangs. But as Christians, we also need quick energy for our daily walk. We have a hunger for the things of God that daily needs to be satisfied. How can we get this quick spiritual energy? By praying, worshiping, and thanking God. As we turn our hearts to focus on the Lord in these acts of worship, our energy is renewed. As we sing songs of praise even when we don’t “feel like it,” somehow our outlook on life is changed. What seemed so big at the moment now seems so small in light of an infinite God and eternity. Instead of focusing and worrying about our problems, we can turn them over to God and trust Him to help us endure through to the end of that trial. We can pray for others and lift up their needs as well. And by doing so, our problems seem to diminish. And instead of looking at our lack, we can praise God for all the blessings that we have in Him. So the next time, you are feeling low and need some energy in your day, grab some spiritual carbs and start worshipping, praying and thanking God. But carbs by themselves are kinda bland and usually need something to give them some flavor.
Gong back to the spaghetti, it’s the sauce that gives it its flavor and spice. And we need flavor in our spiritual lives! We tend to get in ruts and routines. We tend to just go through the motions. But God is so good to spice up our lives by giving us daily opportunities to glorify Him. It may be by serving others, helping someone in your family, calling a friend to offer encouragement, sharing a bit of wisdom from God’s word to a hard situation, sharing the Gospel with a stranger, working through a conflict in a godly way. The list is endless and unique to each individual. Look for opportunities that God gives to spice up your life! And purpose in your heart to glorify Him! This is no small task and many times we fail. But the good news is that the recipe is not spoiled by our failures. We usually get the opportunity to try that test again to gain victory in our lives. What joy there is in serving the Lord! There is such pleasure in knowing that the Lord has somehow used us to bless someone else. So like every good spaghetti sauce, don’t skimp on the spices. Use every opportunity that God brings your way to glorify and enjoy Him.
Now pasta and sauce are delicious. But if our meal doesn’t have any meat, it won’t stick with us. Meat is a protein to give us strength and build muscle. And just as we need to exercise our physical muscles, we also need to develop our spiritual muscles. Our spiritual lives need meat too, and God has provided through the meat of His Word. As we feed on His Word, we will be strengthened. Through the Word, God shows us what He requires of us. We find out what displeases Him. We gain wisdom for walking our daily lives. We learn to trust Him because of His faithfulness throughout the generations. We learn how to solve problems and how to relate to others.
Oh the depth of the Word! Libraries of books have been written on what the Bible contains and yet there is still more that we can glean from it. It is the best selling book of all time and for a reason, because it is God’s love letter to us--full of love, encouragement for daily living, and wisdom. It shows us where we’ve failed and how to get back up. When all else fails, we can go to the Word and there are words of life to spur us on. And as we daily feed on His word, we are strengthened in our faith. We need the Word to have the stamina to make it through each day. And by disciplining ourselves to read the Bible daily, we develop spiritual muscles to fight the battles that come our way. Battles such as laziness, contentment, laying down our lives for others when what we really want is for others to lay down their lives for us. We learn to emulate Christ, our Lord, by laying down our lives for others instead of satisfying our own fleshly desires. The Word is essential to our walk and our spiritual food. It satisfies our souls, just as spaghetti satisfies our palette.
So the next time you eat a plate of spaghetti, I encourage you to think about your spiritual walk. Are you incorporating a good balance of all the ingredients necessary for your spiritual health? Spaghetti that is lacking just one of these ingredients just isn't the same. In the same way, we need all these disciplines for our daily walk with the Lord. And as we learn to glorify Him, our lives will be more enjoyable just like a well-balanced plate of spaghetti! Bon a petit!
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