It's official. I have it--WBS. I've always suspected it, but tried to rationalize it away. The symptoms have been there my whole life, but who wants to admit to having such a malady? I didn't want to be treated differently. Some have hinted I may have it and my husband has suffered from it for decades. Finally we have a diagnosis. I have Whiny Baby Syndrome.
It was confirmed on Monday while I was having lunch with a couple of friends. No, they didn't tell me I have it. They're much too nice for that. But you know you have Whiny Baby Syndrome when you find yourself getting defensive when pushed for an explanation or when the words coming out of your own mouth suddenly sound so stupid. You can be sure there is a problem when pointed questions punch you in the gut and really nice people give you a half-hearted "Mmm" while nodding their heads slowly, their facial expressions resembling people who are not buying the swampland in Florida or your story.
I was sure I had WBS when I heard my recent responses to the question. You know, THE question this time of year, "How's your summer going?" Some sob story came out of me about how my summer had just begun because my husband's production was finally over. One night was especially embarrassing when I told a couple that church "crap" (yes, I actually used that word--OUCH--see how bad I have it?) was biting into our summer. PLEASE! My life is not that bad. (Funny, you'd think I'd know this. One of my kids hears this about his own life nearly daily.) My life is very good, in fact. I have nothing to complain about. I must be a whiny baby.
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe" (Philippians 2:14-15).
OW, OW, OW!!! Forgive me if you have had to endure my complaining and thank you for your patience. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to clean up my star considerably and tend to the gaping hole in my head.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Learning a lot
My top ten lessons of the last three days:
10. Sipping on coffee while grocery shopping at Walmart makes the whole experience bearable.
9. I am "old school" (Thank you, Keygan, for so graciously pointing this out to me time and time again.).
8. Tears are healing.
7. Diet 7-up is more satisfying when the kids aren't home (Mmm hmm, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout girls--are you blushing?).
6. I need to keep my mouth shut (Obviously, if you understand number 7).
5. God's plans are intricate, in the process for decades and completely perfect.
4. My friends will continue to love me even when they don't agree with me or like what I have to say. (Thank you, Sprinkle Sisters!)
3. Love and respect can prevail over the temptation of money (My siblings are amazing!).
2. My husband can't live without me.
And the number one lesson of the past three days (Are you slapping your hands against your thighs, creating the drum roll for me? C'mon, be a sport. I promise it will be worth it!):
1. I crave intimacy because it is the closest thing to heaven I'm going to get here on earth.
All over the Bible God uses the analogy of marriage to describe the relationship of Christ and the Church. Our union with Jesus is to be that intimate, that personal. We want to be known, treasured, appreciated, understood and fully loved. In heaven we will experience that completely and perfectly with Christ. What we have here is only a tiny glimpse that leaves us wanting more. I can never get enough of my husband, not because he is so astounding (don't get me wrong--he is a wonderful man, God's continual miracle to me), but because I am really looking for the perfect union I can only get in heaven.
Okay, enough soul baring for me today. What are YOU learning?
10. Sipping on coffee while grocery shopping at Walmart makes the whole experience bearable.
9. I am "old school" (Thank you, Keygan, for so graciously pointing this out to me time and time again.).
8. Tears are healing.
7. Diet 7-up is more satisfying when the kids aren't home (Mmm hmm, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout girls--are you blushing?).
6. I need to keep my mouth shut (Obviously, if you understand number 7).
5. God's plans are intricate, in the process for decades and completely perfect.
4. My friends will continue to love me even when they don't agree with me or like what I have to say. (Thank you, Sprinkle Sisters!)
3. Love and respect can prevail over the temptation of money (My siblings are amazing!).
2. My husband can't live without me.
And the number one lesson of the past three days (Are you slapping your hands against your thighs, creating the drum roll for me? C'mon, be a sport. I promise it will be worth it!):
1. I crave intimacy because it is the closest thing to heaven I'm going to get here on earth.
All over the Bible God uses the analogy of marriage to describe the relationship of Christ and the Church. Our union with Jesus is to be that intimate, that personal. We want to be known, treasured, appreciated, understood and fully loved. In heaven we will experience that completely and perfectly with Christ. What we have here is only a tiny glimpse that leaves us wanting more. I can never get enough of my husband, not because he is so astounding (don't get me wrong--he is a wonderful man, God's continual miracle to me), but because I am really looking for the perfect union I can only get in heaven.
Okay, enough soul baring for me today. What are YOU learning?
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The Queen of Jacks Meets the King of Kings
I was the Queen of jacks in fourth grade. It was my first real claim to fame. Every single recess, come rain or shine, my friends and I would play jacks. And I always won. Always. It didn't matter we used MY set. My friends all recognized it was superior. A gift from my grandmother, my "deluxe set" was neatly contained in a pink vinyl bag with little white handles. I'm not sure, but I think I caught our classroom's guinea pig eyeing it occasionally. It would have made a great suitcase for him. I didn't take any chances. I stayed far away from his cage. My jacks set was my most prized possession. Nothing else had brought me such respect and popularity.
One day while stomping the competition yet again, the ball I was using bounced off a little piece of gravel on the sidewalk and, to my horror, rolled under the merry-go-round. Trailing after it like toddlers wanting their mommies, my friends and I discovered it wedged between two pieces of metal on the underside. Jumping up and down on the merry-go-round had no effect. Shaking it really hard did nothing. We couldn't get our hands on it, because it was too far in. Poking it with a stick wouldn't budge it. It was so tight it seemed welded into the metal! And then. . .no. . .it couldn't be. . .the bell. It was time to go inside. I was the kind of kid who always followed the rules, but how could I do what was expected of me at a time like this? I was the rope in a tug-of-war contest. Stay with my precious jacks ball or go with the rest of the class? My good side won. On the verge of tears, I followed my friends into our classroom.
I didn't really hear what my teacher was saying after that. All I could think about was my beloved ball, stuck, perhaps forever, under that dusty old piece of playground equipment. I was helpless. Deciding drastic measures were needed, I did what all people do in a crisis--I prayed. Of course I couldn't make my classmates suspicious, so I pretended to tie my shoe. "Dear God,” I prayed as I fiddled with my perfectly tied shoelace, "I don'’t know if You are there or not. But if You are alive and all this God stuff is true, could you somehow bring back my jacks ball?” I felt as comforted as a man going before a firing squad who is told, "Don'’t worry, it'’ll be quick”, but there was nothing else to do.
The name of the boy who knocked on our door a few minutes later escaped me. I only knew him as a fifth-grader. He acted all mature and important, lowering his voice to speak to my teacher. I wasn't impressed. He looked so hot and dirty I was sure his mother would have words for him after school. And they wouldn't be pleasant! I dismissed him and tried to remember what I was supposed to be doing when suddenly my teacher spun around to face the classroom. "Does this belong to any one?” she asked, holding in her hand my slightly mangled jacks ball.
Right before my very eyes, the Red Sea parted. Whoa!
There was no doubt in my mind that day that God exists. He heard the cry about something as insignificant as a jacks ball and cared enough about the little girl who uttered it to do a miracle. He spoke to me that day and I was hooked.
I've been asking Him to do it again and again ever since. And He has. And He can. And He will. He really gets my motor going!
How has God made Himself real to you? Have you asked Him to?
One day while stomping the competition yet again, the ball I was using bounced off a little piece of gravel on the sidewalk and, to my horror, rolled under the merry-go-round. Trailing after it like toddlers wanting their mommies, my friends and I discovered it wedged between two pieces of metal on the underside. Jumping up and down on the merry-go-round had no effect. Shaking it really hard did nothing. We couldn't get our hands on it, because it was too far in. Poking it with a stick wouldn't budge it. It was so tight it seemed welded into the metal! And then. . .no. . .it couldn't be. . .the bell. It was time to go inside. I was the kind of kid who always followed the rules, but how could I do what was expected of me at a time like this? I was the rope in a tug-of-war contest. Stay with my precious jacks ball or go with the rest of the class? My good side won. On the verge of tears, I followed my friends into our classroom.
I didn't really hear what my teacher was saying after that. All I could think about was my beloved ball, stuck, perhaps forever, under that dusty old piece of playground equipment. I was helpless. Deciding drastic measures were needed, I did what all people do in a crisis--I prayed. Of course I couldn't make my classmates suspicious, so I pretended to tie my shoe. "Dear God,” I prayed as I fiddled with my perfectly tied shoelace, "I don'’t know if You are there or not. But if You are alive and all this God stuff is true, could you somehow bring back my jacks ball?” I felt as comforted as a man going before a firing squad who is told, "Don'’t worry, it'’ll be quick”, but there was nothing else to do.
The name of the boy who knocked on our door a few minutes later escaped me. I only knew him as a fifth-grader. He acted all mature and important, lowering his voice to speak to my teacher. I wasn't impressed. He looked so hot and dirty I was sure his mother would have words for him after school. And they wouldn't be pleasant! I dismissed him and tried to remember what I was supposed to be doing when suddenly my teacher spun around to face the classroom. "Does this belong to any one?” she asked, holding in her hand my slightly mangled jacks ball.
Right before my very eyes, the Red Sea parted. Whoa!
There was no doubt in my mind that day that God exists. He heard the cry about something as insignificant as a jacks ball and cared enough about the little girl who uttered it to do a miracle. He spoke to me that day and I was hooked.
I've been asking Him to do it again and again ever since. And He has. And He can. And He will. He really gets my motor going!
How has God made Himself real to you? Have you asked Him to?
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Things I wonder about
Is it possible to love deeply without hurting deeply?
Is pride the cause of all hurt feelings?
Is pride the cause of all hurt feelings?
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Missing it
We took the kids to my dad's grave for the first time last week. I've been there several times and it always tugs at my heart. I stare at his nameplate and think, "Oh Dad, you were so young." Having the kids there with us reminded me of everything he will miss. He would have loved to hear about Keygan's first car and his summer jobs. He would have admired how pretty Kelsi is getting and gotten a kick out of her forthrightness. He would have noticed how tall Tanner is and Keeli's pictures would have found a place on his fridge. It makes me sad to think he won't see any of his grandkids graduate from high school or get married. My brothers will probably have children he'll never see. My kids won't have the privilege of hearing his laugh or silly phrases.
Of course, with Father's day coming up I've thought about him a lot. I've been wearing a pair of earrings every day this week that were a special Christmas gift from him. I bought all the stuff to make chocolate pie--his favorite--but I can't bring myself to make it yet. And I've thought a lot about the question of salvation. He professed belief in Jesus. He answered all the "right" questions correctly. Yet I always wondered about him. I didn't think I saw "fruits" in his life. His behavior did not suggest to me a serious commitment to God. He smoked most of his life, liked his beer and enjoyed going to the races and "the boats" (for those of you not familiar with the lingo, the casinos in Council Bluffs). I didn't think a "real" Christian would do those things. Now I feel so stupid.
Now I realize he displayed other, way more important things in his life. He was one of the most NON-judgmental people I know. He was kind to people and didn't insist on his own way. (I can just see him now, shrugging his shoulders and saying, "whatever".) I can't imagine he ever had an enemy. I'm confident that most of the people I grew up with would say he was a good guy. He had a GREAT sense of humor. When he was well, he enjoyed life. He didn't get angry. I think I could count on one hand the times I saw him mad. He was the polar opposite of greedy. Though he didn't always express it well, family was important to him. I look over that list and see the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How could I have missed that? Who do I think I am?
I'm sorry, Dad, for thinking you had to fit my mold. I'm sorry if I made you feel you were not good enough. You weren't perfect, but I loved you. I love you. I understand your heart leaned toward God. Forgive me for not giving you enough credit. I hope you can see how much I miss you.
Lord Jesus, forgive me for seeing his speck and not my log. Who else do I do this to? What damage do I cause? How can I prevent myself from doing this in the future?
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)
Of course, with Father's day coming up I've thought about him a lot. I've been wearing a pair of earrings every day this week that were a special Christmas gift from him. I bought all the stuff to make chocolate pie--his favorite--but I can't bring myself to make it yet. And I've thought a lot about the question of salvation. He professed belief in Jesus. He answered all the "right" questions correctly. Yet I always wondered about him. I didn't think I saw "fruits" in his life. His behavior did not suggest to me a serious commitment to God. He smoked most of his life, liked his beer and enjoyed going to the races and "the boats" (for those of you not familiar with the lingo, the casinos in Council Bluffs). I didn't think a "real" Christian would do those things. Now I feel so stupid.
Now I realize he displayed other, way more important things in his life. He was one of the most NON-judgmental people I know. He was kind to people and didn't insist on his own way. (I can just see him now, shrugging his shoulders and saying, "whatever".) I can't imagine he ever had an enemy. I'm confident that most of the people I grew up with would say he was a good guy. He had a GREAT sense of humor. When he was well, he enjoyed life. He didn't get angry. I think I could count on one hand the times I saw him mad. He was the polar opposite of greedy. Though he didn't always express it well, family was important to him. I look over that list and see the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How could I have missed that? Who do I think I am?
I'm sorry, Dad, for thinking you had to fit my mold. I'm sorry if I made you feel you were not good enough. You weren't perfect, but I loved you. I love you. I understand your heart leaned toward God. Forgive me for not giving you enough credit. I hope you can see how much I miss you.
Lord Jesus, forgive me for seeing his speck and not my log. Who else do I do this to? What damage do I cause? How can I prevent myself from doing this in the future?
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Where do the good and the bad come from?
In light of my recent posts on feeling like a failure and all the beating up of ourselves I've been reading on other blogs, I thought you might like to think about this quote I read today from Andy Stanley's book, Since Nobody's Perfect. . .How Good is Good Enough?
"Your conscience is an interesting thing. It condemns you when you do bad, but it doesn't do much in the way of assuring you when you do well."
How true is that?!
It reminds me of a conversation I had once with some friends about parenting. I was feeling like I had been doing a bad job of being a mother.
"Why?" my friend asked.
"I see all these negative traits in my kids that I know came from me."
To which my wise friend asked, "What would you need to see in your kids to think you did a good job?"
I had to think about that for a long time, at least a week. I finally decided that I would never attribute all the good traits in my kids to me. Anything good in them had to come from God.
I must think the same way of myself. Anything bad in me is me. Anything good in me is God. Is that fair? I don't know, but I think it's healthy, spiritually speaking. It keeps me in my proper place.
"Your conscience is an interesting thing. It condemns you when you do bad, but it doesn't do much in the way of assuring you when you do well."
How true is that?!
It reminds me of a conversation I had once with some friends about parenting. I was feeling like I had been doing a bad job of being a mother.
"Why?" my friend asked.
"I see all these negative traits in my kids that I know came from me."
To which my wise friend asked, "What would you need to see in your kids to think you did a good job?"
I had to think about that for a long time, at least a week. I finally decided that I would never attribute all the good traits in my kids to me. Anything good in them had to come from God.
I must think the same way of myself. Anything bad in me is me. Anything good in me is God. Is that fair? I don't know, but I think it's healthy, spiritually speaking. It keeps me in my proper place.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Choosing His Voice
Got another song on my mind tonight--"The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. I was feeling a little down today when I got in my van for a short trip out of town. I clicked on the radio and heard this:
"The giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me,
reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me time and time again, boy,
you'll never win, you'll never win."
"But the voice of Truth tells me a different story.
The voice of Truth says do not be afraid.
The voice of Truth says this is for My glory.
Out of all the voices calling out to me,
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth."
I feel like I fail quite a bit. There are times I think I'll never get ahead or never learn it right. But God knows my intentions. This song was a needed reminder today that no matter what anyone else thinks, God knows my heart. No matter what a day brings, I don't need to fear. No matter what happens, God will use it for His glory. He tells me a different story. He sees beyond what things look like, what I look like. He whispers in my ear, "I know. I see. I love you." And that is enough to press on.
"The giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me,
reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me time and time again, boy,
you'll never win, you'll never win."
"But the voice of Truth tells me a different story.
The voice of Truth says do not be afraid.
The voice of Truth says this is for My glory.
Out of all the voices calling out to me,
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth."
I feel like I fail quite a bit. There are times I think I'll never get ahead or never learn it right. But God knows my intentions. This song was a needed reminder today that no matter what anyone else thinks, God knows my heart. No matter what a day brings, I don't need to fear. No matter what happens, God will use it for His glory. He tells me a different story. He sees beyond what things look like, what I look like. He whispers in my ear, "I know. I see. I love you." And that is enough to press on.
Monday, June 12, 2006
No Higher Calling
You feel like singing today?
"Down at Your feet, O Lord, is the most high place.
In Your presence, Lord, I seek Your face, I seek Your face.
There is no higher calling, no greater honor than to bow and kneel before Your throne.
I'm amazed at Your glory, embraced by Your mercy.
O Lord, I live to worship You."
That song always gets to me. It reminds me of how unworthy I am. It makes me realize how selfish my big dreams are. I am so self-centered, constantly thinking about what I should be doing for God. Now there's nothing wrong with wanting to serve God, but I'd be lying if I said I had no ulterior motives. Following God appeals to me because He knows better than anyone what will make me happiest. Yes, I desperately want to point people to Jesus, but are those desires in me pure? I like thinking I helped someone. It makes me feel good about myself. Did you catch that--it makes Me feel good about MYSELF. Am I doing it for me or for God then? Can I honestly say I LIVE to worship Him? I'd like to, but I'm not sure I do, which is why this song always makes me cry.
Lord Jesus, I don't deserve You, yet You do embrace me with Your mercy. Why isn't it enough for me to "bow and kneel before Your throne"? Why do I think I'm so special that my calling should be more than that? Forgive me for wanting to make a name for myself as I proclaim You. Give me Your perspective. Keep working on me, Lord.
"Down at Your feet, O Lord, is the most high place.
In Your presence, Lord, I seek Your face, I seek Your face.
There is no higher calling, no greater honor than to bow and kneel before Your throne.
I'm amazed at Your glory, embraced by Your mercy.
O Lord, I live to worship You."
That song always gets to me. It reminds me of how unworthy I am. It makes me realize how selfish my big dreams are. I am so self-centered, constantly thinking about what I should be doing for God. Now there's nothing wrong with wanting to serve God, but I'd be lying if I said I had no ulterior motives. Following God appeals to me because He knows better than anyone what will make me happiest. Yes, I desperately want to point people to Jesus, but are those desires in me pure? I like thinking I helped someone. It makes me feel good about myself. Did you catch that--it makes Me feel good about MYSELF. Am I doing it for me or for God then? Can I honestly say I LIVE to worship Him? I'd like to, but I'm not sure I do, which is why this song always makes me cry.
Lord Jesus, I don't deserve You, yet You do embrace me with Your mercy. Why isn't it enough for me to "bow and kneel before Your throne"? Why do I think I'm so special that my calling should be more than that? Forgive me for wanting to make a name for myself as I proclaim You. Give me Your perspective. Keep working on me, Lord.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Are they wrong?
In my last post, someone left a comment concerning other religions--Muslims, Hindus, etc. I don't know much about other religions, but I don't think we would agree on the divinity of Jesus and the authority of the Bible. I would not consider them my brothers and sisters and would not be commanded to be unified with them. The commenter asked if these other religions were wrong. Using the criteria of Jesus and the Bible I would have to say. . .(and I'm swallowing really hard right now--I hate to have anybody mad at me). . .yes, they are off the mark. The Bible is very clear about it in John 14:6, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
But that being said, there are a few questions that linger in my mind. Does being confrontational and critical actually bring people to Christ? Will debating over their religion bring them to Jesus? Do you know many people who have been argued into heaven?
There's got to be a better way. Jesus attracted people by loving them. How do you think can we love those of completely different belief systems?
But that being said, there are a few questions that linger in my mind. Does being confrontational and critical actually bring people to Christ? Will debating over their religion bring them to Jesus? Do you know many people who have been argued into heaven?
There's got to be a better way. Jesus attracted people by loving them. How do you think can we love those of completely different belief systems?
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Why can't we get along?
The tension was palpable. One woman was sharing her frustration of being raised in a particular denomination while the woman across the room from her was feeling attacked for still being a part of, you guessed it, the same denomination. Their doctrinal beliefs were vastly different. Both women were emotionally invested and felt strongly about their position. Both were getting hot. And I was stuck in the middle. No matter what I said, someone was going to feel offended. We had to go back to the basics.
"Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe He died on the cross to save your sins? Have you asked Him to be a part of your life?"
The answer to every question was yes. It was the only ground we could agree on.
It has made me think a lot about why Christians have such a hard time living together in peace. Should denominational lines separate us so? One of my son's friends tells him we worship wrong because we "sing a bunch of pop songs in church" (his interpretation of worship choruses), yet my son tells him he doesn't know why he believes anything he believes.
Why do we feel the need to be more "right" than each other? Is anything gained by being critical?
I once had a couple of Mormons stop by the house in a snowstorm. The young men had been going door to door all morning and were absolutely freezing. One of the guy's teeth were actually chattering! Now I didn't want to talk to them about their church because I knew we would not agree, but they looked so cold! So I said, "I don't really want to talk about your beliefs. My husband is a pastor (that one always gets me off the hook quickly) and we are very secure in what we believe, but would you like to come in? Could I get you some hot chocolate?" They gladly accepted and we spent the next hour talking about where they were from, what they were doing, etc. (You've got to respect people giving up two years of their lives to witness to others whether you agree with them or not.) Then they started asking about our church and what my husband did there. Before they left, we had invited them to come to our Christmas program. It ended up being a nice time. I hope they left with the feeling that Christians are not such bad people.
Now I don't subscribe at all to Mormon tenets, but was there anything to gain by trying to prove them wrong? Isn't it better to model Christ's love ? Do we convince someone they need to examine their faith by slamming their beliefs?
We've been told in the evangelical world that we can't compromise, that if we accept others who do not adhere to our doctrine, we are condoning their behavior. Does accepting the PEOPLE who believe differently, not their way of thinking (big difference there), compromise our own faith? Did Jesus come out and prove people wrong? He was thought a little scandalous in how He accepted people, wasn't He?
I may not believe or understand the way a Lutheran or Catholic or you fill in the blank believes, but if we can agree about Jesus and the Bible, I think I need to consider them my brother or sister in Christ. And if they are my "family", we are instructed in scripture to be unified. Jesus prays for this in the garden of Gethsemene right before He is arrested and killed. It must be important!
John 17: 20-23: ". . .I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. . .I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Did you catch that unity shows the world that Jesus is God? Only His influence in our lives could explain how we could get along so well. (That's almost a little comical to me!)
What do you think? Do you agree or are you foaming at the mouth by now? I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Let's talk.
Love you,
Tami
"Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe He died on the cross to save your sins? Have you asked Him to be a part of your life?"
The answer to every question was yes. It was the only ground we could agree on.
It has made me think a lot about why Christians have such a hard time living together in peace. Should denominational lines separate us so? One of my son's friends tells him we worship wrong because we "sing a bunch of pop songs in church" (his interpretation of worship choruses), yet my son tells him he doesn't know why he believes anything he believes.
Why do we feel the need to be more "right" than each other? Is anything gained by being critical?
I once had a couple of Mormons stop by the house in a snowstorm. The young men had been going door to door all morning and were absolutely freezing. One of the guy's teeth were actually chattering! Now I didn't want to talk to them about their church because I knew we would not agree, but they looked so cold! So I said, "I don't really want to talk about your beliefs. My husband is a pastor (that one always gets me off the hook quickly) and we are very secure in what we believe, but would you like to come in? Could I get you some hot chocolate?" They gladly accepted and we spent the next hour talking about where they were from, what they were doing, etc. (You've got to respect people giving up two years of their lives to witness to others whether you agree with them or not.) Then they started asking about our church and what my husband did there. Before they left, we had invited them to come to our Christmas program. It ended up being a nice time. I hope they left with the feeling that Christians are not such bad people.
Now I don't subscribe at all to Mormon tenets, but was there anything to gain by trying to prove them wrong? Isn't it better to model Christ's love ? Do we convince someone they need to examine their faith by slamming their beliefs?
We've been told in the evangelical world that we can't compromise, that if we accept others who do not adhere to our doctrine, we are condoning their behavior. Does accepting the PEOPLE who believe differently, not their way of thinking (big difference there), compromise our own faith? Did Jesus come out and prove people wrong? He was thought a little scandalous in how He accepted people, wasn't He?
I may not believe or understand the way a Lutheran or Catholic or you fill in the blank believes, but if we can agree about Jesus and the Bible, I think I need to consider them my brother or sister in Christ. And if they are my "family", we are instructed in scripture to be unified. Jesus prays for this in the garden of Gethsemene right before He is arrested and killed. It must be important!
John 17: 20-23: ". . .I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. . .I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Did you catch that unity shows the world that Jesus is God? Only His influence in our lives could explain how we could get along so well. (That's almost a little comical to me!)
What do you think? Do you agree or are you foaming at the mouth by now? I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions. Let's talk.
Love you,
Tami
Friday, June 02, 2006
Not a Blogger's Blogger
I've never considered myself a woman's woman. I don't like craft shows. My poor kids will inherit a box with their memorabilia stuffed into it since scrapbooking is not my bag. I can live quite happily without Pampered Chef parties and spas and massages. Don't even get me started about shopping. . .I really have to be in the mood for it.
I'm thinking I'm not really a blogger's blogger either. I'm a real novice in the blogosphere (I'm so impressed with myself that I actually KNOW that term and can use it in a sentence!) Until a few weeks ago, I had no idea what a blog was. I had never even seen one. Yes, I do realize I'm dating myself by admitting that. I just want to be up front and tell you I'm learning slowly. There will probably be many changes in this blog throughout the coming weeks. So please be patient. I'm working on it.
I'm thinking I'm not really a blogger's blogger either. I'm a real novice in the blogosphere (I'm so impressed with myself that I actually KNOW that term and can use it in a sentence!) Until a few weeks ago, I had no idea what a blog was. I had never even seen one. Yes, I do realize I'm dating myself by admitting that. I just want to be up front and tell you I'm learning slowly. There will probably be many changes in this blog throughout the coming weeks. So please be patient. I'm working on it.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Remember Jesus
June 1, 2006
The day became a whirlwind, one of those days I was constantly busy, but in the end had nothing to show for it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn'’t do it all and left someone disappointed. I needed something from my husband I didn't get and then felt guilty for expecting it because he is so good to me. Thinking I must be selfish and wrong made me resentful. Why is it always my fault? You'’d think I'd be ready for the day to be over and forget about it while I slept, but as soon as I laid down, the thoughts swirled around in my head.
I couldn't sleep. I was angry. I was frustrated. I didn't feel like doing anything except wallowing. I wondered what God expected me to do with these feelings. How was I supposed to rise above them?
"Remember Jesus."
What good is that when I am overwhelmed with life?
"Remember Jesus."
But I'm tired of trying so hard.
”Remember Jesus."
How does that help?
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."(Hebrews 4:14)
I'm trying to hold firmly, Lord, but is there ever any down time?
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
You sympathize with me? Really? You aren't shaking your head and rolling your eyes over my weakness, over my stupid whining? You truly get me? If that's true, I desperately need You, Jesus.
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
BINGO--the way out of the foul mood. I needed to approach the throne. I needed to remember Jesus, call out to Him and find mercy. I needed His grace and help in my time of need. Only He could understand my feelings, no matter how irrational they may be. Only He could bring me the right perspective. Only He could bring me rest.
Sound a little simplistic? Yeah, it did to me too.
But it worked.
Remember Jesus. What will He do for YOU today?
The day became a whirlwind, one of those days I was constantly busy, but in the end had nothing to show for it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn'’t do it all and left someone disappointed. I needed something from my husband I didn't get and then felt guilty for expecting it because he is so good to me. Thinking I must be selfish and wrong made me resentful. Why is it always my fault? You'’d think I'd be ready for the day to be over and forget about it while I slept, but as soon as I laid down, the thoughts swirled around in my head.
I couldn't sleep. I was angry. I was frustrated. I didn't feel like doing anything except wallowing. I wondered what God expected me to do with these feelings. How was I supposed to rise above them?
"Remember Jesus."
What good is that when I am overwhelmed with life?
"Remember Jesus."
But I'm tired of trying so hard.
”Remember Jesus."
How does that help?
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."(Hebrews 4:14)
I'm trying to hold firmly, Lord, but is there ever any down time?
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)
You sympathize with me? Really? You aren't shaking your head and rolling your eyes over my weakness, over my stupid whining? You truly get me? If that's true, I desperately need You, Jesus.
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
BINGO--the way out of the foul mood. I needed to approach the throne. I needed to remember Jesus, call out to Him and find mercy. I needed His grace and help in my time of need. Only He could understand my feelings, no matter how irrational they may be. Only He could bring me the right perspective. Only He could bring me rest.
Sound a little simplistic? Yeah, it did to me too.
But it worked.
Remember Jesus. What will He do for YOU today?
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