Writing all this is for my own personal walk with the Lord, but I would be glad if someone else could use it to get closer to him as well...
We have fully moved over to our 'new' house, but still there is stuff left to unpack and organize.
And most of all, get rid of!
My husband and I since we've moved, have realized stuff is a burden!
It keeps you from loving people because it takes up so much time.
Cleaning it, moving it around, etc.
We just hate it, and want rid of as much as possible.
When you have kids the stuff becomes even more unmanageable.
We have family that just gives and gives stuff. At first you think, how nice, what a sweet gesture.
But there is too much.
Hence the previous post.
I have just gotten so fed up with this materialistic world we live in.
Now I do believe God gives us richly all things to enjoy.
But remember he intended us to live in a beautiful garden, enjoying the plants and animals.
Not slaving trying to make a living to buy new gadgets, clothing etc.
We're meant to be naked and not ashamed, which to me means
We were Supposed to be made FREE.
Although this is definately not the case.
We live in so many forms of bondage
stuff is just one of them.
So, I have a challenge for myself as well as anyone reading..
how much can we do without!?
Let's try it.
Give and sell anything and everything you haven't used.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
too much stuff!
Do I really get it? Do we as Christians get it?
Are we truly willing to lay it all down??
I don't think so.
All our stuff.
Our people.
Our ideas.
Our time.
We hold it so tightly.
Let me rephrase.
I hold it so tightly.
I am not willing (at least most of the time) to let it ALL go.
Sure, I'll let what I want to go.
I'll give what I don't want or need.
I think about the fact that there are children truly STARVING to death.
All around the world.
And children around the world are being STUFFED to death.
What i mean is, they have tons of plastic toys, tons of gadgets, tons of food CHOICES.
What they actually need is just enough, with lots of love.
What they are getting is full up of stuff. Full of videos showing them nonsense, full of too much food, full of too much in general -- activities, etc. Even going to church in itself can be too full for a child (what i mean is it can keep them too busy and unaware of realities they need to know)...
Because what the world needs is simple love.
What a child in need deserves is the simple gestures. A good warm meal for example.
Think of how there are TOY drives.
A child in need does not need toys. Nor does a child truly in need want toys. They look at the toy thinking what could i do with that? I just want to eat.
We throw what's left of our income over to "third world countries" and just expect the guilt we feel to go away, thinking we've helped someone.
And we're just trying to teach them to be like us.
To spend countless hours studying in a building, sitting at a desk learning about what people used to do, or how to be really good with numbers, so that they can tell someone else what to do and make money and sit at a desk again.
Think about it!! Our culture is so SICK. So unhealthy and FULL.
What it really means to be full is to spend so much time with our Lord and saviour that we are so filled with him that we realize what's important is not HERE.
That we need to spend our time with LESS.
Eating less.
Talking less.
Running around less.
With Less stuff.
That's why it is said Less is more.
That's what is on my mind and heart today.
Are we truly willing to lay it all down??
I don't think so.
All our stuff.
Our people.
Our ideas.
Our time.
We hold it so tightly.
Let me rephrase.
I hold it so tightly.
I am not willing (at least most of the time) to let it ALL go.
Sure, I'll let what I want to go.
I'll give what I don't want or need.
I think about the fact that there are children truly STARVING to death.
All around the world.
And children around the world are being STUFFED to death.
What i mean is, they have tons of plastic toys, tons of gadgets, tons of food CHOICES.
What they actually need is just enough, with lots of love.
What they are getting is full up of stuff. Full of videos showing them nonsense, full of too much food, full of too much in general -- activities, etc. Even going to church in itself can be too full for a child (what i mean is it can keep them too busy and unaware of realities they need to know)...
Because what the world needs is simple love.
What a child in need deserves is the simple gestures. A good warm meal for example.
Think of how there are TOY drives.
A child in need does not need toys. Nor does a child truly in need want toys. They look at the toy thinking what could i do with that? I just want to eat.
We throw what's left of our income over to "third world countries" and just expect the guilt we feel to go away, thinking we've helped someone.
And we're just trying to teach them to be like us.
To spend countless hours studying in a building, sitting at a desk learning about what people used to do, or how to be really good with numbers, so that they can tell someone else what to do and make money and sit at a desk again.
Think about it!! Our culture is so SICK. So unhealthy and FULL.
What it really means to be full is to spend so much time with our Lord and saviour that we are so filled with him that we realize what's important is not HERE.
That we need to spend our time with LESS.
Eating less.
Talking less.
Running around less.
With Less stuff.
That's why it is said Less is more.
That's what is on my mind and heart today.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
ahhh.. a moment to actually write.
Lately life has been busy with our children, fixing up the house, and just trying to survive.
Sometimes the wisdom of proverbs can really hit you where you're at.. Like how it talks about life being pretty meaningless but to enjoy the life God gave you anyway and especially while you're young before hardship and old age catch up to you.
I'm tired of living just to "survive."
I feel as though occupying my days with work, eating, sleeping, cleaning, even talking, etc. is just nothingness. You may not agree, but this is what it feels like to me in my life. I love the life God gave me, don't get me wrong.
But sometimes it just is not enough. I long for heaven. I long to be near the Lord, to see his face and be able to talk with him like I can anyone else. To sit by him. To just gaze at him and listen to what he has to tell me...
But also I know I'm not ready for that yet. two little ones to train the right way, a husband to help, others to lead to Christ. It is shameful that I have never led anyone to the Lord. My selfishness must be healed, must be GONE as much as possible so that I can do great things for him. So that I will be able to see him one day. So that I won't feel alone. Funny how that works. The more we want things for our own benefit, the more we realize we have no one who will be there for us in our journey. Because they need us to focus outward, not inwardly.
I know I need to change. I need not to worry. About anything. Goodness that is hard for me. I am full of fear. My thoughts need to be altered and yet I pray this all the time. A constant struggle. Fear of everything.
I also get tired of worrying about what food i'll eat... Like if the food is good enough. Well, if there is not much money in budget to eat certain foods, you eat what you have! I don't think Christ died for our sins so that we could eat organic (or any other type food deemed "right" in man's eyes.) food!! The bible does say...
Romans 14:17 ESV
16“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Lately life has been busy with our children, fixing up the house, and just trying to survive.
Sometimes the wisdom of proverbs can really hit you where you're at.. Like how it talks about life being pretty meaningless but to enjoy the life God gave you anyway and especially while you're young before hardship and old age catch up to you.
I'm tired of living just to "survive."
I feel as though occupying my days with work, eating, sleeping, cleaning, even talking, etc. is just nothingness. You may not agree, but this is what it feels like to me in my life. I love the life God gave me, don't get me wrong.
But sometimes it just is not enough. I long for heaven. I long to be near the Lord, to see his face and be able to talk with him like I can anyone else. To sit by him. To just gaze at him and listen to what he has to tell me...
But also I know I'm not ready for that yet. two little ones to train the right way, a husband to help, others to lead to Christ. It is shameful that I have never led anyone to the Lord. My selfishness must be healed, must be GONE as much as possible so that I can do great things for him. So that I will be able to see him one day. So that I won't feel alone. Funny how that works. The more we want things for our own benefit, the more we realize we have no one who will be there for us in our journey. Because they need us to focus outward, not inwardly.
I know I need to change. I need not to worry. About anything. Goodness that is hard for me. I am full of fear. My thoughts need to be altered and yet I pray this all the time. A constant struggle. Fear of everything.
I also get tired of worrying about what food i'll eat... Like if the food is good enough. Well, if there is not much money in budget to eat certain foods, you eat what you have! I don't think Christ died for our sins so that we could eat organic (or any other type food deemed "right" in man's eyes.) food!! The bible does say...
Romans 14:17 ESV
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
That gives me HOPE and Peace. To be Free in that I need not focus on what's for dinner, but instead what is inside my body that gives me life. MY SOUL. Feeding my soul with the fellowship of the Lord.
Isn't that enough? Shouldn't that satisfy me?! YES. To eat to please my flesh would be foolish.
My flesh would lead me away from him. Therefore as I see it, food could ultimately cause me to fall in a trap... Really!
I want to be his hands and feet, without being afraid or tied down to rules.
I see so much pain, anguish, lies, deceit, in this world that it makes me overwhelmed.
I cry out to him, though I know this world will soon pass away and the evil will be overcome.
I can't just shut myself away from it all and keep the light i have hidden.
That must be why it is said to let your light shine for all men.
| Matthew 5 >> New American Standard Bible |
16“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches othersto do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
But, OUCH. we must be keepers of the law he has for us as well! And teach others. AND let them see us!! Here I am, world.
Look to him. SEEK HIM WHILE YOU CAN. he'll teach you.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Truth Tuesday
Today's truths:
It is very hard to go shopping with 2 children. My brain seems to stop working while doing so!
My husband is a very selfless, hardworking man, and he is overworked tonight.
I haven't had a haircut in Months, and my hair often is tangled and a mess, so i put it up and deal with it. :(
Starting a garden is a little overachieving this year but its addictive to grow things so I continue on..
Sometimes I need help from others but hate to admit it. We all need somebody to lean on.. :-P
It is very hard to go shopping with 2 children. My brain seems to stop working while doing so!
My husband is a very selfless, hardworking man, and he is overworked tonight.
I haven't had a haircut in Months, and my hair often is tangled and a mess, so i put it up and deal with it. :(
Starting a garden is a little overachieving this year but its addictive to grow things so I continue on..
Sometimes I need help from others but hate to admit it. We all need somebody to lean on.. :-P
Saturday, March 3, 2012
simple reminder.
do not worry or be anxious for anything.
isn't our body more than having food and clothing?
yes.
still daily i worry about these things.
the simpleness of christ should be enough,
my faith should be enough,
for nothing is impossible with God.
wanting more things is like trying to chase down the wind.
isn't our body more than having food and clothing?
yes.
still daily i worry about these things.
the simpleness of christ should be enough,
my faith should be enough,
for nothing is impossible with God.
wanting more things is like trying to chase down the wind.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
our healer.
He is our healer, our protector and provider.
Whom should I fear if the Lord is my strength!?
I REFUSE to believe lies of fear from the enemy.
I REFUSE to give up though that is what I feel like doing.
I also Refuse to accept anything but God's leading in my life.
I must choose to listen to his still small voice and ignore the opinions of others, unless they be wise and Godly opinions to grow me or my family.
The Lord is my strength and my portion forever.
Though my flesh and heart may fail.
He Never fails. NEVER.
Now that is TRUTH. and a sigh of relief on this sabbath day.
I have failed a thousand times over,
but hopefully he will hold me in his arms today and let me just rest in him, knowing that I CAN go on in this world and that nothing can separate me from his love if I believe in him.
He can be trusted as he has shown me this past 2 years.
He had to put me in circumstances I disliked, but that is what it has taken to show me he is worthy of my trust.
Trust is a hard thing for me, and I am thankful to be learning it now.
So I can trust that he will heal the brokenness I feel.
I can trust that as my healer he can heal the pain, as well as the physical bodies of myself and my family.
His healing and protection are what I need.
Today's praises:
thinking about heaven but knowing there's still work to do here,
my little ones,
my loving husband,
a family to love even when they speak bad of me,
Godly friends that care, even if just a few.
Reminder to never let what others think shout loudly over the sweet voice of my heavenly father saying, "I'm here, don't believe what is not true. Do not settle for thoughts of fear or trust in worldly things. Hold on to me and you can do all good things."
Whom should I fear if the Lord is my strength!?
I REFUSE to believe lies of fear from the enemy.
I REFUSE to give up though that is what I feel like doing.
I also Refuse to accept anything but God's leading in my life.
I must choose to listen to his still small voice and ignore the opinions of others, unless they be wise and Godly opinions to grow me or my family.
The Lord is my strength and my portion forever.
Though my flesh and heart may fail.
He Never fails. NEVER.
Now that is TRUTH. and a sigh of relief on this sabbath day.
I have failed a thousand times over,
but hopefully he will hold me in his arms today and let me just rest in him, knowing that I CAN go on in this world and that nothing can separate me from his love if I believe in him.
He can be trusted as he has shown me this past 2 years.
He had to put me in circumstances I disliked, but that is what it has taken to show me he is worthy of my trust.
Trust is a hard thing for me, and I am thankful to be learning it now.
So I can trust that he will heal the brokenness I feel.
I can trust that as my healer he can heal the pain, as well as the physical bodies of myself and my family.
His healing and protection are what I need.
Today's praises:
thinking about heaven but knowing there's still work to do here,
my little ones,
my loving husband,
a family to love even when they speak bad of me,
Godly friends that care, even if just a few.
Reminder to never let what others think shout loudly over the sweet voice of my heavenly father saying, "I'm here, don't believe what is not true. Do not settle for thoughts of fear or trust in worldly things. Hold on to me and you can do all good things."
Friday, January 13, 2012
being truthful
It has been difficult for me to share Christ with others and be the true follower he wants me to be, because I want to feel safe and comfortable.
I feel challenged to step up now and to stop hiding. To realize that I am meant to be a light. A light should not be hidden, but shown for all to see. If I am shining the light of Christ, I won't be doing so by shutting myself away from it all in safety.
But I so desire to do so. I want to hide from my emotions, to hide from the hurt i feel for the brokenness in this life. All that is sinful bears upon me and I live in those feelings of doubt, fear and shock of the sin in this world. The wars, the injustice, and all the sins I hate to see are too much to think about, and it is overwhelming, and consuming.
So I have decided to embark upon a journey of little steps to try and live a truthful, open, graceful (I am not perfect but christ is) life in front of others who need to know Him.
How do I do this?? I only can take one day at a time and let him hold me by the hand and bring me out of hiding.
I feel challenged to step up now and to stop hiding. To realize that I am meant to be a light. A light should not be hidden, but shown for all to see. If I am shining the light of Christ, I won't be doing so by shutting myself away from it all in safety.
But I so desire to do so. I want to hide from my emotions, to hide from the hurt i feel for the brokenness in this life. All that is sinful bears upon me and I live in those feelings of doubt, fear and shock of the sin in this world. The wars, the injustice, and all the sins I hate to see are too much to think about, and it is overwhelming, and consuming.
So I have decided to embark upon a journey of little steps to try and live a truthful, open, graceful (I am not perfect but christ is) life in front of others who need to know Him.
How do I do this?? I only can take one day at a time and let him hold me by the hand and bring me out of hiding.
Who I am:
- A mother
- A wife
- a painter of color
- a broken dreamer
- a feeler/ emotional
- a food lover :-P
- often a critic
- shy and guarded
- fearful and foolish
Yet, loved by the King.
On that note, here's what's going on with us lately....
We're buying a house! Praise the Lord! :) All of our sweat, tears, prayer, and grace make this possible.
This comes with more sweat tears and prayer that we can get it fixed up soon. It needs quite a bit of work. Pray toby can handle it all and financially also.
Its a cute 3 br 2 ba cabin-like house with a big jetted tub in the master bath which I am excited about.
I am so undeserving of it, yet it is really not applicable of a "blessing" per-say since it is a material. But I know we are blessed to have been added to. (all these things I shall add to you... after deciding to completely follow his kingdom.)
Our little one was born, she is 11 days old. So little and so so sweet.
Thoughts of the world and its state consume my mind lately. The middle east. Politics. Television and its obscenity. Culture and its lies. I have to remember - TAKE HEART, HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD, though we will face MANY TRIALS.
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