I thought I would take a second this morning before my day got started to share yesterday.
So, yesterday morning we were on our way to Church. And of course Justin and I got to talking about our finances again. And I finally just said something to the affect of, I can't talk about it anymore, it stresses me out too much. Well, Justin started in on how I should give that stress up to God and that is what I need to do. And I kept telling him that if I knew how to do that, then I would have given it up a long time ago. And that Justin can lecture me all day long on what I "need" to do and what I "should" do, but if you don't tell me how to do it, then I can't!
I got really upset. I even cried a little. It's not that I don't want to give it all to God. I do, more than anything. I just don't know how. Honestly. I struggle with it daily. Because I trust that God will provide for us, he always has. And I trust that God watches over us, and is on our side. I just don't know how to give things to him, like these financial issues!
Well, we were in a hurry. So, we decided to talk about it more later. We all go to our Sunday School classes and then to service. When I arrived at service Justin asked if I had read the "Lifeline" and I hadn't. Well here is what the front of it said:
The Old Mule in the Well
A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule ‘braying’ - or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully
assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together
and told them what had happened . . . and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back . . .a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time
a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up,” he repeated
to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him . . . all because of
the manner in which he handled his adversity. If we face our problems, respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, the adversities that come along
to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us.
May God bless us this week as we “shake off the shackles and step up out of the wells” in which we find ourselves! “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” -- Phil. 4:13
Ya, so this hit home! I fought back tears as I read it! I know God knows all things. But he really showed me that yesterday. He knew I needed to read that story, and hear, once again, that he's got our best interests at heart and that he'll always take care of us!
Any who, I had to share. It really touched me!
Our memory verse for our Sunday School class (the debt one) is Proverbs 22:7:
Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
The chapter we are studying next is about debt. God specifically says several times in the bible not to borrow money or owe anyone anything. So, hopefully we'll get our debt taken care of and we can tech our children never to borrow!! We don't want to be slaves anymore!!
Well, it's time for my day to start. I have both boys this week. Maddy also has her dance recital on Sunday and her rehearsal is Tuesday evening. I'm also having my physical for my life insurance policy this morning. I can't eat until after she does blood work. I can't even have coffee. I'm starving!!! Pray the physical goes well!!!
~Blessings~
Leslie
Monday, June 9, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Randomness again!
Hello everyone! I'm sorry I haven't written in a couple of days! I've been very busy!
I just can't express how blessed we are! We've been spending tons of time outside! Thanks for all of the outdoor toys and suggestions everyone! The kids thank-you too!! It's been so hot so the water toys have been especially popular!
I still haven't heard from Lipscomb yet. It's a waiting game! I have done all I can do! It's all in Gods hands now!
The most amazing thing happened today. One of my family members revealed that her family is going to church again! Amazing! I cried! I'm so thankful for God and his work and I hope he uses me to do as much as I can!
Ya'll have to check out freecycle.org, it's the best website! Everything is free!!
The other day my sister-in-law Crystal found me on Myspace! And my brother Sean is on their too, and Crystals oldest daughter Nicole!! It's amazing! I haven't seen them in like 4 years, well since my wedding I think! I miss them but hopefully we'll see each other soon! Sean is trying to re-enlist in Active Duty. Brent's already in Active Duty, I don't know how I can handle two brothers in the Army. But I guess I'll just deal!!
Well it's lunch time, I'm in the mood for something NOT at my house so I think we are heading to town. More fast food....not what I need. But hubby's out of town and I'm feeling VERY lazy!!
Blessings!
Leslie
I just can't express how blessed we are! We've been spending tons of time outside! Thanks for all of the outdoor toys and suggestions everyone! The kids thank-you too!! It's been so hot so the water toys have been especially popular!
I still haven't heard from Lipscomb yet. It's a waiting game! I have done all I can do! It's all in Gods hands now!
The most amazing thing happened today. One of my family members revealed that her family is going to church again! Amazing! I cried! I'm so thankful for God and his work and I hope he uses me to do as much as I can!
Ya'll have to check out freecycle.org, it's the best website! Everything is free!!
The other day my sister-in-law Crystal found me on Myspace! And my brother Sean is on their too, and Crystals oldest daughter Nicole!! It's amazing! I haven't seen them in like 4 years, well since my wedding I think! I miss them but hopefully we'll see each other soon! Sean is trying to re-enlist in Active Duty. Brent's already in Active Duty, I don't know how I can handle two brothers in the Army. But I guess I'll just deal!!
Well it's lunch time, I'm in the mood for something NOT at my house so I think we are heading to town. More fast food....not what I need. But hubby's out of town and I'm feeling VERY lazy!!
Blessings!
Leslie
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Biblical Modesty
My friend Elizabeth always poses the right questions, she always gets me thinking, always in the right direction! So yesterday she sent out an e-mail to her female friends to get their point of view on girls and women wearing 2 piece bathing suits and modesty etc. Well it really got my wheels a turning.
Growing up I always wore a two piece. Looking back to my high school years, a lot of my swim suits were really inappropriate! Justin has always expressed his dislike for two piece swimsuits for the girls. But they've been so little I haven't really thought about it. The only two piece I have is a Tankini that covers my stomach 100%.
So I started looking into Biblical Modesty. What does it mean? What do I need to follow? What do I need to teach my girls? I found this website and thought I would share all of it, because it was too wonderful not to!! It answered a lot of questions for me!
http://wolfeborobible.com/modest.html:
Biblical Modesty
1Timothy 2:9-10 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
Le 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter,
Modesty - what does it mean and what does the Bible say about it?
This is a very important question for every Christian to answer, because we all need to deal with it. Unfortunately, many Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have chosen to simply adopt the World's standard for what is considered appropriate or modest clothing. However, we understand from Scripture, that God does not want His children conforming to the World's Standards and the World's Philosophies. So, when it comes to dress and clothing styles, we need God's word to show us what is and is not acceptable from God's Holy perspective.
First let's deal with a heart principle that Jesus discussed in Mt 5:28, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Let's not be blind to human nature! Yes man's sinful nature is attracted to lustful things. True, it's wrong to lust, but it is just as wrong to dress in such a way as to cause others to lust? That's why the apostle Paul says "that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." Of course it's not just the ladies that need to be modest. The men also need to be very careful about what they wear.
Let's consider what is acceptable according to God's word:
It's good to dress clean and neat for church meetings!
Obviously at church work days you have to get a little dirty!
It's good to wear clothing appropriate for the function:
Really nice Clothes for Worship Service
Wedding Clothes if you're going to a wedding, especially if you're the one getting married, by all means wear a fancy wedding gown or tux.
Modest casual shorts and shirts at a church picnic.
Now, let's consider what is NOT acceptable according to God's word:
Revealing clothes that attempt to draw attention to yourself in a sexual way, that begins to reveal your "nakedness" , that will cause others to "lust" or "commit adultery" even in their imagination.
Short's that are Too short, dresses that are too tight or too short
Clothes that begin to reveal what should be covered, such as low necklines and skirts with slits up the side. Many young ladies have fallen to the trend of wearing spaghetti straps that don't cover their under garments. Don't be a temptress!
Read Proverbs 7: Pr 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart.
Some young ladies (and men) will dress to look attractive, but they fail to use Biblical discretion as to what is honoring to God. Consider Proverbs 11:22, As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Guys you need to use biblical discretion as well! In the gym class and on the athletic field, tank tops may be appropriate, but not in church services and perhaps not even at casual events. * More to come for the guysŠŠ
God has given a special relationship for men and women to reveal their bodies to each other. That is the marriage relationship. Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
The harlot of Proverbs 7:10, intentionally dresses in such a way to lure men to her body in a sexual way. This is WRONG! We need to understand that in the setting of the Jewish culture in biblical times, much of the modern ladies clothing that we see today would be even more revealing than the harlot's clothing years ago. Has the nature of men changed? Absolutely not! What has changed is our culture's attitude towards God and His moral Standards and Principles.
What should men and women see when they observe each other? Should they see someone trying to tempt and lure others or should they see "CHARACTER", godliness and clothing that represents inner godliness? For the Christian, this answer should be obvious!
Things to ask yourself about specific clothing:
Am I buying this because I want to look sexy? Don't buy it!
Am I wearing this because I want him/her to look at me and want me in a sexual way? Don't wear it!
Am I trying to draw attention to myself from those of the opposite gender by being immodest or even slightly immodest? Don't do it!
Am I trying to be more like the world and less like Christ? You need to have a heart and attitude change! * Read Romans 12:1 & 2
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Other passages to read:
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
When it comes to the clothing you wear, don't help someone else feed his or her flesh! Be careful what you wear.
You also need to care about others. God's word tells us a number of times not to set "stumbling blocks before our brethren."
1John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Key thoughts concerning Biblical Modesty:
Your clothing on the outside should represent godliness on the inside (see 1Tim. 2:9-10).
Your clothing should not be a stumbling block for believers or unbelievers.
Would you feel uncomfortable with what you're wearing or thinking of wearing if our Holy Lord Jesus were standing next to you?
Would the older men & women in the church be offended at what you're wearing?
Some Christians just don't care about others when it comes to modesty, but they are wrong biblically. They may cry out, "but what about my Christian Liberty?" Please turn your attention to what God says in Galatians and Romans:
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
One last thought:
When in doubt about a type of clothing fashion, ask one of the godly women or godly men in your church what they think (ladies ask ladies and men ask men).
Growing up I always wore a two piece. Looking back to my high school years, a lot of my swim suits were really inappropriate! Justin has always expressed his dislike for two piece swimsuits for the girls. But they've been so little I haven't really thought about it. The only two piece I have is a Tankini that covers my stomach 100%.
So I started looking into Biblical Modesty. What does it mean? What do I need to follow? What do I need to teach my girls? I found this website and thought I would share all of it, because it was too wonderful not to!! It answered a lot of questions for me!
http://wolfeborobible.com/modest.html:
Biblical Modesty
1Timothy 2:9-10 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
Le 18:17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter,
Modesty - what does it mean and what does the Bible say about it?
This is a very important question for every Christian to answer, because we all need to deal with it. Unfortunately, many Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ have chosen to simply adopt the World's standard for what is considered appropriate or modest clothing. However, we understand from Scripture, that God does not want His children conforming to the World's Standards and the World's Philosophies. So, when it comes to dress and clothing styles, we need God's word to show us what is and is not acceptable from God's Holy perspective.
First let's deal with a heart principle that Jesus discussed in Mt 5:28, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." Let's not be blind to human nature! Yes man's sinful nature is attracted to lustful things. True, it's wrong to lust, but it is just as wrong to dress in such a way as to cause others to lust? That's why the apostle Paul says "that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." Of course it's not just the ladies that need to be modest. The men also need to be very careful about what they wear.
Let's consider what is acceptable according to God's word:
It's good to dress clean and neat for church meetings!
Obviously at church work days you have to get a little dirty!
It's good to wear clothing appropriate for the function:
Really nice Clothes for Worship Service
Wedding Clothes if you're going to a wedding, especially if you're the one getting married, by all means wear a fancy wedding gown or tux.
Modest casual shorts and shirts at a church picnic.
Now, let's consider what is NOT acceptable according to God's word:
Revealing clothes that attempt to draw attention to yourself in a sexual way, that begins to reveal your "nakedness" , that will cause others to "lust" or "commit adultery" even in their imagination.
Short's that are Too short, dresses that are too tight or too short
Clothes that begin to reveal what should be covered, such as low necklines and skirts with slits up the side. Many young ladies have fallen to the trend of wearing spaghetti straps that don't cover their under garments. Don't be a temptress!
Read Proverbs 7: Pr 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart.
Some young ladies (and men) will dress to look attractive, but they fail to use Biblical discretion as to what is honoring to God. Consider Proverbs 11:22, As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Guys you need to use biblical discretion as well! In the gym class and on the athletic field, tank tops may be appropriate, but not in church services and perhaps not even at casual events. * More to come for the guysŠŠ
God has given a special relationship for men and women to reveal their bodies to each other. That is the marriage relationship. Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
The harlot of Proverbs 7:10, intentionally dresses in such a way to lure men to her body in a sexual way. This is WRONG! We need to understand that in the setting of the Jewish culture in biblical times, much of the modern ladies clothing that we see today would be even more revealing than the harlot's clothing years ago. Has the nature of men changed? Absolutely not! What has changed is our culture's attitude towards God and His moral Standards and Principles.
What should men and women see when they observe each other? Should they see someone trying to tempt and lure others or should they see "CHARACTER", godliness and clothing that represents inner godliness? For the Christian, this answer should be obvious!
Things to ask yourself about specific clothing:
Am I buying this because I want to look sexy? Don't buy it!
Am I wearing this because I want him/her to look at me and want me in a sexual way? Don't wear it!
Am I trying to draw attention to myself from those of the opposite gender by being immodest or even slightly immodest? Don't do it!
Am I trying to be more like the world and less like Christ? You need to have a heart and attitude change! * Read Romans 12:1 & 2
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Other passages to read:
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
When it comes to the clothing you wear, don't help someone else feed his or her flesh! Be careful what you wear.
You also need to care about others. God's word tells us a number of times not to set "stumbling blocks before our brethren."
1John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
Key thoughts concerning Biblical Modesty:
Your clothing on the outside should represent godliness on the inside (see 1Tim. 2:9-10).
Your clothing should not be a stumbling block for believers or unbelievers.
Would you feel uncomfortable with what you're wearing or thinking of wearing if our Holy Lord Jesus were standing next to you?
Would the older men & women in the church be offended at what you're wearing?
Some Christians just don't care about others when it comes to modesty, but they are wrong biblically. They may cry out, "but what about my Christian Liberty?" Please turn your attention to what God says in Galatians and Romans:
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
One last thought:
When in doubt about a type of clothing fashion, ask one of the godly women or godly men in your church what they think (ladies ask ladies and men ask men).
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