We have all read lists about being from some region or another. Here is a list that I have put together based on things that I have actually experienced while living in Minnesota.
*You wake up to your alarm clock saying that the warm spot in the state is Faribault at 21 below.
*The radio announces that we have now had over 100 consecutive hours of sub-zero temps.
*The television news reminds the public that even though temperatures are now above zero, it is still cold and you need to wear gloves or mittens while pumping gas.
* The governor cancels all public schools because of the dangerously cold temps and wind chills, only to have his daughter sulk because her school had not (yet) canceled and he couldn't control whether or not private schools held classes. (Same day as the state high being -21)
* You remember the Halloween Blizzard of 1991 (36 inches) and the Thanksgiving Blizzard the same year (24 inches.)
* You know what "Black Ice" is and at what temperature exhaust fumes freeze.
* School is two hours late because of the dangerously cold temperatures and even though it is 20 below when the bus picks up your kids, the school needs to remind the Middle Schoolers to wear coats. (This happened today.)
* Your elementary schools have a policy stating at what temperatures the kids will automatically have indoor recess.
* You see kids/teens in shorts walking into a store while the outside temps are sub-zero.
* Your driver's education included taking the car to a vacant parking lot in the winter. (Okay, I did not actually experience this myself, but know many people who taught their kids this way or were taught this way.)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Chirst In Me
Jesus answered: “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9
When I started my new job last October I was somewhat shocked at the reality of spending eight hours a day in a non-Christian environment. It did not take me long to realize that my co-workers were part of the "unbelieving and perverse generation." Although I did not feel that I was, I prayed that I could be a light in the darkness of my part of the office.
Some of the anti-Christian comments made by my co-workers have made me hesitant to openly speak of my faith, so I often question if I showing Christ to my co-workers at all. I have noticed a very slight difference in the frequency of the some of the perversion.
Two incidences have given me hope that my character, if not my faith, have at least made an impact on my co-workers. I made a negative comment about one of the attorneys in the office and immediately apologized to the co-workers who heard it. One of them said something to the effect that they all say things even worse than that about other people so it was not big deal. But another co-worker repeated the line that I have adopted from another friend when I say something I shouldn't have said -- "Bad dog, no biscuit."
The other is when one employee was swearing and another said something to him. He made the comment that it was nothing unusual but if Josh started swearing, it might be worth noticing because Josh does not swear as often. Then it was said that if I started swearing they would look for flying pigs.
I hope that through these character differences, my co-workers will see Christ in me. Because if they do not see Christ in the followers of Christ that He puts in their lives, how will they listen when someone tells them about Him?
When I started my new job last October I was somewhat shocked at the reality of spending eight hours a day in a non-Christian environment. It did not take me long to realize that my co-workers were part of the "unbelieving and perverse generation." Although I did not feel that I was, I prayed that I could be a light in the darkness of my part of the office.
Some of the anti-Christian comments made by my co-workers have made me hesitant to openly speak of my faith, so I often question if I showing Christ to my co-workers at all. I have noticed a very slight difference in the frequency of the some of the perversion.
Two incidences have given me hope that my character, if not my faith, have at least made an impact on my co-workers. I made a negative comment about one of the attorneys in the office and immediately apologized to the co-workers who heard it. One of them said something to the effect that they all say things even worse than that about other people so it was not big deal. But another co-worker repeated the line that I have adopted from another friend when I say something I shouldn't have said -- "Bad dog, no biscuit."
The other is when one employee was swearing and another said something to him. He made the comment that it was nothing unusual but if Josh started swearing, it might be worth noticing because Josh does not swear as often. Then it was said that if I started swearing they would look for flying pigs.
I hope that through these character differences, my co-workers will see Christ in me. Because if they do not see Christ in the followers of Christ that He puts in their lives, how will they listen when someone tells them about Him?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philipians 4:6-7 (NIV)
When I first started reading Christian fiction, I found one author whose stories I enjoyed that seemed to have a reoccurring theme that "worry is a sin." If I recall, in several of her books one character or another would remind or inform the main character of this concept in those exact words. This concept was new to me at the time. Although I've never considered myself to be a worry-wart, I still had worries and considered it natural.
Learning to turn everything over to God is a challenge that I don't always succeed at accomplishing. I worry about my kids and their future. I worry about my husband making it home from a business trip safely. Yet as I worry, I sense God's gentle reminder to turn it over to Him. When I obey this nudge, I am filled with His Peace about the situation. I can feel His guard of protection on my heart and my mind.
When I first started reading Christian fiction, I found one author whose stories I enjoyed that seemed to have a reoccurring theme that "worry is a sin." If I recall, in several of her books one character or another would remind or inform the main character of this concept in those exact words. This concept was new to me at the time. Although I've never considered myself to be a worry-wart, I still had worries and considered it natural.
Learning to turn everything over to God is a challenge that I don't always succeed at accomplishing. I worry about my kids and their future. I worry about my husband making it home from a business trip safely. Yet as I worry, I sense God's gentle reminder to turn it over to Him. When I obey this nudge, I am filled with His Peace about the situation. I can feel His guard of protection on my heart and my mind.
Monday, January 12, 2009
God Dispenses Wisdom Through Others
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all, without finding fault, and it will be given him. But wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 1:5 and 3:17 (NIV)
I went to bed last night and woke up this morning with a heavy burden on my heart. I did not know what to do some information and my feelings surrounding it. Reading these verses this morning reminded me where I needed to turn for the wisdom to know what to do in this situation. But prayer alone did not seem to be the answer. The more I turned this over to God, the more I felt that I needed a close girlfriend to share my burden.
After debating with myself I decided to write to a wonderful Christian lady that I know. I spent my entire lunch hour (half hour) typing an email expressing my pain and confusion. Even before I received a response back, I felt a peace come over me that I had not had since before the whole issue came into play. Immediately I knew that the email had been the right choice. Only God can give that peace.
I value my friend's wisdom. I appreciate her gentleness, consideration and her mercy. I need her sincerity and submission to what I may not want to hear.
I went to bed last night and woke up this morning with a heavy burden on my heart. I did not know what to do some information and my feelings surrounding it. Reading these verses this morning reminded me where I needed to turn for the wisdom to know what to do in this situation. But prayer alone did not seem to be the answer. The more I turned this over to God, the more I felt that I needed a close girlfriend to share my burden.
After debating with myself I decided to write to a wonderful Christian lady that I know. I spent my entire lunch hour (half hour) typing an email expressing my pain and confusion. Even before I received a response back, I felt a peace come over me that I had not had since before the whole issue came into play. Immediately I knew that the email had been the right choice. Only God can give that peace.
I value my friend's wisdom. I appreciate her gentleness, consideration and her mercy. I need her sincerity and submission to what I may not want to hear.
God Speaks...
I promised this morning to post a rundown of what God has shown me so far this month in my quiet time. I admit there are a few days missing.
On Sunday, January 4, I woke-up stranded in an ice storm in Ackley, IA with my Bible and suitcase in Waverly, IA. My devotion time was prayer and Christian radio during the 3 hour drive back to Minnesota. One song in particular touched my heart on the drive home. Although I have heard the song many times and most likely sang along, I really HEARD the words of the chorus that afternoon. I believe it was the Ray Boltz version of the song "Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell. I could not find Ray Boltz on YouTube but I did find the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh65wLVbaww&feature=related The words to the chorus are as follows:
God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand,
when you don't see His plan,
When you cant trace His hand, trust His heart.
I don't always know what God's plans are in a given situation, but I know that He loves me and will help me through whatever trial comes my way.
Monday, January 5, the verse that stood out to me was Isaiah 28:12 which the English Standard Version quotes as "This is rest; give rest to the weary; this is repose." This same concept came up later in the week as I talked to a young man leaving our company to return to Bible College in Florida. We were discussing generosity and the theology that we will be rewarded for giving. When we give rest, money, love, or any other number of things to other people, we receive blessings from God. Sometimes they are the same thing that we give away -- rest or love -- but not always. If I anonymously give a single mom money to buy Christmas gifts for her kids, I do not expect God to drop money into my bank account as a result. My reward may be as simple as seeing that friend's excitement as she shops for her kids or wraps what she bought for them.
On Tuesday, January 6, God told me that the Splendor He has given me has made my beauty perfect. (Ezekiel 16:14) I do not always feel beautiful, but in God's eyes, I am and it is in His eyes that my worth is determined. On the other hand, I must take heed with the next verse and not trust in my beauty. My trust must remain in God alone.
Wednesday, January 7, I was reminded that God expects us to keep the devotion of our youth. When we first come to know Christ we are like young brides, so in love with Him. In Jeremiah 2:2 He says "I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown." How easy it is to loose that love during the course of a marriage or our walk with God. We need to be intentional about keeping that level of devotion in both our earthly and heavenly relationships.
Thursday, January 8, I read Hebrews 13:6 where it quotes Psalm 118:6,7 "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid, What can man do to me?" I need to hide this verse in my heart to overcome the fears and worries in my life.
Friday through Sunday I did not spend the time I should have with God. Sure, I included Him in my day as always, but I did not intentionally set aside time for Him like I should.
I think I will leave today's lesson for a separate post and try to do a better job of journaling online what God shares with me during my time with Him.
On Sunday, January 4, I woke-up stranded in an ice storm in Ackley, IA with my Bible and suitcase in Waverly, IA. My devotion time was prayer and Christian radio during the 3 hour drive back to Minnesota. One song in particular touched my heart on the drive home. Although I have heard the song many times and most likely sang along, I really HEARD the words of the chorus that afternoon. I believe it was the Ray Boltz version of the song "Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason and Eddie Carswell. I could not find Ray Boltz on YouTube but I did find the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh65wLVbaww&feature=related The words to the chorus are as follows:
God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don't understand,
when you don't see His plan,
When you cant trace His hand, trust His heart.
I don't always know what God's plans are in a given situation, but I know that He loves me and will help me through whatever trial comes my way.
Monday, January 5, the verse that stood out to me was Isaiah 28:12 which the English Standard Version quotes as "This is rest; give rest to the weary; this is repose." This same concept came up later in the week as I talked to a young man leaving our company to return to Bible College in Florida. We were discussing generosity and the theology that we will be rewarded for giving. When we give rest, money, love, or any other number of things to other people, we receive blessings from God. Sometimes they are the same thing that we give away -- rest or love -- but not always. If I anonymously give a single mom money to buy Christmas gifts for her kids, I do not expect God to drop money into my bank account as a result. My reward may be as simple as seeing that friend's excitement as she shops for her kids or wraps what she bought for them.
On Tuesday, January 6, God told me that the Splendor He has given me has made my beauty perfect. (Ezekiel 16:14) I do not always feel beautiful, but in God's eyes, I am and it is in His eyes that my worth is determined. On the other hand, I must take heed with the next verse and not trust in my beauty. My trust must remain in God alone.
Wednesday, January 7, I was reminded that God expects us to keep the devotion of our youth. When we first come to know Christ we are like young brides, so in love with Him. In Jeremiah 2:2 He says "I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the desert, through a land not sown." How easy it is to loose that love during the course of a marriage or our walk with God. We need to be intentional about keeping that level of devotion in both our earthly and heavenly relationships.
Thursday, January 8, I read Hebrews 13:6 where it quotes Psalm 118:6,7 "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid, What can man do to me?" I need to hide this verse in my heart to overcome the fears and worries in my life.
Friday through Sunday I did not spend the time I should have with God. Sure, I included Him in my day as always, but I did not intentionally set aside time for Him like I should.
I think I will leave today's lesson for a separate post and try to do a better job of journaling online what God shares with me during my time with Him.
Catch UP -- January 2
Okay, so I said I would post daily. Ha. Actually I knew I would be gone for the first weekend in January but did expect to post again when I got back. Unfortunately, the week got ahead of me. So, here is what I wrote based on my devotional on January 2. A rundown of the rest of the week will follow later today.
January 2, 2009
I woke up this morning grumbling about how horrible I had slept. I could not get comfortable on either of my sister’s couches. I would have moved to the floor if I could figure out where on the floor I would not be in the way for Mom to get to the bathroom.
This morning’s devotional started with “Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” (Psalm 81:1-2, 40:3 ESV) This attitude of praise in all things contradicted my initial attitude this morning.
I often sound like the Israelites grumbling in the desert when I really have no reason to grumble. I need to remind myself what Nehemiah told the people returning to Israel: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV). Whether in small things like being comfortable where I sleep, or major life crisis, I need to develop an attitude of praise in every circumstance.
Heavenly Father, I praise you for this new day that You have given me. Thank you for a place to sleep last night and for the sleep that I did get. I want to praise you in all things, to see Your blessings in each trail and triumph. Remind me, Lord, when I start to grumble of Your mercies and Your love. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.
January 2, 2009
I woke up this morning grumbling about how horrible I had slept. I could not get comfortable on either of my sister’s couches. I would have moved to the floor if I could figure out where on the floor I would not be in the way for Mom to get to the bathroom.
This morning’s devotional started with “Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” (Psalm 81:1-2, 40:3 ESV) This attitude of praise in all things contradicted my initial attitude this morning.
I often sound like the Israelites grumbling in the desert when I really have no reason to grumble. I need to remind myself what Nehemiah told the people returning to Israel: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV). Whether in small things like being comfortable where I sleep, or major life crisis, I need to develop an attitude of praise in every circumstance.
Heavenly Father, I praise you for this new day that You have given me. Thank you for a place to sleep last night and for the sleep that I did get. I want to praise you in all things, to see Your blessings in each trail and triumph. Remind me, Lord, when I start to grumble of Your mercies and Your love. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A New Begining
New Year's most popular tradition is to think about and examine our lives and vow to do better in one or more areas. We all can think of many different areas that we would like to improve, to become better people. These lists tend to reveal what is important to us, but sometimes not important enough to follow through.
My devotional this morning included the verses 1 Cor 9:24,25. "24Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (ESV) (NIV uses crown for wreath.)
My goals for the New Year always fall short because I do not keep the goal in mind. While a long list of blog posts may keep me going, the real prize that I strive for is the eternal crown. That is the goal.
The ESV version points out that athletes need self-control in all things to reach the goal of winning the race. That is the one ingredient that seems to be lacking in my New Year's Resolutions most years. It is easy to let the circumstances of life effect our goals, to get us sidetracked.
Father, I pray that You will give me and all that read this blog the strength and encouragement to press on for the goal that You have placed before us. Help us to keep our eyes on You, even and especially in the trials of this life. Amen.
My devotional this morning included the verses 1 Cor 9:24,25. "24Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." (ESV) (NIV uses crown for wreath.)
My goals for the New Year always fall short because I do not keep the goal in mind. While a long list of blog posts may keep me going, the real prize that I strive for is the eternal crown. That is the goal.
The ESV version points out that athletes need self-control in all things to reach the goal of winning the race. That is the one ingredient that seems to be lacking in my New Year's Resolutions most years. It is easy to let the circumstances of life effect our goals, to get us sidetracked.
Father, I pray that You will give me and all that read this blog the strength and encouragement to press on for the goal that You have placed before us. Help us to keep our eyes on You, even and especially in the trials of this life. Amen.
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