December of 2008 seems like a lifetime ago in so many ways! But one thing has not changed, and that is my Incontrovertible Faith that was originally published 3 years ago.
I'm working on some posts for my "year of Christmas living" and have gone back to reread some of my past Christmas-themed posts. Incontrovertible Faith is and Oldie but Goodie I thought I'd share again.
Blessings on your journey,
Mary
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Just 100 People
The Earth as just
100 people
If Earth's population was shrunk into a village of just 100 people -- with all the human ratios existing in the world still remaining - what would this tiny, diverse village look like? That's exactly what Phillip M. Harter, a medical doctor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, attempted to figure out. This is what he found.
- 57 would be Asian
- 21 would be European
- 14 would be from the
- 8 would be African
- 52 would be female
- 48 would be male
- 70 would be nonwhite
- 30 would be white
- 70 would be non-Christian
- 30 would be Christian
- 89 would be heterosexual
- 11 would be homosexual
- 6 people would possess 59 percent of the entire world's wealth, and all would be from the
- 80 would live in substandard housing
- 70 would be unable to read
- 50 would suffer from malnutrition
- 1 would be near death
- 1 would be pregnant
- 1 would have a college education
- 1 would own a computer
The following is an anonymous interpretation:
Think of it this way. If you live in a good home, have plenty to eat and can read, you are a member of a very select group.
And if you have a good house, food, can read and have a computer, you are among the very elite.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness... you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death...you are fortunate, more than three billion people in the world can't.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep...you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace...you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on shoulder... you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
THANKFUL THURSDAY
To sign up for Thankful Thursday, stop by Truth4TheJourney, where Sonya is hosting this meme. It's a wonderful way to focus on blessings and express gratitude to the God who is the source of all good things in our lives.
1)Today I am thankful for the Love Dare. A group of about 40 women at Christian Women Take Root are reading this book (that was featured in the movie Fireproof). I was a bit resentful at first, but I have already noticed even small changes in my attitude and behavior, yield results in my husband's.
2)I am thankful for my job. In a time when so many are struggling to find work or are at risk of losing their jobs, I'm grateful to have found work that is meaningful to me.
3)I am thankful for the ways God is growing my ministry and using me to minister to His world.
4)I am thankful for the truly good friends in my life. It may be cliche to say friendship is a gift, but it's one that is very true.
5)I am thankful for my Christian writer's group. The directors and members continue to be a source of encouragement, advice and support.
What are you thankful for today?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Blog of the Week at Becoming Me
I'm honored to be the featured Blog of the Week participant and Becoming Me. Angela is such a wonderful networker and Christian friend. She offers hospitality to everyone who visits her blog, invites others to pray with her for others, and generally offers opportunities for others to shine.I hope you'll stop by to read my interview, read some of Angela's posts, and spend some time looking around her blog. You'll be captivated I'm sure.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
THANKFUL THURSDAY!
Welcome to Thankful Thursday! If you'd like to participate, list five things you are thankful for this week. Then go to Truth 4 The Journey and link up with Mr. Linky at Sonya's blog. It's that easy!
Here's my list:
Here's my list:
1)Snow! I'm so thankful for the snow. I know lots of people were inconvenienced but the snow was beautiful. It just seemed as if there was a renewed joy in the world and a sense of hope to see the earth covered so completely. Everything was pure and white.
2)I'm thankful for my faith. I don't know how I would get through each day without faith in Jesus as my Savior.
3)I'm thankful for modern medicine! It's amazing what a round of antibiotics will do to a sinus infection!
4)I'm thankful for my husband. He works so hard to provide for us.
5)I'm thankful for the internet! It offers so many opportunities to minister to others, to meet other Christians, and stay connected to friends.
What are you thankful for today?
2)I'm thankful for my faith. I don't know how I would get through each day without faith in Jesus as my Savior.
3)I'm thankful for modern medicine! It's amazing what a round of antibiotics will do to a sinus infection!
4)I'm thankful for my husband. He works so hard to provide for us.
5)I'm thankful for the internet! It offers so many opportunities to minister to others, to meet other Christians, and stay connected to friends.
What are you thankful for today?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Defining My Voice As a Writer
I know it seems this should be posted on Godly Graffiti blog, but I think what I have experienced tonight is about more than writing--it is about finding my voice!
Tonight I wrote my first column for Take Root and Write. I've spent a couple of weeks reading the words of many of the women who are already established there and I have been really awestruck. I've also spent some intentional time visiting other Christian women's blogs--mainly some I've found through links at the the blogs I have been regularly visiting. I realize that our collective voice is powerful and strong and sure. I've tried to leave at least one comment on each blog that uplifts and encourages the women.
I researched my column. I did a lot of reading and praying and thinking. I struggled for every word. Part of the reason I know is because it was my first one and I was half thinking the site owner was going to read it and tell me she changed her mind! Not really -- but kind of. I sent off a copy of the post to one of my Christian sisters who was in a critique group with me a few years ago and asked for her feedback. After I reread it, though, I felt good about it.
I kept thinking about how a woman who is being abused can consider herself God's Wonder Woman--which is the column title. I thought about a single mom, living in poverty, working two jobs and wondered if she ever felt valued. I considered the drug addicts and the prostitutes. I anguished over all my sisters everywhere. I really want them to know how much they are loved, how precious they are and how they are perfect in God's eyes.
That's what I hope my words conveyed. The exercise of writing the column - the first one that will set the tone and make the first impression helped me define my voice. I can speak these words of hope and love to other women because I am learning to believe them myself - and to live them out.
One blog post isn't going to say all there is to say. One statement or one book won't cover everything I want to convey. I'm just going to keep praying that God gives me the words others need to hear to help them in whatever situation they may find themselves.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [Hebrews 12:1]
Tonight I wrote my first column for Take Root and Write. I've spent a couple of weeks reading the words of many of the women who are already established there and I have been really awestruck. I've also spent some intentional time visiting other Christian women's blogs--mainly some I've found through links at the the blogs I have been regularly visiting. I realize that our collective voice is powerful and strong and sure. I've tried to leave at least one comment on each blog that uplifts and encourages the women.
I researched my column. I did a lot of reading and praying and thinking. I struggled for every word. Part of the reason I know is because it was my first one and I was half thinking the site owner was going to read it and tell me she changed her mind! Not really -- but kind of. I sent off a copy of the post to one of my Christian sisters who was in a critique group with me a few years ago and asked for her feedback. After I reread it, though, I felt good about it.
I kept thinking about how a woman who is being abused can consider herself God's Wonder Woman--which is the column title. I thought about a single mom, living in poverty, working two jobs and wondered if she ever felt valued. I considered the drug addicts and the prostitutes. I anguished over all my sisters everywhere. I really want them to know how much they are loved, how precious they are and how they are perfect in God's eyes.
That's what I hope my words conveyed. The exercise of writing the column - the first one that will set the tone and make the first impression helped me define my voice. I can speak these words of hope and love to other women because I am learning to believe them myself - and to live them out.
One blog post isn't going to say all there is to say. One statement or one book won't cover everything I want to convey. I'm just going to keep praying that God gives me the words others need to hear to help them in whatever situation they may find themselves.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. [Hebrews 12:1]
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
New Year's Resolutions for Christians
Statistics tell us that almost 90% of Americans make at least one New Year's resolution. I, however, don't like New Year's Resolutions. On the surface it seems like such a great idea. As Christians we do believe in repentance, so the dawning of a new year should be a joyous thing to anticipate. However, as humans, we know our own failings. If we're really honest with ourselves, most resolutions we've made in the past were already broken by Valentine's Day, as were those of a majority of resolution-makers.
There is something flawed though with the concept of a New Year's resolution on several levels, especially if we are Christians. First of all, waiting until a particular date to change really doesn't make much sense. As Christians, we have an opportunity to repent and begin anew every single day. Doesn't it seem like a better idea to make the change at the time it's recognized as a need? Waiting only further ingrains in us the undesirable behavior while we're waiting to make a change.
The second flaw in this concept is that making a New Year's resolution implies that we will immediately change. On January 1, I will no longer ______ or I will begin to __________. That sets us up for certain failure, doesn't it? How long did it take us to develop the undesirable behavior? If it has taken a lifetime to develop the undesirable habits why would we believe we can change in an instant, a day or even in a year?
These are both reasons that fewer than 20% of those who make resolutions are actually able to keep them over time. Our biggest mistake when resolving to change though is that we rely upon our own determination, will, power, strength. If we could break the bad habit on our own, we probably never would have developed it in the first place!
As Christians, as soon as we repent the Holy Spirit enters us to be our encourager and guide and to offer us strength through the sacrifice of Christ. Individual determination will only take us so far in our attempt. To stay the course we need God to actually change us. We can only accomplish the real and difficult work of repentance by focusing on God and turning over our desire for change to Him.
This year let's not focus on how flawed, imperfect and lacking we are as spouses, parents, children, siblings, friends, employees, employers . . . men and women. This year resolve to be God's Marvelous Man or God's Wonder Woman. Ask God to do in you the deep, cleansing work you long for Him to do in order to become the person He designed you to be.
Vacuum less and read the Bible more. Give up working through lunch and spend time walking or reading. Let your kids dress themselves in mismatched clothes once in a while so you can spend a few minutes alone with God. Take your kids to the park rather than watch sports on television all weekend. Breathe. Pray. Laugh. Love. Breathe again. Pray some more.
He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:7-9 NASB]
This is a repost from Associated Content. I have over 130 articles there on various subjects if you're interested, click here.
There is something flawed though with the concept of a New Year's resolution on several levels, especially if we are Christians. First of all, waiting until a particular date to change really doesn't make much sense. As Christians, we have an opportunity to repent and begin anew every single day. Doesn't it seem like a better idea to make the change at the time it's recognized as a need? Waiting only further ingrains in us the undesirable behavior while we're waiting to make a change.
The second flaw in this concept is that making a New Year's resolution implies that we will immediately change. On January 1, I will no longer ______ or I will begin to __________. That sets us up for certain failure, doesn't it? How long did it take us to develop the undesirable behavior? If it has taken a lifetime to develop the undesirable habits why would we believe we can change in an instant, a day or even in a year?
These are both reasons that fewer than 20% of those who make resolutions are actually able to keep them over time. Our biggest mistake when resolving to change though is that we rely upon our own determination, will, power, strength. If we could break the bad habit on our own, we probably never would have developed it in the first place!
As Christians, as soon as we repent the Holy Spirit enters us to be our encourager and guide and to offer us strength through the sacrifice of Christ. Individual determination will only take us so far in our attempt. To stay the course we need God to actually change us. We can only accomplish the real and difficult work of repentance by focusing on God and turning over our desire for change to Him.
This year let's not focus on how flawed, imperfect and lacking we are as spouses, parents, children, siblings, friends, employees, employers . . . men and women. This year resolve to be God's Marvelous Man or God's Wonder Woman. Ask God to do in you the deep, cleansing work you long for Him to do in order to become the person He designed you to be.
Vacuum less and read the Bible more. Give up working through lunch and spend time walking or reading. Let your kids dress themselves in mismatched clothes once in a while so you can spend a few minutes alone with God. Take your kids to the park rather than watch sports on television all weekend. Breathe. Pray. Laugh. Love. Breathe again. Pray some more.
He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:7-9 NASB]
This is a repost from Associated Content. I have over 130 articles there on various subjects if you're interested, click here.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Incontrovertible Faith
I adore words! The love of words is in my genetic code, I think. My mom is a crossword puzzle “genius” and my paternal grandmother used to solve crossword puzzles in pen! I think my interest in words was fed and nurtured through all the years of my childhood when my mom told us to “look it up” every time we asked her how to spell a word! Those were the days (waay back in history!) when a dictionary – a book with a cover and many hundreds of actual pages – were our resource for word spellings and meanings.
This love affair with words explains why I became a writer, I imagine – it’s just a natural progression. To that end, I subscribe to a “word a day” through ezines@arcamax.com. Yes, I actually have a “word” emailed to me every day. Today’s word is incontrovertible. It means “impossible to dispute; unquestionable.”
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. [1 John 4:15 NIV]. My faith in Christ as Savior, the Promised One in history, the Messiah is incontrovertible! It is just not something I argue about. I don’t argue because for me there is no debate! I don’t argue or debate it because to engage in an argument or debate means that one party convinces the other of their point of view.
I know!!! What about discipleship? What about broadcasting the Good News to the ends of the earth? That’s not the same as arguing! You see, debate and argument are matters of the head—the mind. Faith is a matter of the heart. My faith is incontrovertible. And it’s not something I argue about with others. I will never be convinced that Christianity is a lie or that the Bible is fiction.
That doesn’t mean I deny my faith or try to cover up the fact that I am a Christian. I am who and what I am because I AM a Christian. My faith defines how I live my life – every aspect of my life. I have lost free-lance writing jobs – and even a nanny job – because when the potential employer visited my website it was obvious to them that I am a Christian.
I’m not even going to call those situations persecution. They are not at all! But I won’t change the information on my website in order to get more work or to be thought of in a certain way either. My Christianity is important to me but more than that, it defines how I would be and am as an employee, contractor and a person. I have a great deal of integrity; I am honest and fair to a fault. I have an impeccable work ethic and expect the same of others. I am kind and generous, loving and compassionate. I always try to do the right thing.
Ah . . . but don’t think I’ve listed anywhere on my website or in any biographical or demographic information about myself that I am a sinner. I won’t document the numerous ways I sin on a regular basis, but suffice it to say I am flawed, broken and imperfect. That truth is also incontrovertible. That is why I try very, very hard to be as good a Christian as I can. My sinfulness is also what keeps me very humble and deters me from judging others.
My life, like my faith, is pretty straightforward.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:37-39 NIV]
This love affair with words explains why I became a writer, I imagine – it’s just a natural progression. To that end, I subscribe to a “word a day” through ezines@arcamax.com. Yes, I actually have a “word” emailed to me every day. Today’s word is incontrovertible. It means “impossible to dispute; unquestionable.”
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. [1 John 4:15 NIV]. My faith in Christ as Savior, the Promised One in history, the Messiah is incontrovertible! It is just not something I argue about. I don’t argue because for me there is no debate! I don’t argue or debate it because to engage in an argument or debate means that one party convinces the other of their point of view.
I know!!! What about discipleship? What about broadcasting the Good News to the ends of the earth? That’s not the same as arguing! You see, debate and argument are matters of the head—the mind. Faith is a matter of the heart. My faith is incontrovertible. And it’s not something I argue about with others. I will never be convinced that Christianity is a lie or that the Bible is fiction.
That doesn’t mean I deny my faith or try to cover up the fact that I am a Christian. I am who and what I am because I AM a Christian. My faith defines how I live my life – every aspect of my life. I have lost free-lance writing jobs – and even a nanny job – because when the potential employer visited my website it was obvious to them that I am a Christian.
I’m not even going to call those situations persecution. They are not at all! But I won’t change the information on my website in order to get more work or to be thought of in a certain way either. My Christianity is important to me but more than that, it defines how I would be and am as an employee, contractor and a person. I have a great deal of integrity; I am honest and fair to a fault. I have an impeccable work ethic and expect the same of others. I am kind and generous, loving and compassionate. I always try to do the right thing.
Ah . . . but don’t think I’ve listed anywhere on my website or in any biographical or demographic information about myself that I am a sinner. I won’t document the numerous ways I sin on a regular basis, but suffice it to say I am flawed, broken and imperfect. That truth is also incontrovertible. That is why I try very, very hard to be as good a Christian as I can. My sinfulness is also what keeps me very humble and deters me from judging others.
My life, like my faith, is pretty straightforward.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 8:37-39 NIV]
Monday, November 17, 2008
"I DID IT!!!" and "I Want"
The twin boys I nanny for 3-4 days a week are at a remarkable age! They are 21 months and both of them have tremendous vocabularies! I love to hear them say new words almost daily and watch their faces as they make connections with words and objects - and even some letters of the alphabet - thanks to the shows their almost-4-year-old sister likes to watch.
For the past few weeks they've been really blossoming and learning new skills at what seems like lightning speed. One of the oft-repeated exclamations these days is "I DID IT" and yes, it should be in all caps with multiple exclamation points. They get so excited and gain self-confidence with each new task mastered.
Today I notice one of the boys has learned, "I want" followed by either cup, book, more and a host of unintelligible (to me!) expressed wants.
I couldn't help but think that we never really do outgrow those two phrases. Our wants become more grand and usually more expensive or precious when we become adults, but we still often live with an "I want" mentality, don't we?
How often I have felt proud of myself for accomplishing a goal - large or small - as if I, of my own volition, could accomplish anything without God's purpose and plan for it to be accomplished. I'm not saying I'm helpless, powerless and/or without skill or talent 'on my own'. What I'm saying is that I need to remind myself often of the source of my abilities, skills, talents, and yes, my accomplishments.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. [Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV]
All the creative musings of my mind and touching and inspiring words of my hands are wrought from the heart and mind of God. All things I want and all the goals I wish to achieve are best measured in relation to how they will help me accomplish the specific and divine purpose for which I was created.
Examined in that light there is really very little I need on this earth outside of the bare essentials to sustain my physical body and an on-going, intentional and ardent desire to be in relationship with my God.
I was reminded of these truths on Saturday night when I attended the Richmond Christians Who Write annual dinner/holiday celebration. So many lovers of the Lord, seeking His truth to share with a broken and sin-filled world! All of us readily admit that we are equally as broken and sin-filled as those to whom we reach out -- but the difference is that we rejoice in the knowledge that our sin has been forgiven and we will be made whole at the end of time when Christ comes again.
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. [1 Chronicles 29:17]
So, my "I want" is to glorify God with every word I write and every thought I think. My every "I DID IT" will, I pray, be a declaration that I have done the best I could to share the Good News with the world.
For the past few weeks they've been really blossoming and learning new skills at what seems like lightning speed. One of the oft-repeated exclamations these days is "I DID IT" and yes, it should be in all caps with multiple exclamation points. They get so excited and gain self-confidence with each new task mastered.
Today I notice one of the boys has learned, "I want" followed by either cup, book, more and a host of unintelligible (to me!) expressed wants.
I couldn't help but think that we never really do outgrow those two phrases. Our wants become more grand and usually more expensive or precious when we become adults, but we still often live with an "I want" mentality, don't we?
How often I have felt proud of myself for accomplishing a goal - large or small - as if I, of my own volition, could accomplish anything without God's purpose and plan for it to be accomplished. I'm not saying I'm helpless, powerless and/or without skill or talent 'on my own'. What I'm saying is that I need to remind myself often of the source of my abilities, skills, talents, and yes, my accomplishments.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. [Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV]
All the creative musings of my mind and touching and inspiring words of my hands are wrought from the heart and mind of God. All things I want and all the goals I wish to achieve are best measured in relation to how they will help me accomplish the specific and divine purpose for which I was created.
Examined in that light there is really very little I need on this earth outside of the bare essentials to sustain my physical body and an on-going, intentional and ardent desire to be in relationship with my God.
I was reminded of these truths on Saturday night when I attended the Richmond Christians Who Write annual dinner/holiday celebration. So many lovers of the Lord, seeking His truth to share with a broken and sin-filled world! All of us readily admit that we are equally as broken and sin-filled as those to whom we reach out -- but the difference is that we rejoice in the knowledge that our sin has been forgiven and we will be made whole at the end of time when Christ comes again.
I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. [1 Chronicles 29:17]
So, my "I want" is to glorify God with every word I write and every thought I think. My every "I DID IT" will, I pray, be a declaration that I have done the best I could to share the Good News with the world.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Christian Writer’s Conference in Virginia Beach
A few weeks ago 2 friends and I attended a Christian Writer’s Conference in Virginia Beach, about 2 hours east of Richmond. Two of us left home at 5:45, drove to meet the third member of our group, dropped off a child in Hampton at Grandma and Grandpa’s for the day and made it to the conference in plenty of time for the pastry, juice and coffee breakfast buffet.
All three of us were absolutely blown away from the minute we arrived and it didn’t stop throughout the day! We met dozens of Christian authors and entrepreneurs, all of whom had a story to tell and passion for the Lord that was contagious.
Each of the three of us continues to feel caught up in the Holy Spirit since our return. I have been honored to have a link to both my website and my blog posted on Linda Meadows’ blog and I’m meeting next week to talk with Tanya Blowe, a fellow Christian poet who lives in Richmond.
One of my friends, Kelly, ran into a high school friend (one of the authors) and Marie, our other “three musketeer” discovered one of the speakers and authors lives in her neighborhood and will be meeting up with him soon.
The message we heard loud and clear is get out of your own way and let the Lord accomplish in you what He desires. It sounded so simple hearing that message over and over again throughout the day. To a person, these successful individuals had stories about overcoming just about every obstacle and challenge imaginable. Their stories are powerful and speak to the heart of everyday living in the world.
Each of us has made a commitment to the others to report our writing activities and progress toward our goals on an on-going basis. We are accountable to each other for moving forward, even if just by baby steps. We heard loud and clear the message: Tell your story!
After the conference we realize that it is not really our story but rather the story God wants us to tell about His redeeming and grace-filled love. He wants our stories to touch lives the way we were touched at the conference!
In a day and time where the entire world seems to be spinning out of control, it is reassuring and uplifting to know that there are Christians who remain true to their call and continue to live and work and thrive in a broken, sin-filled world.
All three of us were absolutely blown away from the minute we arrived and it didn’t stop throughout the day! We met dozens of Christian authors and entrepreneurs, all of whom had a story to tell and passion for the Lord that was contagious.
Each of the three of us continues to feel caught up in the Holy Spirit since our return. I have been honored to have a link to both my website and my blog posted on Linda Meadows’ blog and I’m meeting next week to talk with Tanya Blowe, a fellow Christian poet who lives in Richmond.
One of my friends, Kelly, ran into a high school friend (one of the authors) and Marie, our other “three musketeer” discovered one of the speakers and authors lives in her neighborhood and will be meeting up with him soon.
The message we heard loud and clear is get out of your own way and let the Lord accomplish in you what He desires. It sounded so simple hearing that message over and over again throughout the day. To a person, these successful individuals had stories about overcoming just about every obstacle and challenge imaginable. Their stories are powerful and speak to the heart of everyday living in the world.
Each of us has made a commitment to the others to report our writing activities and progress toward our goals on an on-going basis. We are accountable to each other for moving forward, even if just by baby steps. We heard loud and clear the message: Tell your story!
After the conference we realize that it is not really our story but rather the story God wants us to tell about His redeeming and grace-filled love. He wants our stories to touch lives the way we were touched at the conference!
In a day and time where the entire world seems to be spinning out of control, it is reassuring and uplifting to know that there are Christians who remain true to their call and continue to live and work and thrive in a broken, sin-filled world.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us [Hebrews 12:1 RSV]
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
New Year’s Resolutions for Christian Men and Women
He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:7-9 NASB]
Statistics tell us that almost 90% of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution. I, however, don’t like New Year’s Resolutions. On the surface it seems like such a great idea. As Christians we do believe in repentance, so the dawning of a new year should be a joyous thing to anticipate. However, as humans, we know our own failings. If we’re really honest with ourselves, most resolutions we’ve made in the past were already broken by Valentine’s Day, as were those of a majority of resolution-makers.
There is something flawed though with the concept of a New Year’s resolution on several levels, especially if we are Christians. First of all, waiting until a particular date to change really doesn’t make much sense. As Christians, we have an opportunity to repent and begin anew every single day. Doesn’t it seem like a better idea to make the change at the time it’s recognized as a need? Waiting only further ingrains in us the undesirable behavior while we’re waiting to make a change.
Read the rest of New Year's Resolutions for Christian Men and Women.
Statistics tell us that almost 90% of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution. I, however, don’t like New Year’s Resolutions. On the surface it seems like such a great idea. As Christians we do believe in repentance, so the dawning of a new year should be a joyous thing to anticipate. However, as humans, we know our own failings. If we’re really honest with ourselves, most resolutions we’ve made in the past were already broken by Valentine’s Day, as were those of a majority of resolution-makers.
There is something flawed though with the concept of a New Year’s resolution on several levels, especially if we are Christians. First of all, waiting until a particular date to change really doesn’t make much sense. As Christians, we have an opportunity to repent and begin anew every single day. Doesn’t it seem like a better idea to make the change at the time it’s recognized as a need? Waiting only further ingrains in us the undesirable behavior while we’re waiting to make a change.
Read the rest of New Year's Resolutions for Christian Men and Women.
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