I wish you believed....

Have you ever found an amazing thing? A great product...something that once you tried it wholeheartedly and witnessed the amazingness of it, you were convinced that you were deprived up to the moment you found it...and that you will never be without it again...and you want everyone you know to have it too?

What was it?

Did you tell your friends about it when they came over? Did they go out and get one?
Did you let your mom try it out, your dad? Do they have one? How 'bout your brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, cousin, grandma, grandpa, neighbor, best friend?

I am one of those people. If I find something that is proof positive everything it claims to be and it is amazing and life-transforming, I shout it from the rooftops.

If you read my stuff, you know where I'm going with this right?

The best thing I've ever came across was the story of Jesus Christ. Eleven years ago I heard of the most amazing opportunity. The best thing I bought into and have never cashed in for my 30-day money back guarantee.

The amazing, life-transforming part about His story is that it's really real...when you just believe.

NOTE: Faith is not skepticism.

I have some friends here and there who say they gave Jesus a chance...but they didn't do it WHOLEHEARTEDLY with FAITH...and WITHOUT SKEPTICISM. So quite frankly, they didn't give Him a fair chance...they didn't quite believe.

I would love to sit down and have coffee with those friends of mine and tell them something like the following (with duct tape over their mouths to avoid a debate and a rebuttal because that's not my heart or intentions.):

I wish you believed...I really do.
I wish you believed that I am not a liar.

I wish you believed I'm not trying to convert you to something that will rip your life off and waste your time. I wish you believed that I truly do care about you and where you will be for eternity.

I wish you believed what the Bible said is true and that it had ultimate authority in your life (...oh how simple life can be if you just stick to God's opinion on stuff ).

I wish you believed Jesus is who He says He is, and I wish you believed all the accounts of people who witnessed His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection...and the witnesses who saw His pierced hands.

I wish you believed that an amazing almighty, omnipotent, omnipresent God created you into the unique masterpiece that you are....and that you're not a fluke by-product of ocean matter or apes evolving.

I wish you believed that God made you in His image to love you and have a day by day connection of relationship with you.

I wish you believed that Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way.

I wish you believed me when I said that the entire story of Jesus Christ is real, and the very fact that I can hear God's voice and you could too transcends any self-serving, self-elevating, man-made religion.

I wished you believed that I care so much about you that I am telling you the truth!

That's what I would say. I am so concerned for so many around me who really truly believe in their own thing. 'As long as I do good'....they say. See it's not that easy.

We all can't do good 100% of the time. Think about it: are your thoughts, words, actions 100% perfect & good...100% of the time?

It's not this life I'm living for. It's eternity. What I believe today will impact me later and forever.

I'm not sure why people just can't believe with a pure heart that Jesus is God and God is pure. He won't hurt you. People who are fallen and not perfect will...but God won't.

Jesus is so purely love and forgiveness, grace and mercy for those who believe in Him. It's amazing - the story of what Jesus did for us on the cross! And it's for everyone to believe!

I wished you believed...

All things done in darkness...

All things done in darkness will come to light.
Why do we kid ourselves?

We say "We're fine" and "I'm alright",
But honestly sin has us enslaved.

In your moment of temptation,
Do you reach out?

Do you avoid self-condemnation,
Call out to God, just shout?

See, in that moment,
We want to give in,

That's when we need God most,
To avoid that sin!

That sin that entagles you,
Do you know what it is?

The one that fights for your life,
To rob your passion for Him?

It's a lie, "NO ONE WILL KNOW",
That's what the devil whispers in your ear.

But it's a fact that will later show,
After your sin, you're gripped with shame and fear.

Reach out for help to stop the sin,
Someone is available to pray you through.

It's not God's will that you give in,
But to be set free so let them help you.

We're not to live seperate from God and His peace,
But in deep relationship, hearing His voice.

Be transparent, honest and walk in integrity,
Everyday we have the challenge to make the right choice.

It's been said, and it's truth,
"All things done in darkness will come to light."

So go to the altar, please repent,
And decide this day that you will live right!

July 15, 2012 - by Jennifer Morin

Are you really honest with YOURSELF? Can you admit that the problem is YOU when it is?

We say we want to live for God, do good. We say we need peace, joy, hope, and love. Do you ever take a minute to ask yourself questions about the person you know best?

YOU?

Ask yourself some questions weekly to see where you are. The sooner you make midstream adjustments, the better. Here are some I think about often, use them to get your self-examination underway:

1. Is there sin in my life? Target this one first. Spend time with God and ask Him to reveal the sin in your life. "He who is without sin cast the first stone" is what Jesus told the men who wanted to stone the adulterous woman. I conclude that we all have things in our life, big and small, that is sin. What is the sin that so easily entangles you? What are the 'little' things you are letting slide? NOTE: If you let little sins go for too long, they turn into bigger ones. And/or desensitize you to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and then you have a big mess later because you let a little sin, lead to another, then another.

2. What am I doing with my time and money? Many of us overcommit and overspend. What does this do to our family and our demeanor? And our time with God? These are the two most limited resources we have. What we do with them will affect us? How do you behave when you're schedule is so tight and you've locked your keys in your car? Or how do talk to your kids when you've jam-packed your day and one of them is reluctant to 'just sit in their seat to let you buckle them'? And what happens to you when money is tight? What are you buying that you really don't need? Where are you WASTING your money? When the bank account is dry, we get a bit stressed out, right? And then, how are we treating the people around us? We need to examine these often, they lead to bigger messes too.

3. Are my actions lining up with my words? Often I talk about goals, so when I sit down to examine myself, I look to see if I even have any on the board. When I talk about love and forgiveness, I look at my relationships to see if there is love and forgiveness in my heart. Or is my heart filled with bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness?

We need to take time to look at how we are, IN REALITY, treating people. Not look at what we want to do for others, or what we are saying we're going to do others. We need to be real and honest and look at the facts of our behavior and the way we are truly talking to people. When was the last time you sacrificed something for someone else? Went out of your way to listen to someone? Did something your flesh didn't want to do, for someone else? Have any compassion in that heart of yours?

4. Is God & my family priorities in my life?  After searching for sin in my life, looking at where I am putting my time and attention and money, and looking at how I am treating those around, I can pretty much answer this question with a yes or no.

See, this is why self-examination requires you to be 100% honest with yourself. So is the sin in your life premeditated? Is there conviction in your heart over it or you are ignoring? Are you wasting your resources on 'wanton pleasures'? Are you short, rude, disrespectful to those around you?

YOU CANNOT CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

IF YOU STAY IN DENIAL!

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing,

he deceives himself.

But each one must examine his own work.

Galatians 6:3, 4

The goal is to do your best! Are you going to mess up and sin? Yes. You are but flesh, a man/woman in need of a Savior. Are you going to have moments of temptation to be impulsive and irresponsible with your finances and time? Probably, you're human. Are you going to have a bad day and treat people from a bad mood/attitude? Possibly, we all have a bad day.

The point, however, is to ask yourself:

Do I have continual, daily behavior that is building up or tearing down?

And only you know your motives and heart, I don't. Yet, don't sit like many and compare yourself to your neighbor/friend/coworker and say, "Well at least I'm not like them". No, don't do that.

Sit with your Bible smack dab in front of you and ask, "Am I truly being like Christ?" Strip away your denial on how you're really acting and then, and only then, can you see the need to change.

"Admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery", right? And take heart. When you're goal is to please God and let your life bring Him glory...ask Him for all the help you need to change the things that don't line up with God's word.

Need some direction? Go to Galatians 5:19 and look at the deeds of the flesh. Ask yourself, do I have these in my life?

Then go down to Galatians 5:22 and ask yourself, do others see these in me and my life?

If you're still struggling with this concept, find someone who is NOT AFRAID TO BE HONEST WITH YOU...no intimidated, people pleasers allowed for this. Ask your honest confidant to help you identify the areas, behaviors, and actions that are repelling. Then you'll have a starting point.

See, we are all growing from glory to glory, as we continue to stay honest and transparent with God. We're not living for comfort, peace, and joy on earth, we're living to build treasures in heaven, we're living now for later in the presence of God.

So let God refine you so as you can reap the rewards that He has waiting for you!





Are you doing public school for you kids?

*****REVISED******

I came on a little strong the first time and was a bit critical. I apologize. My sense of justice to support my choice was a bit in control in it's attempts to vindicate myself from judgment I have received in the past.

You know I've got the calendar marked and it reads: '6 weeks to kindergarten'.

Just like we mark the countdown of our child's birth, I have had the weeks numbered on my calendar for the last 4 months.

I enjoy the conversation with other moms, older and younger re: the best education choices for our kids.

Just thought I'd share some thoughts re: where I'm at and what I'm doing this year and why.
Now, while there is a huge trend of homeschooling in my area, I plan to send my son to public school for a variety of reasons.

In my attempts to convince that public school would be sufficient, I asked a couple of girls at a park at a homeschooling curriculum exchange at the park, a couple of questions:

Question: "How long do you spend doing schoolwork?"
Answers: Girl #1: "1.5 to 2 hours"    -   Girl #2: "2.5-4 hours"

Question: "What do you do after you're done with your schoolwork?"
Answers: Girl #1: "Sit on the computer."   -   Girl #2: "Play."

I am intrigued by homeschooling on a variety of levels. As a Facebook friend respectfully pointed out however, that what I may have seen and heard is a 'lazy parenting' thing, not a pitfall of homeschooling.

I do love that girl #2's response was 'play'....that's what a child needs most. But I am left to wonder in this online gaming/social media crazed society, how many homeschooled kids are sitting at a computer most of their days after their schoolwork is done? Just as we can ask "how many kids, in general, are hooked on media themselves...along the side of their parents?"

I do realize that some parents have to homeschool to 'protect their children from the rough schools, lack of quality education, etc.' I know because I intentionally moved from one of those school districts last year to a better one. Yes, I agree that sometimes it is the best/only option for particular situations.

I do have some great friends with great kids and they're doing the homeschool thing...and that's great for them.

However, with this trend, what bothers me the most is when homeschooling parents try to make parents who send their kids to public school feel as though they are ripping their kids off...or not giving them the 'best life' or anything that falls contrary to the fact that public school may be great, as well.

Kind of like the 'La Leche' breastfeeding women who make you feel guilty for giving your baby a bottle instead of the breast. Do you know what I'm talking about? Why does all this stuff have to be so taboo to discuss?

Here's the thing: We all are parents, stewards over our OWN kids! I (usually) know what is best for my kid, and you know what is best for your kid.

My 5 year old son is unique. Highly intelligent. And highly stubborn. Now, some would try to tell me all the techniques I need to use to teach him at home. But here is the thing: Daniel is more cooperative for teachers, loves meeting new kids and making friends, and he loves seeing his 'friends' over and over.

At preschool, he kept his mouth closed for his pre-k teacher. At home, it's a struggle to let his little brother talk. At kids' church he is obedient and sits still and listens to his teachers. Here at home, not so cooperative.

He is a social butterfly. Thrives around other kids and loves constant (6-8 hrs/day) activity. He goes all day without a nap!

Now, why would I try to keep my super social, very cooperative (for others), brilliant child home with me? On another note, I do totally lack confidence that I am equipped to give him the best skills when it comes to all subjects. I love to write, read and do math. I fear I would be impartial and be skimpy on the history, as it was not a fave of mine in school. But this may prove to be his favorite.

I consider how he is reluctant to pick up his toys for me at home. And ask: why would I make his ability to read completely contingent on my ability to get him to be 100% obedient to me? Just a thought I've had over and over...each time a homeschooler mom says, 'you're not going to homeschool?' with a tone and look of disapproval.

Will my kid stop when I yell stop if we're in a dangerous situation? YES. But many of us have kids who are just more cooperative with other adults because they are so secure and comfortable with us that their strong-willed nature can rule their actions a little more at home.

(And yes, I do need to read Dr. James Dobson's book: The Strong-Willed Child.)

However, from my birds-eye view today, I feel public school will allow my son to individualize. I can be a little overbearing/strong-willed myself. Why keep him under my wings, when he thrives with others? Why would I keep him home isolated and bored, when he can learn to share, sit still in a chair for time at length, have the opportunity to compete, and have to adapt?

Point being:

WE'VE GOT TO DO

WHAT WE FEEL IS RIGHT FOR OUR KIDS!

(Without wavering, guilt, or condemnation.)

If you homeschool your child, great. Unfortunately, I feel for me, if I were to homeschool my son, I'd be doing him a disservice. Sure, we could probably pull it off. Heck, I've got him ready for first grade nearly. He does way beyond what he needs to academically for kindergarten. But see, if I kept Daniel home to learn it would be motivated by my own fear, control, and selfishness. It would be to serve my emotional needs, not his. And I am only saying this about ME. I have tried to talk myself into homeschooling. I have. I am petrified to leave my asthmatic son in the care of others. However, I can't make decisions out of fear, when I feel his personality will have room to blossom in a school. And I also see him have the gift of evangelism, I look forward to seeing how many kids he will invite to church! They need a light out in the world, and Daniel's shines brightly!

And that's it...what is best for our children? Only we know, as their parents! So my post is not about whether public school is better than homeschooling, or vice versa. It's more about letting parents make the choice that they see best and fits their life and budget and personalities. So be free to do homeschool, but also, be free to do public school!

Note: I apologize if you homeschool your kids and somehow I offend you. I personally have felt offended from time to time by a variety of people on a variety of topics. I do recognize that there are time that we have only one perspective on certain things. I also know too that if someone disagrees with us on something we are very passionate about, we are offended. A funny observation I've remarked on the past is: You've heard it said: 'don't talk politics and religion' . Well we need to extend it to 'don't talk politics, religion, breast vs. bottle feeding, public vs. home vs. private schooling, as well as nutritional shakes'. ;) Love you all - always!

This revision came by way of a FB friend. Thank you Emily for your corrections. You have given me much to chew on. Thank you for shedding light on the homeschool topic for me. Thanks so much!

We are free!

It is Christ who set you free,
So now stand up and just believe.

Your words of faith don't match your actions,
Your fear and disbelief show no anticipation.

For we are called to walk by faith,
and move by the unseen,
Yet when some do just this,
they're called crazy, unwise, and near insane. 

Who would pack up their entire life in faith to move,
Those who walk by the Spirit to follow Christ -
And so should you!

So sad His followers are known best for their judgment,
Called critical, hypocrites, superficial, and so discontent.

There's too many who are not 'saved',
Who are so much better well-behaved.

You say, 'Hey, leave me alone, I'm forgiven - you should know we live by grace',
Though this is true, let me remind you:
When people look at you, they should see Jesus Christ's face!

We all need to try harder,
We all need to walk stronger.
Although not by our own strength, might or power,
But this is your warning - we're at the final hour.

He said, "Apart from me you can do nothing",
The Word says, "Through Christ I can do all things".

So close the wide gap between you and Him,
Get to know the real God, please let Him in.

The world is looking to us for mercy, hope and love,
If they see it in us, they'll want to know our Father above.

So let Him change the way you think, feel and act;
Let Him guide your words - please let them see,
Despite their lack of knowledge - He sits on the throne,
We all are truly subject to His mighty sovereignty.

So crucify your flesh, get out of YOUR way -
Let God guide your ship, do to what His words say.

Pick up your cross and follow Him,
And show them what it means, to be free in Him.

They're looking for answers, they're looking to you,
Love Christ first, and show them it's true.

He loves them and longs for their hearts,
That's why He's equipped you and set you apart.

Love Him, live for Him, and show them we are free,
Open the door and let them in, for you hold the key.

Written by Jennifer Morin
July 4, 2012 - 7 a.m.

Happy Indepedence Day!!!!!