I’m finding more and more my Wednesday night lessons are very applicable to us all not just 3rd and 4th graders. Tonight’s lesson is about speaking kindly. You know, I have all to recently discovered that sometimes this is almost like climbing the highest mountain in the world. You have something standing in front of you, sticking it’s tongue out at you, and what do you say? Nothing. But I really want to say something. Usually I want to stick my tongue back out and top whom ever is sticking their tongue out at me.

And then there is that one that for whatever reason seems to put themselves up on this little pedestal and stare down upon you. With the holy-er-than-thou attitude they begin to explain (and for whatever reason it’s usually not hateful at all just full of cocky-ness) how wrong you are and how right they are.

Have I been guilty of saying things out of place? YES! ABSOLUTELY! Do I feel bad about it? Yes, very much so. I’m finding more and more as I grow up and lay aside those childish things that getting the last word in or speaking with a condescending tone does nothing for the kingdom. It’s very easy for us as human being to stand on our high horse, look down and begin to explain how just because you aren’t like me (I’m speaking for Christians not the lost world) that means I’m better than you. This does nothing but cut down God’s people. The lost world will do that enough. No, we don’t need to have a group hug, sing Kumbaya, and huddle around talking of God’s love 24-7 (there are times for all of those, well, except the group hug). We need to learn to be loving and understanding holding our tongue and attitude carefully in place. Realizing you, me, him, her, all of us are no better than the other. We came from the same dirt and we’ll all return to the same dirt.

Build up rather than tear down. Don’t point and finger nor let your tongue flap aimlessly. Be an appropriate example of Christ… after-all as He hung on the tree or received his beatings, mockings, and cruel punishment He never spoke unkindly. He bore it all out of love… as should we.

The quest for a painted dining room and hall has continued today. Oye. Let me tell you, I am the worst painter in the whole world. No joke. I get so distracted by everything that the paint just drips in big ‘ol drops on our carpet. Then, I pursue the whole “please Lord let it come out.” Inveitably it does and inevitably I drip again. It’s a nasty cycle.

I’m tickled with the color. It’s called buttercream. Our home was so dark and dreary when we moved in that this new and vibrant color is a breath of fresh air. I’m very excited to see the finished results. My poor Hubby, he’s been painting, sanding, dry wall mudding all day long. He’s worked so very hard. Here I am typing a post…. I think I’ll go finish my wall of shame.

Today’s fury has left me longing for a nap. I’m currently waiting on a young one to tutor and all I can think about and dream of is that warm, comfy bed in the next room. Oh to sleep the sleep of a thousand sleeps.

Today has been a crazy day. We’re overhauling our dining room and by overhauling I mean crazy, copious amounts of work. Our home’s previous owners lacked, well to say it lightly, common sense. Our walls are terrible– wall paper on top of wall paper on top of wall paper on top of dry wall. And not to mention the thousands of little holes every where. How many pictures does one need to hang anyway? Then, to top it off, those not so pretty swinging (saloon style- no joke) doors were installed that were all of 2 feet long. However, they were attached onto thick pieces of wood that were not only nailed into the wall in 5 places but also glued. Ain’t nothin’ coming outter my house wit outta fight. It’s always amazing to me. This house has been such a learning experience for us. Every turn of our head some new insane twist darkens the plot of our home makeover edition. Wouldn’t it be nice if Ty Pennington came up and said, loudly because that’s the only way he can talk, “Alright people. Let’s tear her down!” Some days I believe it would actually be better than trying to right the many, many wrongs in this house. Perseverance!

I really believe that once we get our home the way we love it and want it, the Lord will call us to pastor, work, or to move some where other than this area. I think He’s got a great sense of humor. He might even give a little wink as we thank Him for letting us complete our renovations because He just knows… bless their little hearts, they’ve worked so hard and now, I’m going to put them some place else.

Blessed 

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Proverbs 31: 28-29

The Bible makes a good point that not only goes for life in general but also for issues such as being a Godly wife and mothering: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7) We’ve heard the expression you reap what you sow, if you sow bad seed you’ll reap bad crop.  This isn’t just a gardening lesson from the Bible, it’s a life lesson.  Whatever you put into a child or your husband, you will receive in return.  This woman sowed good seed. She not only provided for and took care of her children and husband but she loved and cherished them.  She didn’t just go to the grocery store and get what she knew her family loved for dinner.  She created an atmosphere of love.  Her children and husband knew they were loved.  No doubt.  If asked by any stranger “does your wife/mother love you?”  Not a moment of hesitation would linger before unwavering they answered “Yes!”  She adored her husband and children; no other could take their place.  The thought that another could take their place never loitered their minds.  She not only kissed scraped knees, provided a shoulder to cry on, but she also was a sound voice of reason and comfort.  She had no price.  Her children or her husband would never entertain the thought of a day without her and because of her love, affection, provision, Godliness, and care her children knew her value.  Her husband not only knew of her worth but he dotted on her.  He praised her knowing she was beyond price. This woman, the Bible teaches, excelled among other women.  Without doubt, we could look around and see all of the many virtuous things that Godly women do.  However, this particular woman wasn’t just proficient in a few things, she excelled in all.  Her life in that moment in time, wasn’t just an average mundane existence nor did she just fade into the crowd of wife and mother.  Not this woman, I suppose each person that she came into contact with knew that this woman was something to be cherished.  She didn’t have to broadcast her good works, those around her already knew of them.  She knew her task of wife and mother was far beyond any other task given, and she took them seriously.  She ultimately knew her job as a Godly woman.  Like any other job or task, much work must be put into it so that the correct outcome awaits at the end.  There is no difference in being a Godly woman, wife, and mother.  God’s instructions do not just fall out of the sky and pick and choose whom will receive them.  You must work at it.  Reading your Bible, studying, and spending time with the one who created woman, the marriage, and motherhood asking Him how He prefers it all to be done are the first steps.  After all, who doesn’t want to excel or be a blessed mother and wife? You’ll see the difference in your family if you follow God’s outline for being a woman, wife, and mother.

Today is going to be a rather busy day. My (step)mother-in-law has had foot surgery and she, no joke, can not stand on the foot. She’s a little helpless right now. So, I’ve prepared a few meals and offered to clean her house for her. Unfortunately the guys just don’t know how to do a lot of those things so, I’m offering to step in.

So, I’m off to deliver some comfort food to my momma-in-law…

This is a very short post, my apologies. Lots to do and little time to do it in.

Vinegar.

Really.

That’s my frugal tip. Buy vinegar.

Why? Because it’s the absolute most versatile thing in the whole wide world. Have dirty counters? Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water, spray, wipe, ta-da clean! Spots on your dishes when running them through the rinse cycle? Put a little vinegar into the rinse agent. Pet smells? They hate the smell of vinegar put a little vinegar water solution on the stain (it’s a deodorizer too!) and there you go no more frequent unwanted visitors.

I’m a vinegar advocate. Buy vinegar, it’s more than just for coloring eggs.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their ownn selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers of lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Perilous times are among us. According to scripture those last days will be showered with those seeking to do harm. One part in particular that stands out to me is “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof”.

This type of people seems to be running rampant throughout our churches, television broadcasts, our schools, and our homes. They are the ones who seem to have it all, they’ve got the answers, and boy they just make you feel good about it all. Amen, my name is written in the Book of Life. Amen, I’m saved by grace through faith. Amen, my mansion in glory is being built. But, Amen, my Heavenly Father is also a God of wrath and punishment, who is jealous (And no, Oprah, Jesus is not jealous of you. He is jealous of the worldly junk we let come between ourselves and Christ. He created us for fellowship and out of pure love. Why would He not be jealous if His creation ignored Him and let silly things hinder His relationship. The One who created the Universe is by no means jealous of a measly sack of dirt like me or you Oprah. If you are unsure of what I’m speaking about research Oprah and God’s jealousy of her. You’ll be surprised and you’ll hopefully turn off the tube when she’s on.).

We are in a spiritual battle everyday God grants us to walk on this earth. We need not hold hands, cover our eyes to the destruction happening, and sing God Is So Good. Absolutely, God is SO good! However, there is a lost, Hell-bound world dying while we join hands and sing. It’s time to put on the helmet of salvation, the breast plate of righteousness, grab our sword, and go to war. For whatever reason, we tend to look at God as this sweet old grandpa, sitting in his rocker, watching all of the calamity with a tear running down his cheek. That’s not my God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Eph. 5:6

Fight the fight set before you. Set your sights towards Heaven and charge on! Upon reaching those gates Christ will look at you with eyes flaming, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

Tonight, I will be teaching about responsibility in my 3rd-4th grade class. I thought it was quite applicable to anyone not just the younger ones. The memory verse for tonight is: And whatsoever ye do, do it hertily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Colossians 3:23

Can I say, I’m kinda guilty of not doing this one? Too often I go for pleasing those around me only because I can see them. I can see their faces when they are pleased or when they are not. Often times, I forget to put on my spiritual glasses and look at the Lord’s face. Is He pleased with my efforts? Is He pleased with what I’m involved in?

I’m the type of person who notices something needs to be done and just does it. That runs over into my spiritual life as well. However, sometimes I find myself just doing things and the Lord reminding me that He never asked me to do that. I take on some responsibilities sometimes that I was never called to do. What’s the problem? I’m taking away a chance for someone to do something pleasing for God. He may be calling them to that particular ministry and here I am, doing it “just because”.

Responsibility is a two edged sword. It’s wonderful when you are called to do it. But you should always proceed with caution. Mind you, each have their own gifts and talents that should be put to use. If you are not working for the Kingdom of God I encourage you to take on responsibility. If you are working for the Kingdom, be prayerful that what you are involved in is what the Lord would have you to be doing.

Okay, I don’t do resolutions. Really, there’s nothing worse than setting yourself up for failure then beating yourself up for it, and finally promising “next year will be the year!” Every where I turn I’m bombarded with the same old resolutions: loose weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, quit drinking, stop cussing, spend less, read your Bible….

My question: where were the best intentions during the year? Just because a new calendar year has begun doesn’t mean suddenly all of those habits and behaviors should be turned around. I guess if you need a day to begin, January 1, is as good as any other. However, why wait until that day to change your life? Why wait until January until you change your spending habits, change them now. I know why everyone waits until January to eat healthier and exercise (hello! Christmas goodies are too good to resist) but make an effort anyway.

I just don’t get it. Why wait? January wasn’t promised, yes, January 1, did come and go. January 7, isn’t promised. Want to change something? Change it now don’t wait until January 1, 2010.

*stepping off of my soapbox*

Can I just say that I’m pooped from the holidays? I love ‘em but boy, this year has been exhausting. Plus, I’m not sleeping as well as I should be either. For whatever reason, we’ve had to stay up late for several weeks now and that horrible 5AM wake up buzz is just nauseating. I need a day of real rest. Maybe I’ll take one this week (I doubt it.).

I’ve almost finished my daily tasks for today and I’m getting ready to sit and do my daily reading. Then, it’s off to tutoring. Much planned and much accomplished and on little sleep. Go me! Or maybe, thank you Lord for giving me a little push. He had to do a little prying to get me to get up and make Hubby coffee this morning. I really and truly wanted to lay there in my comfy warm bed. So, thank you Lord.

I putting this post under random ramblings only because my thought process is absolute nut-so. Maybe tomorrow I’ll have enough sense to stick to one topic?