Enlightenment beyond the confines of Scripture. These words buzz in my ear. I can't seem to shake them out. They are like that annoying mosquito that you keep swatting at but it never really goes away. We hear them from those "enlightened" prophets that espouse to "know" more than the average religious schmuck, from the world that has many "ways" to a god and heaven and from those who don't like the alternative. Well, is this true? Is there "enlightenment" beyond what Jehovah and Messiah have inspired in Scripture? Can we know "more"? Does scripture really mean what we think, or are told, it means?
There are many buzz words that are batted around; many truths, many paths, freedom from judgement, spirituality vs religion. So, I decided to become "enlightened". I googled "many paths" and this is what I found in a nut shell:
*All people should be allowed to walk their own path without control or judgement
*Paths change and grow
*You must open your mind to the limitless possibilities of your full potential and what the Universe is waiting to tell you
*Everything you need to know is within yourself - you just need to let go and listen
*If it feels good- go with it, allow yourself (the inner you) to flow
*It doesn't matter what others think- this is Your path
*Awakenings will occur when you reach a certain level in your spiritual development
*There is no right or wrong and it varies from person to person
*Heaven is what we create here and beyond
*Hell is not a real place- it is a state of mind
This certainly sounds "enlightened". If you listen to many folks in the spotlight (Oprah, Dr. Oz and even some Christian leaders) you will hear many of these same ideas. These basic tenants can be found throughout the Universalist's Creed- although they go by many names. I was raised singing a song called I am Good to Me. When I met my husband he sang a song with the same tune called the Johnny Appleseed song.
My song:
I am good to me
And so I thank myself
For giving me the opportunity
To be myself and feel so free
Oh I am good to me
I was taught that I am the center of the universe and that my happiness was the priority. I was to help others because it felt good and that was the way that the Universe spoke to us- through our feelings. I was the one who controlled my destiny by my thought life and what I put out in the Universe was what I would receive. True freedom was to be at one with the Universe and allow others to find their own path as they saw fit. All paths lead to the same Awakening.
This way of living is pointless. It is void of meaning, significance and direction. It teaches selfishness. it teaches you to rely on feelings instead of a constant set of absolutes to guide your behavior. Its reasoning is circular. Its premise is that we are born basically good and that our initial desire is to do good. That it is the opposite of the observable evidence of human nature. How long do you have to watch a child before you realize that their first instinct is not concerned with the greater good?
Why should enlightenment stay within the confines of Scripture? Because, unlike an impersonal Universe, Jehovah (a very personal Creator) inspired the Scriptures to teach the opposite. The Scriptures were created to rid us of the chains of selfishness and embrace a yolk of righteousness. Scripture is NEVER about self it is ALWAYS about Him. It is NEVER about slavery but ALWAYS about freedom. It is NEVER about feeling good it is ALWAYS about doing good regardless of how we feel. It is NEVER about being me it is ALWAYS about becoming more like Him. Within these confines is true freedom.
Finally, I wanted to look up the Greek of John 14:6. I have heard many say that Christ never claimed to be the Only Way and that John 14:6 is misunderstood. So, let us look at how the Greeks translated this verse from the Hebrew.
I am the way (way is a verb that means a properly travelled way like a path) and the truth (truth is a noun that means in reality, in fact, the truth) and the life (life is a noun that means life); no one (no one means no one, not one) comes (comes is a verb that means to come) to the Father (Father is a masculine noun which means Father God) but through (through is a preposition that denotes an act of going through) me. In short, it means exactly what it says.
Jehovah is purposeful in His choice of words. He has a very personal message for each of us. His Way is the only Way and His Way is the best Way. I have lived on both sides and the joy I experience within the confines of Scripture is sustainable and immeasurable. It agrees with the natural and produces the supernatural. Messiah said that His yoke was easy and His burden was light. Messiah never lies.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Furious Love
As usual, something always comes up and keeps me from writing. Lately, it's been LIFE. Our youngest is now a year old and our oldest has turned 21! We have celebrated 3 of our kids birthdays in the last 3 months and have 3 more next 2 months. In addition, we are still homeschooling, helping with church's youth group, and I coupon full-time. (Which means I have way too much fun shopping while spending very little money)!
God has been working in our family as well. Praise the LORD! He is refining me as a wife and mother. Teaching me how far I am from His likeness. Wow, really? Well, I am sure grateful that He is gracious and merciful!
I have seen His hand working on my heart and softening it towards my husband (more on that in a later post) and fellow humans. That might sound weird but compassion and mercy are like last on my character traits list. I tend to shy away from"caring". Safer that way, I guess. But it is VERY ineffective when one is called to LOVE like Christ. He NEVER did not care. He loved so furiously that he gave up ALL He was for those He loved. He redeemed the worst and loved the least.
Can I say that about my love? NO. Do I want to say that? (tentatively she answers) Yes. I know in my head that that kind of Love frees the prisoner and unbinds the captive and my heart wants to go there- but it's scary! I am so grateful to Him for loving me like that - grateful seems so pathetic of a word- I am though. However, does He really expect me to love like that too? I mean He can do it because He is the Creator, the Abba, the Ha-Shem (the Name). I am just unrighteous and unholy me. Can I really do that? Has He really called me to Love like that?
He tells us that "they will know us by our love". Not our human love but our Godly love. A Love that transcend our flesh and cuts right to the heart and soul. That Love is what saves, redeems and frees. That is the kind of furious Love that we have been given and that we are supposed to freely give. I can do none of this without His Holy Spirit. I am incapable of loving even the most lovable without Him. I must submit to His authority and allow Him to change me. To break me. To refine me. I must desire His way. His will above my own agenda; above my own "plans". His plans are perfect even when I don't get it. His way is best even when it makes no sense in the natural. His Love is perfect!
17In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.
18There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection].
19We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4: 17-19 (Amplified Bible)
We love Him, because He first loved us. I have to camp on that one for a while.
God has been working in our family as well. Praise the LORD! He is refining me as a wife and mother. Teaching me how far I am from His likeness. Wow, really? Well, I am sure grateful that He is gracious and merciful!
I have seen His hand working on my heart and softening it towards my husband (more on that in a later post) and fellow humans. That might sound weird but compassion and mercy are like last on my character traits list. I tend to shy away from"caring". Safer that way, I guess. But it is VERY ineffective when one is called to LOVE like Christ. He NEVER did not care. He loved so furiously that he gave up ALL He was for those He loved. He redeemed the worst and loved the least.
Can I say that about my love? NO. Do I want to say that? (tentatively she answers) Yes. I know in my head that that kind of Love frees the prisoner and unbinds the captive and my heart wants to go there- but it's scary! I am so grateful to Him for loving me like that - grateful seems so pathetic of a word- I am though. However, does He really expect me to love like that too? I mean He can do it because He is the Creator, the Abba, the Ha-Shem (the Name). I am just unrighteous and unholy me. Can I really do that? Has He really called me to Love like that?
He tells us that "they will know us by our love". Not our human love but our Godly love. A Love that transcend our flesh and cuts right to the heart and soul. That Love is what saves, redeems and frees. That is the kind of furious Love that we have been given and that we are supposed to freely give. I can do none of this without His Holy Spirit. I am incapable of loving even the most lovable without Him. I must submit to His authority and allow Him to change me. To break me. To refine me. I must desire His way. His will above my own agenda; above my own "plans". His plans are perfect even when I don't get it. His way is best even when it makes no sense in the natural. His Love is perfect!
17In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.
18There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection].
19We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4: 17-19 (Amplified Bible)
We love Him, because He first loved us. I have to camp on that one for a while.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Home Economics 101
Wow!!! Life can be crazy busy. My new addiction, I mean endeavor, is couponing. You would think that I would have already been doing this with 8 children but my idea of couponing and what I am learning now are totally different. I LOVE, LOVE this couponing adventure. I am already saving around 50% on our groceries and household supplies while still developing a stockpile. Our goal is to have a 3-6 month stockpile in our garage to "shop" from daily. So far, we are on track.
It has been an education for sure. It is a new lingo with a new mindset. It is a lot of work up front but once everything is in place it will require less time. It is so much fun to ring up my purchases and then watch the total drop dramatically. What is super cool is that I can teach my kids this frugal lifestyle and it is painless. Actually, it is a pleasure. Pretty cool to shop and not dread the cash register total.
So, I think I will name this subject Home Economics 101. :) Stay tuned for more updates on deals I have learned about and how I scored them.
Thanks, of course, to Jesus for pointing the way on how to be a good steward with what He has blessed us with and how to share it with others.
It has been an education for sure. It is a new lingo with a new mindset. It is a lot of work up front but once everything is in place it will require less time. It is so much fun to ring up my purchases and then watch the total drop dramatically. What is super cool is that I can teach my kids this frugal lifestyle and it is painless. Actually, it is a pleasure. Pretty cool to shop and not dread the cash register total.
So, I think I will name this subject Home Economics 101. :) Stay tuned for more updates on deals I have learned about and how I scored them.
Thanks, of course, to Jesus for pointing the way on how to be a good steward with what He has blessed us with and how to share it with others.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
And They Just Keep Growing...
Our baby is 10 months old already. What has happened to the time? We are so blessed! I love every season of our children's life. It is so exciting to see them each grow and learn and I get to be a part of it all! I feel so fortunate that I can rejoice with my oldest son as he learns what an adult life is like. I then get the honor of sharing with my teen daughter in all of her adventures. That is followed by the excitement of watching my two pre-teen daughters blossom into beautiful young ladies and my younger sons and daughter embrace the joy of learning about their world. What would life be like if we didn't have these blessings? Boring to say the least!I am asked weekly if "I'm done yet?". Why would I want to stop being blessed? Each of these children come with their own challenges and each one grows my character in a different way. God knows what He is doing as He graces us with these children. He knows what they need to grow them closer to Himself and what we parents need to rely on Him and become more like Him.
Each day is very busy and there are days that I am sure God can't know how ill equipped I am to do this job. But, without fail, I am reassured over and over again that God's ways are not my ways and my ways are not His. It is humbling to see Him work in our children in spite of our shortcomings. I praise Him for His grace and mercy!
Ready for the BIG question? Are we done yet? I pray not! Maybe you can join us in prayer for more blessings? Next time twins would be awesome! I have never had twins! Oh and please pray that we will bless God with each one of them too!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Life is Swirly!
Life is amazing! One minute things are "normal" and the next moment your world can be turned all swirly. Children can do that to you no matter how old they get. Good thing God is in control!
This last week I found out that I am going to be a grandma. First, I DO NOT look like a grandma! Second, I do not feel qualified for this position. My oldest son and his finace are expecting. I have to admit that I was not thrilled with the order of things. Marriage before baby is always more desirable. But I can't help but be excited for a new baby. Babies are a blessing regardless of the circumstances and this one is my son's first born. My oldest son is an adult now; making his own desicions. Whether I like the desicions or not, they are his to make, and as an adult, I have to change my game plan in how I interact with him. I want to continue to have an influence in his life. I want the ability to speak Truth to him and be there for him and his family. I want him to hear me and come to me when he is in need. I want to share in his joys and sorrows.
So as a believer, and his mother, I have a choice to make. I can freak out and lecture him about the poor choices he has made, I can tell him how God is not pleased with these choices, I can worry and fret over the pratical things that he is going to need to do to care for this tiny person and his fiance and I can make sure he never forgets that he is outside of God's will for his life. Or, I can share Truth with him while at the same time keeping the door open in order to show both sides of the God I serve. A God of judgement and rules as well as a God of unconditional love and forgiveness.
When I first answered the phone and he shared with me the news, I was disciplined enough to not speak right away (which proves that the Holy Spirit is real). I politely asked if I could have a minute and I put the phone down to pray and breathe. I asked God to stop my mind from being all swirly. I needed Him to help me to focus on what He wanted me to say to my precious son. My flesh wanted to lecture but my tongue was amazingly bridled at that point. I was given the opportunity to share with him what he already knew. He has heard it many times growing up and even more since he has moved out; God will not bless him as long as he lives outside of His will. However, if he and his bride-to-be desire to redeem their relationship with God by starting to live in His will now, God will hear him and the slate will be wiped clean. What an awesome God we serve!
In a nut shell, our family's job is to be Jesus to our new daughter-in-law (to be), our new grandbaby as well as our son. Our prayers must cover them and our actions should reflect our prayers. We must trust that God is the One in control and that He will do what He must to bring our children into His will. I believe that our part in his plan is to speak Truth in love and pray without ceasing. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
Is this the way I wanted to become a grandma? No. Am I angry that this is the way I have become a grandma? No. I trust my God to redeem this situation and grow my son's character as well as our family's character. My prayer is that this tiny little blessing will bring all of us to our knees and to the end of ourselves. I pray that this child's parents will learn, way faster than we did, that they can do nothing without Jesus Christ and that His ways are the best ways. Children have a way of doing that to us- they make our lives all swirly!
This last week I found out that I am going to be a grandma. First, I DO NOT look like a grandma! Second, I do not feel qualified for this position. My oldest son and his finace are expecting. I have to admit that I was not thrilled with the order of things. Marriage before baby is always more desirable. But I can't help but be excited for a new baby. Babies are a blessing regardless of the circumstances and this one is my son's first born. My oldest son is an adult now; making his own desicions. Whether I like the desicions or not, they are his to make, and as an adult, I have to change my game plan in how I interact with him. I want to continue to have an influence in his life. I want the ability to speak Truth to him and be there for him and his family. I want him to hear me and come to me when he is in need. I want to share in his joys and sorrows.
So as a believer, and his mother, I have a choice to make. I can freak out and lecture him about the poor choices he has made, I can tell him how God is not pleased with these choices, I can worry and fret over the pratical things that he is going to need to do to care for this tiny person and his fiance and I can make sure he never forgets that he is outside of God's will for his life. Or, I can share Truth with him while at the same time keeping the door open in order to show both sides of the God I serve. A God of judgement and rules as well as a God of unconditional love and forgiveness.
When I first answered the phone and he shared with me the news, I was disciplined enough to not speak right away (which proves that the Holy Spirit is real). I politely asked if I could have a minute and I put the phone down to pray and breathe. I asked God to stop my mind from being all swirly. I needed Him to help me to focus on what He wanted me to say to my precious son. My flesh wanted to lecture but my tongue was amazingly bridled at that point. I was given the opportunity to share with him what he already knew. He has heard it many times growing up and even more since he has moved out; God will not bless him as long as he lives outside of His will. However, if he and his bride-to-be desire to redeem their relationship with God by starting to live in His will now, God will hear him and the slate will be wiped clean. What an awesome God we serve!
In a nut shell, our family's job is to be Jesus to our new daughter-in-law (to be), our new grandbaby as well as our son. Our prayers must cover them and our actions should reflect our prayers. We must trust that God is the One in control and that He will do what He must to bring our children into His will. I believe that our part in his plan is to speak Truth in love and pray without ceasing. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
Is this the way I wanted to become a grandma? No. Am I angry that this is the way I have become a grandma? No. I trust my God to redeem this situation and grow my son's character as well as our family's character. My prayer is that this tiny little blessing will bring all of us to our knees and to the end of ourselves. I pray that this child's parents will learn, way faster than we did, that they can do nothing without Jesus Christ and that His ways are the best ways. Children have a way of doing that to us- they make our lives all swirly!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Weeks like These
It has been a long while since I have written last. I have been doing life and it has been very BUSY. Sometimes I am not sure how to do it all. This has been my life for the last couple of weeks. I have been feeling overwhelmed and very incapable. Yesterday was a great example.
From the moment I woke up yesterday I was moving. I had an infant who wanted to nurse, be fed "real food" 3-4 times that day, be held when not sleeping and slept less than usual. While at the same time, the 2 and 4 year old wanted to do their "school" time with me as the two 4th graders needed my guidance with their lessons and the 9th grader required my focus for her dictation. Oh- did I mention that I still had to make lunch, clean the house and dinner was in only 5 hours? I really don't know how others do it and remain sane with educated children that actually graduate from high school.
My first thought was to run away but, I knew that no matter where I ran to - they would find me (they always do). So, what did I do? I would love to say that I prayed, got super Holy and was able to juggle it all with a smile on my face and a spring of joy in my step. Reality? I cried. I left the room and I cried. I did pray while I cried however, which helped me to return to the room and ask the kids to pray for me because I was having a hard day. The major progress for me was that I did not "loose" it running yelling and screaming from the room. You laugh but, shamefully, I have done that on more than one occasion.
With 7 children at home, 4 of them in school and the others wanting desperately to do school too, I am at a loss at times on how to make it all work. Jesus does remind me moment by moment that I can't but He can. And that is all well and good but, I really want to handle this better. I would like to take all this in stride. I would like to have the confidence that all my children will excel in their studies and that they will be able to do more than graduate just knowing their three Rs. I would like to believe my Savior when He tells me that He will bless my obedience and that He will make all things work in His favor. During weeks like these, it is more difficult to rest in His promises.
As the old saying goes, "The proof is in the pudding". As time goes by and my children grow and mature, that is when I will see the fruit from these crazy weeks. These crazy weeks may go on and become crazy years but as long as I don't go crazy; as long as I keep my eyes on Jesus, everything will be blessed. I (and my children) will survive. More than survive- we will thrive! And I will someday juggle it all (well parts of it) with a smile on my face and a spring of joy in my step!
From the moment I woke up yesterday I was moving. I had an infant who wanted to nurse, be fed "real food" 3-4 times that day, be held when not sleeping and slept less than usual. While at the same time, the 2 and 4 year old wanted to do their "school" time with me as the two 4th graders needed my guidance with their lessons and the 9th grader required my focus for her dictation. Oh- did I mention that I still had to make lunch, clean the house and dinner was in only 5 hours? I really don't know how others do it and remain sane with educated children that actually graduate from high school.
My first thought was to run away but, I knew that no matter where I ran to - they would find me (they always do). So, what did I do? I would love to say that I prayed, got super Holy and was able to juggle it all with a smile on my face and a spring of joy in my step. Reality? I cried. I left the room and I cried. I did pray while I cried however, which helped me to return to the room and ask the kids to pray for me because I was having a hard day. The major progress for me was that I did not "loose" it running yelling and screaming from the room. You laugh but, shamefully, I have done that on more than one occasion.
With 7 children at home, 4 of them in school and the others wanting desperately to do school too, I am at a loss at times on how to make it all work. Jesus does remind me moment by moment that I can't but He can. And that is all well and good but, I really want to handle this better. I would like to take all this in stride. I would like to have the confidence that all my children will excel in their studies and that they will be able to do more than graduate just knowing their three Rs. I would like to believe my Savior when He tells me that He will bless my obedience and that He will make all things work in His favor. During weeks like these, it is more difficult to rest in His promises.
As the old saying goes, "The proof is in the pudding". As time goes by and my children grow and mature, that is when I will see the fruit from these crazy weeks. These crazy weeks may go on and become crazy years but as long as I don't go crazy; as long as I keep my eyes on Jesus, everything will be blessed. I (and my children) will survive. More than survive- we will thrive! And I will someday juggle it all (well parts of it) with a smile on my face and a spring of joy in my step!
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