Book of Remembrance

I've kept diaries and journals from the time I was a young girl.  Do they still sell those little journals with the locks?  *sigh* such memories.

I've actually, KEPT the books too...which has been an interesting, and sometimes saddening read.  I wasn't born again until my late 20s, lots of worldliness contained in the books, yet interestingly enough lots of questions and demands that God show or prove He is real.

I've debated keep them or burn them...lots of it drivel from my unsaved days...doubtful anyone would read them and if they did, would there be any eternal benefits?

So...God's keeping a journal on us, what is He writing?  Is there anything for Him to write?  Are we 'note worthy' in His estimation?

Mal 3:16  Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. 

Malachi ends the Old Testament portion of reading through the Bible.  Interestingly our ladies church group begin listening to a lecture series on the OT.  The introduction mentioned the Hebrew Bible and the English/Greek Bible's arrangement of the books in the OT as being situated differently.

I'm wondering, if the Hebrew arrangement of OT books is significant and if so, why did the Greek/English Bible end up differently?

If God keeps a book of remembrance, and He had the order specified, are we missing something?

October 2014

New Testament!!!!!

We're starting out with John and his writings: John 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation.  If you haven't yet begun reading through the Bible, jump in!  Encourage someone else to Read Through the Bible.

ERROR! ERROR! ERROR!

ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!

If you're looking for the daily reading go HERE.

In-Laws

I’ve come to the conclusion I’m data deficient – specifically as it relates to IN LAWS.  I feel like I’m starting this journey of MIL way behind the curve because I have no point of reference, no experience, no comprehension.

Growing up without a father, I didn’t have an opportunity to know his parents.  My mom and I lived with her mother, and I did get to spend time with my mom’s dad’s mom (great grandma).

When I married neither of our moms were alive, so I wasn’t exposed to any in law blessings or curses.  I’ve asked informally over the last year and find most women have a negative attitude towards their husband’s mother.

Here are a few questions I’d like answers to:

Did you have a relationship with your father’s parents?

See, talk, visit with them regularly?

Did your mom set a positive tone/attitude towards her in laws?

Did she encourage you to know them, write, call, visit, etc.?

If you’re married, what is your relationship with your MIL?  Poor, Fair, Good, Great (thinking Naomi/Ruth).

Do you resent your MIL?

Are you jealous of her?

Do you feel threatened by her?

If you have children do you encourage and/or facilitate a relationship with your husband’s parents/family?  Skype? Calls?  Visits?  Send photos?

If so, how often?

If you have grown children, specifically sons, do you have a good relationship with his wife?

What advice would you give to a young woman about to marry, or a mother about to ‘lose’ her son?

I’m wondering if some of the issues which reside between the 2 most important women in a man’s life isn’t based upon jealously.  Jealousy either on one or both sides.  Does the wife ‘feel’ threatened, you know that OTHER woman.  The first woman he loved.

Does the mother feel threatened because she’s ‘losing’ her son?

I’m interested to hear and receive feedback.

Let me rephrase that...I NEED feedback.  I realize every situation and circumstance is unique, but there should be (statistically) some sense of 'ordinary'.  At the very least varying perspectives (even if you've had no in laws either!) would be beneficial.

You can respond by comment, or if you'd rather keep in personal, via email.

ADDENDUM:

If you didn't or don't have a good relationship with your mother or daughter in law, what could or would you do differently (besides prayer)?  If tension, is it due to faulty communication (either on one or both sides)?  Expectations which may be or may not be realistic?

Scripture states a man shall leave his mother and father and cleave to his wife.  Nothing is said about a wife 'leaving and cleaving', should she?  If one (or both) don't disengage from one's first family could this (or has this) caused friction?

Social or Anti-Social?

I didn't hop on the social media bandwagon when it first came out, and finally took the plunge sometime in 2009 or 2010 with Facebook.  Never was into the Twitter thing (still don't quite 'get' it - like people want to know what you ate for breakfast?).  Went cold turkey February 2012.  F-R-E-E-D-O-M!!

Wasn't on FB long before I realized, this isn't really about 'connecting' with people.  Not really connecting.  It 'appears' as if you are.  Gives the impression you're 'sharing' with folks.

What?  Didn't you see (fill in the blank)? My perception is it feeds the narcissism we're all born with.  Saw this video and it sums up what I've been thinking and feeling about today's methods of 'communicating.'

Communication

Studies show that only 7% of communication is based on the written or verbal word. A whopping 93% is based on nonverbal body language.” Therefore it is practically impossible to be truly communicating with others because the face-to-face social aspect is missing. The article continues on about this notion, stating “with 93% of our communication context stripped away, we are now attempting to forge relationships and make decisions based on phrases.  (From this article.)

While there are positives, there are negatives, and they seem to be increasing as usage swells.

Addiction?

Analyzing responses in a series of experiments, researchers concluded that disclosing information about oneself engages the same area of the brain associated with pleasure. These pleasures centers, which are stimulated comparably when engaged in activities such as eating, sexual intercourse or receiving money, were more stimulated when speaking about the details of one’s life, especially if those details being shared with friends. Pleasure decreased notably when participants were told the information would be kept a secret from friends or family. (From this article.)

Attention Deficit Disorder

Prolonged social network activity can cause deterioration of attention concentration and other symptoms of ADHD.

While communicating using social networks, people constantly switch from one task to another: read the comments, check the updates, turn on some video, while replying to a message, and write a short comment.

During such activity, people’s attention dwells on one thing not very long and constantly switches to another one.

It also forms a certain habit of learning information. You get used to receive information in small portions, constantly switching from one type of information to another, for example, from replying to a comment to some video viewing. This habit creates difficulties in attention concentration. It is more difficult to hold your attention on one thing for long.  (From this article.)

So turn off the computer, put the smart phone down (or turn it off), disengage from the Ipad or Tablet and really look at the people around you.  Look up!

For other articles on the positives and negatives of social media:

The Negative Effects of Social Media on Society and Individuals

How Social Media Has Changed Us: The Good and The Bad

Is Social Media Making us Anti-Social

Why I Quit Facebook

So you really are a 'friend' - pick up the phone, send a card, text, email (I'm not totally against electronic communication!).  Spend time, REAL time, with those you claim to love.

Suicide

I can't remember how or why I came across this article on suicide.

Suicidal Thoughts on Suicide - SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 - C Michael Patton

“Your packing a suitcase to a place that none of us has been. A place that has to be believed to be seen.”

-Bono
“Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of”

I have needed to write this ever since the death of Robin Williams. Every public suicide gets to me. Well . . . every suicide I hear about gets to me, public or not. I wish it didn’t. I wish it was some distant thing that was as familiar to me as plane crashes, getting struck by lightening, or the death penalty. Sure, I have heard about those things and they are tragic, but they are what happens to those on the other side of the world, not to me. Suicide is different since, as many of you know, my sister killed herself in 2004.

These are suicidal thoughts on suicide because when I think about this subject or put some thoughts to paper, it is almost more than I can bear. To think this world affords us the pain and suffering that it must take to pull the proverbial trigger makes me quite troubled.

Statistics on Suicide

Here are some basic statistics on suicide:
A suicide occurs every 15 minutes in USA
35,000 per year
Fourth leading cause of death of people ages 18-65
There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but twice as many females as males attempt suicide.
Firearms account for 60 percent of all suicides.
More active duty soldiers die from suicide than from combat

“Hold me now . . . Cause I’m six feet from the edge and I’m thinking, maybe six feet ain’t that far down.”

-Creed
“One Last Breath”

Suicides in the Bible

It might be interesting to note that there are quite a few suicides recorded in the Bible. Here is what I found.

1. Abimelech – Judges 9:54

2. Samson – Judges 16:30

3. King Saul - 1 Sam. 31:4

4. King Saul’s armour-bearer – 1 Sam 31:5

5. Ahithophel – 2 Sam. 17:23

6. Zimri – 1 Kings 16:18

7. Judas – Matt. 27:5

To finish the article, click HERE.

Studying the Bible

I recently read an article on studying the Bible using a different format.  To read the article in its entirety click on this link. While not an indepth inductive method of study, it would be beneficial in helping train ourselves to be more cognizant of what we're reading.

A brief excerpt:

The Swedish Method

As far as I can tell, the name ‘Swedish Method’ was first attributed to this simple Bible reading approach by Ada Lum, an IFES staff worker and Bible reading enthusiast of many decades. She named it in honour of the Swedish student group where she first saw it used.

Starting a Bible reading group using this method requires a minimum of resources and preparation, and can be highly rewarding as it leads readers to confront the Scriptures directly.

Begin by praying, asking God to speak through his word. Then read a short Bible passage aloud (10-15 verses is ideal). Instruct each person to go back over the passage on their own while being on the lookout for three things:

A light bulb: This should be something that ‘shines’ from the passage—whatever impacts most, or draws attention.

A question mark: Anything that is difficult to understand in the text, or a question the reader would like to ask the writer of the passage or the Lord.

An arrow: A personal application for the reader’s life.

Another excerpt:

Limitations

However, the Swedish Method is not a fully developed inductive reading of the text. Instead, it provides immediate benefits, with people concurrently learning some of the basic skills of inductive study. Leaders are sometimes concerned that novice Bible students may miss the point of the passage, or its central message or application—which, after all, is not always an easy thing to spot, even for skilled Bible teachers. But my experience has been that practice makes perfect: after only a couple of weeks, people’s observations tend to improve dramatically as they become accustomed to the practice of letting the Bible speak for itself, rather than colouring it with their preconceptions or outside authorities.

Misogymist

mi·sog·y·nist

məˈsäjənist/

noun

1. 1.

   a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women.

or

noun

1.

a person who hates, dislikes, mistrusts, or mistreats women.

I've come across this attitude in men; however, I've recently been exposed to negative attitudes from women, and not because they are in an authority position.

Rather, because they aren't - um - married. In some conservative Christian circles if you're not married you aren't 'worthy'.  In some, if you're married but not popping out babies every couple of years, well, what's wrong with you?!

Now no one comes right out and says it like that...but if you're 20+ and not married, well, you old spinster you!  God forbid you're in your 30s or 40s and never married.  Seems to completely mitigate the God is sovereign theology (God is in control).

It's the smug attitude which sort of chaps my hiney - 'I'm married' and have somehow 'achieved' a higher plane or 'arrived'.  Really?

'I'm married and have children. I'm fulfilling the scriptural commandment which says a woman will be 'saved' in childbearing.'  Really?

The attitude isn't much better if you've been married and are widowed (or divorced, which in some circles is almost akin to being a leper) and haven't remarried.  Really?

As if those who haven't yet married, but have a desire and longing to be married are somehow inferior?

So ladies are we judging one another by our marital status or reproduction ability?  Or rather are we looking at each other as Christ does, as His image bearers?  Concerned about the eternal state versus the temporal?  Praying for those who wish to be married but by God's design aren't yet?

Statistically the 'pool' of male/female isn't in our favor.  Especially as we age.  If you live in the United States here's a visual:

Blue is for boys; pink is for girls.  :-)  Courtesy of Business Insider, which lists the ratio per state.  Men are more plentiful in the Northwest?  Or fare better in colder states?

If men who only see a woman's value in her bed warming, baby making, bread baking capacity are objectifying, what are women doing?  How are we supporting and/or encouraging those whom the Lord hasn't allowed (or doesn't decree) they marry (or remarry)?

What attitudes do we have and/or project?  What causes a woman to have value?  Are we valuing one another for who we are in Christ?

Apologetics

What is/are apologetics?

From Got Questions:

"Christian apologetics is simply presenting a reasonable defense of the Christian faith and truth to those who disagree. Christian apologetics is a necessary aspect of the Christian life. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20;1 Peter 3:15)."

For a more detailed article, Come Reason covers the topic:

The Meaning of Apologetics

The Nature of Apologetics

• Good Reasoning
• Knowledgeable
• Gentle and Respectful (I need to work on this one, a lot)

The Need For Apologetics

• It Helps Us Deepen Our Relationship with God
• Apologetics Helps Secure Our Faith
• We Are Commanded to Do It!

How to Do Apologetics

• Prepare
• Pick an issue
• Go On the Offensive

Another site listed 65 Apologetic Questions Every Christian Parent Need to Learn to Answer

The Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM) is another resource for those who'd like to research the topic further.

Another resource is the International Society of Women in Apologetics.

I have to admit after a brief review of some of the women (and other apologetic sites) I 'felt' as if my Christian life and witness was sluggish!

While we're not all called to minister in the same way; I do believe we are to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us.

Am I?  Are you? 

Note: I do not vet the sites, be a Berean.

I am Gomer

And so are you.

Or we were, or perhaps we still are?

This week's reading is Hosea.  Hosea is one of those books which, when you read causes great distress mentally.  God told him to do what?


Hosea 1:2b ...And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from the LORD.

As I began reading, I realized, that's me.  Not Hosea, but Gomer.  I'm 'that' woman.  We're all 'that' woman, either spiritually (and for some, physically as well).

As I'm reading, I'm thinking, how 'faithful' am I?  I can remember the first time reading through Hosea, after the initial WHAT?!?!?!? thinking HOW can this woman who had to earn her bread and butter through prostitution EVEN think of returning?

God provided her with a loving husband, a provider, took her from her 'old' ways and set her up as his wife.  Yet she disdained the delicacies determined by God.

Notice too, she wasn't looking to be rescued, Hosea went and found her. So too with us, God has come and rescued us from the muck and mire of our eternally damned state and set us up as daughters (and sons).

How much do we appreciate this?  Do we loathe the 'confinement' of being His chosen?  Do we 'run' back to our former ways?  In the ways we talk?  The things we watch?  Read?  Thoughts?

How faithful are we?  Looking at ourselves as God does (and I know He sees us through Christ and we can't REALLY know what/how He sees), if we're gut wrenchingly truthful with ourselves...how much do we resemble Gomer?  Even after having been 'saved'?

How many 'think' they're saved because they've been called/chosen, yet are still being conformed to this world?  Reading, watching, listening to the world's drivel?

How many 'think' they're saved because they walked an isle, said a prayer, etc., yet have no outward (fruitful) changes?

How many 'think' they're saved because they were 'baptized' as babies (my thoughts here), yet haven't been born again?  Given a new heart?

How fast and loose do we play with the Word of God, treating Him, His gift, His mercies contemptuously?

I'm guilty - I'm Gomer.  I don't love God as I should.  I don't crave His Word.  I don't press into Him as I ought.  Does He view me as an adulteress?  How have, or am I, chasing over 'old' lovers?  Flesh fillers which have no spiritual inheritance.

God help us all...help me, help Your people to be passionate, to turn from the 'things' of this world, to desire You, to talk in a way which gives You glory.  To think and act in a way which shows us to be true ambassadors. God help us, help me, to put away the desires of the flesh.

*****NOTE****
Being a Gomer doesn't necessarily mean physical fornication, but can involve mental lust.  It can also be something as 'simple' as watching movies which blaspheme God.

When we're reading or watching or engaging in conversations with others, do we 'filter' it as if Jesus were right there beside us?  How fervently do we 'screen' what comes into our hearts and minds?

Have we allowed other 'gods' (lovers) into our lives?  Netflix?  Facebook? Pinetrest? Instagram? Books?  Music?  Food? People? Family even?

Have you ever said any of these?

I've previewed a few of these, specifically the 'good question.' I've used that one.  The thrust of the article was about how we may possibly 'hurt' our credibility.

Can we defend, and I don't mean in an argumentative manner, our faith to those who question?

The list was taken from Parchment and Pen, 21 Things Christians Say That Hurt Their Credibility.

You can’t use the Bible to prove the Bible

You can’t out-give God.

Christianity is dependent on your character witness.

Good question. I will find the answer and get back to you.

If the Bible is not inerrant, then Christianity is false.

If there are modern day prophets, then the canon is still open.

God comes before my wife.

I don’t want to know about God, I just want to know him.

Everyone who disagrees with me is a liar.

In heaven, we will be bowing down before the thrown of God 24/7

Nothing could be further from the truth.

When we get to heaven we will be timeless.

All sins are equal in God’s sight.

The Bible says it, therefore it’s true.

The trinity is like 3-in–1 shampoo.

One white lie will send you to hell for all eternity.

I was going to preach this, but the Holy Spirit led me to this. (This isn't one I've said.  :-))

Belief is no good without practice (Part 1)

Belief is no good without practice (Part 2)

Belief is no good without practice (Part 3)

You ask me how I know he lives…he lives within my heart.

What Can You Do With Half A Brain?

Children are a blessing from the Lord.  Everyday challenges in raising children, keeping them healthy and whole, but what if the Lord allows you a special needs child?

This video was part of the article The Boy With Half A Brain.  For all those parents who may be challenged with a special needs child.

Labor Day

Or as the article I just read, Labor Daze...quite an admonishment and encouragement to remember why we work, for whom we work and the TRUE rewards of our work.

A few highlights:

Work is a gift;
Work has been cursed;
Work is not always for money; and
Work is about worship.

I have to admit I've never really seen work as worship.  Quite an interesting exhortation.  While preparing, going, doing or leaving work do I see it as an act of worship?

Whatever we are doing?  For those with a career (yes I said career) in homemaking, you are further challenged, you're at 'work' pretty much 24/7 (or as some advertising I recently saw 25/8).  :-)

From the article: 

Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Though her remuneration is less tangible than a paper paycheck, her industrious contribution to the family and society and God’s kingdom should be valued beyond the spot price of gold.

Regardless of where you're sowing (and reaping), let us remember in ALL we do, it is to glorify the Master Worker.