"The Rooster and the Fox"

 We read this fable at school today. As the story goes, Rooster is perched in the tree and Fox tries to get him to come down, saying that all the animals have agreed to be friends. He wants to give Rooster a hug to "celebrate" this new agreement. Rooster is not too sure, and climbs higher, then tells Fox he sees the dogs coming. Fox then gets out of there, either afraid of the dogs or afraid they will tell Rooster the truth, that no such pact has been made. 

Lesson learned: Don't believe everything you hear.

I read and even shared the link about the Sandy Hook conspiracy this weekend. As I read, I sat in disbelief that this was a possibility. I shared this "news" in Bible Study last night. I mentioned it to several teachers today. Even as I did so, I felt as though I was gossiping. Maybe. 

Tonight, when the evening news came on, it was showing some of the families and how they are making awareness of the gun control situation along with the mental help problems that we seem to see in cases like this.  As I watched, I put myself in these parents shoes. (Of course, as the conspiracy theory goes, it even leads you to question the whole thing and whether any of it even happened or not. Assuming it did, I tried to feel what those parents would feel who lost their child in this way. Having lost a child myself, I tried to imagine what it would feel like to know that someone out "there" would try to say that Pruitt had never been born or that he really never died- that it never really happened- knowing the pain of what we went through. 

What a tragedy if the media and government actually took these measures for an "agenda." Yet, at the same time, to disregard the loss of many in order to try to make a statement against government and media is just as awful. 

I'm still not sure what to think. I don't believe the whole thing could be a facade. However, I do believe the media and government could lead us to believe things are not always as they make them appear to be, if they so choose. The same could be said of whoever put the video out. With today's technology, anything is possible. Regardless of whether some or none of the video holds truth, it's not for me to judge.

I searched "false" on BibleGateway and these were some of the verses that came up:

Proverbs 19:5

A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

Acts 6:12-13

¹² So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. ¹³ They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 

1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Philippians 1:17-19

 

¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.¹⁸ But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

Some things we may never know. I am sure there is much that we do not know about much that takes place in our country and world.

As I mentioned it Sunday night, someone said the prayer should be that we would be able to have the discernment of the Spirit in all situations. Instead of believing everything we hear, we need to put things against Word of God, pray as the Spirit leads and leave the judging and rest to God. While I tried to explain the moral of the fable to my kids today, I really felt the Lord convicting me on this whole matter. Not just in this situation, but in the day-to-day things- like when we hear what "so and so" said and then go tell another "so and so" about it!  

I've learned the hard way that it's best to stay out of the drama, yet maybe I was caught up in it today.

I pray I would not be like Fox, stirring up trouble. Instead I hope I am more like wise Rooster. I pray I seek wisdom from the Lord in situations like these and that Christ is preached within them.

Les Miserables - Song in My Heart

I've shed several tears over the Christmas break. If you know me very well, there's really no surprise there. I'm a pretty emotional person- we won't blame hormones just yet! 
My mama cried when we left her house over Christmas, and I cried. I started to take down the Christmas tree and my eyes went straight to an ornament of Pruitt, and I cried. I watched a video of a teacher friend getting engaged on Christmas, and of course, I cried.
Let's not even mention all the sappy Hallmark movies I watched over the break or the episodes of Parenthood I tried to catch up on- and I cried. 
When I went to see Les Miserables, I turned and went back to get a couple of napkins to have handy, not knowing the storyline, but having heard it was depressing. (FYI- if you are going to cry at the movies, don't use the brown napkins! Too hard!)

Anyway, once I got past the fact that they were going to sing EVERY line (sorry, I didn't know it was an opera!), I found myself entangled in the storyline, and trying to hang on to every word they sang. The whole thing really was moving, and I'll probably see it again.

Many parts got to me, especially the very end, but also the part where Marius is singing after surviving the attack on the barricade. These words stood out to me most:
There's a grief that can't be spoken. There's a pain goes on and on. Empty chairs at empty tables
Now my friends are dead and gone...Here they sang about `tomorrow' and tomorrow never came...That I live and you are gone. There's a grief that can't be spoken. There's a pain goes on and on.

Immediately my mind went to the story I heard after the Connecticut shooting at Sandy Hook- the story of the one little girl that survived the shooting in her classroom. As we get ready to go back to school this week, I thought about what it must be like for her, to have to go back with none of her classmates there, not to mention her teachers and principal. 

This morning's message was about having a song to sing. The minister read Ephesians 5:19 which says, "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord." I instantly thought back to Les Mis as they sang every line, and that this verse says we are to speak to one another with songs. I don't know if the Lord meant put a tune to every word, but I do believe it means that those of us who have been redeemed have a song to sing, and we SHOULD be singing it! 

One of my New Year's Prayers is to strive to "Let my life song sing to You," as one Christian group put it. I also pray that the song in my heart will be one of hope and truth in Christ and that I will sing it out as I go from day to day. I also pray that little girl will find a song in her heart to be able to sing, even in the hardest of days ahead. Maybe someone else's song will fill her ears and share with her the Hope of our risen Savior and Lord. 

Marius' song was a sad one. In the context of the movie, you wouldn't expect anything else. But what if this year, we claim the word that says, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord." Psalms 40:3

Only God can put His new song in us, but when He does, others hear it, and it's a melody they won't forget because it it leads them to Him.

Wrestling

"For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere." 
Ephesians 6:12

Tonight I wrestled. 

If you've read the books This Present Darkness or Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti, you have seen the clearly painted picture of the spiritual warfare that surrounds us. If we could actually see what goes on around us, I'm sure we would be terrified at both the angelic and demonic.
After Pruitt passed away, I dealt with a season of spiritual warfare. It wasn't a specific occurrence but more of an ongoing battle of Tug-of-War. Thank God, He won.

Tonight, I felt I got caught in the middle of a battle again. 
I had posted a link to the Passion conference on Facebook but made an accidental error in my typing. A friend clicked on the link, thinking she'd watch some of the sessions and when she did, it was a horrible page with an awful picture. She immediately called me to let me know.
As soon as she did, I went on and deleted the post. I was sick. I was angry. I was upset- very upset. I posted an apology for anyone who may have tried to open it.
Later Jason texted me asking about my apology post, and then reminded me that it's no wonder with Passion going on, and their platform being on ending the sex slavery industry, that Satan would use whatever means he could to try to fight against that movement that Passion stands for. With 60,000 in attendance at the conference and way more than that watching online, Satan was not happy at the worship of our God that has been taking place this week, much less the lives added to the kingdom and those being freed from the chains of slavery in our own country.

As I continued to watch the live stream from tonights session, the tears streamed down my face. I was so mad that someone would use such a similar site address for their filth. I was upset in general over my mistake. Also, as sick as I was over it, I wondered how upset God gets over my own sin. How many times have I mocked or done and thought things just as degrading? 

The session was closing and Chris Tomlin was closing with a song which includes these lines: 
"You crush the enemy underneath my feet.............. And nothing formed against me shall stand"

We do fight against the rulers of the darkness in this world, but I am so glad that "The God of angel armies is always by my side." Grateful that He used a friend to help fight the battle tonight and my husband to encourage me and remind me Whose side I am on.

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." Romans 16:20

Out of Order

So, our internet has been "out of order" off and on for several months now. Very frustrating when you are in the middle of Season 1 of Revenge on Netflix and it decides to shut down! Or, when I need to post grades and look for school ideas. 
Tonight, I was as busy as a bee cleaning the house. I was really wanting to get on Facebook or check email, but as I looked over to the computer, I could see the lights blinking on and off, letting me know it was down again. As I continued to clean, several thoughts, A.K.A. convictions, ran through my head. It went something like this:
Just the other night Bro. Dennis spoke of how we spend our time surfing the web, watching TV, and filling it with busy- stuff, when we should be spending more time in prayer and the word. As I found myself "busy" cleaning, I realized that if the internet had not been out, I would probably been "busy" surfing. I found a stopping point, and read over a devotion or two. Then, got back to cleaning and getting the kids to bed.
As I continued to clean, the Holy Spirit continued to speak. Funny how He's done that twice recently when I've been cleaning! I think He had something to say to me about this subject! 
We put our Christmas tree and decorations up this past weekend. But, with the crazy week before, I really had not cleaned like I needed to before decorating. Oh, well. Jason had the boxes down from the attic before I could get too much done. So, decorate we did. I finished up most of it on Saturday, then slipped into my mini-coma on Sunday afternoon. On Monday night, I decide to clean! Now, not only was the internet "Out of Order." My extensive cleaning should have come well before decorating- but I had been more concerned about making everything pretty and festive, getting it finished,  and overlooked the dust and dirt that lay near. (A LOT of dust!) Immediately I was reminded of the Scripture that mentions our whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside but full of dead bones and unclean things on the inside. Which then brought me back to thinking about getting on Facebook, and posting my 5th day of Thanks, but wondering if that was just for appearance? Have I walked in a grateful attitude the rest of the day?  I am guilty- of being a Martha, busy about the housework and at times, more concerned with appearance rather than approaching the Father. I had to spend a little time confessing, needless to say!
I truly am grateful and am trying to be mindful of not taking things for granted this Thanksgiving season, but am also grateful for the Spirit's reminder to not get things "out of order" again!

Painting with a Purpose

 As I prepared the devotion for Painting with a Purpose last week, I got to thinking about the whole painting process. 
Our lives seemed to be represented by the blank white canvas. We all have one; we are born with one yet unfolded- our life story. Basically, as our pastor and others have said, it's what that dash represents between our birth date and death date on our tombstone. 

The paintbrushes represent the tools God has given us- our gifts, talents and circles of influence. I can't touch the lives of all that you may, just as you can't necessarily touch the lives that I can. We are all put in a different circle of influence for different reasons. We are all given different spiritual gifts, if we are born of the Spirit, and we all have certain talents that God has bestowed upon us. These tools are what help us paint that canvas. But, we must have paint or color.

And, we all do. These paints are made up of our life experiences. Some are bright; others are dark. Some are similar shades of blue or red, but each is specific for each one of us. My colors will be different than yours because you have not experienced the same things that I have. But, I must decide how to allow God to use those colors of my life upon my canvas.

Just as Katie showed us by example how to paint our own picture, so does the Lord. He guides us, gives us advice from His word, and shows us step by step how to use our tools and colors so that in the end, He is glorified. We have to choose to listen to Him or not, to let Him show us how to use the colors we've been given to reflect His light.

We can just sit there, leaving our canvas blank, maybe because we don't like the colors He's allowed on our pallet. Or maybe we do not agree with the brushes He's given us to use. 

As we painted that night, I noticed that some paid close attention to the details of their work. They took pride in it and took it seriously. Some tired quickly, ready to give up and call it quits. Others used the colors they were given, stayed as close to the instructors example as possible. Many added details that others did not. 

Not one of the canvas' looked alike, when we were all done. And they shouldn't. Our lives will not look exactly like another's because each one of us has our own specific purpose and way of allowing God to use what He's given us to honor Him. 
Yes, God is the focal point of our life canvas, but we first must allow Him to be. We have to make that choice to let Him be our painting Master. Only then can He use our colors and brushes to make much of Himself.

A question for myself: What does my canvas look like? 

"So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place..." Hebrews 6:1 - The Message

20 seconds in the water

I felt a need to follow up from yesterday's post after today's events......no, not Phelps winning another gold; although, that is an amazing accomplishment- 22 medals, 18 gold.


But that's not it.
Today was the annual Back to School Ski Day for the youth. I've only been twice. I wasn't planning on getting on a boat, much less in the water. I wasn't dressed to swim, but since my own kids were going tubing, I decided to ride along and watch them. We'd been out for a while, and stopped for the kids to take a break and just swim. As I sat near the edge of the boat, Jason (along with Danielle), gave me a push into the water. I was half expecting it, yet didn't really think they would do it, since I was fully clothed and not wearing a swimsuit.
I think I went in screaming at them. It felt like I was taking forever to come back up and I guess I panicked and got water in my nose or mouth and could not catch my breath as I came up. I was also worried about losing my contacts. Jason yelled "Are you ok?" and I shook my head no.
Thankfully, he jumped in to help me get back to the boat.
I can swim, although I don't very often. I always have to hold my nose whenever I do jump in- which is not very often at all! It was a scary moment; looking back I probably looked like an idiot, and felt like one too.

So, coming off of my blog last night, closing with the fact that it's time for me to get "out of the water", only to literally find myself in the water today, I thought some more about yesterday's thoughts.


What I learned today: 
We weren't made to spend our lives in the water.We don't have fins or gills. Our bodies are not capable of only functioning in the water. Sure, we may be able to float for a while, or tread water. We can enjoy swimming and water sports, but have to rest at some point. We certainly aren't made to breathe under water. If we try, we'd end up like me, choked, coughing and sputtering until someone jumps in to help us.


It further reminded me of my word from the Lord last night. We are not meant to sit around, focusing on the things of this world. We are told to "seek first the kingdom of God."  We are to be investing in what will last. 
One thing I'm reminded of that my father-in-law has said many times: "People matter to God." I need to spend more of my time investing in the lives of those around me, encouraging others, and being encouraged. I need to spend more time in prayer, in reading the Word, so I will know how to invest my time and talents wisely. I am praying the Lord daily reminds me of this. 
I wish I had a picture of me coming up out of the water- I could put it on my bathroom mirror. That would be an interesting reminder!


Sometimes we jump in on our own. Sometimes we are pushed in by those around us. But try to live there, and you'll find out very quickly that you can't. 


I'm feeling tired now. Must be from all that swimming I did today. Ha! 
Whether its 20 seconds, 20 minutes or 20 years of living in the "water," it has a way of wearing us down.


"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:18

20 years in the water

I've been watching the Olympics- ok, well at least gymnastics and volleyball, some swimming and diving. The rest of it doesn't really interest me. I mean, there are some we just don't hear much about. Does anybody know who the fencing champion is? What about the best contender in the canoe sprint? No, me either.

As I watch, the first thing I think about is how I really did dream (for a short time in 1984) to be the next Mary Lou. I know now that was never even an option, as my parents sacrificed what they did have to send us to the school we attended. Gymnastics wasn't in the picture. I was a cheerleader in high school- that's as close as I got! But, a girls gotta dream, right?

But this week as I've watched- especially the swimming- I've been thinking about some things. I had said to Jason earlier in the week that Phelps came across arrogant, after hearing an interview or two. His reply was simply, "He's earned it." The greatest Olympian in history. Maybe so. After hearing more interviews, I've changed my opinion I guess.

After tonight's win of his 21st medal, 17 of which are GOLD, I looked up a little history on Phelps. I found out he'd been swimming since he was seven years old. 

He's spent 20 years of his life, give or take some days, in the water. Hours and hours of training, I'm sure getting up early, sacrificing who knows what- probably nothing close to what most would call a normal life. And all for what? Well, 21 Olympic medals so far.

Probably the same could be said for any athlete there competing- a lot of time and energy put into that one goal.

They invest all of their lives trying to attain the gold.

But even as Tim Daggett commentated the USA women's gymnastics team receiving their medals, he said himself that it was just a blur to him now, having also received a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics.

I'm not bashing the Olympics or dreaming dreams. I'm a teacher. Of course I want children to have goals and see some dreams come true. 

In the eternal scheme of things, it's all for naught. As I was thinking about this, and just thinking of Phelps, "Well, he's laying up for himself treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupts," the Lord spoke to me. Yes, right there on our futon after watching Michael win. Don't you just love it when He does that? He put me in my place, I tell ya!

Here is what He said: How much time have you spent in the "water," Jennifer? How much of your life have you spent striving for this or that, which makes no eternal difference whatsoever? How much time and energy have you wasted on a "title" or a "record" or recognition for something that basically doesn't amount to a hill of beans? How much money have you spent (ouch!) on stuff instead of souls? How much time have I slept away, watched away, or googled away?  I can tell you I'm sure I've spent way more time on the temporal than I have the eternal. I'm sure I have missed out on plenty of opportunities to minister because I was too caught up in whatever my "gold goal" was at the time.

I don't know what Michael will find himself doing after these Olympics are over. As for me, maybe it's time to get out of the water. 

Matthew 6:19-20- "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

Another thing I've thought about while watching the Olympics: How long does it take these commentators learn how to pronounce all these names?