Is God’s Word White Noise? July 3, 2009

When our third baby was born he slept in our room for months.  To help with the noise we started using a fan.  It helped newborn Jesse and his parents to sleep better.  25 years later we still need our white noise.

In Counsel from the Cross (the book I mentioned in Monday’s post) Elyse Fitzpatrick talks about her close proximity to one of the busiest highways in California.  Over time she has learned to ignore the constant hum of traffic, saying:

“While I am thankful for this innate ability to ignore unimportant, repetitive sound, I’m afraid that we don’t do a very good job differentiating between what we need to pay attention to and what can be safely ignored.  To be more specific, I fear that familiarity with certain biblical concepts is liable to make them seem insignificant to us.  I’m afraid that we unintentionally strip certain concepts of importance and prominence and relegate them to the category of white noise — we recognize they are there, but we just don’t pay much attention to them.”

Along with the other questions I’ve mentioned this week, I’m wanting to insure that God’s word doesn’t become white noise to me.  The author of Hebrews says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (4:12).

As a blog team, we want to investigate our hearts.  Has God’s word — in part or in whole — become white noise?  Something humming in the background of our decisions, convictions, behavior and affections?  Are there imperatives of Scripture that we functionally view as optional?  Through neglect, are we not consistently applying the living, active, penetrating, discerning and infallible truths in the Bible to every area of our lives?  Is our passionate assertion of love for God’s word backed up by our daily lives, or do we believe its righteous and good commands are fine…unless our children are driving us crazy or we just had to dish out hundreds of unplanned dollars on a car repair bill or a friend said something insensitive when she should have known what time of the month it is?

Join us next week for our thoughts on what this all looks like in our lives. White noise is a great thing when we’re falling asleep.  But a dangerous way to view God’s holy word.  Help me, Lord.

Posted by Sheree

Is God’s Word Really Sufficient? July 1, 2009

Some months ago Benny and I attended a counseling conference with some friends.  It wasn’t just any counseling conference, but one that emphasizes the rightful place of Scripture in the process of change in a Christian’s life.

We enjoyed the rich teaching of people we deeply respect for their biblically sound approach to sanctification (the process of change).  We were also struck by how blessed we are to be in a movement of churches whose leaders have consistently taught us to esteem God’s word in our lives and churches; resisting the temptation to rely on our subjective feelings rather than the objective truths it teaches.

Yet throughout the conference I was convicted by how frequently I look to things other than God’s word for help, hope and change.  Here’s a peak into some thoughts I’ve had recently:

• “Maybe if I just say it this way Benny will see I’m right about what we should do in this situation.”
• “The next time with meet with this couple for marriage counseling we need to encourage them to do this…then they’ll have the breakthrough they need.”
• “I just need to try again to persuade my son to listen to my perspective on this…”
• “I’ve got to start being more honest with her about how her disrespect of her husband is affecting their marriage.
• “Oh good, she’s getting together with a godly woman for help with her problem.  Whew.  I feel better.”

I’m not saying that it’s wrong to make second appeals to my husband when I feel strongly about a decision; share practical suggestions that might help a struggling couple; counsel or correct my son; offer loving observations to a friend about a perceived sin pattern in her life; or be grateful for the counsel and help of a wise older woman in the  life of a younger woman I love. Here are some questions I’ve been asking myself lately:

How often do I put my hope in human wisdom — rather than to God’s infallible word and the promise of His indwelling Spirit — for change in myself and others?

Do I hold up the mirror of God’s word and the truths the gospel promises in my fight against discouragement over my sin?  Or do I crave the encouragement and comfort of my family and friends to help see if there’s been progress in my life?

Am I quick to allow my children’s sin to tempt me to doubt God’s faithfulness, rather than trusting the promise of scripture that He will complete the work He has started in them?

Do I allow myself license to give in to fear and worry?  Or do I agree with God’s word that these are sinful reactions to undesirable or unplanned acts of His providence in my life, church and family?

Do I honestly believe in the strength, power and wisdom of God’s word?  (Theologians call this efficacy, which means “the power to produce the intended affect.”)  Or do I believe my insight or perspective will make the difference?

In short, who and what do I believe is the sure source of help, hope and change?  People (including me) — or God’s Spirit and word?

Even as I write this post my heart is freshly convicted.

Lord, please forgive me for my man-centered thinking.  Why is it that I so often run first to myself or others for wisdom?  Because of Your workings in my heart, I love Your word!  Yet I so effortlessly look to man for evaluation, hope and help.  I have benefited so much from the correction, encouragement and help of others; thank you for surrounding me with family and friends who eagerly help me in my desire to be more like You.  But help me to lean on Your word and Your Spirit for the change that only You can do in me and in those I love.  The gospel promises me all I need; help me to look there first, Lord.

Posted by Sheree

Loving and Trusting God’s Word June 29, 2009

Today we’re starting a new series and a new posting format.  New posts will be done 3 days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (rather than daily, Monday through Friday as in the past).  This will serve us as a team, and will hopefully serve you as well, as we all attempt to use our time wisely…and not spend excessive time each week on the computer!

Our new series on “Loving and Trusting God’s Word” stems from some personal thoughts of mine of late.  Over the recent months I’ve been thinking about what or who I rely on to access both evidences of grace or areas of needed change in my and others’ lives:

• Do I look to people for primary help to see my sin and what change should look like?
• Do I inordinately rely on encouragement (or lack of it?) from my family to evaluate myself as a wife, mother and homemaker?
• Am I confident in the self-assessment of progress  (or lack of it?) in various areas of my life?
• How much weight do I place on my opinions, feelings or “sense” both about areas of needed change and of progress that’s been made in myself, Benny, the kids or friends?
• Do I believe some circumstances or sins (in myself or others) are probably never going to change?
• Do I define for myself and others what godliness, growth or change should look like?

I am reading a new book by Bruce Ware called, Big Truths for Young Hearts. Dr. Ware wrote this book in response to the request of his adult daughters for help in training their own children “to know and love God through raising them to know and love the theology” they learned from their dad.  It’s a delightful book for children with short chapters on God’s nature and character for parents to read and discuss with them.

Um…children like me.

Of God’s infallible word he says, “[B]ecause the Bible is from God, it is also very helpful and useful in causing us to grow as we should.  Or think of it like this:  because the Bible is what it is (it is the Word of God), it can do what it does (it is profitable to help us grow and be equipped for every good work).”  How wonderful for children to learn from an early age that the Bible is the most profitable and accurate tool to assess both our need for change and the process by which we change.  What good news, both for them and their parents (and grandparents!).

In another must-read Elyse Fitzpatrick’s new book entitled Counsel from the Cross (which is not just for biblical counselors but for people like you and me who just want help with our own questions, struggles and need for change) says:  “Our answer to the question — What is wrong with people (including me)?  How can they [and I] be helped? — comes from the Bible because we distrust merely human diagnosis of what’s really wrong with us and because we recognize our utter powerlessness to effect deep change in anyone by our own efforts.”

While the assessment, counsel and help from others is important — and it is required of us by God’s word to humbly solicit — God’s holy Word is the most reliable and profitable source for help and change.

So for a couple of weeks we’re going to talk about this.  We hope you join us.

Posted by Sheree

Now let’s Pray for our KIDS! June 26, 2009

I love the 4th of July!  It is a good reminder to pray for those who are fighting to keep our freedoms. 

But today I’m thinking of my need to pray for my children.  Just as there is a battle raging throughout the world that requires that freedom be protected, there is a battle raging from within and from without our children.

They have an enemy from without.  He is the one who seeks to “rob, kill and destroy” their freedom to worship and serve the One who died to ransom them.  This means the Savior paid the price necessary to buy them back from their captivity to sin and Satan.  The price was His very own life!

They also have an enemy from within their own hearts.  Indwelling sin seeks to take them captive to worldliness, lust, greed, idolatry and spiritual malaise.  This enemy is within us, too, tempting us to dull assumptions that God is in control so do we really need to pray?

Young mother, please pray for your children.  Pray that those who are yet unsaved will experience the conviction of sin and understand their need for a Savior.  Pray for those who are regenerate — that they will experience the strength and power to resist sin and to humbly see their ongoing need for a Savior to walk and grow in godliness.  Pray for each of your children to be visited by the Holy Spirit’s presence and power and that those who have not experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit will receive this precious gift.

In fact, I’m stopping now to pray for my children and grandchildren.  Perhaps you can stop now, too, and ask the Lord to give you the words to pray for your children.  A mother’s prayers are one of the very best expressions of our love for them.

Posted by Sheree

Pray for our Troops June 25, 2009

While we were enjoying barbecues, fireworks, family and friends yesterday thousands of families were seperated from their loved ones because of their sacrificial service to our country.  As moms it is a privilege to instruct our children about the importance of prayer.  Did you know that you can adopt a member of our Armed Services to pray for as a family?  It’s easy to sign-up and only eternity will reveal the effects that your prayers had on this individual.  What a great follow-up to our nation’s birthday – to pray daily for someone who is making a difference.

Posted by Debi

4th of July Do’s and Don’ts June 24, 2009

Do take advantage of any and all Buy One Get One Free sales on Fireworks.

Do Not wait until 3 pm to grill your burgers,  it will be raining.

Do let your kids stay up late to watch all the fireworks, the loud bangs are going to keep them up anyway.

Do not tell your husband about his red mustache from all of the snow cones he has been eating.

Do meditate on Scripture to battle fear when you use all of those Buy One Get One Free fireworks in your driveway.

Do Not become angry if you can’t find hamburger buns at Publix on the 4th of July.

Do take pictures of your kids waving sparklers in the air.

Do not hold your breath the entire time they are waving them.

Do laugh at yourself when your kids point out your blue tongue from all of the snow cones you have been eating.

Don’t forget to thank God for the country you live in, for the freedoms you have, especially the freedom to worship the Savior freely!!

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Posted by Taraleigh

A Brave Girl June 23, 2009

Today we offer you a short story from the Revolutionary War about a young girl who was indeed quite brave that you can read to your children.  May this be a reminder of God’s great blessing on our country in allowing us to live freely.  Take time to pray for those serving us in the military – for they show bravery daily that we may never read about, yet God sees.  And more than that, He cares for every detail of their lives.
For simple ideas to celebrate the Fourth, check out this site!

By James Johonnot

(Adapted)

In the year 1781 the war was chiefly carried on in the
South, but the North was constantly troubled by bands of Tories and Indians,
who would swoop down on small settlements and make off with whatever they could
lay their hands on.

During this time General Schuyler was staying at his house,
which stood just outside the stockade or walls of Albany. The British commander sent out a
party of Tories and Indians to capture the general.

When they reached the outskirts of the city they learned
from a Dutch laborer that the general’s house was guarded by six soldiers,
three watching by night and three by day. They let the Dutchman go, and as soon
as the band was out of sight he hastened to Albany and warned the general of their
approach.

Schuyler gathered his family in one of the upper rooms of
his house, and giving orders that the doors and windows should be barred, fired
a pistol from a top-story window, to alarm the neighborhood.

The soldiers on guard, who had been lounging in the shade
of a tree, started to their feet at the sound of the pistol – but, alas! too
late, for they found themselves surrounded by a crowd of dusky forms, who bound
them hand and foot, before they had time to resist.

In the room upstairs was the sturdy general, standing
resolutely at the door, with gun in hand, while his black slaves were gathered
about him, each with a weapon. At the other end of the room the women were
huddled together, some weeping and some praying.

Suddenly a deafening crash was heard. The Indian band had
broken into the house. With loud shouts they began to pillage and to destroy
everything in sight. While they were yet busy downstairs, Mrs. Schuyler sprang
to her feet and rushed to the door – for she had suddenly remembered that the
baby, who was only a few months old, was asleep in its cradle in a room on the
first floor.

The general caught his wife in his arms, and implored her
not to go to certain death, saying that if any one was to go he would. While
this generous struggle between husband and wife was going on, their young
daughter, who had been standing near the door, glided by them, and descended
the stairs.

All was dark in the hall, excepting where the light
shone from the dining-room in which the Indians were pillaging the shelves and fighting
over their booty. How to get past the dining-room door was the question, but
the brave girl did not hesitate. Reaching the lower hall, she walked very
deliberately forward, softly but quickly passing the door, and unobserved
reached the room in which was the cradle.

She caught up the baby, crept back past the open door, and
was just mounting the stairs, when one of the savages happened to see her.

“WHIZ”–and his sharp tomahawk struck the stair
rail within a few inches of the baby’s head. But the frightened girl hurried
on, and in a few seconds was safe in her father’s arms.

As for the Indians, fearing an attack from the near-by
garrison, they hastened away with the booty they had collected, and left General
Schuyler and his family unharmed.

Posted by Debi

Monday Miscellanea June 22, 2009

My husband and I recently took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University course, and we really enjoyed it.   He recommends a web site that looks quite helpful to busy moms in all seasons;  It’s called E-Mealz and it’s founders are two busy moms just like us!  For only $5 a month they provide you with 7 meals a week that are easy to follow and kid-tested – this plan serves 4 – 6.  They also offer a 5 night plan that serves 2.  Not only do they give you the recipes they also provide a shopping list with the weekly prices from several grocery stores.  They have points only meals, low fat meals, and low carb meals for those who are health conscious.  It sounds like a great service that provides not only time savings, but money savings as well.

You can learn all about it by clicking HERE!

Posted by Debi

For the rest of the week we will be re-posting Fourth of July ideas, stories, and other fun stuff from a couple of years ago.  We hope you can use this to prepare your family to celebrate our freedom for the next couple of weeks!  

Fried (Green) Pickles June 19, 2009

Mmmmm! This is my absolute favorite-est snack! If they sound weird, give them a chance. I think you’ll see what I’m talking about. The hardest part about making these is waiting until they’re cooled off enough to eat. Oh, my mouth is watering – gimme a call when you make these!

Ingredients:

1 egg, beaten

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 (32 ounce) jar sliced dill pickles, drained

1 quart vegetable oil for deep-frying

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, 1 tablespoon of flour, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate bowl, stir together the remaining flour, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or heavy deep skillet. Dip pickle slices into the milk mixture, then into the flour mixture. Repeat dipping.

Place the pickles carefully into the hot oil. Avoid over crowding by frying in several batches. Fry until pickles float to the surface, and are golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.

Yields: 16 servings

Posted by Jennifer

Summer Peaches June 18, 2009

One of my favorite things about summer is fresh Georgia Peaches.  I grew up in Georgia and as far as I am concerned no peaches are quite as good as Georgia Peaches.  If you are ever traveling through the state there is an amazing place called the Lane Southern Orchard.  It is a little south of Macon, GA in Fort Valley, right off of I-75.  I promise it is well worth your while to go out of your way to stop by.  Not only do they sell the best peaches, picked right from their orchards by the crate, they also have every kind of peach food you can imagine…..Peach jam, peach pie, peach BBQ sauce, peach candy, etc……..You can get more info on them by looking at their website here  http://www.lanesouthernorchards.com/     If  you have the time you can even tour their packing plant and their orchards.  It is one of the highlights of our summer to stop there on our way to anywhere that is even reasonably close.  When we finally get home with our crates of peaches one of the things I like to make is peach ice-cream.  This is a great and easy recipe from Southern Living.  Enjoy!

Summertime Peach Ice Cream