A heavy heart

One of the states we lived in when I was younger was Arizona. There we were blessed as my Aunt, Uncle and four cousins lived there. Lynne was "much" older than I, I was 11 she was 16 and beautiful. Scott and Steve...the twins were about 13 and Sherry 12. Sherry was the big sister I never had, I loved her antics. The twins were mischief in a 2 pack. Being identical twins, there was often funny pranks going on with that. We would "camp" in their back yard, playing in the pool, running through the neighborhood (a time when this was safe after dark).

We went camping to Flagstaff...I remember so clearly watching the boys especially get quiet and in awe as snow fell from the skies. That lead to snowball fights, snowmen and a cold night.


It did not take long for us (the kids) to become fast friends. That time in my childhood was the best. One of those times where if I could grab any moment in time to revisit that would be the time.

Years go, we move around and are pretty much out of touch, by my heart is still knit to them. We were reunited a couple of years ago for the first time. Despite the gray hair, grandchildren and other signs of the years past, it was as if we were never separated.

Last Thursday, Scott was in hospital, he suffered a massive stroke. He is currently paralysed on the right side of his body. My heart has been with them in prayer diligently since this happened. My heart aches for his twin, for never have there been closer brothers. For his sisters, his mother and his beloved, Stacy. For his children who now face the mortality of their father for the first time.

Father God. You are the great physician, the healer of all. I pray that you grant this family peace in the long jouney that is now before them. I pray that you shall grant miracles that are in such a way that they will be recognized as only from you Lord that you will draw those to you who do not yet follow you, and be a great blessing and testimony for those who do.

Comfort the family as they deal with the daily battles as they adjust to Scott's new challenges. Love them Lord God.
AMEN


****UPDATE As of today. Scotts BP is still high when his meds wear off. Tests are being done to find the cause. He is talking, but somewhat slurred especially when he is tired. He still cannot eat as he is aspirating his food :( . But he is slowly regaining use and feeling on his right side. God is Good!

Modesty...Do not conform to this world!

With having an 8 year old girl in a home with two brothers, I am endevouring to teach her that the ways of the world are not the way to walk. Modesty is a part of this.

This really struck home when we were invited to a friend's house and they had a hottub. One of the members of the family lent my princess as 2 piece bathing suit. I let her wear it...with an oversize dark tshirt over it, not much help when she was soaking wet, but at least flesh was not hanging out all over.

I recall sitting in church and a woman who was there regularly, barely had any fabric covering her body, my husband tried not to look but I could tell he found her lack of clothing a distraction from worship. I looked a the little boys next to me, and thought of the verse in which we are instructed not to cause our brothers to stumble. Doesn't this woman realize that she causes men to look at her not the Lord? I felt sorry for my sweet husband and other men in the church who struggled not to look but found the temptation right in their face! I wondered about her two teenage sons and what example she has set in selecting their future wives, and was overwhelmed with sadness for them. (I still pray that God will guard their hearts and show them what God desires for them).

I find this harder and harder with each passing year. The "fashions" and clothing available for little girls becomes racier all the time. I don't know how to sew well and oftentimes the places that carry "modest" clothing are way out of my budget. I don't have a lot of time to teach myself how to sew, and I suspect that the patterns available now will reflect the fashion of the day. (what does God care of fashion?)

As I was looking for frugal ideas, I ran across the blog above, what a wonderful blog jam packed with information to aid in a woman's walk with our Lord. The link above is a checklist for modesty...I think I will print it out and post it where my princess and I can see it. I will share this with my husband as well, to help me guide this little girl as God would want her to be.

Christian Hedonism

Last Sunday the subject of Christian Hedonism and a book by John Piper came up. Actually our bible study class has selected this for their next study, and when I saw the title "Desiring God" I was excited about what we would learn. Then I saw what it was about...excuse me while I scream...why for a moment do our churches think that if we take a sin (hedonism) and attach the word "Christian" to it that it suddenly becomes okay?

I guess under that guise, we have seen so many attrocities...All in the "name of Christ".

Not really sure of what they were getting at (for I confess I had not opened my book to do my daily studies), I listened to these people try to put pieces together to justify putting their personal Happiness as the primary reason to worship God.

SO, once I got home I looked up the words

Christian: 1 a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ b (1) : disciple


Hedonism: 1 : the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life
2 : a way of life based on or suggesting the principles of hedonism

Based solely on the definitions, placing them together is an oxymoron. They cannot co-exist. You either put God first or yourself first...right? How can I put my happiness before God and still say it is well with my soul?

Jesus said to take up your cross and follow me...he did not add in "If it makes you happy". I could not think of one example of when MY LORD put himself and his fleshly desire above the will of the Father. I cannot find one example of the apostles teaching that my happiness should be the sole purpose to worship God.

Again, I will go to church, express my thoughts on this, and leave the class if they choose to study it. I will take a book for my to study while they entrench themselves in sinful teaching. Lord, give me the words that I should not dishonor you! Amen