We were in the gospel of Luke today, learning about the "WHY" of Christmas.
It made me think of a question someone recently asked me, "Do you think of the birth of Christ as a story or a message?"
How do you think of the birth of Jesus?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Growing UP-Monday!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Growing UP! Monday
I'm a bit behind in putting up my post today. It's almost lunchtime for many of you on the east coast!
As you can see, timeliness is not one of my strong points. Nor is order or organization for that matter. As a time-manager - I would have been fired years ago. I'm pathetic.
Distraction is the first step to my disorder. Just like the mosquito in the Disney movie "A Bugs Life", distracted by the bug-zapper "...but it's soooo beautiful." I too suffer the consequences of a distracted life.
Last night I cleaned out my closet, attempting to put away my summer clothes to make room for my winter wardrobe. I began with gusto, blouses and Capri's flying through the air in a ballet of colors. Within seconds my productivity did an about face as I perused through pictures, old cards, mementos and anything else that happened to get in my way.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is it took me four excruciatingly painful hours to organize a teeny-tiny closet.
So, what am I learning? That I CANNOT do this organization thing in my own strength. While reading Colossians this morning I read this...
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16
The part that hit me over the head was the last part back there, all things were created by him and for him. This gives me hope. Since He's the one who created me, He's the only one who can fix me. Just like an auto mechanic who knows how to fix his car, God put me together, so He knows how to best fix my disorderly-unorganized ways.
I'm definitely going to have to lean on Him for help here. I should have asked for some assistance BEFORE I embarked on a four-hour closet tour last night!
So, what about you? How are you growing? What have you been learning about our great and marvelous God?
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Growing UP! Monday
Recently, I've enjoyed the company of older Christians. When I first met some of these people I immediately judged them.
I know. Not my job. Sadly, it's the part-time job I ask forgiveness for more often than I care to admit.
After scratching the surface in our conversations, what I first took for weak faith I discovered instead to be quiet faith. Like an old oak tree, unwavering and resolute - not loud or puffed up. I've judged wrongly by judging at all. Especially by thinking a person who peppered conversations with the name of Jesus is a stronger Christian than those who show Jesus in their day to day actions.
As a writer, we are told to "show don't tell". The same could be said about my faith. I believe more people need to see my love of Christ through my outward life. Not just hear me tell them.
I'm learning lately that I've still got ALOT to learn. Walking this road with Jesus, sometimes like a child who just learned to roller skate...I want to think I have things all figured out.
There could be nothing farther from the truth.
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Cor. 2:2
So, what about you? How are you growing? What have you been learning about our great and marvelous God?
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Growing UP! Monday
We are going through 1Peter at our church. Our pastor spoke on holiness and what it means to be holy. A life set-apart for Christ is the first step towards our holy priesthood.
There are lots of ways we can set apart our lives for Him. Reading the Bible and going to church are only a few of them. How about what TV shows we watch, what friends we hang out with, what words come out of our mouths, or maybe what we put into our mouths? (That one really hit a nerve with me!)
I'm up ten pounds and have been just awful at paying close attention to what I eat. Today it hit me that I am not glorifying the Lord by treating my body, the temple of His Holy Spirit, in a way that is far from God honoring. It's time I make a few changes.
So, what about you? How are you growing? What have you been learning about our great and marvelous God? Did your Bible study hit home recently? Or, maybe your pastor or a friend shared a scripture that spoke right to your heart?
Share it on Growing UP! Monday.
Please share the love and add the above button to your site with a link back to Blessed..., so people can find you.
Lets all grow UP together!
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Growing UP! Monday
So, what about you? How are you growing? What have you been learning about our great and marvelous God? Did your Bible study hit home recently? Or, maybe your pastor or a friend shared a scripture that spoke right to your heart?
Share it on Growing UP! Monday.
Please share the love and add the above button to your site with a link back to Blessed..., and make sure to add your blog to McKlinky below so people can find you.
Lets all grow UP together!
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Growing UP! Monday
Welcome friends, I thought it would be fun to check in with other sisters and brothers around the world. We are the body of Christ, all of us growing and learning so we can be used by Him and for Him.
The long arm of the Internet has made our huge world quite small. What a blessing it is to talk to other believers in countries all across the globe!
So, what about you? How are you growing from His word? What is it you are learning about our great and marvelous God? Did your Bible study hit home this week? Or, has your pastor recently taught you something that spoke right to your heart? Share it on Growing UP! Monday.
Don't forget to add the above button to your site, and make sure to add your blog to McKlinky below, so we can all grow UP together!
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16