When a homeschooled student won the National Spelling Bee I heard all about it from many homeschooling families, but when a homeschooler won Miss America, all was quiet on the homeschool front. Why is that? Are we just a bit ashamed? Are we worried that the world will now see us as vain and self-absorbed because she won a beauty pageant instead of an academic award? I would hope that is not the case. (Yes, I know that Miss America must be talented, poised, and intelligent, but we all realize she doesn't have a hope of making on stage if she isn't pretty too.)
Consider this. Our magnificent God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy. He made beauty and gave us the capacity to appreciate it. Not only that, He made us beautiful. Just try reading Song of Solomon. When we look at a gorgeous sunset or the majesty of the Grand Canyon do we shy away from commenting on the beauty and splendor of the view? No, like our Maker we appreciate that which is beautiful.
Yes, we are a youth and beauty obsessed culture, but let us not swing the pendulum too far in the opposite direction. It would be just as sinful to deny the beauty that the Lord has placed here on earth for us to enjoy as it is to worship it.
Let us congratulate this young lady on her achievements. Let us appreciate the way the Lord has created her (and all of us) in His image. Let us remember to pray for her; that she use this gift that she has been given to glorify Him and not herself.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Mulligans and Meditations
I can not tell you how many times that I have thought, "I should have done this instead". From actions to food choices to things that I have said, I have often wished that I could have the last 10 minutes back for a redo. I should have played a game with the kids instead of sitting in front of the tv. I should have eaten an apple instead of a candy bar. I should have said that in a gentler way. It would be nice if life were like golf and we could have mulligans.
Since do overs are not possible, it is even more important for us to decide ahead of time what our actions will be. We can make plans to help us avoid some of those situations where we find ourselves regretting our decisions over and over. We can unplug the tv (or even get rid of it) and carry healthy snacks with us when we are out and only stock them in the house. The best way that I can think of to prepare ourselves to make the wisest choices is to meditate on the Word of God. His word is truth and life to those who will listen.
If that is the case, knowing the Bible inside and out can only be beneficial to us. Of course, meditating is more than just knowing what the Bible has to say, but knowing the words is a start. Considering them, figuring out how they apply to our life, praying over them, and memorizing them are all steps that follow. If I know what God has to say about my thoughts and actions and how He feels about my choices, I just might start taking them more seriously and thinking ahead a little more often.
Since do overs are not possible, it is even more important for us to decide ahead of time what our actions will be. We can make plans to help us avoid some of those situations where we find ourselves regretting our decisions over and over. We can unplug the tv (or even get rid of it) and carry healthy snacks with us when we are out and only stock them in the house. The best way that I can think of to prepare ourselves to make the wisest choices is to meditate on the Word of God. His word is truth and life to those who will listen.
If that is the case, knowing the Bible inside and out can only be beneficial to us. Of course, meditating is more than just knowing what the Bible has to say, but knowing the words is a start. Considering them, figuring out how they apply to our life, praying over them, and memorizing them are all steps that follow. If I know what God has to say about my thoughts and actions and how He feels about my choices, I just might start taking them more seriously and thinking ahead a little more often.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dumbo is Behind the Castle
My kids and I went to the "Laugh All Night" show at First Baptist of Orlando last night. Taylor Mason had us in stitches as usual. He is such a very talented man and a joy to listen to. The other comedian we heard, Kenn Kington, had me doing some serious thinking.
Kenn was telling us about his first trip to Disney World with his 5 and 6 year old boys. First, they enjoyed breakfast with the characters. This was a huge hit with the boys, especially when Mickey Mouse came out. In fact, when breakfast was over and it was time for them to head over to the Magic Kingdom, the boys just wanted to stay at the restaurant with Mickey. Dad kept offering the joys of Disney World, but the boys were happy with their pal Mickey. Dad finally spotted the monorail and the enticement of a train ride was enough to move the pair to the park gates.
At the entrance, the boys once again balked wanting to stay on the train and not go to Disney World. Dad dragged them through the park gates against their wishes only to have the tears stop when they caught sight of the castle. When Dad explained that Dumbo was on the other side of the castle and the boys could actually ride on Dumbo, they were off. Of course, he again faced their lack of enthusiasm for the unknown after the Dumbo ride was over. Dad finally sat them down and explained that he had been to Disney World before, he knew plenty of things the boys would enjoy there, and if they would just trust him, he promised that they would have a wonderful time and lots of fun. The boys did finally decide to trust Dad and enjoyed their time at the Magic Kingdom.
Many of us have had that experience with young ones on their first trip to Disney. We find it hard to understand what we have done to them in the past that would make afraid to trust that we have something great in store for them. But aren't we like that with God? How many times have I told God, " No, that is okay. I'll just stay right here where I am safe, comfortable and happy." God gently takes us by the hand and leads us on to the bigger and better displays of who He is and what He has done for us. Even in our most difficult and trying times, He is walking with us and giving us the strength to go on. Next time I am tempted to tell God, "No thanks." I am going to try to remember a trip to Disney World. Maybe I will be a little more willing to put my trust in the creator of the universe. After all, He knows a lot more about the glory and joy out there than I do.
Kenn was telling us about his first trip to Disney World with his 5 and 6 year old boys. First, they enjoyed breakfast with the characters. This was a huge hit with the boys, especially when Mickey Mouse came out. In fact, when breakfast was over and it was time for them to head over to the Magic Kingdom, the boys just wanted to stay at the restaurant with Mickey. Dad kept offering the joys of Disney World, but the boys were happy with their pal Mickey. Dad finally spotted the monorail and the enticement of a train ride was enough to move the pair to the park gates.
At the entrance, the boys once again balked wanting to stay on the train and not go to Disney World. Dad dragged them through the park gates against their wishes only to have the tears stop when they caught sight of the castle. When Dad explained that Dumbo was on the other side of the castle and the boys could actually ride on Dumbo, they were off. Of course, he again faced their lack of enthusiasm for the unknown after the Dumbo ride was over. Dad finally sat them down and explained that he had been to Disney World before, he knew plenty of things the boys would enjoy there, and if they would just trust him, he promised that they would have a wonderful time and lots of fun. The boys did finally decide to trust Dad and enjoyed their time at the Magic Kingdom.
Many of us have had that experience with young ones on their first trip to Disney. We find it hard to understand what we have done to them in the past that would make afraid to trust that we have something great in store for them. But aren't we like that with God? How many times have I told God, " No, that is okay. I'll just stay right here where I am safe, comfortable and happy." God gently takes us by the hand and leads us on to the bigger and better displays of who He is and what He has done for us. Even in our most difficult and trying times, He is walking with us and giving us the strength to go on. Next time I am tempted to tell God, "No thanks." I am going to try to remember a trip to Disney World. Maybe I will be a little more willing to put my trust in the creator of the universe. After all, He knows a lot more about the glory and joy out there than I do.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Promises, Promises
"Pinkie Swear?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye."
"Swear on a stack of Bibles."
"On my mother's life"
Oh the things we say to make others believe that what we tell them is the truth. How could they possibly doubt our ability to keep our promises? After all, would we have promised in the first place if we didn't intend to follow through? Unless, of course, a better offer comes along, it gets too difficult to follow through, the cost is greater than we planned, or they do something to make us mad.
The Bible tells us to let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. Yet we feel the need to add to these simple words as if they aren't enough. Probably because we know that we are a sinful people prone to speak before we think and to take the easy way out in life. It can't really matter if we don't take our kids to the park this afternoon. Things got busy and we can always go another day. It is okay to be late to set up for the church dinner. Other people signed up too, so there will be plenty of help. If we had known ahead of time that mortgage rates were going to go up so much so quickly, we never would have bought the house, but now it is just too hard to pay that each month so the bank can just take it back.
We press on toward the perfection that God calls us to, but the slope is great and slippery. We excuse one small infraction and pretty soon our words are meaningless so we add to them to enforce the meaning. Let's work on following the example set by our Lord and Master. No matter how seemingly impossible the promise, God always keeps His word. Sarah and Abraham laughed when He said they would have a son. They knew that they were too old and it was impossible. God kept His word anyway. Mary knew she was a virgin, but God made her the mother of Christ. Everyone knows that they fall short of the holiness God requires for salvation, but God gave his only Son to redeem His people. Sometimes it is difficult, uncomfortable, and costly, but it is always worth it in the end.
"Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye."
"Swear on a stack of Bibles."
"On my mother's life"
Oh the things we say to make others believe that what we tell them is the truth. How could they possibly doubt our ability to keep our promises? After all, would we have promised in the first place if we didn't intend to follow through? Unless, of course, a better offer comes along, it gets too difficult to follow through, the cost is greater than we planned, or they do something to make us mad.
The Bible tells us to let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. Yet we feel the need to add to these simple words as if they aren't enough. Probably because we know that we are a sinful people prone to speak before we think and to take the easy way out in life. It can't really matter if we don't take our kids to the park this afternoon. Things got busy and we can always go another day. It is okay to be late to set up for the church dinner. Other people signed up too, so there will be plenty of help. If we had known ahead of time that mortgage rates were going to go up so much so quickly, we never would have bought the house, but now it is just too hard to pay that each month so the bank can just take it back.
We press on toward the perfection that God calls us to, but the slope is great and slippery. We excuse one small infraction and pretty soon our words are meaningless so we add to them to enforce the meaning. Let's work on following the example set by our Lord and Master. No matter how seemingly impossible the promise, God always keeps His word. Sarah and Abraham laughed when He said they would have a son. They knew that they were too old and it was impossible. God kept His word anyway. Mary knew she was a virgin, but God made her the mother of Christ. Everyone knows that they fall short of the holiness God requires for salvation, but God gave his only Son to redeem His people. Sometimes it is difficult, uncomfortable, and costly, but it is always worth it in the end.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
I Lost Jesus
When I was looking for a nativity set for our home it was important to me to find one where the baby Jesus figure was separate from the manger. It is tradition for us to wait to put out the Jesus figure on Christmas Eve. This year as we were setting out our decorations I put the baby Jesus away someplace safe and obvious so that I could bring it out on the 24th. Needless to say, I can't remember where that was.
As I was searching the house, I started thinking about my Christmas preparations and expectations and realized that, unfortunately, in the midst of all that is going on, I often lost sight of Jesus. Try as I might, staying focused on the source of the joy for this season has been a struggle. I try to plan activities that will keep our family pointed in the right direction, and they do help, but it is all too easy to move on after a particular Bible reading, advent activity or other Christ focused time and move Him to the back of our minds.
I began to realize how much this is like my search for the figurine. I've been looking all over the place to make Jesus real to us this holiday. Not that that is a bad thing. It is good for us to seek to put Him first now and always, but sometimes I miss seeing Him because I am too busy looking. I might do well to remember to stop and listen, to reflect, to start my day by asking Him to reveal Himself in a special way. I think that we did better as a family focusing on Christ than we have, but until each day is totally centered on the Lord of lords, I will keep looking for Him. I hope that you will too.
As I was searching the house, I started thinking about my Christmas preparations and expectations and realized that, unfortunately, in the midst of all that is going on, I often lost sight of Jesus. Try as I might, staying focused on the source of the joy for this season has been a struggle. I try to plan activities that will keep our family pointed in the right direction, and they do help, but it is all too easy to move on after a particular Bible reading, advent activity or other Christ focused time and move Him to the back of our minds.
I began to realize how much this is like my search for the figurine. I've been looking all over the place to make Jesus real to us this holiday. Not that that is a bad thing. It is good for us to seek to put Him first now and always, but sometimes I miss seeing Him because I am too busy looking. I might do well to remember to stop and listen, to reflect, to start my day by asking Him to reveal Himself in a special way. I think that we did better as a family focusing on Christ than we have, but until each day is totally centered on the Lord of lords, I will keep looking for Him. I hope that you will too.
Monday, December 20, 2010
"But Mary"
Luke gives us such a wonderful account of the birth of our Savior. I can just picture the hustle and bustle of the crowds in Bethlehem, can't you. If you have ever been to the mall this time of year, you know what it was like. Parking spaces are at a premium, aisles are filled with shoppers, and the thing you most wanted to pick up is out of stock.
I feel for Joseph. This was not his original plan. The timing couldn't be worse. Who wants to travel all that way with a wife who is about to deliver? Not only that, when he gets to town, there is no place to stay. I'm sure he was feeling a bit frustrated. I know I would be. I am sure that he wanted a warm, dry, safe place for Mary to have the baby. Isn't it great that God's plans are never thwarted? Full inns do not hinder Him. He always accomplishes His purpose in the way that He planned to.
There was so much going on that first Christmas: a bustling city with throngs of people intent on pursuing their goals, the birth of the Christ, a visit to shepherds by a choir of angels, shepherds visiting Christ and sharing their story. It must have been a bit overwhelming.
Luke tells us in 2:19 that Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Wow! She didn't get caught up in all the commotion, but pondered these things. How often do we stop in the midst of the hustle and bustle of our Christmas preparation and celebration to ponder the things of God? For me, it is not often enough. I am making an effort this year to be more intentional in my meditations on the Christmas story. God teaches us so much when we are willing to sit down and listen. I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas and that your celebration of God's gift is peppered with time to ponder what He has done.
I feel for Joseph. This was not his original plan. The timing couldn't be worse. Who wants to travel all that way with a wife who is about to deliver? Not only that, when he gets to town, there is no place to stay. I'm sure he was feeling a bit frustrated. I know I would be. I am sure that he wanted a warm, dry, safe place for Mary to have the baby. Isn't it great that God's plans are never thwarted? Full inns do not hinder Him. He always accomplishes His purpose in the way that He planned to.
There was so much going on that first Christmas: a bustling city with throngs of people intent on pursuing their goals, the birth of the Christ, a visit to shepherds by a choir of angels, shepherds visiting Christ and sharing their story. It must have been a bit overwhelming.
Luke tells us in 2:19 that Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Wow! She didn't get caught up in all the commotion, but pondered these things. How often do we stop in the midst of the hustle and bustle of our Christmas preparation and celebration to ponder the things of God? For me, it is not often enough. I am making an effort this year to be more intentional in my meditations on the Christmas story. God teaches us so much when we are willing to sit down and listen. I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas and that your celebration of God's gift is peppered with time to ponder what He has done.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Good and Perfect Gifts
Why is it so hard to accept that all of God's gifts to me are good and perfect for me? Everything that God gives me and allows in my life is ultimately to make me into one who glorifies Him perfectly. In my heart of hearts that is what I want most.
I can list blessing after blessing from God. I have life (both physical and eternal), health, family, home, friends, car, clothing, food, eyesight, intellect, peace, safety, money, flowers, sports, etc. The blessings are like an mountain river when the spring thaw arrives. I can't name them fast enough. Before I can write one down, ten more are in my mind. I KNOW that God's gifts are good and perfect.
Yet, when I start to focus on myself instead of the gifts and the giver, I become dissatisfied. I don't have everything that I think that I want when I want it. I have things that I don't think that I want. I don't want uncomfortable feelings with former close friends. I don't want difficult people. I don't want a sick child, too many things on my to do list, disobedient children, high prices and low incomes, to be merciful and gracious at all times, to love even the unlovely... Those things are hard, no fun, "not my gift". I think I want an easy life, but then I read James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." The first part of the verse is well known, but what about the fact that my Father in heaven doesn't change? This Christmas season I want to work on remembering that my loving, all knowing Father has given me only good and perfect gifts in order to make me into the woman He has called me to be.
I can list blessing after blessing from God. I have life (both physical and eternal), health, family, home, friends, car, clothing, food, eyesight, intellect, peace, safety, money, flowers, sports, etc. The blessings are like an mountain river when the spring thaw arrives. I can't name them fast enough. Before I can write one down, ten more are in my mind. I KNOW that God's gifts are good and perfect.
Yet, when I start to focus on myself instead of the gifts and the giver, I become dissatisfied. I don't have everything that I think that I want when I want it. I have things that I don't think that I want. I don't want uncomfortable feelings with former close friends. I don't want difficult people. I don't want a sick child, too many things on my to do list, disobedient children, high prices and low incomes, to be merciful and gracious at all times, to love even the unlovely... Those things are hard, no fun, "not my gift". I think I want an easy life, but then I read James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." The first part of the verse is well known, but what about the fact that my Father in heaven doesn't change? This Christmas season I want to work on remembering that my loving, all knowing Father has given me only good and perfect gifts in order to make me into the woman He has called me to be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
