tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86676432421090322382024-03-19T02:40:37.110-05:00A Southern SinnerThese are the, sometimes very random, musings of a Southern girl, redeemed by the grace of an Awesome God.The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-30477342032507599192015-05-21T16:00:00.000-05:002015-05-21T16:02:56.619-05:00Little David... the 80's weren't all big hair and bad clothesThe 80's weren't all about big hair and bad clothes. Although, looking back at pictures there was plenty of that to go around. During those years there were some wonderful songs written in Southern Gospel music. Today's post is about just that...<br />
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The below favorite from my childhood became our lullaby for naptime today. The toddler in my lap requested "Jericho" (Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho), and I obliged. After a while, the Sunday school songs ran out. It was then that this song came to mind.<br />
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Sweet memories flood my heart when I think of this song... or when I hear it, which is very rare. In my mind's eye I see my mother singing in church, which happened often when I was a child. This was one she sang often. It's simple message rang true in my heart then, as it does now.<br />
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May the little ones we sing to, and share stories with, know the power of the simple messages of the Bible.<br />
May those truths resonate in tiny lives, that they may be strong and bold in Christ.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LITTLE DAVID</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Sandy Knight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little David, oh, so small,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Goliath, oh, so tall,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Odds were just too high, poor little David.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So he shook off all of his load</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For with the power of God he was clothed,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He said, "The battle's not mine; I give it to You; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, it's Thine." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The battle's not mine," said little David,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Lord, it's Thine; I'm in Your favor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've given it all to You,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew not what to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so glad You let me see </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You're really all that I need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the battle's not mine; I give it to You; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, it's Thine."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now little David, unafraid</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before the giant he stood that day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seems to be the end, poor little David.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just like the lion and the bear he slew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, Goliath shall come down too</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the battle's not mine; I give it to You; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, it's Thine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now little David, he stood tall,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now Goliath seemed so small,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sweet victory had reigned for little David.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Cause he gave the battle to One</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With a record of getting things done,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He said, "The battle's not mine; I give it to You;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, it's Thine."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The battle's not mine," said little David,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Lord, it's Thine, I'm in Your favor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm giving it all to You,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know not what to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so glad You let me see,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You're really all that I need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the battle's not mine, I give it to You,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, it's Thine."</span><br />
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Enjoy the little people in your life and love them until that love flows from them onto something else.<br />
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In Christ,<br />
A Southern Sinner<br />
<br />The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-73930982782407325042015-03-29T19:07:00.000-05:002015-03-29T19:28:58.043-05:00Do you know He's walked before you? Happy Palm Sunday!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, the hubby and I enjoyed a peaceful wandering in the woods. As we enjoyed the silence and cool breeze, it was hard to not see the immense beauty around us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This is one of my favorite times of the year. We see all around us the care God has taken with His creation. He gently tucks it in through autumn's cooling temps and wakes it again to new life in spring. How can that not impress upon us the immense love he has for us?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLOEonk4qObEiCP6jECSjE0xefwuCxn7gp75mK1Cx6wB1Q9mTnq2F8lFBvetpI7j5eUrC_UqQVWU2GOjSCcO3PeQIM3xVInwOq0RMNS6Q8TGTBQOxeVpeqw7GP0VCwBXz3q0htPCjV5A/s1600/IMG_9305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLOEonk4qObEiCP6jECSjE0xefwuCxn7gp75mK1Cx6wB1Q9mTnq2F8lFBvetpI7j5eUrC_UqQVWU2GOjSCcO3PeQIM3xVInwOq0RMNS6Q8TGTBQOxeVpeqw7GP0VCwBXz3q0htPCjV5A/s1600/IMG_9305.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">In the midst of my marveling at creation, we jumped a small creek and I tripped on the undergrowth. Playfully, I teased my husband over his 'immense' concern for my safety... Seeing as he didn't pause to help me across the small creek or even turn around to my grunt at having almost tripped. His response though stops me. He says, "I'm walking before you."</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLOEonk4qObEiCP6jECSjE0xefwuCxn7gp75mK1Cx6wB1Q9mTnq2F8lFBvetpI7j5eUrC_UqQVWU2GOjSCcO3PeQIM3xVInwOq0RMNS6Q8TGTBQOxeVpeqw7GP0VCwBXz3q0htPCjV5A/s1600/IMG_9305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">While I was teasing him, and we both knew it, it reminded me that there was no lack of concern in his actions. Quite the opposite! He was walking ahead of me to make sure there were no unseen dangers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As such a simple act swelled my heart with love, it also very vividly brought to life the truth we know about Christ... He walks before us. He has seen the trials we face. He has known the hardship and the heartache.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">He chose to enter our lives in human form, which we recently celebrated at Christmas, and to pay the ultimate price for our sins, which we will celebrate this Friday as Good Friday.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Thankfully, the story doesn't end there! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Next Sunday we will celebrate His resurrection, and the promise of the new life He gives us. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">How precious we are of all creation!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As today we celebrate Palm Sunday, his arrival in Jerusalem for a week he knew would include immense suffering, death, and a trip to hell... HAPPY PALM SUNDAY!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we celebrate this week, let us remember the ultimate price He paid and the larger than life gift He gave.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And as we draw closer to Easter Sunday, let us rejoice in the realization that He did it all that we may find comfort in the knowledge that He has walked before us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">He paid a debt we could not pay, for a life we do not deserve, and He will not leave us to walk it's road alone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">May you find joy and comfort in this Easter season and may you see life anew in Christ!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">In Christ,<br />A Southern Sinner</span><br />
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My grandmother's drastic decline and recent passing put life on hold. It felt like we spent most of the month of December away from home. I left dishes unwashed and clothes in piles. The person that loves spending the holidays with family does not want to see a suitcase again for a while.<br />
I would never trade those moments with her for anything in this world, but all my grand plans for mapping out my strategy for 2015 quickly fell to the wayside. To be honest, I actually forgot about them until December 31. <br /><br />This control craving human <em>(you'll see the irony of that descriptor later)</em> wanted to start the year, on January 1, with a clear and distinct goal in mind...something written on paper so as to not be forgotten as the months rolled by. Like that was going to make everything flow smoothly for the new year and ensure that I would achieve the success I desired. *smirk*<br />
<br />Little did I know that God was working on my mind, my heart, my soul, my family, my accountability partner, and my child to streamline things into small segments that I could achieve without letting my ADD brain shut out something important.<br /><br />
Instead of starting 2015 with a written list of goals in hand, I spent January 1 trusting in the Father for peace and the comfort of my family. I spent the first seven days in what seemed like a surreal fog. Earlier in the month, I had made my peace with the end result that was coming. My grandmother would meet the Lord soon and I took comfort in the fact that I knew she knew Him as her Saviour. While that allowed me to let her go, it did not cauterize my heart to the hurt that would follow. Even now, I feel like life is a little surreal, and one of these days the Husband will come home to find me sobbing and the Itty Bitty drying my tears. <br /><br />Back to God and <em>our </em>plans... The Father knew she would pass on December 31 and that life would seem to stand still, that the things that seemed important for the new year would now look different, and that I would hear her, in my head, telling me to live my life and care for my family... something that would drive me to view the new year in a light that would honor her wish and give glory to our Father. <br /><br />Do I think that my original desires for 2015 were bad or will go unseen? No, but I believe that when we wait upon the Lord and put all trust in Him, He works all things in accordance with His perfect will. Until now, I could not clearly plan out my desires for the coming months. My mind just wouldn't settle in one place. All I could see was the end goal, but not the steps in between. I guess you could say I could not seem to get a grasp, <em>or control</em>, of the situation.<br />
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In the half week I have been home, I already feel my mind streamlining my business goals, personal goals, parenting goals, and marriage goals with my spiritual goals. My heart is at peace and I am able to draw strength from Him in areas where I am weak and praise Him for areas in which He has blessed me with gifts to serve Him through. Somewhere along the way I just seemed to <em>give up control</em>. I couldn't hold on to it anymore. It wasn't worth it. And you know what... that's exactly what He was waiting for. This control loving human had to get to the place where I knew full well I could not control things before I fully let go to him. <br /><br />Does that mean that the flesh has now been conquered? Um, no! I'm human, and I like control, but each day I will get up and praise Him for who He is, and acknowledge that by doing my best to let Him have control. Things always go better with God at the wheel and I hope 2015 is quite a ride... so who better to have manning the ship.<br />
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In Christ, <br />A Southern Sinner<br />The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-58244423410619295622014-11-24T12:16:00.000-06:002014-12-12T15:39:40.732-06:00A God we can never use up or tire out... how about that in a disposable society?My study buddy and I are at the end of chapter 3 in Ephesians; and the doxology ending of this chapter is amazing!<br />
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He is a God "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine".<br />
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That means that even our biggest dreams and desires are not too big for God. I don't know about you, but I can come up with a <i>want </i> list a mile long, if I try <i>(emphasis on the want and try)</i>, and my imagination works pretty well.<br />
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But God is bigger still??<br />
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Matthew Henry says this about him, <span style="color: #444444;">"There is an inexhaustible fullness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry."</span> Now that's an <i>immeasurably</i> deep well of grace and mercy.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">Think, not only is he that amazing, but we can never use him up or tire him out.</span></b><br />
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That sounds so greedy, but it fits the mindset of this generation. All of our talk is about sustainable resources or the life span of a product.<br />
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Will our children have the same natural resources we do now, if we continue to consume at our current rates?<br />
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Will they be dependent on others for their food, or will we teach them to grow their own?<br />
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Will a product work the same after 100 uses as it did the first time?<br />
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How long will it last before it breaks down from continual use?<br />
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For consumable products, how long will they last before the purchase of more is required?<br />
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As a mom, will it remain safe and stable over the years and added use?<br />
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God blows my mind every chance he gets; and I love that about him. I am continually amazed by his love, his grandeur, his power, and his magnitude.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #444444;">I am humbled daily by the knowledge that he chose ME.</span></b><br />
Before the foundations of the world, he chose to create and love ME... sinful, selfish, failing, self-critical ME.<br />
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And because of this... I start my day brand new. I can ask of a God "who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine" to forgive me of my sin, help me put to death my "self", rise above my failures, and see the good in myself, instead of the bad.<br />
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His mercy and grace for me will never be used up, and he will never tire of me!<br />
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Please know that he died not just for me, but for YOU, too. Need extra emphasis of that? Reread this post and replace your name every time you see the word ME.<br />
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From One Saved Sinner to the NextThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-57728313239760533782014-11-02T13:40:00.000-06:002014-12-12T15:40:15.819-06:00"In Him we have redemption..." Is that something you need to hear today?"In Him we have redemption...." (Ephesians 1:7)<br />
What could be a better opening line for this morning's reading?<br />
No other way is possible for redemption from our sins and ourselves.<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+17%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Acts 17:28a</a> says, "For in him we live and move and have our being." How true that is because only in him can we fully exist. Only because of the redemption he purchased with his blood, so that we might be free, are we truly free to live life.<br />
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Therefore, I am redeemed from the mess I make of my life. Redeemed from my failings as a wife, from my selfish moments in my role as mother, from my unconcerned days of dirty clothes and laundry, from my lazy days when I walk past my Bible repeatedly.<br />
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I am human. That does not give me reason to neglect things in my life or react unfavorably, but it does remind me that I will NEVER get it perfect... And in this life, my life, that's something God had to drill into me continuously.<br />
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I am a perfectionist and I like to be in control. I'm impatient and short tempered at times. I get lost in the details, because a perfect plan or process begets a perfect result, right?<br />
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Am I like this 24/7? No, by no means, BUT I am this way often enough that I feel like I am in a constant state of learning through my trials.<br />
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You would think I would learn my lesson and move on, and in some areas I do, but it's amazing to me that I can always learn something new from God's word and from the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I become bogged down by everything this sinful me holds onto. However, I can tell you from experience, that knowing I have redemption through the blood of Christ, and being reminded through daily interaction with Him and fellow believers in Christ, blows away all the guilt I could carry with the force of the strongest gales.<br />
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Let today be the day that you claim your redemption in Christ! The cross he bore and the blood he shed he shed for <b>YOU</b>.<br />
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Happy Lord's Day!<br />
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From One Saved Sinner to the Next<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 1:3-14</a><br />
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Eph-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29210G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29210G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> who has blessed us in the heavenly realms<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29210H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29210H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with every spiritual blessing in Christ.</span> <span class="text Eph-1-4" id="en-NIV-29211" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>For he chose us<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29211I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29211I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in him before the creation of the world<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29211J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29211J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to be holy and blameless<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29211K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29211K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in his sight. In love<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29211L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29211L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-1-5" id="en-NIV-29212" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>he predestined<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29212M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29212M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29212O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29212O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and will—</span><span class="text Eph-1-6" id="en-NIV-29213" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>to the praise of his glorious grace,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29213P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29213P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> which he has freely given us in the One he loves.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29213Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29213Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-1-7" id="en-NIV-29214" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>In him we have redemption<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29214R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29214R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> through his blood,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29214S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29214S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29214T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29214T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of God’s grace</span> <span class="text Eph-1-8" id="en-NIV-29215" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,</span><span class="text Eph-1-9" id="en-NIV-29216" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>he made known to us the mystery<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29216U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29216U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29216V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29216V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in Christ,</span> <span class="text Eph-1-10" id="en-NIV-29217" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29217W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29217W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29217X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29217X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Eph-1-11" id="en-NIV-29218" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>In him we were also chosen, having been predestined<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29218Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29218Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29218Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29218Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of his will,</span> <span class="text Eph-1-12" id="en-NIV-29219" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29219AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29219AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-1-13" id="en-NIV-29220" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>And you also were included in Christ<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29220AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29220AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> when you heard the message of truth,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29220AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29220AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29220AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29220AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the promised Holy Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29220AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29220AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-1-14" id="en-NIV-29221" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29221AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29221AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> until the redemption<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29221AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29221AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.</span></span></div>
The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-39171745903508817862014-10-09T00:09:00.001-05:002014-10-09T00:09:14.528-05:00Wednesdays with Jesus - In Christ Alone by the Newsboys<div class="lyrics-body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I absolutely love the words to this worship song and the cadence of the Newsboys version. Enjoy!</span></div>
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<h3 style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Newsboys - In Christ Alone</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Christ alone my hope is found</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He is my light, my strength, my song<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This Cornerstone, this solid ground<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Firm through the fiercest drought and storm</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What heights of love, what depths of peace<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When fears are stilled, when strivings cease<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />My Comforter, my All in All<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Here in the love of Christ I stand</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Christ alone, who took on flesh<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Fullness of God in helpless babe<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This gift of love and righteousness<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Scorned by the ones He came to save</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Til on that cross as Jesus died<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The wrath of God was satisfied<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />For every sin on Him was laid<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Here in the death of Christ I live</span></div>
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<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There in the ground His body lay<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Light of the world by darkness slain<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Then bursting forth in glorious Day<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Up from the grave He rose again</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And as He stands in victory<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sins curse has lost its grip on me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />For I am His and He is mine<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bought with the precious blood of Christ</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No guilt in life, no fear in death<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This is the power of Christ in me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />From lifes first cry to final breath<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Jesus commands my destiny</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No power of hell, no scheme of man<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Can ever pluck me from His hand<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Til He returns or calls me home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Here in the power of Christ Ill stand</span></div>
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<div class="writers" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Songwriters</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />GIBB, BARRY / GIBB, MAURICE ERNEST</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></span>The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-88306179024716130382014-09-23T11:45:00.000-05:002014-09-23T11:46:25.423-05:00Sundays with Westminster 9.21.14After a few weeks on the road, we made it back to church on a Sunday morning, and of course, it was exactly what I needed to hear. I'd had a hard week... up and down, impatient and irritable, motivated one moment and discouraged the next<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">. </span></span><br />
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Then our minister begins a sermon on missions.<br />
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We had a missionary in attendance, so the automatic assumption is that he's going to talk about world missions and how we are all called to be missionaries. But then he said something that spoke to my heart, just like God intended it to... As a SAHM, I have an important mission field -- the hearts of my children. I must remember that and not lose sight of the fertile soul before me OR the value of my efforts!<br />
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After the week I'd had, I needed to be reminded that HE called me to be a mother and wife and he equips those he calls. What a wonderful end to a emotional week!<br />
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If you'd like to listen to the sermon for some encouragement for yourself, here it is:<br />
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Sermon: <a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_66233_32K.mp3" target="_blank">What Is Your Missions Strategy?</a> (click link to listen)<br />
Romans 15:14-33<br />
Rev. Mike Allen<br />
Westminster Presbyterian, EPC<br />
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Just a few notes on the sermon:<br />
I. Your Mission is Priestly in Nature<br />
II. Your Mission is Powerful<br />
III. Your Mission is Proactive<br />
IV. Your Mission is Prayerful<br />
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"You will not understand your story, until you understand His story (Christ)."<br />
Oh, SO true!<br />
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In Christ!<br />
From One Saved Sinner to the NextThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-27370634568924328852014-09-15T09:14:00.001-05:002014-09-15T09:14:17.679-05:00Sundays with Westminster 9.14.14Yesterday's sermon:<br />
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<a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_66122_32K.mp3" target="_blank">The Spirit and the Word</a><br />
Genesis 1:3-5<br />Rev. Mike Allen<br />Westminster Presbyterian EPCThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-43423577848231784262014-09-15T09:11:00.001-05:002014-09-15T09:14:47.781-05:00Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker ~Psalm 95:6I'm facilitating a Bible study on Esther, at the moment. This morning, as I prepared my words to the ladies I felt like I was writing an epistle. After I finished, I felt I needed to share it here as well. So here you go....<br />
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The study is through <a href="http://www.lovegodgreatly.com/" target="_blank">Love God Greatly</a>, and they have a study method called SOAP, which is the format for the following notes.<br />
<b>S</b>cripture<br />
<b>O</b>bservation<br />
<b>A</b>pplication<br />
<b>P</b>rayer<br />
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<b>S</b>~ <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">1 After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. 2 All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 Then the royal officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?" 4 Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew. (Esther 3, NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; (Psalm 95)</span></div>
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<b>O</b>~ Mordecai might have been bowing to the king, but when an Agagite (Josephus says an Amalekite) was placed in a position to be honored that way... Mordecai could no longer comply. Haman's hatred was based out of revenge for the Jews destroying his people, and he only existed because Saul failed to obey God. (I Samuel 15)<br />
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~ We are to BOW DOWN in worship, to KNEEL, but before the Lord our Maker. It doesn't specifically state it here, but we are told elsewhere to have no other gods, and we see examples, like Daniel, refusing to bow before the kings of the land, or their gods, NO MATTER THE CONSEQUENCES.<br />
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<b>A</b>~ Do I stand up for the things I know are against God's commands? Do I cut off a conversation on gossip? Do I stop watching the movie or TV show that belittles my belief in you or turns others away from a pure view of you? Do I like things on FB that are crude or have page titles that I wouldn't speak out loud? Let me be mindful of my actions! Let me be mindful of what they say to others... other Christians and unbelievers.<br />
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~ Do I actively worship my Lord our Maker?<br />
The example of prayer I remember from my childhood wasn't the eloquent words or charismatic moments in church. It was the picture of my mother and grandmother, closed away in a closet or study, on her knees spending time with the Lord. You could be involved in the biggest sibling/cousin disagreement, but you knew to wait until they emerged to make noise or get it resolved. That time with the Lord was important! I need to spend that kind of time with the Lord daily, on my knees being thankful for His many blessings.<br />
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<b>P</b>~ Father, make me brave, so that I may stand up for your commands without fear. Help me remember that this world is not my home and it doesn't matter so much what others think, as long as I live my life for you. Prick my conscience when other things begin to creep in and steal my focus from you. May I do better to spend time on my knees before you, or even prostrate as David, showing honor to my Lord and King. Let my example impact Elizabeth as my mother and grandmother impacted me!<br />
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In Christ!<br />
From One Saved Sinner to the NextThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-78902063720519944492014-09-07T21:31:00.001-05:002014-09-07T21:31:49.995-05:00Sundays with Westminster 9.7.14<div>Posts will be halted for a week as we deal with some family medical issues.</div><div><br></div><div>For those of you enjoying the Sunday sermons... Here's the link for today's.</div><div>This is a mobile blog post, so the format is a little off. Hopefully the link will get you where you need to go. :-)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Our Starting Point</div><div>Genesis 1:1-2</div><div>Rev. Mike Allen</div><div>Westminster Presbyterian</div><div><br></div><a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_66017_32K.mp3">http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_66017_32K.mp3</a><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>In Christ!</div><div>From One Saved Sinner to the Next</div>The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-24345072646259533042014-09-03T08:11:00.002-05:002014-09-03T08:23:03.239-05:00Wednesdays with Jesus: Romans 2My study buddy and I are taking a break, as we participate in a larger group study. (Esther provided by <a href="http://www.lovegodgreatly.com/" target="_blank">Love God Greatly</a>. If you've never done one of their studies, you should give one a try.)<br />
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In the meantime, I'm going back to Romans to pick up where I left off with my reading prior to our Corinthians study.<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 2</a><br />
Here Paul is speaking to the Romans about God's righteous judgment.<br />
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"1 You, therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." I don't think Paul is saying that those who judge always commit the same exact sins, but the root of their sins are the same... selfishness, lust, greed. He goes on in verses 2-3 to speak of how God's judgment is based on truth, and how do we think that we would escape that judgment any more than the one we are judging.<br />
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That makes sense, a good statement of reason putting into perspective that we are no exception to God's judgment. It's verse 4 that hit me... "<b>Or</b> do you show<b> contempt</b> (<i>an act of showing disregar<span style="font-family: inherit;">d; <span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">the </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">feeling</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">with</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">which</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">a</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">person</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">regards</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">anything</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">considered</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">mean,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">vile,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"></span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">or</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;"><b>worthless</b>;</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">disdain;</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">scorn.</span></span></i>) for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"<br />
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Am I simply arrogant to think that I am an exception to God' judgment or do I show contempt for the goodness God has graciously shown me? I'd never really considered the gravity of that question. When I judge others, especially for sins that I myself commit over and over, how utterly ungrateful must I look to God?<br />
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Not only am I showing contempt for the God who saves me, but I am storing up God's wrath against me... something none of us wish to have piled against us on the day of judgment.<br />
I am letting stubbornness and unrepentance keep me from God... eating away at my soul until, not only have I disregarded God but, I can no longer love myself or others properly.<br />
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Paul goes on in verses 9-11 to state that this applies to both Jew and the Gentile, "11 For God does not show favoritism." He then speaks of the law, which is what the Jews held everything to. It was the covenant God had given their forefathers, but it was often a snare when the legalistic trappings added to it over the years where held in higher regard than God's truths.<br />
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In verse 13, Paul states "For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who <b>obey</b> the law who will be declared righteous." He wanted to make sure that they knew that no matter what the division were they placed on themselves, it was about obeying the law of God.<br />
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Just in case they weren't getting the gist, he gets real specific in verse 14... "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, <b>even thought they do not have the law, </b>15<b> since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts</b>, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them."<br />
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It's not about the outward show of obedience. It's about the honest inward act of it!<br />
God alone will judge, and even our secrets will be known to Him.<br />
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In Christ!<br />
From One Saved Sinner to the NextThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-81671893167660793192014-09-02T07:30:00.000-05:002014-09-02T07:30:03.455-05:00Toddler Tuesdays... The things we do for kidsAre there things you do as a parent that you never would have done before kids? Be honest.<br />
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You know those shopping carts with the plastic cars on the front? The ones that you see going down the aisle with the basket full of groceries and children hanging out of all openings of the car.<br />
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Well, I didn't tell myself I would <i>never</i> push one, but I was hoping to avoid it.<br />
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Little Bit comes along and my mindset changes. Now I look at things with eyes searching for ways to make her smile, new experiences for her little mind and hands. Granted riding in a plastic car attached to the front of a grocery buggy isn't mind blowing, but I'm sure it would make the shopping trip much more of an adventure.<br />
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So... yes, <b>I</b> picked the cart with the big red plastic car on the front of it.... and it was <b>so</b> worth it, even with it's severe lack of engineering in proper steering. :-)<br />
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It's a little fuzzy, but do you see the look of focus? :-)</div>
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And here... the look of utter joy? Enough said, huh?</div>
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Happy Toddler Tuesday! May your day be full of smiles!The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-61574578579857852862014-08-31T20:43:00.003-05:002014-08-31T23:38:02.881-05:00Sundays with Westminster 8.31.14Today's sermon was on the Life of Membership, specifically our membership to our local body of Christ. Not that we should submit to local leadership, even though we should, but that we should have unity in the body. Being eager to make peace, walking in humility and gentleness. Also doing our part to build up the body of Christ.<br />
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When we do not put our time and efforts into our church family, we are putting our time and efforts elsewhere... and it will show. How can we expect the body of the church to grow, not just in size, but in maturity as well?<br />
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The leadership of the church is not placed in their position to do all the work. Their gifts are leadership and instruction, and they are there to prepare the members for service. Having said that... we are then called to actually serve!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>If we merely receive ministry, we are not walking worthy of our calling in Christ... redemption, reconciliation, access to the Grace of God, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. When we define ourselves by our calling, we will no longer be children - having to have the acceptance of this world to be fulfilled. We will not constantly have to be compromising our faith to be accepted.<br />
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This calling should result in a walk worthy of it. Meaning we make an effort to attain unity: maturity, peace, working together, fulfilling each other's needs with our God given gifts.<br />
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Membership in the church should look like something!<br />
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"There will be a correlation between the extent to which the church does not manifest its unity and the extent to which it's members place their hope in things other than their calling in Christ."<br />
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Who are you? How do you define yourself? Does it show where your hope is? Does it reflect in the body of membership??<br />
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I will admit that today's words were spoken for me. Were they spoken for your edification as well??<br />
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<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 500; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">In Christ!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">From One Saved Sinner to the Next</span></div>
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Today's Sermon: <a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_65916_32K.mp3" target="_blank">The Life of Membership</a> (click to listen)<br />
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16<br />
Rev. Kory Duncan<br />
Westminster Presbyterian, EPC<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.1;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 1.1;">Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.1;">Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Eph-4-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">4 </span>As a prisoner<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29274A" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29274A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29274B" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29274B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> of the calling<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29274C" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29274C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> you have received.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-2" id="en-NIV-29275" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29275D" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29275D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>in love.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29275E" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29275E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-4-3" id="en-NIV-29276" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Make every effort to keep the unity<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29276F" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29276F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> of the Spirit through the bond of peace.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29276G" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29276G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span></span><span class="text Eph-4-4" id="en-NIV-29277" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>There is one body<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29277H" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29277H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span> and one Spirit,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29277I" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29277I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> just as you were called to one hope when you were called<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29277J" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29277J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span>;</span> <span class="text Eph-4-5" id="en-NIV-29278" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>one Lord,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29278K" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29278K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span> one faith, one baptism;</span> <span class="text Eph-4-6" id="en-NIV-29279" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>one God and Father of all,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29279L" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29279L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span> who is over all and through all and in all.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29279M" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29279M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="text Eph-4-11" id="en-NIV-29284" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>So Christ himself gave<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29284U" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29284U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> the apostles,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29284V" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29284V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span> the prophets,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29284W" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29284W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span> the evangelists,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29284X" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29284X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></span> the pastors and teachers,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29284Y" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29284Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-4-12" id="en-NIV-29285" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29285Z" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29285Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></span> may be built up<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29285AA" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29285AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-4-13" id="en-NIV-29286" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>until we all reach unity<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29286AB" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29286AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></span> in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29286AC" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29286AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></span> and become mature,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29286AD" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29286AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></span> attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Eph-4-14" id="en-NIV-29287" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Then we will no longer be infants,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29287AF" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29287AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></span> tossed back and forth by the waves,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29287AG" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29287AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span> and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29287AH" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29287AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-4-15" id="en-NIV-29288" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>Instead, speaking the truth in love,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29288AI" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29288AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span> we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29288AJ" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29288AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span> that is, Christ.</span> <span class="text Eph-4-16" id="en-NIV-29289" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29289AK" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29289AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></span> and builds itself up<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29289AL" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29289AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></span> in love,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29289AM" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29289AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></span> as each part does its work.</span></span></div>
The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-41570108767834566962014-08-28T08:56:00.001-05:002014-09-02T19:37:31.502-05:00Wednesdays with Jesus: I Corinthians 7This week, Wednesdays with Jesus comes on Thursday... Sorry.<br />
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In my quiet time I've been studying I Corinthians with a friend. Here at A Southern Sinner we've looked at chapters <a href="http://asouthernsinner.blogspot.com/2014/08/quiet-time-with-accountability.html#more" target="_blank">2</a> & <a href="http://asouthernsinner.blogspot.com/2014/08/wednesdays-with-jesus-i-corinthians-4.html#more" target="_blank">4</a>. Today we'll jump back a few days for me...<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=i+corinthians+7&version=NIV" target="_blank">I Corinthians 7</a><br />
This passage is about marriage, and unfortunately people have used it poorly many times to guilt others who do not share their views. Paul starts the chapter with "It is good for a man no to marry.", and people often stop there when they want to use the verse to support celibacy.<br />
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However, Paul has a but in Vs. 2... "But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband." He then goes on to talk about how the relationship should be mutual, submitting and giving of ones' self for the good of the marriage bond. Paul also states, "I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." (Vs.6-7)<br />
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A concession? He wishes all men were like him?<br />
For those of us that are married, why would he say such a thing?<br />
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Well, Paul knew that celibacy was hard physically and emotionally. He knew that some of us would need the bonds of marriage to keep us from immorality. Knowing that, it is good and right that we marry, and he made concession for it in his address to the church.<br />
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Something else he also knew was that devoting our focus fully to Christ was much easier to accomplish while single.<br />
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Think about that for a second.<br />
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This week's Wednesdays with Jesus came on Thursday. What else do you think occupied my mind and time? Life, spouse, children, housework, business. Did I not spend time with Jesus at all? No, but it was not my #1 focus everyday. Should it have been? Yea, probably so. *just a little sarcasm there*<br />
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Paul knew that to focus on Christ alone, and not let the cares of this world distract us, would be hard... married or single. He speaks to that closer to the end of the chapter: "32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs-- how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world-- how can he please his wife (<i>I would add his job, kids, home/vehicle maintenance, finances</i>)-- 34 and his interested are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world-- how she can please her husband (<i>here I would add kids, cleaning, cooking, finances... see where I'm going?</i>). 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord." <br />
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Do I therefore think that I should have remained single, or that most Christians should remain single? No.<br />
God created the bonds of marriage for our enjoyment and benefit... not to mention that little command to be fruitful and multiply.<br />
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Do I have more respect for those who are single? Those who choose to give their all, literally for service to Christ? Yes!<br />
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They've chosen a different road than I, but we all strive to serve Christ to the fullest.<br />
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Next time you talk to your single friends, or meet a new single at church, try not to harp on their love life or the lack thereof. Remember that singlehood is sometimes a calling in life and should be respected as such.<br />
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In Christ!<br />
From one Saved Sinner to the NextThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-55060161039469557722014-08-26T07:30:00.001-05:002014-08-29T10:54:44.233-05:00Toddler Tuesdays... Little Bit is 18 months!It's hard to believe, but last Saturday Little Bit was 18 months old. Over two years have passed since God answered our prayers and not a moment has been boring or dull. For that I am ever thankful!<br />
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She brings light into the lives of our whole family and is a blessing to her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. I'm very proud to be able to say that! She is loved beyond measure.<br />
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Her sharp little mind keeps us on our toes... with the things she says, does, remembers, and understands. This recently began to include the most precious "pwease" with hands outstretched... and she knows when she's using it to butter us up. You should see the face that and grin that finally peaks out!<br />
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May we have many more years to enjoy her laughter and smiles; and may God lead us as we strive to live our lives as examples for her.<br />
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Here are a few recent shots of our ever growing, constantly learning, precious gift from above:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLgFBlvRvBb8Bme5JCpUl1flIlhQgrRIZTW7sTQx6kLdNewqC1oqUjKJSYoLhUfeW3QTg_wQAZl7nbe61rpOirbGV3Io089bCH-d_9Ba1YA8IkJCmNfYPT8C_w3dT_uXgZJk13MDVDRM/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLgFBlvRvBb8Bme5JCpUl1flIlhQgrRIZTW7sTQx6kLdNewqC1oqUjKJSYoLhUfeW3QTg_wQAZl7nbe61rpOirbGV3Io089bCH-d_9Ba1YA8IkJCmNfYPT8C_w3dT_uXgZJk13MDVDRM/s1600/IMG_3261.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Making cookies</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EZ2QNUCIq8KbXOu6K5m_hozUMlEZMdS6lF1BiGvBZUq2BgIUCRureXlz2kOwqqy_d-5AVk4yEUJg8vHbFEQTkoYF-QSGZq0QUkWYEDZDyrzsQWeuCiBBY8QqVV_PDHqTgSfeHGlIUuY/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EZ2QNUCIq8KbXOu6K5m_hozUMlEZMdS6lF1BiGvBZUq2BgIUCRureXlz2kOwqqy_d-5AVk4yEUJg8vHbFEQTkoYF-QSGZq0QUkWYEDZDyrzsQWeuCiBBY8QqVV_PDHqTgSfeHGlIUuY/s1600/IMG_3299.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Requesting we make more cookies. ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZZFgr1yvnzB5dNyef81z1A0L-3efsay0-q82z8c_0Pd4Uu9Uwf4H1F-2NoUzPfqJmxq7uqXMNLBuj0Dx_GtyGQrpTB2o-adTVLizwB_Mc4Bpn4NaUjJaApsYIw4qCQt1FTgAdOu2Ksw/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZZFgr1yvnzB5dNyef81z1A0L-3efsay0-q82z8c_0Pd4Uu9Uwf4H1F-2NoUzPfqJmxq7uqXMNLBuj0Dx_GtyGQrpTB2o-adTVLizwB_Mc4Bpn4NaUjJaApsYIw4qCQt1FTgAdOu2Ksw/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Enjoying a good ole fashion cardboard box.</div>
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Coloring on the porch</div>
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Acting as sous chef... from the cold side of the stove</div>
<br />The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-82055944005383785982014-08-24T22:15:00.000-05:002014-08-24T22:15:21.500-05:00Sundays with Westminster 8.24.14It's been a busy weekend, and we were on the road during church. :-/<br />
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I've heard that we missed another great message... which I will listen to first chance I get!<br />
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In the meantime, here it is for your enjoyment:<br />
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Today's sermon: <a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_65788_32K.mp3" target="_blank">The Life of Leadership</a> (click here to listen)<br />
I Timothy 3:1-13<br />
Rev. Mike Allen<br />
Westminster Presbyterian Church, EPC<br />
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In Christ!<br />
From One Saved Sinner to the NextThe Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-9350148797465486012014-08-20T18:34:00.000-05:002014-08-20T18:42:39.252-05:00Wednesdays with Jesus: Valley of VisionI'm finally here... better late than never.<br />
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Today I'm going to share from a favorite book of mine, <i>The Valley of Vision</i>. A friend shared this prayer book with me years ago and I immediately fell in love with the eloquence that often so seems to speak the thoughts of my heart that I can not put to words.<br />
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Lately, the Spirit has prompted me to dig deeper in fellowship with my Father, and this prayer, entitled 'Faith", puts to words the desires and truth of my heart at this stage in life.<br />
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May you take time to read it slowly, taking in the words, and letting them soak into your soul.<br />
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My GOD,<br />
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I bless thee that thou hast given me the eye of faith,<br />
to see thee as Father,<br />
to know thee as a covenant God,<br />
to experience thy love planted in me;<br />
For faith is the grace of union<br />
by which I spell out my entitlement to thee:<br />
Faith casts my anchor upwards<br />
where I trust in thee<br />
and engage thee to be my Lord.<br />
Be pleased to live and move within me,<br />
breathing in my prayers,<br />
inhabiting my praises,<br />
speaking in my words,<br />
moving in my actions,<br />
living in my life,<br />
causing me to grow in grace.<br />
Thy bounteous goodness has helped me believe,<br />
but my faith is weak and wavering,<br />
its light dim,<br />
its steps tottering,<br />
its increase slow,<br />
its backslidings frequent;<br />
It should scale the heavens, but lies groveling in the dust.<br />
Lord, fan this divine spark into glowing flame.<br />
When faith sleeps, my heart becomes<br />
an unclean thing,<br />
the fount of every loathsome desire,<br />
the cage of unclean lusts<br />
all fluttering to escape,<br />
the noxious tree of deadly fruit,<br />
the open wayside of earthly tares.<br />
Lord, awake faith to put forth its strength<br />
until all heaven fills my soul<br />
and all impurity is cast out.<br />
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In Christ!<br />
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From One Saved Sinner to the Next</div>
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The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-51274660608779933892014-08-19T07:30:00.000-05:002014-08-19T07:30:00.853-05:00Toddler Tuesdays... We have a climber!Little Bit will be 18 months on Saturday. She's highly mobile, vocal, opinionated, and observant. It's that last one that gets us in trouble.<br />
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Ever heard "monkey see, monkey do"?</div>
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Well, that's a toddler to a T.</div>
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She loves to sweep with her little handheld dust broom, clean (which means rubbing anything with a rag), pick up, load the washer and dryer, and use the screwdriver. All actions she's picked up from us.</div>
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Recently, she saw Mommy dust the top of our 7 foot bookcases. This required a small stepstool that Little Bit also uses as a snack table, coloring desk, and occasional seat. No sooner did Mommy step down to dust the lower shelves on the first bookcase... Little Bit was up on the stool checking out a shelf she had not previously explored. *shakes head*</div>
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I was honestly wondering how long it would take her to start climbing the walls.<br />
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Well, it came all at once. That same day she climbed up in a chair in Target while we ate lunch. The night before she'd climbed up on a stop block lying in the yard by the driveway. Numerous times last week she climbed up on the couch.. and back down when Mommy gave her the wrong "cobers". Heaven forbid she use her own blanket and not Mommy's.</div>
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Here's a peek at our precious new climber and a farewell to knowing what is no longer on her reach. *life with a toddler!*</div>
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The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-31758113383360973382014-08-17T19:34:00.000-05:002014-08-19T15:04:43.617-05:00Sundays with Westminster 8.17.14<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">So, we made it to our second Sunday in a row. Little Bit did well, but we didn't push our luck and went to visit the nursery as the choir rose to sing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Today's sermon was one of my favorites from our pastor! Maybe it was just something I needed to hear. Maybe I just miss a good soul searching invitational to come to Christ. (I did grow up Pentecostal. :-) Either way, the words were true and food for my soul.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">The verses for today come from I Samuel were God calls to young Samuel. He calls his name three times, and each time Samuel goes to Eli, thinking that Eli has summoned him. Samuel did not yet know God, and thus he did not understand that God was talking to him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Many of us know God, but still don't hear Him speaking. What is our excuse? Are we spiritually babes in Christ or have we been overwhelmed by the busy of this world? Have we suffered and find it hard to see God's hand in our lives, and therefore stopped looking?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Maybe it's time to say, "Speak, Lord, For Your Servant Hears."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Today's sermon: </span><a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_65674_32K.mp3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b55a77; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Providential Intersections - Speak, For Your Servant Hears</span></span></a><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> (click link to listen)</span><br style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;" /><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">I Samuel 3:1-14, 19-21</span><br style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;" /><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Rev. Mike Allen</span><br style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;" /><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Westminster Presbyterian Church, EPC</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br />Also, today we sang one of my favorites hymns by Charles Wesley. </span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><b><i>Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - </i>Charles Wesley</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav'n, to earth come down;</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Fix in us Thy humble dwelling, All Thy faithful mercies crown.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art;</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter ev'ry trembling heart.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Breath, O breathe Thy loving Spirit, Into every troubled breast!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Let us all in Thee inherit; Let us find that second rest.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Take away our bent to sinning; Alpha and Omega be;</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">End of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Come, Almighty to deliver, Let us all Thy life receive;</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Suddenly return and never, Nevermore Thy temples leave.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Thee we would be always blessing, Serve Thee as thy hosts above,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: Vollkorn; font-size: 18px; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, Glory in Thy perfect love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #3c3d3c; font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Finish then Thy new creation, Pure and spotless let us be;</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3c3d3c;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Let us see Thy great salvation, Perfectly restored in Thee:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3c3d3c;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Changed from glory into glory, Till in heav'n we take our place,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3c3d3c;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Till we cast our crowns before Thee, Lost in wonder, love and praise!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3c3d3c;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">In Christ!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3c3d3c;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">From One Saved Sinner to the Next</span></span></div>
The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-22621245256794700542014-08-13T07:30:00.000-05:002014-09-02T19:37:31.499-05:00Wednesdays with Jesus: I Corinthians 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week I shared about my <a href="http://asouthernsinner.blogspot.com/2014/08/quiet-time-with-accountability.html" target="_blank">Quiet Time with Accountability</a>. I'm going to start sharing, weekly, something along those lines... even though I pray I get more quiet time than once a week. The Lord knows I need it!</div>
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This reading was actually from last Friday, but I'm sadly just getting back to it. Saturday we had a big yard sale with friends and I spent the afternoon holding an exhausted teething toddler. Sunday we did make it to church, but I once again spent my afternoon with a teething toddler. Monday I worked on my business plans, and Tuesday we had a dentist visit and a lunch time stop to see Daddy (a.k.a Husband).<br />
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<a name='more'></a>See how easily life gets in the way. Not an excuse, but it's hard to find the time alone if it doesn't come before the rest of the house awakens... and to make matters worse, I am not a morning person. I like my sleep!<br />
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Moving right along to our passage for today...... :-)<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+4&version=NIV" target="_blank">I Corinthians 4</a><br />
My quiet time buddy and I both seemed to pull the most from the first seven verses. I think we're both having some issues with judging... ourselves and others.<br />
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When you're feeling judged by others, I like Paul's words in verse 3: "I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court;..." Paul lived for Christ and cared very little what the world thought of him. As we'll see a few verses later, he knows that the only true judge is the Lord.<br />
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My buddy pointed out something that hadn't occurred to me. Vs.4 reads... "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent." Paul is saying that he knows that he is unaware of sins in his life, but that the lack of awareness does not acquit him of them.<br />
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Take a moment to think on that.... Thinking?<br />
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How many times do we struggle with things for a season in our lives before we see with clear eyes our actions? Only seeing then how unlike Christ they really are.<br />
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Offhand comments become a habit, white lies a norm, or people watching becomes an analytical, judgmental attitude.<br />
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That verse goes on to say, "It is the Lord who judges me." Kinda scary, if you ask me, but comforting at the same time. <b>He means business</b>, but he already knows <i>all our</i> business so there's no fear that something will be taken into consideration out of context.<br />
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While we're talking about verse 4 and Paul's mention of being unaware... My quiet time buddy wasn't struck by the idea of not judging others as much as not judging herself... not comparing her Mommy life to those of others. While I struggle with the former, her admission forced me to admit that I sometimes struggle with the latter as well.<br />
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Do my efforts as a young mom measure up to all these other crafty, resourceful, put together moms out there? Or even worse, do my efforts measure up to the older generations who raised me to be the woman I am today?<br />
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Talk about a hot seat at the table of judgement.<br />
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That's why I'm thankful that verse 5 reads like this... "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God."<br />
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I like the admonition to hold off on judgement until the Lord comes, because that means we have a chance to change our attitudes and have Him mold our motives to His will! It's hope for me, but also a good reminder that I shouldn't judge others. (Back to this topic of judging others. See a personal struggle here?) I have no idea what their thoughts, actions, motives, circumstances are, and I have no need to know... as vs. 4 says. "It is the Lord who judges me."<br />
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Vs. 7 hits it home again... "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? (<i>Paul's talking to some puffed up ministers here, but I think it can also apply to us and the fact that we have all been given God's grace.</i>) And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (<i>As if you are righteous, but got there of your own works and not grace.</i>)<br />
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The great thing in all of this is found back in verse 2... "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." ... having been entrusted with the secret things of God. (vs.1) I know Paul is talking to ministers here, I know, but shouldn't we all be faithful to what God has given us?<br />
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He has bestowed His grace and His Spirit upon us that we might be saved from all sin. The blood of Christ provided that for you and for me! How then can I judge others or myself?! I must instead prove faithful to Christ.... I believe through striving to be a good steward of my time, my words, and my actions.<br />
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In Christ!<br />
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From one Saved Sinner to the Next</div>
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The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-34653402490163008632014-08-12T07:30:00.000-05:002014-08-13T00:57:12.068-05:00Toddler Tuesdays... A nap on our own!My grandmother is always telling me that her kids just played themselves to sleep. I smile and silently think, "I wish."<br />
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Well, today was a first! (Or rather yesterday, but that wasn't Toddler Tuesday :-)<br />
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After potty time and a clean diaper, I left Little Bit in her room playing with her pacy and clip. This is a new found fascination, since she's never taken a pacy for more than a few minutes, brought on by intense teething.<br />
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Normally, she soon follows me back to the living room, but not this time. She was so quiet that I had to go check on her.<br />
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The first time she was quietly inspecting said pacy and clip.<br />
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Second time... She was asleep! PTL!<br />
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If only I had some assurance that this is a new norm for naptime. Not likely though. :-/<br />
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Three hours later, and the bottom falling out... i.e. LOTS of rain and thunder, she was still out.</div>
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I guess she really was tired. :-)</div>
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<br />The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-9342874169237594872014-08-10T16:16:00.000-05:002014-08-11T11:54:33.787-05:00Sundays with WestminsterI grew up in the church, as in every time the doors were open we were there. :-)<br />
Did I <i>always</i> love it? I was a kid! Of course not. That would require loving having to sit still and listen to adults talk for hours. BUT did I learn from it? YES! YES!<br />
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Sadly, that habit kind of fell to the wayside as I moved out for school and lived away from home. I could offer a list of excuses for how it happened, but that's neither here, nor there, or worth worrying about.<br />
Did I completely ignore God? Of course not!! But the habit of spending His day in His house didn't get the devotion it deserved.<br />
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We, Husband and I, have attended the local <a href="http://www.epc.org/" target="_blank">EPC</a>, off and on, for almost as long as we've been in south MS, but only in the last couple of years joined. With a little one in the house now, we made the decision to make a better effort to attend habitually. I want our little one to have that immersion in the body of Christ and that kind of exposure to her church family.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>August was to be our clean slate for us after the business of summer, and well, last weekend... we didn't do so well. So... last night we all got baths... head to toe clean. This morning we were all up by 7:30 am. So, no excuses!<br />
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Little Bit did okay in the service with us for a while, but our little chatterbox would not hush and had to go visit the nursery in the middle of the intercessory prayer. Sunday mornings can be busy in there and when I went to get her she was not happy... Too many kids and strange faces. :-/<br />
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Husband and I though were fed the word, which is what we needed.<br />
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As I took notes, the thought occurred to me... "If I blog about our Sunday services, that will be a type of accountability with those who read my blog (even though they be few)."<br />
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<b>SO</b>, my goal going forward is to share from our Sunday services with you. It may be a point that spoke to me, a hymn that I loved, or a moment that speaks of God's love and grace... or all of the above. When I can, I'll also share our pastor's words with you. I know some people can't attend services for genuine reasons, i.e. not laziness, and look forward to hearing food for the soul from God's ministers.<br />
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May you be blessed, not by my doing, but because of the Word and the Spirit of God!<br />
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Today's sermon: <a href="http://media.sermonsonline.com/westminsterepc_65535_32K.mp3" target="_blank">Providential Intersections - Jesus At the Beach</a> (click link to listen)<br />
John 21:1-17<br />
Rev. Mike Allen<br />
Westminster Presbyterian Church, EPC<br />
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Things I took away from the sermon:<br />
<b>*</b>The first time Peter sees Jesus while the disciples are fishing he tries to walk on the water to get to Jesus. This time he<i> lunges</i> himself into the water to get to Jesus. He just wants to get to the Master he has denied and needs forgiveness from.<br />
<b>*</b>Christ doesn't shame Peter, but when He questions Peter about his love for him(Jesus), he uses Peter's pre-disciple name, Simon son of John. By asking Peter three times of his love he gets to the heart of the issue. "Do you<i> love</i> me?" Peter's root sin was that he didn't love Jesus more than man's approval. He had to be broken and come to true repentance, at which point Christ reinstates Peter to the Rock on which he shall build the early church.<br />
<b>*</b>We have to get serious about our faith and be willing to live life on the edge of the page.The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-84321941716181991032014-08-04T09:34:00.004-05:002014-09-02T19:37:45.969-05:00Quiet time... with accountabilityLast week, I came across a post from <a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/2014/07/25/using-technology-improve-bible-reading-accountability/">The Better Mom</a> about accountability for quiet time with the Lord. Let's just say it struck a chord with something I'd been struggling with and longing for.<br />
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I have a friend, also a mom of little ones, whom I approached with the idea. After a initial reaction of "oh boy no", she was honest with herself, as I was, and admitted that even if we drug along kicking and screaming... we needed this.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The first day was good, but a little overwhelming. To be honest, I fell asleep reading the Matthew Henry commentary.It was however 10:30 pm, and not quite so much the commentary's fault as my exhaustion. Not sure we could read multiple pages in the commentary daily, we revamped our approach a little... Read the chapter and at least answer some of the questions suggested by the blog article. Then share by pic, text, or email the answers to the questions or something that spoke to us. Proof that we'd taken the time to spend time with the Lord... accountability.<br />
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Habits are hard to form, and a week later... we get to chapter two. We will stick with it though, and hopefully it will grow our relationships with the Lord and our reflex to go to Him first for every issue we face. I'm hoping it also grows our relationship as sisters in Christ, because I need that right now. I need someone checking on me to make sure that the everyday of a SAHM doesn't overwhelm my devotion and service to my Lord.<br />
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Whether you try this approach, or you do something else... find your quiet time with Him. Life gets busy, but I promise it's one daily conversation you don't want to miss!<br />
Here are my notes from this morning, and a full list of the questions can be <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/10/22/7-arrows-for-bible-reading/">found here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+2&version=NIV">1 Corinthians 2</a> -<br />
What does this passage demand of me?<br />
That I seek His Spirit for wisdom, and remember that God's ways are discerned through His Spirit and not the understanding of man.<br />
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How does this passage change the way I relate to people?<br />
It reminds me not to judge what I see with my eyes, because I can not know the thoughts of God and the reasons other people struggle.<br />
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How does this passage prompt me to pray?<br />
For submission to His Spirit, that he may speak to me and I may hear his guidance. That His Spirit may consume me and I may feel the peace of it's murmur in my soul.The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-2557050010471371932014-05-02T19:17:00.001-05:002014-08-10T16:31:49.731-05:00My choice<div>
Ever know that what you need isn't necessarily God's help to deal with something, but the self discipline to let the issue go?</div>
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I struggle with this often. </div>
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I want to hold onto the feeling of being slighted, or the hurt of disappointment, for some bizarre reason. It's like I feed on the process and formulation of a retaliation or rebuttal. I'm stacking up comments for the opportunity to bring the topic back up and get a different result.</div>
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How miserable we are as humans!</div>
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God will help me let the issue go and move past it, but it takes me making the CHOICE to do so before the process can begin. He's not going to beat me over the head to forgive or accept another's decision.</div>
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How tense the body is when we hold onto disagreement. Unfortunately, some of us are hard headed enough that we get to the point if unconsciously clenching our teeth before we realize what we're doing to ourselves.</div>
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Well, THIS WILL NOT RUIN MY WEEKEND. I can be a big girl and pray... Maybe for a different answer. ;-)</div>
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Either I will get it, or God will remold my desires.</div>
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In Christ,</div>
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Southern Sinner</div>
The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8667643242109032238.post-11666468118390226452013-09-16T22:40:00.001-05:002014-08-10T16:31:24.056-05:00Update on Operation Crawler Prep...Ok, so my burst of cleaning motivation was over two weeks ago... And two days ago we put the chairs back around the kitchen table. Shows how much we eat at it currently. :-/<br />
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Has LO slacked off her on her efforts to become more mobile? No.</div>
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We had Labor Day weekend. Then we all had a round of allergy attacks. :-( Let me tell you sleeping on the floor one night is a nice break for my back... Six nights is more than enough!</div>
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We made it through it though. Labor Day night LO woke crying three times before we just went to sleep sitting up in the rocker, and then transitioned to the bouncy seat and floor for Mommy. She was a newborn the last time I had such a strong desire to sleep with my hand on her to make sure she was breathing. I did though, pretty much all night... Me propped on a 45 degree wedge pillow beside her, on my side, with my hand on her in her bouncy seat. We slept the whole night.</div>
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Fast forward a week and we get six month shots. :-/</div>
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We've been pretty useless since. Snuggling and all day nursing sessions in bed. ;-) Come to think of it, it's about time for a growth spurt.</div>
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Maybe, after we get all the clean clothes put away we'll think about kitchen cabinets again. Well, we think about them now, but maybe we'll actually open them up and take a look see.</div>
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Oh, wait first I have to disengage from the perpetual hungry person attached to me. ;-)</div>
The Oily Bumper Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799982480784135957noreply@blogger.com0