Doing hard things is worth the effort.
It would be easy to give up on purposeful parenting when my children continue to behave badly.
It would be easy to give up on prayer when God doesn't answer the way I want Him to.
It would be easy to quit school when the assignments are overwhelming.
It would be easy to leave a marriage that felt like it was falling apart.
It would be easy to quit a job when the boss or co-workers are very annoying.
It would be easy to skip church when I want to sleep in on Sunday.
It would be easy to only think of myself and what I want.
Taking the easy way out may seem like the best thing to do today but it is so important to look past today and consider what the future would look like if we do.
Did Jesus take the easy way out in any of the situations He faced while on this earth?
Absolutely not!
Not only did He not take the easy way out but reminds us that in following Him, we too must daily take up our cross and follow Him.
As Christ Followers, we are called to do some hard things and doing hard things goes against everything we are taught in this "feel good" world.
Will you follow Christ or will you follow the world?
It is up to you.
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Monday, January 4, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
I'm officially in a winter-time funk. I find myself knowing that I should be doing something, only to put it on the back burner because "I don't want to". I am normally a very focused and motivated person so when I get into an "I don't want to" or "I don't care" mode, I know something has to change. I've read that more sunshine helps winter time blues and I'm going to try getting some (if that sun ever decides to shine) but I've decided that there is really only one way to truly get back to myself - spend time seeking what God wants me to do and then do it whether I want to or not.
I've been reading in Exodus about God's directions to Moses on the exact specifications of the sanctuary where He will dwell with His people. As I read, I wondered how all these directions could be important in my life. I realized that the point of these verses was that God's people needed to obey Him. Whether they understood why, or even understood at all, was not what was important - what was important was that they obeyed.
In the end of John, after receiving instruction from Jesus, Peter asks Jesus about John and what His plan is for Him. Jesus answers "...what is that to you? You must follow Me." Again, Jesus spoke to my heart - don't worry about what others say, don't worry about what others do, don't wait until you understand, don't try to use human understanding when seeking something so much bigger - just obey.
So, it is time to put on my big girl panties and obey.
Obey the leading in my heart even if I don't want to.
Obey what I know to be true even if I don't feel it.
Obey even when I have an I don't care attitude.
Obedience is what will bring us all into closer communion with our Father.
I hope and pray that 2010 will be a year that we can all make a decision to obey.
Happy New Year!
Christie
A Sweet Aroma
31 Dec 2009
Tracie Miles
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
A sweet thing happened recently. It was Sunday morning at church, and the congregation was standing, singing hymns. My precious little boy was beside me with his arms wrapped around my waist.Every few minutes, he pressed his face into my shirt. After several times, I finally determined he was sniffing me, so I leaned down and quietly asked why. He stood on his tip toes, put his face close to mine and whispered, "Because you smell like fruit, Mommy! It smells really good!" I smiled and knew what he smelled was one of my favorite perfumes which has a clean, sweet, fruity aroma.God turned my thoughts to how we're to be a pleasing aroma to Him, through thoughts, actions and behaviors carried out in the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to "…live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (NIV).What does that really mean? How can we offer a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God and be a fragrance to those around us?There is a Hawaiian saying, "Tiny is the flower, yet it scents the grasses around it." What a great illustration of how the smallest things can have impactful results. The fact that the flower is small and seemingly insignificant, does not keep it from spreading the fragrance it was created to share. In fact, often the smallest flower can have the most potent fragrance!Sometimes we may feel like a tiny flower. We wonder if we are really capable of doing anything big or important for Christ. Insecurities, feelings of unworthiness or life challenges prevent us from seeing how God can use us to bless Him and impact others. It is not the size of the actions that matter, but the aroma that is created by those actions. Each time we do something in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness we offer a fragrant offering to God. And we help others learn how to be a little fragrant flower too, in a big world that can be pretty stinky.Each one of us can choose what fragrance we exude. It might be a good idea to ask from time to time, What type of fragrance am I leaving behind? How am I affecting the world around me with the gifts God gave me? Am I exuding a spiritual aroma that is a fragrant offering to Christ? Our lingering fragrance should be one of love and kindness, not anger and harshness. Patience and faithfulness, not intolerance and selfishness. And lifting people's spirits with joy and peace, not leaving them discouraged and broken. Our fragrance should be sowing seeds that point to the goodness of Christ.When God created flowers, He intentionally created them to give off a sweet aroma. And He created us just the same.
So, what fragrance are you wearing today?
Dear Lord, teach me how to smell like You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:Sharing Grace: Recipes - Family Traditions - Gift Ideas by LeAnn RiceScared: A Novel on the Edge of the World by Tom DavisVisit Tracie's blog today Application Steps:"Spritz" on a sweet fragrance today that is pleasing t o Christ.Consider how you can "scent the grasses" in your life with God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.Reflections:Think about the spiritual fragrance you have been wearing lately, and the impact it has on others.Do you think God is pleased with your lingering fragrance?Power Verses:2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (NIV)© 2009 Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
I've been reading in Exodus about God's directions to Moses on the exact specifications of the sanctuary where He will dwell with His people. As I read, I wondered how all these directions could be important in my life. I realized that the point of these verses was that God's people needed to obey Him. Whether they understood why, or even understood at all, was not what was important - what was important was that they obeyed.
In the end of John, after receiving instruction from Jesus, Peter asks Jesus about John and what His plan is for Him. Jesus answers "...what is that to you? You must follow Me." Again, Jesus spoke to my heart - don't worry about what others say, don't worry about what others do, don't wait until you understand, don't try to use human understanding when seeking something so much bigger - just obey.
So, it is time to put on my big girl panties and obey.
Obey the leading in my heart even if I don't want to.
Obey what I know to be true even if I don't feel it.
Obey even when I have an I don't care attitude.
Obedience is what will bring us all into closer communion with our Father.
I hope and pray that 2010 will be a year that we can all make a decision to obey.
Happy New Year!
Christie
A Sweet Aroma
31 Dec 2009
Tracie Miles
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
A sweet thing happened recently. It was Sunday morning at church, and the congregation was standing, singing hymns. My precious little boy was beside me with his arms wrapped around my waist.Every few minutes, he pressed his face into my shirt. After several times, I finally determined he was sniffing me, so I leaned down and quietly asked why. He stood on his tip toes, put his face close to mine and whispered, "Because you smell like fruit, Mommy! It smells really good!" I smiled and knew what he smelled was one of my favorite perfumes which has a clean, sweet, fruity aroma.God turned my thoughts to how we're to be a pleasing aroma to Him, through thoughts, actions and behaviors carried out in the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:2 encourages us to "…live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (NIV).What does that really mean? How can we offer a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God and be a fragrance to those around us?There is a Hawaiian saying, "Tiny is the flower, yet it scents the grasses around it." What a great illustration of how the smallest things can have impactful results. The fact that the flower is small and seemingly insignificant, does not keep it from spreading the fragrance it was created to share. In fact, often the smallest flower can have the most potent fragrance!Sometimes we may feel like a tiny flower. We wonder if we are really capable of doing anything big or important for Christ. Insecurities, feelings of unworthiness or life challenges prevent us from seeing how God can use us to bless Him and impact others. It is not the size of the actions that matter, but the aroma that is created by those actions. Each time we do something in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness we offer a fragrant offering to God. And we help others learn how to be a little fragrant flower too, in a big world that can be pretty stinky.Each one of us can choose what fragrance we exude. It might be a good idea to ask from time to time, What type of fragrance am I leaving behind? How am I affecting the world around me with the gifts God gave me? Am I exuding a spiritual aroma that is a fragrant offering to Christ? Our lingering fragrance should be one of love and kindness, not anger and harshness. Patience and faithfulness, not intolerance and selfishness. And lifting people's spirits with joy and peace, not leaving them discouraged and broken. Our fragrance should be sowing seeds that point to the goodness of Christ.When God created flowers, He intentionally created them to give off a sweet aroma. And He created us just the same.
So, what fragrance are you wearing today?
Dear Lord, teach me how to smell like You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:Sharing Grace: Recipes - Family Traditions - Gift Ideas by LeAnn RiceScared: A Novel on the Edge of the World by Tom DavisVisit Tracie's blog today Application Steps:"Spritz" on a sweet fragrance today that is pleasing t o Christ.Consider how you can "scent the grasses" in your life with God's love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.Reflections:Think about the spiritual fragrance you have been wearing lately, and the impact it has on others.Do you think God is pleased with your lingering fragrance?Power Verses:2 Corinthians 2:15, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (NIV)© 2009 Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hey all my bloggy friends - I've been missing you!! It's been so long since we've talked so I thought I'd post some pics of what I've been up to:
We celebrated Elizabeth's 14th birthday
We went sledding as a family
We spent time with our families as we celebrated Christmas. Here's me with my brothers and sisters. (Oh, and my nephew-to-be in Courtney's belly)
Mike and I also enjoyed special Christmas gifts from our children. Elizabeth made us pencils and a clock in her industrial tech class.
Nathan made a picture holder and purchased a pretty snowman ornament from the school store.
As you can see, its been a week of fun, fun and more fun. Hope your Christmas was a wonderful one too!
Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
1 Peter 2:21&23
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Convicting to the core
enough said
May your time with friends and family be blessed and treasured and your awareness of Christ be evident.
Merry Christmas!
Christie
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Convicting to the core
enough said
May your time with friends and family be blessed and treasured and your awareness of Christ be evident.
Merry Christmas!
Christie
Monday, December 21, 2009
My weekend was full of partying! Liz's birthday is on Christmas Eve so we normally have her party a week beforehand as to keep it separated from Christmas. Here she is with her favorite gift of the party - HUGE Blueberry muffins!! She loves muffins and her aunt Peg picked a perfect gift! :)
Our love of food comes honestly and when you get the whole fam together, you can find them in the kitchen :)
On Sunday, we had our YAC Christmas party. While we waited for lunch to cook, we had a story time with the kiddos and talked about what Christmas is truly about. After I read the first book, I picked up another but before I began to read, Kaylee asked if she could read the story to the children. I was ecstatic at her enthusiasm and handed the book over. She read the story "How God Made Christmas". My eyes filled with tears as I watched her read a beautiful truth to her peers. Her excitement and willingness really made my day. What a wonderful example she set for all of us that day.
Hope you have a wonderful day and a blessed Christmas!
Our love of food comes honestly and when you get the whole fam together, you can find them in the kitchen :)
On Sunday, we had our YAC Christmas party. While we waited for lunch to cook, we had a story time with the kiddos and talked about what Christmas is truly about. After I read the first book, I picked up another but before I began to read, Kaylee asked if she could read the story to the children. I was ecstatic at her enthusiasm and handed the book over. She read the story "How God Made Christmas". My eyes filled with tears as I watched her read a beautiful truth to her peers. Her excitement and willingness really made my day. What a wonderful example she set for all of us that day.Hope you have a wonderful day and a blessed Christmas!Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Everybody else is doing it!
If I don't I'll look like a freak!
Its not THAT bad.
If so and so can do it, why can't I?
I don't want to upset anyone.
God will forgive me.
I'll do it just this once.
I'll do better tomorrow or next week.
Do any of these sound familiar? They sure do to me because I've used each one when I'm looking to justify my evil actions. Here's a thought:
If I have to justify what I am doing, I should not being doing it in the first place!!
God has placed the Holy Spirit within us for many reasons, but one of those reasons is to convict us. There is a reason that we are feeling guilty about sinning and have a need to justify our actions - because God's sweet Spirit is trying to help us to follow Him.
Exodus 23:2
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong...
Will you make the choice to listen to the Spirit today??
Have a great day and a great weekend
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
If I don't I'll look like a freak!
Its not THAT bad.
If so and so can do it, why can't I?
I don't want to upset anyone.
God will forgive me.
I'll do it just this once.
I'll do better tomorrow or next week.
Do any of these sound familiar? They sure do to me because I've used each one when I'm looking to justify my evil actions. Here's a thought:
If I have to justify what I am doing, I should not being doing it in the first place!!
God has placed the Holy Spirit within us for many reasons, but one of those reasons is to convict us. There is a reason that we are feeling guilty about sinning and have a need to justify our actions - because God's sweet Spirit is trying to help us to follow Him.
Exodus 23:2
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong...
Will you make the choice to listen to the Spirit today??
Have a great day and a great weekend
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie
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