The Anchor Holds September 30, 2009

The Anchor Holds

 

 

Two years ago a silent prayer was lifted up, “God, help me to see people from your perspective.”

 

I see…

Unexplainable, difficult and gut wrenching circumstances, invade the lives of those I know and love intimately.  Casual acquaintances are pummeled with incomprehensible heartache.   

 

I see…

Many are devoured and overcome by the harsh realities of life.

 

I see…

There are fierce, valiant men and women of faith who are not overcome.  In the darkest storms they are held securely by the Anchor.  They grow strong and mighty.

 

I see…

The Anchor holds.

 

“I have journeyed through the long dark night, out on the open sea.

 My faith alone, sight unknown and yet His eye is watching me.

 

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered.

The anchor holds, though the sails are torn.

 

I have fallen on my knees, as I face the raging sea.

The anchor holds in spite of the storm. 

I have visions.  I have dreams.

 I’ve even held them in my hand. 

But I never knew they would slip right through,

 like they were only crumbs of sand.

 

The anchor holds, though the ship is battered. 

The anchor holds, though the sails are torn.

 

 I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas. 

The anchor holds in spite of the storm. 

I have been young and I am older now,

and there has been beauty, these eyes have seen,

for it was in the night through the storms of my life,

that’s where God proved He loves me.

 

The anchor holds, though the ships been battered.  

The anchor holds though the sails are torn.

 I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas.

The anchor holds in spite of the storm.”

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL112E3NjqU

 

Song lyrics from “The Anchor Holds,” Ray Boltz

 

I know…

The Anchor holds.

 

 

Please join me in earnest prayer for the Varghese family and the Alter family.   Two precious families who know the Anchor holds.  You can read Micah’s story at http://howismicah.blogspot.com/   and Jada’s story at http://alterfamilyblog.com/

 

They are faithful men and women who love the Lord God Almighty and serve and honor Him consistently.

 

“In Thee, O LORD, I have taken refuge;

 let me never be ashamed;

In Thy righteousness deliver me.

Incline Thine ear to me, rescue me quickly;

Be Thou to me a rock of strength,

a stronghold to save me.

For Thou art my rock and my fortress;

For thy name’s sake Thou will lead me and guide me.

Thou will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me;

For Thou art my strength.

Into Thy hand I commit my spirit;

Thou has ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.”

Psalm 31:1-5 

Precious bloggers, may we all…

     See God

     Know God

     Trust God in all circumstances. 

 

The Anchor holds,

Ginger

Grandma’s Gravy Bowl September 25, 2009

 

Grandma's Gravy Bowl

 

 Grandaddy ate piping hot homemade biscuits and gravy every morning for breakfast on the farm.  Do you know how big the flour sacks were in those days?  My Grandma bought flour in a cloth fifty-pound sack!  She kept the flour in a large pull out bin below the countertop.  I think it was the size of my laundry hamper.

 

 Ah, the joy of childhood.  Every summer my sister, brother and I would spend the entire summer on the farm with our grandparents in rural Tennessee.  Visions of homemade biscuits and gravy frolic in my mind and dance on my tastebuds.  Mud pies in tin pie plates, hen houses, chickens, horses, cows, homegrown tomatoes, tractors, bare feet, bumble bees, morning glories, and most importantly … a half a stick of real butter creamed together with a quarter cup of honey slathered on a piping hot biscuit!  The biscuit with the honey-butter was the breakfast desert after the biscuit and gravy entree.  Yes, you read the measurements correctly and that was one serving!

 

 Life was sweet and carefree.

 

One of my most treasured possessions is my Grandma’s gravy bowl.  It is priceless to me.  I have not followed in my Grandma’s steps of making homemade biscuits and gravy every day.  Decades ago, I gave up the honey concoction for a more modest ratio of butter to honey.  However, every bowl of gravy that I have served family and friends has been served in my Grandma’s gravy bowl.

 

Last weekend, I whipped up some homemade biscuits and gravy for my Prince Charming.  We dipped gravy out of Grandma’s gravy bowl and savored our time together, overlooking the lake and making new memories together in Texas.

 

 Life is not as sweet and carefree as it once was as a child, but the things that matter most still remain.

 

 As I move from summer to the first fresh days of fall, I am reminded of the importance of creating lasting traditions and memories for family and friends.  I think I will get out my Grandma’s gravy bowl again this weekend and invest in those I love.  Maybe Prince Charming will treat me to breakfast at the Blue Bonnet Cafe www.bluebonnetcafe.net  in Marble Falls, Texas.  The Blue Bonnet Cafe is one of our new traditions.  Their biscuits and gravy are as good as Grandma’s and better than mine.

 

Our faithful God treasures people not things.  Matthew has a great reminder for each of us in chapter 6.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”    Matthew 6:19-21 (NASB)

 

I hope you will join me in making this weekend special by spending time with family and friends. 

 

What do you do to create simple lasting memories?  Leave a comment, I would love to hear your memory making story.

 

  Sweet blessings,

    Ginger

    P.S.  Because I am a true southern girl, I called my grandmother “Mamaw.”

Love & Respect August 24, 2009

Love & Respect

 

 

Imagine the satisfaction of a marriage filled with love and respect between husband and wife.  Maybe you are thinking, “tolerance maybe but mutual satisfaction…impossible.”  Does the mention of love and respect bring an old wound to the surface?

  

Yes, I believe a mutually satisfying marriage based on love and respect is possible.  I also know there have been times when I was convinced it was impossible to make my marriage work.  Carl and I have both grown weary at times.  Hearts and egos have been wounded unintentionally and intentionally.

  

Carl and I have purposed over the years to work on being married well.  Our goal is to have a mutually satisfying married relationship that honors God.  A relationship where we are both better together than we could have ever been as individuals.  You must know, we have not arrived we are an imperfect work in progress.

 

  

A new resource that is helping us along in our adventure is an outstanding book written by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs entitled Love and Respect.  It has helped us uncover some subtle ways we undermine our relationship.

  

Here is an excerpt where Dr. Eggerichs describes the “Crazy Cycle.”

 “As a pastor, I counseled married couples and could not solve their problems.  The major problem I heard from wives was, “He doesn’t love me.”  Wives are made to love, want to love and expect love.  Many husbands fail to deliver.  But as I kept studying Scripture and counseling couples, I finally saw the other half of the equation.  Husbands weren’t saying it much, but they were thinking, She doesn’t respect me. Husbands are made to be respected, want respect, and expect respect.  Many wives fail to deliver.  The result is that five out of ten marriages land in divorce court (and that includes evangelical Christians).

 

As I wrestled with the problem, I finally saw a connection:  without love from him, she reacts without respect; without respect from her, he reacts without love.  Around and around it goes.  I call it the Crazy Cycle – marital craziness that has thousands of couples in its grip.” 

 

Ignorance is not bliss.  Ignorance can destroy a relationship.  As I have read Love and Respect I am seeing how I have in ignorance disrespected my husband.  Ouch!  I would like to be farther along in my quest to be an excellent wife.  

 

Now, I am wrestling with what does respect look like.  How do I communicate respect to my husband?  Here are a few things I have learned from the dictionary….

          respect = deference, a yielding of opinion or judgement, courteous, venerate, to look upon with deep respect, to regard with deep respect, to love, struck with amazement

 

Ah ha! “to be struck with amazement.”  Every husband will appreciate that from his wife…..careful girls we must be sincere.  I’m going to work on zipping my lips and being more courteous.  I’m going to purpose to speak with sweet encouraging words to Carl.

 

 

I hope you will join me in reading Love and Respect.  It is one of those rare books based on substance which can tangibly improve our daily lives.  Let us encourage one another to be married well, to be women who encourage our husbands and bless our Lord.

 

 

Well, I’m off to read a few more chapters in Love and Respect to learn how I can bless my “Prince Charming” with respect. 

 

                “Let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it

                 that she respects her husband.”

                                                                                                Ephesians 5:33

 

I welcome your insights and encouragement, please leave a comment.

  

With love and respect,

   Ginger

ObamaCare and an Intelligent Voice August 15, 2009

 

Dr. Zane F. Pollard, MD

 

Are you “for” or “against” the healthcare reform package that is being debated in congress and promoted by President Obama? 

 

It is interesting that the majority of those who express concerns about the healthcare reform are being portrayed as crazy, belligerent, and uninformed individuals in the main stream media.  The majority of supporters of the current reform bill are portrayed as “in touch” with the healthcare needs of the American public.  While neither extreme represents either group fairly there are some crazy and some intelligent people on both sides of the debate. 

 

Special interest groups abound and endorse the reform package for one primary reason, financial benefits for their investors!  These groups “spin” sections of the reform package that promote their personal agendas while ignoring large sections of the overall plan.

 

For example, my grandparents generation thought that the primary responsibility of the insurance industry was to take care of their needs if they experienced a crisis.  The primary responsibility of the insurance industry is to make money by providing a service.  Insurance companies limit services and personal choice to increase profits. 

 

Over the last decade, my family has found itself in the following categories.

     1.  Insured through an employer by a national insurance company.

     2.  Uninsured twice due to a job change. 

     3.  Opted to NOT purchase COBRA Insurance because it is cost prohibitive, especially when you are minus one income.  The definition of COBRA Insurance according to the website is, “COBRA (short for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) allows you to temporarily maintain health coverage, even if you lose your job.” 

     4.  Insured college age students as individuals without a group plan.

     5.  Purchased additional health insurance for international travel.

 

Over the last decade, on multiple occassions my family has been limited by the insurance industry in personal choice regarding physician selection, prescription drugs and medical testing requested by physicians.

 

When I ask myself………????

     Do I trust my insurance provider to make the best decisions for my healthcare needs?

     Do I trust the United States Government to make the best decisions for my healthcare needs?

     Do I trust special interest groups and investors in the healthcare industry to make the best decisions for my healthcare needs?

     Do I believe healthcare reform will improve my quality of care?

     Do I believe healthcare reform will allow me to choose any physician that I deem best for my healthcare needs?

     Do I believe that healthcare reform will make my insurance coverage more affordable with an equal standard of quality?

     Do I believe that healthcare reform will give equal access to all U.S. citizens to healthcare?

          ………NO, no, no!

 

Yes, we can improve healthcare coverage in the United States of America.  Yes, we need to improve healthcare coverage.  Yes, as Americans we can discuss our concerns and differences and find solutions to improve our healthcare system. 

 

The question is, how do we obtain the facts to move forward and find solutions that will improve our individual and national healthcare system?  The facts are vital to fueling a thoughtful debate with the purpose of finding solutions and making laws and policies that are sound.

 

Please take a moment to read the real life experiences of Dr. Zane F. Pollard, MD.  Dr. Pollard provides facts that give an intelligent voice to the debate.

 http://www.examiner.com/x-6571-Atlanta-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m8d8-ObamaCare-and-me-by-Zane-F-Pollard-Atlanta-based-MD

 

I welcome your thoughts and encourage you to post links under the comment section that provide insight and facts related to the healthcare reform debate.  We all have much to learn.  I am confident that most Americans want to be a part of the solution.  An effective solution requires a thorough knowledge of the facts and the ability to listen, learn and debate with respect for one another.  Clear direction on  how we should conduct ourselves is found in the Bible in Colossians 3:8-17. 

 www.biblegateway.com

 

Special thanks to the millions of men and women across this great nation that provide outstanding healthcare each and every day.  You each have amazing gifts and talents that enrich and bless our lives and make our nation a better place to call home.

 

Thank you,

  Ginger

Ohhh, Mama! Bridging the Generation Gap August 6, 2009

Ohhh, Mama! Bridging the Generation Gap

Sitting in the airport I observe anxious parents hug, pray, wave and watch as their college students head to South Africa to study for a semester abroad.  Unknown questions abound.  As they enter security, they still must contact the US Embassy regarding some visa issues.  I overhear one parent say to another parent, “At least they are going together.  You went by yourself.”

                  

The anxious parents press toward the final barrier of the security labyrinth followed by two friends of the college students.  Out of the earshot of the parents one young man comments to his buddy, “I bet my Mama will be the same way when I leave.”

 

Ohhh, Mama!  Tears fill my eyes because at this moment my son Aaron is moving from one side of Bangkok, Thailand to the other side of town.  He is alone.  The summer missionaries have headed back to the United States.  Aaron is not heading back home.  He is leaving what has become his home away from home.  Aaron is exchanging the familiar security and safety of the know surroundings for the unknown. 

 

A family covering three generations is traveling together.  I hear “Xladskjf alskdfj jadlkfjei lsk lakdj reowp.”  I wonder what it is like for Aaron to be surrounded by words he barely understands.  It was a challenge for him to register for classes last week because of the language barrier. 

 

Ohhh, Mama!

 

At the She Speaks Conference this weekend, I had the privilege of hearing a young mama with a newborn baby girl encourage women of all ages to “Bridge the Generation Gap.”  Her name is Aimy.  In her introduction she said, “Don’t tell my Grand-Ma I have this baby out and I am not at home!”

 

Aimy’s words reminded me of my first outing with my daughter.  Amber was born on Sunday morning and the following Saturday we were at Wal-Mart shopping.  I had no idea why I attracted so much attention with my tiny baby girl (she weighed 4lbs 12 ozs. at her first weeks checkup).  OK, now I get it!

 

Imagine the looks I received when I proudly walked into the nursery the following morning at First Baptist Church in Humboldt, Tennessee.  Carl and I were grinning from ear to ear as we handed our precious girl over to the sweet gray haired ladies who exclaimed, “She is so tiny!”  The women sought clarity……”She’s how old?”  “One week old!”

 

Ohhh, Mama!

 

Can you imagine the conversations in the church nursery that day?  In retrospect, I am glad I never heard their words.  Most of all I appreciate the fact that they loved my Amber and they loved on me and encouraged me as a new Mom.

 

Ohhh, Mama!  The good news is…. Amber survived and is thriving as a happy newlywed.  Aaron met two students who speak English before the end of his first day at his new condo.

 

Growing up is never comfortable or easy no matter which side you are on.  Each new season has its joys and challenges.  Oftentimes, we walk in ignorant bliss.  Other times we walk alone under the critical eye and misunderstanding of others.

 

Let us band together as women and sing the sweet songs of encouragement for our dear sisters from every generation.  Ohhh, Mama’s far and wide check out Aimy’s blog at http://AimysGeneration.blogspot.com for wisdom and insight on bridging the generation gaps.  Make sure you take the survey at the top and represent your generation.

Sweet blessings,

 Ginger

PS  “txt Aimy your seminar rocked…love u girl from ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!’ lol”

 

I’ll send your Grand-ma a hand written note and your mom an e-mail

Sweet Tea & Southern Girls August 3, 2009

Sweet Tea & Southern Girls

Ya’ll this southern girl is in the heart of “Southern Living” country…..Charlotte, North Carolina.  I am surrounded by lush green plants everywhere and humidity that makes my hair curl (and look a bit like the big hair days of the 1980’s).  Do you know, as soon as my plane touched down I realized my accent was gone?  My favorite part of being in the Deep South is this wonderful question, “Would you like sweet tea, Maam?

 

Girls, a change in location is a good reminder of the importance of perspective.  Often, when we are away from home we fondly look back on the ordinary things of life that we take for granted.  There are also things we never fully appreciate when we have them in excess.  One of those things for me is a little ‘ole thing called “humidity.”  I would get tired of the frequent rain and the endless days filled with high humidity levels when I lived in “sweet home Alabama.”  My how my perspective has changed since I moved to the Texas Hill Country.

 

The southern girl’s new home in the Texas Hill Country is the land of straight hair, low humidity levels and fabulous Mexican food.  I value all three of these qualities.  However, I am clearly seeing that all things without balance can become a thorn in a southern girls flesh.  Central Texas is experiencing a severe drought.  People, animals and the land all suffer from extreme weather patterns.

 

This need for balance is not only necessary for pleasant outdoor conditions but it is also profoundly important for leading a satisfying personal life.  Balance fuels satisfying family relationships and work environments, as well.

 

I can travel to the Deep South for sweet tea and all things southern but where can I go for guidance on all things balanced?  This week that guidance came from the example of a teenager named Daniel.

 

Daniel found an extraordinary equalizer for circumstances that pressed in on his life.  Circumstances that threatened to knock him off balance and crush him.  The city of Daniel’s childhood was filled with competing voices saying they had the answer to how he and others should live their lives.  Some voices were right but the majority of the voices were dead wrong.  Daniel made up his mind to follow the voice of the One True God of his nation.

 

Like this southern girl, Daniel was taken from his home to a foreign land.  In addition to having an accent he did not even speak or understand the language.  Daniel thrived in the midst of ever changing and difficult circumstances because he made up his mind to follow the voice of God.  He did not defile himself with the practices of the people around him.  As a result, Daniel led a balanced life that God blessed.

 

There are sweet blessings of balance that transcend all circumstances.  Southern girls, northern girls, mid-western girls and all girls far and wide can find that balanced place for their life and daily challenges in the same God that Daniel followed.  The first requirement is that we make up our mind whom we are going to follow. 

 

To learn more about Daniel and his balanced life check out chapter 1 of the book of Daniel in the Bible.  You will be encouraged to see what God gave to Daniel and his friends.

 

Love ya’ll,

 

  Ginger

Raising Valiant Sons and Daughters July 23, 2009

                                                           

Valiant Son & Daughter

                                 

Valiant Son

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strong, brave and courageous young men and women are among us.  You and I have seen them in our midst and marveled at their courage and depth of character.  What does it take to raise valiant sons and daughters in a generation plagued by greed, immorality, political unrest and every kind of wickedness? 

 

Two imperfect individuals come together as Dad and Mom and create junior.  Maybe Dad and Mom are a team pulling together or they are individuals still pulling in their own direction.  Sometimes parents make a sacrificial decision to let someone else raise their child.

 

Regardless of the steps that bring us to parenting we still want to do our best.  When we embrace our responsibilities to equip the next generation; where do we begin if we want to raise valiant sons and daughters?  Our sons and daughters will become the adults of tomorrow.  Will they be courageous young adults who will lead and influence their families, communities, cities, nations and the world for what is good and right?

 

This morning I was awed as I began to read my Bible about a young man named Daniel.  As a child and as a young teenager, Daniel lived in a nation where God was forgotten and mocked.  The nation of Israel was filled with every kind of wickedness.  The people worshiped the works of their own hands.  Wickedness, a forgotten God and people worshiping the works of their own hands sounds a lot like the nations of our world today. 

 

Not only was Daniel surrounded by all of this wickedness in his homeland, as a teenager he was taken as a slave into the immoral nation of Babylon.  Imagine if our sons and daughters were taken from us as young teenagers into a wicked immoral environment, how would they function?  Would they be sucked into the conduct of the people around them or would they stand for what they know is right and true?

 

As I observed young Daniel’s life after he was taken as a slave, I saw some amazing characteristics. 

 

First, I saw who his “running buddies” were; Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  Daniel and his three friends are described as intelligent, endowed with understanding, discerning in knowledge, and they had the ability for serving in the king’s court.

 

Next, I saw that Daniel “made up his mind” to follow the dietary guidelines given to the nation of Israel by God.  Daniels obedience prompted God to grant him favor and compassion in the sight of the commander.

 

The results, Daniel and his three friends were taken into the king’s personal service.  Out of all of the handsome, intelligent, knowledgeable youths taken from Israel not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah.  The king also found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers and wise men in the nation of Babylon.

 

Daniel and his friends were valiant, strong, brave, courageous and successful because they knew their God and they obeyed Him faithfully.

 

Let us stand together as parents of the next generation.  First we must put off the practices of the world and apply the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives.  To lead by example we must know, love and obey God with our whole hearts.  Next, we must teach our children to know, love, and obey God with their whole hearts. 

 

None of us will ever get it right all of the time; neither will our friends, family and Christian brothers and sisters.  God extends grace and encourages us to dust off the sin and get right back on His path.

 

Like Daniel, our sons and daughters will choose their “running buddies” and make up their own minds whom to follow.  We can trust God to bless and correct.  Let us join together and ask God to help us be valiant parents who lead by example and equip our children in the truth of Who God is and the importance of obeying Him and following His plan each day of our lives. 

 

Only God can bring the increase and grant us courageous young adults who will lead and influence their families, communities, cities, nations and the world for what is good and right.  Our responsibility is to be faithful in parenting according to Biblical principles and trust God to raise valiant sons and daughters in our midst for His purpose.

   Raising warriors,

  Ginger

“Faith Like Potatoes” July 14, 2009

 

"Faith Like Potatoes"

 

 

Potatoes grow and mature below the surface of the ground much like our faith. 

 

Physical growth is not an easy process.  There are awkward and painful times as we transition from one age bracket or stage to another.  Oftentimes, we can have the appearance of an adult but our behavior communicates that we have a long way to go to reach maturity.

The movie “Faith Like Potatoes” illustrates the uneasy and awkward transition from trusting in your abilities and intellect to trusting in the unseen God.  It is based on a remarkable true life story of Angus Buchan.  Special thanks to our friends Charles and Kimberly who recommended the movie to us.  It is available for rental at our local Blockbuster and may be purchased at Family Christian Stores or at www.amazon.com . 

 

This is a great “date night” movie.  Carl and I both enjoyed the movie.  We will be adding it to our personal movie library.  It starts a little slow laying the  ground work but the story builds momentum and has surprising twists and turns.

 

The plot synopsis by Jason Buchanan:

“Angus Buchan’s award-winning autobiographical novel is adapted for the big screen by director Reghardt van den Bergh, who traces the story of the rugged South African farmer as he endures remarkable adversity on his quest to discover the true power of faith. Set in the tempestuous hills of the KZN midlands, Faith Like Potatoes follows Buchan from his early attempts to achieve material success, through the personal transformation that follows a series of seemingly insurmountable losses, and a close friendship forged with his faithful Zulu farmhand. Like the potatoes planted in his field, Buchan’s faith remains hidden until the harvest, when he learns how the power of faith can help him to begin the personal healing process, and become more accepting of others.”

 

Post your “movie review” comments.  I would love to hear what you think about the movie.  How did it encourage you in your personal journey of faith?  Did it challenge you in your relationship and conduct with your spouse?  Do you have a faith story of how you were led to trust God?  What legacy are you modeling for your children and community?

Growing in grace,

  Ginger  

Nose Plugs, PLEASE! July 6, 2009

  

Nose Plugs, PLEASE!

“Did you know three out of five of the last Independence Day celebrations have involved a home repair emergency at our house?” quizzed my husband over lunch on Saturday.  It began, deep in the heart of “Sweet Home Alabama” with soaring temperatures and humidity levels pushing 80 percent. Carl’s air-conditioning “connections” came through with flying colors on July 4^th 2005 and 2007. 

 

Now imagine trying to locate a septic tank repair man on July 4^th in the great state of Texas.  It is not a pretty picture.  “Prince Charming” chose to look on the bright side by announcing, “It’s over 100 degrees today and we have two air conditioners.  We are not going to sweat this year even if one of them pukes out.”  Well, I did not sweat but I sure wanted to “puke” from the septic tank “aroma.”  Will somebody GET ME SOME NOSE PLUGS, PLEASE?

 

This morning while the septic tank repair men were busy repairing my septic tank, I was finishing my Bible study on Ephesians 6.  In Ephesians 6 followers of Jesus Christ are instructed to put on the “full armor of God.”  Through my keen observation skills, I noticed that the full armor of God did not include nose plugs.  What is a mighty warrior for Christ supposed to do when he or she encounters foul smelling stinky circumstances?

 

In pursuit of the answer, we must evaluate the frequent causes of foul circumstances.  Some difficult circumstances are not reflective of our present or previous behavior. However, many times our present and previous behavior directly influences the present circumstances.  A heart and life full of disobedience, ignorance, hardness of heart, sensuality, greed, lying, selfishness, impatience, hate,  and unforgiveness all fuel smelly situations.  Each of these characteristics is foul smelling and stinky like a septic tank. 

 

Sometimes we can hide the “smell” for a season.  Have you noticed how lush green grass often covers the lid to the septic tank?  All of us with human DNA try to cover our “smelly stuff” and pretend it does not exist.  In some instances we acknowledge our wrong behavior but we try in vain to minimize the “odor” with the flawed art of comparison and excuses.

 

Mighty warriors for Christ, apply the Biblical principles found in Ephesians chapters 2 and 4. Encourage one another to put off the smelly behaviors in our individual lives.  Together we can encourage one another by putting on obedience, wisdom, a tender heart, generosity, speaking the truth in love, patience and forgiveness.  Then we are able to “be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God,” and stand!*

 

Fellow warriors, nose plugs are not needed in the armor of God because we are expected to get rid of the “stinky stuff” before we head into battle each day and stand for our Lord.

    Standing for Him,

  Ginger

 

   *Ephesians 6:10-11

A Call to Freedom July 3, 2009

A Call to Freedom

 

“The Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, because there is no faithfulness or kindness or knowledge of God in the land. ”  “There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery.  They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.  The land mourns….”   There are droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and monsoons.  Will real hope and freedom ring out this Independence Day?

 

These are strong words spoken by the prophet Hosea between 755-714 B.C.  It is interesting how Hosea’s words ring true in America and all around the world today.  Hosea goes on to say, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being my priest.  Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”  Their ignorance of the knowledge of God was willful.  The priests of the day comingled the worship of Jehovah with the false idols in the land.  Not only was judgment coming on the people but it was also going to impact their children.

 

As a mom, I will do anything within my power to protect and nurture my children.  I want to position them on solid ground for the future.  The best way I have found to do that is to dig into the Bible.  First, I study and learn and then most importantly I apply what I learn.  I take action!  I walk according to what I have learned.  My actions and walk are imperfect but I am headed in the right direction.

 

What direction are you headed in this Independence Day?  Are you walking in freedom with hope and joy?  A great resource for helping each of us get on the right track is “Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days” by Kay Arthur.  It is one of my favorites.  It is simple and straight forward.  If you will invest 15-20 minutes per day for the next 28 days you will be amazed at what you will learn.  You will gain insight on principles of freedom that will bless your life and the lives of your children, family, friends, co-workers, community and nation.

Lord Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days

 

https://secure2.convio.net/pmi/site/Ecommerce?FOLDER=1132&store_id=1101&JServSessionIdr011=dz0g8qx8f3.app27a

 

 This little book is great for students and adults of all ages.  It is an excellent starting point for people with little or no previous interaction with the Bible.  Individuals who have studied the Bible will be delighted to see how their personal study will go to the next level.

 

Share a comment if you have read and studied “Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days.”  I’d love to hear how you used it and what it meant to you.

 

Let us all celebrate the freedom and joy we have in being a part of this great nation…..the United States of America!

 

May Freedom Ring In Your Life,

   Ginger