Wealth That Money Can’t Buy
Our BIG WORD Bible study this season is on 1 Samuel. We’ve already covered the first ten chapters and will discuss the next two next week. With Leap Day elongating our schedule, I thought it might be nice to do a little recap.
By the way, if you’re not yet with us, it’s not too late to join! You can download the homework for FREE and start where we are now or go to the beginning and “catch up” before our next discussion.
First Samuel is a natural continuation of Judges, which we studied last fall. (Those notes are also available on the BIG WORD tab.) We see mankind continuing to do whatever is right in their own eyes. Our hope is that the dawn of Israel’s kings will abate this time of anarchy, especially if we get the right king.
While Judges taught us that God can use flawed, sinful, rebellious, arrogant people — basically, ANYONE — to accomplish His will, the books of Samuel (both 1 and 2) teach us what kind of person God desires to use.
So far we’ve seen bad examples and worse examples. We fostered a positive vibe with the prophet Samuel, but that was short-lived. Even after God revealed Himself as the Almighty Sovereign LORD, able to conquer enemies and decapitate other gods, the Israelites wanted more. They were no longer happy with a government of priests; they wanted a king “like all the other nations.” Saul, whether he wanted it or not, was named the first king of Israel. Our discussion on Thursday will be about his first acts as king.
That’s the basic history, but what has this taught us about God? About ourselves? What difference does it — or should it — make in our lives today? Read the rest of this entry
What Matters Most
I’ve started three different posts today, but will likely complete none of them. I would like to boast discipline, but am thinking of a quote by Francis Chan.
“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”
It’s not that writing or the topics about which I write are unimportant. They are relevant (sometimes) and they truly matter (sometimes), but I have more important things to finish today. Like being with my kids.
Our family has been dealing with a fun little stomach bug this week. Z-man was out of it on Sunday and Monday. Miss Ellie was up vomiting most of the night Tuesday and home from school yesterday. I thought we were back on track today, but got a call from the school nurse less than an hour after the start of classes. And so my “productive day” was filled with cuddles and homemade soup, small sips of clear liquids and lots of cozy blankets. Instead of writing, I spent my afternoon playing video games and reading children’s books.
All in all, it’s been a fabulous day. One in which I count my many, many blessings.
My favorite part of the day? When sweet Ellie looked up at me with those big, beautiful eyes and said, “Mom, you’re glorious.” I still laugh at the thought of it.
Now, let me get off of here to run another load of laundry and continue coddling my sickies. Tomorrow is a new day. Maybe then I can finish some of what I’ve started.
In the meantime, I am now contributing to Writer Interrupted on a regular basis. This link will show you the few articles already published there.
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Religious freedom? Maybe if you’re not a Christian.
Randy Alcorn wrote a tremendous novel about Christian persecution in China. The book is titled Safely Home, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It will cause you to think about your position of faith, of service, of prayer and devotion. It will also enlighten you to what believers around the globe face on a daily basis.
We are indeed granted great liberties in the United States! Fortunately, we live in a democracy where our liberties also include defending our rights. In order to do that, however, we must be aware of infringements against them.
Two major stories have caught my attention over the past year. One is from the UK and the other is here in the US. Both could potentially impact all believers on a personal level. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. (Remember the rules.)
Impediments to Social Service
A year ago (28 February 2011) a UK court ruled to uphold a ban against Christian parents serving in the foster care system. (Read the story here.) Technically, I suppose they can still foster children as long as they keep their Christian beliefs to themselves, specifically if the foster child shows any inclination toward homosexuality. The ruling authorities claim that the laws of the realm “do not include Christianity” and that, in fostering system, “the equality provisions concerning sexual orientation should take precedence” over religious rights. Read the rest of this entry
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Redshirting
I set rules for blog comments a long time ago. There are only two, so it’s nice and easy. Here goes.
- No vulgarities, name-calling or cyber-bullying of any kind will be tolerated.
- All comments must be respectful to both writer and readers. There are ways to disagree without sinking into condescension or degradation. I suggest you employ those methods.
You may only comment on this blog if you follow the rules. Any comments made that violate the rules will be deleted. I have the final word on what constitutes adherence to these rules. (It is my blog, after all.)
Why am I reminding you of these? Because I’m about to launch a discussion on politics and current events.
I know, I know! *GASP! HORROR!* I’m breaking all those peaceful “mommy blogger” standards. The fact is a few issues have arisen over the past two weeks that I cannot ignore. They say the only taboo topics in society are politics and religion. Well, I talk about religion in nearly every post, so I might as well throw myself under the gauntlet here.
Be prepared: my version of politics is likely not what one might expect. I rarely see things as wholly black or white. As a result, I don’t want to talk about politicians or sides. I don’t want to start a debate. I simply want to present my perspective and engage in a conversation that will, hopefully, produce a fuller understanding for all of us. That includes considering alternative views. Just remember to stick to the rules.
Oh, and here’s a new rule:
Everyone has the right to change his or her mind. No holding past opinions captive or using them as weapons against that person, including me.
Some of the posts on this blog go back five years. I hope we’ve all grown and changed in that time, so no rummaging through the archives to quote me back to me. Got it? Cool.
Preamble over. Let’s start with an easy one.
Redshirting
On Sunday night 60 Minutes aired a segment on redshirting. (Click here to view the piece or read the script.) Redshirting is intentionally holding a child back in school in order to give them a greater advantage. This parenting technique is on the rise, but not because of academic standards. It is becoming increasingly common because parents want their kids to be more competitive. They want them to have a leg up on the rest of their class, to be bigger, older, smarter and more athletic than the other kids. They want leaders and will get them by providing a head start. Read the rest of this entry
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I am hopelessly uncool.
Once upon a time people were applauded for being experts at something. Or maybe they were simply in admirable, enviable positions. We looked up to those who seemed to have everything we wanted or who emulated everything we wanted to be. Those were the cool people.
Disillusion took place and, over the last few years, something has changed.
We’ve begun to celebrate the imperfect. It’s en vogue to ridicule Martha Stewart (even if we all secretly want to be her) and to flaunt our flaws. We call it “authenticity.” We delight in snarky accounts of mistakes or rotten circumstances. We want to be THAT family (the obnoxious ones in the grocery store) or the world’s worst missionary (the politically incorrect antithesis of expected standards). They’re the cool ones! The new rules: whoever has the most shocking story wins.
As a result, I am miserably, hopelessly uncool. I’m a far stretch from Mrs. Cleaver, but if dysfunction is cool, then I’m definitely not. (Childhood history excepted. Of course, back then, dysfunction wasn’t cool.)
Perhaps this is why I’ve not blogged consistently this month. I have nothing to complain about. With no terrible mishap to report, I have erroneously concluded that I have nothing to say. I lead a rather charmed life. I mean, yesterday I ate in the sunny corner of a lovely cafe. I had the most delicious crepes, a Chai Latte and an hour all to myself, just to read my Bible or people-watch down the village street. According to contemporary standards, that’s not raw and, therefore, not cool.
Earlier this week Mary DeMuth posted ten reasons why she’s not cool. Here are mine.
- I’m a natural blonde. Everyone loves to hate blondes.
- I’m rich. We don’t have a pool filled with gold coins or a place in Cabo where we retreat on weekends. It’s nothing like that, but we have all that we need and just enough to share with those in need. That makes me rich.
- I’m comfortable. I am currently lounging before a crackling fire in our big, beautiful house while my two miracle children dutifully complete their homework.
- I can zip my wedding dress all the way up — thirteen years after we got married. It took me six years to lose all weight gained during back-to-back pregnancies, but we’ll just forget about that part. The dress fits. The End.
- I love my husband and will never tire of telling you how great he is. Oh, we have our moments, but I don’t play The Husband Bashing Game. My man works hard. He puts up with me, my many quirks, my unfair expectations and emotional mood swings. As a result, only very closest bosom buddies (of which there are maybe two or three — you know who you are!) will ever hear me complain about him. I am blessed and I know it full well.
- I get to stay home … and I like it! Sure, I have aspirations that extend far beyond the walls of our home, but I absolutely love being a mother and a homemaker. Yes, there are days that I get cabin fever and my kids add a few too many wrinkles to my growing collection, but I am extremely fortunate that our ability and desires enable me to stay home. Even more: I am able to pursue those far-reaching aspirations from right here.
- I am often mistaken for a teenager. My only complaint here is that I, at age thirty-five, am still consistently carded. None of my friends think this is cool.
- I have the best mother-in-law in the world. I’m not kidding. She’s the BEST. I know no one else who can boast a mother-in-law who will drive two hours just to scrub their floors or do their laundry for them. I know no one else whose mother-in-law consistently encourages them, prays for them, thanks God for them, applauds them, brags about them … The more I share this, the more haters I receive. I’m okay with that.
- I’m not afraid to use taboo words like “submission.” This point is terribly uncool. I’ve even had friends walk out on me because of it.
- I aspire to less rather than more. Occasionally I’ll fall into the materialistic trap of typical American suburbs, but more often than not, I seek to have fewer activities, fewer hobbies, fewer additives, fewer meetings, less stuff, less drama … I crave simplicity. This is definitely not the norm in Jersey.
Are you in BIG WORD?
My kids are on break from school all this week. I’m not entirely sure why and I’m not complaining. However, it is an adjustment. I absolutely LOVE having them home with me, but it does make work an interesting challenge.
Such has been proven again and again this week. Today is no exception.
Our Bible study of 1 Samuel continues! I told everyone I would have our homework notes up this morning. It’s nearly 3pm and I just now got the .pdf posted. (You can find it on the Big Word page along with the notes and homework from previous weeks.) We’ve finished the first ten chapters and are moving on to the next two. The time of judges has come to an end and Israel has its first king. Saul.
The big question between last night’s discussion and our next is this: Was it God’s will that Israel have a king?
There are several verses in support of both assertions. You can consult the notes for specific references and arguments. I’m curious — what do YOU think? Why?
Let’s discuss!
If you haven’t joined our study yet, I encourage you to do so. It’s not too late! All the notes are available for FREE download. Take a look and jump into the comments section here.
NOTE: Normally we hold our study every other week, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays/Thursdays of each month. Next week, however, is Leap Day, so our next discussion will be in THREE weeks, not two. I hope you’ll join us!
Leaping Faith
My husband teases me for keeping a red pen near when I read novels. Yes, sometimes that crimson friend is for marking missed errors that will be compiled into an email to the editor. More often, however, that pen is for noting things of significance. Good fiction can cut right to the heart more efficiently and in a more memorable way than most nonfiction. Those are the lines that I mark. Those are the paragraphs I want to remember.
I recently read a novel by Tessa Afshar. A sweet friend recommended it to me. I’m so glad she did.
Pearl in the Sand (Moody Publishers, September 2010), a fictionalized account of Rahab from the Bible, is filled with multi-faceted characters and profound truths about God and faith. There are many parts I found absolutely fascinating, sections that challenged me to look deeper into the Scriptural account. Other chapters urged me to evaluate my faith and commitment to God. It is one such scene that I want to share with you today. Read the rest of this entry
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Just Do It!: Reading Your Bible (Part 2)
Welcome back! Gretchen has returned, as promised, to share some of her tips in getting through your Bible cover to cover without giving up.
Yesterday, I gave you a little background on how I got started reading my Bible cover-to-cover. Today, I promised to share some tips that helped me along the way.
- I say a quick prayer right before I begin reading. It goes something like, “God, speak to me through your word today. Help me glorify you, even if I don’t understand everything you say. Thank you for your incredible word.”
- I use the New Living Translation Study Bible. It’s a big ol’ brick, but I love it. Actually, I picked it out and my husband gave it to me for Christmas before I started my read-through. I recommend this translation because of its readability. The NIV is also a great translation, in my humble opinion. Find one which suits you, and which you will read.
- I told myself that I was reading to glean … not for any quiz or even for any sizable bit of comprehension.
- Even reading to simply immerse myself in the word was so much richer an experience with the study notes in my Bible. I highly recommend a Bible with study notes. If you don’t have one, perhaps a Bible dictionary, concordance, or other study helps would be a smart purchase. I didn’t want to read through with huge, burning questions left unanswered. Ninety percent of my questions were answered in the study notes. Five percent I asked my pastor (who was always so generous in helping me), and the remaining five percent were left to “his ways are not my ways…I don’t have to understand all of it to believe or obey”.
- I used Piper’s Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan for my first 2 read-throughs (as Tanya advised), because I love its structure and built-in grace days. I also love the fact that this program gives you two Old Testament readings and two New Testament readings each day. Not only is the variety nice if you’re not in your favorite chapter here or there, but it highlights that the OT and NT are truly ONE story. This year, simply to change it up for myself, I’m doing a chronological read-through, available on the YouVersion Bible app. I do the checklist on my phone, and can even read the bible that way, but I prefer using my paper version to be able to underline/take notes on passages, as I feel so inclined. I also date each passage, so I can see in years to come when I’ve read it. I will say, I’m itching to get to the NT, but having fun this way, too.
- I forgave myself when I messed up, and read ahead when I could. Life happens.
- When I lacked motivation, I spurred myself on by the questions my pastor had asked all those years ago: If I’m a Christian, why don’t I read my Bible? Why do I believe what I believe? If someone asked me what it meant to be a follower of Jesus, what would I tell them?
Praise God that you might even be thinking of completing this challenge! BTW, if you start with Piper’s, and many others, you DON’T HAVE TO START IN JANUARY. Ahem. I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or suggestions in helping others be obedient in knowing what our Father wants us to know and growing in His abundant grace.
Blessings!
Just Do It: Reading Your Bible (Part 1)
We started the Read with Me Challenge over two years ago. I met Gretchen (not in real life … yet!) before that, but got to know her much better through our joint adventure in Bible reading. Recently I asked her to share her testimony. Whether you’re doing Read with Me this year or not, I’m sure you’ll be encouraged by what she has to share with us today AND tomorrow!
A year or so ago, sweet Tanya encouraged us all to read our Bibles, cover to cover, in her “Read with Me” series. She suggested a John Piper template that dipped into 4 areas of the Bible each day. Perhaps even more attractive to me (a serial Bible-reading-starter), the program was based on a 5-day, rather than a 7-day week. Ah…grace was built into this particular program. Yay. Gotta love grace. The gentle accountability and cameraderie of other readers was also appealing. So…I took the leap.
Guess what?! I actually finished within a year. However, the best part isn’t that I did anything. The best part? In this process of submission and obedience, God created a thirst for His Word in me which I’d never had before. To this day, I’m sort of “addicted” to His Word. I’m on my third read-through, and each time, I go deeper and learn something new. Woot! Read the rest of this entry
BIG WORD Update: 1 Samuel Continues!
Have you noticed the new tab in our menu? It’s been there for a few weeks and I am just now drawing your attention to it!
We’ve been hosting Bible studies on this site since last fall. Affectionately dubbed “BIG WORD”, we are currently studying 1 Samuel. Last fall we did Judges. We didn’t officially do Bathsheba, but since that was a pretty lengthy series on this blog, I included that on the BIG WORD tab as well.
All of these Bible studies are FREE for you to download and either participate with us here online or use them in your own small group Bible studies. Either way, I want to hear from you! I would LOVE to know what you’re learning about God and what He is teaching you through your study.
For our current study posts typically go up on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (immediately following our in-house discussions on Wednesday nights). This week, however, I have a very special guest blogger visiting tomorrow and on Friday. I’ve posted our next set of “homework” already and am now opening the floor (aka comments section) for your thoughts on our last few chapters.
Your Turn: What did you discover in the study this week? How about that scene with Dagon? Wasn’t that AWESOME?!
