Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The real issue in the creation/evolution debate is not the existence of God. The real issue is the nature of God. To think of evolution as basically atheistic is to misunderstand the uniqueness of evolution. Evolution was not designed as a general attack against theism. It was designed as a specific attack against the God of the Bible, and the God of the Bible is clearly revealed through the doctrine of creation. Obviously, if a person is an atheist, it would be normal for him to also be an evolutionist. But evolution is as comfortable with theism as it is with atheism. An evolutionist is perfectly free to choose any god he wishes, as long as it is not the God of the Bible. The gods allowed by evolution are private, subjective, and artificial. They bother no one and make no absolute ethical demands. However, the God of the Bible is the Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and Judge. All are responsible to Him. He has an agenda that conflicts with that of the sinful humans. For man to be created in the image of God is very awesome. For God to be created in the image of man is very comfortable.
Marvin L Lubenow
Marvin L Lubenow
A passage for Sunday
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Saturday, September 19, 2009
No birth certificate is issued when friendship is born. There is nothing tangible. There is just a feeling that your life is different and that your capacity to love and care has miraculously been enlarged with out any effort on your part. It's like having a tiny apartment and somebody moves in with you. But instead of becoming cramped and crowded, the space expands, and you discover rooms you never knew you had until your friend moved in with you.
-- Steve Tesich
-- Steve Tesich
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Jonny Diaz 'A More Beautiful You'
This isn't a 'quote' exactly, but the whole song should be imbedded into the hearts of every girl. The youtube link was passed on to me from a friend, (thank you!) and I wanted to share it with all of you.
By the way, if any of you have something you want to share, just pass the quote along and if its good and I don't already have it I'll add it. :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
when we consider our heroes of the faith, remember this.
J.C. Ryle wisely observed, “The best of men are only men at their very best. Patriarchs, prophets, and apostles – martyrs, fathers, reformers, puritans – all are sinners, who need a Savior: holy, useful, honorable in their place – but sinners after all."
( see 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 3:5-8)
( see 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 3:5-8)
For Sunday-
Give me the love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can dismay, The hope no disappointments tire, The passion that will burn like fire, Let me not sink to be a clod: Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
~Amy Carmichael
~Amy Carmichael
Saturday, September 5, 2009
A failure in our prayer life is generally a failure to know Jesus. "If you knew who was talking to you, you would ask me!" A prayerless Christian is like a bus driver trying alone to push a bus out of a rut because he doesn't know Clark Kent is on board.
And the implication is that those who do ask- Christians who spend time in prayer- do it because they see that God is a great Giver and that Christ is wise and merciful and powerful beyond measure. ...
The chief end of man is to glorify God. Therfore, when we become what God created us to be we become people of prayer.
John Piper
And the implication is that those who do ask- Christians who spend time in prayer- do it because they see that God is a great Giver and that Christ is wise and merciful and powerful beyond measure. ...
The chief end of man is to glorify God. Therfore, when we become what God created us to be we become people of prayer.
John Piper
The point is this: I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord.
...
For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit unbelievers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.
Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as an habitual thing, to give myself to prayer, after having dressed in the morning. Now I saw, that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the word of God and to meditation on it... that my heart might be brought into experiential, communion with the Lord. I began therefore, to meditate on the New Testament, from the beginning, early in the morning.
George Mueller
...
For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit unbelievers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.
Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as an habitual thing, to give myself to prayer, after having dressed in the morning. Now I saw, that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the word of God and to meditation on it... that my heart might be brought into experiential, communion with the Lord. I began therefore, to meditate on the New Testament, from the beginning, early in the morning.
George Mueller
Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
The difference between a failed wedding and a successful one comes down to one very simple thing- the guest list. Was Christ invited?
When He is our Guest of Honor, our Wedding Coordinator, the Testator of our covenant, not only will our celebratory wine never run out, but it will get tastier and tastier as the love story progresses.
...He designed marriage to be an earthly sampling of eternal love in heaven with Him as our Bridegroom. And His version of love, just like fine wine, gets better and better as time passes.
... Ask Him to fill you full of Himself, the Living Water, and transform your relationship into a miracle that proves that poetic love only gets sweeter and sweeter with the passing of time.
Eric and Leslie Ludy
When He is our Guest of Honor, our Wedding Coordinator, the Testator of our covenant, not only will our celebratory wine never run out, but it will get tastier and tastier as the love story progresses.
...He designed marriage to be an earthly sampling of eternal love in heaven with Him as our Bridegroom. And His version of love, just like fine wine, gets better and better as time passes.
... Ask Him to fill you full of Himself, the Living Water, and transform your relationship into a miracle that proves that poetic love only gets sweeter and sweeter with the passing of time.
Eric and Leslie Ludy
This is not a quote, but a thought that I heard recently- God created the two sexes so that people would realize that they are not sufficient alone. Adam and Eve were created to perfectly complement each other. Each showed a part of God's character, but it wasn't the fullness of it- the two need to be brought together to make one. ONLY God is sufficient in Himself. People need the balance of the sexes. It takes a little bit to think through, but it makes sense! Sometimes it takes work, but we really can bring out the best in each other if we work at it. We need each other to bring out the best of the godly masculinity and femininity that is within us.
Friday, September 4, 2009
For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.
-Robert Jastrow
-Robert Jastrow
"Christ did not Die to Redeem a Bride who would keep Him on the Porch while she watched Television in the Den. His will for the Church is that we Open the Door, ALL the Doors of our Life. He wants to join you in the Dining Room, spread a meal out for you, and Eat with you & Talk with you. The opposite of Lukewarmness is the Fervor you Experience when you enjoy a Candlelit Dinner with Jesus Christ in the Innermost Room of your Heart. And when Jesus Christ, the source of all God's creation, is Dining with you in your Heart, then you have All the Gold, All the Garments, and All the Medicine in the World......"
-John Piper
-John Piper
'above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' proverbs 4:23
"Above all else? Good grief- we don't even do it once in awhile. We might as well leave our life savings on the seat of the car with the windows rolled down- we are that careless with our hearts. ...
We live completely backwards. "All else" is above our hearts. ...
But God intends that we treat our hearts as the treasures of the kingdom, ransomed at tremendous cost, as if they really do matter, and matter deeply."
-John Eldredge
"Above all else? Good grief- we don't even do it once in awhile. We might as well leave our life savings on the seat of the car with the windows rolled down- we are that careless with our hearts. ...
We live completely backwards. "All else" is above our hearts. ...
But God intends that we treat our hearts as the treasures of the kingdom, ransomed at tremendous cost, as if they really do matter, and matter deeply."
-John Eldredge
The devil has more temptations than an actor has costumes for the stage. And one of his all-time favorite disguises is that of a lying spirit, to abuse your tender heart with the worst news he can deliver- that you do not really love Jesus Christ and that you are only pretending, you are only deceiving yourself.
-William Gurnall
-William Gurnall
Suddenly Faramir stirred, and he opened his eyes, and looked on Aragorn who bent over him; and a light of knowledge and love was kindled in his eyes, and he spoke, softly. "My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?" "Walk no more in the shadows, but awake!" said Aragorn... "I will my lord," said Faramir. "For who would lie idle when the king has returned?"
J.R.R. Tolkein, The Return of the King
J.R.R. Tolkein, The Return of the King
If you're not pursuing a dangerous quest with your life, well, then, you don't need a Guide. If you haven't found yourself in the midst of a ferocious war, then you won't need a seasoned Captain. If you've settled in your mind to live as though this is fairly neutral world and you are simply trying to live your life as best you can, then you can get by with the Christianity of tips and techniques. Maybe.
...
But if you intend to live in the Story that God is telling, and if you want the life he offers, then you are going to need more than a handful of principles... [you are going to need Him] Narrow is the way, said Jesus. How shall we be sure to find it? We need God intimately, and we need him desperately.
...
Approach the Scriptures not so much as a manual of Christian principles but as the testimony of God's friends on what it means to walk with him through a thousand different episodes. When you are at war, when you are in love, when you have sinned, when you have been given a great gift-- this is how you walk with God. Do you what a different mind-set this is? It's really quite exciting.
-John Eldredge
...
But if you intend to live in the Story that God is telling, and if you want the life he offers, then you are going to need more than a handful of principles... [you are going to need Him] Narrow is the way, said Jesus. How shall we be sure to find it? We need God intimately, and we need him desperately.
...
Approach the Scriptures not so much as a manual of Christian principles but as the testimony of God's friends on what it means to walk with him through a thousand different episodes. When you are at war, when you are in love, when you have sinned, when you have been given a great gift-- this is how you walk with God. Do you what a different mind-set this is? It's really quite exciting.
-John Eldredge
The early Christian churhc symbolized the Resurrection, healings, and miracles because the church thought those things were central. The reason the first and closest friends of Jesus focused on miracles, healings, and hopeful aspects of the faith such as the Ascension and Resurrection was simply that those are what God himself wants us to focus on. Those are the point. Those make Christianity such very good news. A dead man is not a great deal of help to us; a dead God is even worse.
...
We say Christ died for us, and that is true. But Christ was also raised for us. His resurrection was as much for us as his death was.
-John Eldredge
...
We say Christ died for us, and that is true. But Christ was also raised for us. His resurrection was as much for us as his death was.
-John Eldredge
When we hear the words eternal life, most of us tend to interpret that as "a life that waits for us in eternity." But eternal means "unending," not "later." The Scriptures use the term to mean we can never lose it. It's a life that can't be taken fron us. The offer is life, and that life starts now.
-John Eldredge, from Waking the Dead: the glory of a heart fully alive
-John Eldredge, from Waking the Dead: the glory of a heart fully alive
Don't forget-
I am faithful.
I have demonstrated ultimate Love by laying down my life and then taking it up again- for you.
I live in your heart through faith.
I am your strong tower.
My love blows every other love you've ever experienced out of the water.
My Spirit is with you as a deposit- a guarantee- of what is to come.
Jesus
(idea taken from Leann Weiss-Rupara, words mine)
I am faithful.
I have demonstrated ultimate Love by laying down my life and then taking it up again- for you.
I live in your heart through faith.
I am your strong tower.
My love blows every other love you've ever experienced out of the water.
My Spirit is with you as a deposit- a guarantee- of what is to come.
Jesus
(idea taken from Leann Weiss-Rupara, words mine)
My precious child,
Call upon Me when your heart grows faint. I'll faithfully lead you to a Rock that rises above your circumstances. I'm your hiding place. I'll protect you from trouble, filling your life with songs of deliverance. Let me heal your broken heart and your hurts. May your sould find rest in Me alone. When you draw close to Me, I'll draw so close to you.
Holding you,
Your God of Refuge
(see Psalms 61:2-3, 32:7, 147:3, 62:5, James 4:8)
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Call upon Me when your heart grows faint. I'll faithfully lead you to a Rock that rises above your circumstances. I'm your hiding place. I'll protect you from trouble, filling your life with songs of deliverance. Let me heal your broken heart and your hurts. May your sould find rest in Me alone. When you draw close to Me, I'll draw so close to you.
Holding you,
Your God of Refuge
(see Psalms 61:2-3, 32:7, 147:3, 62:5, James 4:8)
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Heavenly Father:
With all the sitcoms on TV, it's so easy to get sarcastic and cynical in our homes. Remind me of the power of my words. Let me use my words to build people up instead of shredding them. Make me an instrument of healing. Use my mouth to challenge others to become all that You created them to be. Father, help me have an attitude of gratitude to You. Without You, I am lost. Help me catch others doing good and praise them. Thanks for the many ways You encourage me through Your Word, and through other people. I'm asking You to change me so that I'll consistently strive to add value to the lives of those around me.
Leann Weiss-Rupara
With all the sitcoms on TV, it's so easy to get sarcastic and cynical in our homes. Remind me of the power of my words. Let me use my words to build people up instead of shredding them. Make me an instrument of healing. Use my mouth to challenge others to become all that You created them to be. Father, help me have an attitude of gratitude to You. Without You, I am lost. Help me catch others doing good and praise them. Thanks for the many ways You encourage me through Your Word, and through other people. I'm asking You to change me so that I'll consistently strive to add value to the lives of those around me.
Leann Weiss-Rupara
My Treasured Child,
Enjoyment of life is a gift from Me...
You can always count on the guaranteed promise of My faithfulness.
I keep my unbreakable covenant of love to a thousand generations of your family when you love Me and keep My commands. When you're committed to Me in everything you do, your plans will succeed. I stockpile my great goodness, saving it for you and others who fear Me and take refuge in Me.
Blessing you,
Your Eternal God.
(see Ecclesiastes 5:19-20, Dueteronomy 7:9, Proverbs 16:3, Psalm 31:19)
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Enjoyment of life is a gift from Me...
You can always count on the guaranteed promise of My faithfulness.
I keep my unbreakable covenant of love to a thousand generations of your family when you love Me and keep My commands. When you're committed to Me in everything you do, your plans will succeed. I stockpile my great goodness, saving it for you and others who fear Me and take refuge in Me.
Blessing you,
Your Eternal God.
(see Ecclesiastes 5:19-20, Dueteronomy 7:9, Proverbs 16:3, Psalm 31:19)
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Dear Father of Love:
Sometimes love can be so confusing and so shallow. It's easy to get distracted by the world's definition of love and to focus on outer beauty instead of inner beauty. Show me what true love is. Remind me that real love isn't what I can get out of a relationship; it's about what I can give of myself. Show me that love is a long-term commitment, not just a fleeting feeling. Remind me that the secret to a loving relationship is keeping You at the center. And thanks for Your promise that as I seek You first, You'll take care of ALL of my other needs.
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Sometimes love can be so confusing and so shallow. It's easy to get distracted by the world's definition of love and to focus on outer beauty instead of inner beauty. Show me what true love is. Remind me that real love isn't what I can get out of a relationship; it's about what I can give of myself. Show me that love is a long-term commitment, not just a fleeting feeling. Remind me that the secret to a loving relationship is keeping You at the center. And thanks for Your promise that as I seek You first, You'll take care of ALL of my other needs.
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Real love isn't about a day; it's about a lifestyle. It is priceless and can't be bought with money. It's only possible through selfless, humble, committed, unconditional, patient love. But I'm convinced the type of love we truly desire directly conflicts with today's pop culture "love" driven by shallow feelings, self-centeredness and instant gratification. No wonder our divorce rate is so high when our culture endorses bailing out of any relationship the first moment we're not feeling "happy" anymore. True love can never grow and thrive with a "me first" attitude.
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Leann Weiss-Rupara
Thursday, September 3, 2009
This is great. :)
you can take no credit for being a beauty at sixteen.
but if you are beautiful at sixty, it will be your soul's own doing.
but if you are beautiful at sixty, it will be your soul's own doing.
If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing.
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
"I am not a perfect girl.
My hair doesn't always stay in place,
I spill things a lot and I am pretty clumsy.
My friends and I sometimes fight,
Some days it seems as if nothing goes right.
Sometimes I even get a broken heart.
But when I stop and think about it,
and take a step back,
I remember how amazing life really is,
and that maybe, just maybe
I like being imperfect...
Because I can depend on a perfect God."
My hair doesn't always stay in place,
I spill things a lot and I am pretty clumsy.
My friends and I sometimes fight,
Some days it seems as if nothing goes right.
Sometimes I even get a broken heart.
But when I stop and think about it,
and take a step back,
I remember how amazing life really is,
and that maybe, just maybe
I like being imperfect...
Because I can depend on a perfect God."
I believe...
I believe laughing is the best calorie burner... I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles.
- Audrey Hepburn
- Audrey Hepburn
"Trust Me, My child," He says. "Trust Me with a fuller abandon than you ever have before. Trust Me, as minute succeeds minute, every day of your life, for as long as you live. And if you become conscious of anything hindering our relationship, do not hurt Me by turning away from Me. Draw all the closer to Me, come, run to Me. Allow Me to hid you, to protect you, even from yourself. Tell Me your deepest cares, your every trouble. Trust Me to keep My hand upon you. I will never leave you. I will shape you, mold you, and perfect you. Do not fear, O child of My love, do not fear. I love you."
--Amy Carmichael
--Amy Carmichael
“A REAL man, the kind of man a woman wants to give her life to, is one who will respect her dignity, who will honor her like the valuable treasure she is. A REAL man will not attempt to rip her precious pearl from it's protective shell, or persuade her with charm to give away her treasure prematurely, but he will wait patiently until she willingly gives him the prize of her heart. A REAL man will cherish and care for that prize forever.”
Leslie Ludy
Leslie Ludy
fellowhip of the unashamed
Author Unknown-
I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I wont look back, let up, or be still
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheep living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, detoured, compromised, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of meritocracy.
I wont give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give till I drop, preach till all I know, and work until He stops me. And when he comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!
I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I wont look back, let up, or be still
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheep living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, detoured, compromised, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of meritocracy.
I wont give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go until He comes, give till I drop, preach till all I know, and work until He stops me. And when he comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!
Wait-
Wait for the guy who pursues you, the kind of guy who brings out the best in you and makes you want to be a better woman..
Wait for the guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot..
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead and wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats..
Wait for the guy who holds your hand in front of his friends and thinks you're just as pretty without makeup..
Wait for the guy who turns to his friends and says, "that's her"..
Wait for the guy who will be your best friend, the person who will drop everything to be with you..
Wait for the guy who praises God for you and encourages you in your daily walk..
..and most importantly, wait for the guy who is more in love with God than with you.
Wait for the guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot..
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead and wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats..
Wait for the guy who holds your hand in front of his friends and thinks you're just as pretty without makeup..
Wait for the guy who turns to his friends and says, "that's her"..
Wait for the guy who will be your best friend, the person who will drop everything to be with you..
Wait for the guy who praises God for you and encourages you in your daily walk..
..and most importantly, wait for the guy who is more in love with God than with you.
...
I cry and wish to die
To curl up in a ball
And never stand again.
But then I hear a voice
Whispering softly, gently to me
''Give it all up, my dear, I know how you feel,''
''I died for you, and I'm here to tell you that I love you.''
I sob as I listen to the voice of GOD
Then with a 'yes' and an uplifted hand
I give up all my dreams
All my hopes, all my life
All my fears and all my hurts
I give up everything that I once longed for
And realize I need something more.
I surrender my life and let HIM take control.
Then, his arms surround me so tenderly
My tears stop, replaced with joy.
I feel His love within me, so strong, it heals my heart.
... Bridget
I cry and wish to die
To curl up in a ball
And never stand again.
But then I hear a voice
Whispering softly, gently to me
''Give it all up, my dear, I know how you feel,''
''I died for you, and I'm here to tell you that I love you.''
I sob as I listen to the voice of GOD
Then with a 'yes' and an uplifted hand
I give up all my dreams
All my hopes, all my life
All my fears and all my hurts
I give up everything that I once longed for
And realize I need something more.
I surrender my life and let HIM take control.
Then, his arms surround me so tenderly
My tears stop, replaced with joy.
I feel His love within me, so strong, it heals my heart.
... Bridget
words to live by
Dance like there is no one watching, sing like no one is listening, and live every day like it is your last.
To My Mirror:
You're only a picture of me. You're gone as soon as I leave. And you're no more than a piece of glass.
Consider a painting by Rembrandt or a bronze by Degas or a violin by Stradivarius or a play by Shakespeare. They all have great value for two reasons. One, their creators were masters and second, they are few in number. But there is more than one of each of them. On that reasoning, you are the most valuable treasure on the face of the earth, for you know who created you and there is only one of you. Never, in all the billions of humans who have walked this planet since the beginning of time, has there been anyone exactly like you. Never, until the end of time, will there be another such as you. You are the rarest thing in the world.
-Author Unknown
-Author Unknown
The truth...
"It was my fault that He was there
It was my sin that placed Him there
And I can hear myself cry among the crowd, 'Crucify!'
And then I run outside and weep
For I am one of the lost sheep
Yes, He left the ninety-nine for one who yelled, 'Crucify!'
-Michelle M.B.
It was my sin that placed Him there
And I can hear myself cry among the crowd, 'Crucify!'
And then I run outside and weep
For I am one of the lost sheep
Yes, He left the ninety-nine for one who yelled, 'Crucify!'
-Michelle M.B.
Meeting Modesty
Who is Modesty? (source unknown)
Who is Modesty? Webster describes her as “freedom from conceit or vanity” and “propriety in speech, dress and conduct.”
OK . . .
But who is she really?
She’s passionate about God and love. She seeks to build others up, encourage them and help them find a beauty beyond appearance. When she is worn, she doesn’t disappoint or make others feel uncomfortable. Never causing guys to stumble and lust. She lives and breathes true beauty.
She is subtle and pretty. She conforms to whoever puts her on and displays her beauty far better than makeup can. She doesn’t hide what makes us unique but highlights it, making us confident in every detail of who we are.
She is difficult and stubborn. She does not waver. Her standards can be high. She isn’t a follower. She’s a leader.
She is a great friend but hard to listen to. Her standards are above ours, and when we want to be like the world, she makes her opposition clear.
So Modesty introduced herself to me when I was 17, and we’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all I try to remember that she is here only to help me.
When I get up in the morning the first thing I put on is her, and then I make my clothing choices. Striving to make God smile. Not the world. Not lust. Not friends. Just God.
What about you? Have you met Modesty?
Who is Modesty? Webster describes her as “freedom from conceit or vanity” and “propriety in speech, dress and conduct.”
OK . . .
But who is she really?
She’s passionate about God and love. She seeks to build others up, encourage them and help them find a beauty beyond appearance. When she is worn, she doesn’t disappoint or make others feel uncomfortable. Never causing guys to stumble and lust. She lives and breathes true beauty.
She is subtle and pretty. She conforms to whoever puts her on and displays her beauty far better than makeup can. She doesn’t hide what makes us unique but highlights it, making us confident in every detail of who we are.
She is difficult and stubborn. She does not waver. Her standards can be high. She isn’t a follower. She’s a leader.
She is a great friend but hard to listen to. Her standards are above ours, and when we want to be like the world, she makes her opposition clear.
So Modesty introduced herself to me when I was 17, and we’ve had our ups and downs, but through it all I try to remember that she is here only to help me.
When I get up in the morning the first thing I put on is her, and then I make my clothing choices. Striving to make God smile. Not the world. Not lust. Not friends. Just God.
What about you? Have you met Modesty?
The perfect plan- well worth waiting for.
His Plan for Your Mate
Author unknown
Everyone longs to give themselves to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God to a Christian says no, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and contented with giving yourself totally, unreservedly to Me, to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.
I love you, my child. And until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with me exclusive of anything else--exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to have the best! Please allow me to bring it to you--you must keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things--keep learning and listening to the things I tell you--you must wait.
Don't be anxious, don't worry, don't look around at the things you think you want. Just keep looking up to me or you will miss what I have to show you.
And then, when you are ready, I will surprise you with a love more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready...I am working at this very minute to have both of you ready at the same time...until you are both satisfied with Me and the life I have prepared for you, you won't be able to experiance the love that exemplafies your relationship with Me, and this is perfect love. And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you utterly, I am Almighty God.
Author unknown
Everyone longs to give themselves to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God to a Christian says no, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, and contented with giving yourself totally, unreservedly to Me, to have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone.
I love you, my child. And until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with me exclusive of anything else--exclusive of any other desires or longings. I want you to have the best! Please allow me to bring it to you--you must keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things--keep learning and listening to the things I tell you--you must wait.
Don't be anxious, don't worry, don't look around at the things you think you want. Just keep looking up to me or you will miss what I have to show you.
And then, when you are ready, I will surprise you with a love more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready...I am working at this very minute to have both of you ready at the same time...until you are both satisfied with Me and the life I have prepared for you, you won't be able to experiance the love that exemplafies your relationship with Me, and this is perfect love. And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love I offer you with Myself. Know that I love you utterly, I am Almighty God.
The preoccupations of seventeen year old girls- their looks, their clothes, their social life- don't change much from generation to generation. But in every generation, there seem to be a few who make other choices.
-Elisabeth Elliot, A Chance To Die (biography of Amy Carmichael, who dedicated her life to service in India)
-Elisabeth Elliot, A Chance To Die (biography of Amy Carmichael, who dedicated her life to service in India)
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
-C.S. Lewis
-C.S. Lewis
Some Favorite Definitions
a smile: something that makes the world a better place.
modesty: tight enough to show you're a woman, loose enough to show you're a lady.
being happy: maybe everything isn't perfect- but you have chosen to see beyond the imperfections.
you: the living expression of God's kindness (how are you doing?)
love: not a fight, but something worth fighting for.
happy endings: God's specialty
beauty: the outward expression of what is in your heart; a God centered life.
life: only what's done for Christ lasts.
courage: not the absence of fear, but the determination that something else is more important than fear.
friends: people who accept us for who we are yet help us to be who we should.
fashion: a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to change it every six months.
confidence: the ability to admit when you've screwed up.
modesty: tight enough to show you're a woman, loose enough to show you're a lady.
being happy: maybe everything isn't perfect- but you have chosen to see beyond the imperfections.
you: the living expression of God's kindness (how are you doing?)
love: not a fight, but something worth fighting for.
happy endings: God's specialty
beauty: the outward expression of what is in your heart; a God centered life.
life: only what's done for Christ lasts.
courage: not the absence of fear, but the determination that something else is more important than fear.
friends: people who accept us for who we are yet help us to be who we should.
fashion: a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to change it every six months.
confidence: the ability to admit when you've screwed up.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
“A woman is a perfect gift. We are complete with present, wrapping, string and card.
The card is in an envelope, don’t let it be opened, your envelope is modesty. Save the card for your husband. The string is your kiss, don’t let it be stolen away from you. The package is you, don’t let it be unwrapped but inside the covenant of marriage.” Lizzy Gardner
The card is in an envelope, don’t let it be opened, your envelope is modesty. Save the card for your husband. The string is your kiss, don’t let it be stolen away from you. The package is you, don’t let it be unwrapped but inside the covenant of marriage.” Lizzy Gardner
Feelings come and feelings go
and feelings are deceiving
My warrant is the Word of God
none else is worth believing
Though all my heart should feel condemned
for want of some sweet token
There is One greater than my heart
whose Word cannot be broken
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
'till soul and body sever
For though all things shall pass away
His Word shall span forever.
-Martin Luther
and feelings are deceiving
My warrant is the Word of God
none else is worth believing
Though all my heart should feel condemned
for want of some sweet token
There is One greater than my heart
whose Word cannot be broken
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
'till soul and body sever
For though all things shall pass away
His Word shall span forever.
-Martin Luther
A Maiden's Prayer
Lord, please grant me...
...the willingness of Mary of Nazareth
...the obedience of Ruth
...the devotion of Esther
...the serving spirit of Martha
...the listening ear of Mary
...the hospitality of Lydia
...the faithfulness of Lois and Eunice
...the leadership of Deborah
...the trust of Hannah
...the searching heart of the Queen of Sheba
...the boldness of Priscilla
...the humility of Abigail
...the willingness of Mary of Nazareth
...the obedience of Ruth
...the devotion of Esther
...the serving spirit of Martha
...the listening ear of Mary
...the hospitality of Lydia
...the faithfulness of Lois and Eunice
...the leadership of Deborah
...the trust of Hannah
...the searching heart of the Queen of Sheba
...the boldness of Priscilla
...the humility of Abigail
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, friend. He's crazy about you.
-Author Unknown
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, friend. He's crazy about you.
-Author Unknown
A pure soul is like a fine pearl. As long as it is hidden in the shell at the bottom of the sea, no one thinks of admiring it. But if you bring it into the sunshine, this pearl will shine and attract all eyes. Thus, the pure soul which is hidden from the eyes of the world, will one day shine before the angels in the sunshine of eternity."
St. John Vianney
St. John Vianney
Audrey Hepburn's beauty tips
"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone."
-Audrey Hepburn
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone."
-Audrey Hepburn
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