The Apologista....Love, Life, and Logic with Lauren
**************ANNOUNCEMENT******* I HAVE MOVED TO : theapologista.com And it is awesome!! Come check it out!!
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
When will you ever use algebra? In honor of Pi day!
As
a math person, there is a question that I get asked incessantly.
And
it's this:
When will you ever use Algebra???
Ah,
thank you Mr. Dewey!
If
you are old like me, then when I say Dewey, you think of an
antiquated card filing system from the library.
Different
Dewey.
The
one of whom I speak is the one that ruined education and is the
reason you ask me this question. No one would have asked this
question back when Benjamin Franklin was writing the constitution.
What
is the point of learning something? Really? Ugh.
And
typically I give them a brilliant, well thought out, perfectly
configured explanation and then I get this response......
So
I hesitate to even write this blog. But in the spirit of
education.....I must.
So
back to Dewey.
John
Dewey single-handedly destroyed the idea that becoming an educated
contributing member of society was enough of a reason to learn
something. I am pretty sure he was the first person to ask, “Is
this going to be on the test??” (major simplification, but
seriously pretty close)
Fine.
So you want to be all utilitarian on me? I'll humor you.
Why
study Algebra?
1.
It pays! The top 15 (yes FIFTEEN) highest-earning college degrees all
have one thing in common -- math skills. That's according to a 2009
survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which
tracks college graduates' job offers.
Check
out how math compares with those other majors!!
|
And
then there is this handy “job satisfaction” chart.....but
who wants to be satisfied with their job? Clearly not surgeons
(#156, yikes)
|
“Why
are we learning this?” you ask. How about so you can provide for
your family? How about so you have a better chance at actually liking
your job? Good enough reasons? Great! Are there other ways to provide
for your family? Obviously yes. But when do we decide that? Second
grade? Ok, you will be a realtor. No algebra for you. No. Of course
not. Why limit yourself? Put in the hard work. Study like you mean
it. And leave your options open. There are countless jobs that will
look at your math success and be pretty impressed. Why? Because succeeding in math means that
either you are really smart or you work really hard, or somewhere in
between. Employers seem to like those qualities. There, algebra
helped you.
2.
Your brain needs algebra. While I will concede that you may not use “algebra” (insert
Chris Farley air quotes here) in the sense that you are taking out a
piece of paper and solving for x, every day, you are (hopefully) at the very least using algebra skills to make logical connections and solve problems daily.
And just like any muscle....that part of your brain needs to be
worked out. Would you ask a trainer at a gym “When am I ever going
to need to do 50 lunges in my life?”
No,
that's ridiculous. Of course you won't be doing those exact
movements. The point isn't to be able to do lunges, the
point is to work that muscle and get in optimum shape so that you can
further your fitness goals and operate at peak physical capacity.
3.
To know God and make Him known! If you are a Christian, then this
alone is a reason to study math. God invented it, uses it, reveals
Himself through it and on and on! Discoveries in math are so divinely
designed that people once worshiped the creature rather than
the creator and started worshiping numbers. On the other hand,
I remember the first time I heard Chuck Missler,
(mathematician/pastor) speak, it was as if I had heard the Bible in a
way I never imagined possible. The marriage of mathematics and
theology is nothing short of miraculous and beautiful! If you run
from math, you will be missing out on knowing a part of God you can
only learn about through studying that realm of His design. He is a
math God people. Face it. ;)
I
can hear you now....
"Oh,
so you think you are smarter/better/more logical than I am because
you are good at math?"
Actually.
Yes. That is exactly what I think.
In
math.
And
some of you are smarter/better/more knowledgeable in
art/history/science/music.
The
reality is that learning is good for you. It makes you better.
Period. Learn about something. Turn off the T.V. And pick up a book.
Any book. Enrich your mind. Learn algebra. You will be better for it.
Learn history. Lord knows someone needs to! Find out why the Crusades started for instance! Learn about science. Real
science. Not fake “It's a baby if you want it to be” flat earther
science.
But
for heaven's sake, don't ask a physical trainer, “When will you
ever do lunges in real life?”
And
don't ask a math teacher, “When will you ever use Algebra in real
life.”
Because
when you ask “Why did I need to learn algebra?” I would say, “Why
not?" And for that matter why is no one asking “Why did I need to
learn kickball?” or “Why did I need to memorize elements on the
periodic table?” How many adults are using either of those skills
on a daily basis?
Let's
get to the real issue.
Algebra
can require a lot of practice, hard work, and firm foundation with
facts.
So
the real question is, “Why do I have to work hard when I don't want
to?” And this is what so many seem to struggle with these days. Why
do I have to sacrifice my needs when I don't want to? Why do I have
to be kind when I don't want to? Why do I have to humble myself when
I don't want to? Life is full of opportunities to work hard and show
diligence in a challenging situation.
How
will you respond?
Algebra
teaches you to follow laws and absolute truths, even if you don't fully understand them. Learning Algebra
increases your ability to think logically and solve problems. This is
proven. (see what I did there? Proof? Oh math humor!)
When
people say, “I never use Algebra” what they are saying is:
“I
never find missing information.”
“ I
never work through a problem logically”
“I
never follow rules and directions to complete a task.”
“I
never apply known information to find an unknown answer.”
Those
are all principles of algebra. For some people these skills come more naturally than others, but regardless of whether they are learned or not you are still using principles of algebra.
I
know what else you are going to say:
"I
am logical and smart, and I stink at algebra.”
Ok.
Let's say that is true.
I
could say, "I am fit and in shape and I never do lunges." Well, first
of all, the premise may be debatable. Second of all, regardless of
how smart or in shape I am, when you don't exercise (brain or body)
you will be less than what you could be.
This
is just like when people say, “I don't follow God, but I am a kind
and loving person.”
The
reality is that you are following the principles God has
established whether you acknowledge Him or not. Similarly, you are
applying the principles found in Algebra whether you acknowledge it
or not.
So
for this momentous occasion, this once in a life time "Pi Day"
that we are all celebrating......it is my one wish that people all over the world would stop asking the question.....at least for one day :)
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Baby I was born this way!
About a month ago a sweet sister in the
faith, who has walked with Jesus as long as I have been alive,
blurted out these words I didn't expect to ever here from her. “I
was born this way ok? Stop trying to make me like you!” While the
intensity of her confession caught me off guard, the truth is that I
can actually relate. I was born this way too! Since my earliest
memory, doing the right thing has not been my natural instinct.
Putting others first? Ignoring my wants? This definitely does not
come natural to me. MINE! NO! Those are words that you don't have to teach to your children.
You know what comes natural to me? Feeding my
flesh. Literally and figuratively. Let me explain.
When I see someone running down the
road, arms pumping, just looking fit, I think, I am going running
when I get home. But as I walk through the door and see a tin of
brownies, I think, maybe I'll run tomorrow.
When I hear someone speaking in
Spanish, I remember, “Oh, I should really finish that course I
started.” Yet when the house is quiet, and those CD's are staring
at me, sitting in front of the TV to “veg out” seems like the
more viable option.
When I see a romantic movie, I think of
how much I love my husband, but when he doesn't meet my expectations,
my reaction is not naturally love.
If you look at my life, my personality,
my temperament, a lot of what you see now, has always been this way.
I love to talk. (didn't work out so well in school.) I
struggle keeping things in order (ask my mom) I am careless with
important papers (I still have nightmares about Mrs. Olson
interrogating me in 3rd grade about getting that test
signed) and on and on.
I struggle. But my struggles are not
the same as other peoples struggles, namely this friend. In fact, that was her
point. She was indignant at my suggestion that maybe perfectionism
wasn't always her best option. You see, I am the laid back one,
and she can be...a little....uptight. No, she argued. My suggestion
that she could relax a little once and a while was unrealistic. This
is who she is, and I just need to accept it. The problem is, however, that I can't
find that concept anywhere in scripture. When Paul struggled with
his flesh, at no point did he concede, “I was born this way. Oh
well.”
The reality is that we are at war.
Spirit vs. Flesh. God has given us certain gifts, certain
propensities that if used according to His guidelines become a
beautiful part of who we are. The predicament is that we have also
inherited a sin nature which includes inclinations that go against his
perfect plan. I have my dad's Irish temper. So what do I do with
that? Throw my hands up and say, Baby I was born this way? What about my critical nature? What about my pride?
Sadly I could go on and on with the
list of sins that come natural to me. But at no point is that an
excuse. The Bible tells a different story then one of concession. It
is not a life filled with ease but one of struggling against
principalities and powers, running a race, looking ahead for the joy
that waits, picking up our cross, denying our flesh. This is our
destiny. Jesus wants to redeem every part of our life. Every facet of
our personality. Every inclination in our soul. Everything.
But how? How do we determine what stays
and what goes? The answer is simple but becoming more and more
controversial.
Bottom line: The Bible is our final authority.
The idea that we are equipped to simply
determine right and wrong on our own is just, well, not that simple.
Take a look around for proof if you
need it.
“Do what makes you happy,” is how
the world determines what is right for our post modern society. "As
long as you don't hurt anyone," they add. Such nonsense, and nobody
follows it. Because it's nearly impossible.
Example: My friend cheated on and left
his wife. He is "happy." Right or wrong?
How many people can you
devastate and still be considered right, as long as you are happy?
Do
what feels right. Except we live in a sick society. Our hearts are
wicked, not good. Doing what feels right is dangerous. So how do we
choose what stays and what goes? It has to be God's Word. In it are
the words of life. This is not a 2000 year old book of letters. It is
living and active. It is tried and tested. It has been surveyed and
scrutinized. Don't take my word for it. Study for yourselves.
Here's why. I am glad, so
glad, that I am not entirely who I once was when I was born. I am
grateful for the patience of friends and loved ones that forgive me
over and over and struggle with me as we work out our own salvation.
And it's cliché, but it's true- I am most thankful for a God that
loves me just as I am, but also loves me too much to let me stay that
way, even if that's how I was born.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
The best Valentine you can give anyone and how it will change you both! Psalms 130
Last
weekend our church held a marriage event. Some pastors and their wives
shared stories from the pulpit, encouraged us with scripture, and answered questions. We
went because marriage is important to us. And there is always room for
improvement. But what happened there truly surprised me. You see. I was
really convicted. My heart was pierced. During the worship, with tears
streaming down my face, I felt so repentant. I felt so sure. I needed to
confess. Yet when the music faded, and they gave us a moment to look
our loved one in the eyes and honestly admit sin, a strange thing
happened. Nothing. Not one sound would come out of my mouth. It was
awkward. I wanted to say something. Anything. But I couldn't. And just
like that the moment was over. I couldn't believe how powerless I felt.
The service continued. More stories were shared. More inspiring
verses. More songs. More conviction. Lord, I prayed. Please. Help me say
something because I don't think I can. And sure enough- I couldn't. As
the service closed we walked to the front to pray for others, all the
while wishing someone would pray for me. I know they would have. Gladly.
But I couldn't ask.
Days
passed by and I wondered if I had missed the moment. Maybe I was
over-reacting. I could just ignore my sin. My heart is in the right
place, right? I'm a pretty good wife.
Until
I did it again. Lost my temper. This time at my daughter for something
she didn't even do. And her face. It nearly broke my heart. I have to
change. But I don't know how. No time to think about it. Besides,
everyone loses their cool. It's just life. On to the next event.
But
the next event was me sobbing in the kitchen. Crying over pictures of
smiling Facebook faces, because their smiles- meant someone else's heartache. A
new romance budding while the ex is left reeling. God please. Make them
see. Open their eyes. That.is.not.love. That.is.not.romance. Not in the
slightest. Children left wondering, will their prayers be answered? Or
will their dream of living with mommy and daddy die with a new wedding.
I pull myself together. I pray for healing in broken families. All day. Until it's night. And I can't go on one more second.
"I have to tell you something." I blurt out closing our bedroom door.
"I
have something to confess." These words seem dramatic. In fact, I would
die a little inside if he said those words to me...again. Because they
are terrifying words to hear. Mostly because we don't say them enough.
I assure him it's nothing horrible, all the while knowing that it really is. Because sin is horrible. Every single one.
With no more hesitation I laid my heart bear exposing my weakness, my sin, my failings, my bad choices, and he listened.
There were no surprises.
Maybe that's what made it so hard.
He
knows my sins. He is well acquainted with them. I pretend they don't
exist while he can't escape them. My plank-eyed vision is skewed,
staring always at the spec in his eye, as if I am his sanctification. I am not.
No more excuses. No more finger pointing. It was time to own it.
Even if he uses it against me in the future.
Even if I am going to mess up again.
Even
if he doesn't believe me when I say I want to change. Because I don't
blame him. I kind of don't believe me either. Yet I know that it has to
be said. Confession must be made. I know this because the Bible tells
me so. Confess your sins so that you might be healed. And I want that with every fiber of my being. Healing. So it's worth the risk of seeming insincere.
And I know that I am not the only one who feels this way.
"I
thought I would stop sinning when I got saved. I just kept asking Jesus
in my heart, thinking I must not be saved because I can't stop
sinning" my daughter cries to me after messing up...again. And I get it.
You almost don't want to apologize one more time because it feels so
fake. You know you are going to do it again. You're almost sure of it.
So why apologize? Why confess? Maybe just pretend it didn't happen. But
Then I open to my scheduled reading which takes me to Psalms 130. And I
read this.
Hope.
Psalm 130
Waiting for the Redemption of the Lord
A Song of Ascents.
130 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.
3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
And in His word I do hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He shall redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
8 And He shall redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.
Confession.
This is a gift. And I can't think of one close relationship I have that
wouldn't benefit from it. A little raw, loving confession will
abundantly bless any relationship you have, whether it is a friend,
family member, spouse, child. Anyone. This one gift of love will heal
relationships that don't even seem inherently sick.
Open your heart. Wait for the Lord. Hope in Him, because with Him is abundant redemption.
Pray for strength to take that step. Confess your sins one to another
and be healed! I am healed. I know this. I saw it today. Time stood
still today while my perfectionism, my controlling inclinations, my
instinct to nag taunted me in the realest of moments. But I said
nothing. I smiled and kissed my man on the lips. And kept walking. Just
like that.
Hope. And Redemption. Starting with confession.
So I wait. I wait for the Lord, and in His word I do hope!
I dare you to share this gift with someone and tell us how it goes in the comments- remembering that true confession doesn't blame and expects nothing in return. You can do it!!
I dare you to share this gift with someone and tell us how it goes in the comments- remembering that true confession doesn't blame and expects nothing in return. You can do it!!
Thursday, January 22, 2015
How to do everything better with less effort than you have ever exerted in your whole life!!
Whatever you struggle with, there is a
blog post for you that will promise you progress and guarantee your
growth with – get this- less work than you are already exerting and
almost instantly!
How to have a cleaner house while doing
less work.
How to get your children to obey with less effort.
How to eat healthier without spending
more time or money.
And my favorite,
How to lose weight while eating more!
Lies!! They are sitting on a throne of
lies!!
While there is truth to the old addage,
"Work smarter- not harder" and there are definitely
tips out there that can streamline your life and keep you moving
forward, just about anything you want to do to improve your life,
marriage, relationships, schedule, business, etc, is going to involve
more work. That is just reality.
I have clicked on that "How to
have your house cleaner with less work" blog post a thousand
times from a thousand different bloggers thinking "This time,
this will be the one with that special tip that will keep my house
clean!" But they are all the same. Great tips. Nice information.
More work.
Because it boils down to this.
Most things in life worth anything
involve hard work.
Want a successful business? It's going
to be hard work.
Want to have a stronger marraige? It's
going to be hard work.
Want to keep a clean home? It is going to be hard work.
Want to eat healthier? It is going to
be hard work.
Because all of the above involve
sacrifices.
All of the above involve making
difficult decisions.
All of the above involve dying to your
own desires. And that. is. Hard.
But, fear not! I will deliver on my
promise to make everything easier with less effort. I
am different than those other bloggers! Are you ready?
Expect the struggle.
That's it. That one truth is what will
really make everything easier for you in the long run.
Let me explain.
So many people come to me feeling
defeated about homeschooling or parenting or relationships thinking
they must be doing something wrong because it is SO HARD!! And my
response is generally the same.
Most things worth doing are going to be
hard.
However, ya know what makes those
things even harder? Feeling like a failure because you are
struggling!
Jesus never promised easy. In fact He
warned us that in this life you will have many.....struggles.....
But, take heart, for He has overcome
the world!
If you want something, and the Lord has
called you to it, He will enable you to do it. But that doesn't mean
it will be easy or instanenous. Pray for perservence. Don't be
surprised by the struggle. Trust in the Lord's plan and He will make
your paths straight! Rest in Him because His presence there is
fullness of joy. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
our faith!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
You Must See This Great News for the Prolife Movement! (Not so great for pro-abortion)
I have the best news!! However, I found it in a round about way. To stay as informed as I can, I like to read both sides, or more, of an issue. In so doing, I found an article by a panicked pro-abortion advocate, Haley Fox, citing statistics, and showing maps, to terrify a nation. But the maps had the exact opposite effect on me! They filled me with hope, and renewed motivation! I hope they will do the same for you. We are winning. And they are terrified! (NOTE: all the red cross outs are my additions to the maps.....They are my perspective, not the Illustrator: Lauren Wade)
You see, in the last two years, Texans have seen closures of half the abortion clinics in their state! And with more court decisions on the horizon, it's a real possibility that the state will lose half of what's left! Hooray!! This would drop the number of clinics to 10! In the whole state of Texas!! (Still 10 too many, but that is progress people!!)
But here is the twisted part. In places like Texas, the poor minorities and uninformed are actually targeted by “nonprofits” like Fund Texas Choice who offer to pay bus fare to encourage lower income moms to abort their babies. But anyone that knows anything about Planned Parenthood knows that this falls right in line with Margaret Sanger's dream that all of the poor, especially minorities, would abort their babies! (Not exactly the dream Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about.)
This story of hope for
the unborn isn't limited to the Lone Star State. In
the last four years, states all over the country have enacted a total
of 231 abortion restrictions, the largest number enacted in any
four-year period since the landmark case of Roe v. Wade,
according to Elizabeth Nash, of the Guttmacher
Institute, a pro-abortion “think tank” with massaged
statistics and a clear anti-life agenda
"It’s significant that we are seeing so many restrictions becoming law across the country, this isn't just Texas,” said Nash. Let's be clear. Nash is scared.... I am hopeful! Thank God!!
The good news is that more than half of the country is “supportive” or “extremely supportive” (my words) to the rights of the unborn.
Some of the victories include banning private insurance companies from covering the abortions, and restricting minors’ access to abortion without parental permission. Because, Duh!
In 2000, only 31 percent of women in the country lived in states that are trying to protect the unborn. By 2014, that number reached 57 percent! That is huge!! Check out the progress in the middle of the country! Way to go Middle America!!
According to the report, the ENTIRE SOUTH is “supportive” (my words) to the unborn.
There is some bad news though: In 2014, there were only 26 abortion restrictions enacted across the country in comparison to the 70 that passed into law the year before, the report states. Pro-abortion advocates even scored a few wins with four states adopting laws to promote abortion rights and access. Long story short: the pro-life movement has made immense progress, no thanks to this guy. (Obama tells Planned Parenthood “let's go on the offensive”) but there is still a lot of work to be done!
Things are looking even better for 2015!! After Midterm elections, (thank you pro-life voters) there are 30 states where Republicans now control both legislative chambers. AND in 23 of those states, the governor will be Republican as well! All 50 states will be in session in 2015 as well, said Nash, and Congress is looking to revisit the “20-week ban,” which would ban abortions after 20 weeks since it is scientifically proven that they are caused excruciating pain. (Side note: anyone that votes no to this ban should never be allowed painkillers, or anesthesia again, because if a baby has to endure the pain of having it's limbs torn off, well, I think you can suffer through that root canal.)
So, in other words, what Nash is saying, in no uncertain terms, is that the future of unborn babies lives is up to voters. Amen to that!
"Ultimately state legislators pay attention to their constituents, so it's key for those who support abortion rights to make their views known to their legislators,” she said. “It really makes a difference."
Those are their words!!! They know that it matters who you vote for! Everyone knows this! (well, everyone except a handful of really out-spoken trendy Christians bloggers, but don't get me started.) If you don't believe me still, here's what one president did in 8 years. Bush.
The truth is we don't get a lot of positive news on FOX or CNN. But this, this is powerful information! This is good news! We did this! Your vote matters. And they are scared. Election season is around the corner. And the anniversary of Roe V. Wade is now. (side note: ever wonder the real story behind that case?? Click Here) Don't let this week pass you by without praying, fasting, and seeking how YOU can make a difference! Yes, you can and should do more than just vote pro-life. But don't let anyone tell you that voting isn't a big deal. Thanks Haley Fox, a contributor to a newsy type website, for sharing all the info! It was the best news I got all day!
You see, in the last two years, Texans have seen closures of half the abortion clinics in their state! And with more court decisions on the horizon, it's a real possibility that the state will lose half of what's left! Hooray!! This would drop the number of clinics to 10! In the whole state of Texas!! (Still 10 too many, but that is progress people!!)
But here is the twisted part. In places like Texas, the poor minorities and uninformed are actually targeted by “nonprofits” like Fund Texas Choice who offer to pay bus fare to encourage lower income moms to abort their babies. But anyone that knows anything about Planned Parenthood knows that this falls right in line with Margaret Sanger's dream that all of the poor, especially minorities, would abort their babies! (Not exactly the dream Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about.)
"It’s significant that we are seeing so many restrictions becoming law across the country, this isn't just Texas,” said Nash. Let's be clear. Nash is scared.... I am hopeful! Thank God!!
The good news is that more than half of the country is “supportive” or “extremely supportive” (my words) to the rights of the unborn.
Some of the victories include banning private insurance companies from covering the abortions, and restricting minors’ access to abortion without parental permission. Because, Duh!
In 2000, only 31 percent of women in the country lived in states that are trying to protect the unborn. By 2014, that number reached 57 percent! That is huge!! Check out the progress in the middle of the country! Way to go Middle America!!
According to the report, the ENTIRE SOUTH is “supportive” (my words) to the unborn.
There is some bad news though: In 2014, there were only 26 abortion restrictions enacted across the country in comparison to the 70 that passed into law the year before, the report states. Pro-abortion advocates even scored a few wins with four states adopting laws to promote abortion rights and access. Long story short: the pro-life movement has made immense progress, no thanks to this guy. (Obama tells Planned Parenthood “let's go on the offensive”) but there is still a lot of work to be done!
Things are looking even better for 2015!! After Midterm elections, (thank you pro-life voters) there are 30 states where Republicans now control both legislative chambers. AND in 23 of those states, the governor will be Republican as well! All 50 states will be in session in 2015 as well, said Nash, and Congress is looking to revisit the “20-week ban,” which would ban abortions after 20 weeks since it is scientifically proven that they are caused excruciating pain. (Side note: anyone that votes no to this ban should never be allowed painkillers, or anesthesia again, because if a baby has to endure the pain of having it's limbs torn off, well, I think you can suffer through that root canal.)
So, in other words, what Nash is saying, in no uncertain terms, is that the future of unborn babies lives is up to voters. Amen to that!
"Ultimately state legislators pay attention to their constituents, so it's key for those who support abortion rights to make their views known to their legislators,” she said. “It really makes a difference."
Those are their words!!! They know that it matters who you vote for! Everyone knows this! (well, everyone except a handful of really out-spoken trendy Christians bloggers, but don't get me started.) If you don't believe me still, here's what one president did in 8 years. Bush.
The truth is we don't get a lot of positive news on FOX or CNN. But this, this is powerful information! This is good news! We did this! Your vote matters. And they are scared. Election season is around the corner. And the anniversary of Roe V. Wade is now. (side note: ever wonder the real story behind that case?? Click Here) Don't let this week pass you by without praying, fasting, and seeking how YOU can make a difference! Yes, you can and should do more than just vote pro-life. But don't let anyone tell you that voting isn't a big deal. Thanks Haley Fox, a contributor to a newsy type website, for sharing all the info! It was the best news I got all day!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Trust me. A prayer for relief....Psalm 123-125
It's January again. Which statistically
speaking is like a month of Mondays. This is not me being negative.
It's science people. Many just get sad in January. For some it is sickness, for some it is bills, and for some it is just the everyday ups and downs of life.
I am not immune from
this affliction. And from the conversations I have been having with
friends, you aren't either.
My life line over the past few days,
this piece of scripture that has been trying to infuse my soul is
Psalms 123-125.
O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes look to the Lord our God,
Until He has mercy on us.
3 Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us!
For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
4 Our soul is exceedingly filled
With the scorn of those who are at ease,
With the contempt of the proud.
I lift my eyes to You! Until you have mercy on me. I wait.
Lord. Have mercy.
I am filled with contempt.
I want to be filled with you.
I will look to you. Until you have mercy. I will look to you. I will not stop. Relentless.
Because.......
The Lord the Defense of His People
124 “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,”Let Israel now say—
2 “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
When men rose up against us,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;
4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul;
5 Then the swollen waters
Would have gone over our soul.”
6 Blessed be the Lord,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;[a]
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
If it had not have been for the Lord....Let Israel now say! If it had not been for the Lord who is ON OUR SIDE!!! Say it with me people, He is on our side!!
IF it had not been for Him, they would have swallowed us alive.
What is swallowing you alive right now?
Your job? Your health? Your
relationships? Your commitments? Your schedule? Your failures?
If not for the Lord.
This tells us that the waters will NOT
overwhelm us, the streams will NOT go over our soul. Because of the
Lord.
Our snare is broken! We are FREE!But sometimes it doesn't feel like freedom. Sometimes it feels like frustration. Because we need chapter 125.
The Lord the Strength of His People
A Song of Ascents.
125 Those who trust in the LordAre like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the Lord surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.
Trust. Those who TRUST in the Lord. They cannot be moved. They cannot be shaken. Trust. When you are truly trusting, frustration fades.
Because frustration comes from fear. Fear of pain, disappointment, misery, loneliness, ridicule, rejection, sickness, failure.
Fear.
What are you afraid of?
God is bigger than your fear. He promises that if we trust, we will not be shaken.
I have felt shaken today. And yesterday. Yet the Lord keeps reminding me, since I first laid eyes on this passage and have been chewing on it,
Trust Me. Trust Me.
Trust me with your time. Trust me with your responsibilities. Trust me with your schedule. Trust me with your planning. Trust me with your relationships. Trust me with your family. Trust me. With every piece of your day that didn't go like you hoped it would go. Trust me and feel the freedom I have given you.
Walk in Faith. Not frustration.
I believe. Lord, help my unbelief.
Read over those three psalms again. Print them out. Pray them. Hear the Spirit say...
Trust me.
Trust. Me.
And you will not be shaken. You will be Free. You will not be overwhelmed.
And then 10 minutes later. Hear Him again. All day long. He wants us to trust Him. When you feel that frustration rising up in you, reflect. Hear Him again.
Close your eyes and hear Him say:
Trust Me. And remember that Lord surrounds His people. From this time forth and forever more.
Amen.
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