Perspective

 Perspective: the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance

How often do you evaluate your perspective on something? The last few months it has been something that I have done frequently. Constantly looking at a situation to determine if I am giving it the appropriate amount of emotion.

The glass of water I spilled... not a big deal
The mailing of Christmas cards on time... it will be okay
Letting my kids eat too much sugar... it won't make a difference here and there

Telling people about the love of God... big deal
Making an effort to talk to the people I care about... important
Thanking God for every day He gives me... worth it

Christmas season is always full of stress (for me at least). Stressing about the presents I need to buy, coordinating family functions, getting all the cute pictures, etc. I always feel like I'm running 5 different directions, and not giving anything my full attention. Then I always feel like I'm not doing enough, not meeting the expectations of the world. 

But I want to share something with you that I have realized, it's okay. You can say no to things that aren't bringing joy. You can skip out on Santa pictures or Christmas crafts. You don't have to fake happiness with people who aren't good for you just because they are family. But you should thank God for everything you have. You should hold close to those you love. You should do things that fill your cup. 

This life we have right now is not guaranteed. Anything and everything can change in a moment. I don't mean to sound morbid during a season of joy, I just want you to know that your joy may look different than other people's, and that it's okay! 

Here is my suggestion to make the most of your Christmas season:

First and foremost, thank God for the life you are getting to live. For the family and friends you hold dear. For the house you have, the food on your table, and all the small things.

Second, focus on the things that bring you joy, whatever that is. 

Third, be sure to get to church for a Christmas service. Whether that be on Sunday for a traditional service, or a Christmas Eve celebration. You won't be disappointed that you went. 

Lastly, love those around you. Hold close to the people who are most important. Tell them about the love of Jesus. Show them the love of Jesus.

I pray that each of you have a Merry Christmas! 

The Season of Giving

Christmas season is practically here! 'Tis the season of giving, right? But how many times do we turn it into the season of wanting? Or the season of envy?

In our service today, our pastor talked about the Christmas season. And it got my wheels spinning, so naturally I decided to write (or type) it out. 

We have always been told that Christmas is a time to give. And while a good portion of us do that, it is usually not the sole thing we are doing. While we are out shopping, we are looking at all the things we want to have. Then with social media, we scroll and see what everyone is getting for Christmas, and the envy or jealousy arises. I'm not calling any certain person out, I'm speaking to all of us. 

A lot of us are doing things to give during the Christmas season. Churches are gathering Christmas Child shoe boxes, schools are doing angel trees, Christmas carols are being sung at senior citizen homes. And all of these are good, no, great! But can we give more? Can we give differently?

Over the last 6 months, I have been having a constant reminder that what we have in our daily life is such a gift. Our family, house, friends, church, health, all of it is such a gift. And we seem to simply forget how much God has given us. 

When was the last time you truly thanked God for being where you are right now?

When was the last time you truly thanked God for having good (not perfect) health?

When was the last time you truly thanked God that you have the ability to share the message of Jesus?

Isn't that the best gift we can give everyone?! What item can you buy that is greater than the gift of our Savior? What gift is more spectacular, amazing, or impressive than a relationship with Jesus? And why only think of giving during this season? 

Have I offended you yet? I kind of hope so because if I have, then your wheels are spinning too 😉

So here is my challenge to you - 

1. Stop and truly thank God for everything you have. Don't be concerned with what you want, because it can all be gone tomorrow. 

2. Reach out to those around you and see what you can give them. It may simply be a meal, or a hug, or a prayer. But it may also be the most important gift of their lives. 

I hope you are having a giving season - and if you are a person needing the love of Jesus - reach out to me. I would love to share everything I know (but trust me, I don't know it all)

Have a Merry Christmas everyone ❤

What will your obituary say?

 Who here is a Ben Rector fan??

*If you aren't - Shame! But click his name and check him out 😊

He just released 3 new songs in November. While all of them are great, there is one that really just gets me thinking.

Here is the link: The Richest Man in the World

So here is my question for you...

What will your obituary say? 
Better yet, what will the people say?

Now lets be clear up front - this isn't about bragging rights (listen to the song). It's not about your status, your income, your fame. What is the legacy you are leaving? What is it that people will know and say about you?

Ready for the 2 lines that hit hard?

You can spend your whole life wanting what you don't have
Or you can find the beauty in the things you do

BAM - there it is - the thing that we are all guilty of at some point. While some do a good job of being continuously grateful, some are always longing for more more more. 

What do you want to be known for?
Here are a few things I want to be known for:

• Being an attentive mom
• Being a supportive wife
• Being a great friend
• Being a great listener
• But most of all: Being a devoted follower of God

Can you imagine these being the things that people remember you for? My job won't matter. The house I owned won't matter. The clothes I wore won't matter. The extravagant vacations won't matter. The social media presence won't matter. 
Am I saying you should disregard all of these things, no. But remember their place, remember their value. 

If we are placing God first and foremost in our life, you will be known for great things. 

Take a moment to reflect on your life, on your values, and decide what you want your obituary to say.

Love ya'll

Family after Marriage

 What does God say about family after marriage?

There are a few verses that talk about family, parents, and marriage in relation to one another. The first comes from Genesis 2:24 (this is in reference to the first marriage, Adam and Eve). He also makes reference in Matthew 19: 4-6. Ephesians 5:22-33 talks about the roles in marriage. 

There are other scriptures in the Bible that talk about marriage and family. But these are a few worth highlighting. 

When a man and woman decide to marry one another, they are making a commitment to each other, but more importantly to God. They are choosing to depart from their parents, and form a new family. This is a desire of God. He wants us to find a person who shares our values, beliefs, and love for God. 

Is God telling us to never speak to our parents again? No
Is God telling us that we can have no relationship with our parents? No

Is God telling us that we now depend on our spouse? Yes
Is God telling us that the relationship with our spouse is sacred and should be kept safe? Yes

A child is called to leave their parents and form a family with their spouse. To build a relationship that grows with each other, but also in the direction of God. The bible states that a parents desire for their child should be to marry a person who loves God, a person with a relationship with God, a Christian. That is the standard. It does not say that a parent should be sure their child marries a person for money, convenience, lust, status, etc. It does not say that a child is to marry a person that thinks/interprets just like their parents. 

This is a hard topic for many people. Parents always want great things for their children, that is natural. But we have to look at the biblical aspect of what God desires for us. (He is our Father too) 
How often have you heard something like "She will never have to worry about money with him" "He will have the most beautiful children with her" "He thinks just like me so he will lead her the way I have".
These are all worldly thoughts, they are not the desires of God.

Does it mean that money, security, geographical nearness, etc are bad? No. But these are not the top priorities in a marriage. These things are never spoken of in reference to marriage in the Bible. 

A father is called to say, "I want my child to marry a person who loves God first and foremost." Loving God will automatically make that person love your child more. Loving God will provide a fruitful marriage, a marriage that is pleasing to God. 

A parent who thinks first of worldly pleasures for their child, is not desiring the best life possible for them. What a disgrace that would be. 

I think this is a hard topic. It is hard for the parent and the child. Leaving all you have known, letting go of your child; these are not easy tasks. But seeking God's guidance will ease the struggle. 

Put your marriage first. Protect your marriage with God's word. Remember that Satan is always prowling, and looking for ways to turn you away. Satan will attack your marriage in some form. Have a Godly spouse and Godly marriage to protect yourselves. 

Side Note: 1 Peter 3 is a great read on what a marriage should look like. I would advise everyone to read and study it. 

Live Unpopular

Newsflash: Christians live a life that is full of "unpopular opinions"

Recently I have spent a lot of time thinking about my faith and beliefs. I think this is something we should all do throughout our life. But it has hit me hard recently when I add the perspective of being a mother to it. And a common theme I have noticed is unpopular opinions. Now I'm not talking something like "chick-fil-a sauce is gross (which I do think 😬) But I am referring to the bigger beliefs and decisions of life. 

It is stated in Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but continuously be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect."

Let me be the first to say, this is not the easy way to live. 

I have been battling these thoughts and decisions for a little while now. So I began to look back over previous sermons at my church and found one that seemed fitting. 

Without going into the entirety of the sermon, I would like to share my reflections along with some of the scriptures and key takeaways that resonated with me.

First, let's focus on the positive aspects of what we are called to embrace.

First and foremost: GODLINESS (defined as: the quality or practice of conforming to the laws & wishes of God; devoutness and moral uprightness) WOAH, those are some high standards. 

We can gain Godliness by leaning into our FAITH. This is done by reading the word and praying diligently to God. 

By inserting FAITH and working towards GODLINESS, living the life that we are called to live is a little easier. 

Now lets talk about the more challenging aspects of our faith - the beliefs that distinguish us as Christians and may be perceived as unpopular opinions. As followers of Christ, these are all things that I feel we must be willing to embrace even if we are met with resistance or criticism.

Situations, Temptations, Teachings, & Acceptance are the broad spectrum areas that I have been thinking about. 

We live in a world that now has acceptance of all things - it seems that no one can have a wrong opinion, unless you are a Christian who is trying to live by the word of God. If you look around at all you will notice that the world is telling everyone that you can be literally anything you want. Sorry, but that is false. God has formed you in His perfect image (Genesis 1:27). God has already set out a plan for our lives, we are just called to follow it (Jeremiah 29:11).

God gave us a guide on how to live in the Old Testament, the 10 Commandments (these can be found in Exodus 20). Now these are not the only things God asks of us, this is just the first set of Commandments that He gave. These set the foundation for our lives. Today, it is so easy to fall into a life that does not follow. For instance- "You shall not covet your neighbors house." How often do people desire what someone else has? Constantly saying "I want... I need.... They don't deserve ___ like I do." 

We should all look at the 10 Commandments and evaluate our lives. God doesn't call for perfection, but He does ask that we try with all our being, and that when we fall short, we repent and walk away from what we have done. 

If you read Romans 2, you will learn how God is going to judge those who are followers of Christ. It is very clear that those of the law (Christians) will be judged by the law. We as Christians are held to a higher standard. 

This is a topic that you could write and study for days. We can all live a better, more Godly life. The biggest takeaways are:

1. You are called to have a relationship with Jesus
2. You are called to live by His word
3. You are called to show the world how to live, to invite them into the family of Jesus

Take time to examine yourself, your spouse, your family. If you are falling short, ask for forgiveness and work for a better relationship with God. He will never turn you away, He will always be there for guidance. 

Love ya'll