Help me, Lord, redeem the time (You've given me...)

Let me no longer waste my time

(Hannah More, "The Book of Private Devotion")

Almighty God, I adore Your infinite patience, which has not cut me off in the midst of my follies; I magnify Your wonderful goodness, which has spared me thus long. Let me no longer abuse that precious treasure--time, which you have allotted me as a proper season to work out my own salvation, and secure that happiness which is great in itself, and infinite in its duration.

Let me bid adieu to all those vain amusements, those trifling entertainments and sinful diversions, which have robbed me of many valuable hours, and endangered the loss of my immortal soul. Let me no longer waste my time in ease and pleasure, in unprofitable studies, and more unprofitable conversation; but grant, that, by diligence and honesty in my calling, by constancy and fervor in my devotions, by moderation and temperance in my enjoyments, by justice and charity in all my words and actions, and by keeping a conscience void of offence to God and man--I may be able to give a good account in the day of judgment, and be accepted in and through the merits of Jesus Christ, my only mediator and advocate.

Amen.

Scripture Memorization: Yawn or Yippee?

Over at Between Two Worlds, they're encouraging folks to do some Bible memorization during 2009. In fact, a passage every week. That's a chunk.

I immediately wondered if this was something I could do, but really if this was something I wanted to do. Let's get real: Do I really think hiding God's Word in my heart is helpful? necessary? essential?

What will I do with this challenge?

Here's the list.

Just Do It!

No unwelcome tasks become any the less unwelcome

by putting them off till tomorrow.

It is only when they are behind us and done,

that we begin to find that there is a sweetness to be tasted afterwards,

and that the remembrance of unwelcome duties

unhesitatingly done is welcome and pleasant.

Accomplished, they are full of blessing,

and there is a smile on their faces as they leave us.

Undone, they stand threatening and disturbing our tranquility,

and hindering our communion with God.

If there be lying before you any bit of work from which you shrink,

go straight up to it, and do it at once.

The only way to get rid of it is to do it.

-Alexander MacLaren (1826–1910), Scottish preacher

So what do I do when no one is looking?

J.P. Hayes is as honest as we like to think we are
By Jay Busbee

The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching. John Wooden said that, or maybe it was Spider-Man. Whatever, it still holds true; being noble and upstanding is easy enough when you've got people watching, but when you're alone with yourself, when you could do the wrong thing (or avoid the right thing) and get away with it, well -- that's when you find out what kind of person you are.

By that standard, then,

J.P. Hayes is among the best that sports has to offer. More.

from Spurgeon

It is a vain idea of ours,

to suppose that if our circumstances were altered

we should be more at rest.

My brother,

if you cannot rest in poverty,

neither would you in riches;

if you cannot rest in the midst of persecution,

neither would you in the midst of honour.

It is the spirit within that gives the rest,

that rest has little to do with anything without.

Show Some Gratitude!

Let us continually. ..praise. ..God...giving thanks. - Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

At a Women of Faith conference they were short of space for 150 people, so the staff brought in narrower chairs. Everyone had a seat, but conditions in the auditorium were cramped and nobody was happy. The director asked the guest speaker, Joni Eareckson Tada, to help calm the crowd. A childhood diving accident had left Joni quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair. As the attendants pushed her out onto the platform she addressed the audience: "I understand some of you don't like the chair you're sitting in. Well, neither do I! But I've a thousand handicapped friends who'd gladly trade places with you." Immediately the hall went quiet and the complaining stopped.

When Paul was training Timothy he said, "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ" (2 Tim 2:1), and gratitude is an offshoot of grace. The Bible says, "Let us continually [not just when you feel like it!] offer the sacrifice of praise to God...giving thanks to His name." After the Bible expositor Matthew Henry was accosted and robbed he wrote in his diary: "Let me be thankful, first, that I was never robbed before, second, that although they took my purse they didn't take my life, third, that although they took everything I had, it wasn't much, fourth, that it was I who was robbed, and not I who did the robbing.

"If you're struggling to find something to be grateful for today, here's a good reason: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever" (Ps 118:29 NIV).

SoulFood Bible Readings: Ezek 22-23, Luke 21:1-11, Ps 78:17-31, Pr 20:15-19 as seen in word for today http://www.rhema. co.nz/index. php#email

====From Cup O'Cheer Compiled by: Kimberly B. Quiggle. Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc. rr.com

The True Woman Manifesto

From the Revive Our Hearts True Woman Conference --

You must read this.

What is the secret, Grandmamma?

(J. R. Miller, "The Duty of Pleasing Others" 1904)

"Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good,

in order to build him up."

Romans 15:2

The Duchess of Kent was universally beloved. Once the Princess Alice, herself simple, sweet and unspoiled, asked her:

"What makes everyone love to be with you? I am always so sorry to have to leave you--and so are all the others who come here. What is the secret, grandmamma?"I

It was not easy for the noble woman to answer such a personal question. But it was important that it should be answered for the sake of her who had asked it, and who was indeed hungry to know the secret. So the noble lady gave this memorable answer:

"I was early instructed, that the way to please others--was to be sincerely interested in the things which interested them, namely their own affairs; and that this could be accomplished only by burying one's own troubles, interests, or joys completely out of sight. Forgetfulness of one's own concerns, a smiling face, a sincere word of sympathy, or unselfish help, where it is possible to give it--will always please others--and the giver equally so."

"I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them--so they may be saved."

1 Corinthians 10:33

Not One of Us Would Ever Be Saved!

(J. R. Miller, "The Hidden Life" 1895)

"He always lives to intercede for them."

Hebrews 7:25

Some speak as if all Christ's work in saving us, had been done on the cross nineteen hundred years ago, in His giving up of Himself to die for us. But His actual work in saving us--is continued with us--

in teaching us life's lessons,
giving us grace to overcome in temptation,
lifting us up when we have fallen,
going after us and bringing us back when
we have wandered away, and
keeping us from the world's deadly evils.

Were it not for this patient, never-failing, watchful love of Christ--not one of us would ever be saved!

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish --ever!

No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

John 10:28

Everybody, Somebody, Nobody, and Anybody

Once upon a time, there were four church members:

Their names were Everybody, Somebody, Nobody, and Anybody.

Whenever there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it.

So consequently Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.

"He gives too late who waits to be asked." – Latin Proverb

Free Commentary Download

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"The More"

The more generous we are,
the more joyous we become.

The more cooperative we are,
the more valuable we become.

The more enthusiastic we are,
the more productive we become.

The more serving we are,
the more prosperous we become.

The more outgoing we are,
the more helpful we become.

The more curious we are,
the more creative we become.

The more patient we are,
the more understanding we become.

The more persistent we are,
the more successful we become.

- William Arthur Ward

Found at: A Ministry of Pastor Tim and Cybersalt Communications
http://www.cybersalt.org Subscribe for yourself!

This really got me thinking...

Christian amusements

(J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures" 1890)

Amusement must never become an end in life. Itmust always be a means, a help on the way--just as sleep is, just as rest is. An hour's amusement, should be to you, just what a night's sleeping is. It should make you stronger, clearer-headed, braver, calmer-souled, more hopeful, more earnest, more enthusiastic--inspiring you for godly living.

Anything which leaves a taint of impurity upon the life, or starts a thought of impurity in the mind, anything which degrades or debases the soul--is an unfit and unworthy amusement for a Christian. Christian amusements must be such as do not harm spiritual life; they must be means of grace.

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do

~ do everything for God's glory!"

1 Cor. 10:31

A Home That Reflects God's Grace

Every day I look forward to receiving the brief summary Nancy Leigh DeMoss' daily radio program from Revive Our Hearts. I am posting today's interview because I think it may be helpful for someone; maybe that someone is you. For years, yes, years, this subject has left me intimidated and feeling less than, well, womanly, because I didn't feel I measured up in this area.

The plain truth is I didn't even want to explore this area of me. But God is good and gracious and knows: there was and is within me a deep desire to keep my home clean, orderly, well-managed, and display my distinct touch. I am not scared anymore. I am no longer intimidated. Largely because of the most important women in my life: Mom, and the divine Sisterhood Posse. God has not called me to be Martha Stewart -- but I've learned much from her and I admire her. God has called me to be me and to become all that I can be in Him. That should keep me busy for as many days as I continue to draw breath. Thanks, Mom, for making our house a home. Thanks, dear sisters, for your consistent display of gracious hospitality and sense of personal style. You are each so much fun!

Series: Home-making Is Not a Dirty Word: An Interview with Dr. Pat Ennis and Dr. Lisa Tatlock
Monday, July 28 2008

Leslie Basham: If you want to learn a skill, you have to practice, right? Have you ever considered obeying God’s Word as practice? Here’s Pat Ennis.

Dr. Pat Ennis: God’s Word doesn’t offer a cafeteria plan for obedience—that if you tend to have the aptitude for it, then you do it. He tells us, “These are some specific things that please Me.” And that is going to mean that sometimes we have to practice. We’re going to fall, and we need to pick ourselves up with His strength and keep moving on, so that we do become proficient.

Leslie: This is Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss. It’s Monday, July 28.

An important part of our mission here at Revive Our Hearts is helping women experience the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. And, Nancy, this week’s programs are no exception.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: This week we want to talk about one aspect of biblical womanhood that, for some of our listeners, is going to sound like we’re talking about something very old-fashioned. In fact, let me use a word that maybe you haven’t heard for a while. It’s the term homemaking: the making of a home. God’s call to us as women—whether married or single—is, in different senses, to be homemakers. It’s such an important part of His mission and His vision for our lives.

The first part of this week, to help us with that subject, we’re going to be talking with two women who have co-authored a couple of books that help us understand God’s perspective on this subject of homemaking.

Dr. Pat Ennis and Dr. Lisa Tatlock both teach at The Master’s College, which you may be familiar with, in southern California. Pat and Lisa have also co-authored two books, the first called Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God and the second Designing a Lifestyle That Pleases God.

Pat and Lisa, thank you so much for joining us on Revive Our Hearts.

Dr. Lisa Tatlock: Thank you for having us.

Pat: We are privileged to be here. Thank you for inviting us.

Nancy: It’s been fun for me to get to know you two women and to sense your heart and read what you’ve written about a subject that, for a lot of women, is not even on their radar screen: this whole subject of homemaking. You are so into this subject! Pat, you actually started the Home Economics department at The Master’s College. Lisa, you teach in the Home Economics department. So this is something that you women really have a heart for.

Now, when I say Home Ec.—Home Economics—to some people that sounds like we’re talking about dinosaurs or something that isn’t even heard of anymore. Pat, how did you even get interested in this subject of Home Economics?

Pat: Well, I actually started as a seventh grader always wanting to be a teacher. And my seventh-grade Home Ec. teacher really lit the fire so that I wanted to be a Home Economics teacher. All of my college counselors tried to discourage that, because I was too academically prepared to just "waste my time" in being a Home Ec. major.

But I found, as I went to college and I studied the discipline, that it was food science; it was chemistry; it was biology that backed up all of the concepts that made the house a home.
I actually learned homemaking from my mother. My mother was a gracious southern woman who learned many things from practical experience. She had an opportunity to practice her skills many years before I was brought into the family.

Go here to read the rest or you may choose to listen to the broadcast.

Unto the end!

"Having loved His own who were in the world --He loved them to the end."

John 13:1

The most wonderful thing in the universe, is our Savior's love for His own people. Christ bears with all our infirmities. He never tires of our inconsistencies and unfaithfulnesses. He goes on forever forgiving and forgetting. He follows us when we go astray. He does not forget us--when we forget Him. Through all our stumbling and sinning, through all our provocation and disobedience, through all our waywardnesses and stubbornnesses, through all our doubting and unfaithfulness --He clings to us still, and never lets us go. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever!

No one will snatch them out of My hand!"

John 10:28

J. R. Miller, "In Green Pastures"

In my inbox today . . .

God is sitting in heaven when a scientist says to Him, "Lord, we don’t need You anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing. In other words, we can now do what You did in the ‘beginning'!"

"Oh, is that so? Tell Me," replies God.

"Well,” says the scientist, "we can take dirt and form it into the likeness of You and breathe life into it, thus creating man."

"Well, that's interesting. Show Me.”

So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil.

"Oh, no, no, no...," interrupts God.

(I love this!) "Get your own dirt."

A Fresh Start Today . . .

Our new school year begins today and with it new goals, high hopes, fresh discoveries, and more opportunities to make memories. Today marks CJ's first day of high school. Seems like yesterday we were practicing to begin kindergarten in the fall. Where did the time go? Mom was right: the time runs by so quickly.

Enjoy this devotional from Arthur W. Pink.

"Give Me your heart"

"Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

"My son, give Me your heart." (Proverbs 23:26)

A "willing" heart (Exodus 35:5)--which acts spontaneously and gladly, not out of necessity.

A "perfect" heart (1 Chronicles 29:9)--sincere, genuine, upright.

A "tender" heart (2 Chronicles 34:27)--yielding and pliable, the opposite of hard and stubborn.
A "broken" heart (Psalm 34:18)--sorrowing over all failure and sin.

A "united" heart (Psalm 86:11)--all the affections centered on God.

An "enlarged" heart (Psalm 119:32)--delighting in every part of Scripture, and loving all God's people.

A "sound" heart (Proverbs 14:30)--right in both doctrine and practice.

A "merry" heart (Proverbs 15:15)--rejoicing in the Lord always.

A "pure" heart (Matthew 5:8)--hating all evil.

An "honest and good heart" (Luke 8:15)--free from deceit and hypocrisy, willing to be searched through and through by the Word.

A "single" heart (Ephesians 6:5)--desiring only God's glory.

A "true" heart (Hebrews 10:22)--genuine in all its dealings with God.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (Proverbs 4:23)

Laundry List for Life

Written by Regina Brett of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 90 in August, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11 . Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Updates . . .

Diane is going to be a grandma. They sold their home in SoCal. Hubby needs a well-paying position to open up for him in Spokane.

Joycey just graduated her three boys from high school. She still has her twin girls in 8th grade and, of course, the boys aren't out on their own just yet.

Sue now has both girls married off and is getting reacquainted with the love of her life. Sue is also considering her involvement in jail ministry in SoCal. Beth would really like to have her as a partner.

Jennie is home again following a two-week trip abroad where she was privileged to speak at a women's conference. If you want to enjoy some excellent teaching, you can download the audio here:

http://www.emmanuelbaptist.co.uk/downloads/index.html

Look for: FCT B:Beautiful events, with Jennie Altstadt (April 2008). Don't wait too long to download; they may be taken down soon.

Steffer is nearing the end of a home remodel (!) while looking at having a senior in high school next year, a new junior higher, one in elementary, and possibly one in kindergarten (I'm not certain of little one's age). I think she definitely needs a vacation.

Me? I'm going to the beach and catching up on my own coursework. Feel free to join me.

School's Out (yea!)

And the kids think they're the happier ones. Not on your life. Nope, I am. We've been out since about the middle of April. Now we're looking at the start of 2008-09 in about 11 days. I must say, I'm not ready to jump in just yet. I'd rather sit by the beach, listen to the surf, read my book, let the wind blow through my hair, and veg . . . Now that sounds about right.

CJ has finished his baseball season. He did very well; the team had a successful year. He was able to play every position he wanted to at least once, I think. He already is planning out next year's season. The boy lives for baseball. My kind of guy.

Andrew and I just finished the indoor soccer season. I asked Andrew if he'd mind if I volunteered to coach his team this year -- he was all for it. (I figured, why not? I would be there anyway.) We had an almost perfect season. 0-7-1 and we lost our only game in the post-season tournament. There were 9 junior highers on the team, 8 boys, 1 girl. I had a great time with them. I learned winning is great but letting the kids get in the game and play was more important. I really like to win, mind you. But as a parent, I really like to see my kid play, and I think most parents think like that. So, that's how I managed playing time. We did our best, every player's skills improved but each athlete played an almost equal amount of time. I thought that was the right thing to do and that seemed to coincide with the philosophy of the YMCA league we were in.

So now, our Saturdays are once again ours. Whew.

It's late . . .

If you didn't already know this, Sue is a graphic designer. And this picture? Well, this is Sue.

Sue loves to have fun. Sue is fun. When you're around Sue, you can't help having fun. It just happens. So you see, Sue is a very happy person and Sue made this creation of herself. Perfect.

Courtesy of South Park.

Found in my email...

"I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids."

...Priceless.

Prayer by C.H. Spurgeon

December 30, 1877:

"Lord, there are so many today who are running away from the truth. Oh, that You would be pleased to speak by Your Spirit that Your Word may be known. Lord, hold us fast to the truth of Your Word, bind us to it. May we not be ashamed of the truth of Your Word but proclaim it boldly without compromise. May we not wish to be thought cultured, nor aim to keep in step with the times. May we be side by side with You, O bleeding Savior; and be content to be rejected, be willing to take up unpopular truth, and to hold fast despised teachings of sacred Scripture to the end. Oh, make us faithful unto death."

The Arm of Grace is Very Long

Let us learn never to despair of the salvation of anyone--as long as he lives. Fathers ought never to despair of prodigal sons. Mothers ought never to despair of self-willed, headstrong daughters. Husbands should never despair of wives, nor wives of husbands. There is nothing impossible with God. The arm of grace is very long, and can reach those who seem very far off. Let us pray on, and hope on, for others--however unlikely their salvation may appear to be at present.

The Holy Spirit can change any heart!

The blood of Christ can cleanse away any sin!

We shall see many in heaven, whom we never expected to see there. Grimshaw, the famous pastor of Yorkshire, when he died, left his only son unconverted, careless, thoughtless, and indifferent to true religion. The day came when the young man’s heart was changed, and he walked in the steps of his holy father. And when he lay upon his deathbed, one of his last words was, "What will my old father say--when he sees me in heaven!"

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save!" Isaiah 59:1

--J.C. Ryle, Many Shall Come

Life is hard for most people

(J. R. Miller, "Counsel and Help" 1907)

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,

bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:2

We should train ourselves to such regard, to such respect for others, that we shall never hurt the heart of one of God's creatures, even by a disdainful look!

Our love ought also to be patient. Our neighbor may have his faults—but we are taught to bear with one another's infirmities. If we knew the story of men's lives, the hidden loads and burdens which they are often carrying, the unhealed sore in their heart—we would have most gentle patience with them. Life is hard for most people; certainly hard enough without our adding to its burdens by our censoriousness, our unkindness, our jeering and contempt.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

There Must Be A Difference

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Matthew" 1856)

"You are the salt of the earth." Matthew 5:13

"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14

Surely, if words mean anything, we are meant to learn from these two figures, that there must be something marked, distinct, and peculiar about our character, if we are true Christians.

It will never do to idle through life, thinking and living like others, if we mean to be owned by Christ as His people.

Have we grace? Then it must be seen.

Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit.

Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who think only of the world.

It is perfectly clear that true Christianity is something more, than being baptized and going to church.

Daily Supplies

(Thomas Vincent, "Love to the Unseen Christ")

Such as are very wealthy, are greatly loved by the poor and indigent—if they find them also to have large hearts and open hands—ready to distribute unto their needs and necessities.

Consider Christ's fullness and all-sufficiency. None have such fullness and plenty as the Lord Jesus Christ—and none are so willing to give unto the needs of such as are poor in spirit, and sensible of their need.

"It has pleased the Father, that in Him all fullness should dwell!" Colossians 1:19. There is not only fullness in Him—but all fullness! Not the fullness of the cistern—but the fullness of the fountain! Not the fullness only of sufficiency for Himself—but the fullness of redundancy for His people! Not some fullness for some good things—but all fullness for all good things! Not fullness for some time, and to continue but for awhile—but all fullness dwells in Him, and abides for all His people throughout all generations!

Christians have need of daily supplies of Christ's grace. They have need of Christ . . .
when they are dark—to enlighten them;
when they are deadened—to quicken them;
when they are straitened—to enlarge them;
when they are weak—to strengthen them;
when they are sad—to comfort them;
when they are tempted—to support them;
when they are fallen—to raise them;
when they are in doubts—to resolve them;
when they are under fears—to encourage them;
when they stagger—to establish them;
when they wander—to restore them!
None but Christ can do all this—and more than this, for them!

You are empty—Christ is full!
You are poor—Christ is rich!
You are indigent—Christ is all-sufficient!

Christians, will not you love Christ—who is able to do for you beyond what you are able to ask or think; and is as willing as He is able to supply all your spiritual necessities? Will you not love Christ—who is an overflowing and everflowing fountain of goodness; who has inexhaustible treasures of graces and comforts in Him, which are set open before you, and unto you—and every day you may freely come and fetch such jewels out of His treasury as are of higher worth, and of greater use, than any earthly riches!

True Friendship Is None of that Sissy Stuff

So I get this in my inbox today from BF Jennie in Kansas City . . . (thanks so much; just had to pass it along to the rest of the posse and all other members of the Sisterhood out there in bloggerland) --

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good,
But never actually come close to reality?

Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will jump on the person who made you sad
like a spider monkey.

2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.

5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much Worse it could be until you quit whining.

6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.

7. When you are sick -- Stay away from me until you are well
again. I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsiness.

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

“Well,” she said, “I think I'll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

“Hmm,” she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “today, I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did, and she had a terrific day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. “Yea!” she exclaimed. “I don't have to fix my hair today!'


Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.

Spiritual Growth

O Thou most high,

In the way of thy appointment I am waiting for thee,
My desire is to thy name,
My mind to remembrance of thee.

I am a sinner, but not insensible of my state.

My iniquities are great and numberless,
but thou art adequate to my relief,
for thou art rich in mercy;
the blood of thy Son can cleanse from all sin;
the agency of thy Spirit can subdue my most powerful lusts.

Give me a tender, wakeful conscience that can smite and torment me when I sin.

May I be consistent in conversation and conduct,
the same alone as in company,
in prosperity and adversity,
accepting all thy commandments as right,
and hating every false way.

May I never be satisfied with my present spiritual progress,
but to faith add virtue, knowledge, temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.

May I never neglect what is necessary to constitute Christian character,
and needful to complete it.

May I cultivate the expedient,
develop the lovely, adorn the gospel,
recommend the religion of Jesus,
accommodate myself to thy providence.

Keep me from sinking or sinning in the evil day;
Help me to carry into ordinary life portions of divine truth
and use them on suitable occasions, so that
its doctrines may inform,
its warnings caution,
its rules guide,
its promises comfort me.

from The Valley of Vision

A Timely Word from Rick Ezell

One Minute Uplift
Your weekly one minute inspiration from Rick Ezell
02-21-08

What Does Sabbath Mean?
By Rick Ezell

"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Ex. 20:8 NIV).

Rest and relaxation are not optional. Rest was never meant to be a luxury, but a necessity for growth, maturity, and health. Rest is so important that God included it in the Ten Commandments. We do not rest because our work is done; we rest because God commanded it and created us to have a need for it. The Sabbath was made for man because God knows that our physical, emotional, and spiritual well being demands periodic breaks. The old proverb is true, "If you don't come apart, you will come apart."

The Sabbath reminds us that life has a rhythm. When you listen to an orchestra, all the parts work together in harmony. The music has balance and rhythm. Without rhythm, the music is awkward and out of sync. It just doesn't flow right.

Have you ever felt as if your life isn't flowing right, as if you've lost the rhythm? To have rhythm in your life, four ingredients are necessary: rest, worship, play, and work. Too many of us change and reverse these ingredients and end up with work, work, work, and perhaps a little play. Gordon Dahl wrote, "Most middle-class Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship. As a result, their meanings and values are distorted. Their relationships disintegrate faster than they can keep them in repair, and their lifestyles resemble a cast of characters in search of a plot." Or to keep with our metaphor, their lifestyles resemble a song in dire need of rhythm.

The Sabbath renews our reverence of God. "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy" (Gen. 2:3 NIV). The Sabbath is a holy day because it is God's.

This usually raises some questions like these: "Does that mean it's all right to watch television on Sunday? Is it all right to go to a ballgame on Sunday? Can we eat out, read the newspaper, play softball, or go grocery shopping on Sunday?" Those are good questions. The only thing wrong with them is that you have asked the wrong person. It's not my day. It's the Lord's Day. Ask him, "Lord, how can I honor you on this day?"

The word holy literally means set apart. Let me encourage you to set apart one day a week as a Sabbath to reverence God and rest your bodies. When you do, you not only gain a physical and emotional benefit, but a spiritual benefit as well.

The Sabbath renews our reliance on God. The Sabbath is a testimony of trust. Perhaps one reason we hurry so much, has little to do with poor time management or economic necessity, as much as it does with faith in God. Perhaps we simply do not believe that God will be true to his word. Perhaps we are not confident that God will take care of our needs.

There's the story of the two birds perched high above a busy city watching all the people busily scurrying from one activity to another. The Robin said to the Sparrow, "Why do those humans scurry to and fro?" "Perhaps," said the Sparrow, "they do not realize they have a heavenly Father like ours that cares for them so."

The Sabbath restores our souls. Do you remember snow days? As a child, when it snowed, you would get up in the morning and immediately turn on the radio to see if school was going to be closed, and when it was canceled, you rejoiced. You had a free day, completely unplanned, in which you could do anything you wanted. It was a gift.

We need to create our own snow days, or at least some snow time. We need blocks of time on a regular basis to recharge our souls, or as the Africans would say, to let our souls catch up with our bodies, in order to remain free of burnout and breakdown. That time, that snow day, is the Sabbath.

The Sabbath is a day of remembrance. The Sabbath is more than simply resting our bodies. It's greater than merely restoring our souls. It's higher than recharging our minds. The Sabbath is foremost a day of remembering God's role in our lives. Remembering, worshipping, and resting are acts of contemplation. Yet in the midst of our busyness, we are starved for contemplation. We need that time to remember what God has done for us in our lives. First and foremost, the price he paid for our salvation, and then every good and perfect gift that comes from the Father. Let's remember him.

Rest is not just a psychological convenience; it is a spiritual and biological necessity. "Remember the Sabbath" is more than simply a lifestyle suggestion. It is a commandment, an ethical precept as serious as prohibitions against killing, stealing, and lying. To forget it is dangerous-personally, morally, and socially.

Copyright 2005 Rick Ezell
About the Author
Dr. Rick Ezell is a husband, father, author, pastor, consultant, coach, conference leader, and communicator. Rick has a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology in Preaching from Southern Baptist Seminary. He has published over 450 articles and sermons in various Christian publications. While authoring six books he has served over twenty years in pastoral ministry. Rick, Cindy, and Bailey currently reside in Greer, South Carolina.
www.rickezell.net

In my inbox today...

Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott.

Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.

Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me.

"I've been chosen to clap and cheer."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I'm clapping and cheering for you today, dear sisters.

Another great memo from . . .

The Monday Memo
MONDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2008

THE BIG PICTURE
EPHESIANS 5:16

Mary David Fisher said, "The length of our life is less important than its depth."

Her saying reminds of something that musician Eubie Blake said on his 100th birthday: "If I'd known I was gonna live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

We never know how much time we have left, either in this life or in this ministry, but the question of longevity isn't nearly as crucial as the question of intensity. Even though quantity is an unknown variable; quality must remain consistent.

I think of this when I spend time with my kids. They're out of the house now, living in other cities, starting new lives. When we're together, it's only for a few days -- sometimes only a few hours. When I see them, I forget about what's on TV and my cell phone gets turned off. I want to make every second count.

We need to approach our lives and our work the same way. Paul used a phrase in Ephesians 5 that is translated in the NIV as "make the most of every opportunity." The King James uses the phrase, "redeeming the time." In order to do this, we need to understand two things:

1. Our lives fit into the Big Picture of God's plan.
2. The Big Picture is played out one frame at a time: one day, one hour, one moment at a time.

If you're like most of us, your plate is already full. At any moment there are a dozen things you could be doing. The important question is: "Of everything on my list, what is the best thing I can do right now?"

You can't answer this question without a good idea about where your life is going. Grasping the Big Picture empowers you to shape your plans day by day.

So your day is full. Maybe you'll spend some time today cleaning up yesterday's mess. Maybe you'll spend some time putting out today's fires. These things are inevitable. But the biggest "maybe" is if you'll spend some time today preparing for what your life will become tomorrow.

If we're not careful, we can spend all of our time focused on yesterday and today. The result is that the Big Picture stuff doesn't get done -- until it becomes another fire to put out or another mess to clean up. (Need examples? Waiting until December 10 to decide how you'll pay for Christmas; waiting until you're 62 to decide how you'll pay for retirement; waiting until September 15 to decide who will speak at your Fall Retreat ... and so on.)

Redeem the time. Make the most of every opportunity. Think about the hours you have at your disposal. What's the best thing you can do -- not just for the crises you're facing now, but for the life you want to have in the months ahead and in the years to come?

Determining the most important thing to do at any given moment isn't as easy as it seems. It takes practice, discernment and wisdom. And it takes a grasp of the Big Picture. The pay off is that your days have meaning, and your life tells a story that brings glory to God.

--Steve May

About the Monday Memo
The Monday Memo is a weekly devotional for leaders sent out each Monday by Steve May. This is a free service. For more information, to change your email address, or unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visit http://www.aboutsunday.com/omm.htm

Reasons to Read?

The Sisterhood Posse began simply: we wanted to study good Christian books. What has grown out of that is a deep commitment to each other in biblical accountability and fellowship. This has been needful and richly rewarding in my life. I am deeply grateful to these women. I have not always been a reader. I am a reader today because of Jennie. It is all her fault. Thanks, friend. (Jen sent along this virtual "tour" for those who love to visit bookstores. Enjoy.)

Over at Unashamed Workman, Colin Adams lists "20 Reasons to Read (Good Christian Books)". I list them here. I should mention that Colin is an associate pastor and writes his blog as a preaching pastor for preaching pastors. However, I believe there is much good we can learn here.

1. You will grow in your knowledge of God, yourself and the world around you.

2. You will gain a better understanding of the Bible, the book of books.

3. You will broaden your English vocabluary, helping you to express similar truths to your congregation in fresh ways.

4. You will have an improved imagination and actively engage your mind in a way that probably won’t occur when watching TV.

5. You will be able to sit at the feet of some of the great Christian teachers and minds over the centuries (even if you have few ‘living’ teachers to assist you).

6. You will be forced to cease from incessant activity and think.

7. You will receive a historical perspective on current problems and spot present day blindspots.

8. You will have some of your questions answered and confront other questions you hadn’t even thought of.

9. You will be able to practically apply Paul’s command to think upon “wholesome” things.

10. You will develop a sense of how arguments are constructed and be able to weigh both strong and weak arguments.

11. You will enjoy spiritual input during the week, not just on a Sunday (if not a pastor).

12. You will (if a pastor) be able to engage with other issues beyond this week’s text, thus broadening your perspective.

13. You will be able to mull over a subject. You will be able to put the book down to think, chew over a sentence or re-read a paragraph. You will be able to explore an issue at length, rather than brush over a topic too quickly.

14. You will be better prepared for the task of evangelism, after reading clear presentations of the gospel by great communicators.

15. You will be better prepared for the task of discipleship, having a good way to open up discussion about Christian life issues (what are you reading?).

16. You will be made aware of how Christians interpret and apply Scripture differently in various cultural contexts.

17. You will gain information for your ignorance, inspiration for your weariness, and insight for complex problems.

18. You will be better equipped to lead in your church, marriage and family.

19. You will be stimulated, as in a good conversation, to new lines of thinking.

20. You will be drawn to worship God, especially when the book centres on God not man.

From Carolyn McCulley's Blog...

This post from Radical Womanhood (which is Carolyn McCulley's blog) is entitled The Rules for Self-Discovery. I thought it was so provoking that I'm posting it in case you didn't see it.--Jennie


For Christmas, one of my friends gave me the leather-bound edition of A.W. Tozer's devotional, The Pursuit of God, The Pursuit of Man. I have really enjoyed it so far. Tozer's vocabulary is denser and more varied than the writers of today, so this devotional has provided much to ponder each day.

One thing I read at the start of the year was Tozer's list titled "Rules for Self-Discovery." Unlike the self-esteem movement of this generation, Tozer was concerned not that we esteem ourselves more highly, but that we esteem God more highly. Where God stands in our affections can be discovered through the answers to this list below. If we want to know better our own weaknesses and affections for this passing world, the answers to these questions will provide illumination.

Rules for Self-Discovery

1. What we want most

2. What we think about most

3. How we use our money

4. What we do with our leisure time

5. The company we enjoy

6. Who and what we admire

7. What we laugh at

If we're honest when we answer, this list can really help us see the hidden motivations of our hearts and the things we value most. It could also be a prayer guide, helping us to see what areas in our lives need the most prayer for godly change. I was struck in particular by the last rule; it really addresses the crass age in which we all live.