My Crafty Things…
My recent years of crafty projects. More in progress…
These are just a few things that I have made, that I actually took pictures of. I hope to add to it (pictures and online journaling about them, that is).
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2347538725160.2138793.1150827712&type=3&l=0656c6dfae
I like economics, home economics that is. I have always had an interest in most things homey, like sewing and DIY things; things traditionally attributed to the woman at home. I’m overjoyed this has not all disappeared. In the midst of the feminism era, I know many women who find their joyful calling at home. I am among them, and have no shame in admitting so. What an honorable calling and purposeful pursuit. This is what I was created for. Praise the LORD.
Sex as Purely Entertainment?
Should it even be a question for the Christian that watching sex in and as part of entertainment, whether it be tv shows or movies, is ever appropriate? I would think not, but the world would have you think it’s no big deal. Dare I call it sinful? How is it much different than watching porno? If you are watching sex on the tube, is it different because they are not showing the all the cracks at once? They would tell you ‘it’s just the way we are’, sexual beings. While that notion, that innate ‘feeling’ is so true, it’s only because God has created us that way. The nature of sex and sexuality in itself is not sin, but as it does so well, the nature of man has perversed this sacred and sanctified act and means by which God gives us joy in its rightful context. The continual decline of morality in the secular world has all too much entangled the Christian world view so much so that we sometimes buy into this lie that we can use our bodies however we darn well choose. The bible tells us differently: “1 Corinthians 6:17 But the one united with the Lord is one spirit with him.6:18 Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body” – but the immoral person sins against his own body. 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 6:20 For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.“
While we have some liberty in Christendom, we should beware of what’s ‘good’ even though it may be ‘permissible’ (1Cor 10), even though secular culture might say it is. Take captive your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:2 now I ask that when I am present I may not have to be bold with the confidence that (I expect) I will dare to use against some who consider us to be behaving according to human standards. 10:3 For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards,10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons,but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments 10:5 and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ.)
I recently read a book by Doug Wilson called Reforming Marriage. Good stuff. As I chuckled at his humorous outlook on sometimes weighty situations, his many great examples; in this book, Doug Wilson’s example of the sometimes mindless choices of entertainment we immerse ourselves in is sadly too often true. This is a paraphrase of an excerpt from that book from the chapter “The Marriage Bed is Honorable” (remember, I said paraphrase):
Imagine this situation. One day, suppose a non-Christian neighbor invites his Christian neighbor over for the evening. He accepts innocently enough. “And also, while you’re over, you can watch us have sex.” The Christian recoils in horror and replies, “Oh no, we couldn’t do that. We’re Christians.” “Oh, okay. the neighbor replies in confusion. Well, we’ll just record it on video for you to watch at your convenience.” “Oh, no. We couldn’t do that either.” “Well, I don’t get it,” explains the neighbor. “You invited us over that one day and we watch some people having sex and you had no problem with that. Is it because we aren’t as good-looking or is it because we already know each other?” And the Christians stumble over their excuses.
Excuses. We are full of them. “It’s complicated.” Or how about, “It’s my Christian liberty to make that choice”, “we all know what boobs look like”, “most of us here already know what sex is anyway”, “I don’t want to be legalistic”, what, are you that insecure?”…the list goes on. We are cowards on many fronts, not wanting to seem legalistic or ‘holier’ than others rather than unashamedly standing for honoring Christ. That in itself shouldn’t make us boastful, but the peace of mind of knowing we are obeying scripture renders us joy that He provides in obedience.
Seriously, I know the bible has its difficulties, and a Christian world view is a vast and complex machine in many respects. But reading the bible is pretty plain sometimes that people make it more difficult by throwing in what appears to genuine understanding but may be cloaked under excuses and rationalization for the lusts and desires of one’s own heart. It’s a tough battle, no doubt. But Christ has conquered it all for you. Impurity is sin. And there are vast forms of it cloaked in ‘liberty’. Don’t defile the marriage bed by allowing defiled entertainment enter your mind and heart. Sex is to be enjoyed in its rightful context- marriage. Don’t create more baggage than there already is. None are perfect, and tomorrow’s a new day, but today’s just as important. “Oh be careful little eyes what you see…”
Dear Kira,
You are such a sweetheart. You love to help people. You are intelligent although careless and clumsy individual. But that’s what makes you, you. We’re working on the clumsy and mindless part, a continual training category, for sure.
You are very much into gaming and tv. You are an awesome athlete, with practice. You love to be active, whether it be biking, running, being outside, or at the playground. You are a great helper. You try to be mindful of how you can be helpful. You have great questions about a vast array of topics and it’s so fun to have conversations with you about all your inquires.
You have a great sense of style. You’ve been dressing yourself since about 3 years old. I’ve taught you about coordinating colors. You used to think you had to wear the same color from head to toe. You’ve come far my little fashionista. Some might say it’s weird. I say it’s interestingly fun to see the outfits you come up with each day. You’ve also been styling your hair for the past year or so. That has been fun to see also.
For the past year, you and Lexi like to play games where you rename yourselves. You always try to come up with something original. And sometimes, all out weird. You must get that from your mom. I try to be original. Your name, at the time it was given to you, was not as widely known. I tried to be original in the choosing. But be glad some of my choices didn’t include some of your creative concoctions of names. Your mii creations, petshop pets and stuffed animals have a color array of names. I can’t remember then all.
But you are creative. I give you that. You usually come up with great craft or project ideas during schooling time. You very much enjoy creating things.
I love your sweet heart nature. I love the way you look out for others; the way you seek to grow in so many ways. You are thoughtful.
forever in my heart,
-Mommy
Trailer Camping & Hot Springs Trip
We just took a family trip to a local hot springs about 30 minutes away. It was our fist time staying in a trailer and swimming at a hot spring. We camped in a very old trailer full of surprises.
Upon arrival, the check in was at the pool. It was pretty indicative to what we were in store for. It was enclosed in an old building. It was obvious the place was historic.
Off to the trailer we go. When we reach what we believe to be the trailer we were to stay in, even though I knew it wasn’t going to be the best place, I was still a little taken back.
As we meandered through the place, it was evident this was a very old trailer, probably hadn’t been cleaned in a decade. Maybe more. Everything was ancient; pink stove and oven probably from the 60s. I didn’t try it out. Didn’t want to waste the time. “Newer” microwave though. Fridge wasn’t cold enough to keep food cold so I used our van. One chair for the table. Only drips came out of the bathroom sink. Not enough water flow in the shower for a full shower. The toilet didn’t fill quick enough for multiple flushes in a row so we had to manually fill the tank. My husband had a great idea of filling the tub so we can just scoop water into the tank since we weren’t using it for showers, but then forgot the water was running so we spent time cleaning up gross soaked carpets. That was on his birthday. Well, they were due for a wash anyway. There were enough beds for us, so that was nice, but who knows where and when those sheets and covers were last washed. The carpet was too gross to think about when my family would lay on it. Eww. Cobwebs, dust and holes everywhere. Oh, and the resident mouse dropped in on us a few times. Those kinds of unexpected guests are rude.
When we first opened the door to the trailer, my youngest at 5 gasps, “it’s beautiful!” My 7 yr old also echoed her delight. What a humbling and grateful moment. The innocence of my children were so precious at that moment. They were just so happy to take a family trip, to be together in a different place. They aren’t really thinking in terms of “we’re going to make memories here together as a family” but I think in their own way, that’s what they are anticipating. They reminisce with fun and joy about past trips and excursions we’ve made as a family. It’s such a blessing to hear them happily recount memories of family moments.
I was thankful to be able to visit a part of history and spend time with my family. I appreciate the history behind the camp grounds and hot springs, but it’s not a place I’d frequent. The hot springs water was the best part. My skin didn’t feel dry as it usually does. I am so thankful to have the home we have and the luxuries we do, from flushing toilets to clean running water to clean and modern amenities.
Boast Not in Your Liberty, Ye Saints of the Lord
Romans 15:17 So I boast in Christ Jesus about the things that pertain to God. 15:18 For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in order to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 15:19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit of God.
2 Corinthains 10:17 But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord.
As scripture is our witness, let our boasting not be the sinful nature, an arrogance upon we seek to see other stumbling, a puffing up of our christian liberty, but honoring Christ in humbleness that He calls His children to be, to give Him the glory due His name.
Pursue righteousness, godliness, holiness, separating yourselves from the love the of the world…
As we are commended to have the faith of a child, even listen to the words of a child’s song, “oh be careful little eyes what you see… be careful little ears what you hear… For the Father up above, is looking down in love…” Take care where your feet tread, take care and captivate your thoughts and seek your heart. Is it God-ward?
Is pursuing purity from the filth of the world and it’s desires really a matter of legalism? I’m sure it can be, but not all purity pursuits are legalistic. Why are we quick to snicker and sneer at fellow Christians who seek to pursue a life of purity; from being smeared by the world? We call them “holier than thou” people. Rather, shouldn’t we encourage and praise the Lord that such purity exists. Only He can allow and such good to come from such tainted people. The scriptures call us to think upon the things that are beautiful and pure. The scriptures tell us it is possible to live a life worthy of the calling we have been given, through the Holy Spirit. We are charged to pursue godliness, holiness, and on and on the list goes. This is not to hold us in bondage, but to give us a hope, a joy in obedience. We will not fulfill it perfectly, but we are picked up when we fall, and we continue running. Perfect Peace comes through Christ. If you are working for your salvation, then you’ve got another thing coming. But if you are in Christ, your working should be exuding from a heart of joy and thanksgiving, an honor that is given to the saved.
Those who boast in their Christian freedom as to show others how “liberated” or ‘mature’ they are only prove too much that they are the opposite. I think it leads to an arrogance of love for yourself that you are careless in how others, even especially unbelievers, see your witness of God’s character. You as a believer have a responsibility, as much as you may not like it or if it puts pressure on you, you are not your own, but bought with a price. Faith is not a light matter. Sure we will fail, but nonetheless you are called to a higher calling, on that reflects Christ, and it is by His power and strength that you do all things, and only in and by His name shall you boast.
Christianity- Religion or Relationship?
James 1:26 If someone thinks he is religious yet does not bridle his tongue, and so deceives his heart, his religion is futile. 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
There’s this cliché, I’m sure you probably have heard it, “it’s not a religion, it’s a relationship”. No, and yes. Christianity is a religion, AND it’s a relationship. It’s a religion built upon a relationship.
I think the word religion has gotten a bad rap over the last decade or so, at least. Religion is not all bad. According to an online dictionary, religion can be defined as:
- 1) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
- 2) a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects;
- 3) the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices
- 4)to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
So if we just go off these definitions, Christianity can be defined, in part, as a religion. What matters is what kind of religion you have. There’s a religion that keeps you in chains, in your own effort striving to win and earn your way to your god, or there’s the Christ changing-Jesus atoning, sacrificial religion that covers the sinner by God’s grace. We all know there are a smorgasbord of religions around the world and many claim to know God. But who’s god is above all others? Well, the one who always was, and always will be; didn’t have a beginning nor an end.
Religion has been used more or less as something you just “do”, do it well and consistently. “I eat at that place religiously.” “He goes to bed religiously at 10pm”. “I workout religiously”. People speak of things they are committed to doing as “religious” or adverb “religiously”. So why is it bad if Christians are “religiously” seeking God? We were created for it. God commands his people to seek after Him, pursue Him, love Him, read His word, obey His word, love others, forgive, honor parents, and on and on. Are we all just religious legalists who seek after God? Why is it that someone who seeks to purify their lives by creating boundaries that are arrived from the bible casted into this “holier than thou” category. I think it’s discouraging and show insecurities in people. Not all Christians who seek to live holy, honorable lives are legalists, and the opposite can be true too. Rather than downplay their efforts, why not encourage & exhort the Christian brother/sister rather than try to tear them down because you feel threatened or insecure about your ability to measure up. Unless it is blatantly clear they are not, we cannot know for certain but honor the confession of someone’s faith, and give thanks for their good works, for this is what God has created for us to do. Eph2:10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.“ This is not license to boast in your owns strength, but in God’s all sufficient supply.
“Proverbs 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his speech and is a fool.“
Cussing and ranting as a means to ‘fit in’ with the world is not honorable. Nor is it really cool. It really shows a lack of security in God’s name and his honor. It more or less shows too much need for the comfort of the world, which is inevitably not trusting in the goodness of God, but taking advantage of his grace. It shows self-centeredness, a neediness for self-affirmation that is not humble in any manner. Keeping in with the trends of the world just to make yourself feel better does not make you cooler and popular for God’s glory, but does make you a foul mouth who seeks after the praise of man. That’s not what a Christian is “set apart” for. Those who make friends with the world cannot be for God. James 4:4 Adulterers, do you not know that friendship with the world means hostility toward God? So whoever decides to be the world’s friend makes himself God’s enemy. 4:5 Or do you think the scripture means nothing when it says, “The spirit that God caused to live within us has an envious yearning”? 4:6 But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 4:9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
For a Christian who is devoted to honoring Christ as light in the world, we are to be mindful of our actions so that the name of Christ is not defamed, being not conceited or boasting of how well we can outdo others in witty comebacks. Humble yourself ye saints of the Lord. God opposes the proud. (James 4:6, referencing Proverbs 3:34)
3:1 But understand this, that in the last days difficult 1 times will come. 3:2 For people 2 will be lovers of themselves, 3 lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3:3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 3:4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 3:5 They will maintain the outward appearance 4 of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.
I do not seek to bash here, but seek God’s glory in His name. I am offended that his name is smeared by careless Christians who think that what they do & say is not an issue because God’s grace is abundant. Yes my friend, but do not scorn his grace by abounding in what you know to be right in the eyes of God. He sees all. Search God’s heart as you seek to search your own in living for His glory. Live your religion in a real relationship with the only mediator between God and men- the man Christ Jesus.
Call to Stand Firm
2Thess 2:13 But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 2:14 He called you to this salvation through our gospel, so that you may possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.2:15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, 2:17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good thing you do or say.
Recent Comments