Solo Femininity

I love Carolyn McCulley's website Solo Femininity. This is a wonderful blog for Christian single women. Carolyn shares her insight on topics ranging from Biblical Femininity to Understanding Men. As I was reading her blog this week I came across two articles that reminded me of what I have been called to do. Check them out here and here.

Idolatry

Idolatry, in its simplest form, is when I replace the worship of God with some physical image or object that I can see and touch. Romans 1:25 alerts us to the fact that there is an innate tendency in every human being to replace the spiritual with the physical.

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator - who is forever praised. Amen."

The truth of the matter is that life can be found only in the Creator. Yet we seek to find life in the physical not eternal. Physical things by their very nature have no power to offer what the Creator alone can give. Heed this warning in Jeremiah 10:1-16:

1Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel.

2Thus says the LORD, Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens although the nations are terrified by them;

3For the customs of the peoples are delusion; because it is wood cut from the forest, the work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool.

4"They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers so that it will not totter.

5"Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, and they cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good."

6There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might.

7Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.

8But they are altogether stupid and foolish in their discipline of delusion--their idol is wood!

9Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, The work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith; violet and purple are their clothing; They are all the work of skilled men.

10But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King at His wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

11Thus you shall say to them, "The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens."

12It is He who made the earth by His power, who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.

13When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses.

14Every man is stupid, devoid of knowledge; Every goldsmith is put to shame by his shamed by his idols; For his molten images are deceitful, and there is no breath in them.

15They are worthless, a work of mockery; In the time of their punishment they will perish.

16The portion of Jacob is not like these; For the Maker of all is He, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance; The LORD of hosts is His name.

Think about it! Behind every powerful physical thing stands the God of glorious power (the Creator). Behind every moment of physical beauty is the God of awesome beauty. Beneath every physical wonder is the God of awesome wonder. Above every moment of love there is the God who is the source and definition of all true love. Still, our sinful tendancy is to replace the spiritual glories of the Creator with the physical glories of the creation while forgetting the spiritual glories of intimate communion with the Lord of Lords, the Kings of Kings, the awesome Creator.

Tests, Tests, and More Tests

Yesterday I finally went to see a Gynecologist. I have always dreaded these appointments, but due to some pain I have had for over a year in my left back I felt I could not put it off any longer. Honestly, I'm not sure why I dreaded it so. Upon the examination Dr. Murray didn't find anything that was out of the norm. However, being that I have put off my yearly checkups he wants a full battery of blood work done, a mammography and a transvaginal ultrasound. Thankfully all these test can be done at our local hospital and I won't have to make trips to the coast to have these test done. Once all results are sent to Dr. Murray I will be contacted for another appointment, at which time he will review the results of the test and recommend where to go from there. I have all the tests scheduled as of this morning. The mammography will be done on July 11, the blood work and transvaginal ultrasound on June 28. Did I mention I hate blood work?

Parent Without Fear

Parenting can be a fearful experience. Our culture seems to think that the basic role of a parent is to protect our children. I do not totally disagree with that, however, we cannot parent in a constant state of fear. We must place our children at the feet of Jesus. He knows them much better than we do, because He made them. He loves them abundantly more than we could ever imagine. Even though we know that Romans 8:38-39 is not exculsively for us, but for is for our children as well, we hold on to our children as we possess them. Our children are a gift from God and are not our own. God has intrusted us to raise them, so whom better to seek wisdom and comfort from in raising them. We cannot raise them with a constant fear - they are not harm proof: we cannot prevent their pain, we cannot cushion them from every bit of consequence of their pain and we cannot make every decision for them. Do I worry about the choices my children will make? Absolutely! Yet, at the feet of Jesus is every answer I will ever need to raise them without fear. Some verses that help me lay that fear at His feet are:

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? "(Psalm 56:3-4) God takes care of his children. He is forever stronger than us.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9) He will be our children's constant companion.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains
quake at its swelling pride." (Psalm46: 1-3) Life may fall apart, we may apart,
our children may fall apart. Yet God promises he will be with us.

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' (Isaiah 41:10) God gives us strength in our weakness
and strengthens our children to face the world.

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. " (Matthew 6:34) As parents, we often anguish about our children's future, yet God holds their future just as he holds the future of the world.

Book Review: Feminine Appeal

Seven Virtues of A Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney

Feminine Appeal is based around what Carolyn Mahaney calls the seven feminine virtues listed for us in Titus 2:3-5: Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Mahaney breaks each characteristic in the verse into a chapter of it's own to discuss ways to cultivate it--loving one's husband, loving one's children, being self-controlled, being pure, working at home, being kind, and being submissive to one's husband. Mahaney carries out the command in the first part of the quoted passage: that older women teach younger women how to behave in a way that promotes the gospel by showing how it transforms lives - - through this book.

But why would a divorced mother be reading a book pertaining to the seven virtues of a godly woman and mother? First, as a mother of teenagers I still have much to learn and improve. Secondly, I am an older women that is to teach younger women how to live a life that promotes the gospel. Thirdly, I doubt I ever remarry but if it is God's will I want to be a godly wife the next time around.

This was an excellent book that will be helpful for both young women looking to live out their faith in their lives, and for older women who want to take up the challenge to provide both good teaching and good example to younger women.

Guarding our Children

Living in small towns I have always felt that my children were safe. Even so I keep a close eye on my children and have taught them the dangers of strangers. Last night while we were at Bubba's house the two girls, Jeri Lynne and Angela came to us and asked if they could walk down the park. We told them no since it was almost dark and explained that it wasn't safe for them to go. Recently we have heard of a child getting beat up in that park by other children over a bicycle, the cleaning lady at the local library was beaten badly and another child was picked up by someone abused and dumped at the park. So we know these things happen even in small towns. They asked if they could sit in the front yard instead, to which we agreed. A few minutes later the girls came inside with a lady behind them. The lady introduced herself to Bubba and told him she knew the girls and would like them to come over to her house to watch a movie. Alarms went off with him and he politely told her "no" and she left. After questioning the girls we learned she is a teacher at the school, they know her children and this has not been the first time she has asked them to her home. We talked to the girls and once again explained that people can appear to be nice to lure children into their homes and then hurt them. To say that it left Bubba and I with an uneasy feeling is an understatement. I pray that last night will teach the girls to be on guard at all times.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

"New things will always come along. Many will be useless, some will be good, a few will be better - what's the one thing that's really best, according to God" (Living the Cross Centered Life by C. J. Mahaney - pg 14). This was part of the quote that Pastor Jonathan read prior to his teaching tonight. In his book Living the Cross Centered Life, Mahaney drives home the point that the gospel is what's really best. What matters is the gospel. . . Christ dying for our sins to grant us eternal life. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, "~ 1 Peter 1:3-4. This my friend is what matters. . . the living hope of an inheritance that will not change, will not be made unpure, and will not go away because of God gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins because of His great mercy. That in and of itself should make us cling to the Cross and make it the main thing in our lives. Oh that I would be caught up as never before in wonder over the love and grace of God.

A Mother's Pride

At some time or another I think every mother takes pride in her children. I am no different. But is it wrong to be proud of our children? When I see one of my children behaving in an appropriate manner, serving others, or achieving goals my heart swells with pride. Just today I was overcome with pride in my daughter. She has displayed acts of service today (not that she doesn't do it often, she does) and my heart began to swell. And as my heart began to swell, I heard a voice saying "And who are you boasting in?" It suddenly hit me. . . I was boasting in not only my child, but I was boasting in myself as well. Galatians 6:14 came to mind as I thought about this boasting. "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the Lord has been crucified to me, and to the world." As I was meditating on this scripture I was convincted that it's not my child that deserves the glory it is Christ. For only by his grace has she been gifted to serve as she did today and other days. Yes, it's okay for me to point out to her that she did a wonderful job serving others today and that I am happy to see that gift in her, but I also need to make sure when I am encouraging her and thanking her that I point out to her that it is through Christ is willing to serve others.

Afterglow

Last night we hosted the youth afterglow in our home. Afterglows are held twice a month for any youth that attend the Sunday evening worship service. This gives the youth an opportunity to fellowship, eat and play games together at one of their homes (sometimes they are held at a Sunday School teachers or the youth pastor's home). We all enjoyed pizza, cookies, and a game of "In a Pickle". We had 4 youth including David and two of David's college friends, Tommy and David attend. Pastor Jonathan, Lori and Hannah were there as well. Angela joined us after going to the United Methodist Church youth group. Hannah fell in love with Whiskers and Vanilla. We had never hosted an afterglow until last night but look forward to hosting other ones in the future. Maybe we can convince some of the girls from our youth group to start attending since last night and previous afterglows seem to draw more boys than girls.

The Girls are Back in Town

After spending a week at Vero Beach, the girls are back in town! Angela went to Jeri Lynne's mom on Thursday, June 1 to spend a week at the beach with them in Vero. I knew Angela would be returning on Friday afternoon, but to my surprise Jeri Lynne came back as well. Jeri Lynne will go back to her mom's after Father's Day. It's good to have them both back home. Cheyene came over yesterday afternoon and all of them spent the night here last night and then we all went to Beau's baseball game today. After the game us girls decided to go to Royal Palm to see a movie. We enjoyed being together just us girls as David was hanging out with friends in town and Beau & Bubba had a Quinceañera to attend.

Arctic Edge Family Night

Family Night last night was great! The kids and their parents joined us as Pastor Jonathan presented the message of Salvation. Then we watched a powerpoint presentation of pictures from this week. Then the kids by class sang songs, recited memory versesthey learned from the week, and then enjoyed cookies and drink. We had a total of 80 enrolled this year with 8 professions of faith! Today is the last day and the kids will be learning that by listening to God, they can have courage to tell others about Jesus (Acts:1-21). Barbara Buker is our VBS Director and has done a wonderful job coordinating and overseeing VBS this week. I know that God has been glorified and many seeds have been planted in the hearts of the kids that were intrusted to us this week through the teachers that have served and the youth that have helped.

Day 4: Arctic Edge

Wow, we are on Day 4 of our Arctic Adventure. I can't believe that by this time tomorrow our adventure will be over. Tonight all the kids and their parents will join us for our Family Night. The kids will sing or do skits for their parents and we will view a slideshow of the week. Today the children learned by following Jesus, they can have courage to follow God's plan for their lives (Jeremiah 29:11).

Worship Rally

"Artie & Moose"

Singing Praises

David

Lori Brooks

Pastor Jonathan Brooks

Hannah Brooks

Day 3: The Arctic Edge

As we continue on the Arctic Adventure the children learned today that by believing in Jesus, they can have courage to confess Him as their Savior and Lord (John 3:16). We had 6 professions of faith today! Continue to pray for the teachers as teach this week.

Pray for Our Church

As I have mentioned in previous posts our Pastor and his family are moving to Edinburgh, Scotland. This past Sunday was their last Sunday with us. Not only are we going to miss them, but our church will be going through a transitional time as we search for the man God intends to Pastor our church. During this time I would ask that all who read this would be praying for our church during this time. Pray especially for our Youth Pastor, Jonathan Brooks, as he will be taking on other responsibilites as he serves as Interim Pastor. This will be a challenging time for him as he steps up to the added responsibilites as well as continuing to lead our youth. Pray also for his wife, Lori, as she supports and encourages him in this new role. Pray that they would have time as a family and that the Lord will raise up people to take on some of the responsibilities to help Jonathan in this time. Pray for our Staff Search Committee and our Deacons as they continue to interview potential candidates. Pray for our church members to be united and willing to serve where needed. Also, pray for me that I will be an encouragement to Jonathan and other leaders of this church and that I will be willing to serve wherever I'm asked to serve.

Day 2: The Arctic Edge

It was another great day at Vacation Bible School! We had 67 kids today. The teachers and helpers are doing a great job sharing the gospel with the children and teaching each day's lesson. Today's lesson taught that by trusting God, you can have courage to depend on Him not matter what happens (Esther 2:2 -18). Here are some snapshots from today.

David

Ryan, David & Tommy

Pastor Jonathan leading the Worship Rally

Diana & Nicholas enjoy being outside

David in Tommy's Arms Second grade class
Pre-K Class

Book Review: Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney

I have just finished reading Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney. I was amazed that this 170 page book could be packed with so much wisdom and biblical insight. Mahaney teaches why humility is important, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to cultivate it in our lives. This book is biblical, helpful, and practical and it's also devastating for our pride when we heed its message. Mahaney never seems to stray too far from the heart of gospel. The book is divided into three parts which made it much easier to follow for me. The first two sections I have previously written about. The third part of this book book becomes extremely practical. Mahaney offers seven chapters of helpful suggestions which flesh out the biblical truth he has been teaching. Mahaney begins this practical section with this piercing comment: “It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves. I’m very aware that it’s possible for me even now to be teaching on humility while neglecting pride in my own heart. And at this moment you may be deceiving yourself into thinking that you are making progress against pride simply because you are reading a book about humility.” Ouch! What a good reminder that we don’t grow through insight but through applying insight. While these seven chapters are an exposition of Mahaney’s “life list” of ways he cultivates pride. They are not to be followed legalistically but as wise suggestions. He encourages us to develop our own list and to purposefully put it into action.

How to Weaken Pride and Cultivate Humility (pg. 171-172)

1. (Always)Reflect on the wonder of the cross of Christ.
2. Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon God and your need for God.
3. Begin your day expressing gratitude to God
4. Practice the spiritual disciplines - prayer, study of God's Word, worship. Do this consistently each day and at the day's outset, if possible.
5. Seize your commute time to memorize and meditate on Scripture.
6. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
7. At the end of the day, transfer the glory to God.
8. Before going to sleep, receive this gift of sleep from God and acknowledge His purpose for sleep.
9. Study the attributes of God.
10. Study the doctrines of grace.
11. Study the doctrine of sin.
12. Play golf as much as possible.
13. Laugh often, and laugh often at yourself.
14. Identify evidences of grace in others.
15. Encourage and serve others each and every day.
16. Invite and pursue correction.
17. Respond humbly to trials.

Martyn Lylod-Jones wrote the following about the surest way to pursue humility: There is only one thing I know of that crushes me to the ground and humiliates me to the dust, and that is to look at the Son of God, and especially contemplate the cross.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Nothing else can do it. When I see that I am a sinner. . . that nothing but the Son of God on the cross can save me, I'm humbled to the dust. . . Nothing but the cross can give us this spirit of humility. (pg.66)

The Arctic Adventure

Today we started our Arctic Adventure! No, the kids and I are not vacationing in the arctic. However, the kids at Vacation Bible School are trekking north with us to the Arctic Edge: Where Adventure Meets Courage. Based on Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." ,they will test their limits in the frozen frontier (although in South Florida it's hard to pretend it's arctic weather) and they will gain courage to follow Jesus in the everyday challenge of their lives. Today's lesson was based on 1 Kings 18:1-2, 17-39, where the kids learned that by knowing God, they can have the courage to show others that the Lord is God. This is the week that I always look forward to every year. This is a great outreach for our church and it's wonderful seeing these children with wonder and excitement in their eyes as they learn about Jesus. David has been helping with Vacation Bible School since he has been in our church youth group. This year he is helping co-teach the 3rd grade and doing skits during the Worship Rally. He will also prepare the PowerPoint presentation for Family Night on Thursday. He stays busy all week and loves every minute of it.

David as "Artie"

Reflections

Today all the staff along with their spouses & children went to the Clewiston Inn for a Staff Lunch. It will be our last Staff Lunch together with the Bridges. As we enjoyed our meal together, we shared about the times God has blessed us with over the past 3 years. We laughed at the funny things we remembered that have happened while Tim has been our Pastor and Administrator. When God called Tim and Krisy to First Baptist Church I was the only staff member other than a former custodian. Jonathan & Tommy came after Tim. After lunch today I did some reflecting of my own concerning Tim and his ministry at First Baptist Church. In a short time after they came our family grew to love them. Through their ministry and friendship we have learned so much. It is seldom these days to see a young couple that love the Lord the way they do. It is one of the first things you come to know about them as you develop a relationship with them. They have been through surgeries, illnesses, and family problems with us and prayed for us unfailingly. As I reflected on our time together I recall their service and their wisdom. There isn't enough words to describe what they mean to us. If I have learned nothing else from the Bridges it is this " But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14). For I have seen them live this verse out in their lives. Then I think of the laughter, oh the laughter! So many times Pastors are thought of as serious, stanch, etc. But Tim proved that Pastors can be pastors and still laugh and have a good time.

Pastor Tim as a sumo wrestler
Pastor Tim as the Samurai
Pastor Tim & Jonathan portraying Ninjas

Tim's First Vacation Bible