Resolutions anyone?

Christmas is over and everywhere I turn there is talk about New Year’s resolutions.  Well I don’t know about you, but I have never made one.  REALLY!  I have never made a New Year’s resolution.  Maybe it’s because I am not into exercise or eating right.  Isn’t that what most people vow to do?   

 My scales - that do not work!

This is my treadmill that I begged my husband for two years ago!
It has been used a total of 10 times and I am trying to figure out how to
fold it and get it out of my house! 

Saving money this year is another resolution that I have heard.  That would be a good one for me. (I have begun couponing, but that is another blog!)  

 My coupon stash!

So if I were to make a resolution this year, what would it be???  That makes me ponder what is important to me?   Definitely God, my husband, & my children.  Those would have to be my top 3!  One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 31:10-31.  This passage in my Bible is called “The Virtuous Wife.”  As I read it, my heart longs to be this woman. 

She most certainly has a Godly character.  Because of her love for the Lord, she not only cares for her household, but others (vs20).  She makes wise decisions and speaks kind words (vs26).

She takes care of her husband, doing good toward him and he trusts her (vs11&12). 

Her children rise up and call her blessed (vs28). 

Do you notice the order in which I listed these? 

1.        Character/Godly

2.       Relationship with husband

3.       Her children (household)

Did you know that this order is Biblical?  A woman must first be dedicated to God, then her husband, and next her children.  Many couples put their children before their marriage.  Think about it.  When you were married you made a vow/promise to your husband before God.  A vow until “death do you part”.  This is not something to take lightly nor is it meant to be easy.  A marriage takes work as well as sacrifice.  

 Scripture says the virtuous wife is worth “far more than rubies.” (vs10)

Many places in the Bible describe this same order.  Read Titus 2:4-5.  This passage encourages older ladies to mentor younger ladies teaching them to 1. Have Godly character 2. Love their husband & 3. Love their children. 

As I step into the new year of 2011, I am dedicating myself to grow in my knowledge and love for my Savior.  I am dedicating myself to love my husband with all of my heart, doing good for him, and giving him a home filled with laughter, faith and trust.  I am also dedicating myself to my children.  I will model Christ-like love to them as well as Christ-like discipline (Yes, praise God, the Lord disciplines!) I will continue to teach them the Word of God so that they can hide It in their hearts!

What is missing?

My trees are up!

My stockings are hung!

The Elf is on the shelf!

My garland and wreathes are in place accompanied by a life size snowman on the front porch!

My gifts are bought!

So, Shouldn’t I be in the Christmas spirit??  I know that we are now in the Christmas season and Christmas day is approaching ever so quickly but for some reason…I’m just not feeling it.  What is missing?  As I wonder what could make me in more of a festive mood, I realize…that’s not what Christmas is all about.

Remember the saying…

“JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!”

Instead of trying to get excited about the festivities of the holidays, just maybe I should try humility and focus on Jesus instead.  How is it that I can get so distracted from Jesus during the very season that is meant to remind us of Him?!  We are celebrating the birth of our Savior!

The nativity (Luke 1 & 2)…what a story this scene tells!

Imagine…the Lord of Lords and King of Kings was born in a stable and placed in a manger.  As he grew up, He was perfect in every way.  Without a sin, this same Jesus was stripped naked, beaten, and died on a cross to save you and I from our sins.

Let’s enter this Christmas season with humble hearts focusing on Christ Jesus!

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6  

Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

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Digging Deeper

What a wonderful weekend of Bible study and worship I enjoyed with 2 close friends!  Kay Arthur, Priscillia Shirer, and Beth Moore taught the word of God with passion!  The "Deeper Still" conference is all about digging deeper into the Bible and allowing the scriptures to transform your life.  These 3 ladies had very different styles of teaching as well as topics, but all 3 ladies left me wanting more!

How about you?

Do you long for the word of God?

If so, are you making time to study it?

If not, why?

Why is it that we can read all kinds of books except the one book of TRUTH?  

I am writing about this, because God has burdened me to spend more time with him.  Some weeks I am in the Word daily, other weeks I barely have time to read my Sunday School  lesson.  We all have priorities in our life.  Our families, our church, our jobs, etc...but shouldn't God be our first priority?  And how can we serve him effectively if we do not know His Word?

Sunday School teachers can teach it, the pastor can preach it, our music can  sing it, but it is up to us to believe it, live it, and continue to "dig deeper".  Why??  Because the Bible is WORTHY!  It is worthy to be meditated on, it is worthy to be pondered, and it is worthy to be treasured in your heart!

"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Hebrews 5:12

As Kay Arthur said, "God is not salt and pepper.  We don't just add Him to our lives.  He should be our life!  We don't just sprinkle a little God here and sprinkle a little God there." 

So as I "dig deeper", I encourage you to do the same.  We will never arrive at the point where we know it all.  There is always room to grow in our relationship with God.  Knowing the Word of God is in your reach.  Will you reach out and take it?  Will you read it? Will you let it transform your life?  I have committed to follow hard after Christ.  Will you journey with me and do the same?

* If you are not sure where to begin reading, may I suggest the 4 Gospels: Mathew, Mark, Luke, or John.

Dear Father in Heaven, I will seek to see you, hear you, and follow hard after you in every part of my day!  I will take your Holy Word and study it so that I might become all you would have me to be. Amen

UGH!!!!

The hard drive on my home computer has crashed!  I hope to be able to post again soon!