Pitch Your Tent

Yesterday I was in Hobby Lobby.  I kept noticing the tee pee/tents, arrows, warrior themed decor, which is popular right now. My mind was on an up-coming ladies' retreat and craft supplies for the event, so I began thinking about that tent/arrow theme.

There are many "tent" stories in the Bible, but the one that came to me was from Genesis 13 (click to read) when Abraham (then called Abram) and Lot split up.   They surveyed the land around them and Abram told Lot to choose and he would take the other.  One went to the left and one went to the right.  Lot chose the plain of Jordan and pitched his tent towards Sodom.  Abram pitched his tent in the land of Canaan.  One chose right. One chose wrong.  One choice was wise.  One chose was unwise.  If you don't know the "rest of the story", look up Sodom.  What looked to be a good choice from afar, soon became a big problem for Lot and his family.

I love the idea of "Pitch Your Tent" for a ladies' day or ladies' retreat theme.  We all must choose where we are going to 'pitch our tent' in our walk of life.  We'll either pitch it towards what is good and right or we will pitch it towards what is bad and wrong.  Sometimes we start out one way then go to the other, which is great if we were pitching towards the wrong, then come to the right.  That's getting back on track.

Not only could the ladies' day theme be with the tents, but also the arrows that are popular now and were used so much in scripture, not always in a good sense, but in how damaging and hurtful they can be.  Our words are like arrows Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword (They aimed bitter speech as their arrow...Psalm 64:3 NASV), so the arrow would be a reminder to not be careless with our words.  Arrows or darts are also used when referring to Satan, so they would be a huge reminder of how arrows can be thrown at us and how to be prepared to extinguish them.  (I don't care for the idea of using them for event decor if going in that direction.  Personally I don't want to make something "pretty/cute" that's ugly sin. You probably don't, either!) "...in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16.

One scripture passage refers to children, so it would especially be beneficial for a younger mom's lesson or class.

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

Where are you pitching your tent today?  Choose the good.  Choose well.

Seasoning Your Words

At the beginning of each new school year we begin a new ladies' Bible class study on Wednesday nights.  This fall we are doing a book by Nancy Eichman entitled, "SEASONING YOUR WORDS - 
GOD’S RECIPE FOR CONTROLLING YOUR TONGUE". It's a great study and very needed for me, but it seems like everyone else things they need it, as well.  

The scripture the book is based on is this: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone,” Colossians 4:6.  Learning to have gracious speech, which is well-seasoned, is difficult, yet necessary for the child of God.  Striving to imitate our Savior, Jesus, we must learn to control our tongues better.  Consistency of life must be followed by consistency of speech.

 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Proverbs 4:23-24.  

The words that come from our mouth are almost always from the motives of the heart.  When we are murmuring and complain, we have a critical heart.  When we say mean, ugly, nasty, foul things, our heart is unholy.  When we gossip and tattle, we have a careless, thoughtless heart.  And when we boast and brag, we have a proud heart.

It can be summed up with this quote:

***Usually when our mouths speak out of order, it’s a sign that our hearts are out of order.***

How is your life?  How is your mouth?  How are your words?  How is your heart?

Stories....

One thing about the new "Seasons of Life" ladies' class that began last night is that I want it to be a lot of discussion, not just me doing the talking!

Last night I asked a question: "What was your favorite season of life?".  I loved hearing all of the comments and stories the ladies shared.  It's a great way to get to know each other better and a great way to learn from each other.  Our experiences are all different, but then a lot the same.  Something someone else went through may be something I am going through, so it helps to hear their stories.

Until this past spring, I had a ladies' salad supper ever year. I guess it totally slipped my mind this year, so I'll have it soon.  One of my favorite memories of all of those gatherings is listening to their stories.  Some of those women have passed on and I miss their stories! A few of them we should have recorded. They were hilarious! Great times.

Everyone has a story to tell, but most people would rather tell their story than listen to someone else's.  I think I said this recently, but I don't think we can hear it enough.  Listen to people. Listen to their stories.  They are important to them, but will help you, too.  Part of the help may be that you just practice sitting there and really listening!  Sometimes that's hard to do.  Really listen. Hear what they are saying. Take the time to care.  Show concern.  Be genuine.

"Seasons of Life"

Tonight I'll begin teaching ladies' Bible class after taking the summer off. This new semester will be called "Seasons of Life".  There are many different age groups in the class, from mid-20's to 80's, so these lessons will be geared to learn from each of these "seasons".

It's fitting that this new class corresponds with the beginning of my very favorite time of year: September, October, November, and December.  I love this season!

The scripture basis for the class will be this:

 "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:3-5

There was a time when I was one of the youngest women in the class.  Not so anymore!  Now I'm middle-aged, so am teaching the younger ones, but also still learning from the older ones.  This passage is so good.  Women learn from one another and that's what I want this new class to be about - sharing and learning from each other.

This new season of life I'm in, with two children gone and two still at home is weird.  It's great to be able to have the youngest two and spend time just with them, but the house is quieter, less messy (Even though the youngest two say they are the messiest and it will be messy!  Truthfully, I'm the messiest of them all!), and just different.  Sitting at our huge dining table that seats 10 is just different with four.  It's weird, but we will get used to it soon.

With each season of life, we have different ways that we can serve God.  That will be another aspect of ladies' class this semester.  When all of our children were young, I felt like I wasn't doing anything for others because I didn't have the time.  Now that it's less busy, I can make meals for others, visit others, and do more "work" for the Lord.  But I truly was working for Him when the kids were little.  They were my work!  And the two here at home now are still my work.  Too many stop this work as the last one or two are left at home.  The youngest can be neglected and spoiled in a way, left to do for himself/herself.  I want to make sure that doesn't happen with ours.  He'll need just as much guidance and supervision as the others have had - maybe more.

So what season of life are you in? Which has been your favorite?  Which has been your least favorite?  Reflect on those questions today.  Take the time to share with someone else about your season of life.  It's quite possible that something you have gone through and share will be something they needed to hear.