IT'S NOT ABOUT ME!

Any time I get to thinking too much, and realize that my focus might be more about myself than about others or about God and Jesus, I strive to keep this thought in my mind:  "It's not about ME, it's about HIM."  As I was driving down the road having that thought yesterday, it occurred to me that too often "I" am wanting to be in the spotlight of something.  I'm being selfish.  I'm concerned about my wants or my feelings.  Not that it is always bad to do so, but too much of it can lead to depression or negative thinking in a hurry.  I was thinking, "It's hard for my light to shine for HIM, if I'm too concerned about myself being in the spotlight."  I decided to make a little meme to share this thought with others, just in case they, too, had these selfish thoughts from time to time.

I suppose we all do, really.  It's easy to get caught up in ourselves, isn't it?  I blame mine on hormones, just to be honest, because I'm rarely "down" about anything. When I am it almost always equates to a hormonal issue that's out of whack for a short time.  (Oh, the joys of the mid-40's! NOT.) But it makes me think of those who might not ever "get out" of these thoughts....what about them?  And what if it wasn't a hormone thing?  What could I do to help get the negativity from my mind?

For me, what I've found has been found driving down a highway. When you live in a remote area as I do, you spend a lot of time driving on highways.  Often I listen to my favorite Pandora station, but I have a very favorite thing to do, and that is to put it on my iTunes "worship" playlist filled with acapella praise and worship songs from various groups, such as Hallal, The Zoe Group, Narrow Way, and a few others.  I LOVE IT!  It instantly "peps" me up and makes me feel better!

So now I think, WHY DO I NOT JUST START OUT EVERY DAY WITH THIS PLAYLIST?!  Well, I do listen to that playlist often and at random or scheduled times, but I haven't wanted to listen to it all of the time because I wanted it to be different.  I wanted that list to be "reserved" in a sense, but now I see that my thinking is WRONG.  I NEED those songs each and every day. I NEED to be uplifted every day! MAYBE if I listened to them ever day - at the beginning of every day - it would change the whole day...or at least change ME for the whole day.  Who knows? (God.)  

So today, I'm starting out with HIM even more so than usual Bible reading as soon as a I wake up and quick prayer before leaving the bed.  (I need to work on that part, too.)  And as I go through the day, I'll remind myself to keep ME out of the spotlight, to shine brightly for HIM, and strive to always remember that none of this is about me ever.

The Speeding Ticket

So, a "first" happened to me Saturday night.  I got stopped for speeding and got a ticket.  I'm not proud of it.  I'm not happy about it, either.  In fact, I cried for quite a while afterwards.

I was heading to a basketball game, using the navigator (I call her Betsy.) on my phone.  I was listening closely to make sure I had taken the right road, got to the edge of a tiny town, and speeded up.  I knew I was going to be late already.  That was a fact.  Of course, I ended up later than I should have been.

When I was out of town, so I thought, I speeded up.....getting close to the speed limit for out of town in Oklahoma.  The only problem was - I wasn't out of town apparently.  A cop was at a dark church parking lot on what, I guess, was the edge of the tiny town.  He turned his lights on and turned around. I knew immediately he was going to stop me, so pulled over.

The first thing I said was, "I've never been stopped for speeding before. I never speed."  (I was forgetting that I had been one other time many years ago - also at a small town, but that time going into town.  He let me off when he saw the pile of "kid" stuff in the passengers' side and three kids in car seats in the back! He knew I wasn't paying attention to that traffic sign!)  So back to this time......The officer said he was sorry he had to be the first one.  Something told me he wasn't sorry.  He delighted in it!

He asked me if I knew how fast the speed limit was where he stopped me. I said no...that I was worried about being on the right road, but that as soon as he turned around out of the parking lot, I saw a speed limit sign - which I did.  

Because of my good record, the policeman took a few numbers off of my speed - to help me not have to pay so much.  I appreciate that, but honestly, couldn't believe he gave me a ticket!!  I expected a warning.  However, yes....I was speeding and it wasn't just a little bit over.  I was almost at the out-of-town speed.....because I thought I was out of town.

I was guilty.  I admit that, of course.  I should have been paying attention more.  

When he came back, he gave me the ticket.  I can't remember what he said, but the final thing he said at the end was, "Everyone speeds."  I replied, "I don't!  It's against the law!"  He just looked at me....like I was lying!  I guess he was thinking, "Well, you were this time."  He's right. I was.....but it wasn't intentional....not that it makes any difference.  I think what surprises me is the fact that he said, "everyone speeds".  I guess that's why everyone always passes me!  I had suspected that, but didn't really think it.  Actually I know that not "everyone" speeds.  Others are concerned about breaking that law - just like they wouldn't deliberately break any other law.

So, I'll have to pay the ticket.  Actually, he said I'd have to appear in court....but there isn't an address....just a P.O. Box.  Surely I can just mail the check?!  My husband is checking on that for me today.

My sweet husband was very understanding.  He listened to my sob story.  Later I found out that he laughed and laughed when I got off the phone with him.  I'm crying still, and apparently he was laughing!  (Payback!).  But then guess what he did?!  He called my dad and told him!!  I got a call from my dad - who lives in Texas (and me in Oklahoma).  He said he and mom were watching a ballgame and they stopped the game just to put traffic violations up as a ticker across the screen.  My name was on it, he said.  Oh, those two guys are going to get it some day soon!  :)

I'm still not very happy about the whole thing.  Now when we play games like, "I have never.....", I can't use the one:  "I have never had a speeding ticket."  I also wasn't very happy that the officer seemed to enjoy the fact that he stopped me.  I know it's his job....and I appreciate the job he and others do, but didn't like the fact that he seemed to enjoy it.  He was young.  It's a small, small town without a lot of action, I'm sure.  I'm disappointed in myself for not paying better attention and now having to pay money for this mistake.

The last thing the officer said was, "Have a nice day."  I replied, "I won't now!"  That was wrong of me.  Very, very wrong.  I should have just said "thank you", but I let the devil get ahold of my thoughts and my attitude.  Those are the times that are hard to "let your light shine", and I failed at shining.  Thankfully God forgives me when I fail and ask for His forgiveness!

Next time.....(There had better not be a next time with a speeding ticket!) I WILL choose to shine!  The next "trying time" (There will be plenty of those.) I will choose to shine!  Those are the times I need to shine the brightest.  Those are the times I must resist the temptations of the devil to react in the way he wants me to, instead of in the way God wants me to.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴ For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 13:1-8

The Chronicles of Biscuit - Golf Trip and Attitudes

The Chronicles of Biscuit - Stories about our youngest son, Tyler, whose nickname is Biscuit.

Saturday morning my three boys, my husband, and several relatives on my husband's side, went golfing at Lake Murray in Oklahoma.  Before they left, a little before 6:00 a.m., my husband and my boys told me goodbye.  As Biscuit said goodbye and hugged me I said, "Have a good attitude!"  I thought Biscuit would just say "Okay!", but instead he replied with a shocking question, "But what if the others don't?"  I said, "Well, you still have to have a good attitude, even if the others don't."  Biscuit said, "Okay," in a kind of disappointed sounding voice.

Apparently Biscuit knew something I didn't - that on golf trips he isn't always the one or the only one that gets a bad attitude, but that others sometimes do, too!  So it left me wondering, "Who did Biscuit think would have a bad attitude?"  His dad?  His brothers?  One of his uncles?  His great uncle?  He obviously had the impression that someone else would have the same struggle he would be having if their "game" didn't go like he wanted it to go!

It's normal for us to struggle some times with our attitudes.  Attitudes certainly need adjusting at times, whether we like it or not.  But sometimes, like Biscuit, we think that if others have bad attitudes, we're free to act as we please...giving no thought to the damage our attitudes can have on others around us or within our own relationships.  Just because one person develops a bad attitude, it doesn't give us the right to do the same.  Their bad attitude, however, can make it harder for us to have the right attitude, because we allow them to change our moods.  Not good.  Not good at all!

The Bible clearly tells us to be careful about our attitude.  We are to imitate Christ's attitude.  He is our perfect example.  We aren't perfect, but we can strive to become more and more like him every day....regardless of golf shots and other irritating situations!  Is it hard?  Yes, it is!  But as Christians, we must strive to be more and more like Him.  That is God's Will for our lives.

By the way, apparently Biscuit came in 2nd in the golf games that day....beating everyone except his oldest brother.  Not bad for a 9 year old! And I didn't get any bad attitude reports at all...about Biscuit or about any other golfers that day.  Good job, Biscuit, and everyone else!

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Ephesians 4:22-24

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:11-13

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...

Philippians 2:5

Be Nice :)

If you are on Facebook, you might be interested into "liking" the Making a Positive Difference page.  Each day MAPD has a "positive" quote and thought for the day.  I especially liked yesterday's thought and wanted to share it with you.

MAPD: Making a Positive Difference

‎"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." ~unknown

No matter who you are, who you THINK you are, what you do, what your job title is...there is NEVER a reason to be ugly and rude. There just isn't.

Kids today have ugliness and rudeness down pat...and though many older generations complain about that, those same complainers are the examples those "kids today" are following.

We all have a job to do. But, have you ever heard the phrase "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar?" You are more apt to get what you need from others when you are KIND. Shouting orders, biting remarks, put-out tone...they don't get you far...and surely don't make you any fans!

So today, temper your words with kindness. Greet everyone you meet with a smile. Say please and thank you. Growl a lot less. You will be amazed at how you're treated in return!

Happy Friday, everyone!

I have to share some wonderful news:  Late Wednesday night my young brother-in-law (he's my age...42...so that's young, right?? :)  was taken to the emergency room after passing out.  He wasn't feeling good, so hadn't gone to Bible class, but my sister and the three children had just gotten home and then he passed out.  He was taken by ambulance and passed out again on the way.  At the ER, tests were done and things were ruled out.  He was running a low-grade fever, so the doctors thought it was probably a virus making him feel week and pass out.

He stayed over night and tests were run, just to rule out any other problems.  Mid-morning yesterday, they did a test that made it seem like he needed a pace maker.  They thought that all day, as they continued testing.

Late last night a specialist that deals with the electric part of the heart said that he did not need the pace maker.  My brother-in-law has Neurocardiogenic Syncope, which can be treated without surgery and something that can be prevented with exercises and other things to do when he feels the episodes are coming on.

Lots of prayers have been offered on behalf of my bro-in-law and sister and their children.  It is always a humbling experience to realize how quickly life can change....where one minute you're afraid something terrible is about to happen, then realize how bless you really are, to thinking about about what could have been and realizing all of the people that are around to love, pray and support.  It's good to see that and realize that from time to time.  We shouldn't ever forget to be thankful and recognize our blessings, but sometime we do.

Praise God for good news and for his love and strength that can help us in the good times and bad times! 

Just Like It's Supposed to Be

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:11-12

My husband came home for lunch today and I happened to be baking cookies in the kitchen.  I asked him, "How's your day today?".  He answered, "Just like it's supposed to be."  Because he's usually cracking a joke and because, unfortunately, many of his days are hectic and at times eventful, I thought he was just being sarcastic; however, he wasn't.  He just used a really good reply to my question that I immediately wrote down to use for today's blog post!

I love that answer:  "Just Like It's Supposed to Be."

What if, every day, we went through the day thinking that very thought....that everything was just like it was supposed to be.  What if, every day, we recognized that God is totally in control, that there is nothing to worry about?  What kind of day would we have?  What kind of attitude would we have?  What would our example to others show them about our Christian walk?

The reality of the phrase is just that - it's REAL.  It's TRUE.  It's a FACT. 

Each and every day - no matter what comes with it - good or bad, happiness or sorrow, sickness or health.....it is just like it's supposed to be.  That even when things don't make sense, God has a plan and He has a purpose for our lives.  Even when things get hectic and crazy or sad and worrisome, He is there.  He is in control.  We just have to believe that He is, and that He will continue to be by our side - no matter what, just as He said He would be. We just have to believe that everything is "Just like it's supposed to be."

On this Gratituesday, I am grateful that today was just like it was supposed to be.  Aren't you?

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power

and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;

you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;

you are the ruler of all things.

In your hands are strength and power

to exalt and give strength to all.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12

It Will Never Work!

....and other phrases, such as, "It can't be done."....."We tried once and it didn't work."...."It's not possible."....

All of these phrases point to the same thing:  Negativity.  Negative thinking and pessimistic thinking equal zero results, would you agree?

I'm sure we all have "negative" moments, but hopefully, for the most part, we are positive people.  If we are a Christian, it is IMPERATIVE that we are positive people!  Who wants to be around a pessimistic follower of Christ?  Actually, how is that even possible....given that He is our example and our model for living?  Was Christ ever negative?  Apparently not!

Recently our school baseball teams had a fundraiser on a Sunday after worship. Beans and cornbread were on the menu.  Typical Sunday fare?  Maybe not, but why not?  Plans were made then the negative comment came out:  "It will never work.  Beans and cornbread won't go over well for Sunday."  Oh, really?  Almost $2,000 was made that day for a small ball club!  I think it worked out pretty well, don't you?

A few years ago, my husband and I organized a door knocking campaign for our up-coming VBS.  We were told, "We tried that once.  It didn't work.  It won't work."  Oh, really?  Would you believe that the VBS that year was the largest there has been in many years?  Oh, it worked!  It worked just fine.  The problem with events such as that, is that it takes "workers" to pull it off.

Today, a challenge for you is to be a positive person.  Maybe you tend to be a little more negative throughout your day - or as my husband refers to it..."realistic" (that's when my dreams seem unreal, so it's a joke between us!).  Well, just for today, dream a little, believe a little.  Just see what kind of day you will have.  I honestly believe that God will bless you in your optimistic thoughts!  And, don't we all want God's blessings? 

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness or compassion, then make my joy complete. Be of the same mind, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but instead in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be exploited, but made himself nothing, emptied himself taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:1-11

Power Boil

There's a neat feature on my new stove top.  It's called "power boil" and it's on the back left burner.  When I need to boil anything - it's great.  However, there's a down side to the "power boil" burner and that's when I forget that it is a "power boil" burner.  I've burnt several things forgetting just how hot that burner gets.  I'll get use to it, but it's going to take some time.

Some people seem to have a "power boil" setting.  Their internal temperature goes up at even the slightest hint of something not going their way.  As a young adult, I think I may have had a little bit of the "power boil" setting in me.  Thankfully God - with His Spirit - has worked in my life to teach me through the example of His Son, as well as through His inspired word, that the "power boil" setting isn't very becoming to someone trying to live a Christian life and set a Christian example.  I am grateful for God working in my life and getting rid of the "power boil" setting.

Another setting on the new stove top is "melt".  This is a small burner with the word "melt" just below the lowest temperature setting.  I used it today to melt butter for an icing recipe.  This "melt" setting just slowly melts whatever is in the pan.  It won't burn anything.  It won't scorch anything.  It just gently warms up the ingredient.  I think that's the setting that might be best for a Christian and here's why:  Suppose I come across someone with a cold, hard heart.  If I speak to this person with love, I can "melt" that cold, hard heart.  My "melt" setting would be just enough to help the hard heart, but would also warm the hearts of others I came in contact with each day.  I pray that God will continue to work in my life so that I may be that "melt" setting to others who need that warmth and love.

This post is linked to Gratituesday.  To see what others are grateful for, visit Heavenly Homemakers.

The Chronicles of Biscuit - "Cool! Great!"

Sunday we drove to Altus to worship with my parents and my sister and her family.  Our niece and her husband (on my husband's side of the family) also worship at that same congregation and he is going to be the new youth minister there beginning in January.   As I took Biscuit down the stairs for Bible class, I was telling Biscuit that Daniel was going to be the new youth minister.  Biscuit said, "Cool!  Great!  I don't have a clue what that is, but it sounds really good!"  I could hardly contain my laughter!

Wouldn't it be nice if we all had the same positive and optimistic attitude as children do?  Not that they all do all of the time, but for the most part they tend to be more positive and optimistic than adults.  Biscuit didn't have a clue what a youth minister was, but he could tell by my attitude as I told him about it that I thought it was a good thing.  He was happy for Daniel not even understanding what it was for.

As 2009 draws to an end, take the time to think about your attitude.  Is it positive and optimistic?  Or is it negative and pessimistic?  I'm sure we can all plan to have better attitudes in 2010.  God will help us if we ask Him to.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

Ephesians 4:22-24

WHAT NOT TO WEAR

My mom is responsible for putting up new bulletin boards from time to time at the church building where she and my dad worship. This past Sunday my husband was preaching there (filling in for their regular minister), so I made sure to take my camera along so that I could take a picture of the bulletin board.  I thought it would make a great post to share with you.

The title is "WHAT NOT TO WEAR" and then lists several items that are not becoming for a Christian to wear.  Let's look at each of these traits.

PRIDE:  These six things the LORD hates, Yea, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look...Proverbs 6:16-17

ANGER: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Proverbs 29:22

SELFISHNESS: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

WHINING: Do all things without murmurings and disputings. Philippians 2:14

BAD ATTITUDE: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

If we have any of these items in our Christian wardrobe, we need to get rid of them quickly!

A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E.

Of all the topics I've posted about since beginning this blog, ATTITUDE is one of main topics.  I think I know why.  It's one of the things I struggle with the most.  I would like to be able to say that I always have a Christ-like attitude, but that would be untrue.  So, I'll admit that I don't, but also admit that it's something I pray about...for God to help my attitude become more like His Son's. 

I saw a great post on ATTITUDES today that I would like to share with you.  Visit Trey Morgan's site, here, to see that post/cartoon. While you may chuckle at the cartoon, the issue isn't funny at all.  Although my attitude at times isn't Christ-like as it should be,  I do pray that my attitude has never been described by anyone as is portrayed in this cartoon. Christians influence others a lot with the attitudes they exhibit and, unfortunately, not all of those influences are for good.

Here's an A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E. acrostic to help you and I have the same attitude as our Savior, Jesus Christ:

A - Acknowledge wrong attitudes.
We must be able to admit when we have a bad attitude, or a "jerky" attitude as portrayed in the cartoon mentioned above.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5

T - Take control of self.
After acknowledging the wrong attitude, we must learn to have self-control to conquer the wrong attitude...eventually leading to a better attitude. Self-control is for all ages...young, old, and in-between!
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

T - Thank God for His Spirit.
Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As Christians, the Holy Spirit lives within us and will help us develop that fruit (and others)...if we allow Him to.
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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:29-31

I - Impress His Word upon your heart.
Meditating on God's Word is a sure-fire remedy for wrong attitudes!
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Psalm 119:97

T - Take Jesus' attitude.
We must learn to rid our lives of the wrong attitude, but replace it with the right type of attitude. Jesus is the best example of what our attitude should be.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

U - Unite with others.
Unity should be a number one goal in our lives, whether in the workplace, in personal relationships, as a family, or in the church. Unity doesn't mean you don't stand up for God and His Word and against sin, but it does mean that you work towards peace and not towards strife (or getting your own way.)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:2-6

D - "Do Unto Others".
The "Golden Rule" shouldn't end in preschool, but should be a life-long scripture/motto in our lives. Treat others as Jesus would have...with love.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you...Matthew 7:12

E - Examine your attitude regularly.
Look at yourself daily. Examine your attitude, your motives, your desires. Do they mimic the attitudes, motives, and desires of Christ? What would God say about your attitude? If not, you've got some "attitude adjusting" to do!
Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. Psalm 26:2

Become a Child

I hope you don't mind all of the baseball-themed devotional thoughts. Since that's where most of our evenings are spent these days with three boys playing, that's where my mind is a lot of the time! But, the baseball field also provides me with a lot of devotional material - some positive and some negative.

Tonight, in the tee ball game right before Tyler's, the game was very close. I could tell it was close, even without a working scoreboard. How, you ask? Because of the attitude of one of the coaches and some of the fans. You know, most of the kids on both teams at the tee ball age really don't seem to have a clue about who is winning and who is loosing. They're just having fun - which is what it is (or should be at that age) all about. It would be good for all adults at the tee ball field to have the same attitude the children have.

Jesus told His disciples to be more like children, too. Look at the following passage:

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:2-5

Becoming like children by humbling ourselves is what Jesus wanted from His disciples and what He desires from all of His children.

It's always interesting at tee ball games. The bleachers and sidelines are filled with parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, watching their littles ones playing. Everyone has high expectations - wanting their child to be the best and do their best. But, as the boys and girls get older, there are fewer and fewer fans watching from the sidelines. And little by little the children grow up, all the time learning and changing until they are adults themselves. But Jesus doesn't say change and become more like adults, He says, "change and become like little children".

Let's become like a child. That's the attitude Jesus wants us to have.

Who's In Charge Of The Thermostat?

Who's in charge of the thermostat in your home? In our home, it's my husband. Actually, he's also in charge of the thermostat at work....on his side of the office, as well as the other side. He likes to be in control of the thermostat wherever he is! He's very hot natured. I'm cold natured. Unfortunately, all four of our children take after him in this regard, so I keep winter clothes close by all year long!

But, I'm not really talking about the temperature of the air in this post. What I mean is, when you walk into a room, or if you join in a conversation, or you're confronted with a difficult situation what happens? How do you react? We all have the ability to choose to be the "thermostat" and control the environment around us, or we can choose to be controlled by the environment. A thermostat adjusts and stabilizes the environment where it is.

My husband often quotes this phrase (I'm not sure of the source) "No one has the power to control your emotions." In other words, no one can "make" you mad. No one can "make" you upset. However, you may allow yourself to be controlled by someone and allow yourself to become mad or upset.

Unfortunately, he hasn't just had to quote this phrase to our children, but occassionally to me....which is why I'm posting this now! Yes, I'm writing this post for myself as a reminder to be a thermostat, but I hope it encourages you, too.

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:17-18

The Chronicles of Biscuit - "Jesus Didn't Have An Attitude!"

Update on "Counseling Session": Well, Biscuit had his last "counseling" session scheduled for last Thursday. Right before he went in, his daddy asked him what he was going to talk about. Biscuit said, "I don't know. You got anything?". His daddy said, "Animals". So, Biscuit and the counselor talked about animals...and, the counselor gave him beads....and that's the end of the counseling sessions!

The Chronicles of Biscuit: I've been really busy writing a Bible lesson for a workshop where I will speaking in May. I was discussing my outline with my husband and our daughter. Biscuit was in the room with us. My lesson is "Who Do You Imitate?" and I was telling my husband that I was going to use the points "Jesus' Walk, Jesus' Talk, Jesus' Actions, Jesus' Attitude"..., but before I could finish the rest of my list, Biscuit blurted out, "Mom, Jesus didn't have an attitude!" He was very annoyed that I had said such a thing. We laughed a little and explained to Biscuit that EVERYONE has an attitude, it is just either a "good" attitude or a "bad" attitude.

The word attitude isn't meant to be negative, although many use it that way in today's language. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word "attitude" means "an internal position or feeling with regard to something else."

As Christians, our attitudes should have changed from what they were before we became Christians."You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds." Ephesians 4:22

Philippians 2:5 says, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

Yes, Jesus did have an attitude, Biscuit. We all do. But, Jesus had a good - no, a perfect attitude - and he left for us an example to read about and strive to imitate. (Read Philippians 2:1-11 to find out more about Jesus' attitude.)

Let's all strive to "Have an attitude" just like Jesus this week!

The Chronicles of Biscuit - A New Attitude

Note: All of my children have nicknames which have been given to them by their dad. Tyler's nickname is "Biscuit". For a long time I have thought that I should have a blog totally devoted to the funny things he says. It would be entitled "The Chronicles of Biscuit". But, for now, I'll just post them here to go along with specific devotional thoughts.

Such was the case today after school....
When Biscuit got out of school today and got into the van, the first words out of his mouth were, "What's the deal with my attitude?" Yep. That is exactly what he said! And, he had a sad, disappointed-in-himself-look on his face. I'm thinking that he must have really gotten in trouble and just started to ask him about it when he said, "All I did was whisper, but it's okay, Mom. I only got a warning.". Well, I talked to him about having this warning and told him that he must have done more than just whisper. We finally got to the main offense: He wasn't supposed to be talking at all and so he just got a warning because he was just whispering.

So, of course, we talked about obeying the rules totally and not just part way. But I got to thinking about what Biscuit said, "What's the deal with my attitude?" I don't know about you, but I've asked myself that very same question many, MANY times before! And I wonder, does God ask that same question about me and my attitude, as well? I'm certain that He does - and has - many times!

Philippians 2:5 says "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." Jesus is our example for everything in life and we should strive to be more like Him each day. Will we fail as Biscuit did today in Kindergarten? You bet! But, God is ready to forgive us and help us get back on track.

After all the kids were loaded up in the van we went by the fair barn to check on all of the baby goats. My husband just happened to be there checking on the goats, too. When Biscuit saw his dad he said, "Mom, dad doesn't need to know about all of this!" Oh, yes he does, Tyler! Oh, yes he does! ;)

Manic Monday!

I'm beginning to think there is a conspiracy to sabatoge my Mondays!! Do you ever feel that way? Today I did, and last week's Monday post dealt with that same kind of feeling!

I'll spare you most of the details of my day, except for this one story. This Friday, I'm teaching a class about the state of Indiana to our elementary students as part of a Dr. Seuss celebration. Last Friday I found a good deal for little diecast metal race cars at a dollar-type store. That particular store didn't have enough in stock, but a worker there volunteered to call other stores and locate them for me. The worker called a nearby town and found 140 cars for me. They had some cars that would even be cheaper for me to get and had 140 for me they could save. I was so excited that each child would be getting their own little car to race in our "mock" Indy 500! They were saving them for me. Today, when I went to get the cars, I was told they had no idea what I was talking about. The lady I spoke to even called a worker at home about it. She said that it is not their company policy to hold things for customers. They only had 52 of the cars, not the 140 I was told they had. I called the store who had worked this out for me, but the lady I dealt with isn't working today. UGH!

How do you handle days like this? How do you handle situations such as this? As Christians, we should be able to handle situations like this in a Christ-like manner. I was very disappointed because I was told that the cars would be there and that they had plenty for me. I am still disappointed because the students will not have their own little race car (I've since figured out another way for them to have their race). But, I am thankful that God gave me the strength to control my response when this happened. In the past, I probably would have responded differently.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 says, "Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else."

Thank you, God, for giving me strength today!