Letting Go and Letting God

One of today's scriptures will be Proverbs 3:5-7, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (NIV)

Let me start by asking, what does this scripture mean to you? I know some of you are probably like... "Ugggh... Not this verse again. I've heard it like a thousand times!" But this scripture is very relevant to me at this point in my life. Have you ever had one of those life verses, or a verse that just goes really well with where you are in your life? For me this is one of them. ;)

Other key scriptures for this post:

Psalms 62:1 and 5, "1 My soul finds rest in God alone... 5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." (NIV)

I want to find rest in God alone. He alone can provide what I need! "Every good and perfect gift comes from above!" (James 1:17)

Philippians 4:11-13, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

I want to be content in every circumstance. Giving God all my burdens will help in this process. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Colossians 3:15, "And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful." (NLT)

God will give us the peace we desire if we just trust in Him!

I have recently given my entire collection of thoughts, worries, control issues, and future plans to God. This has been an extremely wonderful experience. I had been afraid that God might not ever want me to get married, so if I gave it all up to Him maybe I would be surrendering to a future as a single. But in giving all my thoughts and worries to God, I have found an amazing peace. I haven't been worried about my future. I am at peace that God will provide everything I need whenever the need arises. If that means that I will need to wait a few more years for a husband, then so be it. I am excited to let God have control over my future. He is definitely the One who should be in charge anyway. Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" I am trusting God with my future. Are you?

What things do you worry about? Do you want to control your future like I did? Do you believe that God has the best for you in your future? What can you begin to do to make a change and give God your worries, cares, and future plans?

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

~ S*

How Much Do You Know?

This week I decided to share a personal experience of mine.  Let me know how you relate, or what you may have discovered through your own experiences!

Verses for This week:

Philippians 4:4-8

Psalms 91

2 Timothy 1:7

Proverbs 3:24

Psalms 118:6-7

I have struggled with fear a few times in my life.  I've had bad dreams, or just not been able to sleep at all because of certain circumstances that didn't allow it to be an easy thing for me...  I often times quoted these scriptures (listed above) while I was in bed getting ready to fall asleep. (my dad had a huge part in training me in these scriptures... Often times he would stay up at night with me if I had a bad dream or was scared for some reason.) Growing up, I learned very quickly how to quote these scriptures.  I also became pleasantly aware that the devil doesn't like it when we praise God.  So while I would lay in bed bothered by fearful thoughts, I would begin to praise God until I fell asleep. Believe me; it works.  Often times I would wonder why I continued to have a struggle with fear, little realizing that I had truly made a ton of progress over the years.  I was finally made aware of the progress/leaps and bounds I had made in my walk with God (especially when it came to resisting the spirit of fear.) one summer during my high school years...

I was talked into (aka conned) becoming a camp counselor that summer after attending a performing art's camp.  The leaders of the camp I had attended a couple weeks before needed counselors for the younger "creative art's camp" that would be held just two weeks after the camp I attended.  My sister should have been the counselor, but she wasn't old enough... Thus I was the "counselor", and she did a lot of the counselor activities with (or for) me...  (If any of you know me very well, you would know I'm not a kid person at all, so this was WAY out of my comfort zone...) Long story short the week went well.  We had a few drama queens (I and one other girl from the "performing art's camp were the counselors), but we managed pretty well to keep everything under control.  There were a few Awesome moments when God used us all to minister to the girls at opportune times!

Then the last evening came around... The creative arts campers (and counselors) were forced to attend the final event: a night hike followed by a bonfire... None of the girls wanted to attend, but we had to do it anyways.  A couple of our most dramatic girl had some issues and weren't feeling well, which led to our decision of leaving them to sleep in the dorm.  WE all had our flashlights and gathered around the leaders of the camp for our departing instructions.  They, in turn, made us give them all our flashlights.  So as we head off towards the woods to begin our night hike, the two youngest girls ask to hold my hands. (This is a highly unusual thing for me...) I, of course, let them; they were already scared about going into the woods in the dark.  (It was extremely dark in these woods... and raining with a bit of heat lightning...) As we began the hike I was already praying and asking God for wisdom and help for this "adventure" quoting scripture throughout..  Part of the way in a guy with a bright blue light saber popped out.  Tons of yelps and screams were heard all around.  The two girls were clinging to me, and I was trying to keep them calm and tell them everything was going to be alright.  In this "hike" you pretty much just followed the crowd of people in front of you.  I was in the back half while my sister and fellow counselor were in the front half.  Well, the back half somehow became separated from the front and got lost in the woods. We were finally stopped by someone with a cell phone (LIGHT) before walking into a swamp.  The girls were freaking out, some boys kept making scary noises just so they can hear the little girls terrified screams...  Well, the guy with the cell phone got us turned around and I followed that dancing little light all the way out of the woods... meanwhile dragging the little bawling girls behind me.

Somewhere in the middle of the screams, cries, and getting lost, I realized that I had complete peace and that I wasn't afraid.  I knew everything was going to be alright, and I knew how to convey this to the little girls clinging to me for dear life.

God is pretty Awesome!  He brought all of those scriptures on fear to my attention at just the perfect time, and I was prepared because I had put them into practice on a regular basis.

Blessings!

~ S*

Joy

Nehemiah 8:10, "...for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"

This week we decided on the topic of Joy for the Bible study.  This is a topic I have discussed before, so if you would like to see my previous post on joy you can click here! I was happy to discover that quite a few verses that I had not previously looked up came about in our discussion.  Below are a few of them:

Proverbs 17:22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."

 Isaiah 55:12, "You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!"

Isaiah 35:10 (also look up Isaiah 51:11), "Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness."

 More Scriptures to look up:
Nehemiah 12:43
Galatians 5:22
Philippians 4:4-8
James 1:2
Hebrews 12:2
John 15:10-12
Psalms 65:8-13 (On a side note... Psalms are full of joy!  It is a great place to start if you are looking for some joyful scriptures!!)
Acts 13:52

After discussing the verses above, we discovered that Joy and love seemed to be connected.  You can't really have one without the other.  One of the girls mentioned when she is feeling down and not joyful, she refocuses herself by loving others.  This, in turn, brings about joy!

Spending more time with God was also a way to be joyful.  Someone experienced it first hand.  After spending three or so hours reading their Bible, praying, studying scripture, or working on memorization, people actually told her they saw a joy in her eyes!  Pretty cool huh? 

What can you do to bring more joy into your life?  What are your favorite scriptures on Joy? I look forward to hearing from you!

Blessings!
~ S*

In My Modest Opintion...

Last week I shared some of the discussion we had at the Bible study... This week, I am going to list the scriptures found pertaining to modesty!

Scriptures for this week (All verses are in the NLT unless otherwise stated):

Modesty:

1 Corinthians 12:22-26, "In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad."

1 Timothy 2:9-10, "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do."

Clothing:

Deuteronomy 22:5, “A woman must not put on men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing. Anyone who does this is detestable in the sight of the Lord your God."

Matthew 6:28-34, "“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘...What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

Proverbs 31:22b, "She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns." Only verse of physical appearance

Lust:

Proverbs 6:20-25, "My son, obey your father’s commands,

and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

21Keep their words always in your heart.

Tie them around your neck.

22When you walk, their counsel will lead you.

When you sleep, they will protect you.

When you wake up, they will advise you.

23For their command is a lamp

and their instruction a light;

their corrective discipline

is the way to life.

24It will keep you from the immoral woman,

from the smooth tongue of a promiscuous woman.

25Don’t lust for her beauty.

Don’t let her coy glances seduce you."

Mathew 5:27-28

Colossians 3:5, 10, 12, 14, 17,  "So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Matthew 5:27-28

1 Peter 4:1-5

1 John 2:15-17

Eyes:

Numbers 15:39 (NIV), "You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes."

Proverbs 4:25-27, "Look straight ahead,

and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

26Mark out a straight path for your feet;

stay on the safe path.

27Don’t get sidetracked;

keep your feet from following evil."

Brother:

Hebrews 13:1, "Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters."

Philippians 2:2-5, "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had."

1 Peter 3:8, "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

Causing Others to Stumble:

1 Corinthians 15:33-34, "Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 34Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all."

1 Corinthians 8  
Matthew 18:5-9
Mark 9:42-46
Luke 17:1-3

Lust is a very bad thing, and you can cause others to stumble by dressing or acting immodestly...  So we should make every effort to do everything we can to prevent our brothers in Christ from stumbling!  

Blessings!

~ S*

PS Next Study's topic is Joy, so feel free to post some verses and quotes on Joy between now and then as well!

The Definition of Modesty

After a wonderful evening discussing the topic of Modesty, many of us discovered a little bit more to the topic than we originally thought when it was first brought up.  

What is the first definition that comes to mind for you when you think of modesty?  Is it the way people dress, or possibly their attitude?  When asking a couple people their thoughts on modesty here were their responses... (Check last week's post for a couple more responses...) 

1. To be humble, but I think you can direct modesty at someone else more than you can humbleness.  You can be humble yourself, but you can be modest to others.  You could say kind things to them or you could even downgrade yourself (in a good way) to help someone else.

2. Modesty came into effect when Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...  Children are less modest because they don't know any better.  We as adults should be practicing modesty (in all definitions of the word), for we now have the knowledge of good and evil...

3. Someone pointed out that in the early 19th century (the time of Mr. Darcy and Ms. Elizabeth Bennet), men and women weren't allowed to spend that much time together... Especially alone.  While men are drawn in by women's appearance, women are emotional and sensitive to touch.  During that time period, the British, seemed to have honed in to the knowledge of what caused men and women to desire to do things they shouldn't do.  Thus, they just got rid of the temptation completely by setting standards and ways of life with extreme boundaries. This provided modesty in both forms of the word (dress and character), by making men pursue women in an honorable fashion.

Let's check out the definitions of Modesty:

Modest: 1. Having or showing a moderate estimation of one's own talent's, abilities, and value

2. Having or proceeding from a disinclination to call attention to one's self; retiring or diffident (see synonyms at shy)

3. Observing conventional proprieties in speech behavior or dress

4. Free from showiness or ostentation; unpretentious (see synonyms for plain)

5. Not offensive to sexual mores in conduct or appearance

6. Free from pomp

7. Marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful

8. Marked by simplicity having a humble opinion of yourself... Essentially humble and self-effacing

*Other words affiliated with Modest(y): homely, ordinary, plain, inexpensive, unexceptional, simple, quiet shy, humble, frugal,, blushing, self-conscious, meek, bashful

Modesty: 1. The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities.

2. The quality of being relatively moderate, limited or small in amount rate or level.

3. The state or quality of being modest.

4. Reserve or propriety in speech, dress or behavior

5. Lack of pretentiousness; simplicity

After reading these definitions aloud... We discussed how negative the world has made modesty appear and sound.  Almost all of the synonyms for modest* were words that you wouldn't want to represent...  The world wants to make people think that their way is the best, and they will do anything to "prove" it to you...

Next week's post will include the scriptures we discovered while researching the topic of modesty. I look forward to hearing your favorites as we continue on in this study!

Blessings!

~ S*

A Little Behind...in Modesty

Sorry all for the delay on my post this week (and for the lack of one last week).  A lot's been going on in my life the past couple weeks.  Recently while praying, I felt led to begin a Bible Study here at my house, so that is where I have been putting my energy and efforts.  But I don't want to forget about all of you.

I would like to ask you a few questions I am asking the women coming to the Bible Study.  I would love to hear your thoughts during the next couple days, so that I may be able to share them with the group.  What is your definition of modesty?  One person I asked mentioned a person as their definition.  Another said, "To remain pure, not only in actions but in what you choose to wear and your attitude. (Its not only in clothing) being humble..."  What do you think it means?

What scriptures do you know of that tell us to be modest (in all forms of the word)?  Does the Bible talk about it?  Does it matter?  Why do or don't you think so?

What is the opposite of modesty?  Take the time to ponder it all this week! I look forward to your comments, and next week I plan on sharing what I learned!!

Blessings! 

~ S*

"Christmastime Is Here"

Well, it is that time of year!  The time when we celebrate Christ's birth.  If He was never born, then He never could have died for the sins of the world.  Christmas is a very significant time of year, for it represents the beginning of forever in eternity with Jesus.

What are some of the ways you celebrate Jesus around the Christmas holiday?  One example for me is that we used to hide baby Jesus from the nativity set until Christmas day.  The thought was Jesus didn't come until Christmas day, and we had a chance to search for Him all around the house during the days leading up to Christmas...  Do you have traditions that represent something special?  If so, please share them below.

These past couple Christmas's I have read the "Christmas" story in the Bible.  Both accounts (Matthew and Luke).  It is amazing what took place all those years ago.  I can't even begin to fathom what the people of that time went through because they chose to be involved in Jesus and His life.  Can you imagine being Mary?  Being a woman who would love to get married sometime in the near future, I have pondered Mary's situation many times.  I can't imagine having your husband picked for you and marrying him when you are still a "child".  Do you think she truly loved Joseph?  Imagine all the ridicule and criticism she received because she was pregnant. I have felt criticized before when choosing to go a way that wasn't popular to the world, but I knew it is what God wanted me to do.  And sometimes I didn't even feel like doing it, but I knew for certain it was what God wanted me to do.  There is an indescribable peace when you are following God's will and His plan for your life.  I believe Mary had the certain peace as well.  Another thing that is unfathomable for me, transportation...  Can you imagine traveling miles and miles on untamed terrain walking?  Possibly riding a donkey or other animal, but I doubt it.  The animals were probably primarily used to carry necessities like food... I can't imagine that, camping out every night along the way...  Do you think Mary and Joseph saw the star before the Magi came?  Was Mary happily willing to travel to Egypt? Or did she put up a fuss, or pout along the way?  Maybe she didn't outwardly show her disgust, but strongly felt it inside her with every step in the opposite direction of their previous home.  Did her family completely write her off?  Did they not want anything else to do with her once she became pregnant?  Did they eventually become followers of Jesus after they heard His message?  

I will never know what is was like to live in that time period, but I am so very thankful that it happened all those Christmas's ago.  How about you?  Have you put much thought into it?  I encourage you this Chrsitmas season to read the amazing story of Jesus's birth. Ponder it... Soak it all in...  What questions would you like to ask Mary and/or Joseph?  What have you always believed about the Christmas story that you realized wasn't necessarily true compared to the true biblical account?  Did anything surprise you? I would love to hear your thoughts and see what you discovered this CHRISTmas!

Blessings!

~ S*