The Lie of Self Esteem

  

 


"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name that stirreth himself to take hold of thee for thou has hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities." Isaiah 64:6-7

   Self esteem is pushed by many in our society today. It is especially strong in regards to children. Scholars encourage parents to push their child's self-esteem, let them know just how special they are, and that they must believe in themselves. If you think about it, however, this really goes against what it says in scripture. The Bible teaches that, without God, we are nothing and He is everything; but there is a great joy and rest in this.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (Corinthians 5:17)

   We can attempt to produce a confidence in ourselves, but we will constantly be disappointed. Man will fail us. Sin is rooted deep and no matter how hard we may try to be good, evil will creep up in our lives. So what is our only hope for redemption from ourselves and our flesh? Christ! He, being the only perfect man to walk this earth, has brought us redemption and conquered death. This we can rest in, without fear, no matter what comes our way. We will stumble, but the repentant sinner will always find forgiveness in Christ, and will use these errors to change their lives for the better.

"But now, O Lord, thou art our Father ; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thine hand. be not wroth very sore, O Lord neither remember iniquity forever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people" (Isaiah 64:8-9)

We are nothing, and can do nothing, but with God all things are possible and we can place all our confidence in Him. We will fail. Man will fail. But God will never fail us and his Word shall stand forever.

"Praise the lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people." Luke 1:68

 
Proud thoughts and actions are very displeasing to God. Pride, in it’s most simple meaning, is the root of most, if not all, sin. The weak, in trying to build themselves up, grow weaker by it; the strong grow helpless through it.
 Shall we then say that there is an “air of pride” in God’s word as He speaks? No! What is pride but to bring glory to ourselves? What is glory, (that forever shall be) but our Maker of whom we give praise? 

 It is Jesus Christ in who’s image we are made, and He who deserves all the glory and all the praise and adoration that we, mortal humans, can scrounge up in our small, sinful minds.
 What is pride? Why is it wrong to bring to ourselves glory? It is wrong because the one and only deserving of praise is God, our Father, for nothing we gain can be done without Him. Shall the clay praise himself for the way in which he has been crafted by the Potter? Shall all creation worship itself? Shall the fox glory itself in its cunning, or the bear, her strength? The birds their song, or the lion, its sleek mane?
 For why do we live at all, but to bring glory to Christ?
 What! Have you great wealth and gain? Power and might? Honor and Freedom? Talent or a self-given feeling of “worth”? Do you look upon yourself, praising, in your mind, your heart before the Lord? These tiny efforts are but filthy rags! We are nothing and He is everything.

 Emmanuel, God with us, Jehovah Jireh, our provider! 
 Praise be to our Lord and savior, Christ Jesus, our Father and friend to whom be the glory both now and forever.

                          
Pax Christi, 
                                                     Kelsey                       

Perspective in Randomness...

“Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14

 

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Col. 4:6

 

Simply a little perspective on two random pictures...

The King Eternal!

 ^"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

May We Seek Thy Presence O Lord!

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.


Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12 kjv

Random Notes From TeenPact Survival

Kelsey Hoppman


TeenPact Survival SW 2010
Last week I had the incredible privilege of attending Survival SW. Since all that I learned there made such an impression on me, I thought I would share it with you all as well. Of course, I’ll *try* not to say too much, since I think you should experience it for yourself!

Kelsey Hoppman Written on 7/21/10


The Stage of Forming: By Curtis Whatley

What our team needs to do in order to thrive:


1. Put God first; He should be our foundation


2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your team members.


-The typical way the world operates in the job industry:
                                                        -
                                                       --
                                               CEO/BOSS


                                             ----------------


                                           Vice President


                                         -----------------------


                                       Small Team Leaders


                                    ------------------------------


                                  People who do the real work


                            ---------------------------------------------




The Way It Should Be:




                             -----------------------------------------------------


                             Team members having greatest impact


                                  --------------------------------------


                                        Small Team Leaders


                                        ------------------------


                                        Leadership Team


                                            -----------


                                           LEADER
                                                ---
       ________________________________________________________


             GOD           GOD               GOD


     -____________________________________________________________


                    ------------------------------------------------------------




Some Survival Plant Info:


Calsey’s Butter Root- Yellow Flower


Scrub Oak- Used for tanning hides


Palmate- A lobed leaf


Douglass Fir- Use to make pine needle tea-simmer the needles


Yucca- The flowers, if  young,  are edible-You can use it to make a poultice, or use it to make a rope.  


Decocting is simmering tea


Ponderosa: Group of two needles, young, dark bark, get’s darker with age. Smells like citrus, long needles, downward spikes at the end of a pinecone.



Starving out in the wilderness and your not sure if this particular plant is poisonous?


Testing Toxicity:

1. Take a piece and rub It on the inside of your elbows. If no rash-



2. Touch it to your lips and tongue- wait 10-15 min. If no problems-



3. Prepare. (Cook if at all possible-simmer-boil-etc) Chew a small bit, and leave it in your mouth about 15 min.

If no problems- Enjoy!



Some Tips When Making a Fire:

-Use dry bark as a platform for the fire, if the ground is wet.

-You need sun access.

 -For wind, dig a trench that funnels down to the fire.



Rabbit/Small Animal Trap:

*  Circles on the sketch represent notches. You would make the notches with a pocket knife or something similar.

We are to “Die to self”- work as a team member, willing to do the task God has called us to do, not our own selfish desires. Do not be envious of other team members, but don’t ignore them either. They are there for a purpose and they are needed. Play your role well. We (I) need to be a servant of all. That (Or the lack of it rather) will build or break a team. Doing only “My share” is not enough.



Curtis Whatley


TeenPact Survival SW


2010


In a Conflict:

• Restore the Other

• Look at the possible plank in your own eye

• Support each other

• Don’t think more highly of yourself then you should.

• Appeal to a higher authority. (God!)

• Be humble

• Ask for forgiveness (Even in it was not “Your fault”)

Most of the time conflict arises on account of a misunderstanding.




When trying to resolve a conflict-

• Ask questions. It may have been a misunderstanding.

• Bring some people/parties who are respected, to help resolve it.

• We will fail sometimes. Mistakes are what you learn from.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the continence of others.”


Do not “Throw the baby out with the bath water” Accept correction. Don’t dwell on the criticism. Learn from it and simply go on.------


Authority/Power

Power is taken


Authority is given


New Definitions:


AC - Authority current


DC - Dictator Current



Our Authority is given by God. We should not attempt to gain power.

Below is a story Mr. Whatley told the students. I don't think I got it exactly right, but you'll get the idea. :)


There was a boy who really wanted this boat in the shop window. Unfortunately, he didn’t have the money on hand to by the boat. After some encouragement from his father, the young boy worked all around the neighborhood doing odd jobs, until he had the money he needed. Happily, he went to the store, and bought the boat. He loved sending the little boat down the stream, watching it float a ways, and then, with his stick, bring the boat back to him, and start all over again. One day, as he played with it in this manner, it had rained the day before, so the current was stronger, and the river fuller than usual. As the boy, after watching his boat float downstream, reached his stick out to take his boat back, the current had pulled his boat farther out then the little guy could reach. Helpless, the boy watched, as his little boat, which he had slaved over the buy, floated away. Days later, the boy went back to the store with his father. Kind of bored, he looked around the little shop. His eye’s widened with surprise as he spotted something pushed off in the corner. It was his very own boat! Excited, he ran over to his father and the shop owner. “It’s my boat!” he tried to explain. The shop owner said, “It’s in my possesion now. If you want it, you’ll have to buy it back.” The little boy just loved his boat, and so, once again, he worked hard doing odd jobs around his neighborhood, until he had the money to buy his boat back. Excited, he walked over the store, and bought it back. Gently holding it, he began walking to the shop door. Now, if you were there, you might have heard him talking. He said, “You were mine before, but I had to buy you back, so now your twice mine.”


Well folks, thanks to what the Lord did for us on the cross:

We’re twice His.

We are twice-God’s.


--------------------------------------------------------------------


--------------------------------------------------------------------

• God has delegated authority to different people. They need to stay in their spot of authority, and give all the glory to God-because authority-is given.

• Our faith shows understanding of authority. We trust others, work as a team, and trust each other.

• GIVEN pride will stand alone, and fail.

• Real faith is submitting our lives completely to God. If we are really trusting in God, we have nothing to fear.

• Do not “Be your own power.” Stay under God’s, and follow His authority.

Hey all, let me know what you thought of what you just read. I’d love to hear your opinions as well. Glad you took the time to read! Also, I'll be posting some more of my own thoughts later. :-)  


God Bless,

                      Kelsey

An Excellent Book Exerpt

I am currently going through a book I have mentioned before titled "Young Lady's Guide to the Harmonious Development of Christian Character "  By Harvey Newcomb. This book is not light reading, and as I'm going through it it seems to be a very well-written, biblically sound book. It covers many different topics such as doctrinal knowledge, reading and study of the Bible, health, prayer, and so forth. The topic being covered below is temptation.  I want to say real fast though, this book is not only for young ladies. I believe the entire family can greatly benefit from it. Fathers, Mothers, Young Lady's and Young Men. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on the topic as well!

"Satan adapts his temptations to our peculiar tempers and circumstances. In youth, he allures us by pleasure,, and bright hopes of worldly prosperity. In manhood, he seeks to bury up our hearts in the cares of life. In old age, he persuades to the indulgence of self-will and obstinacy, in prosperity, he puffs up the heart with pride, and persuades to self-confidence and forgetfulness of God. In poverty and affliction, he excites discontent, distrust, and repining. If we are of a melancholy temperament, he seeks to sour our tempers, and promote habitual sullenness and despondency; if naturally cheerful, he prompts to the indulgence of levity. In private devotion, he stands between us and God, to prevent us from realizing his presence, and seeks to distract our minds, and drive us from the throne of grace. In public worship, he disturbs our minds by wandering thoughts and foolish imaginations. When we enjoy a comfortable and happy frame of mind, he stirs up pride in our hearts, and leads us to trust in our own goodness, and forget the Rock of our salvation.



Even in our deepest humiliations he makes the occasion of spiritual pride. Thus we fall into darkness, and thrust ourselves through with many sorrows. If we have performed any extraordinary acts of self denial, or of Christian beneficence, he stirs up in our hearts a vainglorious spirit. If we have overcome any of the corruptions of our hearts, or any temptations, he excites a secret feeling of self-satisfaction and self-complacency. He puts on the mask of religion. Often, during th solemn hours of public worship, he beguiles our hearts with some scheme for doing good; taking care, however, that self be uppermost in it. When we are in a bad frame, he stirs up the unholy tempers of our hearts, and leads us to indulge in peevishness, moroseness, harshness, and anger, or in levity and unseemly mirth."
 
-Harvey Newcomb
 

 
 
 
Psalm 119:105-112

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.


I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.

I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your word.


Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.


Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.


The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.


Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.


My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

Hope you all have a great week!
God Bless,

Kelsey

Christian Speech

Today, in the United States of America, people seem unable to clearly articulate what they need to say.

Something will be, like, cool ya know, whereas something else really neat, is hot! We say-you know- a sentence, and it might end with “Yeah” although that, ya know, word, has nothing to do with what you were previously, like, talking about. Yeah.


We say something is "bad!" when we mean it is wonderful, "wicked!" if we see it as good. So, should we like, say something great is bad, but being bad isn't, like, good? Say something amazing is, ya know, wicked, but if we really are being bad it isn't wonderful? Or if we are wicked, it's bad, but not like, good? Yeah.


How are we to teach the younger generation proper grammar and usage of words, when cold is “hot“, and hot, is “cool“, sweet means “cool“, and cold things can be “sweet“, or sweet things can be “hot“. Something outstanding is “neat“. (Something messy is not!) We say the word cool means “fairly cold“, hot means “very warm“, sweet means “full of sugar” or, “pleasing to the senses” and yet we use these words as exclamations of “amazement“, “shock“, or “wonder“, and then say "This is totally, ya know- like, “bad grammar'?"  

We say “We like to eat, we like to play, he looked like he needed some sleep, we would like to leave,” and yet, none of these examples of proper grammar seem, like, “cool” enough for us to, ya know, like, use them?

As a light shining for God, amidst darkness, I think it is very important to learn how to say what we mean, and mean what we say. Using all the modern vernacular and slang of today is not at all “cool”. Show the world that you don’t have to follow every common fad or trend, and you don’t feel the need to “Fit in” with the world.



Be different.


Stand out.


And be a light shining in
this present darkness.


For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” and made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 4:6

Revelation 3 With A Commentary

I thought this was a particularly good chapter In Revelation.

Revelation 3


"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead."

I think it's important for us to remember that God knows everything about us! He not only knows us better then we could know ourselves, he knows what will happen in the universe around us because it is HIS awesome creation!
 Recently, we had some pretty chilly days, and our family jokingly passes it off as global warming. :) Even to those who think that is true, or to those who are worried about all these helpless creatures that are dying, or all the polution that American's cause today, we have a God who's bigger than all of that! (Good thing for us!) Of course, we shouldn't ignore the problems, but we should keep our priorities straight. 
 *Just as a side note, I certainly don't have a problem with people who try to help the inviroment, (so long as their helping not worshiping it!) but I think it's wrong when people put so much time and energy into "Saving the whales!" when they have no problem with something such as abortion.* 

"Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God."

We most certainly are not perfect creatures! Yes, God values us as his treasured child, but that is because he chooses to, not because we did something special to deserve his amazing love and affection.


"Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

As I've mentioned, we, as humans, will sin! We need to be willing to admit this DAILY and be constantly looking at our lives for sins we need to repent for, and improve. We do not know when Christ will come! I don't believe anyone can "find out", although people may try. We need to be ready for when he comes. It could be tommorrow, or it could be in another million years!
 Have you ever had a "suprise guest"? As soon as you saw that car drive up, or heard the doorbell ring, you were rushing around to pick up the toys all over the living room floor, scoop up the spilled cheerios, and unfinshed bowls of cereal in the kitchen, and make your house look as nice as possible for your visitor. (Come on and admit it. You've done this before!) :)  Maybe you did clean fast enough, and your were somehow able to get everything picked up. But what would your house look like if your guest peeked into the nearest closet? Would he be instantly covered with a pile of trash, dolls, blocks, books, and random pieces of lego? Well guess what: God can see in all your little closets. He doesn't even have to open them up, but he can see them.
 The fact is, we don't know when he will come, but we need to be ready for Christ when he does.. Don't just do it for the sake of "When Christ Comes!" He see's your life now, and he cares about how you use it and the things you fill it with.
"Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."

What an amazing thing to think about! Jesus,  confessing your name before God, the Father and all the angels. Do you want it to be said of you that you are known for giving up, or do you want it to be said that with God's help: "You Overcame!"


"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;


I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.


Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

It may not be easy to stand strong in the day of trial, but Christ will be there to guide us through our hardships. Do not deny Christ!


"Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.


And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.


So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.


Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.


As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."

Maybe you feel you are going through hardships. Have you considered the idea that it may be because God is trying to teach you something through the trial? Maybe it's because you needed to be chastised. As it says above, those who Christ loves, he will chasten. I love the last part of that verse: "Be zealous therefore, and repent!" [Exclamation added] It could also be because God wants to strengthen you and your faith. (James 1:2)


"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Christ wants to spend time and have a relationship with you, but you need to be willing to accept his gift of salvation! Maybe you've been trying to find him but it all seems in vain; you just can't seem to succeed. The problem could be you're looking up, when he's standing by you the whole time.


"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."

We can overcome through Christ! May we look into our lives at what we need to change, and then go out and preach the gospel to others. We do not know when we will die or when Christ will come.
 We not only should get ourselves ready, but take some others along with us!

Stubborness Verses Conviction

Pride and Conviction!

Pride: To indulge pride;
to take pride;
to value one’s self ;
to gratify self-esteem.*


Conviction: The act of convincing,
 or compelling one to admit the
truth of a charge;the act of
convincing of sinor sinfulness;
the state of being convinced or
convicted by conscience; the state of being sensible of guilt; as, the convictions of a sinner may be temporary, or lasting and efficacious. By conviction, as sinner is brought to repentance. Men often sin against the conviction of their own consciences.*

-a belief or opinion that is held firmly


Now, you may be wondering what my reasons are for choosing stubborness/pride verses conviction.  How are they alike? How do they compare with each other? These questions are what I hope to answer in a moment.



From my personal experience, pride has been one of the hardest sins of the flesh to tackle. So many smaller transgressions and offences have the root of pride attached to it. Some examples are:


1. Bossiness (assuming you know better than those you are bossing)

2. Being critical of others (pointing out the fault of others gives the attitude of, “I’m not that bad!”)*

3. Anger        

4. Self pity/ “Low Esteem”  (A “Poor Me” mentality puts all the attention on- guess who!)


…And I could go on! Even giving a false sense of humility, is pride.

One aspect of pride I want to mention specifically here, is stubbornness.


Stubborn:

Unreasonably obstinate; inflexibly fixed in opinion; not to be moved or persuaded by reasons; inflexible.



Stubbornness is a form of pride as well. I know it may seem a little far fetched, but think about it for a moment. Re-read the definition of stubbornness above. What does it say? “…Obstinate,… fixed in opinion, not to be moved…, inflexible”.

Can you now see how this is a form of pride? What do all of these words proclaim? To me it seems they all ring the bell of self. The party “Me, Myself, and I” love stubbornness, because it is focused on self, in a twisted sort of way. When you are stuck in your “Opinion”, what is your silent proclamation? You are right You know best. Since you're correct, everyone else must be wrong. “I’m not going to change my opinion because it’s mine and it’s the right one!” But there’s a slight catch here. There is a very fine line between Stubbornness and Conviction; This is the reason I must discuss them both in the same post.

I say without hesitation that stubbornness is pride, but I think that many might make the mistake of confusing stubbornness with conviction.

When you are convicted of something by God, you need to stand firm in that conviction as long as you know God spoke to you and it is biblically sound. (God would never ask you to go against his word, the Bible) Conviction is remaining steadfast and strong in your belief. You may be able to see now the reason stubbornness and conviction can be easily confused with one another.

What are some ways that we can be stubborn? In the Bible, stubbornness gives the assumption that you are hard of heart, or as 2 Chronicles says: “Stiff-necked”.



2 Chronicles 30:8  "Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you."



Psalms 75:5 "Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck."



Psalms 95:8 "Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:"



If you have the attitude of stubbornness, that means you have a hardened heart. Christ wants us to be moldable, so that he can shape us into the person He wants us to be. We are to be teachable; a character trait that a hard heart full of stubbornness simply abhors.



Isaiah 64:8, KJV "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and


thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."



Jeremiah 18:6, KJV "O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter?


saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand,


so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."

I would now like to move on to the topic of conviction.



To put it simply, conviction is: -a belief or opinion that is held firmly-

Are you being stubborn to hold fast to a conviction? Let me give you a couple scenarios, to set the comparison of stubbornness verses conviction correctly.

_______________________________________________________________________


Stubborn:


An old lady in her 80’s stood in front of her house. The roof and porch were leaking as it was pouring rain outside; the thunderclaps threatening to shake apart the dilapidated home.


A young man stood on the porch as well, facing the defiant woman looking at him, her arms were crossed.


“Mom, please consider what I‘m saying!” The young man asked. “Look around you. Your door is coming off the hinges, the stairs are fallen, the floor is cracked,“ He then paused as he moved out from under the dripping water on the porch roof. “Two of the windows in the attic are broken, You’ve been sleeping on the couch because the roof leaks above your bed- Come to think of it, the couch doesn’t look like it’s in very good shape either. There are so many problems with this house it's beyond fixing. There is too many things that you need help with. I can help you if you'd let me!”


“I’m not leaving this house son! It took a lot of work to get it, and I’m not going to let it go, just because you don’t like my housekeeping!”


“Mom, you and Dad have owned this house since I was 7, and I’m going to miss it too, but if you stay here any longer, there’s not going to be anything left to remember it by anyways! Please just come live with me. ”


The young man reached for his Mother’s hand. The stubborn lady quickly pulled away and put her hands on her hips.


“I’m not leaving young man and there is nothing you can do, or say, that will make me change my mind!”


“Mom, be reasonable!” The young man pleaded.


“I am being reasonable, now leave me alone!”

"Mom, I just want to help..."






____________________________________________________________






Conviction:


An old lady in her 80’s stood in the doorway to her house. The two men dressed in suits stood there as well, stiffly holding what looked to be a black book; their bikes leaning against the house beside them.


The young man spoke up, facing the lady looking back at him, her arms were crossed.


“Mrs. Richards, please consider what I‘m saying! If you cast off all the words of the book of Mormon, your salvation is greatly at stake!”


He then paused as he took a step forward, assuming he would be invited inside. “If we could just have a little bit of your time-”


The lady moved in front of the door, making it clear that these young men were not welcome into her home, as she spoke.


“I believe in Jesus Christ, and that he is the son of God who died for my sins and rose the third day. I am saved by his grace, not just by works, or the good I do here on earth. The Bible is my light in this world, complete in every way-.”


“Ma’am, I can understand that it may be hard to see your faith a little differently, or admit that you might have been a slightly wrong in your doctrine, but if you hold on fast to an incomplete faith and follow an insufficient guide, you will be regretful at the end of your life and pay the consequences! Please just let me speak to you for a moment. ”

The young man reached for his Mormon bible and held it out to the her. The determined lady quickly stepped away from the front of her porch, and put her hands on her hips.


“I’ve already let you say enough young man. Good -Day.” She added as she began to close the door.


“Ma’am, be reasonable!” The young man pleaded.


“Good Day!”






____________________________________________________________________




Here is a quote that might be helpful. It is speaking mainly of courage, but it mentions conviction as well.





"If you have courage, you will influence people based on your convictions. If you lack courage, you will influence people based on your comfort zones"
-Wayne Schmidt



It is very important for Christians to hold strong onto their convictions. As you travel on this journey called life, read and follow God‘s word, always be listening for his still small voice, trust that God’s will is better than our own small plans, study the Bible so you are ready to stand up for your faith and stand fast on your convictions.

I don’t want to go off on a whole different subject but I think it’s important to mention that you should not be judgmental of other people’s convictions. Don’t always be looking at how others respond to or treat situations differently than you, and point out why you think they are wrong. If you feel it is important enough, talk to the person privately, but we should try hard not to make fun of, or say bad things to others about their personal convictions. Some things are to be left between they and God.

In conclusion, stand fast on your convictions, and don’t back down. Listening to what other’s have to say is not lack of conviction, just don’t be swayed too easily if you believe that God has told you something; and pray that he opens up your heart and show’s you if you are wrong.

Do not act unteachable and stubborn though. Be open and teachable to what the Lord has to show you. It is a fatal mistake for those who think they have it all together. The people that have this mindset will be the first to fall low in shame.

To wrap this all up, Follow the Lord and what he has to teach you, and be firm when He gives you a conviction. Be open to what he want’s to show you, through his word and others, but don’t be easily swayed if you feel strongly about what you think God has shown you.

Most of all, stay strong in the faith; don’t back down when times get tough; stay close to God; follow his word, and our whole worldview and mindset should be looked through the eyes of a humble heart.

 

 

 
 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Over sixteen hundred years ago, God raised up a man named Patrick to take the gospel of Christ to the people of Ireland. Seldom in church history has any missionary been blessed with a more fruitful ministry. The preaching of Patrick was used by God to transform many of the Irish people from idol worshiping pagans into servants of the one true God of Scripture….


“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
(Matthew 28:19)


From the book: Saint Patrick Pioneer Missionary to Ireland

It’s hard to believe we’ve turned
this into a “Lucky”, green,
shamrock-filled day, in replacement
of the celebration of God’s work
through a simple man named Patrick,
 don’t you think?

Psalm 91 With A Little Commentary

Psalm 91 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

We need to stay close to the Lord and seek Him; He will protect and comfort us!

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

We can trust Him to keep a watch over his children, no matter what.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

It may be so tough sometimes, but we need to just rest in the Lord and know that we are in his hands! It says above "He shall deliver thee". We spend so much time worrying over many little things, that God has already taken care of, and is working out for his all-greater plan.


Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Once again, a promise that we should not fear when times get rough or scary. We should never stop trusting Him, especially when it seems we are being attacked spiritually. Submit our fears up to the Lord and with the Lord's help we "Shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor the arrow that flieth by day;"

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

All around us, we may think things seem impossible to turn around for the better, but with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

There is great reward for trusting God. I love this promise. God is caring for us and our small problems. What great love he shows his children. I know I sure don't deserve it!

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Not only will we "Make it out alive" of our tough situations, it says we "Shall trample the lion and adder".
He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Call upon the Lord and He hears your cry. Tell him your thoughts, fears, feelings, desires... anything! The Lord Promised that if you call, He will answer. No, he does not always answer in the way we expect, or answer in the way that WE think is best or WANT, but He will answer, and we should just rest in his loving arms, knowing that He has, and always will have, everything in His control. He knows the answer to your problem before the problem even comes to you! Not only that, but he is willing to hear our little fears and worries; The God of the whole Universe! He loves us that much. Isn't that  such a comforting thought? 
 I love the last verse. "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation." Thank-you Lord!

Some of your hurts you have cured,


And the sharpest you still have survived,


But what torments of grief you endured


From the evil which never arrived.
Ralph Waldo Emerson


Do not be afraid of tomorrow; for God is already there. ~Author Unknown

You can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list. The longer your list, the smaller your God. ~Author Unknown

Remember to keep trusting in God. He'll work everything out for His glory. He has a special plan for each and every one of you, and he will orchestrate our lives to fit that plan.
I Hope you all have a great week.
Kelsey~

A Great Reminder

Here is a passage of scripture that I read in my quiet time this morning. I thought you all would enjoy reading it as well. I've read this many times before, but it was good to read it again. What a good reminder (verse 1) that unless the Lord is on our side, our efforts are worthless! We need to do all to the glory of him, and be ready to follow his call for our life.

I especially like the last verses. What an encouraging verses: To raise up children for God's kingdom! They are such a blessing, and what an amazing call we have to bring them up in the love and admiration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am extremely blessed to be raised in a large family, and Lord willing, I'll have one of my own someday. I need to remember though, The Lord knows what's best for me, no matter what my plans and greatest desires are; they all must be submitted up to Him.

 God Bless.




Resting in Him,

Kelsey




Psalm 127 (King James Version)



Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.


It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.


Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.


As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.


Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

A Good Bible Verse and Some Christmas Pictures

Lamentations 3:22-26

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.


The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.


It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
 
 

Hello to all my readers! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. We sure did! I thought you might enjoy browsing through some pictures that I took Christmas day. Unfortunately, the camera's batteries needed charging before I got a whole lot. I we also had a small "snow day" and I took some pictures. The snow was fun while it lasted! :)

 

Overlooking our side/back yard and the neighbors yard.

The front courtyard

Mom set the table the night before and did a beautiful job! For breakfast we had hard boiled eggs, waffles, some Danish given to us by some of our neighbors,  sausage, and grapefruit.

A couple years ago, we found some large stockings a the dollar store. We used them, but just didn't fill them all the way. :) (For those of you who don't know, we don't make Santa a part of our Christmas, we just draw names and buy for that person.)

Mom, Mykaela, and Dad enjoy watching the little ones go through their stocking stuffers. They were pretty fun to watch!

Jeremiah helped the younger ones.

 I had Josiah as my stocking stuffer/ornament exchange person. He was so much fun to buy for, as well as watch him pull out his stockings!

My two favorite (and only) sisters, Mykaela and Keturah.

Mykaela and Jonathan

Dad having fun with someone's toy. (It transformed what you were looking at into many little pictures.)Everyone had fun trying this toy out...

Jeremiah and Keturah

Three of my five brothers, Josh, Micah, and Jonathan

Mom and Josiah

Keturah

 

 
                                               Merry Christmas and a  Happy New Year!
 
God Bless,

In Christ Alone,
Kelsey