Just a thought...

I've noticed a lot of "Christians" using words and terminology that I wouldn't normally attribute to Christians. Now, dictionaries are wonderful tools, and I sometimes wonder if we Christians would be pleasing God and growing more in Him if we would actually take the time to open one up and find out what we are talking about when we use certain words.

So, I thought we would take a look at one or two of the most common words I hear (and read). I realize this may come across as being somewhat crass, but is it really worse to define a term than to use it?

Word #1:

freak-ing (freakin')

adjective

Definition: an offensive term expressing strong feelings by its similarity in sound to other offensive terms [I don't think I need to mention which terms those are] (slang )

Source: MSN Encarta Dictionary (http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_/freaking.html)

Word #2:

pimp (plural pimps)

noun

Definition: somebody soliciting for prostitutes: somebody, usually a man, who finds customers for a prostitute in return for a portion of the prostitute's earnings

Source: MSN Encarta Dictionary
(http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861726253/pimp.html)

My point in all of this is that sometimes we tend to simply go with the flow, and don't take the time to think about whether or not what we are doing is right and pleasing to God.

Jesus said that we would give an account for every idle word spoken. If you still aren't convinced that these words (and many others I haven't even mentioned) are not acceptable for a Christian's vocabulary, then think about this: Would Jesus say "I laughed freaking so hard" or "I'm pimpin' now"? I think I can safely say "No, He wouldn't." It's bordering blasphemy to even ask the question.

So, in short, I would like to suggest that we Christians be an example to the world. Let's try and think about what we say before we say it. Especially in an internet setting where you have the time to type out and read over everything you write.

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Let us be transformed into the image of Christ, in all our actions, words, and thoughts.

Random Thoughts...

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord, there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Lord of All Creation
Of water, earth and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth

"We must distinguish those things which God can use as tools for good from those things which are good tools to use."

"The Bible is so amazingly and bluntly true concerning every thing pertaining to life and living day-by-day. You could never find such wisdom in the writings of Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, Confucius, Gandhi, or any other philosopher, religious leader, or poet in all of history."

"God knows what it is to be human... He lived our lives. Yet He still says, 'with God nothing is impossible.' Who else would know?"

"May all my thoughts be pure and righteous, and directed towards my Heavenly Father as prayers."

"You will keep him in perfect peace; whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." (Isaiah 26:3) "The Hebrew expression translated 'perfect peace' is literally 'peace, peace.' Compare the word 'holy' in Isaiah 6:3. Immanuel will inaugurate this superior kind of peace (Isaiah 9:6 and 11:6-9)."

"If you abide in My Word you are My disciples indeed." (John 8:31) "A rose is a rose, is a rose without exception. A Christian is a Christian, is a Christian only when one follows his name sake."

"Lord, sometimes I feel like everything I need is in my head, but not in me heart. How do I remove whatever is blocking the road to my soul? I want Your ways to be deeply ingrained in my being. I want to always be in touch with Your will for me. Please, Lord, I want to know You. I want to follow always the path You have laid for me. Open the floodgates from my mind to my heart!"

"There are more lies in this world then there are people to tell them... But God seeks truth in the inward parts. Truth that is not pure is not truth at all. It's truth used to tell a lie."

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Time and Change

It's hard to believe it's nearly September. The Summer is all but gone, the Holidays are coming up fast. I only went to the beach twice, I didn't go to the pool at all.

This is how it's been for me the past five years or so. The time has gone by so quickly. Steph's been married for four years; Josiah will be a year old in November; I'll be 18 in December; Josh will be 15 (and driving...yikes).

Mom and I will be going up to Tennessee soon to "scope things out." I don't know how we will move in less than 18 months. There's so much to do. I wish we could all go up together, at the same time. I will miss Steve and Stephanie and Josiah terribly... yes, terribly. But God is making it so clear it's what we're supposed to do.

I was born here, in this very house. I don't know any other place. Yet, I feel like a stranger ... because I am one. I will never feel at home in this world. But, at least I can go be where there are other people who are waiting to go home, who aren't storing up treasures on earth. I know Knoxville isn't going to be the Promised Land, but surely it's better than the San Francisco of the Gulf Coast (okay, I'm exaggerating a little there). We won't know until we're there.

This whole thing is slowing sinking in, creeping up on me little by little each day... we're going to be leaving this place, possibly never to come back. You just don't know what you have until you lose it. Yet, it seems that the positives outweigh the negatives, if only in weight and not size.

I remember the illustration my Sunday school teacher gave one time: She took a jar and filled it with rice, which represented all of our own dreams, desires, and plans. Then she tried to put some walnuts in the jar, which represented God's plans and will for our lives. The nuts didn't fit, because she had put the rice in first. Then she poured the rice out, put the walnuts in first, and poured the rice back in. It fit perfectly. I think that illustration applies to almost every aspect of our lives as Christians. If we don't see the big picture, how are we going to accept our part in it?

I don't usually write such personal posts, but for some reason I felt I should start here. I'm fairly introverted by nature, and I have to consciously make an effort to be outgoing and friendly. I'm sure this stems from being home-schooled and not having much social interaction with people outside my own family. But, it's just another way to glorify God by putting to death my old "nature" and putting on the "new man." I've heard people say that it's not in their personality to go and share their faith with strangers. The thing is, I don't think it's in most people's nature to do that, and yet there are men and women of faith going out of their way every day to share the Good News. God doesn't call us to stay within the bounds of our "personality." He calls us to "go into all nations and preach the Gospel to every creature." That's a pretty blanket command, and He doesn't cite any exceptions.

I've also been thinking about the slightly more distant future. I mean, no offense to the Floridian guys, but I just haven't seen very many godly, decent, clean-cut guys my age here. If they're godly, they're beach-bum surfer-dudes, and if they're clean-cut they're probably legalists. Are there still guys out there that can be men? Do they intend to be the breadwinners of the family, or will they sit back and make the women work all day and try to raise a family and be a good mother and wife? Do they respect girls, stand up for themselves and their faith, and protect their families? Do they live to seek after God and become more Christ-like? Where can I find a man after God's own heart?

These are all questions I've had on my mind for the past year or so. It's not that I don't think God would bring me a good husband down here, because I do. But from the stories I've heard there are some really good, decent men to be found up there, too.

Anyway, it's late and I'm off schedule... another contributor to our dilemma of not having all our ducks in a row (the scientific term is a "severe non-linear waterfowl issue" ;) .

So, anyone who's reading this, please pray for me (and my family). I'm thankful for all the blessings God has given me. And I know it's only by His grace that we even have a place to live, so my fretting about the location isn't showing my gratitude very well.

Keep Looking Up,

~Kristina (John 16:33)

Website Updated

This website has been for the month of: August



In the Light Monthly Bulletin

Kitty Loves Doggy...