Earthly Reliefs -- The Judsons

Definition of Earthly Reliefs: Earthly Reliefs are men and women (sometimes families, sometimes single) brought into believers' lives for the Proverbs 27:17 sharpening of a person for the glory of God. They help us breathe a little easier as we are called by our great God to travel and journey on this earth. While we are just pilgrims in a dusty and foreign land, Earthly Reliefs are the watering and feeding oases. In some ways, they minister to us and in some ways, we minister to them. But however God has called us to work on the privilege of becoming more Christlike--Earthly Reliefs are designed gifts from the Heavenly Father above to help sharpen and mold us into His image.

I'm starting a feature on my blog called Earthly Reliefs. In my life, God has brought me much needed rest from the burden of being in this natural, wretched casing called human flesh through the wonderful pleasure of having Earthly Reliefs. As with all articles on my blog, I'm hoping that this new section will help to display God's glory by showing how Earthly Reliefs have righteously influenced us toward the kingdom of God. I'm hoping that they will encourage any reader of this tiny blog to look for Earthly Reliefs in their own lives. Search for patterns and markers in the people around them that will lead them to seek and befriend these Earthly Reliefs, be mentored by them, mentor and minister to them, and with their Earthly Relief companions, desire the exact same godly image of Christ in every thought, word and deed. And in so doing, by the grace of God, will cling to them, appreciate them and emulate them as earthly models of heavenly godliness. Just as Paul wrote in I Corinthians 11:1--he called the church in Corinth to be like him because he imitated Christ. That's what Earthly Reliefs are. Imitators of Christ here on earth set before us to model and follow....to diligently seek their friendship in every way, thereby surrounding yourself with godly models of Christ for His glory and His alone.

So it is with great joy that I bring you our first Earthly Relief models--The Frank and Lisa Judson Family. What better family to start with than this dear family as I have specifically mentioned them before on this blog, so now you can get a firsthand look?

Frank and Lisa Judson hail most recently from Michigan although they are New Englanders at heart--having grown up in Wolcott, CT. They have 4 precious children who are homeschooled.

Frank is a gifted Pastor and teacher at Grace Church where I am privileged to hear him speak from the pulpit in an occasional service or during adult Sunday School. The men at Grace are privileged as he faithfully teaches the Friday morning men's bible study. Frank's teaching style is a refreshing mix of Frank-ism teaching often using contextual slang and street rhetoric, rooted in sound doctrine. Frank is compassionate, passionate and faithful. He is unswerving in his conviction toward the truth of the word and is unashamed of the gospel in the very fiber of his being. He takes his call to holiness everso serious, yet his gifted comical and easy-going personality makes him immediately lovable-which is such a gift because of his amazing desire for evangelism. He is sober-minded with his Matthew 28 call and is the very model of the proper desire to which any professed believer should have.

Lisa is a continual breath of fresh spiritual air that continually leads the women at Grace with her sound and truthful speech in teaching; her unabashed desire for her home, husband and children; and her equal desire to see people saved unto Jesus Christ. Her desire for the glory of God in what she says and does is unmatched and her tireless serving heart makes her the perfect Earthly Relief candidate. My privilege to call her personal friend and sister has increased my desire for the glory of God that only can be attributed toward the very definition of Earthly Relief.

Their children are products of godly parenting and the fruit of their labor is easily seen though their children are fairly young. God has placed many talents in their household including an eye for the creative arts, beautiful piano playing, sports-minded likes (our personal favorite), and an ease of familiarity about them that would beckon any normal minded person to constantly want to be around them. The last talent is what, I would imagine, has been given to them from God as a resource because of the very public desire to minister as a family.

The entire family can be described as extremely helpful, conscientious, good stewards, faithful, kind, loving, and humble.

May it be as I have opportunity to be sharpened in my relationship with them, that the desire for holy and godly living be increased in my own life as they have so wonderfully displayed the Earthly Relief mindset of one anothering to me personally.... and to others.

Who Let The Dogs Out!!?? (Woof...woof...woof...woof)

Well, you know it had to happen. Ever since I started affectionately calling our evangelism class, The Evangelism Dog Pound, that goofy "song" has been ringing in my ears the whole time. For those of you who know me, it comes as no surprise.


There's really nothing like taking a totally secular and crass song and turning it to describe what might be one of my favorite bible teaching classes of all time; and we've only completed the second of six sessions.


Frank, our godly doggy trainer, has taken something I've grown up with and heard all of my life and presented it in such a way that has made me rethink and rework every preconceived notion I had about the gospel to begin with. Can we say the word "r.e.m.o.l.d?"


His starting trick was a great opening. "The gospel is not a plan--it's a person." If I'm understanding correctly, the intent was the personhood of God. How God has revealed Himself by condescending to our tiny, puny brains in creating things in which we can see Him. Not to take away from the marvel and beauty of a mere tree, but considering that He spoke these things into existence--I think the word "condescending" is in order here. But as with anything, I would like to take things a little further and also point out that God revealed His personhood in Jesus Christ. Everything about Jesus Christ clearly points to God in every way. Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:14). Who He was, is and every claim He made, Jesus could do this because He was God. Interestingly enough is the book, What Jesus Demands From the World by John Piper. In it, not only does Dr. Piper clearly state the claims that Jesus made, but goes as far as to say that Jesus actually has and more importantly can make demands on people's lives. Not just the ones who believe and follow Him, but also on the ones who reject and despise Him. Don't believe it. Read in the bible Matthew 28:18. His authority is over all.


But I digress and much to the dismay of my trainer, have rabbit trailed and should be duly scolded as he discouraged any rabbit trailing at all. With ears lowered and tail tucked, I press on.


We started with memory verse homework (which my dear hubby and other lovable pooches aced) and then was led into The Gospel Presentation, Part 1 in our training manual. God, as creator and owner of all, was the first point--and well He should be. :) Frank masterfully divided the word of God to us as He described God revealed in creation. Romans 1:20-23. He gave us complete definitions of eternal power and divine nature.


(Eternal Power: This is a specific statement of God's never-failing power over all things. This reflects His creation and preservation of the world (Colossians 1:16-17. Divine Nature: This is a general statement regarding God's kindness and grace to all men (Matthew 5:45). It summarizes the revealed attributes of God.)


Now we get to the interesting part and this may be where I lose some of my faithful readers. But I hope that you will stick with me to the end here and as Frank's dogmatic (cheap, I know) theme kept resounding like a sweet gentle breeze on a hot summer's day--we'll bring it all together. The law of God is revealed in the heart of every man. What!? That's right. Not just believer's hearts, but every heart--believer or unbeliever. His good and perfect law is imprinted on every man-person. Now how that plays out in our lives is another point entirely, but we can be assured that God, in His infinite grace and mercy, has made us in His image--Genesis 1:26, the likeness of Him--actually "them"--but that's another hip hoppity trail. So what do we do with all of that. We follow His will perfectly and never disobey the creator and owner of all. Woohoo!! See, I told you if you stuck to the end--there'd be a gentle breeze ablowin'. Well, actually, that's not the whole, entire truth.

There is one little sidebar. No one, and I mean nobody except Jesus Christ Himself, could, can or is going to keep God's moral, perfect and holy law--ever. Romans 3:10-11, and 23, Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Isaiah 53:6a spell that out in no uncertain terms. The only perfect human to ever (or is ever going to) walk the face of the earth, Jesus, taught in Matthew 5:21-28 about the breaking of God's law. To really heap it on, not only can we not, in our natural selves, lead sinless, morally perfect lives, but if we don't--a holy and righteous God has every right, privilege and prerogative to be judge, jury and executioner for every soul He made and that means the "d" word..."death." Romans 6:23. Now at this point, there are many who might be wondering if we could possibly do some good deeds. In other words, for every bitter thought or selfish action, we might possibly pay for some penance by being a do-gooder. In other words, right a wrong. A program not in the bible. In fact, just the total opposite. Nothing we can do or say can right a wrong. Only the creator and owner of everything can set those kinds of rules. In keeping with scripture, the more we work on our behalf, the more pewtred it is to a holy God. Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 are pretty clear about that. Just to pose a perspective question to you--if our works could save...who would get the glory?

Excellence in teaching? There it was. Right there at the dog pound. First rate angus beefy scripture thrown to us hungry pack of hounds. Frank then wrapped it up by "bringing it all together." Presuppositional apologetics was used. The word "presupposition" is defined in dictionary.com as the act of presupposing; a supposition made prior to having knowledge (as for the purpose of argument). So in opportunities to share the gospel (I Peter 3:15) we, as believers in Christ, are called to precisely and accurately share the hope that we have in Christ with others. The starting point is a presupposition of who God is and who man is as defined by God Himself in His holy word.

Now admittedly there are were two points of yapping for me that I need a little more guidance on. I'll take the last one before the first.

Toward the end of the training, Frank mentioned that when evangelizing, we must go for the heart and bypass the intellect. That made me yelp. Growing up in a charismatic setting...heart was the leader and intellect was completely bypassed. Engage the heart, the intellect was for those who were not at the mature level of the Holy Spirit's guidance. It was the way that the Holy Spirit led...not through the mind, but through the "heart." I sat there flashbacking to this higher, gnostic form of religion that one could only be saved if they "felt" like they were saved. Since the heart is such a central way of "feeling", popularly used today in the Valentine's Day culture that we live in, I questioned. But Frank, in his great desire for godliness, exhibited much restraint and great patience (as he continually has with me in the past) and plainly and simply defined what was meant by this-which, by the way, I was the only one who was misunderstanding this tidbit, so it was obviously all me and not Frank. When Jesus shared with those who had listening ears, He went for the heart. He did not engage in a match for match wits with them. He would not be led down the many rabbit trails that were thrown at Him. References? In Mark 10, Jesus addresses the heart of a rich young ruler and we find out where exactly his heart is. John 3 starts with a man named Nicodemus who comes to Jesus at night, asking Him about how to be saved. John 4-The woman at the well. Jesus talks to her about living water. That is what he (Frank) meant by going for the heart and not the intellect. Herein we can add another freedom to the previous session's list. The freedom in not having to match wits with someone else. It's not about trying to outsmart them or have enough evidence to combat every single objection someone has. It's about the freedom to freely talk about the heart issues that every single person faces in any given race, culture, and social status.

Here's the second yelp-filled question. This happened earlier in the night. Another fellow canine asked, what I thought, was a great question. In the context of man's sin and ability to understand his depravity before a holy God--can anyone claim ignorance? In other words, can someone just flat out truly believe that they didn't know--they had no idea about the moral and holy law. Now, to be fair, I may have misunderstood his question and completely distorted and perverted the original intent of what he was trying to ask. Anyone who knows me is, at this point, not surprised. But his question spurred my own thoughts and questions toward what the bible says man's responsibility is before God.

Romans 1:20 clearly states that man is without excuse. Because He (God) clearly wrote Himself on every person's heart, there will be no man that will be able to stand before His judgement throne and give an excuse of ignorance. Ephesians 2:5 says that we are dead in our transgressions. Colossians 2:13 says that we were dead in our transgressions. II Corinthians talks about spiritual blindness. So how do we reconcile all of this? We are fully responsible and without excuse, yet those who are dead--how can they see? How can they hear? They're doornail dead-right? Ultimately, I put it under the wonderful and gracious heading of God's sovereignty. But in the quietness of my own heart, I still pray that I will better understand it more to be able to give an answer for those who ask--realizing the limitations of my feeble and wimpy intellect.

So, because of all of this unruly yapping, our trainer wisely posed the question back to us as homework. Over the next two weeks we are to figure out the following question:

Can anyone claim ignorance when it comes to God's holy law? As with any seasoned cheater, cheater pumpkin eater--I am posing the question to you, the reader of this bloggy. Please respond in the comments section (or feel free to E-mail me) as I would love to hear what you have to say. It will ultimately help me with my homework and hopefully get me out of the doghouse I'm in with all of my fellow dogsters. Any in-context, biblical support gets their very own pigs ear doggy treat.

Thank you for letting me share and I'm already looking forward to the next session, should the Lord allow. Blessings, dear Frank, for your incredible leadership and guidance as this wild dingo gets muzzled in truth! Woof!

The Local Church Hotspot

Acts 2:42-47: They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people, And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The Local Church Hotspot:

I decided to try out this new and unique vacation spot I had heard so much about lately. It was a little, cute, off-the-beaten path place My Local Church. I used to vacation with my family, as a child, at a similar resort, but this one looked interesting enough to fit my adult needs and besides, it was closer to home.


Earlier in my 20's, I had contacted the owner of My Local Church. He owned quite a few fun places like the ones I was seeing now and I knew many who had visited His resorts. Even though He seemed happy to hear from me, I did most of the talking. It was a long conversation and I confessed to Him that I was desperate for some peace and relaxation. Although I could tell He wanted to share more about what I could find at these vacation resorts, I cut Him off because I had to go. Life was holding on the other line and I felt pressed to take the call.

But now, I was really interested in visiting. I had put it on hold for so long and I remember the deep sense of longing as I would pass by one of these hotspots. I had set in my mind that it would be soon.


It was a harder decision then I thought. All I really wanted was something that gave me a little rest and relaxation from the constant nagging of Daily Grind. I was surprised at the amount of variety one could find in the way of these types of destinations. From something called The Football Stadium, to The Running Errands Post, to Family Gatherings Resort--the choices seemed endless. Even under the headings of My Local Church, there were many to choose from. Some offered Many Path activities. Some advertised Storybook time and still others appeared to have Legalism as their main bill. But I chose My Local Church because it was low-key and that's what I needed. A place where I could get lost in thought and not have to be pulled in the millions of directions to which I was accustomed. I was tired, frazzled and dizzy from sleepless nights and endless worry about Life and its demands. I needed a weekly rest. My Local Church seemed just the perfect fit.


The location was perfect. Not too far away from my home as I needed to get there weekly. Daily sales calls to people trying to sell my thoughts, ideas and attitudes were exhausting and I was beginning to lose hope for any solace at all. It was very close to my home and I secretly thought that I could skip out and quickly get home if needed.


On the My Local Church website, there were various fun and exciting activities that you could choose to participate in...if you desired. There were activities called Morning Service, Sunday School and Evening Teachings. You could attend a Prayer Group--which looked like a serious, chat session. There was a Ministry Hut behind the main building. The Choir Practice wing looked soothing, although I was a little concerned about the time commitment that was required to reap the full benefits of such an activity.

All of it, though, was interesting to me. While most of the travel destinations required some type of standard equipment to bring...My Local Church required only a traveling guide, The Bible. The main hours were pretty regular, Sunday morning and evening; although some of the other lodges were open and closed at various times. I thought I'd check out more when I got there.


I was excited and on Saturday night, found it difficult to drift off to sleep because of all of the promise My Local Church seemed to offer. But after this past week of constant Life calls, I was exhausted and eventually slept soundly, reassuring myself that this would be the answer to all of my problems and heartaches.


Not wanting to arrive late, I laid out my belongings and The Bible on Saturday night, so when I awoke the next morning, I hurried to ready myself. The drive was comfortable and in no time I entered the parking lot a little early. There were a few smiling faces already arriving--sparkling children in tow. I was glad that I had dressed appropriately and thought myself to be off on the right foot.


As I entered the doors, I was greeted by friendly, joyful, relaxed people and was anxious to find out the quickest way to get what they had obviously found. I was led to a big hall where the instructions for the day would be given and how I could make the most of this hotspot.


The opening welcome was from Authority. The first thing I saw was he was finely dressed in knowledge and biblical application. There was an impressive suit of education, but what drew my attention was his Fruit of the Spirit shirt and his tie of commitment and endurance. I decided that after his presentation, I would make a point of talking with him. He exuded a confident love that immediately put me at ease. He was quick to share of the Sin and Remption functions and how everyone must participate in order to truly enjoy any of the other games and activities of the day. I half listened and found myself impatient for him to get to the reason that I was there. My ears soon perked as he started to get into the schedule of the day's activities.


He talked of the various cabins and easily flowed into what their descriptions were--something I had not bothered to read in the pamphlets. I began to feel a little uncomfortable at this point. Authority, although extremely gracious in his speech, started to talk of activities that I had not read about. The cabins that looked like they offered a plethora of activities for me, were now being billed as if I would be the one serving in them, not me being pampered and massaged. I was greatly disturbed.


He quickly spoke of the prestigious owner, Lordship, who was away, but would soon return. The high cost with which Lordship purchased this hotspot brought tears to my eyes as I remembered the conversation I had with Him previously. At this point, I squirmed. I had not had a conversation with Lordship since my 20's. While I viewed Authority on my level, just more knowledgeable and skilled, Lordship seemed to be in a completely different category and I was finding out that this resort that He had purchased was not about rest and relaxation...it was completely different. I realized that I had only read about the Hearing activities and completely skipped over the Doing. I was completely taken aback and kicked myself for not fully reading my traveling guide from start to finish before coming to this little-known hotspot. I thought to myself, "No wonder more people don't go here!" It was ludicrous to think that I, trying to find a place to rest and relax, would now have to tirelessly serve on my days off. Ludicrous!


I was getting to be annoyed with Authority and just when I thought I could sneak out and try a hotspot down the road, Many Ways To God Inn, Accountability and Counseling spoke with me. I was amazed. The amount of service they put in, yet the total joy and peace they had as they spoke intrigued me. They talked of how their quest to "get away from it all" had led them to call Lordship and He helped them find peace in the midst of their tangled lives. Their search had ended here. Lordship had purchased their vacation for them and 100% guaranteed their satisfaction. As I listened, I found I was nodding my head in agreement with what they were saying. What Lordship had done for them, I wanted. No longer did I feel annoyed, but I felt oddly drawn to what they wanted to enroll me in.


Accountability and Counseling accompanied me to the God's Glory Main Hall and there I found Authority waiting to review the travel companion with me. Though Lordship was still away, He was kind enough to talk to me over the telephone and I boldly asked Him for a paid vacation and the same guarantee as these others had done.


Before I knew it, I couldn't wait to shed the selfish beach shorts and Hawaiian wants shirt I had so carefully laid out the night before. I wanted the same uniform that Accountability was wearing and I asked Authority where I might get one. It wasn't long before I was meeting Sister-in-the-Lord and Servanthood and they were introducing me to Agape Love and Submission. I continued to struggle at first, but slowly I was shedding the Me clothes and putting on the Holiness uniform.


Now it's been a few years and I have been going faithfully to the My Local Church hotspot on a weekly basis and visiting the Ministry Hut and Serving Lodges throughout the week. Daily Grind no longer calls and Life seems to have changed completely in attitude and demands. I can't say that it's been easy and certainly if I had known all that was involved, I may not have made the trip at all. But Lordship knew all along what He wanted and what He was doing--even to the detail of finding the perfect hotspot location.


I now know that in all of my planning, in all of my sales calls and in all of my activities, Lordship had been right there with me--seeing, watching and guiding me to this life-changing vacation, My Local Church. I am daily looking forward to when Lordship returns and takes me along with everyone who vacations here to the ultimate vacation destination, Heaven. Until then, I daily invite Happy and Contented with me on my journeys and continue to desire to spend much time in the God's Glory Main Hall. This little, off-the-beaten path hotspot has changed my life. I have been forever changed at The Local Church and I am so thankful! (Shhh! Don't tell anyone, but I've secretly changed the name to My Favorite Hotspot.)

A Formidable Journey

Come take a journey with me,
My partner and friend in what I see.
The view is wide and open in front,
making this journey a measureless hunt.

It starts with the scriptures, a traveling must.
The pure words of God--His personal touch.
Then open your heart to confess and believe
His Son, Jesus Christ--be sure to receive.

Next, take on your travels, a sound doctrine church.
The kind that plants not, in popular turf.
The kind that values the pure Holy word,
And rightly teaches in accuracy secured.

Take elders who guide and guard and protect,
Humble and soft and lack a stiff neck.
Then godly deacons, their hearts to pour out,
In ministry times, a sure-footed route.

Now comes the hardest part of the trip.
For some, this is where the travels might slip.
Authority, lordship and joy to be slaves,
Completely sold out to the One who has saved...

Those called by His voice as sheep in His fold,
We only hear Him and obey what we're told.
Not by our own strength or by our own might,
But caused by His Spirit, our eyes see the light.

And just as this journey seems too hard to take,
God sends His enabling, His power and sway.
Thus, armed and equipped with all the right things,
We soar through this life on eagle-like wings.

So off we travel, fulfilling our call,
Foremost in everything--love God with all.
Then loving our neighbor as ourselves,
And making a way for the gospel to tell.

This narrow pathway, wrought with hardship and trials,
Distractions and gas-guzzling obstacle miles.
But nothing can pluck or hinder or tear,
If glory to God be our highest affair.

(Dedicated to the glory of the Most High)

Ode To Scott

So yesterday we celebrated Scott's birthday--38 grand years. In thinking about the glory of God and how that manifests itself through my dear husband, I deemed it necessary to blog about the blessings of having not just a husband--not just any husband--but my own precious gift from above, Scott.

There are thousand of characteristics, of course, which would need it's own blogger set up, but I have decided that in the interest of time I would narrow it down to the top 12:

1) Godly integrity. The kid will not cheat, lie or otherwise try and gain things for himself, other than from hard work. Cut corners!? No way.

2) Wise. He is so incredibly sharp and wise. He methodically thinks out every angle and has even been given to using Excel spreadsheets to make various pro and con lists.

3) Peaceful. He desires peaceful resolutions to things. If given a fork-in-the-road decision--he'd rather take the meek road of a gentle spirit than get his own way.

4) Sacrificial. He always puts other people's feelings and wants over his own. He continually gives up his own, well-thought ordered restaurant meal to trade with his impulsive, grass-is-greener restaurant ordering wife.

5) Trustworthy. You can trust him. No, really! You can trust him. If he says he's going to be there, he's going to be there (in accordance with God's sovereignty, of course.) He does not feign sickness just to take a "mental health day" and he would probably walk a mile just to give back a misplaced penny.

6) Patient. He's married to me--need I say more?

7) Athletic. I know, kind of silly and yet it interests me quite a bit. He really likes sports and I like that he really likes sports.... a lot.

8) Handsome. Duh!

9) Maturing in Christ. His truest desire is to follow Christ and mature as he grows in His word. There's truly nothing better than that.

10) Humble. He's humble in Christ and the position of the race that God has placed Him in. In conversation, he purposely lets you talk instead of insisting on his preferences.

11) Brilliant. The kid has some mad math-formulating, statistic-citing skills that rival any Texas Instrument calculator.

12) Humorous, funny, witty. All under the same category of guttural, milk-spewing laughter.

While this isn't an exhaustive list, I do hope that it shows how 38 years of godly living has taken him from his life as a single, softball playing dude--to the glorifying-to-God husband that he is now. May God see fit to bless him with another 38 plus God-glorifying years.

Happy Birthday--I love you, dear Scott!

Pictures Worth 1,000 Words

Pictures Worth 1,000 Words

Quips, Tips, and Sips

Growing up, my parents, especially my dear Mum, were extremely health-conscience. I always say that we were tofu-eaters when tofu wasn't cool. I grew up in the 80's where stirrup pants, neon colors and punk hair ruled the popular scene. Except for the pants (on occasion)--we were rarely allowed to participate in any of the in-crowd choices.

Including wonderbread. Ahhh! Sweet, mushy, stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth white wonderbread. Not me, though. I had whole wheat bread. But not just your standard, high fructose whole wheat bread. I had the kind that weighed 6.5 pounds a slice; contained pebbled-sized flecks called "grain;" and dropped to your stomach with a small thud no matter how much you chewed. Peanut butter. Not the rich, creamy Annette-approved Skippy. Oh no! I had the real peanut butter. The kind that came in a bucket that you had to stir lest the oil rise to the top and create a nice, oily kiddy pool on the surface. The peanut butter itself, resembled a dense, gooey substance comparable to rather thick paper mache paste--which did not help the anvil-esque thud that dropped with each swallow.

At the risk of sounding like I'm complaining, I will stop here. I am truly very thankful that my dear Mom was the poster mom for healthy living and being such a great steward of the resources that God bestowed on her (and us.) Here's some of the healthiness she has passed to me:

*Daily, physical activity
*Water instead of soda
*Whole wheat bread minus the oily peanut butter
*From scratch cooking
*A take it or leave it chocolate attitude (insert collective gasp here)
*Regular regiment of vitamins and minerals
*Decaf, decaf, decaf

So I am so very thankful in all of this. But I would be remiss if I did not mention that all of these tips that were passed to me only fall under the good stewardship category. There is not one person on earth that can eat, drink or exercise their way into one extra second beyond their appointed time of death.

So why do it? Good stewardship equals wise living. Read through the book of Proverbs and there are plenty of great guides and quips on wise living. Being a good steward is wisely managing the resources that God has given to us while here on earth. But really--what's all the hype!? The health industry is a multi-billion dollar machine that keeps cranking out new fads, techniques and reasons for getting and staying healthy. How can one keep up?

Here's my take on it. Forget it all. If the reason you're trying to get thin is so that you can fit into a certain size outfit; wear the newest trend and/or turn heads as your strolling along the boulevard--then let me challenge you with the greatest reasons in the world to get and stay healthy.

Bible reading, prayer and ministry. This is the reason that we should have a regular exercise routine; eat low-fat, heart-healthy diets and sip plenty of water. If we're doing it for any other reasons then we are wading in a shallow kiddy pool of disgusting, oily peanut butter juice.

Anyone who has been around me long enough knows that I am continually spouting my new philosophy to all those within earshot. Don't work out for the sole purpose of losing weight. Do work out for the sole purpose of being able to read your bible longer, praying without ceasing and having a heart healthy enough to tirelessly serve (all under the detailed hand of God, of course.) Then your treadmill-running, lap-swimming, Pilates-moving body will be working toward something eternal and not toward the temporal.

It is in this interest that I start my Healthy Habits section with this easy tip:

Start by being a worker at home. It's as simple as that. Fitday.com says that the average female can burn approximately 115 calories per hour just by taking care of your children. Dressing them, feeding them, carrying them up the stairs, etc. The more children--the more calories. Hallelujah!

Hope you enjoy and look for coming health-conscience posts in this new Healthy Habits section.

Pictures Worth 1,000 Words

Is It Possible to Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?

Scott and I are living proof that it is possible. The caveat? There are a few. Let me explain.

Scott and I have grown up in church. We've grown up in homes that have professed Christ and while that has manifested itself in various ways, the bottom line is that we have been privileged to have such backgrounds. The challenging issue is that we also come with some preconceived notions about various doctrines of our faith. We tend to purport tradition or style as truth, instead of completely leaning on the entire word of God to guide and protect. We are old dogs acting out hypocritical tricks.

Enter our evangelism class. It is feeding us old pups some new Purina--the good stuff. Mainly, what the truth of the word says about evangelism, witnessing and living our lives for the God to which we are joyful slaves. We are extremely excited to be taking this evangelism class taught by our new trainer (Associate Pastor), Frank Judson. The Judson family have righteously influenced our lives in such an extreme way it would be hard to explain with mere words, but we are forever grateful that the Lord saw fit to bring such a precious family to us and it is impossible (not that we try very hard) to remember life without them.

In our first class, we were reminded of some amazing truths about what God's word teaches us; about who God is; who man is; and how we are completely free from any man-made restriction to share the truth of the word because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. I think the biggest doggy treat that we will treasure was when Frank taught from the handout about the many freedom from restrictions that we have to proclaiming the gospel message.

Let me share:

Based in Matthew 28:18-20--16

But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated.
When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Vs. 18 contains unrestricted right through Jesus Christ.
Vs. 19 contains unrestricted scope and unrestricted access
Vs. 20 contains unrestricted age or spiritual protection.

The other freedom or unrestriction we have is from results. It is God that does the saving...not us. So we need not guilt, emote, beg, plead, manipulate, strong-arm, etc. anyone with methodology or tactics. Romans 1:16 states plainly and clearly that it is the word of God that holds the power...not gimmicks, tactics, eloquent speeches, heart-wrenching testimonies...but the word of God. Matthew 9:37-38 is very clear about who is Lord of the harvest. In fact, I'd like to take it one step further and proclaim that not only is it God who saves, but it is God who is sending the workers.

So a word to those who are being evangelized. Call upon the name of Jesus Christ for salvation from sin; believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and you will be saved (Romans 10:13.)

Those who are evangelizing. Be thankful that we are but workers in His field and we do not even go except the Lord sends us. That is how dependent we are on the Lord. (Look at vs. 38 carefully as it says who exactly sends the workers.) Therefore, we are completely and utterly free from anything, but being workers in His field. Lest we work in vain (I Cor. 3:12-15), let's pray that we work under His authority and calling and not go or "do" when not sent. I know people who work and toil all in the name of the Lord, but not under the authority of His complete word. What will become of their toiling in the day of judgement?

Caveat-time:

1) Truth muzzles
2) Godly trainer
3) Biblical treats
4) Daily walks
5) Sunday dog house meetings

These are the new doggy activities.

Well, to end on a light note--Scott and I are so excited for the next class already. We have much homework to do and are looking forward to it.

Stay tuned as you will hopefully see old dogs put off the old tricks and learn new biblical skills. We love the evangelism dog pound!

My Pile of Cuties...

A lovely woman that I know (actually, I used to babysit her, but that's another story left for the retirement home) called my beautiful children "a pile of cuties" once in a reunion Facebook post to me. So, Dana, I hope you don't mind, but I've decided to use that as a title for picture posts of my precious family....

What Is a T2W?

So I've been thinking about this for a while. To blog or not to blog? That is truly the question. What would be the reasons that I want to do it. Here are a few pros and cons.

Pros:

1) Great venue for unloading all of the constant babbling in my head
2) I'm not a big fan of handwritten journaling, so this may be the next best thing.
3) My memory is shot so this may be a good way for loved ones to keep up with the Noble goings-on.
4) May relieve Scott from the duty of listening to the constant babbling in my head.... somewhat
5) What am I to do with all of my extra time now that we have no t.v.?

Cons:

1) My computer skills are sorry at best.
2) Where will all my Facebook time go?
3) Will people really be interested in what I have to blog?
4) Will I be able to tear myself away to feed my children lunch now that I've joined the rank of "Blogger?"
5) There's a million other things I should be doing with my extra time now that we have no t.v.

As you can see, it's neck and neck. For every pro, there was a con, and visa versa. So why did I decide to do it?

Long story longer:

We're going through a Titus 2 study guide by a wonderful author, Martha Peace. In this study guide, she encourages the active pursuit of becoming a Titus 2 Woman. What does this mean? The bible exhorts those in His church to mature to "do" and not just "hear." One of the ways we, as professed believers of Christ, can mature is by desiring to lead godly lives through becoming mature "older" women. But what does this mean, Kim? Here's what the bible says:

Titus 2:3-5:

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

This is what I desire. To become an "older" woman. No, not in the worldly sense--what the world concentrates on as older woman--gray hair and wrinkles. But in the biblical sense. To live and teach woman (both older and younger) in practical ways of godliness through words and deeds.

So, in conclusion, I decided that if I can achieve everything on my pros list--resist everything on my cons list--and encourage any woman to be reverent, anti-malicious, anti-drunkard, embracing godly teaching, love and cherish husbands, teach those to see children for what they are (Psalm 127), have sensibility, be holy and righteous, focused on their homes, kind (not just nice, but truly kind,) submissive in every way to hubbys, living and showing practical ways on how not to dishonor the word of God through blogging--then this will be another opportunity for me to actively pursue what God has intended for my life all along--to become a Titus 2 Woman or a T2W as I have affectionately dubbed it in my heading.

My life here, I hope, will be laid bare before you all. Sometimes funny, sometimes sorrowful--always thankful and joyful (even through tears) that the kindness of God (Romans 2:4) has led me to blog in such a way that I hope--in the end--is always glorifying to the one who saved me. For without Him, this blog would be filled with much different content.

Enjoy, dear family and friends....