Be Still and Know

Sometimes I struggle to stop and pray and especially be still and listen. So things like this happen to force me into being still- don't be deceived, I'm wide awake!!!

31 Weeks

In case you were wondering what 31 weeks looks like!

That's What She Said

        As I prepare to write this, I already feel the voices saying, 

"That's a far stretch."

"She's a prude."

"Its just a joke."

So before I start a internet battle where we anonymously say vicious things back and forth,  understand my heart in writing this. I want people to think. I want people to decide for themselves what is right or wrong. I want people to be confident in their convictions so that if some disagrees, they don't start flying off the handle. BUT mostly, I want healing for all those affected by sexual abuse, the pornography industry, human trafficking, and even perpetrators of sexual crimes or addictions. 

Growing up in the pastors house, it was rare you would find a crude joke. It was also rare to watch any television or movies with affection beyond a kiss. If we saw these movies, it was probably at a friend's house. That put us at a great disadvantage in participating in crude joking during high school or college. I probably gave a courtesy laugh like a knew what they were referring to. Yes, you could call me "sheltered".

Some people grow up in churches where sex is equivalent to the devil. This was NOT my experience but I was taught that it should be saved for marriage. Although it was not spoken about, my siblings and I had a great relationship with our parents so we knew we could ask anything if we wanted. I don't remember my mom sitting me down to talk about it although she did make me watch ridiculous puberty videos (mom = school nurse). I established my own boundaries for dating and was a virgin before I got married. All my questions were directed at my older sister or older friends before my wedding night. All in all, the whole idea of "test out the car before you drive it" has not negatively effected my marriage or love life.

So now that you know a little history about me, I want to explain my thought process when it comes to sexual jokes, movies, maybe even music. There is not a social circle in my life where I don't hear, "Thats what she said." It bothers me. I see sexual sin as this huge web that connects, especially in our hyper-sexed culture. 

JOKES, MOVIES, MUSIC, MAGAZINES

All get the wheels turning in men or women's heads that these are the norms for sex.

For example:

• Frequency of sex
• Types of sex
• Length of sex
• Physical appearance of the perfect partner
• Number of partners

As these pictures are continually downloaded into women and men's mind (*especially men who are so visual) expectations start to change. When those expectation begin to prove far from reality, addictions begin.  

For example:

• Sexual additions leading to
• Rape
• Cheating
• Human Trafficking Industry
• Addiction to pornography
• Pedophilia

                                                   IT ALL STARTS SOMEWHERE!

There is a song I've heard on the radio that describes the way our culture see men and their sex drive. 

"Guess it's true, I'm not good at a one-night stand

But I still need love cause I'm just a man"

"Well, he just a guy, they can't help themselves." If its true that God created men to consume sex in  unattainable amounts with uncontrollable desires, women and children should all go hide. This attitude is what our hyper-sexed culture accepts. Then we are surprised and flabbergasted of news reports of rape, high divorce rates among religious couples, human trafficking and unmentionable crimes to children as young as babies. Just watch Law & Order SVU. I'm haunted that those stories are reality!!

Personally, I'm convicted that the smallest of my decisions, effect these bigger crimes. 

• My crude joking perpetuates the hyper-sex cultured feeding people lies that turn into addictions. 
• My movie choices pay people to promote sexual promiscuity or border lone pornography films. 
• My purchase of music fills the wallets of people who then fill our youth with the idea that sex is everything. 

My contribution to the hyper sex society feeds the sexually addicted then assaults innocent children, women and men. 

There is not a small ounce of me that wants to contribute any more to human trafficking, the pornography industry, sexual crimes against people, etc. These wounds haunt victims for the rest of their lives and sometimes lead to more abuse. Statistics say that many abusers have been abused themselves, many as children.  

So when I don't smile at your jokes or decline a movie invitation- don't be offended. I'm an extremely sensitive person especially when it comes to issues related to children. 

Some of my own habits I'm processing are reading tabloid's online and the radio. Things I don't pay for out of pocket but are still making money through advertisemnt. In conclusion, we are all responsible for our own actions. Let's be intentional instead of following the majority or trends. 

My Life in the 1900’s

My Life in the 1900’s 

(Some names have been changed to protect the identity of the characters. Details have been altered to fit the culture of the times.)

I was born, Maggie Helen Linden, the second daughter of Minister Nicholas Linden and his wife Marion. As his title suggest, he was the Minister in our small town of Clayton. He was well respected by everyone in Clayton and loved to tell stories. His weakness was the game of baseball to which he could be seen running bases with the young folk up until his sixties. My mother Marion raised us and spent her free time assisting the town doctor by making house calls. She was ambitious about her work which was rare for women of her time. Many of the women would come to her to find wisdom in times of trouble or hardship.

All three of us children attended school regularly. My older sister Alonza was very academic and excelled playing the clarinet. She grew up and married the sheriff in the town over. They had more kids then they knew what to do with. My younger brother William was the strong silent type. His interest in reading led him to explore the world of film. He was shunned by the townspeople for his involvement in the immoral cinema industry. My parents never mentioned it but I knew deep down they were proud of his accomplishments.  

My childhood was pleasant. I enjoyed school but was frequently in trouble for repaying the boys in my class for pulling my braids. My parents would rebuke me and send me to my room. At the age of sixteen, finding no suitors in my town to settle down, my father agreed that an education would help me mature. I studied to become a teacher and found it to be my true passion. During the last month of schooling, I met a young man named David. He was the son of a farmer and in line to inherit the farm. His love for academics and adventure made him forgo his farm duties and go off to college. He was studying to become a banker.  Our time of getting to know each other was short; but was enough to start a correspondence via mail.

After my exams, a job was secured for me to teach in my home town of Clayton. For the next year, I grew as a teacher while writing every night to my dear David. My father approved of our courtship and a year and a half later we were married. I continued teaching as David began his work at the town bank. We lived in a small apartment above the bank and attended my father’s church every Sunday. Our first son Jethro soon came into the world. He had a vibrant and youthful spirit and much resembled his father.  A little short of two years later we would welcome in a sister for little Jethro. 

Works Based Faith

"Works based faith" - instantly you tell yourself that you are not in this category.  But is that really true...
Do people around you have to EARN things? Does everything have to be equal or fair?


- You only tips a waiter if they do a really good job.

- Conversation between parents, "I already changed a dirty diaper today so it's your turn." 

- Conversation between spouses, "I did the dishes so you have to finish laundry." 

- You justify gossiping about your boss or co-workers because they really are awful!

I'm no saint - I've done all these. But about a year ago my husband extravagantly tipped a waitress with terrible service. I was a little mad. He said it didn't matter that she didn't earn it; maybe she was having a terrible night. I couldn't argue with him. Then a few months later, he surprised me again. We were at a restaurant and he asked the waiter for the check.......and the check of two gentlemen across from us. I was stunned but nodded to the waiter that what my husband said was correct. The manager was very confused and asked if we knew the guys. No, we didn't. Couldn't even judge their character from listening to their conversation. They didn't speak English. 

These stories aren't to glorify my husband (he's probably mad I'm telling this story) but to tell you where my contemplation of true grace started. I really do believe that a business and their service should be held to high standards. Unfortunately this clouded my vision to see hurting people/ opportunities to bless the undeserving. 

My marriage is another place I expect EQUALITY/FAIRNESS!!!!! You Mister, better earn your kiss goodnight...

Let's say I'm still learning this lesson...

We devote time and money to many well-deserving people and organizations as a form of stewardship. In the process, the undeserving miss experiencing the deep levels of God's grace. And unfortunately we give the least grace to those closest to us- family. 

These cats would not have made the cut if it was a "works-based" system for entry to heaven- Zacchaeus, Mary Magdalene, Moses, and YOU.

Be EXTRAVAGENT with grace! It helps to ask God to give you revelation of His extravagant grace over you. 

Wall Size Ruler

Here is a project that really didn't take too long-

You'll need:

80in by 9in piece of wood (height varies depending on the size of your walls)

Spray paint or regular paint 

Painters Tape

Painter Pen

Stencils

Pencil

Measuring Tape

Time

I'm sure there is a specific type of wood and finish that would be best but I don't know what it is. My dad gave me all the boards which equals free. (My kind of crafting.) As you will see in the pictures, some of the wood is more finished then others which makes them look more professional. 

1. Cut your board to size if needed. You could also sand if necessary. 

2. Paint boards to desired color. 

3. With a pencil, mark the inches and foot lines. I lined up my board to a measuring tape to do this. IMPORTANT- You need to start your lines at the height the board  will sit on your wall. For example my board starts at 10 inches off the floor. This will all depend on the height of the walls in your home.

4. Tape a straight line down the side of the board with the length you want to draw the inch lines. 

5. With a painter's pen, draw over the pencil lines to create inch marks. 

6. Follow steps 4 & 5 for the half foot marks and the foot marks.  Each getting a little longer then the previous measurement. (The Ruler on the far right above displays only foot marks.) 

7. After completing the measurement marks and peeling off all the tape, use a stencil to create the numbers with a painter's marker. 

8. OPTIONAL- Spray with  clear sealer. It can add a glossy look. 

Complete:

Proverbs 32 Husband

 Proverbs 32 Husband

Written by Solomon's Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Niece

A husband of integrity who can find,

He is more valuable than many shoes.

His wife respects him and

never fears unfaithfulness.

He brings her flowers not stress

all the birthdays of her life.

He limits his sports games so

that he spends time with his family. 

He is like a businessman,

bringing home the bacon everyday.

He get up when it is still dark

to help feed the babies.

He considers a house and buys it,

fixing it up to double the profits.

He works diligently,

gaining favor at every job.

He manages his money 

so that his family is fed and looking fine. 

In his hands he pushes the lawn mower,

and aims the weed whacker.

He opens his arms to his family,

and pays for the strangers' meal. 

When finances are tight,

He has no fear because the Lord always provides.

He makes steak for dinner

which is clothed in too many spices.

His wife is endeared for her witty humor 

when she takes her seat among guests.

He makes laughter and shares it,

so that no one is down-hearten. 

He is clothed with strength and wisdom.

He chuckles at the days to come.

He speaks with conviction,

and the Spirit permeates all he says.

He watches over his family

and does not have a lazy bone in his body.

His children rise and call him dada,

his wife, she adores him.

Many men do great things,

but you exceed them all.

Six packs are deceptive and tan skin is fleeting,

but a man who fears God is to be honored.

Honor him for all he does 

and let his character be his testimony.

 

 

(Disclaimer- This is written in good humor so don't send me messages about blasphemy or 

Revelation 22:18-19. Also, everything I said it true about my husband and is in NO WAY a sermon to men. This is a tribute to Dave.)