This is year has been a strange year. One filled with pain, waiting, indecision, and so many blessings and miracles. I know it's March, and the end of March to boot, but I feel the need to think on my new year blessings.
You see, we began the year without a dog. Daddy has some pretty severe allergies. We have tried other dogs before, and within days all of them were a no go. Our poor hearts have been broken more than once, not to mention our wallets! For some reason, my husband refused to take allergy pills. I guess he didn't want to have to remember one more pill in the morning. Suddenly, after the new year, my husband decided that since he couldn't give the boy a brother, he would do his best to give him a dog. He agreed to start taking allergy pills. Now, being here in Korea made finding the right dog a serious challenge. There was no puppy store, no variety of shelters to visit to help us pick the perfect dog. Suddenly, there was the perfect dog! And just a suddenly, he had new owners. Sigh.
The boy really wanted that dog, but he was afraid of being broken hearted again. He didn't know what to do. I thought about it and remembered a class I took where the discussion revolved around being specific in our prayers. Yes, God already knows what we want, but He wants us to talk to Him. To tell Him in great detail our needs and heart's desires. So, the boy and I laid down together one night and prayed...for a dog that could be ours forever, for a dog that wouldn't make daddy sick, for a dog that would love us, for a dog that could handle being in an apartment...and if we could have those things, we asked God to provide one for us within the next 30 days. If we did not find a dog in 30 days we would know God did not plan on us having a dog in our family.
One week later, that same dog I thought would have been perfect but got adopted by someone else, was suddenly available again. Just like that...for no reason the new owners decided they couldn't keep him. I heard God speaking. The weekend after we found out he was available again, we went out to go see him.
It has been two months now and we still have our dog Lupin. He is crazy and plays with us and tries to sleep on the bed with me and follows us everywhere. Daddy isn't sick. That silly dog was our first blessing of the year.
At the same time we were looking for a dog to join our family, I needed surgery. I had a couple of ovarian cysts that were giving me a great deal of trouble. I was no longer myself...I had turned into the weak, tired, sick woman that was just no fun to be around. Our homeschool was suffering because I often had to take naps or pause to be ill. Many days I was happy if we managed to get two subjects done before I gave up for the day. I was originally scheduled to have surgery in mid January. I was so excited to finally have it done....and then my surgeon called and said it was a no go. He was refusing to do the surgery.
I was so mad! Everything in our lives was suffering because I could not do the things I had always done and this bonehead decides it's too risky for him to do the surgery. I have to admit I asked God Why?! Ugh! I was less than happy, especially when I understood they were going to send me downtown to a Korean hospital. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Korea...I have enjoyed my time here. I still speak only about 5 words of Korean, but I'm supposed to have surgery in a Korean hospital??
Needless to say, there was no convincing the doc to do the surgery in the American hospital and my insurance was NOT going to send me stateside just so I wasn't uncomfortable with the culture and language differences. I went off to Samsung Medical Center at the end of January more than a little nervous.
SMC was really nice. They had a wonderful English speaking guide to take us around everywhere. The doctor spoke English and seemed to think the surgery would be a piece of cake (unlike my American doctor). He sent me off to consult with another doc just to make sure everything on the inside was working well. I got my preop stuff all taken care of, and I was stoked because that meant surgery should be pretty soon. Right?
Wrong. My surgery was not to be scheduled until 14 March. I won't lie...I cried in the car on the way home. I had to wait two whole months before I could be better. Before I could walk to the store without pain, before I could teach all day without being exhausted, before I could go sightseeing again, before I could eat without wanting to be sick, before I could clean my house to my standards, before...well, just before.
I don't remember yelling at God this time. I just remember crying to Him. I was sad, and sick and tired...and He wanted me to wait another 2 months on top of all the time I had already waited. I knew everything happened for a reason and that there can be a lesson learned in the trials of life. So, I started trying to understand and started looking for the lesson. Strangely enough, I started going back to church again and took the kids with me. I remember the final sermon before I had my surgery was about not looking back at the "good ole days", but at finding the blessings in today. Taking a look at what it is I have now and being thankful for it. Finally, I think I understood what it was He was trying to show me. In spite of all my problems, I still had much. Because of my weakness, I learned to let others help me. I gave the kids more responsibility, and asked my husband for more help with the errands. I got a house cleaner to come out twice a week (oh, that one stung!) so I didn't loose my mind over a dirty house. I learned to let things go.
We were also worried about how the surgery would go. After all, the last time I had surgery it did NOT go as planned. In fact there were many things that went against the plan. Instead of a 90 minute surgery, I was on the table for 6 hours. The docs here at SMC could not tell me if they could see anything inside me that might indicate a repeat of my first surgery. We simply did not know what would happen. So, as with the dog, we prayed. Specifically, intentionally and with great purpose. I asked others to pray in the same way for me...something I rarely do. I really didn't want another 6 week recovery period. I really just wanted to be normal again.
On March 14th, I went in to surgery at 0930 and woke up at 1200. I had not been cut open. There would be no long recovery. I went home the very next day. I could walk, pee, lift, and do normal things. God blessed us with a miracle once again. I am me again. I can't wait for next week so I can do regular school work with the kids, and I can take them outside for PE and do a field trip. I am me again.
Finally, yesterday, we received another blessing of the new year. My husband made rank. We don't have to retire now. We don't have to worry about finding a job right after we come back from Korea. We don't have to worry about completing a Masters degree in two years. After having our life plans up in the air since December of last year, God has given us guidance. God had given my husband hope that the faithful are still rewarded and that hard work does not go unnoticed. God has given my children a shining example of the fact that doing what God asks does bring about rewards. God has shown all of us that our prayers are certainly heard. We are blessed this new year indeed.
The beginning of this year has taught us to wait on His time. To pray, not vaguely and half-heartedly, but with purpose and with great faith that He will do what He says. This year has reminded us that miracles still happen, the faithful receive rewards from heaven, and that yes, He certainly does love His children.
I know that sounds blithe and happy go lucky. I know the world is still full of sorrow and pain. I know bad things will happen, and they may even happen to my family. I know. But right now, I will give praise and thanks for the simple, yet meaningful, things God has done for us in these past three months. I will continue to believe in the hope called Christ.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Real Homeschool
One of the challenges no one really talks about with homeschooling has nothing to do with your kids, or lack of money, or the all powerful social scene. It has to do with the teacher. No, not the teacher's qualifications or college education, but the health of that teacher.
I've discovered over the last several months that my health plays a key role in my ability to homeschool. You can't really teach fractions with your head in the toilet. You can't do science experiments while you are blinded by a migraine. You certainly can't go over a history lesson passed out in bed.
I never thought about that aspect of homeschooling before. I'm a healthy person, not inclined to illness or weakness, so it's been quite the eye opener lately to find myself restricted to only being able to fit in a few hours, if any, of teaching my children.
My children have handled this remarkably well. I can't tell you how many times I've been told to go lie down, or drink some water, eat some lunch, or quit working so hard. Now, granted I'm a suspicious kind of person, so I'm pretty sure there were ulterior motives behind this niceness. After all, if I was in bed I wasn't making them write book reports or reduce fractions or look up misspelled words in the dictionary. I can't really say I blame them but it preyed on my mind constantly that my health was going to make my children fail in life. Yup, I went there...in LIFE. Not just this grade or even in school, but in all of life itself. Sigh.
My health still isn't what it will be in 17 days and a wake up, after I have surgery. Every day is still a challenge, and honestly, it's an unknown factor until I actually put my feet on the floor every morning. My kids still ask if we are having school every morning. My response is still yes...for now.
I've also discovered that homeschooling is remarkably flexible. Children adapt and somehow still absorb what ever knowledge you put in front of them. Watching You Tube videos of the Liberty Kids isn't an epic fail. Playing spelling word Twister is an acceptable form of education. Watching National Geographic brings up some really interesting questions that can take hours to discuss. Reading books out loud can not only fill the time; it can bring peace to the house.
We will catch up on our fractions, and letters, and handwriting. After all, they don't have to "move on" to the next grade until they are ready. And they certainly don't have to fill in every problem in their workbook in order to be considered ready to move on.
All that being said, today we had our first "full" day of schooling in about two weeks. There were some tears, there were some things we will do tomorrow instead of today, and there was fun. We learned today and worked today. We will try to do the same tomorrow...and if we can't, then we'll watch some more Nat Geo, and that's ok too.
I've discovered over the last several months that my health plays a key role in my ability to homeschool. You can't really teach fractions with your head in the toilet. You can't do science experiments while you are blinded by a migraine. You certainly can't go over a history lesson passed out in bed.
I never thought about that aspect of homeschooling before. I'm a healthy person, not inclined to illness or weakness, so it's been quite the eye opener lately to find myself restricted to only being able to fit in a few hours, if any, of teaching my children.
My children have handled this remarkably well. I can't tell you how many times I've been told to go lie down, or drink some water, eat some lunch, or quit working so hard. Now, granted I'm a suspicious kind of person, so I'm pretty sure there were ulterior motives behind this niceness. After all, if I was in bed I wasn't making them write book reports or reduce fractions or look up misspelled words in the dictionary. I can't really say I blame them but it preyed on my mind constantly that my health was going to make my children fail in life. Yup, I went there...in LIFE. Not just this grade or even in school, but in all of life itself. Sigh.
My health still isn't what it will be in 17 days and a wake up, after I have surgery. Every day is still a challenge, and honestly, it's an unknown factor until I actually put my feet on the floor every morning. My kids still ask if we are having school every morning. My response is still yes...for now.
I've also discovered that homeschooling is remarkably flexible. Children adapt and somehow still absorb what ever knowledge you put in front of them. Watching You Tube videos of the Liberty Kids isn't an epic fail. Playing spelling word Twister is an acceptable form of education. Watching National Geographic brings up some really interesting questions that can take hours to discuss. Reading books out loud can not only fill the time; it can bring peace to the house.
We will catch up on our fractions, and letters, and handwriting. After all, they don't have to "move on" to the next grade until they are ready. And they certainly don't have to fill in every problem in their workbook in order to be considered ready to move on.
All that being said, today we had our first "full" day of schooling in about two weeks. There were some tears, there were some things we will do tomorrow instead of today, and there was fun. We learned today and worked today. We will try to do the same tomorrow...and if we can't, then we'll watch some more Nat Geo, and that's ok too.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Musings
My daughter told me the other day "I feel like God is telling me I'm going to be challenged, and that this is going to be hard". It struck a chord in me because I had been feeling the same way.
Some of you know I have to have surgery again. I have some things growing inside me that just aren't supposed to be there. I'm pretty certain that the children I have a miracles from God, because as messed up as my insides are, I should not have had kids! Anyway, I was sent up to the Army base here to have surgery and was recently told that they cannot do my surgery. They don't have a certain specialist on staff and don't want to risk needing that person when they open me up.
The surgeon recommend me going stateside to have the surgery. That brought up so many questions for my family...where will they send me? Can my family come with me? How long will I be stateside? Whew! On and on - the what-ifs were eating me alive. Not to mention they may deny me going stateside and tell me to have surgery here in Korea.
Over all of this is the hurry up and wait...hurry up and wait while the pain gets worse, the sickness increases and my day is limited because exercise and stress makes the pain worse. You guys know I am not good at this waiting thing. That being said, I'm having to model patience and faith to my children. They, too, are worried and impatient. They have their doubts and fears. Something a person never thinks of before they have kids is can I hide my fears in front of my children? Can I over come the stress of a situation to put a good face on it for the kids? I'm hoping that most days I succeed.
In the meantime, life carries on. Our holidays aren't really holidays any more, but more like times of service. I'm almost ok with that...almost. OK, not really. I have to admit I miss the times when holidays were about the family I'm related to by blood and not about my extended AF family...but I know we did good this year. Airmen were fed and loved on, they go to experience the joys of family with kids and all, and I know how to get them to leave without asking. Put on a kid's movie! About half way through the movie they were bored senseless and were more than willing to go home! hehe. I never said I was a nice person.
We also hosted our extended Korean family for a little holiday here at the base. I think they had a good time...I think. They are so polite and friendly, I bet they could have been bored senseless and never said a word! I know the kids enjoyed their visit, especially since they got to meet one of the sons of the family. He even played basketball with them!
We were given Korean names and we even use them occasionally. The irony of mine is that it sounds just like AWOL. That's right...absent without official leave. hehe. Go figure!
We are trying to get back into seeing the sights of Korea...as much as I can before the pain kicks in, sigh. We saw Seoul tower and dropped a ton of cash doing it! Pretty, yes. Expensive, yes. Worth it...maybe. At least my husband will quit nagging for us to go. Next stop, Incheon...Gateway to Korea.
I guess that's it for now. I suppose this makes up for my lack of posting on Facebook. :)
Some of you know I have to have surgery again. I have some things growing inside me that just aren't supposed to be there. I'm pretty certain that the children I have a miracles from God, because as messed up as my insides are, I should not have had kids! Anyway, I was sent up to the Army base here to have surgery and was recently told that they cannot do my surgery. They don't have a certain specialist on staff and don't want to risk needing that person when they open me up.
The surgeon recommend me going stateside to have the surgery. That brought up so many questions for my family...where will they send me? Can my family come with me? How long will I be stateside? Whew! On and on - the what-ifs were eating me alive. Not to mention they may deny me going stateside and tell me to have surgery here in Korea.
Over all of this is the hurry up and wait...hurry up and wait while the pain gets worse, the sickness increases and my day is limited because exercise and stress makes the pain worse. You guys know I am not good at this waiting thing. That being said, I'm having to model patience and faith to my children. They, too, are worried and impatient. They have their doubts and fears. Something a person never thinks of before they have kids is can I hide my fears in front of my children? Can I over come the stress of a situation to put a good face on it for the kids? I'm hoping that most days I succeed.
In the meantime, life carries on. Our holidays aren't really holidays any more, but more like times of service. I'm almost ok with that...almost. OK, not really. I have to admit I miss the times when holidays were about the family I'm related to by blood and not about my extended AF family...but I know we did good this year. Airmen were fed and loved on, they go to experience the joys of family with kids and all, and I know how to get them to leave without asking. Put on a kid's movie! About half way through the movie they were bored senseless and were more than willing to go home! hehe. I never said I was a nice person.
We also hosted our extended Korean family for a little holiday here at the base. I think they had a good time...I think. They are so polite and friendly, I bet they could have been bored senseless and never said a word! I know the kids enjoyed their visit, especially since they got to meet one of the sons of the family. He even played basketball with them!
We were given Korean names and we even use them occasionally. The irony of mine is that it sounds just like AWOL. That's right...absent without official leave. hehe. Go figure!
We are trying to get back into seeing the sights of Korea...as much as I can before the pain kicks in, sigh. We saw Seoul tower and dropped a ton of cash doing it! Pretty, yes. Expensive, yes. Worth it...maybe. At least my husband will quit nagging for us to go. Next stop, Incheon...Gateway to Korea.
I guess that's it for now. I suppose this makes up for my lack of posting on Facebook. :)
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Fearless....Psalm 3
I like this Psalm! This is a great reminder that no matter what we face, we can face it with the confidence that God will protect us.
As I read the first 2 verses, I think to myself how times have simply not changed. There are still those who do not believe in God. There are still those who would hate those who do believe in God. There are still those who sit back to watch and see if "their God" will save us. The method may be a little different, what with Facebook, cell phones, and news media...but the mentality has not changed. I find that sad, especially here in America where we are supposed to be tolerant of one another. Yes, I find it sad.
The next two verses, however, tell us that not only will He shield us but he will give us glory. I guess each person has a different vision of glory, and that's fine, but God promises that if we follow His path He will bestow glory upon us.
We are reminded that our breath, our life, our ability to wake up in the morning, is due to the good grace of God. We get up every morning because God says we should. While at first there might be a little bit of bitterness at that thought...the thought that God can just say "phfft" and not let us wake up the next morning, once we progress to a deeper trust in God we see though that God chooses to sustain our lives! It is because of Him that we breathe. It is because of Him we see the dawn...and He does not have to be that gracious to us!
On the other note, we are told to not fear. I'm not sure how many times that phrase is in the Bible but I know it's in there a lot! Don't fear! God's got this! What are you worried for? No matter what the situation, fear should not be our response.
We are able to call upon God to strike down our enemies. I think we either forget that, or we are afraid to use that now days. I guess it's not nice and loving to ask God to strike down our enemies. I can honestly say I've never asked for that...I've always asked for more love, more patience, greater understanding. I wonder what would happen if I asked God to simply strike down the enemy? I wonder what would happen if more people remembered we are allowed to do that, and began asking God to strike down the enemy. This Psalm doesn't ask for God to kill them...but to deliever a crushing blow-something they won't forget. This is a strike that may remind people God is! How cool is that?
Yes, I like this Psalm. "May your blessing be on your people."
As I read the first 2 verses, I think to myself how times have simply not changed. There are still those who do not believe in God. There are still those who would hate those who do believe in God. There are still those who sit back to watch and see if "their God" will save us. The method may be a little different, what with Facebook, cell phones, and news media...but the mentality has not changed. I find that sad, especially here in America where we are supposed to be tolerant of one another. Yes, I find it sad.
The next two verses, however, tell us that not only will He shield us but he will give us glory. I guess each person has a different vision of glory, and that's fine, but God promises that if we follow His path He will bestow glory upon us.
We are reminded that our breath, our life, our ability to wake up in the morning, is due to the good grace of God. We get up every morning because God says we should. While at first there might be a little bit of bitterness at that thought...the thought that God can just say "phfft" and not let us wake up the next morning, once we progress to a deeper trust in God we see though that God chooses to sustain our lives! It is because of Him that we breathe. It is because of Him we see the dawn...and He does not have to be that gracious to us!
On the other note, we are told to not fear. I'm not sure how many times that phrase is in the Bible but I know it's in there a lot! Don't fear! God's got this! What are you worried for? No matter what the situation, fear should not be our response.
We are able to call upon God to strike down our enemies. I think we either forget that, or we are afraid to use that now days. I guess it's not nice and loving to ask God to strike down our enemies. I can honestly say I've never asked for that...I've always asked for more love, more patience, greater understanding. I wonder what would happen if I asked God to simply strike down the enemy? I wonder what would happen if more people remembered we are allowed to do that, and began asking God to strike down the enemy. This Psalm doesn't ask for God to kill them...but to deliever a crushing blow-something they won't forget. This is a strike that may remind people God is! How cool is that?
Yes, I like this Psalm. "May your blessing be on your people."
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Holiday Spirit
My husband told me yesterday that every year I tell him I'm just not in the holiday spirit. And usually every year, that really bothers me. I can't seem to find the cheer and hyped up hyper that seems to be part of this season. My mentality towards people doesn't seem to change and I just really don't have this huge adjustment in my life during this time of the year.
Oh, sure...we share dinner and maybe a good chunk of our day with people that are mostly strangers. So far I haven't given anyone food poisoning...I'm pretty proud of that! I make and bake more cookies that should be humanly possible. I buy gifts and wrap them up in pretty paper and put them under a tree. I tell my kids the story of the birth of Jesus, again, and bake a cake for His birthday.
Other than that...life stays the same. Apparently not for many others. Shelters, hospitals, charities get massive donations at Christmas time. People start giving. Churches get crowded. Good will towards all men is the theme of the day. Kids have parties in school and dress in red and green for cute holiday concerts. Families have huge get togethers. Life is more genial and loving all around.
Sure, people are still homeless. People still get sick and laid off and have bad days. Wars still go on. Prisons still have prisoners. But for some reason, there is something extra happy about this time of year and I can't seem to find it.
You see, I think the story of the birth and death of Christ should be told all the time. I think we should donate all the time. I think we should have good will towards men all the time. I think we should help others all the time. I think we should randomly bake cookies for someone...you guessed it...all the time!
Why should our lives do such a huge about face in this season? Why should we have a "holiday spirit" and not an "all the time spirit"?
If you are a person of faith, I can tell you that no where in the Bible does it say rejoice more during a certain time of the year than others. No where does it say give more during the winter than during the summer. No where does it say kindness is conditional on the calendar.
Maybe that's why I can't find my holiday spirit...maybe I manage to keep it all year round. Ok, that's bragging and simply not true! But I do try...and I think we all should too.
I challenge you...give like you do during the holidays all year round. Have that same compassion in the summer as you do in winter. Love all year and love well! I think our world would change if we held the whole year as a time of joy and celebration, instead of just a couple of months. Let us remember each day, each life, each moment is precious...no matter where, when or how we find ourselves!
Oh, sure...we share dinner and maybe a good chunk of our day with people that are mostly strangers. So far I haven't given anyone food poisoning...I'm pretty proud of that! I make and bake more cookies that should be humanly possible. I buy gifts and wrap them up in pretty paper and put them under a tree. I tell my kids the story of the birth of Jesus, again, and bake a cake for His birthday.
Other than that...life stays the same. Apparently not for many others. Shelters, hospitals, charities get massive donations at Christmas time. People start giving. Churches get crowded. Good will towards all men is the theme of the day. Kids have parties in school and dress in red and green for cute holiday concerts. Families have huge get togethers. Life is more genial and loving all around.
Sure, people are still homeless. People still get sick and laid off and have bad days. Wars still go on. Prisons still have prisoners. But for some reason, there is something extra happy about this time of year and I can't seem to find it.
You see, I think the story of the birth and death of Christ should be told all the time. I think we should donate all the time. I think we should have good will towards men all the time. I think we should help others all the time. I think we should randomly bake cookies for someone...you guessed it...all the time!
Why should our lives do such a huge about face in this season? Why should we have a "holiday spirit" and not an "all the time spirit"?
If you are a person of faith, I can tell you that no where in the Bible does it say rejoice more during a certain time of the year than others. No where does it say give more during the winter than during the summer. No where does it say kindness is conditional on the calendar.
Maybe that's why I can't find my holiday spirit...maybe I manage to keep it all year round. Ok, that's bragging and simply not true! But I do try...and I think we all should too.
I challenge you...give like you do during the holidays all year round. Have that same compassion in the summer as you do in winter. Love all year and love well! I think our world would change if we held the whole year as a time of joy and celebration, instead of just a couple of months. Let us remember each day, each life, each moment is precious...no matter where, when or how we find ourselves!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Leadership Psalm...Psalm 2
This Psalm makes me uneasy. I'm not sure if it is supposed to, and I'm not sure if it is supposed to bring me comfort. These 12 verses almost feel like a "nener-nener" kind of story.
I feel conflicted about this Psalm, and maybe that's a sign that I've fallen off the track. Maybe I need to get to the root of my unease. I just don't like the idea of poking our world leaders in the eye with the knowledge that God is laughing at them. At the same time I don't like the idea that world leaders are spitting on my God. (or trying to) I'm not sure what the right answer is here.
Why do the nations conspire against God? I think it's base human nature. One of the hardest things about Christianity is the knowledge that you are not the greatest, that you are not in charge and that you have to take orders from someone else. Being humble, being a servant, being less is not popular in any timeframe in human history. And I think sometimes, those in power forget where they came from. That saying about power...Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely...is true. It takes true power and courage to submit to a higher authority.
Verses 8 and 9 make me uneasy too...maybe it's because I really don't have anyone set against me. Maybe because I'm not in bondage to a government or people. I'm going to be honest though, I don't want to own nations...I don't want to own the earth. I don't want to shatter those who are my enemy (or could be my enemy). These verses are violent and I'm not sure I'm supposed to be happy about this. There is a kind of glee in these verses and it makes me uneasy.
Verses 10-12 are largely ignored by the majority of earthly leaders. Especially here in the US. I think we have forgotten that He has wrath, I think we have forgotten the He can destroy us in a blink. I think we have forgotten that we are not the greatest! It's rare to see a humble leader...namely because humble is no longer something that is looked at with desire.
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. That's my favorite and only comfortable part of this Psalm for me.
I feel conflicted about this Psalm, and maybe that's a sign that I've fallen off the track. Maybe I need to get to the root of my unease. I just don't like the idea of poking our world leaders in the eye with the knowledge that God is laughing at them. At the same time I don't like the idea that world leaders are spitting on my God. (or trying to) I'm not sure what the right answer is here.
Why do the nations conspire against God? I think it's base human nature. One of the hardest things about Christianity is the knowledge that you are not the greatest, that you are not in charge and that you have to take orders from someone else. Being humble, being a servant, being less is not popular in any timeframe in human history. And I think sometimes, those in power forget where they came from. That saying about power...Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely...is true. It takes true power and courage to submit to a higher authority.
Verses 8 and 9 make me uneasy too...maybe it's because I really don't have anyone set against me. Maybe because I'm not in bondage to a government or people. I'm going to be honest though, I don't want to own nations...I don't want to own the earth. I don't want to shatter those who are my enemy (or could be my enemy). These verses are violent and I'm not sure I'm supposed to be happy about this. There is a kind of glee in these verses and it makes me uneasy.
Verses 10-12 are largely ignored by the majority of earthly leaders. Especially here in the US. I think we have forgotten that He has wrath, I think we have forgotten the He can destroy us in a blink. I think we have forgotten that we are not the greatest! It's rare to see a humble leader...namely because humble is no longer something that is looked at with desire.
Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. That's my favorite and only comfortable part of this Psalm for me.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Getting started with the Psalms
I've decided a way to dive back into my Bible is to keep a journal of what I read about and what I think of each section. I've decided to start with the Psalms, simply because they aren't my favorite and people seem to think I'm weird for not liking them. Maybe I am weird...guess we'll find out together.
Psalm 1
This Psalm is short, only 6 verses, yet it manages to cram a whole lot into it. It seems to tell me that I should not seek council from those who are not Godly. In other words, don't ask advice from people who don't share your faith. Makes sense, after all people who walk on a different path are not going to see things from a Godly perspective. Why would we seek council from those who don't share our faith?
The part about standing the way of sinners...I'm not sure if that means we should not stand around with sinners...in other words, actively associate with them, or if it means we should not stand in their way. I can't imagine that's what it would mean, unless we are talking about those who sin, know it and want to. There are those we simply cannot stop from sinning...maybe we are supposed to stay out of their way.
It tells us that when we are solid in God's word that we stand solid. We don't have to worry about being wishy-washy or indecisive. We can hold firm to the knowledge that God is guiding us and we won't be tossed about on the whims of fashion, popular opinion, or current day fads. What a relief! Keeping up with all that is tough! Being a child of God, holding fast to just His laws is enough to keep me steady and grounded.
Finally, it shows that in the end, those who choose to walk away from God, those who do not believe will not be able to judge me. Their opinions don't count. It is only God who will judge me, and He is fair and just. He is not held to the whims of human nature, nor is He fickle or forgetful of His promises. It's a relief to know the standard by which I will be judged, and even more of a relief to know I am already forgiven when I accepted Christ as my Savior.
See...I had to write all that it what it took a Godly man only 6 verses!
Psalm 1
This Psalm is short, only 6 verses, yet it manages to cram a whole lot into it. It seems to tell me that I should not seek council from those who are not Godly. In other words, don't ask advice from people who don't share your faith. Makes sense, after all people who walk on a different path are not going to see things from a Godly perspective. Why would we seek council from those who don't share our faith?
The part about standing the way of sinners...I'm not sure if that means we should not stand around with sinners...in other words, actively associate with them, or if it means we should not stand in their way. I can't imagine that's what it would mean, unless we are talking about those who sin, know it and want to. There are those we simply cannot stop from sinning...maybe we are supposed to stay out of their way.
It tells us that when we are solid in God's word that we stand solid. We don't have to worry about being wishy-washy or indecisive. We can hold firm to the knowledge that God is guiding us and we won't be tossed about on the whims of fashion, popular opinion, or current day fads. What a relief! Keeping up with all that is tough! Being a child of God, holding fast to just His laws is enough to keep me steady and grounded.
Finally, it shows that in the end, those who choose to walk away from God, those who do not believe will not be able to judge me. Their opinions don't count. It is only God who will judge me, and He is fair and just. He is not held to the whims of human nature, nor is He fickle or forgetful of His promises. It's a relief to know the standard by which I will be judged, and even more of a relief to know I am already forgiven when I accepted Christ as my Savior.
See...I had to write all that it what it took a Godly man only 6 verses!
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