Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts - American History Series: Movie Review

This is by far my favorite of the Drive Thru History with Dave Stott series.  Put out in 2009, it's been out awhile now, so this may be old hat to you.  After watching it I wanted to show it to everyone, especially in our public schools.  It is the raw truth of American history which undoubtedly includes our godly heritage.  And fun to boot! 

Here is my grade for Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts: American History Series ...

Availability = B+

This may not be in every public library - we found it in our home school library.  It is available through Netflix, and I found it for 10 bucks (+ shipping) on www.half.com.  Interestingly, it is also in book form, on half.com, for under $3 plus shipping.

Information Resource = A+

I can't say enough good about it ... it will not disappoint!  Information, sights, history!

Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+

While Dave may be a bit crazy, this adds to his charm.  His presentation and memory of facts, and his joy and fun contrasted with serious passion, can only be attributed to the fact that he is not only a talented media man, but his heart is in it.  He believes what he is telling us, and is whole-heartedly excited about this country and our heritage.  A few may think he is unprofessional or irreverent.  They may even think his food choices while camping out are scandalous! :)

Quality of Film Production = A+

Wow, this is a great ride!  I'm impressed with the elements that would keep not only a child attentive but us sleepy worn out adults, too. It is encouraging to see quality material out there - thank you!  One might see a bit of "National Treasure" imitation in the music and film elements.  I didn't mind - I enjoyed that movie!  This documentary digs up even more treasure than the movie did.

Spiritual Elements = B

The goal of the film isn't to evangelize.  It is history with just a smattering of opinion thrown in.  But, one can hardly miss the heart for God in our founders.  Loved quotes from William Penn and hearing the first prayer of Congress at Carpenter's Hall by the Reverend Jacob Duche September 7th, 1774:

"Lord our Heavenly Father, High and Mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech thee, on these our American States, who have fled to thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent on Thee, to Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give; take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle! Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst Thy people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. all this we ask In the Name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.

Amen."

"Witnesses record that during the prayer Washington knelt along with Henry, Randolph, Lee, Rutledge and Jay.  The last two were originally the most vocal in opposing the idea of a prayer.  After the prayer a profound silence followed, so deep was the sense of responsibility upon each man present." (http://www.kamglobal.org/Store/FirstPrayerInCongress.htm ... http://www.keepgodinamerica.com/firstprayer.asp)

If you read through that whole prayer, you are dedicated!  As you can see, I can get carried away by this subject ... back to the grading process.

Story Substance = A+

While I consider myself a good student of American history, I learned a lot and wished for more.  Let's say you probably won't be twiddling your thumbs wondering, "When is this thing going to be over?!"  I greatly appreciate the dedicated researchers and filmographers who compiled this fabulous representation of American history!

Review Summary:

Availability = B+

Information Resource = A+

Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+

Quality of Film Production = A+

Spiritual Elements = B

Story Substance = A+

Overall Grade = A

Obstacle to Comfort - George Mueller: Movie Review



As a pre-teen, one biography caught my attention more than the others: George Mueller -man of faith, founder of orphanages, godly example.  Now as an adult, parent, and teacher, this man continues to inspire and challenge my faith.  We had the privilege of watching a video about his life last night.  I highly recommend it.  Excerpt from the website (link found below):

Obstacle to Comfort is a 55-minute video on the life of George Muller of Bristol.  The man became a legend in his own generation.  He was the builder of schools, a supporter of missions and a father to some 10,000 orphans.  The amazing issue of his life does not lie in what he did, but in how he accomplished it.  

 

He refused to inform anybody concerning his needs, mentioning them only to God, in private, on his knees. 

My grade for Obstacle to Comfort ...



Availablilty = C

It may be difficult to track down.  We found ours at our home school assistance program library.  Finding it will be well worth the effort.  I found one used on http://www.amazon.com/ for $2.99.  Huge difference from http://www.half.com/ at over $21.  It wasn't on Netflix.



Information Resource = A+

This video was excellent in describing George Mueller's background, his conversion, the four most influencial people in his life, how he became a man of prayer, why he never wanted a salary, his pioneer work in founding orphanages ... all of this and more upon a clear backdrop describing the current events of his day.  I especially appreciated hearing statistics relating what happened to the orphans under his care after they grew up.



Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+

It is hosted by an older gentleman who clearly loves this man who has greatly impacted his life and ministry.  His hands tremble, so he moves them a lot, but I didn't find it too distracting.  On the contrary, I was touched that he was determined to make the film regardless of physical issues.



Quality of Film Production = B- 

Not terrible for a low budget 15 year old film, but it is slow compared to modern flashy media.  Not a big deal.



Spiritual Elements = A

This story is a testament to God's grace before salvation, at salvation, and beyond.  There is no possible way that all the answers to prayers and amazing provision were merely coincidence.  Clearly God worked in and through this humble man.  I learned that during the blitz of WWII, when Hitler caused numerous deadly attacks on London, many bombs fell around the Mueller campus.  And people would run to the buildings of Mr. Mueller's orphanage instead of to storm shelters.  When asked why they would take that risk, they replied, "We know God is here."  None of the orphan houses, schools or offices were ever harmed.



Story Substance = A+

This true story of faith was illuminated by numerous photos and location visits.  I was moved by seeing faces of the children he helped, the orphanages and schools built through prayer, and photos of the man himself.  Dr. Connolly takes viewers to visit a man still connected to the Mueller organization, who lovingly untucks Pastor Mueller's personal record books from a safe, showing us his very first book, introducing us to his first orphan.  First of thousands.



Review Summary:

Availability = C

Information Resource = A+

Knowledge and Sincerity of Host = A+

Quality of Film Production = B- 

Spiritual Elements = A

Story Substance = A+



Overall Grade = A-



http://prayerfoundation.org/movies/movie_review_obstacle_to_comfort_george_muller.htm

20 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs

It's here!  It's officially the season  of the Winter Blahs.  We're talkin' tired!  Where did my energy go?  Perhaps it had enough sense to head south to warmer vistas.  Sadly depleated enthusiasm - I think I'm a candidate for an enthusiasm transplant or transfusion ... fusion ... which reminds me, I think one of the answers might be to head over to Corn Fusion, the fun store at the mall which sells White Cheddar Popcorn (spoken in hushed tones), plus a multitude of other snacky delights.  I'm seriously considering it. In fact, I just might invite all my local friends to join me there for a Winter Blahs Party! 



So how do we combat the battle of the blah?  Believe me, I'm making this list for myself first, and if you happen to benefit, fabulous!  Just so you know, these are not listed in order of importance ...

Winter Blahs Prescription

Choose two and call me in the morning.

1.  Eat right.  This is so hard for me ... it takes planning.  My favorite way of eating to feel good is to  vamp up the fiber by eating more fruits and veggies, whole grains and beans, almost completely eliminate sugar, keeping my calories at 1,600 daily, have healthy snacks ready to grab (gotta love those snack sized ziplock bags), and eat two 41 calorie Dove dark chocolate pieces every day.  :)



2.  Take Vitamin D - Our body isn't getting enough sun, so choose foods and OJ that have D, and/or get a reliable supplement.  I like Standard Processing and Garden of Life products.  Add in some B vitamins as well.  I found a liquid form at the health store I put under my tongue every day.  It makes a difference!



3.  Drink more water. It's extra dry, so we can become dehydrated easily.  To see if you're dehydrated, poke your fingernail into the tip of a finger.  If it stays with a dent for too long, without bouncing back, you are most likely dehydrating. 



4.  Take time to breathe.  More oxygen will help me feel better and more energetic.  I also recently learned, from the Oxycise! program, that we expel fat through our carbon dioxide.  Hallelujuh!  I can lose weight simply by breathing!  Breathe in through your nose and out your mouth as if through a straw.



5.  Lower expectations.  Keep the list reasonable, and beware of trying too intently to impress or please others.  We aren't the only ones struggling, so we should also lower our expectations of other people as well.



6.  Call a friend.  It's amazing what this can do for us!  A chat over the phone or a get-together at the coffee shop can be the best therapy.



7.  Don't take self or others too seriously.  At this time I can just about fall off the cart with my wacky emotions.  Take one day, one hour at a time. 



8.  Ask for help.  It's embarrassing to admit that we can't "do it all"!  But, it's true.  We need to tell people if we need help - it will probably lead to a deeper and more meaningful friendship.  Buy frozen pizzas on sale to have on hand.  I thank God for frozen pizza (self, see #1).



9.  Pray!  Of course we need to pray, but we probably need it even more now.  I don't mean getting up at 3:30 a.m. and kneeling by our bed for 3.75 hours.  I mean talking to God about everything throughout the day. 



10.  Remember God.  That means we read His Word and think about it through our daily tasks. Is God the same every season? Yes! He is the same every season of the year, as well as every season of life! God is faithful no matter our circumstances.



11.  Shake it up.  Do something different!  Go to a new store or restaurant.  Cheer up a friend by kidnapping them for an hour or two.  Surprise your family one morning with Chocolate Cheerios (I personally crave the Honey Nut Cheerios with chocolate milk!).  Try a new hairstyle.  Rent a Corvette (well, maybe that's going a bit too far).



12.  Keep going to church.  We need the fellowship, we need teaching from the Word.  If you've been gone for long, it's time to go back!



13.  Journal.  Sometimes it really helps to write it all out.  I love writing out my prayers to God.  It helps me focus and even get a better understanding of my heart.



14.  Dream.  What are some of your hopes and dreams?  You may already have the husband, the house, the children, and are too tired to daydream.  If you're like me, you're just hoping for a good night sleep with pleasant dreams!  Have some room in your schedule to plan things to look forward to: a play, a concert, a communitee cooking class, ask a friend to teach you how to knit, plan a dinner party (it can be potluck!), etc.  Subscribe to a magazine that features a current interest.  Begin planning (and planting seeds inside) for your garden and think ahead to those fresh spring smells.



15.  Reach out.  Think of someone who is worse off than you - shut in, someone alone, anyone who is needy physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc.  Send an email, call, visit, meet for coffee, take your kids so you teach them to think of others, or go just yourself so you can talk "girl talk" more easily.



16.  Rest.  This means to take a breather.  I should probably be napping right now, but writing is up there with eating or breathing, so it is restful for me.  Rest to you might be baking, walking, listening to music, exercising, going somewhere quiet, extra Bible time, taking a bubble bath, or shopping. 



17.  Get moving.  I hate the "E" word, so I prefer to say, "I'm going to go jubilate for 30 minutes."  This makes me feel better, preparing me for more restful sleep and keeping my emotions in better control.



18.  Tie up loose ends.  We're talking about finally writing a note to your aunt, making that dentist appointment, balancing the checkbook, paying the fine, apologizing to your neighbor, keeping your promise to take your son out on a date ... take care of something important, but not necessarily urgent, that is weighing on you.  You won't want to clean out the basement when the weather gets nice, so do it now.



19.  Laugh!  Watch a funny (and clean) movie or old comedy reruns.  Check out Tim Hawkins or Jeff Allen, two of many Christian comedians.



20.  Look around the corner.  It's not going to always be like this.  Spring will come again to our world and to our hearts.



If you are truly depressed you may need to see a medical doctor.  If your condition is easily diagnosed as a case of the Winter Blahs, please pick one or more from the above list and add it to your life.



Remember, you're not alone!  Winter blahs come to everyone everywhere, and can hit at any time of the year. Thankfully, our God never changes, and we can always count on Him to get us through!

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

Don't Stop Praying

This week our theme at Skinner Academy is "Call Me!"  We've had lessons about how to use the phone, reviewing our phone number, and talking a lot about prayer.  It's been super fun and super challenging!  Our memory verse is short and to the point:

"Pray without ceasing."  I Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without stopping!  Don't stop!  Never stop!  Pray all day!  Based on that verse, here are some places the boys and I decided we could and should pray:

• When we wake up in the morning



• Before meals



• After meals



• During meals



• In the van



• At the store



• At a restaurant



• When we have a bad dream



• When we can't sleep



• At the library



• In the bathroom



• Making breakfast/lunch/supper



• Doing laundry



• Before a long trip



• In a boat



• While swimming



• In school



• Sweeping the floor



• At church



• Before we fall asleep at night

We found that the list can get most interesting (and sometimes kindof yucky ... like when we're throwing up)!  But it's true.  God wants to hear from us at all times in all places.  If you're like us, we pray before meals, during our quiet time with God, at church, and when we want something or are in trouble.  Sadly, most of our praying is self-centered and locked into habitual times, not nearly qualifying as praying without stopping.



God knows that we have a hard time focusing on Him; we need to talk to Him all the time so we keep our vision clear and our relationship with Him strong.  We can access Facebook and other social networks 24/7 and most of us have a phone with us at all times.  I wonder.  Does that steal from our intimacy with God?   I know it steals from some of the closeness of some marriages, so it must hurt God as well.



Also, we must not give up praying long-term for prayer requests.  After the diagnosis, accident, request, appointment, lay-off or deployment we must remember to continue to pray!



Challenge:  Take one day and try to put this verse into practice.  Pray all the time, everywhere, without stopping.  I've never done this before to this extent, but I am going to try to do it today.  I'm going to pray for you right now, dear reader.  I hope you have a great praying-through-the-day day!  :)





Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/

Calendar Comfort

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We think we're going to remember, but usually we don't.  It's easy for me to remember December 3rd every year, the day my sister's oldest son was born and lived just one hour.  On that day I email or call my sweet sister to let her know I'm thinking about Ben, remembering his precious life and her loss. Every year on September 4th I get an email from a friend remembering the due date of our baby that died before his birth.  It means a lot to me to know that our Little Jewel is not forgotten.



This Saturday is the 10th anniversary of a dear friend's widowhood.  Ten years ago her husband died of cancer.  Months ago, while we were talking about Alberto, I asked Maria, "When did he die?"  I wrote down the date and added it to my calendar as soon as she left.  Unfortunately I don't always do this with everyone I know, but in this case I now have the privilege of loving my friend by remembering her husband.  She may need some extra encouragement, so I'm going to call her today and see if she would like a visit. 

  

One time when I was unsure whether I should say something to a friend about her loss, another friend recommended, "Always say something."  In most situations we are encouraging people by keeping the memory of their loved one alive.  Sharing God's comfort is always a good thing.



Sometimes it's hard to know what to say and our fear keeps us from reaching out in compassion. A book I found very helpful is When You Don't Know What to Say by Sandy Lynam Clough.  Here is what she suggests:



1.  Spend time.  The ministry of presence: sometimes the pain is too great for words, and someone may simply need us to be there with them.



2.  Say, "I'm so sorry."  Avoid statements like: "She lived a long life." (A life is never long enough for those who are grieving their loss.)  "God must have needed him in heaven."  "There was probably something wrong with your baby, so God just took him." "You can have another baby."  "At least you have your other children." A safe caring thing to say is a heartfelt, "I'm so sorry."



3.  Don't feel like you must try to solve their problem.  "Because we serve the One who is the Solution and the Answer, those of us who are Christians tend to feel that we are obligated to bring a solution or an answer to every problem and difficult situation."  We often feel helpless, but the person grieving understands this.  Just go to her and talk, send an email or spend time with her.  She just needs you.



4.  Listen. If it seems appropriate, you can ask a question such as:



Do you want to tell me what happened?

Are you afraid?

What are your days like?

What concerns you most about the situation?

Are you able to sleep?

How do you want me to pray for you?

Can I give you a hug?

.

5.  Offer help.  Ask if you can watch her children to give her a break.  Offer to bring a meal.  See if making some phone calls for her might meet a need.  Offer to pick up something at the store while you're out.



6.  Surrender.   When friends are in crisis it can bring fear into our own hearts.  Ask God to help you to surrender the future to His loving care, trusting He will take you through anything.  Only His love can make life peaceful.



7.  You're My Hero!   Tell her how her way of handling the situation is an inspiration to you.  When we went through our son's broken leg and false accusations leading to a DHS investigation, it comforted me when a friend said, "You are doing a good job, Sara.  Keep it up, this won't last forever." 



8.  Pray!  Most importantly, pray for your friend and offer to pray with them.  Some people feel uncomfortable with this, but most people like it when a friend offers to pray for and/or with them.  This can be done in person or over the phone.  You can even write a prayer on a card.  It is meaningful when a person who cannot even identify with your kind of loss takes time to cry and pray with you.  I know.



I hope some of these wonderful ideas help you comfort others.  Check out Sandy's book for more practical hints.  Not long ago I ran across an obituary of a girl I grew up with who died in a car accident several years ago. I am writing it down - the end of the summer I'm going to send her mom a note of remembrance. Although she knows she will see Sarah again someday, the grief of her loss never ends.



If you have a friend who has recently experienced loss or is approaching a painful anniversary, take a few moments to let them know you care.  Think back to when a friend comforted you and when God comforted you through a trial.  Now you have the opportunity to minister.

Popcorn Mania

On Monday night a friend and I met for our Christmas celebration.  We always wait until January and combine it with our "We Survived the Holidays" party.  She introduced me to a fabulous shop in our mall called Corn Fusion.  We burned off a few calories walking the mall before tasting samples from their approximately 50 choices.  I tried strawberry cheesecake, s'mores, loaded baked potato, and white cheddar.  DELICIOUS!  I told the lady I would be back, and I'm spreading the word amongst my local friends.



Since I can't go to the mall very often, I went hunting for some popcorn recipes to tide me over.  I feel like I hit a snack goldmine ...



"White Cheddar" Popcorn:

http://robinsonhomesweethome.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/homemade-white-cheddar-popcorn/



301 Flavored Popcorn Recipes:

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/cat/764/



Enjoy!

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images

Cherish Today

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

We've all heard catchy little phrases like, "Enjoy today - it's a gift.  That's why it's called the present!" (source unknown).  Each day we get a little older, and hopefully wiser, as we continually open up and share the gift of life we've been given. 

In 2012 I am scheduled to turn 40.  This month my sister will become a gorgeous 50, and later in the year, my mom a beautiful 80.  We've talked about how we should celebrate: dinner out, a Caribbean cruise, a trip to Hawaii ... it's fun to dream!  We really should celebrate the gift of life and our good God who gave it to us.

I admit it.  I'm struggling a bit with turning 40.  It sounds old, and I don't want to be old.  Well, I do want to be mature in wisdom and experience ... but physically, give me back my 20s!  I was telling a friend the other day that the best thing about growing older is looking back at how God has worked through circumstances for good ... Romans 8:28 is really true.  Not that I doubted it, but it's a blessing to see it ring true in real life.  God is faithful!  God loves me!  God has a plan for me!

Lately I've spent time with someone who has the habit of wishing she were somewhere else.  When it's almost the holidays, she can't wait for a break.  When she gets there, she seems miserable, longing to get back to normal.  At our house we call this being an Eeyore.  Well, I gave this friend a pretty little sign for Christmas that says, "Cherish today."  I was astounded when she asked me, "Why should I cherish today?  Why shouldn't I look forward to the future?" 

Missionary to Ecuador and martyr Jim Elliot said, "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”  Jim's insight challenges me to cherish today and my God-given mission.  Instead, I often find myself whining quietly or out loud about my circumstances.  It is usually when I hear about trials other people are going through that I stop complaining and start thanking.

God treasures our thankfulness.  At times life is so hard, and God knows that it can take a tremendous amount of effort to say, "Thank you."  Sometimes in our pain we can ask God, "Please help me to be thankful for what You are allowing in my life."  After all Christ has done for us, we can make the sacrifice of joy, and with determination, "I will ... I will..." praise Him.

"And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD."  Psalm 27:6

In Luke 12 we read about a man who had laid up for years to take his ease in retirement.  Just as he was preparing to party, God told him he had reached the end of his days and he'd better prepare to die. What catches my attention is the end of verse 21:

"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ 'So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'" (italics mine)

I want to cherish today, and the only way I can do that is to live "rich toward God."  As I spend time with God in His Word and talk to Him in reliance throughout my day, I will have the correct focus.  And even when I don't feel like I have the strength to turn to God, He will hear my cry and come to my aid.  And yes, we as God's children have a lot to look forward to!  One day there will be no more tears, no more pain, no more aging, no more sin, and no more death.  God has given us a mission and a future - what a privilege.  Forty?  Bring it on!

 

More verses about contentment...

Let your conduct be without covetousness; and be content with what you have: for He has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. – Hebrews 13:5



A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge: but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of Yahweh than great treasure with trouble. – Proverbs 15:13-16



A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy is rottenness to the bones. – Proverbs 14:30



But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. – 1Timothy 6:6-7



Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am in to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13





Suggested reading: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp





Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/?CTT=97

Chocolaty Choices

One chilly winter morning during college, my slightly dramatic single friend Wendy approached me with a sheepish grin:  “Last night I snuggled up in front of a cozy fireplace with a tall, dark, and handsome (gulp?) ........... mug of hot chocolate!"



My guess is that right now some my single friends are dreaming of someone to snuggle with in front of a fire, and a few married friends are longing for their husbands to take time to build a cozy fire, without being asked, inviting them to share some hot cocoa with them (minus the children).  To clarify misleading lies touting unending bliss - being married, even to a growing Christian, is a huge challenge (ask my husband!).  But, there are some parts which are quite lovely... 



Tim knows I love a fire in the fireplace, but he wants to keep firewood for emergencies and doesn't enjoy making fires, so it's a rare occurance.  On New Year's Eve he brightened my night by building a fire!  After company left and the children were in bed, we sat in front of the fire sipping hot cocoa.  My tired, hardworking husband stayed awake long enough to hear me say, “This is a dream come true.  How about for you?” “I suppose it is,” he thoughtfully commented, no doubt reflecting back to his lonely single years, again giving thanks to God for me.  I knew he was happy to be with me, as I was with him.  And we shared the unspoken confidence that no matter what happens in 2012, God will help us face it together.



To Resolve or Not Resolve?

There is the intriguing matter of "New Year's Resolutions," which is always a curious little option for small talk at holiday gatherings.  When asked at a New Year's Eve party, one of our friends declared that in 2012 he was resolved to get a second home in Tahiti.  With an equally vivid imagination, I eagerly inquired, "Will it be all right if we visit you?"  Terrific!  I already had my dream vacation planned for the year.



As January 1st approached, I had to deal with the serious business of whether or not I should make a resolution for myself.  My first choice: "I resolve to eat chocolate every day of 2012."  Yes!  That is one I can keep.  It might be tough, but I was willing to take the risk. 



Then I thought, maybe I should pray about this.  I don't mean to become "holier-than-thou" on you.  But, if I am going to commit to something, on the first day of the year or any day, I'd better ask my Leader, God Himself, for His opinion on the matter.  Actually, God's Word has instruction we need to consider regarding making promises and vows (see Deuteronomy 23:21 and James 5:12).  God takes our words seriously.  So should we.



One Word

A couple weeks ago I was challenged by the article "My Spiritual Vocabulary" by Debbie Macomber (Guideposts, January 2012).  Online her article goes by a different title, "Choosing Words to Live By," as adapted from her book One Perfect Word:

http://www.guideposts.org/stories-of-faith/choosing-words-to-live-by



Quoting Debbie, "Each year I choose one word to focus on and live by.  These words have comforted me, challenged me and brought me closer to God.  They have changed me."  A fascinating prospect.  Some of her words have been: hunger, trust, brokenness, prayer, and hope.



A year seemed like a long time to focus on one word, so I contemplated having a word for every month.  It would not be a resolution exactly - more like a helpful tool to make my daily schedule more interesting, more focused.



"Spiritual" Chocolate

In December, Ama (my Ghanian daughter/exchange student) and I talked about how we want to grow spiritually in 2012.  We shared areas we need to work on, or rather depend upon God to help us change.  Then came the idea ...  Ama's favorite store-bought cookies are Oreos, so I used that treat to help us remember the essentials of spiritual growth:



O - Off/On (put off the fleshly choices, put on the Spirit of God and abiding fruit)

R - Rely on God

E - Encourage Each Other

O - Overview (accountability)



Ama was delighted!  We've had fun encouraging and challenging each other daily, "So, how is O.R.E.O. going for you today?" 



Thus my word for January was born: OFF (the first "O" in "O.R.E.O.").  I'm afraid Tim thought I was OFF my rocker when I told him about it.  But, as soon as I explained, he seemed to appreciate the plan.  Next month it's going to be ON, then RELY, and maybe for April - June I'll go with GOD, ENCOURAGE and OTHERS. 



My OFFering

Adding this creative element to my life has been refreshing and powerful.  Having the word OFF on my mind daily has helped me when I've wanted to eat too much, found selfish motives taking over, or noticed pride creeping in.  It's also benefited my Bible study, journaling, and prayer time.



In Luke 5 Jesus told Simon Peter to put OFF human perceptions, directing him to re-attempt fishing after a night of failure.   When the men returned with two boats ready to sink due to the colossal intake of fish, they realized Jesus was no mere man.  Simon calls Him "Lord," leaving OFF everything to follow Him in pursuit of a new line of work - fishing for men. 



God is helping me put OFF some physical and spiritual weights... 



"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ..." Hebrews 12:1-2a



God is teaching me to put OFF my fears...



"For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37



I decided not to make any New Year's resolutions this year.  I don't trust myself to keep them perfectly, and for me I think it would be more of a burden than a blessing.  It is, however, my commitment to do my best to keep trusting and obeying the awesome God of my salvation.  My choice to follow Jesus was the most important decision of my life, and it continues on into 2012.  His grace makes it all possible! 



Enough about me ... how about you?  Have you made any resolutions?  God can help you keep them.  Do you need to find a creative idea to refresh your spiritual growth?  I'm praying that your 2012 is getting off to a great start.  Now, if you will please excuse me, I need to sign off and go find some chocolate.

 

Image courtesy of http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/