Faithful Week by Mrs. C., Guest Blogger

By Shelly Johns | Published: February 8, 2010

Faithful Week by Mrs. C, guest blogger

Each year, the week during Valentines, my husband and I celebrate what we call “Faithful Week.” During that week, we read together through the book of Hosea and celebrate our faithfulness to one another, as well as God’s faithfulness to us. 

Today, I was reading from Chapter 2 of Hosea. Verse thirteen says:

“And I will punish her for the feast day of the days the Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her rings and jewelry and went after lovers and forgot me, declares the Lord.”

The words “forgot me” dwelled in my mind.  How many times have I forgot about the Lord.  How many times have I been unfaithful to him with my thoughts of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, or just choosing to harbor sin in my life?  When I choose to harbor sin (even the junk we hide and maybe no one see’s) it is like I forget Him.  He wants all of us, all of our thoughts, all of our mind and all of our heart.  He just dosen’t want this portion of our life and not the other.  No, He wants it all.

In the same chapter, the last few verses focus on the Lord’s mercy.  He also speaks about how He will rename his people from “No Mercy” to “Mercy” and “Not My People” to “You are My People”.  His mercy is amazing and that amazing mercy is poured over us as daughters of the King.  When we are unfaithful and disobedient daughters, His mercy and embrace covers over us. 

So return to Him, all who have “forgot Him”.  He is waiting and longing for His Daughter to return.  He is totally in Love with YOU!!

Be Encouraged!

Mrs. C., Kentucky

NOTE:  “Mrs. C” is the pen name of this guest blogger.  She lives in Kentucky.

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Y2K + 10

By Donna Coffey | Published: February 4, 2010

2010…a brand new decade is underway!  It seems like just last year we were caught up in the turn of the century Y2K frenzy.  There were fears and trepidations about computer glitches, power failures, and even the end of time as the clocks turned from 1999 to 2000.  And now here we are at the beginnings of a new decade.  Ten years have come and gone…and it gives me pause and causes me to reflect on those quickly gone ten years of my life.

Ten years ago, I was still teaching sixth graders, my twin daughters had just turned 20, and my son was still in high school.  So much has happened in their lives and mine, and it has gone so very quickly!

But the major consideration as I think about the last ten years is:  What have I accomplished in service for my Lord during that time?  God has blessed me with the opportunity to meet wonderful ladies, learn more about women’s ministry, share with others, and write for and lead women.  He has allowed me to pursue the passion He placed in my heart many years ago.  So, yes, I have been able to serve in some capacity, but I realize it has not been enough.  Ten years worth of my “works” would not stack up very highly.

As we begin this new decade, I hope you will join with me to reflect on your life over the past ten years.  What have you accomplished for the Lord?  What have you left undone?  How have you used your spiritual gifts?

Let’s not get bogged down in our failures and shortcomings, but let’s look to this new decade as a fresh start, a time to purposely serve our Saviour and fulfill His calling on our lives.

Dear Lord,  as we live this new year and new decade of our lives, we ask forYour blessings and Your guidance.  Help us to accomplish the work  You have for us as we realize the urgency to not let more time pass quickly by, but to be about Your business.  We thank You and love You.  Amen.

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Marriage 101 session 1

By Aundie Starks | Published: January 28, 2010

I do a lot of marriage counseling and thought I would take this time to share some ideas that I have found helpful.  Being a new year it seems a good time to start fresh in your marriage as well.

One of the first things I do when meeting with a couple is find out how their finances are set up.  This gives me a good perspective on how the dynamics of the relationship is.  Finances are usually done one of three ways: separate accounts, one person doing the bills, or both sharing  in the bills.

First let us talk about having separate accounts.  For some this might work, or seem to work for awhile, but in the long run I find this sets up the marriage for conflicts.  The Bible says that when  two people marry they are to become one (Mark 10:8).   Being one flesh means that all you have becomes your husbands as well.  We share our hearts, our bodies, our homes, our children…but not our finances?  Having two accounts separates the couple.  Even though you may pull your money to pay bills, it is still your money and his money instead of our money.

I have seen so many couples that talk about money and use the phrase “my money”.   This already shows the division of the marriage.  One account makes it “our” money-one flesh!

Even if there is one account I see the next problem in a couple’s finance, one person in charge.  That is when one spouse is in complete control of the account.  They pay the bills, handle the money, set up the budget, etc. and the other spouse has no idea of what goes on.  This is a power play.  Once again you are one flesh, not one over the other.  If one has to go and ask for money from the controlling spouse then you see a subordinate relationship.  One extolling power and the other feeling inferior.

The best way that I see in working the finances is to do it as a couple.  While one person can be the bill payer, the other spouse knows what is going on with the budget.  Hopefully the two sit down and set up the family budget together.  The couple has one account and they feel equal in the financial relationship.  Even if one spouse does not work, taking the time to go over everything together makes them feel as though they have a say in how things are paid so it becomes “their” money and not the working spouse’s money.

I hope however you decide to do your family finances you let God lead you and your spouse.

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2010 is my year to WIN!!!

By Aundie Starks | Published: January 22, 2010

“2010 is my year to win” has become my motto for the year.  Win what you may ask, a car? Money? A trip? Nope! It is my year to win back my life!!  Yep, my life!  You see over the years many different things have come along and taken me in directions and paths that have sometimes left “me” out.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my life! Really I do, but…there are some things I would like to change.

I would like to be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend…Christian.  Sometimes I get wrapped up in the every day things and lose focus.

I would like to do more for my church and community.  I would like to achieve some personal goals I have set in my life, maybe finish my Master’s degree.

2010 is also my year to be thin!! Okay, maybe not thin, but thinner!  I would like to finally lose the weight I need to be healthier.

As Christians 2010 should be our year to win souls to Christ! Daily we are given the opportunity to share the Word, if we just will.  That is the thing about winning, you can’t win if you don’t enter the race!  You see my friends, you can’t win souls if we don’t step up to the mark.

The other day I was on Facebook talking to a friend of mine who was going through some troubles.  In the course of the conversation I asked him if he knew Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.  To my surprise he said no.  Over the course of messaging back and forth I shared the gospel with him and now I am happy to say we  have a new brother in Christ!  Who would have thought that could happen on Facebook?

Opportunities abound for us to share this wonderful life giving message to others.  We must look for them and act upon them.  I pray that 2010 will not only be your year to win back things in your life, but most importantly for you to win souls to Christ!!!

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Name Above All Names

By Shelly Johns | Published: December 25, 2009

 

As in years past, I traveled to Maryland for Christmas.  For the past eight years, I have made the trek.  Sometimes via car…other times, via plane. 

This year, I decided to drive so that Koda, my miniature schnauzer, could travel with me instead of boarding her for the duration of my visit with family (17 days).

Since Christmas and vacation time (usually in May or June) are the only occasions that I spend significant time with family, I was looking forward to the atmosphere (i.e. jokes with my brother, girl chats with sis, sharing stories, laughing, etc.).

Spending time with my nephew, Roger, is still one of the highlights. Now I have another nephew, Robert, who arrived on the scene a couple of years ago.

We are still getting to know each other.  Since I see him twice a year, I have to re-introduce myself each time.  This year, it was easier.  (It’s amazing what chasing and tickling a two and 1/2 year old does to “break” the ice.)

Well, one particular day, while chasing and tickling Robert, I heard him call me Auntie….for the first time.  I gasped in shock and immediately wanted to know if someone else had witnessed his little voice call me by the name that he would come to know and hopefully love me.

Later that night, I recalled how sweet his little voice sounded when he reached for me and said, “Auntie.” Sure he will come to know that Auntie Shelly is not perfect, but I want him to know that he is simply loved-no matter what.  After all, family is who knows you best and loves you most. (At least that’s how it is with my family.)

The only thing sweeter would be to see him “reach” for Jesus and call on the Name above all names, coming to know Him as Savior and Lord and coming to love Him. 

Father, thank you for family.  I am truly amazed at the depth of their love for me.  Help me love them as well–especially the newest member of the family.  He is so young and has much to learn.  Lord, in all that he learns, may he gain the understanding of just how much you love him so that he accepts the Name above all names as his Savior and Lord.

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Eyes Wide Open

By Shelly Johns | Published: December 7, 2009

shellyziplining091 Over Thanksgiving break, I zip lined.  Just in case you do not know the term, allow me to provide some background on the concept.

First, according to Wikipedia, other names for zip lining are aerial runway or death slide.  If the names alone don’t shock you, just know that the user is attached to the cable by wearing a harness.  The harness is attached to a removable “clamp.”  You are required to wear a helmet, and gloves would be best.

The cables, on which you are clamped, start at heights over 30 feet and can top out at 130 feet or more.  Huge mats can be used to “cushion” your approach at the end of each stop.  (They work….trust me!)

After a brief orientation, 18 people, which included my sister, her husband, and their 10-year-old son, were driven up the “Green Mile.”  Our guides (comedians by day) asked questions like, “do you have life insurance” or “did you check your helmet for cracks?” One even asked that “we not knock down any of their trees on the way down!”

With my heart pounding in my ears, it was my turn, and I had to let go.  I took a deep breath and zipped off the first platform. I kept my eyes open the entire time because I decided that since I was going to do this it would be with eyes wide open.

What a wonderful experience! I squealed, screamed and laughed all the way down the mountain. (I fought back tears of joy too.  The view was overwhelming, and I just couldn’t take it all in. So the tears were about to roll.)

Although it was a fast ride, God allowed me to view the “world” from a different perspective. “Oh God, I want to experience life with you that way,” I thought.  After all, this was the closest that I had ever been to an eagle’s-wings-experience (Isaiah 40:31).

As I keep in step with the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:25), I know that my perspective will be different.  At times I will squeal and laugh with delight; scream because I am frightened, and yes, there will be tears (of joy and/or pain). 

Nevertheless, faith is the zip line of the Christian faith (at least for me).  As I step out, harnessed in His Word and clamped on the line by the Holy Spirit’s power, I will view life from His perspective—with eyes wide open of course, for I know that I am in for the ride of my life.   

 Father, you will be faithful to complete the work that you’ve begun in your children.  Help us to be faithful to you and your Word so that people can see You in all that we do.  Sure, we will get it wrong often, but may we spur each other on with words that are stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.  Thank you for your love, forgiveness, patience, peace, protection…an endless list of gifts.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A note of correction:  “A Thankful Heart,” November 20th blog post, contained an error.  I referred to Malachi, but the correct reference is Micah.  The verses were correct as listed.   I have already corrected it so that you would see the intended reference.

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A Thankful Heart

By Shelly Johns | Published: November 20, 2009

 Do justly…love mercy…and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).  My father had uttered these words hundreds of times.  So, when my siblings and I wanted to send something special to him a couple of Sundays ago, we agreed Micah 6:8 would be appropriate. 

The sales associate at the store and I finalized the choice of plaques and the message to be engraved.  Then I walked around the Mall, giving her time to complete the engraving on the beautiful flame which rested on a wooden base.

I could hardly wait the week leading to the Sunday that he would be given our gift.  Sunday night, I phoned Mom and got the highlights of their Sunday.  I listened rather impatiently to her chatter on about the day. (I just wanted to hear what he thought about “our” gift.) 

Finally, I said, “well, what did he say about the plaque?”  “Oh, yeah,” she responded.  “He really didn’t understand how the verse connected with anything.  Let me read it to you.” 

A little annoyed with the lack of appreciation that I was hearing through the phone, I said, “well, we each remembered Dad saying those words to us all of the time when it came to how we should live.” 

I heard the rustling of paper, and then I heard Micah 6:11.  What??!!!? I thumbed through my Bible, wondering what in the world was Micah 6:11.  They had engraved the wrong Scripture reference, and I hadn’t even noticed.  I was so enthralled by the beauty of the plaque and how proud Dad would be to receive this gift from the “fruit of his loins.”  (Okay maybe “from” is the wrong word.  I can be a bit dramatic at times.)  Somehow I had overlooked the scriptural reference when I reviewed the plaque following the engraving.   

Thankfully, they were able to take it to a local store and have another engraved free of charge!  The store kept the old one and gave the new one, error free, to my parents. It was as if the mistake had never happened. 

Psalm 103:12 reminds us of what God does with the sins of those in Christ:  “as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”  You see, the east and west can never meet in one point.  It is forever at the same distance from each other.  Our sins and their punishment are likewise removed to an eternal distance because of God’s mercy. (Italics loosely paraphrased basded upon Adam Clarke’s Online Bible Commentary.)

Moreover, it was free for us.  Christ paid it all when He died on the cross!  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).  For those covered by Christ, it’s as though it (the wrong/sin) never happened. 

Dear sisters, this is not a license to sin.  Rather, among others, it is a lesson in thanksgiving.  What better reason to have a thankful heart this season (any season) than for such love bestowed upon us by God? (See 1 John 3:1.) Let’s be so enthralled with His beauty that even the wrongs of others pale in comparison, for “love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

“Father, thank you for first loving us.  May we study and meditate on your word, filling our hearts with your truth.  Then as we go, let others experience your love through our actions and words.”

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The Resting Rabbit by Cheryl Erwin, guest blogger

By Shelly Johns | Published: November 12, 2009

Written by Cheryl Erwin, guest blogger

We conclude this series of articles on “Taking Care of You” based on I Thessalonians 5:23, with a discussion of the role of the Sabbath and rest in keeping the body “sound and blameless.” What did Paul mean when he used the word “sound”?

The Expository Dictionary of Bible Words states that the word sound is based on the Greek word hygiaino. It is a verb found in twelve contexts (within the New Testament) with the sense “to be well, in good health” (i.e. sound). The term is also used adjectivally to refer to that which is trustworthy or accurate. (p.920). Our bodies, minds, and souls need rest in order to be as healthy as possible. God, our Creator rested and commands us to do likewise with the observance of the Sabbath and to keep it holy.

How many of us who are leaders in our churches and in our other worlds are Type A personalities, driven to make a difference and trying to do so in the name of perfection and endless activity? We are thinking unrealistically if we believe that we are like the Energizer bunny that can just keep going and going and going. We can learn a valuable spiritual lesson from one of God’s smallest creatures, a real rabbit.

My husband and I drove back to Kansas over the Fourth of July weekend to see family and to help my Dad finish celebrating his 86th birthday. He is a retired farmer and has always demonstrated an astute observation of and appreciation for the ways of animals. He shared with me that one day earlier this spring, he watched a rabbit in his backyard carry grass in her mouth from near the back porch, hopping some distance to construct a nest under a bush. Back and forth, she went across the backyard, diligently working to make a home for her impending arrivals. Then to Dad’s surprise, he watched her hop under a drainpipe and lay down on her back to rest! In all of his decades of living in the country, he had never seen such a thing. Who knew that rabbits rested on their backs?

What an illustration of God’s desire for us! “There is something deeply spiritual about honoring the limitations of our existence as human beings-physical bodies in a world of time and space. Something about being gracious and accepting and gentle with ourselves at least once a week enables us to be more gracious and accepting and gentle with others. After seven days without rest, we are at risk of becoming dangerously tired.” (Barton, Sacred Rhythms, 138-139).

May we seek the Lord’s guidance as how to better observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. May we also come to realize the role of physical, emotional, and mental rest in becoming the healthy people that God desires us to be for our good and His glory.

 This article was written by Cheryl Erwin of Lexington, KY.  To see the other articles written in her series, go to the left-hand menu bar of the crosseyedliving blog–home page; scroll down to “Categories,” and click on “Health and Beauty.”  Her articles are dated April 18, July 23, July 29 and September 21.  Thanks Cheryl!

Special Note:  I have given the blog writters a writing sabatical until the first of the new year.  In the meantime, I will try to post weekly.  The regular schedule of new posts each Sunday or Monday and Thursday will resume the second week of January.  Thanks for your continued interest and support!

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An Everyday Occassion

By Shelly Johns | Published: November 2, 2009

Special occasions are the norm in our society. These occasions can make the difference in the types of food prepared, displayed and served, as well as friends and family invited.  Even our attitudes are often shifted more toward the happy side even if we have to “fake it until we make it” (as one of my friends says).

For example, this Thanksgiving or Christmas may mean pulling the best silver out of storage, using the best china, napkins, decor etc.  Special occasion clothes and shoes are uncovered, borrowed or even purchased at times.

It’s also during these times that special friends and family members join us.  People we only see once a year or every so often appear around the table.

Because work schedules and other time commitments can make it almost impossible for friends and family members who do not live near to come together, we cherish this time. (At some point or the other you will cherish the time.  It just depends on whether it’s one of those Aunts who laughs really loud AND always sits next to you!  This is only an example of course.  Smile.)

Falling into this kind of lifestyle can happen so easily.  Naturally, we don’t want anything to happen to those precious dishes that were passed down or purchased in hopes of passing them to the next generation.

Moreover, certain foods are difficult to prepare or may have a special connection to a particular event only.  Therefore, you get them on those “special occasions.”  It’s only when we allow those special-occasion-thoughts to ooze over into our spiritual life that we error. 

I know that none of you do this; however, there are “those” people who bring out their Christianity on “special occasions.” In other words, “they” choose not to strive for Godliness daily-only as necessary or when one may want to show her Christianity for some particular purpose.

Our Father calls us to devotion—period.  This attitude should be present at all times.  Ephesians 5:1 admonishes us to imitate God.  This is an everyday occasion admonishment.  Further down in that same chapter, we are instructed to be careful how we live…as wise people instead of foolish (vs. 15).  This is how we “make the most of …opportunities because these are evil days” (vs. 16).

Choose this day who you will serve-every day.  As for me, I have chosen to serve the Lord.  (Oh God, help me cast aside EVERY weight that would hinder!)

Father, serving you should be an everyday desire and occurrence.  Where we fall short-show us.  When we fail-may your Holy Spirit move us to repentance quickly, seeking your forgiveness without delay… In Jesus’ name. Amen

NOTE:  I have given my blog writers a “writing sabbatical.”  November and December will be used for rest, spiritual refreshment and mental renewal.  I will post as my schedule allows during this time (except December 18 through January 8, 2010).  Normal postings (Sunday and Thursdays) will return the second week of January ‘10.  Thanks so much for your prayers and understanding during this brief interruption of your regularly scheduled blog posts.    

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Breast Cancer Awareness

By Shelly Johns | Published: October 19, 2009

About two weeks ago, the Kentucky Woman’s Missionary Union offered pink cupcakes, pink “duckies” and handed out breast examination information to women in our building, encouraging regular examination to reduce breast cancer.  Is it that important?  YES!

According to www.breastcancer.org, statistics on breast cancer include:

  • incidence in women in the United States is 1 in 8 (about 13%).
  •  in 2008, an estimated 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 67,770 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
  • for women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer.
  •  besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women. More than 1 in 4 cancers are breast cancer.

Ladies, all of the news is not bad.  We can be proactive in many ways.  Here are some  things that can lower risks:

  • screening tests (such as yearly mammograms) are given routinely to people who appear to be healthy and are not suspected of having breast cancer. Their purpose is to find breast cancer early, before any symptoms can develop and the cancer usually is easier to treat. Other methods of breast imaging, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are not regularly used for screening purposes. However, they may be helpful for evaluating women at a higher risk for breast cancer, including women with a BRCA mutation and women who received radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.
  • breast self-exam should be part of your monthly health care routine, and you should visit your doctor if you experience breast changes.
  • exercise lowers hormone levels, alters metabolism, and boosts the immune system. Increased physical activity is associated with a decreased risk of developing breast cancer. 
  • diet is also important. Some doctors state that items such as cabbage, broccoli, beans, fatty fish, oat bran and Vitamin D can help prevent breast cancer and cancer in general. 

For more information on breast cancer awareness, prevention, risk factors, etc., get started with www.cancer.net or www.nbcam.org.   Let’s do our best to take care of what God has entrusted to us, which includes our bodies.

There are no fool-proof plans, but we can be found faithful in being good stewards.  Here’s to our health!

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