Women in the Word Wednesdays: Compromise (From the Archives)

I have been fairly busy with meetings and planning for Camp Compass (our VBS), and I have been writing my lesson for my prayer lesson I'm giving at WBS in July.  So, today, you get to read one of my posts from January, 2009.  It uses the story of Lot to illustrate the slow deception of compromise and the repurcussions of falling prey to it.

January 2009

Each year, I follow our church's Read through the Bible in a year schedule, but this year, I am going "high-tech" and following the reading on-line. The advantage to this is that I can leave and read comments regarding the passage. I am spurred on by all the insight people leave regarding a chapter of the Bible I have read before. It is opening my eyes to new application and new ways God is teaching me His truths. If this sounds interesting to you, you can go to http://www.compasschurch.org/ and just click on Daily Bible Reading.

A few days ago, I was doing the daily Bible reading in Genesis 19. This is the story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Poor Lot is definitely not a Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith character. In fact, upon reading I was struck anew with the amount of compromised obedience he displayed to God.

It all begins back in Genesis 13, when Lot selfishly picks the choice Valley of the Jordan as his dwelling when he and Abram separate. Though the land is lush, before the sulfur and fire from heaven fall on it, it is filled with wicked, sinful cities and people--mainly Sodom and Gomorrah. "Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD." (vv. 12-13)

The first compromise of Lot is that he knowingly settles in the most sinful and corrupt area of Sodom. He could have set himself apart in the valley, away from the cities, but, by the time chapter 19 happens, he is out of his tents and living in the midst of the city in a house with his family. This initial decision, that might seem a small compromise, changes the whole course of his and his family's future.

In chapter 19, God mercifully sends two angels, in the form of men, to warn Lot and his family of God's impending destruction of Sodom. We find that Lot still has a moral compass and a sense of right, for, before he knows their mission, he begs the "strangers" to lodge overnight in his home to ensure their safety. Even at this effort, the evil men of the city come to Lot's home to have homosexual relations with the strangers. Though the angels inflict the mob with blindness, they grope for the door of Lot's house to commit their atrocity.

Another example of Lot's compromise is offering his daughters to the mob in the place of the angels, or "strangers". (Genesis 19: 7-8) Though his intentions were noble, his offer was not. Luckily, the angels save Lot and his daughters from this horrible offer and bring Lot to safety in the house before they strike the men outside with blindness.

Because of Lot's earlier compromises, we find his daughters engaged to faithless men who do not believe that God is going to destroy Sodom. Lot has reared his family in the middle of a sinful and corrupt city. His wife has also been affected by the influences around her, and she does not obey the command to flee without looking back--a sign that her heart was bound in the trappings of the sinful city around her and that she did not have a proper fear and understanding of God. As a result, she is made into a pillar of salt, and Lot loses his wife. (v. 26)

Also, we see Lot compromise as he flees Sodom. First, he drags his feet in obedience. The angels urge him and his family to hurry as morning dawns. We are told in verse 16, "But he hesitated." God mercifully forgives his lack of obedience and the angels take them forcibly by the hands and drag them away. Finally, the angels clearly tell him to not settle anywhere in the valley but to flee to the mountains. Lot obeys with conditions. He offers up a little city of Zoar as a possible safe stop. God allows this, again being merciful. However, the chapter goes on to say that after the fire and brimstone wiped out Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was afraid and stayed in the mountains God had commanded at the beginning. It appears that Lot did not have a proper fear and understanding of God's holiness, judgment and power until he witnessed the furious wipeout of his resident cities.

Lot's compromises and choices continue to plague him, as his daughters, not trained in the righteousness of God, fail to trust God's plan and provision and sleep with their own father to further their family line. (vv. 30-38) The resulting progeny, the Moabites and Ammonites, become longstanding enemies of Israel, God's chosen people.

Reading chapter 19 of Genesis gave me pause to think of all the times I obey God with conditions or compromise. Perhaps I submit to my husband only after I throw some "attitude" his way. Maybe I do my quiet time that day, but it comes after I relax, blog, e-mail and place it way down on my priority list. I might tithe or offer a financial gift, but it is given pridefully or, oppositely, with anxiety and withholding. This all brings to mind a quote often given by my pastor, which I use often with Carter. "Delayed obedience is disobedience." This leads me to realize, compromise is really a subtle way of not obeying at all. May I learn from the sad example of Lot and realize that compromise has repurcussions and will affect myself and others when I stray from the will of my Heavenly Father.

Classmate Gifts: Aloha Preschool!

So, I'm in denial this week, but my oldest is done with preschool in 4 days.  Kindergarten here we come!
His sweet teacher is buying each of her 12 students a beach bag and putting in gifts from each child to the other children in the class.  The gifts are supposed to be affordable and summer specific.
I found a great, CHEAP gift idea from two sources--both which I listed on my Friday Favorites lately.

Fakin It gave us a great way to package up Kool Aid packets and straws so classmates could have a "kool" summer.  The week after, Crystal and Company shared some great homemade snow cone syrup recipes.  I loved the one she gave us from Skip to My Lou, because it used Kool aid packets!  Genius!  I combined the two ideas and packaged the gift up in a coordinating tumbler.

First, I found Kool Aid packets for 15 cents each at Target.  Then, I found red, yellow and orange straws at Target.  I couldn't find the cute swirly straws I wanted, but I'll be on the hunt for next year!  I also found four red tumblers for 1 dollar at Target--gotta love the dollar bin.  Then I grabbed some scrapbook paper at Michael's and made a cute class gift.

I didn't have the pattern for the scrapbook paper wrap (mentioned in Fakin It), so I just measured around the Kool Aid packet and cut a window in the paper to see the Kool Aid through.  Then I taped some straws to the inner flap and glued it shut.

On the reverse, I glued the snow cone recipe and a little message for each child in my son's class.  I stuffed each packet into a tumbler and gave them to the teacher to put in each beach bag.  Voila!  Each gift cost me a little over a dollar, and it turned out very cute!

Have a "kool" summer!

Friday Favorites, June 10th, 2011

Howdy, friends!  Another week has flown by--whoooooosh!  This time of year always seems busy due to school ending, graduations, Father's Day, family birthdays and vacation planning.  This July, we are heading up to Mammoth Mountain/June Mountain area for a mini vacation around the 4th of July.  I have family in Bridgeport, CA, where they have a truly traditional 4th of July--greased pig chase, greased pole climbing contest (lots of grease, I guess), a main street parade, bbq, and fireworks.  It is always a ton of fun!  July is busy!  I'm leading the 5th and 6th grade crafts for VBS at my church (about 110 kids at that age level), and I'm teaching on the topic of prayer at Women's Bible Study in July (the week prior to the VBS).  Oh, and we leave for a trip to Ohio for 10 days the day after VBS is over.  No worries--I'm a planner, and I'm starting to prepare for it all now!  God is good, and he'll give me the endurance I need.  Whew!

What fun events are you doing in July?  I'd love to hear!

Okay, let's get started on some fun projects being shared in blogland!  Our theme for most of the posts is "summer", because it is here already!

Very Best Baking shared the idea of cookie cups.  This takes Pazookies (my BJ's friends) to a whole new level!  This is easy--buy the PREMADE chocolate chip cookies that come in dough squares.  Mush two squares together into a muffin cup and bake.  Fill it with your favorite goodies.  Of course I'd choose the ice cream or Rocky Road toppings ideas over the yogurt and fruit.  That is why I am constantly tossing sugar out of my house--I'll eat it. Go read the blog to get the cooking times and to grab the filler ideas.



I have a lot of friends having babies this summer.  My Own Road shared a creative idea--a hospital survival kit to give to new mommies you go visit.  She shared the printables that she used too--so awesome!



Nothing But Country created the CUTEST teacher thank you gift.  She calls it "Thanks a Latte!"  What a clever lady!  I know a teacher can never have too many Starbucks gift cards.  Now that I'm a stay at home mom, I miss having a stash of cards to fund my treats.  She also gives you a printable to use and a cheaper thank you gift for those teachers you might not have had all year, but you want to recognize.



While He Was Napping gave us a few, fun summer activity printables for those road trips you might take or those days when you hear, "I'm Bored!"  I love the pictures on the road trip treasure hunt--my 5 year old will love this on our six to seven hour drive to June Mountain.  Let's just pray my 2 year old naps a lot.  She has several printables for free!  What a nice idea to share!




Remarkable Home also shared a fun summer activity idea.  She premade a board with a summer idea list for her kids.  When they have a free day, they can go see which activities sound fun and do them.  I love the organization and the fact she already brainstormed some great ideas!



B. Cheniful made a knockoff of the CUTEST casual necklace for summer.  It is a REALLY, TRULY easy project and would look cute with any t-shirt, tank or casual sundress.  The best part is, you can choose whatever colors you want for your necklace. 



My ever helpful relative, Amy, sent this ladybug party my way--SOOOOOO cute!  Bee in Our Bonnet shares all the details of this party with us.  If I ever have a girl, I am doing this theme and I am copying all these cute ideas.  Love.



Gluesticks wrote a post with some scrumptious looking berry recipes.  One of the highlights of summer is that berries are in season.  Hmmmmmm.  I can't wait to make one of these recipes!



Speaking of berries, I'll end with a recipe from the ever fabulous Pioneer Woman.  My friend, Erin, shared this recipe on Facebook.  At first I thought that a chicken salad with corn AND blueberries sounded odd, but now I can't stop thinking about it.  I know, I know . . . never doubt the Pioneer Woman.  I have yet to dislike any recipe of hers that I have made.  This is a summer recipe I'm going to make SOON!

Women in the Word Wednesday: Tips for Bible Study

                                         
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Our church believes that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.  It is a perfect handbook He has written for us to live godly lives in this present age.  It is full of warnings, promises, hope and encouragement.  The gospel coats all of scripture--we are sinners, separated from God, in need of a flawless, all powerful Savior to pay the perfect penalty for our sin.  Jesus did this, and we have eternal life and forgiveness of sin when we repent of our sinful lives and trust in Christ's work for us on the cross. 

Knowing the Bible is so important, why would I not consider it a priority to be in it every day? 

More than blogging, reading gossip magazines, catching up on my favorite TV show, the Bible will satisfy and equip me for life.  I need to make Bible study a priority.  Not only should I be reading through the Bible, but I should be STUDYING it and meditating on what I am reading--absorb it in thought and learn from it/apply it.

I know that beginning to practically start a consistent Bible study each day can be overwhelming.  Where do I start?  How do I know what it is saying?

My pastor teaches a great acronymn that helps:  TAN.  TAN stands for "then, always and now."  Take any verse or short excerpt from scripture, and you can apply it to TAN.  He recommends you start with a non-narrative, such as the Pauline epistles.  I Peter or Thessalonians are great books for starting this practice.  Try taking only a verse or two each day and going through the entire book over time!  That is completely doable!

First, look at the verse IN CONTEXT.  Read the verses and chapter around it to see what exactly the verse is saying and addressing.  The opening notes on the book of the Bible will be helpful.  A good study Bible is essential for this step.  You can see if this geographical area or church was struggling with suffering, division, or another trial.   After you look at all this, you can write about what the author/verses were saying to the audience THEN.

The A stands for Always.  Now, what eternal truths can we learn from the passage?  You will take any Biblical truths that are throughout the Bible and are present in this passage.  These are truths that would apply at the time the book was written, apply now to you, and will apply always to Christians on earth.

The N stands for Now.  This is the application stage.  Looking at the eternal truth, how can you apply this into your life today?  Make your goal measurable and specific--not vague and unattainable. 

Let's practice.  I Thessalonians 4:13-14 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (esv)

T:  The then is that many lost people in that society did not believe in an afterlife. Paul did not want the Thessalonian church to be "ignorant" in this area.  People were dying for their faith and suffering for following the teachings of Christ.  Others taught of the end of existence and the hopelessness of death.  Paul was reminding the Thessalonian church that Christ promised to return, and those Christians who have died are with God already (in spirit) and will come again with Christ when He returns.  Their physical bodies will be resurrected when Christ returns, and they will then have new glorified bodies in Heaven.  He wanted to encourage and remind the Thessalonians of the truths of scripture in light of the false teaching around them.

A:  The always is that Christians have eternal life in Christ.  (Christ died for our sin, conquered death and rose again.  Though we may physically face death, we are immediately with God in spirit when we die, and we will , upon Christ's return, receive a glorified body (like Christ received upon his resurrection) that is perfect and not corrupt.)  We are sad when Christians die and leave our immediate presence, but we have the hope and promise of Heaven, which keeps us from despair and hopeless grief.

N:  The now will be what you want to apply in your life.  Here are examples:  "Mary's Christian mother just died.  I will write her a note today and write down these verses to encourage her." OR "I will write a prayer of Thanksgiving to God for the gift of eternal life and the hope of Heaven." OR "I will share the gospel with my unbelieving neighbor this week.  I want him or her to know that death does not need to be a hopeless ending when one is in Christ."

I hope this post gives you encouragement in your Bible study.  I know a lot of us are off from ministry and organized Bible studies for summer break.  Summer is a great time to try this method in your own personal study.  Leave a comment if you have any questions or if you try this and want to share successes or struggles.  It gets easier and easier as you practice this.  Don't give up!  It is worth the effort and personal discipline!

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

These are a great summer meal--light, yet filling, with lots of flavor.  They are adaptable for different types of diets, which makes them even better.

I adapted this from a recipe on Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
Tortilla (we used whole wheat) or large butter lettuce leaves for a low carb wrap
Shredded cheese (lowfat or nonfat if you are doing a low fat diet).
3 chicken breasts grilled and chopped
Hot sauce
Ranch dressing (light if you are doing a low fat diet)
Bacon (optional)
Avocado (optional)--I didn't have any for my tutorial.  Fatal error!  I LOVE avocado.
lettuce for inside wrap
Chopped up tomato for inside wrap

First, heat your tortilla and slightly melt some cheese.  I love to heat my tortillas over my gas stove range, but a microwave will work!

Make the coating (about 1/2 cup total) in which to toss the chicken after it is grilled by stirring ranch and hot sauce together.  If you are dieting, use more of the hot sauce and less of the ranch dressing.  Otherwise, mix to taste.

I crumbled some bacon into the tortilla for my hubby. 

          

Add some shredded lettuce to the inside of the wrap (unless you are wrapping the entire dish in lettuce for a low carb option).

Add the buffalo/ranch coated chicken and a few chopped tomatoes.

          

Wrap it up and enjoy!  The lettuce stems and bacon and give it some crunch and texture, while the heat from the hot sauce nicely compliments the cool ranch dressing.

          

Friday Favorites, June 3rd, 2011

What fun diversions will your family be doing this summer?  My oldest son is extremely in love with water parks.  We did not renew our Disney passes this year, so his affection for roller coasters is on a brief hiatus.  However, we did get Knott's Berry Farm passes, but he can't go on any major roller coasters due to height restrictions.  So, he has decide he will pour his energy into water slides.  The Knott's passes include any Knott's Soak Cities or Cedar Point water parks (when we visit Ohio this summer).  Needless to say, my summer will be a slip sliding adventure.  What new adventures will you be taking?

Here are some great projects to peruse.  Enjoy Friday Favorites!

The Exchange posted about her fool proof self-tanning formula (she combines two different self tanners and promises there will be no more orange tint or streaks).  There are a lot of people who say they use this formula--I'm tempted to try it, but I also have some painful memories of streaked, brown-orange legs.  Okay, friends, take one for the team and let me know if it works! : )



How Sweet it is made the most fun cupcakes!  I love them.  I plan to make some in the near future.  What a fun idea for the 4th of July!



Crystal and Company shares multiple homemade snow cone recipes with us.  I have crushed ice from my fridge, but those premade sno cone syrups are pricey!  Now I have a great, cheaper alternative.  She offers several syrup recipe links--some healthier than others.  When my family has a snow cone, we will probably go whole hog and eat the sugary recipe.  Just sayin.  Remember the Kool Aid class gift with straws from last week's Friday Favorites?  I bought all the materials  last week AND I bought 12 red tumblers for 3 dollars total today at Target.  I am going to include the Kool Aid syrup recipe for snow cones in the gift too--soooo fun and summery!




Watermelon.  Love it.  My family has already enjoyed a few during May.  If you bring watermelon to a party or bbq this summer, you have to try this fun watermelon design found over at the Sun Scholars blog.




My cousin's wife, Amy, sent me the cutest post at The White Library.  It gives you some great examples of chalkboard decals and how to use them.  They are restickable and come in sheets you can cut to any shape you desire.  How fun are the chalkboard planes in the boy's room? 




Just Sweet and Simple is sharing some PDF files of chore charts she has made.  I love both ideas--one is a simple chart you can write upon, and the other is a chart that uses magnet tiles.  She gives you the resources to use either.  So cute!




Okay, party time!  You know theme parties are my favorite!
Sweet Craft Cakes threw her son a Star Wars Party that was A-MAZ-ING!  Plus, her son seriously looks like Luke Skywalker.  You have to look at all the clever names for all the food, the details with the decorations and games and the cute little Jedi uniforms she made.  Like I said--A-MAZ-ING!




Sweet Craft Cakes also designed a spring tea party in paris for a little girl's 5th birthday.  I can't get over the beautiful flowers, the gorgeous girl's dresses and all the details.  Wow!  If you have a little girl who wants a fancy tea party, this is a sweet and precious party idea.




Sweet Rose Studio planned another girl's tea and party, and it was just as amazing.  She is giving away tons of treats from different vendors for little girls, so if you have a young lady in your home, come check out these amazing businesses and the CUTE shirts, jewelry, headbands, aprons, hair wraps, etc. that were shown at this party.  My poor boys--boy stuff just isn't the same . . .



Have a great weekend and I'll "see" you next week!

Women in the Word Wednesday: Thanks List

I Thess 5:18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In earlier years, I read this verse and felt overwhelmed.  I wondered how in the world I could give thanks when someone dies, when a fire burns a home, when a child has cancer, or when an evil act seems to prevail.

This is a mature concept of Christianity, but God is sovereign in ALL things.  He is working it all out for His glory and for our spiritual maturity and growth.  Joseph recognized this fact when he addresses his brothers' sins against him in Genesis 50:20. "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

This is why Christians can have peace even in grief and horrible circumstances.  We have the knowledge that God has allowed this for a specific purpose AND we have the eternal hope of Heaven, where all the pain and sorrow of this sin cursed world (Genesis 3) will be gone. 

God knew that we needed those reminders of His faithfulness, provision and promises in times when we are rejoicing and times when we are struggling through a valley of sorrow or pain.  When we stop to think of God's character and the things for which we are thankful, we set our minds on eternal hopes and the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.

We had a long year of illness at our home.  Many people we know were shocked at how many times we were sick and, especially, for how long it lasted.

 I struggled with discouragement when a fever would spike or another day started and a cough was still around.  However, a tool that helped me tremendously in that struggle was to make a thanks list at the first sign of temptation to sin. 

I would drop the laundry or get up from my bed and go write out the big and little things for which I am thankful.  Since we are entitled to NOTHING, we know that everything, from the bed and home in which I am snuggled and sick, to the medicine I can take to help a high fever is a gift from God.  Before I knew it, my list was long and my mind and heart were encouraged in God's faithfulness. 

I took my eyes off my circumstances and gave thanks for the character of God and the amazing provision He always gives.  If nothing else, I can look at the provision for my sin on the cross and be content.  I don't have to face an eternity in the torment of Hell because Christ took God's wrath for me and paid for my sin on the cross.

My husband and I keep a thanks list in our bathroom, it used to be in the hallway, but the linen closet in our new home is out of the way of our usual traffic pattern.  Each day, we add something (possibly many things)for which we are thankful, and by the end of the week we have a long list to read over.  It is a good practice to focus on thanksgiving and crediting God with the good things in your life.  It is a practice that will help you be thankful in all circumstances, obeying the commands of I Thessalonians 5:18.

Ask Yourself:  Do you give thoughtful thanks daily (not just thanks for the food)?  If you have a hard time remembering to be thankful, what measurable, practical action can you take to implement thanks in your routine?