monthly blogger

I decided I am going to be a monthly blogger. Seems with everything going on this is one of the last things I have time to do.

Today on the way over to guitar lessons, Camden and I got to talking about how all the disciples had died. Most of it is church tradition but it was an interesting conversation to have with a 10 year old. It led to the question would you be willing to die for your belief in Jesus. Camden didn't know if he would be willing to die such a terrible painful death. I think that is okay to doubt and told him that.

I find now with 4 kids it is hard to be constantly up on everything that is going on in their lives but if I can take every opportunity given me with them maybe I can seize the time and use it for His glory.

Number one goal for your teenager

Being a teacher and a youth volunteer, you get to observe teenagers and parents in many different arenas of life. I believe if you asked most Christian parents what they want most for their kids lives they would respond with " I want my kid to love Jesus" Great response. But I have noticed over the 17 years of doing youth ministry rarely is this reflected in the way the parents are raising their kids. It also makes me evaluate what I am doing with my own kids. How can kids grow in their faith if church and youth group is not a number one priority? How can we say we want our kids to be strong followers of Jesus if we allow them to skip church because of homework or sports? 20 years from now is the investiment of time we had them make in other activities outside of church going to be worth it?

In youth group we are all trying to read the Bible for 48 days straight. There is one family I know of who is doing this together. Reading a passage of scripture together and discussing it. This is an investment that is eternal. This investment will affect them for the rest of their lives.

Am I investing in my kids eternal life? Am I making the things that really matter a priority? Or am I giving into the culture where grades and sports reign higher than God?

Any thoughts???

Happily Married

After yesturday's sermon in which my wonderful husband made me feel so appreciated and validated, I thought I would reply in kind by writing about him. I can't imagine life without him. He is not perfect but he is my perfect match. He is the most loving, caring, funny, exciting man I have ever met and I am honored to be his best friend. God being the center of our relationship is what makes it work so well. So to Jason - I love you!

spiritual boyfriend

"Don't be unequally yoked" How many times have we heard this used in dating or marrying a non-believer. The ramifications for dating a non-christian are huge. Marrying a non-believer are even bigger. I think too many times we make unwise decisions in who we date. We want to hope that that person will become a follower of Jesus. We justify it by saying maybe we are the tool to get them saved. And all the while we know that it is an unwise decision.

What I believe happens is when we are dating an unbeliever, there is a part of us that is craving a spiritual leader. So for us women we find a spiritual boyfriend along with our regular boyfriend. A relationship than is formed with this other person to fulfill our spiritual need. While all the while we are dating another person who is fulfilling our physical, emotional and friendship need. ANd the person who is the spiritual boyfriend suffers.

Does it then make sense that we should never date an unbeliever? A boyfriend and potential husband needs to fill all those needs especially the spiritual one.

I have been married to my spiritual boyfriend for over 16 years. I can't imagine what it would be like if he didn't believe in Jesus.

Thoughts?!

She is loved

Could a family love her anymore than the Mason family. Some of my best friends all come from an unbelievable family!!!!! I love you Amy, Rachel and Carrie!!!!!

beautiful day

after the election i have never seen so many people upset. Did God leave His throne on the 4th or is He still in control?
there are still beautiful days ahead!!!!!!! we just need to look around around and see Him working.

It's a beautiful day, don't let it slip away!

still undecided

Okay. It is 8:30am and I am still undecided on who I am going to vote for today. I been asking questions, investigating each candidate and really praying. Which candidate is best for me personally? Which candidate will help me? Which candidate is best for the country? Which candidate would Jesus vote for? Which candidate follows the Biblical principles laid out in the Bible? I find it interesting that Jesus never condemns the current government or the current leader in the government. He condemns the religious leaders but not the Roman officials. If anyone should have been upset about the killing of innocent children, He would have been since a whole group of children were killed because of his birth. Why didn't he say anything? ANd Paul. Many people were being crucified and put in prison for their beliefs and does he ever condemn the government? It just got me thinking about how am I suppose to vote as a follower of Jesus. Since my whole life is baised on following the Bible, it should affect the way I vote.