~My Sweet Life~

Take Every Thought Captive

Are you familiar with this verse?

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Well this morning I came across a blog post that I think did an amazing job of illustrating exactly HOW we can actually do this. Enjoy! 

"God showed me a tangible way to take my worries to Jesus through a conversation with my son. One morning I was getting ready when Andrew came to me and announced that he didn’t want to have ANY anxious thoughts that day – he didn’t want to worry about me being home when he got off the school bus, or about his teacher liking his science project, or about whether his dad would get in a car accident.

That morning as I listened, I sensed the enemy was using worry as a weapon to still, kill and destroy my child's joy, hope and peace. Although I couldn't take my child out of the battle, I could equip him for it! I wanted to give him the confidence he needed to fight courageously so I assured him that worry is kinda normal. I reasoned that it must be a normal part of life since God tells us not to so many times in the Bible.

But God also tells us what to do when we do worry. I shared 2 Corinthians 10:5 where Paul tells us to demolish all arguments and any pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, by taking every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Now I just needed to take that concept and put it in terms he could understand.

"Andrew, when you have a thought that makes you feel anxious, catch it like it’s a baseball.” I then cupped my hand like I was holding a ball and told him to look at it and ask, “Is this something Jesus would say to me?” If the answer is “no” - then throw that thought back into the outfield! Then we talked through some of his thoughts and fears:

Worry says: “Your mom isn’t going to be here when you get home.”

I asked him, "Would Jesus say that? Andrew replied, "No."

Then it’s outta here!

Worry says: “Your teacher isn’t going to like your science project!”

Would Jesus say that? Again, "No."

Get rid of that one, too.

When we finished talking through each worry, I shared Philippians 4:6-9 and we prayed - telling God Andrews concerns, asking Him to replace his worries with promises, and thanking God for what He's done in the past and would do that day. After the Amen, Andrew looked at me, smiled so big and said, "Thanks Mom!" as though all his worries were gone.

God's word really works. God knew we'd have lots of reasons for worry but he also knew that worry would be Satan's weapon to distract and destroy the peace and joy that is rightly ours as children of God! Worry can ruin our day and our life, can't it? That's why Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled but to come to Him. He wants to replace our worries with His words. He says He'll give our minds a place to rest and promises to keep us in perfect peace when our mind is steadfast (fixed in a direction, firmly established) on His truth because we trust in Him and not our troubles.

So, what thoughts are flying at you today? If you were to catch 'em and listen to what they're saying - would they match what Jesus says? 

...I'm learning that it's not just about throwing our thoughts out, it's about replacing our worries with God's words."

~Renee Swope, Proverbs 31 Ministries

American Idol

I admit it...I love to watch American Idol and will continue to do so until the end of the season! But this is a good article I came across...

What American Idol Teaches Me about My Faith

by Dawn Zemke

And why I’m glad it’s God—not Simon Cowell—I strive to please

March 24, 2009 | 

Yes, it’s true. I’m an avid watcher of American Idol. But I have to admit, it’s a love-hate relationship.

For five-plus years I’ve watched, mesmerized, as a new crop of 16- to 28-year-olds pursues what seems to have become the ultimate American dream—to become a Star (capital S required). I’ve sniffled at heart-tugging back-stories. Cheered triumphant on-stage “moments.” Cringed at mangled melodies. And growled in outrage over unjust eliminations. And yes, I’ve even chuckled at those spectacularly silly Ford commercials featuring the contestants.

Lately, though, Idol has begun to wear thin for me.

For one thing, events I previously viewed as twists of fate—the shocking boot of one contestant or the equally baffling longevity of another—are now often the result of blatant manipulation by the producers and judges. And even worse, what I once wrote off as simple drama, created to keep the show interesting, has become uncomfortably mean-spirited (another viewing of emotionally unstable Tatiana, anyone?). Whether Idol has changed or my eyes have opened, it’s just not the same fluffy fun anymore.

It’s gotten me thinking, though. As I watch those contestants pin their hopes, dreams, and futures on the whim of four human, all-too-fallible judges and a fickle American public, I’m so grateful that my happiness—indeed, my life—rests in much more capable hands. As I’ve mulled it over, I’ve come up with some specific reasons why I’m glad that I only have to worry about what God, and not Simon, Paula, Kara, and Randy, thinks of me.

First, God doesn’t care what I look like on the outside. Many times on Idol I’ve watched with sympathy and sometimes indignation as a talented performer is criticized not for vocals but for hair, makeup, clothing, or all three. Kristin, one of this year’s top-36 contestants, had a lovely, powerful voice. Yet her critiques consistently revolved around image—the purple streak in her hair or her clothing’s lack of trendiness. Given her treatment, and the fact that the top performers always seem to be easy on the eyes, if not downright gorgeous, I have to assume there are some incredible singers who never made the cut simply because of their looks.

Fortunately, God doesn’t care if I’ve got zits, limited fashion sense, or am having a bad hair day, er, year. He created me in his image (Genesis 1:26), and as if that wasn’t enough to show his regard, he sacrificed his only Son so I can spend eternity with him. He loves me as I am, where I am—no makeover or fashion sense required.

Second, God doesn’t play favorites. Though Idol’s judges proclaim their impartiality, it’s usually pretty evident that each has a favorite contestant or two. I’ve felt sympathy, irritation, and sometimes fury to see a contestant who did well bear the brunt of unfair criticism while another who gave a weak performance gets a free pass.

What a blessing to know our God loves and appreciates his children with complete impartiality. Without exception, he sees everyone’s sin (Romans 3:23) and freely offers us his love and redemption (John 3:16). Though on Idol only one contestant receives the prize, in God’s eyes every one of us who belongs to him is a winner.

And finally, God’s love never wavers. Season after season I’ve seen Idol contestants who initially received lavish praise and were favored to win, crash and burn after a single bad performance. One day they’re the judges’—and the audience’s—darling, the next they’re the punching bag. One mistake, something as simple as a poor song choice or a few questionable notes, and they find themselves booted from the competition, their dreams crushed. This year’s Alexis Grace was such a contestant. Once told she could be “the dark horse who might win it all,” a rough performance during country week had her headed home.

If God worked that way, kicking me to the curb the minute I mess up, make a poor decision, or act in disobedience to his will for me, I’d have lost all hope of ever finishing the competition I’m engaged in, the one for the “crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Because the reality is, I find myself so often echoing the apostle Paul: “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (Romans 7:18-19, NLT).

Fortunately for me, God is a god of second, and third, and fourth, and . . . chances. I can never mess up too much, cross the line too many times. His love and compassion for me know no limits. “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Praise God for his unending patience; I need it.

So this year I’ll cheer, and boo, American Idol with a whole new perspective. One of thankfulness, appreciation, and love for a God who not only wants me to win his competition, but does all he can to stack the deck in my favor.

Posted at 9:12 AM on March 24, 2009.

On Unbelief

"My willingness to believe God and to walk in faith now in the things that don’t seem like such a big deal—that willingness to walk by faith is an indicator of where my heart will be later in life. It’s a determining factor in my long-term usefulness to God and His kingdom. "

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss, from her Revive Our Hearts radio broadcast of 3/16/09 titled "The Trap of Unbelief" 

Getting Past Your Obstacles

"Does it surprise us that there are adversaries to be overcome in our spiritual pilgrimage before we can fully enter into the abundant land and life that God has promised us? Did we get saved thinking that there would be no problems after we became Christians?

Now, if we have that misconception or a false expectation, maybe because of the way the Gospel is often presented to people today—“Come to Jesus. He will give you an abundant life. He’ll give you eternal life. He’ll solve all your problems. He’ll make your aches and pains go away. You don’t have to go to hell. You can go to heaven.” And who wouldn’t?

But maybe we’re making a mistake by not telling people, “When you become a Christian, you become a warrior. You enter into a battle. There are enemies to be overcome. There are battles to be fought, but God will be in you. God is stronger than the enemies. God will overcome the enemies through you.”

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss, from the Revive Our Hearts broadcast for 3/11/09

Choosing Joy/Loving Hope

Since I have a severe case of the "blahs" today, I wanted to recall and share with you some of the things that have made my heart happy over the weekend--several of which occured at Hope on Sunday (our church):

• Hearing Mac announce "I'm happy to be back at church!" as we walked in! :)
• Overhearing a little boy tell his Mommy that he wanted to be in the same Sunday School class that Mac was in.

• Getting a text message from my friend Robyn just before the worship service started that basically said: "Come give me a hug before you sit down!"

• Receiving an unexpected gift from my friend Mary--a "gospel" bracelet with stones that are different colors and represent different aspects of the gospel: black for our sins, red for Jesus' blood that washed them away, clear for purity after Jesus shed His bloood for us, blue for the Holy Spirit that guides us, green for how He grows us and finally gold for how we will shine when we go to Heaven and live forever. (and can't wait to share this with Mac!)

• Listening to a great message delivered by our pastor and realizing and appreciating that even with such a very large congregation, he takes the time to listen to and consider the input of one little voice.

• Enjoying my lunch--along with the sunshine and breeze--yesterday on our patio.

• Stephen giving me advice regarding my prayer life...And then laughing later about how it had initially offended me!  I am truly blessed to have that kind of a meaningful conversation with my husband.

• My dear friend Karey. I am totally convinced she is an angel sent here straight from heaven. She prays for me, encourages me, allows me to pray for her needs, and most of all, she inspires me. She is one of a kind and I am blessed beyond measure to have the privilege of calling her my FRIEND.

• Saturday date with my new friend, Michelle. Girl talk over lunch together at a sweet little tea room inside an antique mall--where afterwards we shopped!

• Watching Mac at his first soccer practice of the season while enjoying beautiful and unseasonably warm weather AND catching up with Christy!

• Going to Kendall's Star Wars-themed birthday party Friday with Stephen, Mac and Sarah...and then popping in on Mom and Daddy for a quick visit before heading home. I don't take the kids to see them enough! (and it was good to hear Mac say he's not afraid of their dog anymore!)

• daily phone calls from Emily :) Don't know what I would do without them.

• being reminded to slow down when Mac stopped in the middle of playing with his cars outside yesterday and said "I'm listening to the birds"

• The WHOLE family at home together last night--even if it was watching Anthony Bourdain eat gross stuff on the Travel Channel! Hey, it brought us together for a little while!

• Finding this quote: "The thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance, even when the work cannot be seen by others. And the only way to live an undefeated life is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to discourage you." ~Oswald Chambers

Check Your Prayer Pulse

Came across something good at www.reviveourhearts.com this morning that I wanted to share:

Prayer CPR by Mary Kassian

Rate yourself from 0 (I disagree) to 5 (I strongly agree) for each of the following questions:

1. I am devoted to prayer. (Co. 4:2; Acts 1:14)
   
2. I pray continually, night and day. (1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim 5:5)
   
3. I am persistent in praying for things. I persevere in prayer. (Luke 11:8-9)
   
4. I always wrestle in prayer for fellow believers. (Col. 4:12; Eph. 6:18)
   
5. I regularly pray for pastors/elders/deacons and church leaders. (Eph. 6:19)
   
6. I regularly pray for my city, province, nation & governments. (1 Tim. 2:2; Jer. 29:7)
   
7. I pray for people who treat me poorly (my enemies). (Matt. 5:44)
   
8. I regularly pray for the advancement of the gospel and kingdom. (Matt. 9:38)
   
9. I often confess my sins to others and have them pray for me. (James 5:16)
   
10. I know that my prayers are powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

© Mary Kassian. Used with permission. www.MaryKassian.com 

Something Sinful!

Look what I found! Must try this sometime:

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

Weight Watchers 8 Can Soup

Last night I whipped up a batch of this great tasting and filling soup for dinner--and based on the number of hits this blog has gotten recently from people searching for WW recipes, I thought I should share it!

8-Can Soup

(Use one 14-16 oz can of each of the following):

corn
veg-all mixed vegetables
chili with beans
chili without beans
sliced potatoes
vegetable soup
diced tomatoes with basil and garlic
green beans

Empty all cans into a large pot (DO NOT DRAIN). Heat until warm. Enjoy!

*2 cups=3 points*

 

And if you are craving something sweet after your meal--as I always do--you can make these:

 Low-point chocolate cupcakes:

• 1 chocolate dry cake mix
• 10 oz diet coke (or diet cherry coke!)
• 1 egg white

Mix together and spoon into 2 muffin tins (12 on each tin). Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes.

*1 cupcake=2 points*

 

Dinner Tonight...

Trying two new recipes tonight...both are in the oven now and both smell SCRUMPTIOUS! :) Here are the links:

Mexican Pasta Bake and  The Pioneer Woman's Baked Fudge! (how horrible does that sound?!) And I KNOW...neither of these dishes is Weigh Watchers friendly...I KNOW! But they both sounded so good to me. I'll let you know!

***edited 3/3/09 to add: the Mexican Pasta Bake was a huge hit! Unfortunately, I had my FIRST EVER disappointment with a Pioneer Woman recipe!! I could NOT get the consistency right at all. Mine came out like warm chocolate pudding with a crispy topping!

What burden are you carrying today?

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” Psalm 55:22

There was a man carrying a heavy load of grain down a country road. Another man in a horse-drawn wagon saw him and said, “Mister, do you need a ride?” So the man walking got in the wagon, but he kept the load of grain on his shoulder. The wagon driver said, “Man, put that down and relax!” But the man answered, “Oh no. It’s enough to ask you to carry me without having you carry this also.” Have you ever done that to the Lord? You say, “Lord, I’ll let You save me, but I’ll carry my own burdens.” How foolish we are to do this with the God who hung the stars and planets.

If you can trust the Lord to save you from hell, don’t you think you can cast your burden upon Him right now?

~Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding devotion for 3/2/09