Tuesday, May 18, 2010

But Theyre Just Bath Towels...Right?

Over the last couple of months or so, I've been wanting some new bath towels. We have 3 towels in our bathroom, 2 which are in really good shape. I did not necessarily need new towels, but I haven't had any new ones in at least 5 years and thought it would be nice to have some new ones. Anyway, my husband did some out of town work last week in which he stayed in a travel camper. He came home one night with dirty linens from the camper. You guessed it, bath towels. As I was folding the freshly washed and dried towels, I thought, "these towels are big and feel really nice, wouldn't it be nice to have some of these". So, I looked at the tag to see where they came from and couldn't believe they were a Wal-Mart brand! Now, my taste isn't extravagant and I do love Wal-Mart. I was just surprised. By the feel, I was thinking JC Penney or something similar. I told myself, stop! Don't even go down that road. You don't NEED new towels. A couple of days later, my daughter (who recently earned some money) asked if she could redo her bedroom and bathroom. Off to Wal-Mart we went to "look" and get some ideas. Of course, we had to look at the bath towels. So, here I go again with the towels! I was constantly being tempted with discontent over my bath towels. I mean, come on...it's just a bath towel, right? The, my beloved came home the next day from his out of town trip with more dirty linens, including bath towels. As he handed them to me, I though "UGH! NO! MORE TOWELS!!! I didn't say anything, but prayed for God's strength to fight this temptation of discontent. About that time, my hubby said, "Oh, by the way, they (whoever "they" are?) said for me to take some towels home because they had a bunch of extras." WHAT?!?! Did I hear correctly. Am I getting new towels??? Oh my, yes I am. You might be thinking, 'what's the big deal, they're just bath towels right?' I say NO! They are an example of God's love and how He cares about everything, even the little things. My God is sovereign and is at work in ALL things, even bath towels.

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mat 26:41

For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Php 4:11

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Php 4:19


Saturday, May 8, 2010

A Tribute to Mothers

Your High Calling

Mother, whoever you may be,
You may think long and earnestly
Of your high calling. Pondering
The undreamed honour of the thing;
Learning how God, through you, would plan
To be well know to every man.
An through your arms would gather fast
The whole world to His heart at last.

Fay Inchfawn

Mamas: the Shapers of Eternal Souls

The most underrated job in America is that of being a mother. The entire world seems to conspire to mock and minimize the true blessings of motherhood. This is why we appreciate the words of J.R. Miller, who once wrote:

Oh, mothers of young children, I bow before you in reverence. Your work is most holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The powers folded up in the little ones that you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night, are powers that shall exist forever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your heart is pure and that your life is sweet and clean. —J.R. Miller, The Family, pg. 106

To read the entire article:

http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2010/05/6623.aspx

Monday, May 3, 2010

True Woman Make-Over Day 24

A Lasting Kindness

When a friend from church is in the hospital or has a new baby, what do you do? Many women spring into action, buying gifts, making meals, and showing great kindness in practical ways. But when someone closer to home has a need, do you spring into action with the same enthusiasm? Learn to take kindness home.

  • How will you be remembered? What I want people to remember about me is that I cared, that I was kind, that I loved, that I touched their lives in practical ways that made a difference.
  • Sometimes our own families are the ones we show the least kindness to. Sometimes it’s because we’ve been hurt, sometimes it’s because we’re lazy, sometimes we just take them for granted. We need to think about kindness in our own homes.
  • It’s not your responsibility to fix all the problems of the needy in the world. But God has called you to be sensitive to the needs of those that He’s put into your sphere of influence and to open your eyes and be available to minister to their practical needs.

Listen to or read more from “A Lasting Kindness”

Sunday, May 2, 2010

True Woman Make-Over Day 23

The Beauty of Holiness

Sometimes pressures come at you so fast it seems like you can’t think straight. Learn to develop a biblical, sound mind so that you can think clearly no matter what is happening around you.

  • You never get to the point where you don't need the grace of God to protect and safeguard your heart and keep you from sin.
  • The real test of your purity is who you are when you get home and how you treat those around you.
  • The goal of being pure of heart is not to make us look good. That's self-righteousness. The goal is to make God look good.

Listen to or read more from “The Beauty of Holiness”