How far along? 32 weeks. Officially two months from the estimated due date! We hit two calendar months earlier this week. Wow!!
How big is baby? The size of a squash. 2.5-3.8 lbs. and 15.2-16.7 inches!
Total weight gain? Don't own a scale so I don't know. I'm guessing 20+ lbs. at this point but I don't know for sure.
Maternity clothes? Same old same old. Trying to make sure I have enough to get me through a week at school since I go back in two weeks!
Stretch marks? None.
Sleep? I've been sleeping well but still been feelings worn out big time. I went to bed around 1 this morning and slept till 8. Then I drove to church and in the middle of the service I felt like I could have fallen asleep right there in the chair. I went to Walmart and stopped by the bank and now am home and feel so ready for a nap. I'm hoping this is only because I wasn't doing anything at first when I got up; otherwise this is going to be a VERY difficult 6 weeks back to school!
Movement? Movement has seemed to change this week from the kicks and pokes to move wave-like movements. I'm thinking it's her rolling over and repositioning herself. It's very entertaining to watch her do that!
Cravings? Nothing really.
What I miss? Having my energy.
What I am looking forward to? Getting my energy back.
Oh and this! My second baby shower was yesterday! Oh my goodness! Between my parents and my friends we were so blessed! I don't think there is anything that we will need right away for Zoey! It was so awesome!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Weekly Update
How far along? 31 weeks
How big is baby? About the size of a pineapple. 15.2-16.7 inches and about 2.5-3.8 lbs.!! Wow how much she has grown since January!
Total weight gain? I would guess somewhere around 20 lbs. so far but I don't know for sure.
Maternity clothes? At some point this week I need to look at a couple of nursing tank tops or sleep bras to use when Zoey first gets here and if I find a good deal on some dress pants or a top or two I might pick those up for school as well.
Stretch marks? Still none that I am aware of.
Sleep? Sleep hasn't been too bad lately. I have been sleeping fairly well and getting up and staying up almost every day.
Movement? She is still moving around like crazy. And he little hiccups are so sweet! It's so wonderful to get to see her move and to feel her moving around to let us know she is ok.
Cravings? My cravings have been varying lately. For about a three day period all I would crave is Publix subs but then I'm not sure if my body just got tired of them or what but the thought of eating one now almost turns my stomach. There were also a few days where I would be hungry and eat but then after I ate my stomach would be upset. And then there were the times, like last night, where nothing sounded good and I was only eating because I know Zoey needs the nutrition.
What I miss? I don't think there is anything particular that I've missed in this week.
What I am looking forward to? Meeting her in 9 weeks! Ahh!! I want her to stay put as long as possible and to be as healthy as possible but I am getting so excited to meet her!!
Oh and this! My second baby shower is this weekend! I can't wait to celebrate Zoey's coming with our friends and family!
How big is baby? About the size of a pineapple. 15.2-16.7 inches and about 2.5-3.8 lbs.!! Wow how much she has grown since January!
Total weight gain? I would guess somewhere around 20 lbs. so far but I don't know for sure.
Maternity clothes? At some point this week I need to look at a couple of nursing tank tops or sleep bras to use when Zoey first gets here and if I find a good deal on some dress pants or a top or two I might pick those up for school as well.
Stretch marks? Still none that I am aware of.
Sleep? Sleep hasn't been too bad lately. I have been sleeping fairly well and getting up and staying up almost every day.
Movement? She is still moving around like crazy. And he little hiccups are so sweet! It's so wonderful to get to see her move and to feel her moving around to let us know she is ok.
Cravings? My cravings have been varying lately. For about a three day period all I would crave is Publix subs but then I'm not sure if my body just got tired of them or what but the thought of eating one now almost turns my stomach. There were also a few days where I would be hungry and eat but then after I ate my stomach would be upset. And then there were the times, like last night, where nothing sounded good and I was only eating because I know Zoey needs the nutrition.
What I miss? I don't think there is anything particular that I've missed in this week.
What I am looking forward to? Meeting her in 9 weeks! Ahh!! I want her to stay put as long as possible and to be as healthy as possible but I am getting so excited to meet her!!
Oh and this! My second baby shower is this weekend! I can't wait to celebrate Zoey's coming with our friends and family!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Weekly Update, The Weekend and George Zimmerman
How far along? 30 Weeks
How big is baby? The size of a cucumber. 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 lbs. I would assume closer to 2.5 because at both of my recent doctor appointments I've been measuring a week behind; nothing to be concerned about.
Total weight gain? 18 lbs so far.
Maternity clothes? Nothing new although I did discover this weekend that I am at the point of needing a bathing suit.
Stretch marks? I haven't seen any real ones yet but when we were at the beach I did notice what might be the beginnings of some. I think they were more pronounced because the water was so cold it make everything stand out more.
Sleep? I've been sleeping A LOT lately. I've gotten into the VERY bad habit of getting up with Tyler, staying up for about an hour, and then going back to bed until about 11 or 12. The crazy thing is I am still able to sleep fairly easily at night too! I have to start getting into the routine again of getting up and doing something since I will be going back to school in 3-4 weeks.
Movement? This morning after breakfast we were laying around and I could see Zoey moving my belly all around. I think she was doing the cha-cha slide in there! It was so funny. The only thing I wish is that I could tell the difference between her feet and arms and hands and head. Don't get me wrong I LOVE feeling and seeing her move I'm just curious as to what exactly she is poking me with in there!
Cravings? Sweets. Chocolate specifically. M&M's and Oreos and everything like that. Although I will say there was a 24 hour period last week where NOTHING sounded good. Like, at all. All I was able to force down was half a hamburger and some fries.
What I miss? I miss not being so worn out all the time. Or more specifically I miss having more than a few hours of energy at a time. I also miss not having this crazy restless leg syndrome stuff. I'm tired of always feeling like I have to be moving my legs. I wish my muscles would just go back to normal.
What am I looking forward to? I am looking forward to getting back in the routine of school. I know that I will be exhausted by the end of the day but I think having the routine will help with some of it. By not being able to go back to sleep I think I won't feel as sleepy.
Oh! And this! Tyler surprised me this weekend by coming home for work Saturday and taking us to Melbourne Beach for the night! We stayed at a hotel right on the beach and went to a restaurant called CHart House where we had an awesome steak dinner. Then this morning we got up and watched the sun rise and had a nice breakfast before heading back home. It was so nice to get away just the two of us (not that our family consists of any more than that just yet!) and to have some quality time together.
Now, as far as the George Zimmerman trail and verdict goes here are my thoughts. I think that it is a horrible, terrible thing that a 17 year old boy died. That is just tragic and there should be some justice for him. However I have two things to say as far as the trail goes. 1) We will NEVER know what really happened that night. Even if Trayvon hadn't died, his view on what happened and George Zimmerman's view could have been totally different. There are always three sides to every story: the two participants and the truth. 2) I did not watch the whole trial by any means. I only watched parts here and there but the parts I did watch I did not feel the state proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. They did not have the evidence to prove the charges they were asking for.
How big is baby? The size of a cucumber. 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 lbs. I would assume closer to 2.5 because at both of my recent doctor appointments I've been measuring a week behind; nothing to be concerned about.
Total weight gain? 18 lbs so far.
Maternity clothes? Nothing new although I did discover this weekend that I am at the point of needing a bathing suit.
Stretch marks? I haven't seen any real ones yet but when we were at the beach I did notice what might be the beginnings of some. I think they were more pronounced because the water was so cold it make everything stand out more.
Sleep? I've been sleeping A LOT lately. I've gotten into the VERY bad habit of getting up with Tyler, staying up for about an hour, and then going back to bed until about 11 or 12. The crazy thing is I am still able to sleep fairly easily at night too! I have to start getting into the routine again of getting up and doing something since I will be going back to school in 3-4 weeks.
Movement? This morning after breakfast we were laying around and I could see Zoey moving my belly all around. I think she was doing the cha-cha slide in there! It was so funny. The only thing I wish is that I could tell the difference between her feet and arms and hands and head. Don't get me wrong I LOVE feeling and seeing her move I'm just curious as to what exactly she is poking me with in there!
Cravings? Sweets. Chocolate specifically. M&M's and Oreos and everything like that. Although I will say there was a 24 hour period last week where NOTHING sounded good. Like, at all. All I was able to force down was half a hamburger and some fries.
What I miss? I miss not being so worn out all the time. Or more specifically I miss having more than a few hours of energy at a time. I also miss not having this crazy restless leg syndrome stuff. I'm tired of always feeling like I have to be moving my legs. I wish my muscles would just go back to normal.
What am I looking forward to? I am looking forward to getting back in the routine of school. I know that I will be exhausted by the end of the day but I think having the routine will help with some of it. By not being able to go back to sleep I think I won't feel as sleepy.
Oh! And this! Tyler surprised me this weekend by coming home for work Saturday and taking us to Melbourne Beach for the night! We stayed at a hotel right on the beach and went to a restaurant called CHart House where we had an awesome steak dinner. Then this morning we got up and watched the sun rise and had a nice breakfast before heading back home. It was so nice to get away just the two of us (not that our family consists of any more than that just yet!) and to have some quality time together.
Now, as far as the George Zimmerman trail and verdict goes here are my thoughts. I think that it is a horrible, terrible thing that a 17 year old boy died. That is just tragic and there should be some justice for him. However I have two things to say as far as the trail goes. 1) We will NEVER know what really happened that night. Even if Trayvon hadn't died, his view on what happened and George Zimmerman's view could have been totally different. There are always three sides to every story: the two participants and the truth. 2) I did not watch the whole trial by any means. I only watched parts here and there but the parts I did watch I did not feel the state proved their case beyond a reasonable doubt. They did not have the evidence to prove the charges they were asking for.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Lukewarm Christianity
So at Wednesday night bible study we've been going through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Wow what a fantastic book! Chapter 4 was all about being a lukewarm Christian. I wanted to take a chance and share the list from the book.
"-Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.
Isaiah 29:13
-Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver right?
1 Chronicles 21:24; Luke 21:1-4
-Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.
Luke 6:26; Revelation 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7
-Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.
John 10:10; Romans 6:1-2
-Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such acton is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.
James 1:22; James 4:17; Matthew 21:28-31
-Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
Matthew 1-:32-33
-Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street.
Luke 18:111-12
-Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.
Luke 9:57-62
-Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
Matthew 22:37-38
-Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached.
Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 14:12-14
-Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but their are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.
Luke: 21-25
-Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."
"-Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe "good Christians" do, so they go.
Isaiah 29:13
-Lukewarm people give money to charity and to the church...as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver right?
1 Chronicles 21:24; Luke 21:1-4
-Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict. They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives.
Luke 6:26; Revelation 3:1; Matthew 23:5-7
-Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry because God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one.
John 10:10; Romans 6:1-2
-Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act. They assume such acton is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones. Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers.
James 1:22; James 4:17; Matthew 21:28-31
-Lukewarm people rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. They do not want to be rejected nor do they want to make people uncomfortable by talking about private issues like religion.
Matthew 1-:32-33
-Lukewarm people gauge their morality or "goodness" by comparing themselves to the secular world. They feel satisfied that while they aren't as hard-core for Jesus as so-and-so, they are nowhere as horrible as the guy down the street.
Luke 18:111-12
-Lukewarm people say they love Jesus, and He is, indeed a part of their lives. But only a part. They give Him a section of their time, their money, and their thoughts, but He isn't allowed to control their lives.
Luke 9:57-62
-Lukewarm people love God, but they do not love Him with all their heart, soul and strength. They would be quick to assure you that they try to love God that much, but that sort of total devotion isn't really possible for the average person; it's only for pastors and missionaries and radicals.
Matthew 22:37-38
-Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. Their love of others is typically focused on those who love them in return, like family, friends, and other people they know and connect with. There is little love left over for those who cannot love them back, much less for those who intentionally slight them, whose kids are better athletes than theirs, or with whom conversations are awkward or uncomfortable. Their love is highly conditional and very selective, and generally comes with strings attached.
Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 14:12-14
-Lukewarm people will serve God and others, but their are limits to how far they will go or how much time, money, and energy they are willing to give.
Luke: 21-25
-Lukewarm people think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today's to-do list, this week's schedule, and next month's vacation. Rarely, if ever, do they intently consider the life to come. Regarding this, C.S. Lewis writes, "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."
Philippians 3:18-20; Colossians 3:2
-Lukewarm people are thankful for their luxuries and comforts, and rely consider trying to give as much as possible to the poor. They are quick to point out, "Jesus never said money is the root of all evil, only that the love of money is." Untold numbers of lukewarm people feel "called" to minister to the rich; very few feel "called" to minister to the poor.
Matthew 25:34, 40; Isaiah 58:6-7
-Lukewarm people do whatever necessary to keep themselves from feeling too guilty. They want to do the bare minimum, to be "good enough" without it requiring too much of them.
1 Chronicles 29:14; Matthew 13:44-46
-Lukewarm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves tot he god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.
1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 10:28
-Lukewarm people feel secure because they attend church, made a profession of faith at age twelve, were baptized, come from a Christian family, vote Republican, or live in America. Just as the prophets in the Old Testament warned Israel that they were not safe just because they lived in the land of Israel, so we are not safe just because we wear the label Christian or because some people persist in calling us a "Christian nation."
Matthew 7:21; Amos 6:1
-Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens-they have their savings account. They don't need God to help them-they have their retirement plan in place. They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live-they have life figured and mapped out. They don't depend on God on a daily basis-their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health. The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God.
Luke 12:16-21; Hebrews 11
-Lukewarm people probably drink and swear less than average, but besides that, they really aren't very different from your typical unbeliever. They equate their partially sanitized life with holiness but they couldn't be more wrong.
Matthew 23:25-28"
There are so many that hit me close to home; all of them in one way or another if I am being honest. At some point in my life (even now) quite a few of these, if not all of them apply to me.
And I don't want to be lukewarm. I want to have a passion for Christ. I want to be so in love with Him that is shows through me; I want to be different from those in the world. I want to have the courage to stand up for what I believe in and to not be afraid to share the love of Christ with others. I want to love the unlovable and to reach out to the hurting. I really do want to be the hands and feet of Christ and to not just be another warm body taking up space in a sanctuary on a Sunday morning.
I hope and pray that I can stop being lukewarm and can really reach those around me for Christ no matter the situation or what it may seem like it will cost. Will you join me?
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Weekly Update
How far along? 29 weeks
How big is baby? 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 lbs.!
Total weight gain? 16 lbs. as of last check.
Maternity clothes? Nothing new.
Stretch marks? Still none which I'm certainly not complaining about!
Sleep? It's been going ok. The biggest complaint I have is that if hubby comes to bed after I do I am such a light sleeper I typically get woken up and then have a little trouble getting back to sleep. Friday night was one of those nights.
Movement? She is certainly moving a lot. She loves when I drink Hi-C or eat Oreos. Then she really starts moving. I guess the music at church this morning was a little louder than she was used to because as soon as it started she got the hiccups like it had startled her.
Cravings? Nothing really specific. Food. I can't seem to get enough food.
What I miss? Sleeping on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to? Her. Meeting her and seeing her and getting to hold her and snuggle her. I am so excited to see her and meet her!! Of course I want her to stay in as long as possible so that she is as healthy as possible but, I am excited none the less.
How big is baby? 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 lbs.!
Total weight gain? 16 lbs. as of last check.
Maternity clothes? Nothing new.
Stretch marks? Still none which I'm certainly not complaining about!
Sleep? It's been going ok. The biggest complaint I have is that if hubby comes to bed after I do I am such a light sleeper I typically get woken up and then have a little trouble getting back to sleep. Friday night was one of those nights.
Movement? She is certainly moving a lot. She loves when I drink Hi-C or eat Oreos. Then she really starts moving. I guess the music at church this morning was a little louder than she was used to because as soon as it started she got the hiccups like it had startled her.
Cravings? Nothing really specific. Food. I can't seem to get enough food.
What I miss? Sleeping on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to? Her. Meeting her and seeing her and getting to hold her and snuggle her. I am so excited to see her and meet her!! Of course I want her to stay in as long as possible so that she is as healthy as possible but, I am excited none the less.
Friday, July 5, 2013
2 Peter 2:1-9
All quotes come from "She Reads Truth" on YouVersion.
"We might see the words "false teacher" and turn our minds off. Surely we wouldn't fall prey and they are so far removed from us anyway, right? But are they? And are our hearts tender enough and humble enough to stay guarded, with our eyes on the Lord so we don't get trampled in their wake? And how does this picture of God's justice move us TODAY? Are we encouraged? Are we stirred? Are we cold and numb to the fact of His Holiness?"
How many of us do this? We think that we are stronger than what we see in the world. We think that we don't have to check what we hear from friends, family, and Christian leaders against what the Word of God says. We think we don't need to attend a Bible believing church on a weekly basis to get fed and to help us grow spiritually (please don't misunderstand, I know that not everyone can go every week for one reason or another and I also understand that there are circumstances that may prevent us from going. I am not talking about the legitimate reasons we cannot or do not go but the ones we use as excuses to not go); I know this is a BIG one for me.
I also notice a change in me when I don't do these things. A change in my attitude when I don't pay attention to what I let in my mind through movies, books, music and T.V. I notice a change in my relationships when I try to solve all my problems on my own verses taking them to God and waiting for His direction. I notice a change in my lifestyle when I don't go to church or when I allow myself to miss for long periods of time due to silly excuses.
"We might see the words "false teacher" and turn our minds off. Surely we wouldn't fall prey and they are so far removed from us anyway, right? But are they? And are our hearts tender enough and humble enough to stay guarded, with our eyes on the Lord so we don't get trampled in their wake? And how does this picture of God's justice move us TODAY? Are we encouraged? Are we stirred? Are we cold and numb to the fact of His Holiness?"
How many of us do this? We think that we are stronger than what we see in the world. We think that we don't have to check what we hear from friends, family, and Christian leaders against what the Word of God says. We think we don't need to attend a Bible believing church on a weekly basis to get fed and to help us grow spiritually (please don't misunderstand, I know that not everyone can go every week for one reason or another and I also understand that there are circumstances that may prevent us from going. I am not talking about the legitimate reasons we cannot or do not go but the ones we use as excuses to not go); I know this is a BIG one for me.
I also notice a change in me when I don't do these things. A change in my attitude when I don't pay attention to what I let in my mind through movies, books, music and T.V. I notice a change in my relationships when I try to solve all my problems on my own verses taking them to God and waiting for His direction. I notice a change in my lifestyle when I don't go to church or when I allow myself to miss for long periods of time due to silly excuses.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Day Two: 2 Peter study
Ok, so I know I am a little behind. It has been a crazy week. Tuesday hubby was sick and unable to go to work so i had to drive his work truck in so it could be looked at by a mechanic then had to ride with his boss to go pick it back up (all on 4 hours of sleep) and then yesterday I had to go take my Glucose Tolerance Test for baby Zoey. When I got back I taped off her room to finish painting then mom and I went to lunch.
Here are a few quotes from the devotional from day two that really struck me:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith. (1 Peter 1:5, NIV)Add goodness.(v. 5) Do what you know to be right.Add knowledge. (v. 5) Study the word. Pray without ceasing.Add self-control. (v. 6) Control your will and operate in the Spirit.Add perseverance. (v. 6) See His tasks through, even when it's hard.Add godliness. (v. 6) Let others know to Whom you belong in your conduct.Add mutual affection and love. (v. 7) Give your time, talents and lives for others.
Why is it so easy for us to forget to do this? Why is it so simple to get caught up in the things of this world rather than to live like we are commanded to live?
We found out yesterday that my parents bought a new (to them) car and are going to sell us their old one for a very, very discounted price. No sooner had I found out that wonderful news than I began to worry about other things. I began to worry about Zoey's health because I read online about another lady who hadn't felt as much movement of her baby and was worried which made a red flag pop up in my head (for no real reason. I don't think I've really felt a decrease in movement just the power of suggestion). I began to worry about other things that I have no control over. Worrying about them doesn't show godliness. It doesn't show others whom we belong to.
"God is bigger than the boogy man and He's watching out for you and me!" This simple Veggie Tales song is so true. Maybe it would do some good for me to remember it every now and then!
Here are a few quotes from the devotional from day two that really struck me:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith. (1 Peter 1:5, NIV)Add goodness.(v. 5) Do what you know to be right.Add knowledge. (v. 5) Study the word. Pray without ceasing.Add self-control. (v. 6) Control your will and operate in the Spirit.Add perseverance. (v. 6) See His tasks through, even when it's hard.Add godliness. (v. 6) Let others know to Whom you belong in your conduct.Add mutual affection and love. (v. 7) Give your time, talents and lives for others.
Why is it so easy for us to forget to do this? Why is it so simple to get caught up in the things of this world rather than to live like we are commanded to live?
We found out yesterday that my parents bought a new (to them) car and are going to sell us their old one for a very, very discounted price. No sooner had I found out that wonderful news than I began to worry about other things. I began to worry about Zoey's health because I read online about another lady who hadn't felt as much movement of her baby and was worried which made a red flag pop up in my head (for no real reason. I don't think I've really felt a decrease in movement just the power of suggestion). I began to worry about other things that I have no control over. Worrying about them doesn't show godliness. It doesn't show others whom we belong to.
"God is bigger than the boogy man and He's watching out for you and me!" This simple Veggie Tales song is so true. Maybe it would do some good for me to remember it every now and then!
Monday, July 1, 2013
2 Peter
Over the next week I am going to be doing a devotional based on 2 Peter through YouVersion (check out the link here). I think it will help me stick with it if I share what insight I am gaining from my readings so that's what I'll be attempting to do over the next week or so.
Today, they had us read the entire book of 2nd Peter. I had taken a class over it in Bible College (it was actually 1 and 2 Peter and Jude) with the amazing Prof. Chesser and remember learning a ton, but, truthfully, I've forgotten a lot of it. I'm so excited to reread it now!
A few verses stuck out to me as I read today. First there was this:
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh[c] and despise authority." 2 Peter 2: 1-10
Here we are reminded that God will judge the false teachers. He will hold accountable those that exploit His people. No, we may not see it this lifetime, but, if I'm being honest, this is a comfort to me. There are so many people in the world who do evil. Who use God's word and His church for their own personal gain. It's nice to know that in the end, they will get what is coming to them. I don't have to worry about what they may gain here on this earth.
Also we have:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." 2 Peter 3:10
The end is coming. Like it or not, accept it or not, the end is coming. And God wants everyone to come to it (it even says exactly that in the previous verse). He doesn't want anyone to perish. What are you doing to reach the lost? What are you doing to help advance the kingdom? What am I doing? I hope we are doing all we can in our own lives and ministries whether your ministry is as a church leader or a Sunday school teacher or as a bug man or a classroom teacher or even just as a wife and mother. My hope for you and I is that we do everything we can where we are to advance His kingdom.
Today, they had us read the entire book of 2nd Peter. I had taken a class over it in Bible College (it was actually 1 and 2 Peter and Jude) with the amazing Prof. Chesser and remember learning a ton, but, truthfully, I've forgotten a lot of it. I'm so excited to reread it now!
A few verses stuck out to me as I read today. First there was this:
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh[c] and despise authority." 2 Peter 2: 1-10
Here we are reminded that God will judge the false teachers. He will hold accountable those that exploit His people. No, we may not see it this lifetime, but, if I'm being honest, this is a comfort to me. There are so many people in the world who do evil. Who use God's word and His church for their own personal gain. It's nice to know that in the end, they will get what is coming to them. I don't have to worry about what they may gain here on this earth.
Also we have:
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare." 2 Peter 3:10
The end is coming. Like it or not, accept it or not, the end is coming. And God wants everyone to come to it (it even says exactly that in the previous verse). He doesn't want anyone to perish. What are you doing to reach the lost? What are you doing to help advance the kingdom? What am I doing? I hope we are doing all we can in our own lives and ministries whether your ministry is as a church leader or a Sunday school teacher or as a bug man or a classroom teacher or even just as a wife and mother. My hope for you and I is that we do everything we can where we are to advance His kingdom.
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