Okay, so that is a Puff Daddy or P Diddy or whatever he is called....it's one of his songs but it came to mind when I thought of a problem that I have dealt with and deal with at times and I know many women (actually PEOPLE) deal with as Christians. One of God's commandments is Thall Shall Not Covet. I never thought about that commandment until I was truly saved. I have always wanted things and enjoyed shopping (what girl doesn't) but when I was truly saved I realized how much of a serious problem it is. You see, we are all programmed to the world in a way. Society has created these standards to which we feel we need to meet. I guess it all started when I began working as a teacher for the first time. I began to see cute things that other people had or I would watch shows that enhanced my desire to be more like someone else or to have more things. It is something I still struggle with today. Yet, I now realized that when it creates a desire to focus more on my self and to covet, that is where it can become more of a sin and less just wanting to have fun. I felt extremely convicted last week and since this is a blog about helping other Christian women who face similar issues, I will share it. Last week, I had a list of needs and a list of wants. I bought all of my needs and then I quickly bought all the items on my wants....again not necessarily a bad thing but then it turned into spending close to 300 on ME! It was not a holiday, I had been shopping three weeks before and it was just because I wanted it. This is where harmless fun shopping turns into sin. My goal when I made our budget for the month was to sign up to sponsor a Compassion kid. Compassion is an organization that helps poverty stricken children in third world countries that is gospel centered. Well instead of helping a child and spreading the gospel, I spend all of the money on myself! It makes me cringe as I write this but I am so thankful for the Lord convicting me and putting this on my heart. Joey and I have been trying to have a new perspective financially. Before, we hoped to move to a bigger house one day, buy brand new fancy cars, and just get to what is considered the "American Dream." Now that God has truly changed our hearts, everything has changed. We want to pay off any debt we have and still live comfortably but give more to others and live a humble life. None of deserve to even live comfortably for we have all broken God's law and fall short. But through repentance and trusting in Christ, we are giving a chance....we are saved from the wrath that we truly deserve. So I guess I am writing this so that we all can reexamine what it is in our lives that tends to control us sometimes more than the Lord does. I ask for prayer with my own battle (which may seem humorous and so little) so that I may grow more in Christ and not in my worldly desires. I will be praying for you dear friends and please feel free to comment for any prayer needs!
I am off to read and no it is not going to be a catalog tonight....it will be a book on submission to your husband! :)
Love,
Mel
Monday, May 2, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Busy Body
God has put a lot on my heart lately. I have really been struggling with being busy. Now, if you know me...you know I love being busy. Right when Joey and I first got married, I began my first year teaching and then I started grad school and then got pregnant and have just been going and going ever since then! Yet, I heard a Paul Washer sermon that discussed being busy. In it, it discussed a very valid point.....being busy is not a sin but when you're too busy for God it is. We should have time for God each and every day, to pray and meditate on His word, and to give Him praise. I now see that this may be my biggest struggle. As a mommy of two, wife, and teacher...I am ALWAYS doing something. Time is scarce and when I need it, there's not enough. Yet, what does that say about my relationship with God? He has given me life. He has saved me from Hell and my sin. He has blessed me with a wonderful home, amazing husband, and precious children. So how is it that I can watch my favorite show, browse online, or go do things BEFORE I take time for Him. I feel very convicted and pray that God gives me strength in this area. I was talking to my sister, Megan, awhile back. We were talking about how when people are upset or going through a traumatic experience in their life that they pray in anguish. They will make sure to pray ALL day long. They have a need for God. Well, that's how we should pray all the time. We should not just cling to God in our time of need, but we should cling to Him all of the time.
I just wanted to share my conviction and hopefully this can help someone else out there. Have a blessed week! :)
Love,
Melanie
I just wanted to share my conviction and hopefully this can help someone else out there. Have a blessed week! :)
Love,
Melanie
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What is a Godly Wife?
Just a warning....I already know that this may upset some women but this is how God views a woman of God and a wife.
Times have changed so much and being a biblical wife seems to be a rarity in this day and age. I am guilty of not being a biblical wife, at times. Until I was truly saved, I never knew what it meant.
It is 2011 and many women feel that they are equal to men. They can make as much money if not more, they have children before even thinking about the possibility of marriage, they run for vice president, they are the heads of households.....but what does it mean to be a woman of God? What is our role?
I know that I used to try to lead our family, I cared about being successful, I put 110% in everything I did whether it was teaching, graduate school, anything. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about some of those things but when it takes away from your role as a wife and a mother, then it's a problem. When your standards are based on society's and the world's view, then it's a problem.
I used to want to be pleasing in society's eyes. I had to do everything in the right order, I wanted to be successful, have nice things when I wanted them, be well liked, I even wanted Grayson to grow up to be super trendy and well liked when he grew up. Yet God got a hold of my heart and he changed it. Now, I want to fulfill my duties as a wife and a mother first and foremost. That is my ministry that God has given me. I want to raise Godly children and I want to make sure I support my husband as he leads our family.
My sister has really been an inspiration to me through her faith in the Lord, as well in this matter. What we both realize is that it's not what we want or what our plans are, it is about following God's plans and that starts by looking at His word to see what a woman's role is.
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior,(D) not slanderers(E) or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled,(F) pure,(G) working at home, kind, and(H) submissive to their own husbands,(I) that the word of God may not be reviled."- Titus 2:3-5
This verse is a wonderful example of what it means to be a woman of God. Most of society now would say that it is so aged and "old school." Yet, God's word is unchanging and stands true throughout the times. I am personally convicted by this because for so long, I have wanted everything to revolve around me and my plans (which I may stumble upon at times) but it's amazing to have a clear directive of what God wants me to be. Since he has chosen to save me through His grace, the least I can do is strive to fulfill His requirements of a woman and to stand beside my husband as he is the leader of our family. Many women are so caught up in the Sex and the City lifestyle or find themselves coveting that life but how much sweeter is it to serve your husband and raise your children in the way of the Lord as opposed to the way of the world?
I am not here to judge or condemn as I face some of the same struggles but I just ask you to please think about what kind of wife and mother you are or strive to be?
We all fall short of the glory of God but he sent His only son to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sinful and wretched selves. Once you repent and turn from your sin and trust in Him, He will take a hold of your heart and change it all. How amazing is it to have a God that is so just and holy? I pray that this has touched your heart and makes you think about your duties as a wife and mother...I know reading that verse really made me think! Now for movie time with my wonderful husband...
Goodnight, God Bless, and Lots of Love!!
-Melanie
Times have changed so much and being a biblical wife seems to be a rarity in this day and age. I am guilty of not being a biblical wife, at times. Until I was truly saved, I never knew what it meant.
It is 2011 and many women feel that they are equal to men. They can make as much money if not more, they have children before even thinking about the possibility of marriage, they run for vice president, they are the heads of households.....but what does it mean to be a woman of God? What is our role?
I know that I used to try to lead our family, I cared about being successful, I put 110% in everything I did whether it was teaching, graduate school, anything. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing bad about some of those things but when it takes away from your role as a wife and a mother, then it's a problem. When your standards are based on society's and the world's view, then it's a problem.
I used to want to be pleasing in society's eyes. I had to do everything in the right order, I wanted to be successful, have nice things when I wanted them, be well liked, I even wanted Grayson to grow up to be super trendy and well liked when he grew up. Yet God got a hold of my heart and he changed it. Now, I want to fulfill my duties as a wife and a mother first and foremost. That is my ministry that God has given me. I want to raise Godly children and I want to make sure I support my husband as he leads our family.
My sister has really been an inspiration to me through her faith in the Lord, as well in this matter. What we both realize is that it's not what we want or what our plans are, it is about following God's plans and that starts by looking at His word to see what a woman's role is.
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior,(D) not slanderers(E) or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled,(F) pure,(G) working at home, kind, and(H) submissive to their own husbands,(I) that the word of God may not be reviled."- Titus 2:3-5
This verse is a wonderful example of what it means to be a woman of God. Most of society now would say that it is so aged and "old school." Yet, God's word is unchanging and stands true throughout the times. I am personally convicted by this because for so long, I have wanted everything to revolve around me and my plans (which I may stumble upon at times) but it's amazing to have a clear directive of what God wants me to be. Since he has chosen to save me through His grace, the least I can do is strive to fulfill His requirements of a woman and to stand beside my husband as he is the leader of our family. Many women are so caught up in the Sex and the City lifestyle or find themselves coveting that life but how much sweeter is it to serve your husband and raise your children in the way of the Lord as opposed to the way of the world?
I am not here to judge or condemn as I face some of the same struggles but I just ask you to please think about what kind of wife and mother you are or strive to be?
We all fall short of the glory of God but he sent His only son to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sinful and wretched selves. Once you repent and turn from your sin and trust in Him, He will take a hold of your heart and change it all. How amazing is it to have a God that is so just and holy? I pray that this has touched your heart and makes you think about your duties as a wife and mother...I know reading that verse really made me think! Now for movie time with my wonderful husband...
Goodnight, God Bless, and Lots of Love!!
-Melanie
Sunday, March 13, 2011
My Testimony
So...here I go starting a fabulous (at least I hope so) new blog! This will be my own personal journal/information on my personal journey as a biblical, Christian young woman in a modern society. I hope to post things to help support ladies seeking to be true women of God and my own personal account of my struggles and experiences.
I guess I should start, first and foremost, with my own little personal testimony. So here it is.....
Since I was a kiddo, I always prayed to God. I would just have "talks" with God and I would pray about everything. I can still remember praying oustide that I would get to spend the night at my friends house or that I would get something that I was wanting. I always thought that I had a relationship with God because I believed there was a God and I prayed to Him. Fastforward years later to when I was in high school. I went to church, went to youth group, talked to others about God and thought I was a good person. Yeah, I made mistakes but I asked for forgiveness and didn't do a lot of bad stuff...I must have been a Christian, right? So WRONG!!! Next we have the college years....I tried not to drink a lot and made some stupid choices at times but I stayed out of trouble and I tried to do what society says is "good" and "what you're supposed to do." I was in a sorority (which I do love Chi-O) and graduated and got married(met my hubby at church), became a teacher, bought a house with my husband, had babies, finished grad school and did everything I had planned and wanted to do in order. Perfect, right? While I am so blessed and thank the Lord every minute for it, it was not until last year that I was TRULY saved. I know that God used my husband as an instrument in me being saved. Joey, my hubby, had attended the Ambassador's Alliance in LA 2 years ago. He came back with a new heart and a new mind. God opened Joey's eyes to the truth.
Now, let me tell you this before I proceed and this is the scary part. All along since Joey and I had started dating...we thought we were Christians. We went to church everyday, prayed together, helped others, and thought we were good-law abiding citizens. Well, back to Joey's experience. When he came back it was extreme. I had a hard time understanding it all and I was actually fighting him on the some of the changes he wanted to make for our family. I kept thinking..."We ARE Christians, why is he acting like the way we are living is not okay?" Well, slowly God began to change my heart and mind.
The day that I realized I was a wretched sinner (I know that sounds harsh) is the day that I was truly saved...I know it sounds crazy but the day that I realized that I am nothing without God and his grace is the day my life changed.
I repented of my sin and began to trust in the Lord and I am so thankful that he chose to save me...
You see we have all fallen short of the glory of God....we are all sinners. As much as we don't want to admit it, we all have selfish motives in our hearts. We all want what we want more than what God wants. Now, I want God's will to be done and not my own. Do I still struggle? Everyday. Everyday I fight a battle....I want to live for God and I want to be a biblical wife and a gentle, loving mother....everything that God commands us women to be. Yet, I battle the temptation of getting caught up in the world and breaking God's law.....coveting for example. I will see an absolutely gorgeous pair of shoes or I will begin to want that Louis V sitting in the window and I just have to have it. Am I saying that wanting those things are bad? No. But putting my effort and time and thoughts in obtaining something rather than focusing on Christ is. He died for my sins and was the ultimate sacrifice. Our God is so amazing to save us from an eternity in hell. On top of that (how can you beat that?), he gave us all His word on how to live. He made it so clear but many are so lost.
I just pray that this blog will be a way to gain support from other Christian women and maybe will help other women who have the same struggles that I have. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to this blog!!
Love,
Melanie
I guess I should start, first and foremost, with my own little personal testimony. So here it is.....
Since I was a kiddo, I always prayed to God. I would just have "talks" with God and I would pray about everything. I can still remember praying oustide that I would get to spend the night at my friends house or that I would get something that I was wanting. I always thought that I had a relationship with God because I believed there was a God and I prayed to Him. Fastforward years later to when I was in high school. I went to church, went to youth group, talked to others about God and thought I was a good person. Yeah, I made mistakes but I asked for forgiveness and didn't do a lot of bad stuff...I must have been a Christian, right? So WRONG!!! Next we have the college years....I tried not to drink a lot and made some stupid choices at times but I stayed out of trouble and I tried to do what society says is "good" and "what you're supposed to do." I was in a sorority (which I do love Chi-O) and graduated and got married(met my hubby at church), became a teacher, bought a house with my husband, had babies, finished grad school and did everything I had planned and wanted to do in order. Perfect, right? While I am so blessed and thank the Lord every minute for it, it was not until last year that I was TRULY saved. I know that God used my husband as an instrument in me being saved. Joey, my hubby, had attended the Ambassador's Alliance in LA 2 years ago. He came back with a new heart and a new mind. God opened Joey's eyes to the truth.
Now, let me tell you this before I proceed and this is the scary part. All along since Joey and I had started dating...we thought we were Christians. We went to church everyday, prayed together, helped others, and thought we were good-law abiding citizens. Well, back to Joey's experience. When he came back it was extreme. I had a hard time understanding it all and I was actually fighting him on the some of the changes he wanted to make for our family. I kept thinking..."We ARE Christians, why is he acting like the way we are living is not okay?" Well, slowly God began to change my heart and mind.
The day that I realized I was a wretched sinner (I know that sounds harsh) is the day that I was truly saved...I know it sounds crazy but the day that I realized that I am nothing without God and his grace is the day my life changed.
I repented of my sin and began to trust in the Lord and I am so thankful that he chose to save me...
You see we have all fallen short of the glory of God....we are all sinners. As much as we don't want to admit it, we all have selfish motives in our hearts. We all want what we want more than what God wants. Now, I want God's will to be done and not my own. Do I still struggle? Everyday. Everyday I fight a battle....I want to live for God and I want to be a biblical wife and a gentle, loving mother....everything that God commands us women to be. Yet, I battle the temptation of getting caught up in the world and breaking God's law.....coveting for example. I will see an absolutely gorgeous pair of shoes or I will begin to want that Louis V sitting in the window and I just have to have it. Am I saying that wanting those things are bad? No. But putting my effort and time and thoughts in obtaining something rather than focusing on Christ is. He died for my sins and was the ultimate sacrifice. Our God is so amazing to save us from an eternity in hell. On top of that (how can you beat that?), he gave us all His word on how to live. He made it so clear but many are so lost.
I just pray that this blog will be a way to gain support from other Christian women and maybe will help other women who have the same struggles that I have. I hope you enjoy and I look forward to this blog!!
Love,
Melanie
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