Friday, February 23, 2007
The Upward Call
I want to send everyone to http://theupwardcall.blogspot.com to read her post "Small and Great." I wish I could remember this ALL the time.
Chapter 2- Live at Peace
This chapter of course is all about Peace. There are 3 dimensions of peace. Peace with God, made possible by God through the giving of his son, Jesus Christ, so we could have eternal life. Peace with others, God calls us to "live at peace with everyone." (Rom. 12:18) The bible refers to this kind of peace as unity. Just seeing the goodwill of between people, does not mean the absence of conflict or strife. The third dimension of peace is Peace within yourself. "Through Jesus you can experience genuine peace within yourself." This book says that if you do not have peace with God and others, you cannot experience peace within yourself, "internal peace is a by product of righteousness." Internal peace cannot be obtained by anything we do, it is a gift from God to those who believe in Jesus, and obey His commandments. ( A few scripture verses that support 1 John 3:21-24, Isa. 26:3, Isa 32:17,) By Gods choice these 3 dimensions of peace come together. You cannot have one without the other. (1 John 2:23)
The next part of this is titled, "Jesus' reputation depends on unity." Can I just say that, that alone makes me feel weird. Do I really have a great deal to do with Jesus' reputation? I understand what the guy is trying to say, but couldn't he have titled it, Christianities reputation depends on unity? Anyway, what he says is if there is peace and unity in our relationships, more people would take our witness seriously, they would see God present and working in our lives. If there is always conflict and turmoil, then people are less likely to listen to your witness. Many times is this pointed out throughout the bible, the whole unity and peace, even when Jesus was praying before he was hung on the cross, he prayed for unity for all who believed and who would believe. ( John 17:20-23) (more scripture about peace and unity Matt. 5:21-24, 1 Peter 2:12) Peace and unity among us is so important that Jesus says to reconcile before we worship. (1 John 4:19-21)
The enemy of peace is next. Who else could this be but Satan. Anything to stand in the way. Did you know that Satan means adversary. I am sure some of you did, but I did not. Anyway, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Satan disrupts unity in so many ways, like tempting us with selfishness, greed, dishonesty. (Acts 5:3, 1 Tim. 4:1-3) He uses unresolved anger as a tool. (Eph. 4:26-27) Satan likes it if we do not see him as some of the cause of conflict. As long as we only see each other as the problem and continue to attack one another we do not think about guarding against him. Do not take that wrong, I know you know it is not all Satan, but us and a lot of sin too. (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9) In Ephesians 6, Paul gives a warning about this, he also tells what "weapons" to use against it, "truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, Scripture, and prayer." The apostles speak a lot in their epistles about peace because it is so important. They all have a command in them to live at peace with each other. (Rom. 15:5-7, 1 Cor. 1:10, Gal. 5:19-22, Col. 3:13 & 15, 1 Thess. 5:13-15) Paul also says that unity and peace is not uniformity, that there is nothing wrong with differing opinions on "disputable matters." It is when it takes away the "harmony and peace, that there is work to be done." (Eph. 4:7-13, 1 Cor. 12:12-31, Rom. 14-1) Paul goes on to say that slandering, anger, etc. really grieves God. (Eph. 4:29-31) So knowing that we are to "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." ( Eph. 4:32)
Next is lawsuits among believers. 1 Corinthians 6 talks thoroughly about this. It pretty much tells Christians to settle things in the church. If they need mediation to go to the church. The church can suggest things that the judicial courts would not think of. More peaceful resolutions that will work good for both parties involved.
All and all another good chapter, I just hope that I never have to deal with the lawsuit part, or ever let something happen that would get that bad. :) Sorry it took me so long to get this one up. I am already to chapter 5, but finding time to write about it is another thing all together. Anyone with kids will sympathize.
The next part of this is titled, "Jesus' reputation depends on unity." Can I just say that, that alone makes me feel weird. Do I really have a great deal to do with Jesus' reputation? I understand what the guy is trying to say, but couldn't he have titled it, Christianities reputation depends on unity? Anyway, what he says is if there is peace and unity in our relationships, more people would take our witness seriously, they would see God present and working in our lives. If there is always conflict and turmoil, then people are less likely to listen to your witness. Many times is this pointed out throughout the bible, the whole unity and peace, even when Jesus was praying before he was hung on the cross, he prayed for unity for all who believed and who would believe. ( John 17:20-23) (more scripture about peace and unity Matt. 5:21-24, 1 Peter 2:12) Peace and unity among us is so important that Jesus says to reconcile before we worship. (1 John 4:19-21)
The enemy of peace is next. Who else could this be but Satan. Anything to stand in the way. Did you know that Satan means adversary. I am sure some of you did, but I did not. Anyway, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Satan disrupts unity in so many ways, like tempting us with selfishness, greed, dishonesty. (Acts 5:3, 1 Tim. 4:1-3) He uses unresolved anger as a tool. (Eph. 4:26-27) Satan likes it if we do not see him as some of the cause of conflict. As long as we only see each other as the problem and continue to attack one another we do not think about guarding against him. Do not take that wrong, I know you know it is not all Satan, but us and a lot of sin too. (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9) In Ephesians 6, Paul gives a warning about this, he also tells what "weapons" to use against it, "truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, Scripture, and prayer." The apostles speak a lot in their epistles about peace because it is so important. They all have a command in them to live at peace with each other. (Rom. 15:5-7, 1 Cor. 1:10, Gal. 5:19-22, Col. 3:13 & 15, 1 Thess. 5:13-15) Paul also says that unity and peace is not uniformity, that there is nothing wrong with differing opinions on "disputable matters." It is when it takes away the "harmony and peace, that there is work to be done." (Eph. 4:7-13, 1 Cor. 12:12-31, Rom. 14-1) Paul goes on to say that slandering, anger, etc. really grieves God. (Eph. 4:29-31) So knowing that we are to "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." ( Eph. 4:32)
Next is lawsuits among believers. 1 Corinthians 6 talks thoroughly about this. It pretty much tells Christians to settle things in the church. If they need mediation to go to the church. The church can suggest things that the judicial courts would not think of. More peaceful resolutions that will work good for both parties involved.
All and all another good chapter, I just hope that I never have to deal with the lawsuit part, or ever let something happen that would get that bad. :) Sorry it took me so long to get this one up. I am already to chapter 5, but finding time to write about it is another thing all together. Anyone with kids will sympathize.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Peace Maker, Chapter 1- Conflict Provides Opportunities
I would just like to say that anything I put in quotation marks is quoted straight out of the book, and all scripture verses referred to are also recommended from the author.
So in the first chapter, conflict is described as a slippery slope. That it is!! In the "Slippery slope of conflict" people usually respond in 3 different ways. My pastor actually preached about this last Sunday. The first is Escape Responses- Suicide, Flight, and Denial. These are on the left side of the slippery slope. On the right side of the slippery slope are the Attack Responses- Murder, Litigation, and Assault. In the middle we find the Peacemaking Responses, which go from left to right; Overlook, Reconciliation, Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, and Accountability.
Now, we look a little deeper into each response. On the far left is the escape responses. The people who lean towards these responses are normally more interested in avoiding than solving the conflict. So they normally do one of the 3 things: Denial-"simply refuse to do what should be done to resolve a conflict." (recommended scripture from author Gen. 16:1-6;1 Sam. 2:22-25) Up next, Flight- Of course this is to run away. If you quit a job, quit talking to a friend, etc., this normally only postpones a solution to the problem. (Gen. 16:6-8) Sometimes it is okay if you need to calm down. Flight can also be okay if you are in danger. (1 Sam. 19:9-10) The last and final "escape" is Suicide- We all know what this is. The ultimate escape, or ultimate cry for help. (1 Sam. 31:4)
Attack Responses are used by people who are more interested in winning than keeping a relationship. Assault- Can be to overcome the other by verbal or physical attacks, or damaging a person financially or professionally. (Acts 6:8-15) Litigation- Taking someone to court. Making them bend to your will legally. Some lawsuits are legitimate.(Acts 24:1-26:32;Rom. 13:1-5) Most the time this will damage relationships severely, and that is why Christians are commanded to litigate within the church instead of the courts.(1 Cor. 6:1-8) Then Murder-Of Course this means killing the person who opposes you, (Acts 7:54-58); and we all know that just killing is not the only kind of murder. When we harbor contempt or anger in our hearts, that is the same in Gods eyes.(1 John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-22)
So all the Peace Making solutions are what we are suppose to shoot for. Overlook an Offense, Reconciliation, and Negotiation, are more personal solutions. Mediation, Arbitration, and Accountability are more outsourced solutions. Since all of these are brought into focus in later chapters, we just won't go there now. Because I will be posting on these in length later. There is also some more really cool stuff in this chapter I want to get to before you all get to bored to read on.
So here we are, all of the above are responses to conflict. The escape and attack responses to conflict can be held at bay if we learn to look at conflict in a biblical way. Conflict is not always bad. Instead of looking for uniformity, look for unity. Not everybody is going to agree all the time, well duh! But not all conflict is good per say. But all conflict gives you a way to Glorify God, serve others, and grow to be like Christ.
How do we Glorify God in the midst of conflict. First, trust God. Second, Obey God. Third, imitate God. Fourth, Acknowledge God. If you are focusing on these four things than you are less likely to say and do things that you may later regret. A God-centered approach to conflict resolution is if you are focusing on pleasing God, as long as you are doing those things you are less interested in the others responses, like if they are being negative. If you choose not to Glorify God in conflict, than you show that you are a pretty selfish person. When "pleasing God is more important than holding onto worldly things and pleasing yourself, it becomes increasingly natural to respond to conflict graciously, wisely, and with self control." This brings glory to God.
Serving others in the midst of conflict is, in some cases, helping them figure out a different option to the problem they are trying to overcome. Or you may have a chance to carry the others "burdens." You can provide spiritually, emotionally, or provide materials they need to help with a problem. So instead of reacting defensively when they lash out, just try and figure out how you can help with that problem. This also brings glory to God. Conflict helps bring out moments to help others trust in Jesus Christ. Because the way you handle conflict other people will see and wonder how you handle things so well. This may present a way to open the door and introducing them to Jesus Christ. Last, but not least is, growing to be more like Christ. Conflict helps point out sinful attitudes and habits in your life so you can focus on changing those also. "God uses conflict to stretch and challenge you in carefully tailored ways." this is sometimes referred to "the ABC of spiritual growth: Adversity Builds Character. If you worry less about GOING through conflict, and focus on GROWING through conflict, you will enhance that process and experience the incomparable blessing of being conformed to the likeness of Christ."
2 more parts : The 4 G's of peace making. If you are going through conflict ask yourself these questions! How can I please and Glorify God in this situation? (Glorify God) How can I take responsibility for my part in the conflict? (Get the log out of your own eye) How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their part in this conflict? (Gently Restore) How can I demonstrate forgiveness and encourage a reasonable solution? (Go and be reconciled)
The last part is about "stewarding conflict." To be a steward is to look out for your masters interests, regardless if it is contradicting to what you believe or not, loosely put. So to steward conflict, you must look to your master, Jesus Christ, to find the best route.
All and all the first chapter is very lengthy, however very informative. It definitely made me evaluate how I confront conflict. Then the rest of the book is going to shine even more light on all of these subjects and more. I am looking forward to sharing the rest with you.
So in the first chapter, conflict is described as a slippery slope. That it is!! In the "Slippery slope of conflict" people usually respond in 3 different ways. My pastor actually preached about this last Sunday. The first is Escape Responses- Suicide, Flight, and Denial. These are on the left side of the slippery slope. On the right side of the slippery slope are the Attack Responses- Murder, Litigation, and Assault. In the middle we find the Peacemaking Responses, which go from left to right; Overlook, Reconciliation, Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, and Accountability.
Now, we look a little deeper into each response. On the far left is the escape responses. The people who lean towards these responses are normally more interested in avoiding than solving the conflict. So they normally do one of the 3 things: Denial-"simply refuse to do what should be done to resolve a conflict." (recommended scripture from author Gen. 16:1-6;1 Sam. 2:22-25) Up next, Flight- Of course this is to run away. If you quit a job, quit talking to a friend, etc., this normally only postpones a solution to the problem. (Gen. 16:6-8) Sometimes it is okay if you need to calm down. Flight can also be okay if you are in danger. (1 Sam. 19:9-10) The last and final "escape" is Suicide- We all know what this is. The ultimate escape, or ultimate cry for help. (1 Sam. 31:4)
Attack Responses are used by people who are more interested in winning than keeping a relationship. Assault- Can be to overcome the other by verbal or physical attacks, or damaging a person financially or professionally. (Acts 6:8-15) Litigation- Taking someone to court. Making them bend to your will legally. Some lawsuits are legitimate.(Acts 24:1-26:32;Rom. 13:1-5) Most the time this will damage relationships severely, and that is why Christians are commanded to litigate within the church instead of the courts.(1 Cor. 6:1-8) Then Murder-Of Course this means killing the person who opposes you, (Acts 7:54-58); and we all know that just killing is not the only kind of murder. When we harbor contempt or anger in our hearts, that is the same in Gods eyes.(1 John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-22)
So all the Peace Making solutions are what we are suppose to shoot for. Overlook an Offense, Reconciliation, and Negotiation, are more personal solutions. Mediation, Arbitration, and Accountability are more outsourced solutions. Since all of these are brought into focus in later chapters, we just won't go there now. Because I will be posting on these in length later. There is also some more really cool stuff in this chapter I want to get to before you all get to bored to read on.
So here we are, all of the above are responses to conflict. The escape and attack responses to conflict can be held at bay if we learn to look at conflict in a biblical way. Conflict is not always bad. Instead of looking for uniformity, look for unity. Not everybody is going to agree all the time, well duh! But not all conflict is good per say. But all conflict gives you a way to Glorify God, serve others, and grow to be like Christ.
How do we Glorify God in the midst of conflict. First, trust God. Second, Obey God. Third, imitate God. Fourth, Acknowledge God. If you are focusing on these four things than you are less likely to say and do things that you may later regret. A God-centered approach to conflict resolution is if you are focusing on pleasing God, as long as you are doing those things you are less interested in the others responses, like if they are being negative. If you choose not to Glorify God in conflict, than you show that you are a pretty selfish person. When "pleasing God is more important than holding onto worldly things and pleasing yourself, it becomes increasingly natural to respond to conflict graciously, wisely, and with self control." This brings glory to God.
Serving others in the midst of conflict is, in some cases, helping them figure out a different option to the problem they are trying to overcome. Or you may have a chance to carry the others "burdens." You can provide spiritually, emotionally, or provide materials they need to help with a problem. So instead of reacting defensively when they lash out, just try and figure out how you can help with that problem. This also brings glory to God. Conflict helps bring out moments to help others trust in Jesus Christ. Because the way you handle conflict other people will see and wonder how you handle things so well. This may present a way to open the door and introducing them to Jesus Christ. Last, but not least is, growing to be more like Christ. Conflict helps point out sinful attitudes and habits in your life so you can focus on changing those also. "God uses conflict to stretch and challenge you in carefully tailored ways." this is sometimes referred to "the ABC of spiritual growth: Adversity Builds Character. If you worry less about GOING through conflict, and focus on GROWING through conflict, you will enhance that process and experience the incomparable blessing of being conformed to the likeness of Christ."
2 more parts : The 4 G's of peace making. If you are going through conflict ask yourself these questions! How can I please and Glorify God in this situation? (Glorify God) How can I take responsibility for my part in the conflict? (Get the log out of your own eye) How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their part in this conflict? (Gently Restore) How can I demonstrate forgiveness and encourage a reasonable solution? (Go and be reconciled)
The last part is about "stewarding conflict." To be a steward is to look out for your masters interests, regardless if it is contradicting to what you believe or not, loosely put. So to steward conflict, you must look to your master, Jesus Christ, to find the best route.
All and all the first chapter is very lengthy, however very informative. It definitely made me evaluate how I confront conflict. Then the rest of the book is going to shine even more light on all of these subjects and more. I am looking forward to sharing the rest with you.
Friday, February 16, 2007
PeaceMaker
I have decided that as I read this book, "The Peace Maker" by Ken Sande, I am going to write about it. It is a book about biblical conflict resolution, which I am having major issues with right now. So I have not made it through the first chapter yet, but when I do. I will let you know what I think. and what it was about of course. Keep reading!!!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
American Idol Hollywood Week
Alright, I am really disappointed because the guy who was compared to Fidel Castro did not get to go on. The other one I am really disappointed about is the girl who was in the Opera school. She had to leave too. Other than that, from what I could tell last night, at least 4 of my favorites are still there. The Indian brother, Sundance, the beatbox boy, and the girl who only has sang backup for people. So, we will have to wait and see. Maybe one of them will win.
Valentines Day Party!
I have to tell you about this, most of you were here, but for those of you who were not, it was quite enjoyable. Since I am homeschooling my oldest, and my younger 2 are not in daycare I decided to throw a valentines day party for them. I live in a 2 bedroom apartment, I do not even know what my square footage is, but I feel like it is pretty small. Anyway, we had at least 20 people in the apartment, but it worked out nicely. The hardest part was watching down below because all the little guys. We exchanged valentines with all the kids, and ate, and talked, Good fun. One of the moms took a trip down to the car, I was unaware. Then one of the other moms says "I am missing a child, the boys say he is not in the room." Well considering there are only 2 other things that could have happened, I opened the front door to make sure he did not sneak out the door, no sign of him. So I knock on the bathroom door, no answer. I open the door, and there he is, with the other mothers little girl. They got into my bathroom cabinet and proceeded to "paint" her with some face cream I had in there. LOL. It was all over her, in her hair, on her legs, but only on her. As I begin to apologize over and over to her mother, who handled the whole situation so nicely, several cameras are broke out, and all the mothers were getting a great laugh. Well, except for that little mishap, maybe I should say including that little mishap, it was great fun. I am lucky to have good friends!!!!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
American Idol, yet again
Last two nights have been kind of crazy, so I did not get to see all of both episodes. However from what I did see, there were 3 people that really caught my "ear." I do not remember their names, but one guy sang and Simon said he was bored, so he sang another song, and he got through. Then the guy who sang "Cupid." Wow!!! Then the woman who sang "Think." I still think my big sister, Steph should try, I just don't know if she is above the age limit or not. She has such a great voice, even if she has not really sang since high-school, She still sings great. I should find out what the age limit is, and nag and nag and nag, until she cannot take it anymore.
Monday, February 05, 2007
My new do!!!
Alright, I searched and searched for a before pic. and I could not find one. But lets just say that my hair was to the middle of my back. My kids and husband did not want me to cut it, but the girls like the new look. So without further ado.... I wish I could see my sisters reactions, 
Saturday, February 03, 2007
oh, I am all alone
My husband, yes my husband, has went out for a little while, and he has taken BOTH the older girls with him. Please note, normally we ALL go, no matter where it is, no matter if I really want to or not. But today, he did not even ask if I wanted to go and I kind of liked that. Then on top of that he says "Do you care if I take the older girls?" Do I care, of course not. So the baby is sleeping and he is out, and the older girls are with him, my "chores" are done. what is a girl to do? Well, I will tell you what this girl is doing, I am enjoying being alone, having some TigerButter, and a cup of coffee. I do appreciate the little things in life, most of the time. What is TigerButter? oh that is the most awesome chocolate in the world made by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Oh yes, just ask my sisters, it would make their day if they received some in the mail from me!!! That is an idea, what you think Lisa, Steph? Should I send you a treat? Maybe a V-day present, cause I love you that much? Anyway, You know what else? I am going to get a hair-cut when my husband gets back. This might not seem like such a big deal to many of you, but it has been a couple of years since the last time I have cut it. And this time I am CHOPPIN' it!!! My husband absolutely hates it when I cut it, and most of the time I do not take a lot off, trying to please my man!!! However this time I am being a little selfish. It is going bye-bye. I am not going to look like a pixie, and no bob style, I am going for a mature, stylish, but short look, And something easy to take care of. With 3 kids, 2 of which have hair to their butts, there is not much time for mama to take on my own. I am about 3 - 4 inches shy of being at the bottom of my back, so I think it might be a little shocking at first, oh but I am excited. Maybe I will post a picture after. One more thing, My husband got me a beautiful necklace. It is a silver claddagh and the heart is fossilized amber from Ireland. It was not pricey, from what he says, and I only say this for my sake. I hate spending money on silly things, and I am not complaining. I love the necklace, it is very pretty; And I love the fact that my husband thought of me, I just do not like spending money on me. Weird huh? okay bye-bye for now. I will write more probably after the next airing of American Idol. Chow Bellas.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
American idol, I do not know which Part, ummm VI
Alright, I have to make this super quick, bad joke enters head, and on with the topic. So, Tuesday night, Victoria was my favorite. Her hair was super long, and I thought she sounded a lot like Charlotte Church. Also, on Wednesday, the old man Sherman. He was awesome.
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