Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I've been out of the loop
Have spent the last week battling the crouping crud that seems to be making the rounds. Missed three days of work and some activities. I seem to be on the mend though so hopefully sometime this week will get back in the swing of things. Have not really been in much of a mood to write lately. May need to dig out the Daily Writer or the assignments from there that I never started. Have been much more active with my knitting and crocheting. I am also approaching the final items on my pre-op checklist in preparation for bariatric surgery. Was in good stride to lose the last five pounds when the crud hit and have not been to the gym in over a week. Hopefully the first the month will start a new page. Have stayed within point for the last three days which is a break through there. After my PCP put me on Metformin was really struggling with hunger cravings so instead of loosing weight like most people do when put on that prescription I was stalled and about to start back up. Doing better now that I have stopped the medication. Am also considering taking a summer Bible study. Have gotten very lax in that area also and really need to get back into a routine.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Aspire to Inspire
"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or
addicted to much wine, but to teach was is good. Then they can train the younger women
to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home,
to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)
Yesterday as I was running errands I saw a church marquee that read "Aspire to Inspire before you Expire". I was immediately reminded of what has been called the Titus 2 woman. Now most of us has heard of the Proverbs 31 woman. I even receive a daily devotional from the P31 Ministries and regularly check the blogs of the women who write and speak for this ministry. However, God has also regularly reminded me of the other instructions to women in His word. I personally have been challenged and inspired by the Titus 2 women.
Paul gives instructions to Titus, who he has left behind in Crete. Included in these instructions are the things that Titus is to teach various groups. In Titus 2:11-14 Paul goes on to tell Titus why he needs to teach the people the things he had instructed him to teach. Paul states that it is because God's grace, through the form of His Son, Jesus, has appeared for the salvation of all, to redeem all. Only those who truly receive Him as Lord and Savior are saved. Paul further states that the same grace that saves us aso trains us. Therefore, Titus needs to teach the people so that the Word of God will not be maligned, blasphemed, or dishonored.
This is why we, as godly women need to study the instruction that God wants us to received from his Word given to Titus through Paul, and thereby down the generations to us.
Because of my age I tend to focus on the first group that Paul talked about in his intructions. The older women who were to be taught to be reverent in the way tht they live, to not be slanders. Other versions translate the word slanders as false accussers or malicious gossips. In study of the word reverent found in Strong's dictionary I think Paul mean that the older women should be modest in deportment as well as devout. Paul often tell women that they are to be modest in how they dress and behave. Further Titus is to teach the older women to avoid drinking too much wine to the point of addiction. It appears that the olderwomen of Crete had a reputation for being malcious gossips, engaging in slanderous talk and drinking too much wine. Lastly the older women were to be taught these things so that they would then teach what is good. Paul then tells Titus what good things the older women are to teach the younger women.
They are to teach them to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, kind, and lastly subject to their husbands. For me personally the things that the older women are to teach the younger are things that the older women need to do themselves.
If we pick up Paul's words in 2:12 we learn that the grace of God not only brings us forgiveness/salvation but also teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright nd godly lives in this present age. This again is further instruction for how those who have been saved by grace are to behave.
So if I am going to follow the instructions on that church marquee I need to aspire to life according to these instructions so that I can inspire other women, particularly younger women, to live as God has instructed through his Word. I most certainly don't do that and therefore, I need to turn to God for help. I need to turn to accountability partners to remind me when I am not following these instructions. I desire is to be a good older Titus 2 woman. Therefore my prayer today is:
Father God,
Help me to live according to your instructions. Help me to be modest in my deportment (bearing). Help me to not engage in gossip and slander. Help me to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life inspite of the temptations of the present worldly age. For your help, guidance, and instruction I give you thanks and praise. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
addicted to much wine, but to teach was is good. Then they can train the younger women
to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home,
to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)
Yesterday as I was running errands I saw a church marquee that read "Aspire to Inspire before you Expire". I was immediately reminded of what has been called the Titus 2 woman. Now most of us has heard of the Proverbs 31 woman. I even receive a daily devotional from the P31 Ministries and regularly check the blogs of the women who write and speak for this ministry. However, God has also regularly reminded me of the other instructions to women in His word. I personally have been challenged and inspired by the Titus 2 women.
Paul gives instructions to Titus, who he has left behind in Crete. Included in these instructions are the things that Titus is to teach various groups. In Titus 2:11-14 Paul goes on to tell Titus why he needs to teach the people the things he had instructed him to teach. Paul states that it is because God's grace, through the form of His Son, Jesus, has appeared for the salvation of all, to redeem all. Only those who truly receive Him as Lord and Savior are saved. Paul further states that the same grace that saves us aso trains us. Therefore, Titus needs to teach the people so that the Word of God will not be maligned, blasphemed, or dishonored.
This is why we, as godly women need to study the instruction that God wants us to received from his Word given to Titus through Paul, and thereby down the generations to us.
Because of my age I tend to focus on the first group that Paul talked about in his intructions. The older women who were to be taught to be reverent in the way tht they live, to not be slanders. Other versions translate the word slanders as false accussers or malicious gossips. In study of the word reverent found in Strong's dictionary I think Paul mean that the older women should be modest in deportment as well as devout. Paul often tell women that they are to be modest in how they dress and behave. Further Titus is to teach the older women to avoid drinking too much wine to the point of addiction. It appears that the olderwomen of Crete had a reputation for being malcious gossips, engaging in slanderous talk and drinking too much wine. Lastly the older women were to be taught these things so that they would then teach what is good. Paul then tells Titus what good things the older women are to teach the younger women.
They are to teach them to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, kind, and lastly subject to their husbands. For me personally the things that the older women are to teach the younger are things that the older women need to do themselves.
If we pick up Paul's words in 2:12 we learn that the grace of God not only brings us forgiveness/salvation but also teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright nd godly lives in this present age. This again is further instruction for how those who have been saved by grace are to behave.
So if I am going to follow the instructions on that church marquee I need to aspire to life according to these instructions so that I can inspire other women, particularly younger women, to live as God has instructed through his Word. I most certainly don't do that and therefore, I need to turn to God for help. I need to turn to accountability partners to remind me when I am not following these instructions. I desire is to be a good older Titus 2 woman. Therefore my prayer today is:
Father God,
Help me to live according to your instructions. Help me to be modest in my deportment (bearing). Help me to not engage in gossip and slander. Help me to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life inspite of the temptations of the present worldly age. For your help, guidance, and instruction I give you thanks and praise. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Still at it
I have spent the last two nights working on updating my website for "My Creative Yarns" in the hopes that maybe I can finally spark so interest in this venture and make it profitable. Plus then I would have a viable reason to keep downloading all of these really cute patterns I keep finding. Still do not have the page the way I want it. What I see in my creative mind is just not ending up on the computer screen. I've got this collage thing going on but just can make it look like I want it too. Plus then I still have to put together a catalogue and price list. That one will be a little easier because I'm going to simplicity there and not eye catching/get them to want to spend money look for the webpage. This is taking time away from my writing. I am suppose to be working on getting the first three chapters of the novella I wrote for Nanowrimo back in November ready to send into a contest. I also need to spend a little time on the other WIPs I have going on. I did get the closets cleaned out and reorganized last weekend now just have to find time to take four large black garbage bags of clothes and another bag of books down to the Downtown Rescue Mission. Hope to get around to that next week. I also want to get back to reading and studying but just can't seem to make up my mind just what. Have recently finished some really good fictions. Possibly when I get this website done will be able to talk myself into doing some serious study for awhile.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Back Again
It has been several weeks since I posted. Have not really been reading anything, nor have I been writing. I seem to be unwilling to stop knitting long enough to do any of those things. Also when I am not knitting for the last week I have been listening to a Webinar I signed up for entitled "Getting Revived" from A Woman Inspired. The speakers are Christian Women speakers and I have really enjoyed the ones that I have heard. They have been inspirational and informative. Plus they have not been the normal ones I hear. A change up can sometimes provide me with new insight and inspiration. The most recent on was called "Becoming and I6 Woman". I6 standing for Isaiah 6. Some really good stuff about how to become and I6 woman and also what you can expect to have happen if you do become an I6 woman. I heard about them from one of the women in the ACFW. My knitting has been afghan squares for the SE Asian orphanage. I am using these squares to learn and practice new techniques.
Another reason I have not been writing is that I am a little down right now, as we having some financial issues and everything I try to earn extra funds just is not panning out.
Another reason I have not been writing is that I am a little down right now, as we having some financial issues and everything I try to earn extra funds just is not panning out.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Not really studying any thing right now
Since finishing the last book have not found anything that I really want to work on. Instead have been reading merely for pleasure. Just finished three in fact. They were really enjoyable. I have several more to read. I started Francine Rivers A Lineage of Grace but then got sidetracked. Instead I have also been writing more than usual. I have taken several free on-line writing courses. They have prompted me to do some rewrites and additions to the five stories I am currently writing. Also prompted me to do some more serious preparation of the stories.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Ch. Five: The Principle of Storytelling
This week's chapter fell perfectly in line with what Leonard Sweet spoke of during much of the recent Prayer and Missions Conference which is a part of the Global Impact Celebration at the local Methodist Church that I attend. Both Mr Sweet and this week's chapter extols the pinciple of using stories to witness to others about God's love. Mrs. Kent shares personal stories throughout this book and in doing so helps us remember much longer the message/point she is making about how we can become women of influence. It is not in flat impersonal preaching/lecturing that we draw other women to us but in our personal stories with which they can identify. She stated "Stories can teach complex theological truths in ways that do not intimidate or threaten."
She also uses the words of Max McLean, founder of the Fellowshiip for the Performing Arts when he stated that "a story is not a story until it has been received." His point was that in today's modern era we expect information to do something. It has to have color, it can't just be presenting flat facts, or truths. It needs to touch in some way, we need to have some sort of connection with what is being said in order to be touched by it. I know that is true for me personally. It is when a story most touches me that it become etched into my heart and my mind. McLean also stated "If a story does not touch you,doesn't get a rise out of you, it's not going to get a rise out of anyone else."
Another quote that Mrs. Kent shared is from George Barna who stated that "today's young people are 'mosaic thinkers', able to put information together in new patterns, often arriving at unusual, novel, or surprising conclusion." According to Barna the generations that preceeded the "Gen-Yers" were linear thinkers, what Mr Sweet called "Guttenbergers". Both men feel that it is through sharing personal stories that a theology or philosophy will be received instead of rejected.
Mrs. Kent remind us that Jesus was himself a master storyteller. Remember that Jesus lived in a time when only very learned men such as the church leaders knew how to read and write. Also that they often wrote in a foreign language that the common everyday people did not speak or understand. Therefore, in order to reach his audience Jesus had to tell stories. His stories also needed to be about things that the common everyday person would know about. Mrs. Kent goes on to state that if we want to make a lasting impact on others, if we want to teach them, or share the gossip with them, we need to find "points of identification" that will help them understand what we are trying to tell them. We have to be able to, like Jesus, help others "visualize our message."
Jesus also knew that stories help to make people more receptive to spiritual truth. Mrs. Kent shares a story about how she and her husband worked to reach out to another couple new in the neighborhood but it was in a simple incident of relaying a story that contact was finally made in a meaningful way. It was through the telling of a simple story that they learned of the family's need and was able to then minister to them as friends during a difficult time in the couple's life. It was through this process, begun with a simple story, that they were able to draw the couple, first to their church and then to the Lord.
Mrs. Kent also makes a point of reminding us that Jesus told his stories in everyday, informal settings. Here is a direct quote from George Barna that she shares in the book that we need to remember when speaking to others:
"{The mosaic thinkers} diet of mass media, combined with the uncritical embrace of computer technologies and the ntional shift in morals and values, has resulted in an entirely new filter through which Americans recive and interpret infomration. . . The emergence of the new filter mandates a new style of semon or lesson development and deliver. . . .Presenters who address the audience without constant reference to notes, and those who do not 'hide' behind a pulpit, also seem to generate a more positive response from their listeners."
We need to rememer that the modern "Gen-Yers" do not respond to an impersonal, stiff, rehearsed speech but rather they are more apt to listen when we share biblical truths through our own personal, informal stories of how Christ has changed our lives.
The author also reminds us that Jesus almost always made the application clear when he told a story. He might not reveal the greater truth to his entire audience but he always made the message and application clear to his disciples, his closer circle of followers.
Her final point was stated using a quote from Lael Arrington who is the author of Worldproofing Your Kids, who stated that "in the Middle Ages and Modern Age stories had a begining, an end, a plot, and characters in which people visualized themselves playing a part in a larger story. However, the postmodern person has no sense of being part of a grander story." Then Mrs. Kent stated that "As Christians, we know there is a grand story and Jesus continues to be the example of the greatest story every told." Therefore our ability to share with others how he changed our personal lives and how he continues to change them, has the power to change others lives.
It is through stories that we can reach, teach, and minister to those "Gen-Yers", those born since 1973, using Jesus' example of being a storyteller.
She also uses the words of Max McLean, founder of the Fellowshiip for the Performing Arts when he stated that "a story is not a story until it has been received." His point was that in today's modern era we expect information to do something. It has to have color, it can't just be presenting flat facts, or truths. It needs to touch in some way, we need to have some sort of connection with what is being said in order to be touched by it. I know that is true for me personally. It is when a story most touches me that it become etched into my heart and my mind. McLean also stated "If a story does not touch you,doesn't get a rise out of you, it's not going to get a rise out of anyone else."
Another quote that Mrs. Kent shared is from George Barna who stated that "today's young people are 'mosaic thinkers', able to put information together in new patterns, often arriving at unusual, novel, or surprising conclusion." According to Barna the generations that preceeded the "Gen-Yers" were linear thinkers, what Mr Sweet called "Guttenbergers". Both men feel that it is through sharing personal stories that a theology or philosophy will be received instead of rejected.
Mrs. Kent remind us that Jesus was himself a master storyteller. Remember that Jesus lived in a time when only very learned men such as the church leaders knew how to read and write. Also that they often wrote in a foreign language that the common everyday people did not speak or understand. Therefore, in order to reach his audience Jesus had to tell stories. His stories also needed to be about things that the common everyday person would know about. Mrs. Kent goes on to state that if we want to make a lasting impact on others, if we want to teach them, or share the gossip with them, we need to find "points of identification" that will help them understand what we are trying to tell them. We have to be able to, like Jesus, help others "visualize our message."
Jesus also knew that stories help to make people more receptive to spiritual truth. Mrs. Kent shares a story about how she and her husband worked to reach out to another couple new in the neighborhood but it was in a simple incident of relaying a story that contact was finally made in a meaningful way. It was through the telling of a simple story that they learned of the family's need and was able to then minister to them as friends during a difficult time in the couple's life. It was through this process, begun with a simple story, that they were able to draw the couple, first to their church and then to the Lord.
Mrs. Kent also makes a point of reminding us that Jesus told his stories in everyday, informal settings. Here is a direct quote from George Barna that she shares in the book that we need to remember when speaking to others:
"{The mosaic thinkers} diet of mass media, combined with the uncritical embrace of computer technologies and the ntional shift in morals and values, has resulted in an entirely new filter through which Americans recive and interpret infomration. . . The emergence of the new filter mandates a new style of semon or lesson development and deliver. . . .Presenters who address the audience without constant reference to notes, and those who do not 'hide' behind a pulpit, also seem to generate a more positive response from their listeners."
We need to rememer that the modern "Gen-Yers" do not respond to an impersonal, stiff, rehearsed speech but rather they are more apt to listen when we share biblical truths through our own personal, informal stories of how Christ has changed our lives.
The author also reminds us that Jesus almost always made the application clear when he told a story. He might not reveal the greater truth to his entire audience but he always made the message and application clear to his disciples, his closer circle of followers.
Her final point was stated using a quote from Lael Arrington who is the author of Worldproofing Your Kids, who stated that "in the Middle Ages and Modern Age stories had a begining, an end, a plot, and characters in which people visualized themselves playing a part in a larger story. However, the postmodern person has no sense of being part of a grander story." Then Mrs. Kent stated that "As Christians, we know there is a grand story and Jesus continues to be the example of the greatest story every told." Therefore our ability to share with others how he changed our personal lives and how he continues to change them, has the power to change others lives.
It is through stories that we can reach, teach, and minister to those "Gen-Yers", those born since 1973, using Jesus' example of being a storyteller.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Still floating on a spiritual high
Today is day two post-GIC and I am still feeling spiritually supercharged. I am also still mentally processing all of the information from the workshops and the talks by Neil Anderson, Marilee Pierce Dunker, and Lenoard Sweet. My new prayer has become: "Anxious in nothing. Prayerful in everything. Thankful in anything. Equals peace." I am also processing the fact that this is no longer a Guttenberg world of words and poems but a TGIF world of images and stories. TGIF meaning Twitter, Google, I-Phone, and Facebook. I was reminded of this again this afternoon in talking with a collegue about trying to communicate something to her clients. She's talking in words instead of images and stories. Hopefully she will be able to turn it around. We also talked how even in their texting adolescents and young adults don't even speak in words any more but in a new language made up of just different letters, not really acronyms but something similiar like OMG, LOL, R, U, B4, and many many more. It is a language that many of us middle-aged and older adults don't even know what the terminology means. Then there are words like tweet, retweet, peeps, twebes, etc. I am asking myself can we learn the language fast enough to even make a difference?
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