To all,
I thought some of you might like an update on how my experience of covering my head is going. I have been covering my head everyday for a little over two months now and am not wavering. I was tempted one Saturday night to stop wearing it because I was picking out a "fancy" outfit to wear to church, and I thought the covering would clash. When I told my close friend that I was feeling like I wanted to stop wearing it, she asked, "For what reason??" Well, my reason was I wanted to look "good". I had seen many beautiful heads of hair that day, and I was sorely yearning to have some "beautiful" hair to go with my "beautiful" outfit. Of course DUH!! that is the most self-centered and prideful reason to stop wearing it!! Thankfully that was about a two-hour mood, and the next day I was perfectly content to wear it again :)
The girls in the Bible study I'm in at my church had a few questions this week, but for the most part it seems nearly invisible to most people. I don't know if they are afraid to be curious and inquire or if they simply don't notice it. Or maybe nobody cares lol. ?
I would like to share something with you all that may be of no significance, but it is something I've been thinking about. I started praying about wearing a covering on a Wednesday. I wore one that Friday and Saturday, but felt too uneasy to wear it on Sunday. That Sunday I stood in church feeling completely out of place. I didn't enjoy the music or the fellowship, and I didn't get anything out of the sermon. I started pondering how fun it would be to go to a new church.
I was wearing the covering the next Sunday, and my love for church and church-related activities has been growing ever since!! I'm thrilled to stay late after church and talk to people while before I was ready to run out the door as soon as the sermon was over. I'm teaching a group of kids in children's church tomorrow, and I'm super excited to go to the Thanksgiving service held at another church where we all will gather tomorrow night. I've experienced difficulty interacting with lots of people my whole life, but I actually feel more comfortable now with the covering on my head than when I was just your average girl. Coincidental...or spiritual?
It's not just the covering either. I am working very hard at becoming holier and more set apart which I'm certain has to do with my change of attitude as well.
Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God; that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice: holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
I've felt bad in the past that I didn't thrill in being involved with church and with other believers, but this past month or two I've really begun to feel that thrill. It's Jesus. No doubt about it :) I have had many times in the past that I've loved being in some church activity, but then I would slump into feeling awkward again. My prayer is that God continues to increase my ability and desire to be an effective church member.
Nov 21, 2009
Nov 20, 2009
Does God Will You to Be Healed, or to Endure?
Tonight my parents and I watched a preacher on tv who believes that it is not God's will that any believer be ill. He basically said that if you are ill than you are not experiencing God's full love. After he was done talking I pointed my finger at my mom lying near me (who cannot move or hardly speak these days because of her m.s.) and said, "You do not know God's full love!!" I was not being serious....I suppose I was mocking the preacher which wasn't nice to do. If you know the first thing about my mother it is that she and God love eachother unconditionally. We don't agree with that preacher on everything, but my dad likes to get a perspective on other denominational standpoints. My dad and I got to talking and this is what he said, "I took your mom to a Pentacostal church once to be healed. I fully believed that God would heal her. When I got there I threw her wheelchair out the door, and told them to do whatever they wanted with it. They told me I should go get it back. 'Why?? God's going to heal her, I know it!' I told them. I had more faith that God would heal her than those men and woman who laid hands on her. You see, the miracle isn't in your mom's healing. The miracle is that because God knew she would be sick He had her marry me, and we had you. I believe, that Christ will soon return, and when He does we will all be lying here on the bed, and we will ascend together. When Paul and Silas were in prison, the miracle wasn't that their shackles fell off and they were set free. The miracle was that they were singing hymns and praising God in jail!! How could they have done that without some kind of inner strength?"
My Dad knows two young men who are unsaved. He plans to tell them about how he has an inner strength and assurance that can come only from God. If he did not have that inner strength alive in him he would be at home and depressed over his life. But no!! He manages to get out and about and witness to just about every person he comes in contact with. God isn't giving my family the miracle of my mother's healing because we already have the greatest miracle!! That miracle is salvation through Jesus. For that reason my Dad is touching others around him and staying strong even though his wife is bedridden and can barely talk to him anymore. That is why I have joy and an enthusiastic desire to bless others even though my mother can't hug me or do anything with me. God doesn't always will that people be awed by a miraculous healing. Oftentimes, He desires a continous witness by those who receive no healing but persevere and draw strength from Him rather than fueling their grief.
Romans 5:3-4
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Friends, these verses are a foundation of victory over illness and loss! Only through the Word of God which tells me that my sufferings are small compared to eternity can I even begin to bear my mother's illness. Only through the constant reminder that my burdens will produce character and hope within me can I be at peace.
I pray this will speak to and encourage some soul out there. I wrote this rather quickly so parts of it may not be as detailed as they should. I wish you could know my parents. They are such a testimony! If you have any questions please feel free to comment and I will be blessed to reply!
My Dad knows two young men who are unsaved. He plans to tell them about how he has an inner strength and assurance that can come only from God. If he did not have that inner strength alive in him he would be at home and depressed over his life. But no!! He manages to get out and about and witness to just about every person he comes in contact with. God isn't giving my family the miracle of my mother's healing because we already have the greatest miracle!! That miracle is salvation through Jesus. For that reason my Dad is touching others around him and staying strong even though his wife is bedridden and can barely talk to him anymore. That is why I have joy and an enthusiastic desire to bless others even though my mother can't hug me or do anything with me. God doesn't always will that people be awed by a miraculous healing. Oftentimes, He desires a continous witness by those who receive no healing but persevere and draw strength from Him rather than fueling their grief.
Romans 5:3-4
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 8:18
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Friends, these verses are a foundation of victory over illness and loss! Only through the Word of God which tells me that my sufferings are small compared to eternity can I even begin to bear my mother's illness. Only through the constant reminder that my burdens will produce character and hope within me can I be at peace.
I pray this will speak to and encourage some soul out there. I wrote this rather quickly so parts of it may not be as detailed as they should. I wish you could know my parents. They are such a testimony! If you have any questions please feel free to comment and I will be blessed to reply!
Nov 11, 2009
I Highly Recommend This!!
This is a forty-six page paperback book put out by Christian Light Publications (clp.org) that I recently bought from their online website for $2.95. I read half of it tonight. So far it is dead-on with how I think someone should pursue marriage if they desire to go by God's standards. If you are single or dating, I highly recommend this book. It doesn't matter if you are sixteen or thirty-five years old. This book can apply to you! I wish I could give this to every single person I know. I hope it blesses you, friend.
Nov 2, 2009
Care to Dispute?
2 Timothy 3:23-26 (NKJV)
23) But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26) and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Paul is instructing Timothy and the surrounding churches in 2 Timothy. This small book of the Bible was the last that he wrote. I greatly appreciate all the doctrine and instruction our Lord Jesus spoke through Paul.
These verses instruct Christians on how to act when it comes to disputes and arguments.
In verse twenty-three we are told to, "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." I find it very hard to not give in to pointless arguments and disputes. Something in my human nature craves a good debate. Sometimes I just need to vent my anger. I try my best to keep the peace and not have an argumentative spirit, but sometimes I slip up. As a Christian, I try to slip up less and less as I grow in the Lord. God is not pleased when I argue. It does not get me anywhere. A loving and quiet attitude in the face of opposition is what changes people's hearts. God knows that, and He desires that I impart His peace onto others. I know that these disputes generate strife; so why do I continue in them?
"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient," A Christian is a servant of the Lord. God desires that we not quarrel but be gentle towards all. Each time I quarrel with my Dad I feel guilty. My rebellious attitude toward him should reap repentance...and fast!! I should always be gentle with my family; but stress, anxiety, and selfishness always causes me to have outbursts. These outbursts, which go right into the category of foolish and ignorant disputes, are the number one thing I am working on now. Because I wear the Christian woman's headship veiling, getting rid of these "outbursts" has become crucial to my walk with the Lord. By causing strife with my Dad, I am stepping out of my headship order. I am denying whom God has set over me and rejecting a gentle attitude. God also desires that we be able to teach. All Christians should be ready and able to teach others about the ways of Christ. Sunday school teachers and pastors are not the only ones responsible for teaching!! In order to be able to teach, we must submerge ourselves in Christ-likeness. This means studying and memorizing His Word daily, "praying without ceasing", and crucifying our flesh and sins. What we learn on our journey with the Lord is what we must pass on to others for encouragement and teaching. Lastly, in verse twenty-four we are told to be patient. Patience plays a very important role in avoiding disputes. Without patience we are eager to make OUR point and prove WE are right.
James 1: 3-4 (KJV)
3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Disputes try our faith. If we are patient and avoid disputes, our faith will grow to be perfect and entire.
"...in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth," Here we see that there is a right way to respond to opposition. We must always remain humble. The moment pride rears its ugly head we become unfit to pass on any of God's truth. We must put down our own agenda so that His plan can unfold. There are times when we are called to correct those in opposition. We are to administer correction while praying that God will make the other's heart repentant. This is not to prove ourselves right, but to have the other come unto the knowledge of the truth. I often feel as though Christians are not speaking up enough to other's about sin and the need for repentance. However, I am always reminded that there is a time and a place for correction, but we, first, must have the right attitude.
"...and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." When we easily fall into arguments and foolish disputes we are literally being taken captive by Satan. Satan's will is that we begrudge others and lose fellowship with one another. He does not want us to care for others, but, rather, he desires that we love only ourselves. Satan promotes a "me" attitude. He wants Christians to get so wrapped up in themselves and their own opinion that they are no longer usable by God. This is why it is so important that we humble ourselves and avoid conflict. If we are quiet, patient and gentle, Satan can not easily use us to harm the faith of others.
Philippians 2: 13-14 (NKJV)
13) ....for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14) Do all things without complaining and disputing,
I desire to bring God pleasure. For that reason, I pray that He will work to rid me of complaining and disputing.
23) But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26) and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
Paul is instructing Timothy and the surrounding churches in 2 Timothy. This small book of the Bible was the last that he wrote. I greatly appreciate all the doctrine and instruction our Lord Jesus spoke through Paul.
These verses instruct Christians on how to act when it comes to disputes and arguments.
In verse twenty-three we are told to, "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife." I find it very hard to not give in to pointless arguments and disputes. Something in my human nature craves a good debate. Sometimes I just need to vent my anger. I try my best to keep the peace and not have an argumentative spirit, but sometimes I slip up. As a Christian, I try to slip up less and less as I grow in the Lord. God is not pleased when I argue. It does not get me anywhere. A loving and quiet attitude in the face of opposition is what changes people's hearts. God knows that, and He desires that I impart His peace onto others. I know that these disputes generate strife; so why do I continue in them?
"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient," A Christian is a servant of the Lord. God desires that we not quarrel but be gentle towards all. Each time I quarrel with my Dad I feel guilty. My rebellious attitude toward him should reap repentance...and fast!! I should always be gentle with my family; but stress, anxiety, and selfishness always causes me to have outbursts. These outbursts, which go right into the category of foolish and ignorant disputes, are the number one thing I am working on now. Because I wear the Christian woman's headship veiling, getting rid of these "outbursts" has become crucial to my walk with the Lord. By causing strife with my Dad, I am stepping out of my headship order. I am denying whom God has set over me and rejecting a gentle attitude. God also desires that we be able to teach. All Christians should be ready and able to teach others about the ways of Christ. Sunday school teachers and pastors are not the only ones responsible for teaching!! In order to be able to teach, we must submerge ourselves in Christ-likeness. This means studying and memorizing His Word daily, "praying without ceasing", and crucifying our flesh and sins. What we learn on our journey with the Lord is what we must pass on to others for encouragement and teaching. Lastly, in verse twenty-four we are told to be patient. Patience plays a very important role in avoiding disputes. Without patience we are eager to make OUR point and prove WE are right.
James 1: 3-4 (KJV)
3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Disputes try our faith. If we are patient and avoid disputes, our faith will grow to be perfect and entire.
"...in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth," Here we see that there is a right way to respond to opposition. We must always remain humble. The moment pride rears its ugly head we become unfit to pass on any of God's truth. We must put down our own agenda so that His plan can unfold. There are times when we are called to correct those in opposition. We are to administer correction while praying that God will make the other's heart repentant. This is not to prove ourselves right, but to have the other come unto the knowledge of the truth. I often feel as though Christians are not speaking up enough to other's about sin and the need for repentance. However, I am always reminded that there is a time and a place for correction, but we, first, must have the right attitude.
"...and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." When we easily fall into arguments and foolish disputes we are literally being taken captive by Satan. Satan's will is that we begrudge others and lose fellowship with one another. He does not want us to care for others, but, rather, he desires that we love only ourselves. Satan promotes a "me" attitude. He wants Christians to get so wrapped up in themselves and their own opinion that they are no longer usable by God. This is why it is so important that we humble ourselves and avoid conflict. If we are quiet, patient and gentle, Satan can not easily use us to harm the faith of others.
Philippians 2: 13-14 (NKJV)
13) ....for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14) Do all things without complaining and disputing,
I desire to bring God pleasure. For that reason, I pray that He will work to rid me of complaining and disputing.
Oct 6, 2009
~ A Plain Girl in a Fancy World ~
I have one Amish/Mennonite dress. I don't plan on dressing like the plain people, but the headcovering is something I wear everday now :)
Oct 4, 2009
The Man in the White Sunglasses
Sharing Christ with someone that God has sent our way is more worthwhile and uplifting than any other thing we might strive to do in life.
I have come to know that being able to reveal the truth about Jesus Christ to someone...minister to and disciple them....is far more fulfilling than any secular degree I could earn. I've gotten a taste of what God can give us. It is so sweet, and it is all that I desire. Touching lives is what I have been called to do. I can feel it with every heartbeat that God allows me to have.
This past friday I went to Apple Hill with some good friends of mine. Our last stop was a candy shop which is well-known for its fudge. After my friends purchased their fudge a man approached me.
As you know, I wear the Christian woman's headship veiling. That was the twenty-fourth day since I had decided to start covering my head.
The man asked me, "Do you wear that on your head because you are a Mormon?"
I told him that I am definately not Mormon, but that I am actually a Baptist who has recently decided to wear one according to Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11.
As we left the shop the man followed me outside, and he preceded to ask me the meaning behind the covering.
He expressed that he was very unsure about God, and he figured maybe he would finally find out the truth after he died.
With confidance and gladness of heart I said, "Actually, you need to make the decision while you are alive. Once you die it is too late, and you will go to either Heaven or Hell."
He was not at all offended but rather fascinated.
He also said that he wasn't sure that religious matters aren't just a bunch of nonsense and stories. He asked how I am so certain about what I believe.
I told him that it is all about faith. Looking back I wish I had time to explain what faith is.
He said, "I think you're the only woman in America who believes that!"
He did not say it in a negative sense, but was awed by what I was telling him.
I said, "I hope I'm not the only one! but I think I'm the only girl in California wearing a head covering."
He laughed and agreed.
I gave him a tract I had with me on the covering. I also gave him one I love called "Others May, but I Cannot". I told him that tract was where I am in my walk with the Lord.
He said, "I can't wait to read about where you are!"
I also gave him a couple others on "Eternity" and "Where Will You Be Five Minutes After You Die?"
He asked for a way to contact me so I gave him my email.
He has yet to email me, but I am praying mostly that those tracts spoke to him. If God gives me opportunity to speak with him again, then I will be eager to share many more wonderful things about the comfort God gives a person in this wretched world.
That was the first time in my life that I had ever really witnessed to a complete stranger. I was so excited to see a non-Christian as excited to hear as I was to share. If I hadn't been wearing my covering that man probably would not have spoken to me.
A great thing about wearing a covering is that non-Christians who really want to know more about God (like that man) are able to recognize me as someone who believes something. Instead of approaching people who most likely will reject what I have to say, the covering can draw in those that do want to hear what I have to say and believe. Of course, my Heavenly Father is the one drawing people. The covering is only a small tool. It helps me to stand out for the right reasons
~:~ I will sing to the Lord, for He well-knows my desires. I have been set apart strongly. I am awaiting my tasks. I am awaiting wonderful opportunities. I am letting Jesus plan my future, and it gives me a great hope ~:~
I have come to know that being able to reveal the truth about Jesus Christ to someone...minister to and disciple them....is far more fulfilling than any secular degree I could earn. I've gotten a taste of what God can give us. It is so sweet, and it is all that I desire. Touching lives is what I have been called to do. I can feel it with every heartbeat that God allows me to have.
This past friday I went to Apple Hill with some good friends of mine. Our last stop was a candy shop which is well-known for its fudge. After my friends purchased their fudge a man approached me.
As you know, I wear the Christian woman's headship veiling. That was the twenty-fourth day since I had decided to start covering my head.
The man asked me, "Do you wear that on your head because you are a Mormon?"
I told him that I am definately not Mormon, but that I am actually a Baptist who has recently decided to wear one according to Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11.
As we left the shop the man followed me outside, and he preceded to ask me the meaning behind the covering.
He expressed that he was very unsure about God, and he figured maybe he would finally find out the truth after he died.
With confidance and gladness of heart I said, "Actually, you need to make the decision while you are alive. Once you die it is too late, and you will go to either Heaven or Hell."
He was not at all offended but rather fascinated.
He also said that he wasn't sure that religious matters aren't just a bunch of nonsense and stories. He asked how I am so certain about what I believe.
I told him that it is all about faith. Looking back I wish I had time to explain what faith is.
He said, "I think you're the only woman in America who believes that!"
He did not say it in a negative sense, but was awed by what I was telling him.
I said, "I hope I'm not the only one! but I think I'm the only girl in California wearing a head covering."
He laughed and agreed.
I gave him a tract I had with me on the covering. I also gave him one I love called "Others May, but I Cannot". I told him that tract was where I am in my walk with the Lord.
He said, "I can't wait to read about where you are!"
I also gave him a couple others on "Eternity" and "Where Will You Be Five Minutes After You Die?"
He asked for a way to contact me so I gave him my email.
He has yet to email me, but I am praying mostly that those tracts spoke to him. If God gives me opportunity to speak with him again, then I will be eager to share many more wonderful things about the comfort God gives a person in this wretched world.
That was the first time in my life that I had ever really witnessed to a complete stranger. I was so excited to see a non-Christian as excited to hear as I was to share. If I hadn't been wearing my covering that man probably would not have spoken to me.
A great thing about wearing a covering is that non-Christians who really want to know more about God (like that man) are able to recognize me as someone who believes something. Instead of approaching people who most likely will reject what I have to say, the covering can draw in those that do want to hear what I have to say and believe. Of course, my Heavenly Father is the one drawing people. The covering is only a small tool. It helps me to stand out for the right reasons
~:~ I will sing to the Lord, for He well-knows my desires. I have been set apart strongly. I am awaiting my tasks. I am awaiting wonderful opportunities. I am letting Jesus plan my future, and it gives me a great hope ~:~
Sep 17, 2009
Further Blessings
Hello Friends!
I'm continually blessed to be able to share my personal "adventures" with you all. Tonight I am writing a bit further on the headcovering.
I am still waiting for the ones I ordered to come. I am getting very eager!!
I have become aware of three more reasons why I am glad to wear the covering.
Firstly, wearing a covering has brought me into a new level of accountability. Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't put a Christian sticker on my car because my driving would give people a bad impression of Christians"? To me the covering on my head is similar to that Christian fish etc. that might be on my car. It makes me want to be more like Christ in the way I act towards others, just as a symbol on my car would make me want to be a more patient, respectful driver.
Secondly, I am finding some people can be very quick to judge the covering as an extension of legalism and an "I'm better than you" sort of thing. I've heard that if I wear it people will think I am judging them for not wearing it. NO!! That is not true. Wearing the covering has made me more aware of judgmental spirits, and I am now more determined not to judge others unrightly as they might do to me.
Thirdly, as I study more about the covering, read articles on the subject, and talk to people about it, I am getting a much better understanding; and I am being inspired to write more about it. The blessing I find is when another sister in Christ who also wears the covering is encouraged by what I write. Those sisters are so few and they need reassurance!
Jesus is good!! and to anyone who thinks being a Christian is boring...no WAY!! The straight and narrow road can be so much fun!! Sure it has its many hardships (I can testify to that!) but there are such sweet times as well :)
I'm continually blessed to be able to share my personal "adventures" with you all. Tonight I am writing a bit further on the headcovering.
I am still waiting for the ones I ordered to come. I am getting very eager!!
I have become aware of three more reasons why I am glad to wear the covering.
Firstly, wearing a covering has brought me into a new level of accountability. Have you ever heard someone say, "I don't put a Christian sticker on my car because my driving would give people a bad impression of Christians"? To me the covering on my head is similar to that Christian fish etc. that might be on my car. It makes me want to be more like Christ in the way I act towards others, just as a symbol on my car would make me want to be a more patient, respectful driver.
Secondly, I am finding some people can be very quick to judge the covering as an extension of legalism and an "I'm better than you" sort of thing. I've heard that if I wear it people will think I am judging them for not wearing it. NO!! That is not true. Wearing the covering has made me more aware of judgmental spirits, and I am now more determined not to judge others unrightly as they might do to me.
Thirdly, as I study more about the covering, read articles on the subject, and talk to people about it, I am getting a much better understanding; and I am being inspired to write more about it. The blessing I find is when another sister in Christ who also wears the covering is encouraged by what I write. Those sisters are so few and they need reassurance!
Jesus is good!! and to anyone who thinks being a Christian is boring...no WAY!! The straight and narrow road can be so much fun!! Sure it has its many hardships (I can testify to that!) but there are such sweet times as well :)
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