Words pierce when they are God-words…
“W e must continually remind ourselves of the purpose of life. We are not destined to happiness, nor to health, but to holiness….God has only one intended destiny for mankind–holiness. His only goal is to produce saints. God is not some eternal blessing-machine for people to use, and He did not come to save us out of pity–He came to save us because He created us to be holy.” -Oswald Chambers
The only way we use the word “holiness” today is as a poetic chant in our favorite praise song. We want nothing to do with holiness if it means interference with our desires and interests.
Why can’t I remember that God’s ONLY purpose is to make me holy? Holy and happy are sometimes very far apart. I want to be happy. He wants me to be holy. Sometimes they collide, but He isn’t really concerned with that. I’m busy trying to orchestrate my circumstances to be happy and I have to wonder, how many times do I hinder His attempts to make me holy?
What does it mean to be holy? Christians aren’t even taught holiness. The very word falls awkward on our ears and we recoil a bit. Can I even get to the place where all I care about is being completely His, used by Him, for His purposes, no matter the cost?
Can I say to Him, “I am yours, make me holy?” and then see every circumstance in my life as that which is effecting the very prayer in me?
My heart ponders today….what does it mean to be holy, and am I willing for Him to make me? And I wonder, what do you think it means to be holy?
The Anti-Educational Effects of Public Schools is perhaps one of the most well-articulated and creative looks at some of the problems of compulsory public education I’ve ever read. (Hat tip to Lori!)
“Indeed, some of the teachers there are genuinely competent and interested in the advancement of their students. It is just that virtually all the incentives are wrong…The very environment of a public school brings with it severe consequences — some unintended, others intended perhaps in part — that turn it into the virtual antithesis of true education.”
Even mentioning public schooling in a negative light evokes deep emotion in many, reinforcing the ingrained loyalty placed in us by the system itself.
This article actually discusses several angles you may have not even considered before (what is “school spirit” really about anyway?) and the author (though not a Christian that I can tell) does a superb job of candidly exposing some of the downfalls of public education.
His conclusion? Deep budget cuts to the educational system could be the best thing to ever happen in our country to the real pursuit of education.
Worth the read! I’d love to hear your thoughts when you’re done.
The Anti-Educational Effects of Public Schools
I am on a mission these days more than ever, to be a good steward of the money my husband brings home. I want his heart to safely trust me in this area and I consider it part of my calling as his helper to find creative ways to save money. Gifts are a great area to exercise that stewardship, so we’re thinking hard about Christmas.
In addition to the chalkboard/memo boards I made from re-purposed cabinet doors, I did a few others I thought I’d share for your inspiration. These cost me nothing but my computer ink (which I buy dirt cheap) so the thrill of making them was all the better.
Before…
I think I’ll use baling twine to hang this one.
I used Picnik’s collage feature for this one. I simply printed it off on photo paper (which I got as a sample in the mail!) and attached it with double-sided tape. The ribbons serve as hooks to hang it. I drilled the holes myself…ahem, after I made 2 calls to my husband to figure out a. how to charge the drill battery and b. how to get the drill bit to stay in. I am a work in progress.
I also did a music theme with one that I didn’t get a picture of that turned out really well. Still thinking of hooks on the others, maybe…they’re just really fun!
How I distressed these:
These were so easy to distress because the cabinets are already slick so the paint lets the wood show through and you don’t have to be particular when painting. After the flat paint dried, I sanded the edges a bit then wiped on a little stain (you can’t really see this effect in the picture) and wiped it off until I liked the look. Super easy!
(Reposted from the archives)
The first rays of sun invade my bedroom…beautiful, and unwelcomed all the same. Sleep begs me to stay, a two year old begs me to come. The baby sleeps…finally.
Yesterday’s laundry is scattered on the bedroom floor–objects of a child’s imaginary play. So much for “organized perfection” now that I have upgraded the laundry room.
Another child whines…for breakfast. How long will it take to teach him to ask cheerfully?
I wish the coffee was already made.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye wands.”
Singing comes from behind me. The reminder that my sinful heart is so easily tainted by trifling irritations…the reminder that I can’t teach my children to stop whining until I stop.
So, what of the Cheerios on the floor? Fingerprints on the glass? Do I let the noise “get on my nerves”?
Life lives here. And it is so beautiful, and I am thankful. With all its flaws, and reality. Yes, our floor is dirty a lot. And I can’t remember the last time I visited the potty alone.
And I dread the day when I will actually miss all that stuff!
Lord, wash over me Your loving kindness, Your gentle spirit, and whisper love while I wait.
Hold me in your arms just now, and carry me through this dark place.
For I know your love is better than life.
Let me love the valleys more than all else, for they lift me to You.
Let me cherish the empty places, for they fill me with You.
Let my tears cleanse away the clutter like rain that brings fresh life again.
Thank you that You know my heart when it’s impossible for anyone else to
And let me rest in that knowing as my faith look up to Thee.
Sometimes “survival mode” happens. You know that if you’re a mother. Seasons of life, sickness, stressful life events, poor health–any number of reasons can make life feel overwhelming.
But the merry-go-round keeps turning and jumping off is not an option! Motherhood is full time, even when you don’t feel like it.
But on the worst of days, there are some things you can do to keep things going. I’ll share a few of my favorites: Read more »
christian living | Word Warrior | 
September 1, 2010 7:27 am | 
Comments (13) 
Subscribe
