Faith

...but what if it does?

Julie Blair Lane — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:35:00 GMT

With the hubbub around here about the upcoming political convention (we’re not far from Denver), I couldn’t help but reflect on how I might cast my vote in the upcoming election. This, of course, is not the first time I’ve pondered it. I’m not registered under either party. However, if you had access to the personal voting records, and I suspect that is probably more people than we’d like to believe, you would see that I vote on the conservative side of things.

I don’t vote that way because my “momma does” or because my “husband does” or because a long time ago somebody told me “the liberals were evil”. I vote conservatively because my beliefs, my convictions and my mindset are that of a conservative nature. It irritates me when people just vote a particular party or moral line and don’t really know why. Equally frustrating is when people vote (conservative or liberal) simply because “so and so” (usually a parent) does/did or “that’s just how I was raised”. These people don’t know why they vote the way they do. Or maybe, they think they know why but it’s all based on something someone told them and not their own personal research into the matter.

Unfortunately, some people just vote based on hate for the other party. If they were honest, they don’t know that the party they vote with is better, they just hate the other side for whatever reason. We can’t forget the group who will vote for whichever party is not currently in office. Why? Oh because they want a change. Huh? Yeah, it sounds rather flippant to me too. Who cares if the candidate can do the job, they’re “different” so that’s good enough…right? Hmm, I’m not convinced either.

Even though I don’t agree with people who vote in any of these ways, I do respect them a tad more than those who vote based on things the candidate has no control over… like skin color or gender for instance. I mean, I’m a woman but I certainly wouldn’t sacrifice my belief system just to get a woman into the oval office any more than I would to get a fellow “brunette” into office. I see skin color the same way. I think it’s ignorant to vote for someone because they are or aren’t a particular color. Color and gender are things that the candidate doesn’t have any control over. So, why on earth would I cast my vote for or against them based on those things? If you are thinking only one race or gender is guilty of this! There are individuals who vote like this in all categories!

Shouldn’t it be about the issues? Shouldn’t it be about which candidate has the right experience, is most in line with my personal beliefs and who has an agenda that I can support morally and ethically? Of course it should, but that would mean that we can’t take “Aunt Gertrude’s” or our “BFF’s” word on it. We have to do our homework. We have to find out what the candidates really do stand for – not just what the media wants (or doesn’t want) us to see, and certainly not based on appearances. We also can’t go solely on what the candidates say they believe – do their actions match up? And what about their friends – those people do matter in the equation. They influence them more than anyone else. I mean, maybe you can’t choose your family but you can certainly choose your friends and mentors. Who you choose speaks volumes about you so why wouldn’t it speak volumes about your candidate?

You may be wondering how I will cast my vote. To be quite honest, I don’t know yet. I don’t take this lightly and I still have some homework yet to do. So why did I write this post? To get you to think a bit more about how you’ll use your voice in the next election. Why are you voting? Who or what is influencing your vote? Are you educated enough about the candidates to make a solid personal choice or are you just following the crowds around you? If you were put on trial for your vote, could you clearly, articulately and morally defend your choice?

Some of you may be scoffing, “seriously, you’re out there lady, it doesn’t matter that much”..

…but what if it does?

Living Proof Live - Colorado Springs - 2008

Julie Blair Lane — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:45:00 GMT

Because of the insistance of my darling husband, I had the priveledge of attending the Living Proof Live Event in Colorado Springs the first weekend in May. I know it is totally out of character for me to be “speechless” but that is the only way I can describe my state after the weekend. I couldn't put together an intelligent thought for days. I feel very special to God, as though He orchestrated it all just for me. Even now, I find that I still do not have the words to express how God spoke to me personally during those two days. What I can say is if you have the opportunity to go to one of these events, don't walk, RUN to your nearest computer and get registered.

LPL - Colorado Springs (just to whet your appetite a bit - “taste and see that the LORD is good!”)

the best made plans...and all that junk...

Julie Blair Lane — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:08:00 GMT

I "planned" to get up at 5:30 on Monday....I actually got up at 7:30.

I "planned" to get up at 5:30 this morning....sigh, reality was 6:15 (although I'm not sure I was fully awake until 8).

I "planned" to hang some mirrors the other day....but I was out of drywall anchors because I messed up the last four I had while trying to hang up a quilt (they should tell you where metal is located in your walls)...finally got some more anchors but ended up needing to paint walls/ceiling/trim/doors instead because the delivery company called saying the girls' beds were coming earlier than scheduled....which is why, after two solid days of painting...

I "planned" to have the girls' beds completely set up last night....BUT the second set of bunks* were lost in shipping (that's what the manufacturer is claiming anyway). So we decide to put together the set we did get at least....but they only sent one set of slats! If this isn't frustration enough, the bedding company (PBteen) sent a set of pillow cases instead of DD#3's gingham sheets.... while I wait for all of that to get ironed out...

I "planned" to see AF on Thursday....but I'm sure you've guessed it, yep she's already here of course.

Now, I was "planning" to do a ton of laundry on Friday should our washer/dryer set show up on Thursday as scheduled but I'm starting to wonder if I should do any more planning right now.

No, I haven't even seen a glimpse of the “normal routine“ I was hoping to get back to this week. Yes, I am tired and still feeling MILES from being done "setting up house" (recent move).

Hmm, probably ought to forget my plans and go talk to God about all of this...

Update: The afore mentioned furniture company is claiming that they sent us enough slats - they claim there were two sets of slats in the box we found ONE set in. The box itself isn't even big enough to hold two sets of slats.....wishing I had a padded room to go scream and flail around in for a few minutes. Speaking of screaming and tantrums, my three-year-old has specialized in both since Friday. She's taking the “Theatrical Threes” to a whole new level of excitement. We're supposed to see the “Fantasic Fours” next month but I don't think she's gotten the memo.

Yeah, I need some more one on one with God for sure! Help me, Jesus, I need You to change my day...or at least my attitude about it!

*it was cheaper to order two sets of bunks rather than one set and a separate bed. And yes, we're really second guessing going “cheaper” lol.

the peace I needed

Julie Blair Lane — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:45:00 GMT

It's Friday and I am looking forward to attending our home church again tomorrow night. This time last week I wasn't sure how I would feel walking through those doors after being gone so long. We love, love, love Fellowship Church Grapevine. We have kept your membership there despite our contracting travels over the last year and a half. We've watched the services online and on TV occasionally and Erik has listened to Ed's podcasts. At first, being away was like torture for us each week as we tried to find a church, any church that would compare. Nothing measured up I'm sad to say.

When we began attending Fellowship we were blown away by what “church” could be....never boring...intensely worshipful...joyful volunteers...always outreaching...and the list could go on and on. I loved being a part of something that was changing the lives of people of every age and walk of life. My husband and I worked with third graders and knew we were making a difference. Witnessing children coming to the Lord was a blessing I will never part with. Aside from living away from dearly loved family, living away from Fellowship was the most difficult adjustment by far. I have nnot felt that way about a church since I was seven, when my family moved away from the church pastored by my Grandfather.

Knowing that at this time we aren't staying in the DFW metroplex, last Saturday's decision to attend our home church was difficult. Part of me didn't want to go because it had taken me so long to “get over” being away. I was even afraid of the kids being disappointed when we left again in a few weeks. I contemplated going to church with my parents instead, which would have been fine. In the end though, joining my sister and her family at Fellowship last weekend was the best decision I could have made. My heart squeezed as I walked toward the preschool buildings to check in my youngest child. I'm telling you we LOVE this church. So, I prayed silently while we walked that the Lord would give me peace tonight about our upcoming move to Colorado. I needed the peace like you would not believe. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord is leading us to Colorado. His hand is ever present on the events that led up to this decision. We know this is a permanent move for us and the last thing I need to take with me is a longing for our home church.

As we walked through the doors toward the “sanctuary” and each of the half dozen greeters smiled at us and asked how “how are you this evening?” a wash of peace came over me. My heart no longer stung, it was joyous and light. Have I mentioned that I have never been at a church with the volunteer staff that this church has lol. The worship was exactly what I needed. My eyes welled with tears of joy as I sang to my glorious Lord. Ed's talk held nuggets that I needed to hear as I prepare to make new relationships in an unfamiliar land. Picking up my excited children afterwards was a joy also. I found myself grinning from ear to ear. Even in the midst of my utter enjoyment of being a part of this church again I no longer felt that intense sadness over leaving. God granted me the peace I needed to be able to let go...and just go where God was leading. We don't have any idea what meeting place God has for us in the future but we know He has something in mind.

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." Hebrews 11:8

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

The Beauty of Goodness

Julie Blair Lane — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:13:00 GMT

	The Beauty of Goodness
		by Barbara
"Goodness is another Fruit of the spirit that we receive with the holy spirit of God, by dying to ourselves and letting Jesus Christ live through us. Which means we can't be entirely good ourselves, the only true goodness only God can give....(continued)"

	All is Well
		by *Tami*
"A summer breeze with its distinctive aroma blows softly, enticing me to lift my head, close my eyes and inhale deeply.All is well....(continued)"

	For Goodness Sake
		by Heather
"About two weeks ago, my uncle-in-law (is that a word?) came out to visit and offered to help us steam clean the carpets since he works for Rug Doctor. Since I have three little kiddos and one daycare baby, I have no need for carpet cleaning....So, I pondered for a long time (like 1 second) before I said, "YES!!! Please clean my carpets!!"...(continued)"

Thank you for joining us at the carnival this week. God has blessed us with two special participants this week. It is my prayer that your life will be enhanced by having visited their pieces on goodness. I've learned over the years that "being good" is not what God calls us to. He calls us to do good...which implies action on our parts. Stop by and spend yourself learning about a little "goodness" this morning.

May your time at this carnival benefit you and ultimately glorify The Most High!

God Bless!

Join us for: The Beauty of Faithfulness, November 16th with Sara @ Stones of Remembrance.

Hosting the Carnival November 8th

Julie Blair Lane — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:27:00 GMT

I'm hosting the Carnival of Beauty this week! The topic is The Beauty of Goodness.

If you would like to participate, please send your post information to: carnival.of.beauty@gmail.com You'll find all of the guidelines at the link above. The deadline for this week's carnival will be 11:59pm, Thursday, November 8th. I've been sick (still am) and I could use a little reading on “goodness”.

de-sour and sweeten too!

Julie Blair Lane — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 19:03:00 GMT

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness..."

I've thought a great deal about kindness this past week. The verse that kept coming to my mind was Ephesians 4:32, which says, "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." I've mentioned more than once that unforgiveness has been a stronghold in my life for many years. I do believe God is releasing me of that (praise His Holy Name!) but I am finding that it isn't enough that I learn to forgive as He forgives. He commands that I go a step further and show kindness...even to those who haven't been kind to me (the ones I struggle to forgive). I'm reminded of a quote from the television show, Seinfeld, when George says, "Oh, that's not good enough! You don't try and de-sour. You have to sweeten too!" How many times have I "soured" toward someone and when I've finally forgiven them I've really only "de-soured" and not taken it to that next step of "sweetening"? Too many times to count I'm sure. But that's what God calls us to...and not phony sweetening either. He wants genuine kindness from us.

Let's not forget that the verse at the top says "the fruit of the Spirit" and not "the fruit of a good person". So, no amount of "trying" is going to cut it. We can't truly be kind even if we wanted to, it's just not the nature of our flesh. However, if the Holy Spirit dwells within us, then the extent to which we are yielded to that Spirit we are able to display kindness. The Greek word for kindness is chrestotes and it means, "tender concern for others...the genuine desire of a believer to treat others gently, just as the Lord treats him."1 So then, maybe we should be asking, "How does God treat us?" Well, quite simply, as believers, He treats us as His beloved children! He sent His "only begotten Son" to be the ultimate and final sacrifice for our sins! He loves us unconditionally. He rejoices over our being! He brings peace to our troubled hearts through the blood of Christ! He's ever so patient with our stumbling and fumbling, not wanting any to perish! And He leads His children, past, present and future with chords of kindness!

This kindness resulting from the fruit of the Spirit is "the grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would be harsh and austere."1 Basically God's kindness removes the sharp edges. Without kindness, comforting someone would be impossible. Without this kindness, discipline and rebuke would be abusive and offensive at best. Kindness also takes the harshness out of forgiveness. If we are kind towards those who have wronged us, doesn't it make it a little more bearable to truly forgive them? God doesn't want us just trying to de-sour...no, because through Him we are able to de-sour and sweeten too!

"...but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24

THE BEAUTY of PEACE_{hosted by Cahleen}

1 Living Beyond Yourself, Beth Moore

Prayers for Stefan today

Julie Blair Lane — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:01:00 GMT

A man we've never met has been in many of our conversations and prayers since my husband read of what he and his family are facing. Yesterday Erik posted calling for prayer and I am doing the same today. Stefan was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and today goes into surgery. No doubt this must be frightening for him and his family. I cannot even imagine what they are going through.

Please, if you are reading this...stop this moment and pray for this brother and his precious family. We know that God still works miracles and I don't know about you guys...but I sure would like to see one in this situation.

know that I AM rules

Julie Blair Lane — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 18:44:00 GMT

Our family has relied a great deal on the peace of God to see us through some seemingly un-peaceful situations in the last year and a half. The scene that comes to mind when I think back on where we've been (and where we're at currently even) is the one famous "walking on water" account from the New Testament. The disciples just witnessed the miraculous "feeding of five thousand" with only five small loaves of bread and two little fish. It seems kind of silly to us that they would soon after be frightened by a man walking on the water, but they were. As you know, Peter wanted to walk on the water too and he did, until he took his focus off of the Prince of Peace and put it on the wind and the waves.

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:27

By the time Peter walked on the water, Jesus had already calmed the winds and the waves in another incident. And yet, despite the knowledge that the same Jesus stood on the top of the water with him now, he fixated on the law of nature rather than the law of faith. He didn't have to understand how walking on water was accomplished, he just had to first, step out in faith and second, rest in the knowledge that Jesus is who He says He is. Notice, however, that Christ didn't panic. He remained completely at peace during the whole ordeal...why? Because He knows who rules...not just in His life, but over all the Earth.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

"God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." C.S. Lewis

This is the kind of peace that the Prince of Peace brought in the face of five thousand hungry men; in the boat during the storm; walking on the water; when learning of Lazarus's death; while praying in the garden for the cup to pass; as Judas betrayed Him and finally...

"...when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit." Matthew 27:50

Because Christ died and rose again, 1 Corinthians tells us that the Holy Spirit lives in us as believers. We find in Romans 15:13 and Galatians 5:22 that we have access to this incomprehensible peace that Christ displayed while on the Earth!! This peace isn't automatic though. I actually like what Beth Moore says about this topic in Living Beyond Yourself. "The increase of peace accompanies the increase of Christ's government." Basically, the extent to which Christ reigns in our lives will dictate the amount of true peace we will experience....no matter the circumstances. Psalm 46:10 tells us to "Be still and know that I AM God." Isn't there peace in that knowledge...that He is God and He can be trusted with Lordship over our lives.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3:15a

THE BEAUTY of PEACE_{hosted by Sara}

The Word on Agape

Julie Blair Lane — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 21:21:00 GMT

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love"... (Galatians 5:22a) The Greek word used for "love" in this verse is agape. Interestingly, it is the same word used in John 3:16 where we are told, "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." These two passages suggest that this is a special type of divine love - one only evident from us to others through Christ and a yielding of our flesh nature to that of the Holy Spirit. To find out a bit more, I thought I would dive into 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and get The Word on Agape.

¹If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

⁴Love is patient,

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

The Greek word used for patient in this text is makrothumia meaning “a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so.” This is the same word used in Galatians 5:22.

love is kind.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

The Greek word used here is chresteuomai, which according to Strong’s means “to show oneself useful”. This love steps in and helps where needed.

It does not envy,

And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. 1 Samuel 18:9

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4

Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. Acts 7:9

it does not boast,

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:31

it is not proud.

But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. 2 Chronicles 26:16

We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant. Psalm 123:4

Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10

Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:18

⁵It is not rude,

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

The Greek word used here for "rude" is aschemoneo which means “to be (that is, to act) unbecoming”. In her book, Living Beyond Yourself, Beth Moore talks about the fact that no matter how “spiritual” we are we will never reach a point where we are unaffected by “obscenity and indecency”.

it is not self-seeking,

An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

it is not easily angered,

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Psalm 145:8

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

it keeps no record of wrongs.

...he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; Psalm 103:10-13

"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10:16-18

⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:29-32

⁷It always protects,

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

"Protects" in the Greek is stego which means "to cover over with silence."

always trusts,

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13

I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 2 Corinthians 13:6

Pisteuo is the Greek word used for "trusts" and it means "to have faith in a person."

always hopes,

In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it. 2 Corinthians 8:22-24

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

always perseveres.

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

The Greek word used for "perseveres" is hupomeno and it means, "to stay under, bear".

⁸Love never fails.

In the Greek, "fails" is the word, ekpipto, which means, "to drop away, without effect." Aren't you glad the word NEVER precedes it in this statement!

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

THE BEAUTY of LOVE_{hosted by Amanda}

Sources:
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (KJV)
Living Beyond Yourself, Beth Moore
Biblegateway.com