Salmagundi

Did I mention that you should check out my new blog? Just another little insight into the person that I am and that you all think you know so well.

Becoming a Woman of Excellence

I am currently doing a devotional/Bible study book by Cynthia Heald entitled Becoming a Woman of Excellence. It is a fabulous study and I highly recommend it. Each chapter is loaded with Scripture and thought- provoking quotes from men and women of God. The chapter I am working through at the moment deals with purity. In this chapter, Ms. Heald includes a quote from Elisabeth Elliot:

If there is an Enemy of Souls (and I have not the slightest doubt that there is), one thing he cannot abide is the desire for purity. Hence a man's or woman's passions become his battle ground. The Lover of Souls does not prevent this. I was perplexed because it seemed to me He should prevent it, but He doesn't. He wants us to learn to use our weapons.

Pretty profound, eh? And what are the weapons that we need to be wielding in order to keep our lives pure and holy? According to Ephesians 6, they are truth, faith, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. Have you aquired those weapons? Are you using them, or are you hiding from the battle? Get rid of the things that distract from the battle, protect your heart, stand firm on God's Word, and trust in your Almighty Leader!

When God Protected a Murderer

I was reading in Genesis last night and was amazed when I came across the story of Cain and Abel. Of course, I have read and heard this account dozens of times, but God's abundant and overwhelming mercy on Cain's behalf blew me away this particular time. Do you realize that God punished and protected Cain at the same time? He was a murderer. Killed his own brother out of pure hatred and anger. God sentenced him to be a fugitive and a vagabond the rest of his life. Cain was afraid he couldn't handle it and that surely someone would kill him. God put some kind of a mark on Cain to ensure that no one could harm him. Why? I just don't understand. Why would God put a hedge around someone who was being punished for murder? Cain had just murdered a man who was an obedient servant of God. God could have ended Cain's life in an instant to teach him a thing or two! But he didn't. That's the awesome part.
And then I ask, why would God call me, save me, want me? My sins put Christ on the cross just as much as Cain's did. Now, because of Christ's blood, I too have a security. No person or event can harm me outside of God's perfect plan and design for my life. I am safe in my Father's hands. His mercy is higher than the heavens and his faithfulness reaches to the sky. (Psalm 36:5) Have you thought about God's mercy today and what that means for you? If you are a believer, that means you are not getting hell for eternity as you deserve. If you have not accepted a personal relationship with Christ yet, that means He has given you another chance that you don't deserve. Praise Him today for His mercy. Praise Him for standing up for sinners like you and me.

Write On!

I updated my class's writing blog, so take a sec to check it out today. The assignment today was a fun one, and they got pretty creative. My students enjoyed sharing them with the class; I think you will enjoy reading them as well.

Colossians 3:1-3

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Happy Saturday

Not much to say today. I got a hair cut this morning, ran a few errands (and returned/purchased everything as planned, thank fortune), ate a yummy lunch of leftover tuna salad on toast and a perfectly ripe mango. Since I am still sickly I plan to spend the rest of the day in bed sleeping and watching movies. Last night I watched the several hour version of Pride & Prejudice. That movie gets better every time I watch it. Of course, I am a sucker for a good love story...
Have a super weekend everyone. Be sure to check back here on Monday for my weekly memory verse!

Sometimes You Just Have to Watch Veggie Tales

Today was one of those days for a multitude of reasons.

#1 My throat still very scratchy and I have a bit of congestion in my lungs so I don't feel real swell.

#2 Last night I hit my head on a cabinet thingy at Jeff and Sam's, and Jeff said I had a concussion (maybe he was joking?). My head still hurts today; actually everything from my shoulders up hurts, even my face. I know that's ridiculous, but you try hitting the very top of your head with all your strength and see if your face doesn't hurt.

#3 A third of my students was out today for one reason or another. That's only two students for me, but with a total of six students, two missing is a big deal!

#4 Snow was falling incessantly today and I was of the opinion that we should all be sent home to lie around and watch movies.


So there you have it. I had plenty of good reasons to watch Moe and the Big Exit with my class the last half of the day today. Actually, they did have band for about an hour, so it wasn't the entire afternoon. And it's a good, wholesome movie. Some days you just have to do that.