"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
If you haven't heard of the current book series, Fifty Shades of Grey, or heard of the risque' movie "Magic Mike", you must not reside on planet Earth! Everywhere I turn, someone is talking about one or the other, and it is not just women as you would suspect. Men are weighing in on the debate as well. But what I have found interesting is the discussion among Christians. The good news here...we are TALKING about it and not walking around in a fog, oblivious that there is even an issue. We are thinking, analyzing, and PRAYING about this and where we each stand on the issue, and honestly, that's half the battle raging in our minds.
Two different blogs on two different sides of the issue really got me thinking even deeper on the issue. One blogger/author talks about why she's not reading the series (Fifty Ways Porn Might Be Sneaking into YOUR Church), while another friend openly admits that she read the books and saw the movie and she talks about each person's convictions and how the Holy Spirit will guide us (A Little Condemnation) when consulted vs. letting the world condemn, convict, and direct us. I encourage you to click on the links above to read each blog.
My choice, and what I'm at peace with, is deciding not to read the books nor watch the movie. I'm not judging those who make the opposite decision, as I can only share my personal convictions and reasons why and stir the pot just a bit more. A few years ago, when I went through my divorce, a friend gave me some solid advice. She instructed me to be very careful what I let enter into my mind as I was in a very vulnerable and fragile state. For a very long period, I didn't really watch TV or movies, I listened to Christian music pretty exclusively and I kept my reading to Christian books or the Bible. I didn't allow the enemy to stir up my emotions by some outside source. For me, it was necessary and helped me stay focused and my eyes heavenward, which I desperately needed during that time period. I learned that I didn't miss any of my "old entertainment" and what was even more shocking was when I started to loosen the restrictions a bit over time, I realized that I was much more conscious and sensitive to worldly media. It made me very uncomfortable to listen to some types of music that before I really enjoyed. It opened up my eyes to the fact that my choices had really needed filtering. I had become worldly without even realizing it. I learned how subtle the enemy can be through very "traditional" and acceptable means. I've stuck with keeping my eyes and ears focused more spiritually because I am easily convicted when I watch/listen to more secular entertainment and I know that is the Holy Spirit keeping me on track. I don't want to ever get to that "fog-like" state again. Another big reason for "abstaining" is the fact that I'm married and for me, no one is "hotter" than my husband. I would never want to disrespect him by oogling over some guys in a movie or by fantasizing over some made up person in a book. It's all fiction...I flat don't need it. I also have to ask myself how would I feel if the shoe was on the other foot? There was a time in my life where that shoe WAS on the other foot, as I was in a marriage with someone who struggled and fell in these particular areas. I watched him do some pretty innocent things by worldly standards in the beginning that ended up over years spiraling into BIG and destructive things. So, I've lived that side of the equation and it didn't make me feel respected or loved in any way. My husband is precious to me and deserves better than that and if there are any "shades of grey", I'm going to err on the side of protecting him and his feelings! And lastly, I'm a step-mom to a great 16 year old young Christian man. When he heard me talking about a friend going to see "Magic Mike", he specifically spoke up and said to me "Please don't go see that movie." If I had any reason to go see it...that for sure took it away! As parents, we need to be setting the standard for our children and leading by example. I wouldn't feel comfortable going to see that movie with him, so that tells me I shouldn't be seeing it period.
"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.n and help them maintain their inocence as long as possible and keep their minds pure." Mark 9:42
My friend who wrote the second blog raises a good point though...who am I to condemn ones who don't decide the same as me? The cliche' "WWJD" applies here...there has never been, nor will there ever be condemnation in Christ but there sure is in man! By sharing my personal convictions, I'm not trying to make anyone feel their choice is wrong or that I'm holier than thou. It's not up to me to be anyone's judge and jury and there are plenty of areas in my life where I struggle and admittedly make the wrong decisions. I'm for sure a work in progress and since I've made some major mistakes in my own personal life, I'm very conscious not to cast stones at anyone else. I'm very thankful for God's grace and forgiveness over my past mistakes and how He has redeemed that. I think that is why I'm constantly trying to discern where and how the Holy Spirit is guiding me. If you listen to that still, small voice, the Holy Spirit will always steer you in the right direction.
In closing, I want to share this little story. I have a friend who is an amazing evangelist and who is very intent on witnessing to her entire neighborhood and bringing them to Jesus (and I have no doubt she will do just that!). She was having a hard time relating to some of the younger women in her neighborhood, so do you know what she did? She invited them over to dinner and to watch...wait for it...THE BACHELOR! Now you can NOT get any more worldly than that! When she told me about this, I thought she was crazy! She explained watching that show was something THEY were in to, so she used it as a bonding experience and an ice breaker in order to find common ground with them. And you know what happened? She suffered through some episodes of The Bachelor, became friends with one of these women, and led her to Christ a few weeks later. That's what I call a Kingdom focus! She was secure in her relationship with Christ and could keep her mind on the prize so-to-speak (even with all those hot tub scenes ;).
Whether you agree with my decision or not, I believe the message here is to stay aware and cognizant of the ploys of the enemy. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and know how you personally are tempted and might fall. If you are married and/or have children, be respectful of them and their feelings. And above all, as a Christian, let Christ's love and light shine through you in all circumstances.
Blessings!
JOY
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Well Hello Summer!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philipians 4:4-7
Where has the time gone??? It has been over three months since I packed my bags and moved back home to East Texas. I have proven the saying, "time flies when you are having fun", to be true! Once I was finally HOME, I had the blessing of being able to take three months off from working and just relax, which is something I hadn't done in about twenty years. You see, I've always been very focused and I've for sure always had a plan (which has lead me down some wrong paths in life by my own design...but if you've read this blog before, you know all about that!). I went straight from high school into college year round (no summers off for me!), and then followed that by entering directly into veterinary school for an additional four years, where of course I had no life and very little sleep for years! After that, I did the dumbest thing ever...I graduated from vet scool on a Friday and started my first job on Monday. Yes, you read that right...72 hours later. Who does that? This insanely, driven person does...that's who. And in the last ten years of employment, I have never, ever, not in a million years, thought I would get a three month break. So, when I say it was a blessing, I really mean it!
The last few months have definitely been a whirlwind and they have meant some adjustments for me. First off, for the first six weeks or so, I had no internet and very little phone service, so I got disconnected from life in the technological sense. I won't lie and say I didn't complain a few (hundred) times, but in many ways, the break was nice. I needed to unplug and do what I hadn't gotten to do for a very long time and that's enjoy lifewithout a set plan each day. I got to enjoy being a wife and actually being home when my husband came home from work, which is a real blessing when you have lived most of your marriage two hours apart. I got to plan meals, cook dinner and, GASP, actually enjoy it...thank you to the Pioneer Woman for many sources of inspiration! People asked me, "what do you do all day?" and to that I would say, "Whatever I want!". I would wake up and see what the day had in store and for once, I could just be flexible. No stress! I kept busy every day and just began to recharge my batteries as well as reconnect with folks I haven't seen in ages. It sure is nice to just call up your mom or your dad or your husband and go to lunch with them on the same day. It truly is the little things in life that makes me happy!
Then, I began to decide it was time to put my toe in the water and circulate my name out to the local vets in the area for relief veterinary work. I thought I might gradually ease back into work. You know...a little here, a little there, just so I didn't get rusty in my profession. As only God can do...that didn't quite work out! (What was that stuff I said about planning? Hey...I'm a work in progress forevermore!) I was bombarded with calls for work almost immediately. Within a two week period, I booked all my days for the summer to the point I'm constantly turning work down. What a blessing in this economy to have multiple job offers! I shouldn't be shocked because God has continued to open the right doors at the right time, which makes me smile. The other very cool thing is EVERY vet I have the privilege to work with are all Christians. Every time we go to lunch, each one of them prays for us and over our food (and none of these clinics or vets are related). How wonderful is that? It just reaffirms over and over that God has me right where He wants me. So, I'm back in the "employed" column once again and I'm truly enjoying being "just a vet" and not a practice owner and that's mostly due to the fact that I get to work with awesome people every day AND I get to reconnect with old friends almost daily so it's a mini reunion each day!
The last few months have also brought challenges and sadness at times as well...the death of my grandfather, Rex having bilateral knee surgeries, and my most prized horse getting severely injured to name the biggies. And although these times have not been fun, they have brought Rex and I even closer together and I continually am reminded what a blessing it is to have a husband who not just loves and provides for me, but who can speak Biblical truths to me and to encourage me spiritually. Every marriage is going to have its ups and downs but those that can weather the storms of life together, hand-in-hand with their eyes on the Lord and continue to lift one another up...well that's just how God intended it all along! What a difference it makes!
We've also had some very exciting things occur...April 19th brought us the birth of a little palomino filly nicknamed "Roxie" who is a hoot to watch and who makes us laugh with her charming personality; the purchase of 50 acres in Lindale and the process of improving pastures, working the land, and dreaming together of the place we will build in the near future; new four-legged equine additions "Woodrow" and "Bugsy" to our herd for each of us to use for pleasure and competition...and that's just to name a few of our exciting news bits!
To wrap it up, it has just been a blessing to be home where everything "fits" and I feel right in the center of God's will. There's a peace about that feeling that just can't be described adequately by words. By far, life is not perfect, and it never will be, but I feel I'm on the right path that God chose for me long ago. Although there have been some tough, life-altering changes to get to this point...I now can say it was worth every agonizing decision. God's way and timing is always right and leads to rejoicing in the end!
Now...just where will God take us next?!
Rejoicing!
JOY
Where has the time gone??? It has been over three months since I packed my bags and moved back home to East Texas. I have proven the saying, "time flies when you are having fun", to be true! Once I was finally HOME, I had the blessing of being able to take three months off from working and just relax, which is something I hadn't done in about twenty years. You see, I've always been very focused and I've for sure always had a plan (which has lead me down some wrong paths in life by my own design...but if you've read this blog before, you know all about that!). I went straight from high school into college year round (no summers off for me!), and then followed that by entering directly into veterinary school for an additional four years, where of course I had no life and very little sleep for years! After that, I did the dumbest thing ever...I graduated from vet scool on a Friday and started my first job on Monday. Yes, you read that right...72 hours later. Who does that? This insanely, driven person does...that's who. And in the last ten years of employment, I have never, ever, not in a million years, thought I would get a three month break. So, when I say it was a blessing, I really mean it!
The last few months have definitely been a whirlwind and they have meant some adjustments for me. First off, for the first six weeks or so, I had no internet and very little phone service, so I got disconnected from life in the technological sense. I won't lie and say I didn't complain a few (hundred) times, but in many ways, the break was nice. I needed to unplug and do what I hadn't gotten to do for a very long time and that's enjoy lifewithout a set plan each day. I got to enjoy being a wife and actually being home when my husband came home from work, which is a real blessing when you have lived most of your marriage two hours apart. I got to plan meals, cook dinner and, GASP, actually enjoy it...thank you to the Pioneer Woman for many sources of inspiration! People asked me, "what do you do all day?" and to that I would say, "Whatever I want!". I would wake up and see what the day had in store and for once, I could just be flexible. No stress! I kept busy every day and just began to recharge my batteries as well as reconnect with folks I haven't seen in ages. It sure is nice to just call up your mom or your dad or your husband and go to lunch with them on the same day. It truly is the little things in life that makes me happy!
Then, I began to decide it was time to put my toe in the water and circulate my name out to the local vets in the area for relief veterinary work. I thought I might gradually ease back into work. You know...a little here, a little there, just so I didn't get rusty in my profession. As only God can do...that didn't quite work out! (What was that stuff I said about planning? Hey...I'm a work in progress forevermore!) I was bombarded with calls for work almost immediately. Within a two week period, I booked all my days for the summer to the point I'm constantly turning work down. What a blessing in this economy to have multiple job offers! I shouldn't be shocked because God has continued to open the right doors at the right time, which makes me smile. The other very cool thing is EVERY vet I have the privilege to work with are all Christians. Every time we go to lunch, each one of them prays for us and over our food (and none of these clinics or vets are related). How wonderful is that? It just reaffirms over and over that God has me right where He wants me. So, I'm back in the "employed" column once again and I'm truly enjoying being "just a vet" and not a practice owner and that's mostly due to the fact that I get to work with awesome people every day AND I get to reconnect with old friends almost daily so it's a mini reunion each day!
The last few months have also brought challenges and sadness at times as well...the death of my grandfather, Rex having bilateral knee surgeries, and my most prized horse getting severely injured to name the biggies. And although these times have not been fun, they have brought Rex and I even closer together and I continually am reminded what a blessing it is to have a husband who not just loves and provides for me, but who can speak Biblical truths to me and to encourage me spiritually. Every marriage is going to have its ups and downs but those that can weather the storms of life together, hand-in-hand with their eyes on the Lord and continue to lift one another up...well that's just how God intended it all along! What a difference it makes!
We've also had some very exciting things occur...April 19th brought us the birth of a little palomino filly nicknamed "Roxie" who is a hoot to watch and who makes us laugh with her charming personality; the purchase of 50 acres in Lindale and the process of improving pastures, working the land, and dreaming together of the place we will build in the near future; new four-legged equine additions "Woodrow" and "Bugsy" to our herd for each of us to use for pleasure and competition...and that's just to name a few of our exciting news bits!
To wrap it up, it has just been a blessing to be home where everything "fits" and I feel right in the center of God's will. There's a peace about that feeling that just can't be described adequately by words. By far, life is not perfect, and it never will be, but I feel I'm on the right path that God chose for me long ago. Although there have been some tough, life-altering changes to get to this point...I now can say it was worth every agonizing decision. God's way and timing is always right and leads to rejoicing in the end!
Now...just where will God take us next?!
Rejoicing!
JOY
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