A Slap in God's Face

I don't know about anyone else, but liking myself is an area that I have struggled with for most of my life. I remember being a little kid, probably somewhere between 6-8 years old, and wishing my body shape was more like my sister's. And that wish has continued to this day, although which sister I am envying changes over the years. And what part of me that I wish was different changes, too.

It's not like I was a fat kid; I don't even think that I could claim to have been overweight. I just was not as skinny as my sister, and somehow I had gotten the idea that skinny was better. I don't even know what that specific insecurity stemmed from; I just knew that I was thicker, my belly was always rounder, my butt stuck out further, and I ate more food than she did. As a teenager, it became even more obvious that we had different body types- she inherited one side of the family's body genes, and I got a different gene. If you were to see pictures (I don't have any available), you could see that I did go through a chubbier stage which kind of evened out towards the late teens. But, in my opinion, I was still always rounder than she, and at that point I felt I was chubbier, rounder, fatter, than any of my sisters.

Over the years, there have been conversations between my sisters about exchanging the "extra blessed" areas with someone that wishes for more padding in that area. It's never really happened, though, in case you're wondering. But, it's common for us to complain about a specific part of our body, especially when it comes to trying on new clothes, buying clothes, having to find a specific piece of clothing, etc. And everyone has something to complain about in regards to how they are shaped, and how they look.

Most recently, and I actually instigated this so I'm to blame, there was a discussion over what we were all wearing to our brother Luke's wedding. I

Why Do We Teach Obedience?

For a few months now, I have been pondering a Bible verse that I think has been a common quote by adults to kids. (At least, in the Christian setting.) And, I know that this verse is sometimes used as a memory verse for young kids. I will be upfront and say that this is one of the memory verses we say every night with Pumpkin after our Bible reading. The verse is Colossians 3:20. This is what I remember hearing from this verse in my previous years: "Children obey your parents." I think that is all I ever heard whenever the verse was quoted.

Brief Side Note: Something I have learned over the years, and try very hard to practice, and be conscious of, is that context is very important in learning the Scriptures. Context is very important in understanding the Scriptures. And, I think context is very important when quoting Scriptures for the purpose of making a point. Let me also say this: while context is very important, I will be the first to admit that it doesn't always make it easier to understand, or eliminate any and all questions one might be struggling with.

The first time I looked up Colossians 3:20 to start saying it with Pumpkin, I learned something new. (And, if you are prone to judging people on their lack of Bible knowledge, here is a good opportunity for you to practice not judging. Just a thought.) The entire verse says this: "Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." (Col. 3:20, NIV)

Hmm. How had I never heard, or maybe I had heard it but it didn't stick, the "...for this pleases the Lord" part? That puts a whole new spin on things.

I think for myself, I just assumed that the "Children obey your parents" teaching was simply just because you were the kid, they were the parents. End of story. Do what your parents say just because it is what the Bible says. Where's the motivation in that? Maybe for some folks, that is enough motivation. Maybe just because those four words are written in Scripture casts out any need to question the "why," or the desire to try and reason out how it does, or does not, apply in a situation. But I think we are missing out on something huge if we just leave it at that.

For what purpose are we, as kids, supposed to obey our parents? Because it "pleases the Lord." Not simply because we are the kids and they are the parents. Not just because they are the authority figure that God placed over us as we grow up. It is to honor Him - Jesus Christ; God. As I said, it puts a whole new spin on things.

When I think about how to go about instilling in my child the responsibility to obey, it seems to be a daunting task. The perception that she seems to have inherited

Stepping Out Once More

Before our Little Pumpkin was born, I had finally stepped out of  my comfort zone and started attending the women's Bible study at our old church. We had only been attending there for 2 or 3 years, so it was time, right? I was hoping to get to know some people, to learn and increase my Bible knowledge, and hopefully grow my heart knowledge and boldness in my faith. The study was on the book of John and it was a really good, in-depth study; I really enjoyed the homework and hearing from the other women when the group met. There were a few ladies in particular that I was really enjoying being around, wondering, "How do I become more like her," and was excited to spend time in the future getting to know them better.

Then I had a baby.

And then we moved.

All of my aforementioned hopes -get to know some people, learn and increase Bible knowledge, grow in heart knowledge and boldness in faith-