Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Jelly Bean Insight

(Picture from: www.holidays.net)

Three o'clock is called "Candy Time" around here. It's not a great thing health-wise, but the kids love looking forward to three candies at three o'clock each day - especially our boy child. (I typically look forward to time for sweets, too.) Recently, our daughter chose to eat some jelly beans that had been packaged in a bag with a Jelly Bean Prayer on it. It goes something like this:
(Picture from Michelle at Honey I'm Home blog)

In our house, at least three out of four of us agree that the black jelly beans are delicious, so at first, there was some disappointment that the black jelly beans represented sin in our lives. I mean, why should the best tasting ones represent the saddest and worst concept?

Then our son had a thought: Sin can "taste" so good to us. It tempts us and we can crave it. We are drawn toward it and desire it. We may want to eat a big bunch of black jelly beans, but they are full of sugar and that would be bad for us - similar to how sin is bad for us.

Unlike jelly beans, where a little is okay for you, a little sin is not. To us, some sins are worse than others, but to God, they are all equal.

(Picture from a Facebook post)

I keep desiring to eat healthier, but as I think back to all the food I ate during Thanksgiving week and how many cake balls and cookies I have eaten in the last few days. They are so delicious and tempting to me! But, they are not good for me, especially in that quantity. I was reminded of my son's insight about sin. I resolved to keep up the fight to eat better.
What remains of the cake balls and cookies (except the acorn cookies are gone now...)


Another aspect is being aware of what we should be putting into our minds (and bodies). From the body perspective, I realized last night that I hadn't had a sip of water practically all day long! In fact, I hadn't had a sip of anything! I missed out on the benefits of staying hydrated, and that was possibly part of the reason I developed a headache last night.
Ignore the "big book of cupcakes" behind the water.

From a mind (spiritual) perspective, we need to "feed" ourselves on the word of God. We need to spend time in reading the Bible, praying to God, and praising Him. We receive spiritual nourishment from these practices.


So, what are some of your "black jelly beans?" What sins seem "tasty" and desirable to you? No need to share here; just think to yourself. (Share in the comments if you'd like to share, though. You never know who else you might help.)

What do you need to do to move away from sin and further into a right relationship with God? Feel free to share any of your ideas about this, too.



The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. - Romans 13:12

Therefore I urge you, brothers [and sisters], in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 12:1-2, parenthetical addition mine

When tempted, no one should say, " God is tempting me." for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. - James 1:13-15

My son [or daughter], if sinners entice you, do not give in to them...my son [daughter], do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths - Proverbs 1:10, 15, parenthetical additions mine

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. - Psalm 1:1

For the lips of the adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. - Proverbs 5:3-4 (This can apply to all sin, not just adultery.)

For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.I - Proverbs 5:21-22

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" - John 1:29

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

More Than Thankful in 2018



Here is a post from last year, with a few updates for this year.

Last night, our family participated in a turkey (and sides) giveaway at our church for people in need within the community. I had the opportunity to serve with my family (and church family) and talk to three women. Each shared a part of their unique stories with me. They were thankful in the midst of their hard times, and I am thankful that I got to meet them.

Last year, our daughter said how excited she was for all the yummy food we would have for Thanksgiving, but that she knew it was about more than the food, because some people won't have all the food.

She and I talked about the first Thanksgiving. Yes, the Pilgrims were thankful that the native Americans helped them. Yes, they were thankful that their crops did well. Ultimately, they were thankful for God's provision. God provided friendly neighbors to help them and teach them. God provided the good weather conditions for their crops. God provided for their survival in the new land.

This conversation strengthened my resolve to remember those less fortunate than us. 

Be thankful for your family. Remember widows, orphans, and those estranged or otherwise separated from family. 

Be thankful for your parents, no matter if they are your biological parents, step-parents, adopted parents, in-law parents, or some other title. Remember those who have lost their parents. 

Be thankful for your children. Remember those unable to have children, who have lost children, who have children with challenging behavioral, emotional, developmental, academic, or other issues that make life/parenting hard.

Be thankful for your health. Remember those with pain or illness (chronic or otherwise), long-term or life-threatening health conditions, or other physical or emotional health issues.

Be thankful for your food. Remember those who are hungry or even starving. Remember those who battle with eating disorders.

Be thankful for your home. Remember those who are homeless, or live in inadequate shelters. Remember those without proper heating/cooling, pest control, furnishings, or safety. Remember refugees. Remember those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, mold, theft, etc.

Be thankful for your safety. Remember those who live in constant fear, abusive situations, war zones.

Be thankful for your freedoms. We are relatively free in speech, religion, right to bear arms, pursuit of careers of our choice, etc. Remember those without these freedoms. Many countries are not as open. Remember the Christians around the world persecuted and killed just for accepting Jesus. Remember women and others in cultures where they lack many rights. Remember those persecuted just for believing differently or for being compassionate to people who believe differently.

Be thankful for rest, relaxation, comfort, and entertainment. Remember those who do not have access to such luxuries.

Yes, be thankful. But more than thankful, be mindful. Be concerned. Be prayerful. Be active in improving the lives of others as you are led by the Lord.

Do not be like the Pharisee in the temple who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get," (Luke 18:11‭-‬12). That's the wrong kind of thanks.

I recommend that you take a look at this video entitled "Still Complaining?"

Be thankful for God's blessings in your life, but don't let them end with you. May your cup overflow.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God," (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

There are thousands of charitable organizations through which you could support those in need. Here are a few that are special to me:
Barnabas Aid
Samaritan's Purse
Compassion International
Mission for India
Gospel for Asia
Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)
Frontiers
The Prayer Collective
Smile Train