Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Carnival of Beauty: Being Made in God's Image
Welcome to the Carnival of Beauty, this week travelling to Scotland to reflect on
The Beauty of being Made in God's Image
Through her Scribblings, Blair notes that God took us from being "without form, and void" like the earth, to forming us into his likeness and filling our void with his Breath of Life.
The Happy Wonderer, Ellen, wonders about being made in God's image, the call to be holy as God is holy and how this relates to beauty. In Be Beautiful, she shares a practical application that has helped her be more aware of holiness or the lack of it in her daily life.
Barbara gives us Fuel for thought, sharing a reminder God gave her about his work in creation through her own children in She Looks Just Like Her Father.
Here at A Woman who Fears the Lord, I have been reminded while writing After Our Likenessabout how mankind was designed to reflect God's person and character.
Amanda of following an unknown path reminds us of the Creativity of the Uncreated One in making mankind with desires and abilities to create themselves.
Next week, we will be hosted by Enjoy the Journey where we celebrate the Beauty of the Resurrection. Please consider contributing something as we look forward to Easter weekend!
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
The Beauty of being Made in God's Image
Through her Scribblings, Blair notes that God took us from being "without form, and void" like the earth, to forming us into his likeness and filling our void with his Breath of Life.
The Happy Wonderer, Ellen, wonders about being made in God's image, the call to be holy as God is holy and how this relates to beauty. In Be Beautiful, she shares a practical application that has helped her be more aware of holiness or the lack of it in her daily life.
Barbara gives us Fuel for thought, sharing a reminder God gave her about his work in creation through her own children in She Looks Just Like Her Father.
Here at A Woman who Fears the Lord, I have been reminded while writing After Our Likenessabout how mankind was designed to reflect God's person and character.
Amanda of following an unknown path reminds us of the Creativity of the Uncreated One in making mankind with desires and abilities to create themselves.
Next week, we will be hosted by Enjoy the Journey where we celebrate the Beauty of the Resurrection. Please consider contributing something as we look forward to Easter weekend!
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Labels: carnival of beauty
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Beauty of being Made in God's Image: After Our Likeness
The Carnival of Beauty this weeks calls us to reflect on the Beauty of being Made in God's Image. Return here on Wednesday to read all the contributions from across the globe!
Genesis 1 tells us that on the sixth day of creation:
God was love even before he created us and loved us, so there was love and fellowship between the three persons of the Godhead. As mankind, we have been created to love God and can see that our lives go awry when we fall away from him, when we depart from our true purpose of life.
We also have a need and a desire to love others, to experience love of others and to have fellowship with each other. We have been given marriage as a picture of how this submission and love works within the Godhead, but, even for those of us who are not (yet) married, we have been given the church and the body of believers as a family in which to experience and demonstrate this.
The first act of God that we read of in the Bible is the creation of the universe. He then gives his brand new and "very good" world to humans to care for and steward it. God has put that desire for creation and work into our hearts so that we might reflect his glory in our own care for the creation and in our own contributions to creation.
Think of many wonderful pieces of art, architecture, literature, scientific advances or music, all created by man but stemming from a deeper desire placed in us by God. He has given us the ability of conscious thought and self-awareness, more so than other creature, and so allows us to study, create and compose. Perhaps this is also reflected in the desire of many of us to have children - the ultimate creative act we are given as mankind?
In the Fall and in our rebellion, this image of God has been tarnished. Our relationship with God, each other and creation has been ruined. We have not been left in this sorry state however. Jesus who is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15) and the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3) has come to redeem us. Through him, we can put on a new self, created "after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24) and "which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Colossians 3:10).
Genesis 1 tells us that on the sixth day of creation:
God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."When we talk about being made in God's image, we can see how mankind was designed to reflect God's person and character.
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
God was love even before he created us and loved us, so there was love and fellowship between the three persons of the Godhead. As mankind, we have been created to love God and can see that our lives go awry when we fall away from him, when we depart from our true purpose of life.
We also have a need and a desire to love others, to experience love of others and to have fellowship with each other. We have been given marriage as a picture of how this submission and love works within the Godhead, but, even for those of us who are not (yet) married, we have been given the church and the body of believers as a family in which to experience and demonstrate this.
The first act of God that we read of in the Bible is the creation of the universe. He then gives his brand new and "very good" world to humans to care for and steward it. God has put that desire for creation and work into our hearts so that we might reflect his glory in our own care for the creation and in our own contributions to creation.
Think of many wonderful pieces of art, architecture, literature, scientific advances or music, all created by man but stemming from a deeper desire placed in us by God. He has given us the ability of conscious thought and self-awareness, more so than other creature, and so allows us to study, create and compose. Perhaps this is also reflected in the desire of many of us to have children - the ultimate creative act we are given as mankind?
In the Fall and in our rebellion, this image of God has been tarnished. Our relationship with God, each other and creation has been ruined. We have not been left in this sorry state however. Jesus who is the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15) and the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3) has come to redeem us. Through him, we can put on a new self, created "after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24) and "which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator" (Colossians 3:10).
Labels: bible study, carnival of beauty
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Beauty of being Made in God's Image
As a medical student and now as a doctor, I never cease to be amazed at how the human body works and how it all fits together. Medicine has moved on a lot from thinking all illness was due to an imbalance in the four humours and there is so much that we can do now in the fight against disease. However there is still so much that we just don't understand. It really calls me to worship and praise the Creator for the complexity and beauty of the body that he has made.
For this reason, I was so excited to be assigned as the hostess for next week's Carnival of Beauty on The Beauty of being Made in God's Image. Please take some time to think about this over the next week and then post your submission on your blog at the beginning of the week. The deadline for emailing me with your details will be 9pm BST (Check your deadline for where you are in the world at the World Clock) on Tuesday, 27th March.
What is the purpose of the Carnival of Beauty?
1. Encourage women by reflecting the beauty of Christ in our writing.
2. Meet women online who cherish the beauty of Christ that we might not have met otherwise.
Who can participate?
Any Christian woman can participate as long as she falls under these guidelines:
Is in personal agreement with the Nicene Creed.
Is in personal agreement with the following statement: I believe in the Godhead of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as revealed in the Holy Bible. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and my only means for the forgiveness of my sins and my salvation. My salvation is found in no one but Jesus Christ.
Is not a Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, or Seventh Day Adventist.
Does not promote the emergent conversation/movement/whatever on her blog.
Does not promote theological distinctives in her Carnival post so as to refrain from controversial debate.
How do I submit a piece to the Carnival?
Send an email to the hostess with the following information:
1. Your first name
2. The name of your blog with the link
3. The name of your piece with the link
4. A brief one or two sentence description of your piece that will be in the listing of the Carnival submissions.
In the meantime, take a look at this week's carnival hosted by Amanda at following an unknown path where they are looking at the Beauty of Photographs. Look forward to reading all the posts next week!
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
For this reason, I was so excited to be assigned as the hostess for next week's Carnival of Beauty on The Beauty of being Made in God's Image. Please take some time to think about this over the next week and then post your submission on your blog at the beginning of the week. The deadline for emailing me with your details will be 9pm BST (Check your deadline for where you are in the world at the World Clock) on Tuesday, 27th March.
What is the purpose of the Carnival of Beauty?
1. Encourage women by reflecting the beauty of Christ in our writing.
2. Meet women online who cherish the beauty of Christ that we might not have met otherwise.
Who can participate?
Any Christian woman can participate as long as she falls under these guidelines:
Is in personal agreement with the Nicene Creed.
Is in personal agreement with the following statement: I believe in the Godhead of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as revealed in the Holy Bible. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and my only means for the forgiveness of my sins and my salvation. My salvation is found in no one but Jesus Christ.
Is not a Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, or Seventh Day Adventist.
Does not promote the emergent conversation/movement/whatever on her blog.
Does not promote theological distinctives in her Carnival post so as to refrain from controversial debate.
How do I submit a piece to the Carnival?
Send an email to the hostess with the following information:
1. Your first name
2. The name of your blog with the link
3. The name of your piece with the link
4. A brief one or two sentence description of your piece that will be in the listing of the Carnival submissions.
In the meantime, take a look at this week's carnival hosted by Amanda at following an unknown path where they are looking at the Beauty of Photographs. Look forward to reading all the posts next week!
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
Labels: carnival of beauty
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Beauty of Isaiah: A Day Acceptable to the Lord
I've been able to share my love of the book of Isaiah before in a previous Carnival of Beauty, so it is wonderful to join with my sisters all over the world, hosted by Ashley and Beth of Onward and Upward, in sharing this. Please take time today to go there to read all the other submissions celebrating the Beauty of Isaiah.
My young ladies bible study group has been studying Zechariah over the last few months. Last week, we looked at Zechariah 7, reading of the Israelites taking part in rituals and fasting but doing so without truly seeking God or godliness. The study guide 'sent' us to Isaiah 58.
It begins with God rebuking the Israelites for their hypocrisy. They had been overcome by pride and had forgotten the Lord. Even on their days of fasting and outward piety, they were fighting with one another and oppressing their workers. We discussed how we can fall into the same trap, trying to use the rituals of worship as bargaining tools with God, serving others out of self-interest, confining God's influence on our lives to very carefully carved out "spiritual" time without it affecting the rest of our lives, or becoming proud and self-righteous that we are fulfilling these obligations.
However Proverbs 21:3-4 says:
This brings God's blessing and restoration to his people. As he guided and protected the Israelites in the wilderness, he promised to be our 'rear-guard' today. The Lord will hear and answer the prayers of his people, blessing them with every good thing. His church will be built up and restored, both physically, as promised to the Israelites just returning from exile, but also spiritually as we see his church as the body of believers today and for eternity.
Isaiah also reminds us to the blessing of the Sabbath day and how, rather than it being a burden, it should be a day for delighting in God. It was given for man as a day of rest and restoration, a day to be focussed on the worship of God and the fellowship of his people. It is not however just the physically keeping of this day that God wants, but humility and compassion in our hearts. (I heard a wonderful lecture on this last week and will have to share it with you all soon.)
We must keep in mind that nothing we do, whether fasting, praying or Sabbath keeping, can contribute to our salvation. The only thing we contribute is our sin from which we have to be saved. Remembering this and remembering the grace that has been shown to us should keep us from developing too high an opinion of ourselves and keep our focus and heart upon God.
Is such the fast that I choose,
a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
and a day acceptable to the Lord?
Isaiah 58:5
My young ladies bible study group has been studying Zechariah over the last few months. Last week, we looked at Zechariah 7, reading of the Israelites taking part in rituals and fasting but doing so without truly seeking God or godliness. The study guide 'sent' us to Isaiah 58.
It begins with God rebuking the Israelites for their hypocrisy. They had been overcome by pride and had forgotten the Lord. Even on their days of fasting and outward piety, they were fighting with one another and oppressing their workers. We discussed how we can fall into the same trap, trying to use the rituals of worship as bargaining tools with God, serving others out of self-interest, confining God's influence on our lives to very carefully carved out "spiritual" time without it affecting the rest of our lives, or becoming proud and self-righteous that we are fulfilling these obligations.
However Proverbs 21:3-4 says:
To do righteousness and justiceWe are then reminded of what true religion is. It comes from a heart focused on God and his righteousness. Isaiah calls us to focus our hearts on God, demonstrate this love for God by our compassion for others, listen to his word and worship him in spirit and truth.
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
This brings God's blessing and restoration to his people. As he guided and protected the Israelites in the wilderness, he promised to be our 'rear-guard' today. The Lord will hear and answer the prayers of his people, blessing them with every good thing. His church will be built up and restored, both physically, as promised to the Israelites just returning from exile, but also spiritually as we see his church as the body of believers today and for eternity.
Isaiah also reminds us to the blessing of the Sabbath day and how, rather than it being a burden, it should be a day for delighting in God. It was given for man as a day of rest and restoration, a day to be focussed on the worship of God and the fellowship of his people. It is not however just the physically keeping of this day that God wants, but humility and compassion in our hearts. (I heard a wonderful lecture on this last week and will have to share it with you all soon.)We must keep in mind that nothing we do, whether fasting, praying or Sabbath keeping, can contribute to our salvation. The only thing we contribute is our sin from which we have to be saved. Remembering this and remembering the grace that has been shown to us should keep us from developing too high an opinion of ourselves and keep our focus and heart upon God.
Is such the fast that I choose,
a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
and a day acceptable to the Lord?
Isaiah 58:5
Labels: bible study, carnival of beauty
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Beauty of Mary and Martha: The Good Portion
This week's Carnival of Beauty visits A Dusty Frame where we gather to discuss the Beauty of Mary and Martha.
I am such a Martha. I can see myself in her the time she invited Jesus into her home. There she is, flapping around "distracted with much serving" and "anxious and troubled about many things", forgetting (choosing to forget?) that the real need in my life is to listen to the teachings of Jesus.
Things must have changed for Martha in her faith and relationship with Jesus when she goes on to confess her faith in him as the Lord and Messiah. In her distress at the death of her brother, Lazarus, Mary and Marth both flap a little, blaming Jesus for not having come sooner. Martha, on hearing that Jesus is coming, goes to meet him while Mary stays at home. When they meet, she declares, "I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."
As I read through Martha's story this week, I was reminded of how much I am like her, but also that Jesus loved her. I want things to be perfect before going to Jesus, I want to have things sorted, I don't want to bother him with trivialities. Instead I should follow Mary's example and sit at my Lord's feet, listening to his teaching and casting my burdens on him because he loves me.
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
I am such a Martha. I can see myself in her the time she invited Jesus into her home. There she is, flapping around "distracted with much serving" and "anxious and troubled about many things", forgetting (choosing to forget?) that the real need in my life is to listen to the teachings of Jesus.
Things must have changed for Martha in her faith and relationship with Jesus when she goes on to confess her faith in him as the Lord and Messiah. In her distress at the death of her brother, Lazarus, Mary and Marth both flap a little, blaming Jesus for not having come sooner. Martha, on hearing that Jesus is coming, goes to meet him while Mary stays at home. When they meet, she declares, "I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."
As I read through Martha's story this week, I was reminded of how much I am like her, but also that Jesus loved her. I want things to be perfect before going to Jesus, I want to have things sorted, I don't want to bother him with trivialities. Instead I should follow Mary's example and sit at my Lord's feet, listening to his teaching and casting my burdens on him because he loves me.
But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
Labels: bible study, carnival of beauty, faith
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Carnival of Beauty: the Beauty of Solitude
I am honoured and delighted to be able to present to you the final Carnival of Beauty of 2006...The Beauty of Solitude
Bernadine of Girl Talk Weekly has her Carnival of Beauty debut with Times of Refreshing, discussing the need of solitude in a big family. (She is the youngest of eight children!)
Barbara has some Stray Thoughts on the Beauty of Solitude and shares some of the blessings she has been given through the enforced solitude of her husband working away from home.
Fellow British blogger Susanna invites you to join her at Through a Glass as she sits half way up the stairs and enjoys her Solitude.
Here at A Woman who Fears the Lord, I've shared some of what I learned when for the first time I purposefully tried to practise the spiritual discipline of solitude in Keep Silence Before Him.
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1
Barbara has some Stray Thoughts on the Beauty of Solitude and shares some of the blessings she has been given through the enforced solitude of her husband working away from home.
Fellow British blogger Susanna invites you to join her at Through a Glass as she sits half way up the stairs and enjoys her Solitude.
Here at A Woman who Fears the Lord, I've shared some of what I learned when for the first time I purposefully tried to practise the spiritual discipline of solitude in Keep Silence Before Him.
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1
Labels: carnival of beauty, spiritual disciplines
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Beauty of Solitude: Keep Silence Before Him
I have been noticing just how much I fill up life with noise and activities. I wake up to the radio and listen to it on my way to work. Work itself is full of bustle and conversations. When I get home, even without realising it, I sing away to myself. Even sometimes when I am outwardly quiet, I find my mind whirling around like a dervish that I don't notice the silence.
I decided to spend some time this year working on the discipline of solitude. Jesus himself spent forty days in solitude as preparation for his ministry (Luke 4:1-15). It was also his own practice to spend time in prayer alone throughout his ministry (Luke 5:16).
Charles Spurgeon said:
I decided to spend some time this year working on the discipline of solitude. Jesus himself spent forty days in solitude as preparation for his ministry (Luke 4:1-15). It was also his own practice to spend time in prayer alone throughout his ministry (Luke 5:16).
Charles Spurgeon said:
I commend solitude to any of you who are seeking salvation, first, that you may study well your case as in the sight of God. Few men truly know themselves as they really are. Most people have seen themselves in a looking-glass, but there is another looking-glass, which gives true reflections, into which few men look. To study one's self in the light of God's Word, and carefully to go over one's condition, examining both the inward and the outward sins, and using all the tests which are given us in the Scriptures, would be a very healthy exercise; but how very few care to go through it!
I have been able to spend some time trying to build on this discipline. I went to a beautiful isolated beach, armed only with my Bible, a flask of tea and some gloves. (It looks beautiful but is still Scotland!) Thankfully, there was no-one else there as I sat and read and prayed.It was wonderful to really have a conversation with God without all the distractions of everything at home. I really felt Satan trying to attack, to drag me away from fellowship and many things I had said or done in the past were brought up. However, I was able to spend such a wonderful time in prayer though, asking for forgiveness for the many sins in my life. Now when these are dragged up, I am able to say, "I've been forgiven for that. There is no more to be said on the matter."
The feeling of being uncontactable for those few hours was also so refreshing. There was so little to distract me from that small, still voice of God. That memory of the closeness with God is still giving me strength as I live in our busy world and I look forward to purposefully spending more time in solitude in the future.
If you would be interested in developing this discipline in your own spiritual life, I really recommend Silence and Solitude..."For The Purpose Of Godliness" by Don Whitney. You can also read about others' experiences of solitude in this week's Carnival of Beauty.
But the LORD is in his holy temple;
let all the earth keep silence before him
Habakkuk 1:20
Labels: carnival of beauty, consider your ways, spiritual disciplines
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
He has Made Everything Beautiful
I reach another one of those major blogging milestones next week: I'm going to be the hostess for the Carnival of Beauty on Wednesday, 27th December when we'll be looking at the Beauty of Solitude.
Perhaps it's an odd one to be thinking about when the holidays are so focussed on family time, or maybe we will all be needing just a little bit of solitude by then!
If you have never taken part before, all you need to do is write a short piece on Solitude on your blog at the beginning of next week. Then please email me with your name and the names of and links to your blog and to that submission.
Sallie, who sponsors this Carnival, has all the details. She writes, "Although the goal is about promoting the beauty of Christ, the piece does not have to be explicitly about Christ. It can be about family matters, home life, children, marriage, creation, friendship, cooking, homemaking, hobbies, etc. Anything that reflects the beauty of Christ and fits the topic."
Hope that gives you something to think about over the next week. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's contributions!
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11a
Perhaps it's an odd one to be thinking about when the holidays are so focussed on family time, or maybe we will all be needing just a little bit of solitude by then!
If you have never taken part before, all you need to do is write a short piece on Solitude on your blog at the beginning of next week. Then please email me with your name and the names of and links to your blog and to that submission.
Sallie, who sponsors this Carnival, has all the details. She writes, "Although the goal is about promoting the beauty of Christ, the piece does not have to be explicitly about Christ. It can be about family matters, home life, children, marriage, creation, friendship, cooking, homemaking, hobbies, etc. Anything that reflects the beauty of Christ and fits the topic."
Hope that gives you something to think about over the next week. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's contributions!
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11a
Labels: carnival of beauty
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Beauty of Salvation: May We Shout for Joy!
This week's Carnival of Beauty, hosted by Autumn Rain, celebrates the Beauty of Salvation. I have shared some of my own testimony before, but want to share a story of salvation from my own family that is particularly precious to us at Christmas.
As a family, we never went to church. My mother was so against Christianity that, when she found out that I went to a Scripture Union club at primary school, she forbade to go again! For me, it had been a fun way to spend a lunchtime but nothing else more spiritual.
At secondary school, I discovered a love and talent for singing. I sang in school choirs and school musicals, taking part in competitions against other schools, and singing solos at concerts and carol services. My singing teacher then suggested joining a church choir.
I wasn't going to that church for the teaching, so it didn't matter that the minister didn't believe in the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, the inerrancy of the Bible or the truth of the miracles. However I began to read the Bible. I'm not sure when exactly I became a Christian - it was more like a gradual dawning. I was in the middle of it before I had realised that I had started!
Throughout all of this, I was still singing in the choir. On Christmas Eve 1998, I was to sing a solo in the Watchnight Service. My parents had decided that this was all a 'religious' phase that I would soon grow out of but they would come to hear me whenever I was singing a solo.
That evening, we had a blazing argument. I haven't a clue what it was about now, but I'm sure there was crying, shouting and probably door slamming! (I am ashamed to admit this, but offer it to show what God worked from!) They said they would not come to see me sing so I stomped out of the house and went to church myself.
A strange thing happened at home that night. For some reason, my parents, my very anti-religion parents, my atheist parents, decided they would go to church anyway and, late that night, walked up the hill to the local church. They went to the service, then the following Sunday went back and kept on going back.
By God's wonderful providence, the minister there was a Christian and preached the Bible faithfully. That night, he shared the truth of the Christmas story that did not leave Jesus as a helpless babe in a manger but that explained why that baby came and how, through him, people could have their sins forgiven and have eternal life.
My parents heard and believed God's word and became Christians. It has been wonderful to see the transformation in their lives and in my family. It is such a blessing to go home and to be able to talk of God's goodness and to share Christian fellowship. They are both so involved in that church now, with my father even becoming an elder last year. I am so thankful to God for how he has brought them to a living faith and for the outworking of their salvation.
May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
Psalm 20:5
As a family, we never went to church. My mother was so against Christianity that, when she found out that I went to a Scripture Union club at primary school, she forbade to go again! For me, it had been a fun way to spend a lunchtime but nothing else more spiritual.
At secondary school, I discovered a love and talent for singing. I sang in school choirs and school musicals, taking part in competitions against other schools, and singing solos at concerts and carol services. My singing teacher then suggested joining a church choir.
I wasn't going to that church for the teaching, so it didn't matter that the minister didn't believe in the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, the inerrancy of the Bible or the truth of the miracles. However I began to read the Bible. I'm not sure when exactly I became a Christian - it was more like a gradual dawning. I was in the middle of it before I had realised that I had started!
Throughout all of this, I was still singing in the choir. On Christmas Eve 1998, I was to sing a solo in the Watchnight Service. My parents had decided that this was all a 'religious' phase that I would soon grow out of but they would come to hear me whenever I was singing a solo.
That evening, we had a blazing argument. I haven't a clue what it was about now, but I'm sure there was crying, shouting and probably door slamming! (I am ashamed to admit this, but offer it to show what God worked from!) They said they would not come to see me sing so I stomped out of the house and went to church myself.
A strange thing happened at home that night. For some reason, my parents, my very anti-religion parents, my atheist parents, decided they would go to church anyway and, late that night, walked up the hill to the local church. They went to the service, then the following Sunday went back and kept on going back.By God's wonderful providence, the minister there was a Christian and preached the Bible faithfully. That night, he shared the truth of the Christmas story that did not leave Jesus as a helpless babe in a manger but that explained why that baby came and how, through him, people could have their sins forgiven and have eternal life.
My parents heard and believed God's word and became Christians. It has been wonderful to see the transformation in their lives and in my family. It is such a blessing to go home and to be able to talk of God's goodness and to share Christian fellowship. They are both so involved in that church now, with my father even becoming an elder last year. I am so thankful to God for how he has brought them to a living faith and for the outworking of their salvation.
May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!
Psalm 20:5
Labels: carnival of beauty, faith, family
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Beauty of Reaching Out: Bearing with One Another
As part of this week's Carnival of Beauty on the Beauty of Reaching Out, I wonder if I can share a little about wonderful friends of mine and their example in reaching out to people.
I was converted through reading the Bible at the age of 17 having had no church background. Sadly, I started attending a church where the minister did not preach the Gospel, did not believe in the deity of Christ and did not believe that the Bible was the inerrant word of God. I was so confused - which bits of the Bible were true and which bits were just stories? Which bits were purely cultural? Some of it was clearly just stories. Wasn't it...?
A friend invited me to her church one evening just for a change. I just remember being so amazed that the preacher seemed to believe the whole Bible and that the service was so focused on God - we prayed to God, sang to God, read God's word, and listened to God's word being explained. I don't think I met them that day - I don't even remember when or where I first met them properly. I would never guessed that that preacher and his wife would become such close friends and probably the most influential people in my life.
I was so confused with really very dodgy theology, but they took the time to listen to me, to pray with me and to explain God's word. No question was too daft for them. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like one of the family to the point that I made my own cups of tea and was present for family arguments!
Joking aside, I don't know if they realise how important that was in itself. I come from a family where healthy conflict resolution is not a strong point! To see them argue, yet still be loving and respectful to each other, is such a good lesson for how I want to act when I disagree with my husband and children. They were humble, gentle and patient with me, even when I had difficulties understanding things, and rejoiced as I came to know the Bible more and more and for the true and living word that it is.
I have learned and grown so much talking to them and watching them. I really hope that I can share their example of love in action to others, reaching out to people on the periphery and demonstrating compassion practically and spiritually. I know that I would not be where I am now spiritually if it wasn't for them. Praise God for his mercy and kindness and for the love of his people.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love
Ephesians 4:1-2
I was converted through reading the Bible at the age of 17 having had no church background. Sadly, I started attending a church where the minister did not preach the Gospel, did not believe in the deity of Christ and did not believe that the Bible was the inerrant word of God. I was so confused - which bits of the Bible were true and which bits were just stories? Which bits were purely cultural? Some of it was clearly just stories. Wasn't it...?
A friend invited me to her church one evening just for a change. I just remember being so amazed that the preacher seemed to believe the whole Bible and that the service was so focused on God - we prayed to God, sang to God, read God's word, and listened to God's word being explained. I don't think I met them that day - I don't even remember when or where I first met them properly. I would never guessed that that preacher and his wife would become such close friends and probably the most influential people in my life.
I was so confused with really very dodgy theology, but they took the time to listen to me, to pray with me and to explain God's word. No question was too daft for them. They welcomed me into their home and treated me like one of the family to the point that I made my own cups of tea and was present for family arguments!Joking aside, I don't know if they realise how important that was in itself. I come from a family where healthy conflict resolution is not a strong point! To see them argue, yet still be loving and respectful to each other, is such a good lesson for how I want to act when I disagree with my husband and children. They were humble, gentle and patient with me, even when I had difficulties understanding things, and rejoiced as I came to know the Bible more and more and for the true and living word that it is.
I have learned and grown so much talking to them and watching them. I really hope that I can share their example of love in action to others, reaching out to people on the periphery and demonstrating compassion practically and spiritually. I know that I would not be where I am now spiritually if it wasn't for them. Praise God for his mercy and kindness and for the love of his people.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love
Ephesians 4:1-2
Labels: carnival of beauty, faith, family
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Beauty of Fire: You Shall Not be Burned
I don't have much to say today - I just want to share a few pieces of Scripture that I was reminded of reading the title. At first, I tried to think of anything to do with the beauty of fire: its warmth, its protection, its light. Then I remembered all the times that God spoke through and of fire, reminding us of his warmth, light, and protection.God used fire to seal his covenant with Abram that although his "offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years", they would inherit the promised land.(Genesis 15).
When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your offspring I give this land."
God spoke to Moses through the fire at Horeb (Exodus 3:2-6).
And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush...When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." And he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
He then guided them out of Egypt in a pillar of fire (Exodus 13:21-22).
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
God spoke to his people through the fire from Mount Sinai when he gave them the 10 Commandments (Deut 4-5).
And you said, 'Behold, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire. This day we have seen God speak with man and man still live. Now therefore why should we die? For this great fire will consume us. If we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of fire as we have, and has still lived?
Finally, I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed recently. I started a new job a few months ago and, while I love it, it is so very busy. I have an exam in a few weeks that I can't see myself passing. My shifts mean I work every second Sunday so I feel at church as if everyone else is sailing past in a big ship but I am just struggling to keep up, furiously rowing in my little boat, trailing behind.
When I feel like this, I return to these pieces of Scripture, Zechariah 13:9 and Isaiah 43, to remind myself of who God is and his mighty power. Please take the time to slowly savour this, reminding yourself, as I continually have to do, that God is speaking to YOU here!
And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested.They will call upon my name, and I will answer them.I will say, 'They are my people'; and they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'"
But now thus says the LORD,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
peoples in exchange for your life.
Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up,
and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.
Labels: bible study, carnival of beauty
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Beauty of Beginnings & Endings: I will Accomplish all my Purpose
It's my birthday today, so it's an ideal time to consider what God has done for me, in me and through me in this last year and where I hope to be this time next year. Inspired by this week's Carnival of Beauty on Beginnings and Endings, I want to reflect on the work that he has begun in me and where he has shut doors. In all this, I know that I can trust in a God who is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient, yet who loves me, Keziah, despite knowing me and my failings more than anyone else and more than I allow even myself.This year, God has used me, through the guidance of some godly women, to start a Bible study group for young women. Just last night, we met together for a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement sitting round Scripture. I am learning so much from our time together and am so thankful to God for the work he is doing there.
He has taken me to a new job that I love. I actually sit there and think to myself, "I have SUCH an interesting job" and really believe it! He is teaching me and reminding me every day that this is my mission field for now and that this is where he wants me to be his servant and ambassador. While on call this last weekend, I was able to have some really interesting chats with a couple of Muslim colleagues. They will return to a land hostile to the Gospel next year, a place where it would be too dangerous for me to work, never mind visit as a missionary, so I am conscious that, right now, here is my opportunity to share the Christian faith with that people.
God also has seemed to close doors for me over this year, sometimes inexplicably. I had hoped to spend some time supporting student ministry, but the funding to allow me to do this was not available. I had hoped to go into research, but the funding there was not available either. A good friend expressed his interest in me, so we began to talk more purposefully about our future and if marriage was part of that. After much prayer and discussion, I knew that this was not the case. While I know it was the correct and right decision, it stills saddens me to consider all that might have been and what now might never be.
God also has seemed to close doors for me over this year, sometimes inexplicably. I had hoped to spend some time supporting student ministry, but the funding to allow me to do this was not available. I had hoped to go into research, but the funding there was not available either. A good friend expressed his interest in me, so we began to talk more purposefully about our future and if marriage was part of that. After much prayer and discussion, I knew that this was not the case. While I know it was the correct and right decision, it stills saddens me to consider all that might have been and what now might never be.
All through this, I know that I do not worship a fickle God, but one who is constant and steady. I know that God has his plans for me that he has had since before the beginning of time, purposes for me that will prevail and cannot be thwarted, plans for wholeness and not for evil, plans to give me a future and a hope, and that he knows both the beginning and the end. As I begin another year of my life, this is in what I can trust and rest, so, instead of being scared and nervous, I am excited to see what this next year will bring!
Remember the former things of old;
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, 'My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,'
Isaiah 46:9-10
Labels: biblical womanhood, carnival of beauty, mission, work
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
The Beauty of Learning: Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini
My university is not unique with regards to its motto. Educational establishments over the world have been constituted with the motto, Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini, meaning "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
This is where our desire for learning comes from and where our learning has its purpose: to know God more and so to fear and glorify him. Taking prime importance in our lives, we should be seeking to read our Bibles, to learn more from Scripture, to pray and to have fellowship with God's people. But the godly men who set up these universities did not want to cloister themselves away to learn about God, but to put this knowledge into practice for the good of the people.
In the case of my own university, a need for "a more educated laity, given the shortage of doctors, lawyers and schoolmasters in the country" was recognised. Its teaching "embraced all the known branches of learning Arts, Theology, and Canon and Civil Law" and was the place of the first Chair of Medicine in the English-speaking world.
Even as I studied for my degree and now study for postgraduate exams, I find it so refreshing to learn new things. In the last few years, I have tried to learn new languages, have completed a course in Christian theology, learned the basics of Art History and now plod away at trying to play the piano!
Constantly learning stretches my brain in new directions so, rather than tiring me out, it exercises and relaxes me. I hope that I shall never stop trying to learn, but that I shall take every opportunity to try new experiences and to learn more. I have had so much fun and had so much more enjoyment from pursuing knowledge outside of prescribed study and am thankful for the small amount of wisdom I can gain from that.
This is where our desire for learning comes from and where our learning has its purpose: to know God more and so to fear and glorify him. Taking prime importance in our lives, we should be seeking to read our Bibles, to learn more from Scripture, to pray and to have fellowship with God's people. But the godly men who set up these universities did not want to cloister themselves away to learn about God, but to put this knowledge into practice for the good of the people.
In the case of my own university, a need for "a more educated laity, given the shortage of doctors, lawyers and schoolmasters in the country" was recognised. Its teaching "embraced all the known branches of learning Arts, Theology, and Canon and Civil Law" and was the place of the first Chair of Medicine in the English-speaking world.
Even as I studied for my degree and now study for postgraduate exams, I find it so refreshing to learn new things. In the last few years, I have tried to learn new languages, have completed a course in Christian theology, learned the basics of Art History and now plod away at trying to play the piano!
Constantly learning stretches my brain in new directions so, rather than tiring me out, it exercises and relaxes me. I hope that I shall never stop trying to learn, but that I shall take every opportunity to try new experiences and to learn more. I have had so much fun and had so much more enjoyment from pursuing knowledge outside of prescribed study and am thankful for the small amount of wisdom I can gain from that.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Psalm 111:10
Labels: carnival of beauty, faith, history, Scotland
Friday, August 18, 2006
Death by Chocolate (almost)
When I read this article, US man survives chocolate ordeal, from the BBC website, I was reminded of our Carnival of Beauty last week! It sounds like a terrible ordeal but it's just so funny!
My favourite quotes:
"The man said he had climbed into the tank before becoming trapped waist-deep in chocolate." (What on earth was he thinking?)
"Rescue workers and staff at the Debelis Corporation used cocoa-butter to thin out the chocolate and pull him free." (You learn something new every day!)
And then at the end of the article, as if this explains everything,
"The accident involved dark chocolate."
Labels: carnival of beauty, news
Friday, August 11, 2006
Consider Your Ways: Question 4
In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
I am busy ALL the time. At work, I am permanently rushing around seeing patients, arranging and reviewing tests, writing letters, doing paperwork. Even in the quiet moments, I am poised ready to run at the first sound of my bleeper going off. At home, I work, study, read, do housework, write all the time to the background of music or a radio programme. Although I live on my own, I am permanently surrounded by noise, busyness and thoughts. I am never still. Even now, as I write this, I'm on a train on my daily communte, keen not to waste time.
So I am intrigued about the spiritual disciplines of quietness, solitude and silence. Would I manage to be still for an hour, never mind a whole day?
With the help of the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, I am going to take time over the next year to try the tasks it suggests. I have days off next month, so I might even try to go away for a night to give it a go without all the distractions of normal life. Sallie has allowed me to host the Carnival of Beauty in December on the Beauty of Solitude, so I'll hopefully be able to share some of what I have learnt then.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
I am busy ALL the time. At work, I am permanently rushing around seeing patients, arranging and reviewing tests, writing letters, doing paperwork. Even in the quiet moments, I am poised ready to run at the first sound of my bleeper going off. At home, I work, study, read, do housework, write all the time to the background of music or a radio programme. Although I live on my own, I am permanently surrounded by noise, busyness and thoughts. I am never still. Even now, as I write this, I'm on a train on my daily communte, keen not to waste time.
So I am intrigued about the spiritual disciplines of quietness, solitude and silence. Would I manage to be still for an hour, never mind a whole day?
With the help of the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, I am going to take time over the next year to try the tasks it suggests. I have days off next month, so I might even try to go away for a night to give it a go without all the distractions of normal life. Sallie has allowed me to host the Carnival of Beauty in December on the Beauty of Solitude, so I'll hopefully be able to share some of what I have learnt then.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
Labels: carnival of beauty, consider your ways, photos, spiritual disciplines
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
The Beauty of Chocolate: The Divine Drink
As a doctor, I'm always on the lookout for medicines and procedures to make people better. Yet it is often the simplest gestures that help the most. As a Scotswoman, I have to extol the healing benefits of a good cup of tea (served either in a big mug or a dainty china tea cup depending on the crisis!). A close second though, is the healing and comfort provided by good chocolate.
The best thing is that they really do keep finding out that chocolate is actually good for us! Apparently, it can protect our blood vessels, control diabetes, lower high blood pressure and reduce heart disease. People who eat a moderate amount of chocolate have even been shown to live longer! It contains plenty of trace elements, like calcium and iron (a good excuse to eat chocolate if you are anaemic!), and vitamins. For women, apparently we crave the magnesium in chocolate to increase progesterone levels to alleviate premenstrual syndrome! In the 1700s, French doctors would actually prescribe chocolate as a cure for the broken heart! The science tells us that it's all to do with a chemical, phenylethylamine, the same chemical that shoots round our brain when we fall in love.
Of course, that's not all. After all, broccoli is good for us and really very tasty, but you could hardly say that is really met the same need! Imagine the feeling of smooth chocolate melting in your mouth, the clean snap when breaking a big bar of chocolate, the rush of warmth as the endorphins hit your brain...
Now many of us will manage to read the rest of this week's Carnival of Beauty without craving some chocolate, so I share with you my favourite chocolate recipe. It's dark chocolate with a high cocoa content that seems to be the good stuff, so I hope you like it! It's probably a bit hot for this at the moment, but the more I think about this, I get more in the mood for it!
Chop a red chilli into a pint of milk and gently heat. Then stir in a 100g bar of good dark chocolate broken up into little pieces and some cream until it is all dissolved and thick. Serve with whipped cream and a tiny sprinkle of chilli powder for decoration.
The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food.
Montezuma, Aztec Emperor (1480-1520)
Montezuma, Aztec Emperor (1480-1520)
Labels: carnival of beauty, miscellaneous
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
The Beauty of Philippians: My Joy and Crown
When I first became a Christian, Philippians was the first book I studied. It was such a wonderful introduction to the Christian life and faith. If I wrote down everything I had read and thought about this book, we would be here for a very long time, so I chose to focus on a word study of one of the great themes of Philippians. The most striking things about this letter is where Paul was when he wrote this - sitting chained to a Roman guard while Christians were being persecuted by Nero! Yet it is a book about joy and rejoicing! We see a completely different meaning to the word 'joy' - it is not just a feeling of happiness when things go right, but a deep rejoicing and contentment that can only come from knowing who Christ is and what he has done.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Phil 1:4
Phil 1:4
What a wonderful way to remember people - to remember them in your prayers and with thanksgiving! This joy comes from the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the fellowship of our fellow believers, working together for the common purpose of furthering the Gospel and glorifying God.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Phil 2:1-3
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Phil 2:1-3
Paul here encourages the believers to think alike, to love one another, to act without selfishness, and to look after others, because of their love for Christ. He sets them the example of Christ to follow, in how he came in utter humility as a servant and confined as a human before God glorified him. We are asked to do the same - to regard ourselves as nothing, to become servants, to humble ourselves and to be obedient - knowing that a greater and more precious prize awaits us in heaven.
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honour such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Phil 2:28-30
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honour such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Phil 2:28-30
The Philippian church had sent Epaphroditus 700 miles to be with and to care for Paul. Here Paul is sending him back (probably carrying this letter), but he is not doing so with bitterness or jealously. His unselfish concern shines out, knowing the joy that it will bring to the Philippians to see Epaphroditus, especially after they heard about how unwell he had been. Paul reminds the church to treat him and "such men" with honour. God's servants on earth should be treated with appreciation and respect for their travail on earth until they receive that honour in heaven. It makes me wonder how we treat God's workers now...
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Phil 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Phil 4:1
Paul reminds the church in Philippi and now all over the world to stand firm with regards to the Christian life, imitating "those who walk according to the example you have in us". We are also to remember that "our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" who has saved us from our sin, who continues to work out our salvation, and who on the last day will complete our salvation. We have to live in light of heaven, knowing that our true home is there - we are only visitors for a short time here on earth.
For us today, may the Lord help us to remain fervent in prayer for one another, to join together in fellowship and partnership in the Gospel, to love one another and to serve one another, to honour men and women who serve God, and to stand firm in our faith knowing that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ".
Labels: bible study, carnival of beauty
Monday, July 24, 2006
The Beauty of Blogging: Teach what is Good
As you can see, I am a bit of a baby in the blogging world, never mind to the Carnival of Beauty which this week travels to relevantblog to extol the Beauty of Blogging!Just last week I decided that I was going to put my thoughts on to the ether that is the Internet. I've kept a diary for years - and I do cringe and laugh as I read about the traumas of love and exams as a thirteen year old girl! But what made me decide to blog?
Reading other blogs can be fun, educational, challenging. Women whom I have never met, through their writing, have taught me and made me think. Even though we are thousands of miles apart, women, from all over the world, from all Christian traditions, with many different experiences, whom I never even met, have taught me, provoked me, and encouraged me.
They emulate the commands of Paul in his letter to Titus, training and discipling younger women through their good words and deeds. For someone who did not grow up in a Christian or even churchgoing home, this has been so important in shaping who I am as I go against the politically correct teaching of our society and pursue biblical womanhood.
This issue has been laid deep upon my heart for a long time now. I've read many books and articles about what it means in theory and in practice. I have spoken to women whom I admire about how to live joyful and obedient lives in a society with a very different agenda.
Considering all this, I have started this blog to be accountable in my thoughts, words and actions as I strive to become a woman after God's own heart. I don't expect or aspire to have the same impact - and I don't know even if anyone will read it! But for me, and I hope some day for my future children, I will be able to look at my journey as a Christian, looking back at all the goodness that God has shown me and praising him for how far he has taken me.
Finally, to all the women who have taught me what is good without even knowing it, I thank you now and look forward to thanking you when we meet in glory!
Older women...are to be reverent in behavior...They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled... Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.
Titus 2:3-4,6-8
Titus 2:3-4,6-8
Labels: biblical womanhood, carnival of beauty
