Nothing new under the sun

If you have ever read through the book of Ecclesiastes, you have read the phrase, “there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

These days, the news and social media are filled with things that bring most of us to shaking our heads and wondering how things how gotten so bad in our world.

Last weekend, I was reading in the book of Nehemiah: “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; they became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them.” (Nehemiah 9:16-18)

I do not want to take this text out of context, but it reminded me that even though we are living through a time when it doesn’t seem like our elected representatives and leaders even care about the people they are suppose to represent, we have a heavenly Father who is always watching over us.

Do I pray for our leaders on a regular basis?

I have not been praying for them on a regular basis, so this is something I can do to help me not be so frustrated with the decisions they are making.

God knows there are evil people in our world, because He knows there is nothing new under the sun.

Our pastor has been spending quite a bit of time teaching on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

What can I be praying for? What can I be thankful for?

These are two questions I can ask myself as I begin each day, and I can ask myself as I go through every day.

It is so easy to be discouraged.

But when we take our eyes off of the world, and focus on Him, our perspective changes.

What will you be praying for? What are you thankful for?

Words

I love to read.

I am often reading many books.

My Bible in the morning, as well as a couple of devotionals. Something in the non-fiction genre to keep me learning, and something in the fiction genre to help me escape.

I was one of those kids who would read with a flashlight at night, until my parents took my flashlight away. Then I would just read by my window at night.

In high school, I did not enjoy reading the books that were assigned. I never enjoyed being forced to read, especially when we had to write book reports and try to determine why the author wrote the book.

I just wanted to read for the pure pleasure of reading those books filled with words.

As a child on the playground, we often heard, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

Deep down, I believe each one of us know that words can hurt.

But words can heal also.

I have been encouraged lately by listening to the words of a homeschool mom who is sharing her heart for making a positive difference in our society.

I believe we need to be very careful with what words we allow into our minds and our homes.

Truth is truth.

What are you reading? What are you listening to?

Speaking of global...

Taking a slight detour on my current series on The ABCs of Compassion to share about another non-profit that has taken things global.

Sometime after we started sponsoring with Compassion, I started reading blog posts from people who had opportunities to travel with Compassion. One blogger that I have continued to follow for the past nine years is Kristen Welch who blogs over at We Are That Family. This post about one day she spent in Kenya is probably one of the most powerfully written posts about how hope can be found in the middle of unspeakable living conditions.

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know” - William Wilberforce

I believe one of the reasons I have continued to follow Kristen’s journey is that she came home completely changed and did something.

Mercy House Global was started to give hope and provide sustainable jobs to women living in poverty around the world.

Currently, I subscribe to the Fair Trade Friday monthly original box which includes 3-4 Fair Trade items each month. The items in this latest box have to be some of my favorites!

I was able to paint this batik print with the colors provided and now have a beautiful piece of art that was created by people in Malaysia.

Over the last nine years, I have read many books and watched many documentaries that have made me really think about how life is so different and challenging outside of our country.

Want to be part of changing lives? Be sure to explore the Mercy House Global web site and learn more about this wonderful ministry.

Summer!

We have almost arrived at my favorite season of the year!

Those who know me well, know that summer is my favorite time of the year!

Long sunny warm days and nights make me so happy!

Last summer, I learned about this great group of ladies who have a purpose of having 'less chaos + more Jesus' in all things. Sacred Holidays have prepared some wonderful resources to help you have the best summer. 

I have already downloaded and printed off their summer bucket list for women. They have one for kids too!

The point of the bucket list for me is to be intentional about enjoying the summer and to complete a couple of projects. With big emphasis on 'enjoy!'

There are things you can only do during the summer time. Can you imagine paddle boarding when it is freezing cold outside? That is a big no!

I hope you take a peek at all that the Sacred Holiday group has put together, and be sure to let me know if you plan on joining in on some of their fun summer projects!

Us vs. Them

There are times when I wonder why I even have a blog.

Math was my favorite subject in school.

English was not.

When you write papers about your point of view on something and the teacher marks you down because it doesn't fit with his/her point of view, how can that be fair?

Since this is my blog, I can write things and share things here that are my point of view and never have to worry about what grade I will receive. And honestly, I really never have to worry about what others may think about my point of view either. Because this is my blog.

But one thing I wrote today I feel needs to be shared with a larger audience:

There is currently an assembly bill being considered in the California Assembly that is attacking the rights of homeschool families in our state.

What concerns me is the 'Us vs. Them' arguments being tossed around when we start to feel attacked.

'They' are not perfect.

'We' are not perfect.

No legislation is going to make anyone perfect.

And verbally attacking anyone on social media is not a solution to any of the major issues we have in our state or in this country.

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments." - 1 John 5:2