It's Thursday, and and I think we might be getting back into our routine, just in time for the weekend. We've been learning, but outside our little classroom. I can tell you that 3 field trips wrapped around an extremely busy weekend do tend to make mommy a little tired. In facet, I'm yawning right now!
I was with a homeschool mom/friend on Tuesday and we were talking about - you guessed it - homeschool. She and I have come to the conclusion that life is a really good classroom. Now - don't get me wrong. I am a firm believer in learning from a book. I think children should memorize their multiplication facts and be able to write in cursive and know a noun from a verb. I also think that they should be allowed creativity and freedom of expression in their writing and art. I think silence is not golden and noise is ok. I think it's ok to talk during a test, as long as you're not giving out answers. I don't think the government knows better than I what's best for my child. I knew things about these two the second they were born because I already KNEW them.
I find that I am spending less time preaching to my children and more time teaching them. It's important that they do their science workbooks (which is what they're doing now as I watch) but it's just as important that they learn to put their best work into their workbooks. Cut the lines straight, glue everything the right way, follow the directions, and learn to find the answers for yourself in the book.
I must keep reminding myself that, as much as I would love to keep them this size (or smaller!!) forever, my job is to grow these two into productive members of society, able to take care of themselves and able to stand on the faith that we have instilled in them. They must be able to live in this world while not being IN the world. They must be able to get a job and keep that job. They must be able to play well with others, and they must be able to keep their mouth tightly closed most of the time. I hope that during this process, I teach them things I wish I had known. I hope they learn to pray about decisions before they make one. I hope that they talk to God more than they talk to other people. I hope they always pray before they eat, no matter who is around.
Children do come with a manual, you know. It's a very, very old book.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
A surprise for mom .....
This is really all the blog I need to post today - it makes it all worthwhile!! 
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Blogging in the Rain
No... really. I wasn't trying to be cute with the title. It's raining outside.
A good friend sent me a message last week (eek!) and with much kindness told me that she missed my blog posts and was eagerly looking forward to another. It's been a month! I didn't really think anyone liked them, so thank you. Thank you for finding my life more interesting than I do ;)
I hate to admit it. Really - I HATE to admit this - but I have become one of THOSE people. I have read many, many blogs over the past few months/year. Most of these blogger moms talk about putting aside a specific time to write, and even make notes during the week so they won't forget. I used to think "man! what a goober!", but now I now understand! I also have a note of things I've written down over the past month so I wouldn't forget. Guess what? I would have forgotten if I hadn't written it down. *sigh* I love getting old.
I now wonder how we had time to go to public school. Our days have been super busy with life, and living it. We took a grandparent field trip to Biltmore at the end of September for homeschool days. It was a long and exhausting day and we loved every minute of it! We also went to Andrew Johnson's home in Greeneville. If you've never been, I highly recommend you go, even if you have no children to take along. I am learning more since starting this school adventure than my children are! Ok, maybe not MORE, but definitely as much. History is coming alive to me now, in a way that it never did from inside a textbook. And, more importantly, it is coming alive in the eyes of my tots.
From the non-school side, we've still been busy. L and S have learned to ride their bikes - FINALLY!! I have found papaw to be the best teacher in matters such as these. We also participated as a family in the great garage re-do. Frankly, I was just sick and tired of having to eject myself through the moon roof of my car to get in the house. I cleaned up, paired down and re-organized. I've also re-arranged my bedroom furniture and cleaned the windows. I've always been an odd duck (and you don't have to verbalize your agreement) but I'm the only one I know that does her spring cleaning in the fall. I think it's just a matter of I can't stand the thought of being cooped up in this house all winter looking at junk.
I'm looking forward to fall. I like pumpkin and cinnamon smells in the kitchen and sweaters and falling leaves. I like putting my blanket in the dryer to get snuggly warm before settling down in front of the TV with a good book and a cup of coffee. I like socks and sweatpants. I like the quiet of moonlight. I like that my children are still small enough to wear those cute little pajamas to bed. You know the ones I mean? The ones with cuffs at the hands and feet. I don't care that they're 4+ feet tall and weigh 65+ pounds each - when they wear those pj's, they still look like toddlers to me and I get to remember.
Alas... life does go on. Today is a big day in the homeschool world. We are headed to the Knoxville Botanical gardens to tag Monarch butterflies. I'm sure I will have some good photos to go with these memories!
This morning, S asked me how much the moon was worth. Thinking I was about to have a great philosophical debate, I started to sit down. That's when L pips up and says "A dollar?" I started to say "no" when he continued with "you know? because it has 4 quarters??" -- Insert rolled eyes here.
A good friend and I have been having several discussions lately about James 3. When you get a chance, I suggest you read it.
I also highly recommend "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick and "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. Who needs Barnes and Noble when you have me?? ;)
Happy October 9th everyone. Remember to smile, remember to laugh, and remember to never take life for granted or too seriously - ain't none of us gettin' out of here alive!!
A good friend sent me a message last week (eek!) and with much kindness told me that she missed my blog posts and was eagerly looking forward to another. It's been a month! I didn't really think anyone liked them, so thank you. Thank you for finding my life more interesting than I do ;)
I hate to admit it. Really - I HATE to admit this - but I have become one of THOSE people. I have read many, many blogs over the past few months/year. Most of these blogger moms talk about putting aside a specific time to write, and even make notes during the week so they won't forget. I used to think "man! what a goober!", but now I now understand! I also have a note of things I've written down over the past month so I wouldn't forget. Guess what? I would have forgotten if I hadn't written it down. *sigh* I love getting old.
I now wonder how we had time to go to public school. Our days have been super busy with life, and living it. We took a grandparent field trip to Biltmore at the end of September for homeschool days. It was a long and exhausting day and we loved every minute of it! We also went to Andrew Johnson's home in Greeneville. If you've never been, I highly recommend you go, even if you have no children to take along. I am learning more since starting this school adventure than my children are! Ok, maybe not MORE, but definitely as much. History is coming alive to me now, in a way that it never did from inside a textbook. And, more importantly, it is coming alive in the eyes of my tots.
From the non-school side, we've still been busy. L and S have learned to ride their bikes - FINALLY!! I have found papaw to be the best teacher in matters such as these. We also participated as a family in the great garage re-do. Frankly, I was just sick and tired of having to eject myself through the moon roof of my car to get in the house. I cleaned up, paired down and re-organized. I've also re-arranged my bedroom furniture and cleaned the windows. I've always been an odd duck (and you don't have to verbalize your agreement) but I'm the only one I know that does her spring cleaning in the fall. I think it's just a matter of I can't stand the thought of being cooped up in this house all winter looking at junk.
I'm looking forward to fall. I like pumpkin and cinnamon smells in the kitchen and sweaters and falling leaves. I like putting my blanket in the dryer to get snuggly warm before settling down in front of the TV with a good book and a cup of coffee. I like socks and sweatpants. I like the quiet of moonlight. I like that my children are still small enough to wear those cute little pajamas to bed. You know the ones I mean? The ones with cuffs at the hands and feet. I don't care that they're 4+ feet tall and weigh 65+ pounds each - when they wear those pj's, they still look like toddlers to me and I get to remember.
Alas... life does go on. Today is a big day in the homeschool world. We are headed to the Knoxville Botanical gardens to tag Monarch butterflies. I'm sure I will have some good photos to go with these memories!
This morning, S asked me how much the moon was worth. Thinking I was about to have a great philosophical debate, I started to sit down. That's when L pips up and says "A dollar?" I started to say "no" when he continued with "you know? because it has 4 quarters??" -- Insert rolled eyes here.
A good friend and I have been having several discussions lately about James 3. When you get a chance, I suggest you read it.
I also highly recommend "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick and "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. Who needs Barnes and Noble when you have me?? ;)
Happy October 9th everyone. Remember to smile, remember to laugh, and remember to never take life for granted or too seriously - ain't none of us gettin' out of here alive!!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Nothing Lasts Forever..
I knew it was bound to happen eventually. I mean, really ~ how long did I truly expect this streak to last? Roads and good intentions... you know the saying, right? I tried - really I did. Unfortunately, this usually happens at least twice a year.
I made a mistake.
Ok...ok ... if you know me at all, you can hear my voice and the silliness dripping from this! Mistakes?? Oh my word ~ by the HOUR!!
I admit it. I told my students something in error. Blame it on lack of sleep, too much to do, looking forward to Friday... pick your poison. The fact remains that I made a boo-boo! I'd been doing so well, too ...... insert starry-eyed gaze here.
They took it well, especially since I offered to help them fix my mistake. Fortunately, it was comma placement and not life-altering.
Ah.... alas. I shall not win teacher/mother of the year.
I knew at the beginning of this venture that I would learn more than they did. I guess the proof is in the pudding, huh?
Each day is a new opportunity .... What I do with it is up to the choices I make... and the blessings God gives me.
I cannot change the world, but I CAN change me...
I made a mistake.
Ok...ok ... if you know me at all, you can hear my voice and the silliness dripping from this! Mistakes?? Oh my word ~ by the HOUR!!
I admit it. I told my students something in error. Blame it on lack of sleep, too much to do, looking forward to Friday... pick your poison. The fact remains that I made a boo-boo! I'd been doing so well, too ...... insert starry-eyed gaze here.
They took it well, especially since I offered to help them fix my mistake. Fortunately, it was comma placement and not life-altering.
Ah.... alas. I shall not win teacher/mother of the year.
I knew at the beginning of this venture that I would learn more than they did. I guess the proof is in the pudding, huh?
Each day is a new opportunity .... What I do with it is up to the choices I make... and the blessings God gives me.
I cannot change the world, but I CAN change me...
Friday, September 7, 2012
O.O
Bug-eyed. Some days, that's just how I feel!
Perhaps it's the lack of sleep I've had or the silly giggles I've been involved in recently, but this particular lesson just can't be done soon enough!
The entire idea of homeschooling is being able to teach your children in ways that suit their particular learning style. I have a logical learner and a literary or language-oriented learner. I thought today would be a good day to drag out the legos and build a ziggurat. You don't know what that is? No worries - neither did I. We were learning about the Sumerians and their civilization, and the had built ziggurats. Google it. It's good reading. If you need help falling asleep. Sorry - truth!
I can't say that this went as planned. You would think that, with a box of 9 MILLION lego pieces, there wouldn't be any arguments... right? I mean, that's 4.5 million for each child. Well.. guess what? Yep. There was only one of a particular piece and they both wanted it. Enter bug eyes!
Some days seem endless -
My patience grows thin.
Why was I chosen
To be mother of twins?
Kudos to mom for not flushing them both down the toilet. Crisis was averted with a calm voice (pat my OWN back!!), and as I type this, they are working together to help each other's ziggurat be the best it can be. I don't think the Egyptians have anything to worry about. Apparently engineering isn't in the future of either of my students.... I'm not laughing - I swear I'm not. BUT .... somehow they got it in their head that a ziggurat was a church. It wasn't exactly a church. They believe these structures were "houses" for the gods. Although we talked about that some, they are still building Sunday School rooms. Lukas is also pondering the thought of a Smurf choir singing gospel songs in the basement. Now he's looking for speakers. Ok - ok! So I'm laughing just a LITTLE. Eh.... oh well.
I don't know if they will remember the word ziggurat at their graduation ceremony. My vote will be "no". However... I hope ~ scratch that ~ I pray that the lesson they learned here today will be teamwork and forgiveness, as well as a good dose of "don't get frustrated".
Which reminds me ~~ My bible study this morning included a story from Kay Strom. She was talking about signs and wonders. They still happen, you know. How hard do we look for those signs and wonders? We need them stored in our memory banks. When times get tough and the going gets rough, we need to look back at those items in our past to gain some knowledge and strength. It's important to have memories of "Remember when God ....(fill in the blank)" ... I know I have been accessing those memories lately. It's important to remember that He did it before, so we can stand secure that He'll do it again. That brings me back to "don't get frustrated". He's still working on me ~ and you.
Lessons. They hurt sometimes, but aren't you glad we have them??
Thursday, September 6, 2012
A scheduled update
First of all, let me say that the great homeschooling journey is off and running, we are settling into our routines, the twins are learning, thriving, and growing mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This is all that a mom and a teacher can ask for. We are constantly changing, adding and updating. I guess that's life, right?? I'm excited about their progress.
I want to thank everyone for their prayers and positive comments. This blog is about homeschool, but it is so much more than that. This blog is also about one imperfect woman's journey through life, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. I hope to learn more than my children.
Unfortunately, the need arises for me to copy from my friend David's blog and set a few ground rules;
"Next ground rule, I am going to be blunt. I will not be intentionally rude; I will not get into ad hominem {an attempt to negate the truth of a claim by pointing out a negative characteristic or unrelated belief of the person supporting it} attacks; and I will not spar anonymously with other unnamed people. My opinions are just that; they are opinions and they are mine. It is doubtful that you will change mine, they have been too hard fought and won through the years."
In short, if you are reading this blog, then you probably know me and want to keep updated on me, my life and my family. I will not sink to arguments with anonymous nay-sayers with bad grammar. Posts are not made public on this blog until I approve them, so bad comments will never be seen anyway. If you don't like me, that's ok. An easy solution to that problem is to not read anything else I post.
I apologize to those of you reading this that truly care about me. I realize this isn't my normal type of post, and hopefully this will be the last of its kind.
I intend to take today forward and focus on the positives in my life. I can't stop the personal attacks that have hit me like mortar shells these past few weeks, but I can control my reactions to them. I will continue to do what I have done - ignore them and pray Pray PRAY for those involved. Just in case you were curious, that isn't easy. Is it what I want to do? No. In myself, I don't want to pray for them. I want to call them out on their childish and "anonymous" behavior. But, God's way isn't my way - thank goodness!!! I'm learning and growing every day. I'm learning from my mistakes and growing closer to God. I have a regular prayer time and a Bible time - something that I struggled with before. I'm not what I could be, I'm not what I'm gonna be - but PRAISE THE LORD I'm not what I was.....
Thank you for walking with me on the journey....
I want to thank everyone for their prayers and positive comments. This blog is about homeschool, but it is so much more than that. This blog is also about one imperfect woman's journey through life, and the lessons I'm learning along the way. I hope to learn more than my children.
Unfortunately, the need arises for me to copy from my friend David's blog and set a few ground rules;
"Next ground rule, I am going to be blunt. I will not be intentionally rude; I will not get into ad hominem {an attempt to negate the truth of a claim by pointing out a negative characteristic or unrelated belief of the person supporting it} attacks; and I will not spar anonymously with other unnamed people. My opinions are just that; they are opinions and they are mine. It is doubtful that you will change mine, they have been too hard fought and won through the years."
In short, if you are reading this blog, then you probably know me and want to keep updated on me, my life and my family. I will not sink to arguments with anonymous nay-sayers with bad grammar. Posts are not made public on this blog until I approve them, so bad comments will never be seen anyway. If you don't like me, that's ok. An easy solution to that problem is to not read anything else I post.
I apologize to those of you reading this that truly care about me. I realize this isn't my normal type of post, and hopefully this will be the last of its kind.
I intend to take today forward and focus on the positives in my life. I can't stop the personal attacks that have hit me like mortar shells these past few weeks, but I can control my reactions to them. I will continue to do what I have done - ignore them and pray Pray PRAY for those involved. Just in case you were curious, that isn't easy. Is it what I want to do? No. In myself, I don't want to pray for them. I want to call them out on their childish and "anonymous" behavior. But, God's way isn't my way - thank goodness!!! I'm learning and growing every day. I'm learning from my mistakes and growing closer to God. I have a regular prayer time and a Bible time - something that I struggled with before. I'm not what I could be, I'm not what I'm gonna be - but PRAISE THE LORD I'm not what I was.....
Thank you for walking with me on the journey....
Monday, August 27, 2012
To Judge or Not to Judge.... that is the question??
I have spent several weeks/months reading posts from friends on FaceBook and Pinterest about judging others. This is a nice hot topic and I really wanted to know what the Bible said about the subject, so I've done some digging.
First of all, yes ~ the Bible says not to judge others. But, God is very specific in what He says judging is. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus said “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged." Well - this is all well and good, isn't it? It sounds like a get-out-of-jail-free card to me. This verse, should that be all there is to it, would allow anyone to do anything and say anything and go anywhere at any time with anyone. Don't speak on it or you're judging. This would be the most perfect "me" based world. What these verses mean, just so there's no question, is that I'm not to judge another person's heart. I am not to decide if that person is a child of God. This isn't my job and I'm not qualified. So, just so we're clear, when you use this verse to justify and action, word or deed that are currently involved in, you don't have God's blessing.
If you dig a little deeper into Matthew, you see a different side to the judging debate. in Matthew 12:33-34, Jesus ALSO said “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Jesus clearly says that we will be known by our fruits. Most people consider this to be our "works" or all the marvelous things we've done. I don't personally agree. I think it's our spiritual fruits. You know what those are, right? Love ~ Joy ~ Peace ~ Patience ~ Kindness ~ Goodness ~ Faithfulness ~ Gentleness ~ Self Control. Go back and read those again. Repeat. Okay - one more time. Do you honestly think that you can do ANY of those on your own? We will know each other by those 9 items. I can't look for those 9 things without some form of judgment. I don't mean criticism and putting myself above others. I mean examining your fruits. If you are a hateful, spiteful, mean spirited, ugly, rude, foul mouthed, antagonistic person, yet you claim to be a Christian, HOW can you POSSIBLY expect no one to question your actions?????
God tells us to avoid certain people with certain problems. "Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people" Proverbs 22:24. {MAN. I wish I had seen this about a year ago. It would have made life easier} I'm not making this up, people. These aren't my words - they're the Lord's. God tells us not to befriend those with angry and hot headed traits. HOW, pray-tell me, do you determine if someone is angry and hot headed WITHOUT judging them?
Hebrews 5:14 "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." We are to constantly study, learn and grow in the word so that we can recognize right and wrong. If I'm to recognize right and wrong, then a little judging of other's actions will happen. It doesn't mean I'm comparing myself to others in an attempt to build me up, but if someone in my life is living unbecoming to the word and I surround myself with them, they will influence me in a negative way. You do the math - then satan will have TWO of God's saved doing satan's work in Jesus' name. That's a train wreck just waiting to happen. I have to know my stuff. I have to know that, if the Bible says it's right, then it's right. If the Bible says it's wrong, then it's wrong.
We as Christians are not to judge the hearts of others. That's not my call. I don't know if anyone else has a personal relationship with Jesus. That's between them and Jesus. If they say they do, I have to take them at that word.
However, I have a responsibility to judge others actions, as well as my own. I am not to judge to "pass judgement" and we are certainly not to gossip, but I am to judge to discern if said person(s) is living a life pleasing to God. This affects not only their life, but mine if I have any kind of relationship with them. I am not called to admonish, condemn or criticize. However, I am called to lovingly and respectively speak to anyone that has strayed. “If another believer[a] sins against you,[b] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17. This could be a slippery slope, if we look at this with pride and arrogance. Humbleness and reverance should be in abundance before you try this action. You should know (and be able to freely admit) your own weaknesses and sins.
I suppose it just all boils down to this. No one wants to be told that they're wrong and not living in a way that pleases the Lord. I have seen/heard/discovered that it's perfectly acceptable to judge anyone you want, as long as it's not 'me'. You are doing God's work and His will ..... unless it's at 'me'. Then ~ by crackey ~ you're judging and the Bible says that's wrong!!!
Have I ever had my actions and motives judged? Absolutely!!! Did hurt? OH YES!!! I didn't like it at the time. But .... it made me better. It shaped me and formed me. It's a painful process, especially since I was absolutely wrong at the time. Hitting rock bottom hurts. But, it's the price I paid for not listening to God the first 1,000 times He tried to talk to me. Lesson learned.
I pray for humble hearts. I pray that people who call themselves Christains get that chip off their shoulder and their heart off their sleeve.
It's not all about you. It's certainly not all about me. It's about the Lord. It's about serving Him and worshiping Him and loving Him and sharing Him.
And I HOPE and I PRAY that when I stray and when I fail, s[notice I said when, not if] someone will have the guts and backbone to look at me and say "Anita. You BONEHEAD. What are you doing??!! This. Is. Wrong."
I doubt that I've changed much with this post, and that's ok. Unfortunately, the ones that need to read it most are the ones that won't see it. But, I learned - straight from God's word - and that makes me a winner. I can never study too much, read too much, pray too much, or love too much.
I hope this blesses you, and I also hope that it tugs at your heart. You can be as mad at me as you want, as long as you know that you're being mad at God, too. They're His words, written long before me.
We all sin. I know that. Geez, I live it. Admiting it is the first step. Did you get that? That's only the FIRST step. I don't have time to count all your sins. I'm busy counting mine. But, I believe that one day we will all stand before God and give an account for our lives. I also believe that I will be held accountable if I saw a sister or brother in Christ stray down a wrong path and I did nothing.
You may not agree with one thing I've said. If so, I sincerely hope for your sake that you're right.
Anita
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path."
First of all, yes ~ the Bible says not to judge others. But, God is very specific in what He says judging is. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus said “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged." Well - this is all well and good, isn't it? It sounds like a get-out-of-jail-free card to me. This verse, should that be all there is to it, would allow anyone to do anything and say anything and go anywhere at any time with anyone. Don't speak on it or you're judging. This would be the most perfect "me" based world. What these verses mean, just so there's no question, is that I'm not to judge another person's heart. I am not to decide if that person is a child of God. This isn't my job and I'm not qualified. So, just so we're clear, when you use this verse to justify and action, word or deed that are currently involved in, you don't have God's blessing.
If you dig a little deeper into Matthew, you see a different side to the judging debate. in Matthew 12:33-34, Jesus ALSO said “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Jesus clearly says that we will be known by our fruits. Most people consider this to be our "works" or all the marvelous things we've done. I don't personally agree. I think it's our spiritual fruits. You know what those are, right? Love ~ Joy ~ Peace ~ Patience ~ Kindness ~ Goodness ~ Faithfulness ~ Gentleness ~ Self Control. Go back and read those again. Repeat. Okay - one more time. Do you honestly think that you can do ANY of those on your own? We will know each other by those 9 items. I can't look for those 9 things without some form of judgment. I don't mean criticism and putting myself above others. I mean examining your fruits. If you are a hateful, spiteful, mean spirited, ugly, rude, foul mouthed, antagonistic person, yet you claim to be a Christian, HOW can you POSSIBLY expect no one to question your actions?????
God tells us to avoid certain people with certain problems. "Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people" Proverbs 22:24. {MAN. I wish I had seen this about a year ago. It would have made life easier} I'm not making this up, people. These aren't my words - they're the Lord's. God tells us not to befriend those with angry and hot headed traits. HOW, pray-tell me, do you determine if someone is angry and hot headed WITHOUT judging them?
Hebrews 5:14 "Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." We are to constantly study, learn and grow in the word so that we can recognize right and wrong. If I'm to recognize right and wrong, then a little judging of other's actions will happen. It doesn't mean I'm comparing myself to others in an attempt to build me up, but if someone in my life is living unbecoming to the word and I surround myself with them, they will influence me in a negative way. You do the math - then satan will have TWO of God's saved doing satan's work in Jesus' name. That's a train wreck just waiting to happen. I have to know my stuff. I have to know that, if the Bible says it's right, then it's right. If the Bible says it's wrong, then it's wrong.
We as Christians are not to judge the hearts of others. That's not my call. I don't know if anyone else has a personal relationship with Jesus. That's between them and Jesus. If they say they do, I have to take them at that word.
However, I have a responsibility to judge others actions, as well as my own. I am not to judge to "pass judgement" and we are certainly not to gossip, but I am to judge to discern if said person(s) is living a life pleasing to God. This affects not only their life, but mine if I have any kind of relationship with them. I am not called to admonish, condemn or criticize. However, I am called to lovingly and respectively speak to anyone that has strayed. “If another believer[a] sins against you,[b] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17. This could be a slippery slope, if we look at this with pride and arrogance. Humbleness and reverance should be in abundance before you try this action. You should know (and be able to freely admit) your own weaknesses and sins.
I suppose it just all boils down to this. No one wants to be told that they're wrong and not living in a way that pleases the Lord. I have seen/heard/discovered that it's perfectly acceptable to judge anyone you want, as long as it's not 'me'. You are doing God's work and His will ..... unless it's at 'me'. Then ~ by crackey ~ you're judging and the Bible says that's wrong!!!
Have I ever had my actions and motives judged? Absolutely!!! Did hurt? OH YES!!! I didn't like it at the time. But .... it made me better. It shaped me and formed me. It's a painful process, especially since I was absolutely wrong at the time. Hitting rock bottom hurts. But, it's the price I paid for not listening to God the first 1,000 times He tried to talk to me. Lesson learned.
I pray for humble hearts. I pray that people who call themselves Christains get that chip off their shoulder and their heart off their sleeve.
It's not all about you. It's certainly not all about me. It's about the Lord. It's about serving Him and worshiping Him and loving Him and sharing Him.
And I HOPE and I PRAY that when I stray and when I fail, s[notice I said when, not if] someone will have the guts and backbone to look at me and say "Anita. You BONEHEAD. What are you doing??!! This. Is. Wrong."
I doubt that I've changed much with this post, and that's ok. Unfortunately, the ones that need to read it most are the ones that won't see it. But, I learned - straight from God's word - and that makes me a winner. I can never study too much, read too much, pray too much, or love too much.
I hope this blesses you, and I also hope that it tugs at your heart. You can be as mad at me as you want, as long as you know that you're being mad at God, too. They're His words, written long before me.
We all sin. I know that. Geez, I live it. Admiting it is the first step. Did you get that? That's only the FIRST step. I don't have time to count all your sins. I'm busy counting mine. But, I believe that one day we will all stand before God and give an account for our lives. I also believe that I will be held accountable if I saw a sister or brother in Christ stray down a wrong path and I did nothing.
You may not agree with one thing I've said. If so, I sincerely hope for your sake that you're right.
Anita
Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path."
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