Ouch. Just the title hurts, doesn't it?
The definition of hypocrite according to Encarta's Online Dictionary is:
"somebody who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings but behaves otherwise"
We're all hypocrites at one point or another. Did you read that? Did I step on your toes? We're all imperfect. We're all sinners.
So you may be wondering why I am writing about this topic. Well, there's been this little thorn in my flesh for a while. Someone who has a leadership role who portrays themself as a model Christian - slandered against us, lied about us, was jealous of us, and just plain ol' hurt our family. I really had to work on forgiving and forgetting. And I mean WORK. It took a long time. But every time something happens that brings up this person or the unfortunate situation - I have to forgive all over again. And it's not always easy.
Another incident took place recently that riled me up. Bringing up all the wounds, all the hurt, all the ANGER. And what did I call this person?
Hypocrite. As the words left my mouth, I felt a little conviction. But I was still too mad to listen. And I continued to think of this person as a hypocrite. And just to be honest and show you my own imperfection, I had other names as well - coward, chicken, mamby-pamby, evil. Yes, I called this person evil.
I didn't sleep well that night. (And I wondered why? LOL) The next morning, during my Bible Study, I had another one of my 2x4 moments. (Yes, that's when I feel like God has to get my attention - and it literally feels like I've been struck - I'm hard-headed, yes, I know.)
I was convicted because we're all sinners. Sin is sin to God. And as much as it hurt, I had to admit I've often been a hypocrite myself. Every time I sin, every time my behavior doesn't back up my beliefs. Ouch.
My husband and I have stated since this fiasco started that if the world equated Christianity with this one person's example - we really didn't want to be associated with Christians. I know that comes across harsh, doesn't it? But let me explain. We want to be associated with Christ. Christians are often all lumped into one big group - and if the only example the world is seeing is an "ugly" example, then we, as Christians have failed. And there are lots of ugly examples. The enemy loves to tear apart Christian ministries, marriages, homes - all in an attempt to win a battle. The question is this, are we willing to fight in the battle? Or are we unwilling to put ourselves out there? Wanting to stay on the sidelines and watch, stay out of harm's way, not risk anything we've worked so hard to build?
Christians have gotten too caught up in wanting to be "liked" more than others in their church, having more members in their church, having more offerings in their plates, having more programs, having more buildings. And I'm not saying that all of these things are bad. I'm saying that our focus has gotten lost. It's not on Christ anymore if it's on numbers, money, or which pastor is liked better than the other.
So, I'm sitting here thinking about these things because my children are very intelligent. They are almost 12 and 14 years old. They are with me ALL the time. They see everything I do, and hear everything I say. Am I being a good example of a Christian to them? Or am I being an example of a hypocrite? Are YOU willing to ask yourself the same questions?
What about going beyond your home? What about your co-workers? Your church family? Your writer's group?
I'm hoping that this post has made you think a little. I know I've been doing a lot of thinking on the subject. I'm working every day on my behavior matching up with my beliefs. Always asking how Christ would handle the situation.
And always remembering John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV)
...and Romans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." (NIV)
...and I Peter 1:22 "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." (NIV)
...and Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (NASB)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
What is Dad Doing?
Christmas morning was sunny and cold. A beautiful day.
We slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, shared in praise, and opened gifts. We had a lot of fun as we watched each other "ooh" and "aah" over the special presents selected out of love.
Jeremy walked around with a trash bag picking up the wrapping paper as the children studied new items. Pretty soon he disappeared into the garage and came out carrying a few poles. The kiddos looked up and watched him go out the back door. Josh and Kayla glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Sometimes Dad did weird things, right?
He came back inside, heading for the garage. A second time, he traipsed through carrying straps, a net, and a few more poles.
"What is Dad doing?" Josh asked.
Kayla piped up, "Daddy, what are you up to?" (She's a smart kid. And yes, he's usually up to something.)
Jeremy didn't answer, and just smiled as he made another trip.
Kayla grabbed her brother's arm. "Let's go see what he's doing!"
And yet another trip for Jeremy through the house and into the garage, as the kids followed him and spied the box.
Kayla came racing into the house and jumped up and down. "It's a..." She screwed up her face as she tried to find the appropriate word, "It's a jumpy-thingy-majiggy!!!!"
My daughter obviously gets her grasp of English vocabulary from her writer-mother. Because seriously, who named that apparatus a trampoline?
This afternoon, my mother-heart felt warm and fuzzy as I watched my beautiful children jump on their new toy in the thirty-something degree temps. It's so amazing to see Kayla be able to play outside. As she flew into the air, I heard the musical voices of my children's laughter. What a precious sound.
Josh told me later that we needed to use Kayla's name for it. Why? Because according to him, "it's funner." (Yes, I teach my children English in homeschool. That word is totally the result of my friend. Thank you oh so very much, Heather.)
So, if you're headed in this direction, we'd love to have you check out our new, "Jumpy-thingy-majiggy" complete with hours of exercise and fun-- as long as it's under 55 degrees outside.
We slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, shared in praise, and opened gifts. We had a lot of fun as we watched each other "ooh" and "aah" over the special presents selected out of love.
Jeremy walked around with a trash bag picking up the wrapping paper as the children studied new items. Pretty soon he disappeared into the garage and came out carrying a few poles. The kiddos looked up and watched him go out the back door. Josh and Kayla glanced at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Sometimes Dad did weird things, right?
He came back inside, heading for the garage. A second time, he traipsed through carrying straps, a net, and a few more poles.
"What is Dad doing?" Josh asked.
Kayla piped up, "Daddy, what are you up to?" (She's a smart kid. And yes, he's usually up to something.)
Jeremy didn't answer, and just smiled as he made another trip.
Kayla grabbed her brother's arm. "Let's go see what he's doing!"
And yet another trip for Jeremy through the house and into the garage, as the kids followed him and spied the box.
Kayla came racing into the house and jumped up and down. "It's a..." She screwed up her face as she tried to find the appropriate word, "It's a jumpy-thingy-majiggy!!!!"
My daughter obviously gets her grasp of English vocabulary from her writer-mother. Because seriously, who named that apparatus a trampoline?
This afternoon, my mother-heart felt warm and fuzzy as I watched my beautiful children jump on their new toy in the thirty-something degree temps. It's so amazing to see Kayla be able to play outside. As she flew into the air, I heard the musical voices of my children's laughter. What a precious sound.
Josh told me later that we needed to use Kayla's name for it. Why? Because according to him, "it's funner." (Yes, I teach my children English in homeschool. That word is totally the result of my friend. Thank you oh so very much, Heather.)
So, if you're headed in this direction, we'd love to have you check out our new, "Jumpy-thingy-majiggy" complete with hours of exercise and fun-- as long as it's under 55 degrees outside.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Out With the Old... And In With the New Year
I can't believe it's 2009. I'm still in shock.
So many amazing things happened in 2008 - and many difficult things happened in 2008 - but I'm thankful to have gone through them. Life is all about learning and growing. If you aren't willing to go through the tough stuff as well as the good stuff, you never truly feel the exuberance of making it to the other side.
I've had a lot of emails lately asking for pictures of our home at Christmas. The kids and I start in mid-November decorating. It's always been a tradition. (And recently, we've had lots more help since I've been writing new books, and have so much contact from the TV appearances. I couldn't do it alone anymore)
Hundreds of people asked me what we do to keep our home a special place. When we found out about Kayla's disorder, a friend took me shopping. She bought some seasonal decorations, and the next holiday or season, she'd take me again. For years, we've added to the collection to make each day, month, season... special. A reason to celebrate. So, I decorate for all the different holidays and seasons because when you spend the majority of your time inside the house, it's nice to change it up.
Think of it like the changing of the seasons, weather-wise. Kayla has to stay in a very controlled environment - so she can't experience all the weather changes of each season. My solution? Change the season inside. And that's what we do.
The Christmas decorations are being packed away, and out will come the Valentine's.
Life is an adventure. No matter what you are going through, or how hard the times may seem.
Live it.
And live it abundantly.
So many amazing things happened in 2008 - and many difficult things happened in 2008 - but I'm thankful to have gone through them. Life is all about learning and growing. If you aren't willing to go through the tough stuff as well as the good stuff, you never truly feel the exuberance of making it to the other side.
I've had a lot of emails lately asking for pictures of our home at Christmas. The kids and I start in mid-November decorating. It's always been a tradition. (And recently, we've had lots more help since I've been writing new books, and have so much contact from the TV appearances. I couldn't do it alone anymore)
Hundreds of people asked me what we do to keep our home a special place. When we found out about Kayla's disorder, a friend took me shopping. She bought some seasonal decorations, and the next holiday or season, she'd take me again. For years, we've added to the collection to make each day, month, season... special. A reason to celebrate. So, I decorate for all the different holidays and seasons because when you spend the majority of your time inside the house, it's nice to change it up.
Think of it like the changing of the seasons, weather-wise. Kayla has to stay in a very controlled environment - so she can't experience all the weather changes of each season. My solution? Change the season inside. And that's what we do.
The Christmas decorations are being packed away, and out will come the Valentine's.
Life is an adventure. No matter what you are going through, or how hard the times may seem.
Live it.
And live it abundantly.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
My Grandmother's Example
My Grandmother would be 100 years old today. She was an extraordinary lady, and I learned so much from her. I find as I get older, that I am a lot like her, too. Sometimes, it's like a deja vu sensation will strike me, and I realize that I've said or done something exactly like my Grandmother.
If I close my eyes and listen hard enough, I can hear her voice, and the banging of pots and pans in the wee hours of the morning, as she fixed the family breakfast. Everything was made from scratch, and the table was always set beautifully with a tablecloth, her best dishes, and an array of delectable treats.
For Christmas, she always made pecan pie, chess pie, gingerbread men, and coconut cake for dessert. Her pumpkin bread and butterscotch "scotchies" as she called them were also some of my favorites. All the vegetables were grown in her garden and canned. She made the best blackberry jelly I've ever had, and she was a wonderful seamstress.
As I sit here, typing my little remembrance, I am covered with a quilt made by my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. And I wonder about the things we leave behind. What do I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren?
I've been quilting for many years now, and I make all my own jams and jellies. I even scrapbook and make homemade bread. My Grandmother passed these things to me, and I want to pass them on to my own children, but more than just the tasks. I hope they have the same memories and fondness and appreciation for these things done with love. For homemade goodness that takes time and effort, and the fun of learning at the side of someone special.
I'd like to think that's how it is with our relationship with the Lord. We're learning as we're on this road called life. And the Master is there beside us. The trials and the triumphs all add to the tapestry as it is woven one day at a time.
But sometimes we don't appreciate the beautiful, handmade creation around us - and so we don't pass that down to our own children. We find ourselves surrounded by cynics, and cheaply made items that fall apart so we just go buy something else to entertain us.
That's when I imagine our Savior sitting beside us waiting and watching. Waiting for us to say we're not looking for the easy way out- we're ready to learn something of eternal value, even though the road may be rough and the training vigorous. Waiting to see if we will turn our hearts completely toward Him.
And as we walk beside Him and learn at His elbow, our lives are enriched and made whole. Filled with Joy.
This quilt over my lap has served several generations. It is warm even though the edges are beginning to show their age. It is still a beautiful creation, all done by hand.
It reminds me of a quote by Erma Bombeck - a quote that is hanging over my desk - a quote that is dear to my heart:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: 'I used everything You gave me.'"
My Grandmother did that - she used her talent, and passed on her love for things done "right" to me. It might be harder to do. It might take a lot of time, but well worth the wait.
If I close my eyes and listen hard enough, I can hear her voice, and the banging of pots and pans in the wee hours of the morning, as she fixed the family breakfast. Everything was made from scratch, and the table was always set beautifully with a tablecloth, her best dishes, and an array of delectable treats.
For Christmas, she always made pecan pie, chess pie, gingerbread men, and coconut cake for dessert. Her pumpkin bread and butterscotch "scotchies" as she called them were also some of my favorites. All the vegetables were grown in her garden and canned. She made the best blackberry jelly I've ever had, and she was a wonderful seamstress.
As I sit here, typing my little remembrance, I am covered with a quilt made by my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. And I wonder about the things we leave behind. What do I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren?
I've been quilting for many years now, and I make all my own jams and jellies. I even scrapbook and make homemade bread. My Grandmother passed these things to me, and I want to pass them on to my own children, but more than just the tasks. I hope they have the same memories and fondness and appreciation for these things done with love. For homemade goodness that takes time and effort, and the fun of learning at the side of someone special.
I'd like to think that's how it is with our relationship with the Lord. We're learning as we're on this road called life. And the Master is there beside us. The trials and the triumphs all add to the tapestry as it is woven one day at a time.
But sometimes we don't appreciate the beautiful, handmade creation around us - and so we don't pass that down to our own children. We find ourselves surrounded by cynics, and cheaply made items that fall apart so we just go buy something else to entertain us.
That's when I imagine our Savior sitting beside us waiting and watching. Waiting for us to say we're not looking for the easy way out- we're ready to learn something of eternal value, even though the road may be rough and the training vigorous. Waiting to see if we will turn our hearts completely toward Him.
And as we walk beside Him and learn at His elbow, our lives are enriched and made whole. Filled with Joy.
This quilt over my lap has served several generations. It is warm even though the edges are beginning to show their age. It is still a beautiful creation, all done by hand.
It reminds me of a quote by Erma Bombeck - a quote that is hanging over my desk - a quote that is dear to my heart:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say: 'I used everything You gave me.'"
My Grandmother did that - she used her talent, and passed on her love for things done "right" to me. It might be harder to do. It might take a lot of time, but well worth the wait.
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