Thanks to Small Fry for introducing me to this band, Page CXVI:
Such a perfect illustration for having joy when times are hard.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Feminine Appeal... Continued...
Life so quickly gets away from us... I find it ironic that my quiet time focuses on being a Godly wife and mother, and as I try to spend quality time with my Lord and Savior, I get too busy attempting to be that Godly wife and mother! The bread is baking, the yogurt is steeping, the laundry is serenading, and the dishes are being washed, and in the midst of my day devoted to homemaking, I hear the still, small voice, reminding me to sit.
I haven't reflected on here as I've been reading the latest chapters of my devotional, but there is so much wisdom packed into the simple passage this book is wrapped around (Titus 2). I've read about the blessings of loving my children (my unborn children at this point in life), the safety of self-control, the pleasure of purity, and the honor of working at home. While there is an abundance of guidance, direction, and wisdom, two vital truths stand out amongst all the words:
1. My only genuine source of refreshment comes from God.
2. Everything I do should have the purpose of glorifying God and honoring the gospel.
It is so easy to get caught up in the BUSYness of life (especially this particular chapter of the Ovenell household), which eventually leads to being run down and engaging in unhealthy habits (whether it be physical, emotional, or relational). If my foundation is not built upon the rock of God, this life will tear me apart. I will be burnt out, short-tempered, irrational, all which are and lead to sin. I must find the time to bask in the love of my Savior, and be refreshed by the promises of my Creator.
Secondly, my actions quickly become a result of selfish ambition. Whether it be the activities I'm involved in, my eating/exercise habits, the way I care for my home, or the relationships I build, I need to constantly evaluate my intentions behind my actions. My priority must always be to glorify God and bring honor to the gospel. "The promotion of the gospel is the impetus behind the commands in Titus 2". Even writing this blog needs to be about promoting the gospel rather than highlighting myself as a "good learner".
The author of Feminine Appeal makes a point in the chapter regarding our children that I feel encompasses my focus from this passage. While she speaks specifically of our children, this philosophy can have a massive impact on all around us if we choose to live this way:
"What is the ultimate purpose of a phileo kind of love? It is nothing less than the salvation of our children's souls. This is the chief end of mothering [and life!]. Our goal is not that our children be happy, fulfilled and successful. Granted, we may desire these things for them. But our highest objective should be that our children [and neighbors] would repent from their sins, put their trust in Jesus Christ, and reflect the gospel to the world around them."
J.C. Ryle is also quoted:
"This is the though that should be uppermost on your mind in all you do for your children [and friends]. In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, "How will this affect their souls?" ... the chief end of [their lives] is the salvation of [their] soul[s]."
I haven't reflected on here as I've been reading the latest chapters of my devotional, but there is so much wisdom packed into the simple passage this book is wrapped around (Titus 2). I've read about the blessings of loving my children (my unborn children at this point in life), the safety of self-control, the pleasure of purity, and the honor of working at home. While there is an abundance of guidance, direction, and wisdom, two vital truths stand out amongst all the words:
1. My only genuine source of refreshment comes from God.
2. Everything I do should have the purpose of glorifying God and honoring the gospel.
It is so easy to get caught up in the BUSYness of life (especially this particular chapter of the Ovenell household), which eventually leads to being run down and engaging in unhealthy habits (whether it be physical, emotional, or relational). If my foundation is not built upon the rock of God, this life will tear me apart. I will be burnt out, short-tempered, irrational, all which are and lead to sin. I must find the time to bask in the love of my Savior, and be refreshed by the promises of my Creator.
Secondly, my actions quickly become a result of selfish ambition. Whether it be the activities I'm involved in, my eating/exercise habits, the way I care for my home, or the relationships I build, I need to constantly evaluate my intentions behind my actions. My priority must always be to glorify God and bring honor to the gospel. "The promotion of the gospel is the impetus behind the commands in Titus 2". Even writing this blog needs to be about promoting the gospel rather than highlighting myself as a "good learner".
The author of Feminine Appeal makes a point in the chapter regarding our children that I feel encompasses my focus from this passage. While she speaks specifically of our children, this philosophy can have a massive impact on all around us if we choose to live this way:
"What is the ultimate purpose of a phileo kind of love? It is nothing less than the salvation of our children's souls. This is the chief end of mothering [and life!]. Our goal is not that our children be happy, fulfilled and successful. Granted, we may desire these things for them. But our highest objective should be that our children [and neighbors] would repent from their sins, put their trust in Jesus Christ, and reflect the gospel to the world around them."
J.C. Ryle is also quoted:
"This is the though that should be uppermost on your mind in all you do for your children [and friends]. In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question, "How will this affect their souls?" ... the chief end of [their lives] is the salvation of [their] soul[s]."
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