With all that is currently going on with the Supreme Court and same sex marriages, I thought it was an appropriate time to do more research and praying on this topic. I've read some Scripture and some articles on it. Here's the conclusion I came to.
Is homosexuality a sin? Yes. It is clearly defined as a sin several places in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament. (Leviticus 18:22, 1 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 1:26-27) Unlike some of the other sins mentioned in Leviticus, homosexuality is discussed after Jesus came and sacrificed Himself. He says He came to fulfill the law, not to destroy the law.
Is it a choice? I don't believe so. I haven't found anything in the Bible (yet) proving this, but I have taught young children and can tell you that even when they are 5 they can show "tendencies." I believe that some people are born with those proclivities, just like any other sin. I've seen the following conversation:
Question: When did you choose to be gay?
Response: When did you choose to be straight?
This isn't an accurate response. The issue people have with homosexuality is that it is a sin. No one would say heterosexuality is a sin so the questions don't match up. A more appropriate response would be "When did you choose to be a liar?" In that case, the answer would be "The first time I told a lie." Homosexuality is a sin just like any other. Jesus said that anyone who followed Him would have to deny himself and take up his cross. (Luke 9:23) I believe that those homosexual tendencies are some people's crosses to bear just like alcoholism and addiction.
Is homosexuality unnatural? Yes. In Genesis 2 God created man and woman to be united. The Bible says that a man will leave his mother and be joined to his wife. Ephesians talks about duties of a husband and a wife. 1 Corinthians also describes the duties of man and wife. Proverbs 31 describes the attributes of a godly wife. Nowhere in the Bible (that I've found or ever think I will find) does it tell how to have a godly marriage with two men or two women. That's just not how we were created. That's not how civilizations continue and grow. It isn't possible.
Is homosexuality worse than other sins? In the eyes of God, no. Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and that because of that sin we are separated from God. Adam and Eve's first sin of disobedience is as bad in God's eyes as my lying or someone's homosexuality. Luckily for us, God loved the world so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die on a cross for all of our sins. We don't have to be defined by them. We can overcome them.
Why are Christians so hateful towards homosexuals when they let other sins like cheating slide? I don't know. God calls us to love everyone as He loves them. In Mark 12 He says the second greatest commandment is to love others the way you love yourself. We aren't supposed to compare our sins to other people's sins. We should strive to be like Christ. If I compare my sins to Christ's sins, I'm utterly and hopelessly lost. I think too many times Christians get caught up in the sin and forget to love the sinner. Jesus didn't come to heal those who were already well. He came to heal those who were sick. (Mark 2:17) I think Jesus would be hanging out with the worst kinds of sinners.
Some people may get angry about this post, but it's Biblically expected. Matthew 24:9 says "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers."
June 30, 2013
Dear Moms of Little Girls
Dear Moms of Little Girls,
As a mom of little boys, I promise to do the following for your daughters. I will teach my sons to hold open doors, put their dishes in the dishwasher, wipe the seat, put up their own clothes, love God, read His Word, respect women, put others before themselves, and look for the best in people. In return I ask that you prepare your daughters, also. Please teach them to honor and respect others, serve, be patient and loving, put God first, be full of grace and loveliness, and dress appropriately. It will be hard enough for my sons to stay focused on Him without teenage girls showing off their bodies. It is hard for me to concentrate in church with the women in currently stylish dresses; how much harder would it be for men? God created men and women to be holy in His image. I will do everything in my power to help ensure my sons will lead and be Christ-like examples for your daughters. One day my sons will marry your daughters, and I desire them to be pure and holy for each one another.
Sincerely,
A Mom of Little Boys
As a mom of little boys, I promise to do the following for your daughters. I will teach my sons to hold open doors, put their dishes in the dishwasher, wipe the seat, put up their own clothes, love God, read His Word, respect women, put others before themselves, and look for the best in people. In return I ask that you prepare your daughters, also. Please teach them to honor and respect others, serve, be patient and loving, put God first, be full of grace and loveliness, and dress appropriately. It will be hard enough for my sons to stay focused on Him without teenage girls showing off their bodies. It is hard for me to concentrate in church with the women in currently stylish dresses; how much harder would it be for men? God created men and women to be holy in His image. I will do everything in my power to help ensure my sons will lead and be Christ-like examples for your daughters. One day my sons will marry your daughters, and I desire them to be pure and holy for each one another.
Sincerely,
A Mom of Little Boys
June 29, 2013
Easiest Cookies Ever!
I found this recipe on Pinterest and I actually had all of the ingredients on hand so I decided to make it. All you need is:
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. flour
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
**Mine were too thick to start with so they weren't cooked through after 10 minutes. I split them in half and cooked them another 10 minutes. Gooey and delicious!
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| I took a picture after I made them so the chocolate chips are no more |
1 c. butter, softened
2 c. flour
1/2 c. chocolate chips
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
- Beat the butter until fluffy
- Sift in the powdered sugar
- Stir in the vanilla
- Fold in the flour 1/2 c. at a time*
- Stir in chocolate chips
- Scoop out in 1 inch balls
- Bake 10-14 minutes at 350 degrees**
**Mine were too thick to start with so they weren't cooked through after 10 minutes. I split them in half and cooked them another 10 minutes. Gooey and delicious!
June 28, 2013
June 11, 2013
8 Month Update
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| Here's my sweet little guy at Adalay's birthday party. He wasn't quite 8 months, but he looks the same. |
Age: 8 months
Weight: 21 lbs
Length: 29 inches - I didn't get to measure him this month, but it' probably about the same.
Sleep: He's sleeping very well lately. He'll go to bed between 8 and 9 and stay asleep until 7ish. Once summer school is over and he's not going to daycare, we'll try to adjust that schedule so we can all sleep a little later.
Likes: He likes being in the same place as Kaleb and/or me and/or Daddy. He's a social little guy. His paci is still the thing he can't live without, but he's also starting to get really attached to the yellow blanket Angie made him. He really likes when Kaleb acts silly. You can't help but laugh when he's laughing.
Dislikes: Being hungry and falling over, which is happening more and more now that he's trying to crawl. He's fallen off the couch, bumped his head on our hardwood floors, and gotten a carpet burn on his face. I swear I watch him!
News: He had a busy month. He said his first word "mama" (yay!), but he only says it when he's unhappy. Not really sure how to take that. He also cut his first AND second tooth - hallelujah! They are teeny little things on the bottom. The first one caused him a few nights of grief, but I was so glad when it finally got came through. I didn't even realize he had the second one until I was trying to see the first one! He is trying so hard to crawl. He gets on his hands and knees and rocks back and forth like he's just hoping he'll apparate to where he wants to go. (Sorry for the HP reference.) He's taken a few little "steps" but I don't really qualify it as straight up crawling. He has mastered rolling over and going from laying down to sitting up.
June 10, 2013
Hot Topic Issues Answered Biblically: Drinking
I am a Southern Baptist born and raised. I've been in church all my life, done VBS, sang in the choir, the whole nine yards. We are notorious for all of the things we aren't allowed to do: no drinking, no dancing, no premarital sex, no spicy foods on Mondays (okay, not that one). But when asked questions about WHY I'm not "allowed" to do those things, I would simply reply, "because the Bible says so." I hadn't actually done the research myself. Our pastor has really been encouraging us to get into the Word and see what Father has to say about living true, Christian lives. I've been reading through Romans the past couple of weeks, and the answer to the question, "Is drinking a sin?" came up. Here are the Bible's thoughts (and a little commentary from me.)
Is drinking a sin? No.
How do I know? Jesus drank wine (Matthew 5:27 - 31), and obviously He never sinned otherwise the universe itself would crumble.
Will Jesus drink wine again? Yes (Matthew 26:29)
Wasn't Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine? Yes (John 2: 1-12)
Does that mean I can drink, too?! Depends.
On what? How the Holy Spirit convicts you.
While the Bible doesn't say "don't drink" (sorry Southern Baptist Convention), it does say many other things about drinking...namely, don't be a drunkard. In Titus, both men and women are told they "must not be a heavy drinker," (vs. 1:7 and 2:3). I can already hear the thoughts, I can drink just a couple and not be drunk. Awesome! Here's my question to you. Are you really so aware of your body that you can tell the precise moment BEFORE you get drunk? I know I can't. In an effort for full disclosure and transparency, I can honestly say that there have been times when I thought I was fine, but was definitely...tipsy. And I was NOT glorifying God in those times. Don't read into it that I was dirty dancing with a Swiffer broom and had a lampshade on my head because that's not even close to the case. However, I did not have clarity and full control of my mind, emotions, or tongue.
Romans 14:23 says, "If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning." The Spirit convicts us of our sins. This is one way to prove our God is alive. He is a personal, individual God who deals with each person on his or her sins. If you have any doubts about whether or not to drink, don't. Listen to the Spirit working in you.
The Bible also says, in Romans 14: 21, "It is better not to...drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble." As Christians, we are called to be little Christs. We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Maybe it's just me, but I can't see a time when drinking would glorify God. The Lord's Supper may be an exception. (1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
I'm sure in my quest for Biblical truths and answers, I'll come across more verses and stories that support my answer, and when I do, I'll come back and modify this post. But until then, here is my answer to the question of whether or not it's okay to drink: When we stop trying to get away with as much as we can, and start living lives fully surrendered to Father, we won't have the desire to drink alcohol.
Is drinking a sin? No.
How do I know? Jesus drank wine (Matthew 5:27 - 31), and obviously He never sinned otherwise the universe itself would crumble.
Will Jesus drink wine again? Yes (Matthew 26:29)
Wasn't Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine? Yes (John 2: 1-12)
Does that mean I can drink, too?! Depends.
On what? How the Holy Spirit convicts you.
While the Bible doesn't say "don't drink" (sorry Southern Baptist Convention), it does say many other things about drinking...namely, don't be a drunkard. In Titus, both men and women are told they "must not be a heavy drinker," (vs. 1:7 and 2:3). I can already hear the thoughts, I can drink just a couple and not be drunk. Awesome! Here's my question to you. Are you really so aware of your body that you can tell the precise moment BEFORE you get drunk? I know I can't. In an effort for full disclosure and transparency, I can honestly say that there have been times when I thought I was fine, but was definitely...tipsy. And I was NOT glorifying God in those times. Don't read into it that I was dirty dancing with a Swiffer broom and had a lampshade on my head because that's not even close to the case. However, I did not have clarity and full control of my mind, emotions, or tongue.
Romans 14:23 says, "If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning." The Spirit convicts us of our sins. This is one way to prove our God is alive. He is a personal, individual God who deals with each person on his or her sins. If you have any doubts about whether or not to drink, don't. Listen to the Spirit working in you.
The Bible also says, in Romans 14: 21, "It is better not to...drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble." As Christians, we are called to be little Christs. We are told in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Maybe it's just me, but I can't see a time when drinking would glorify God. The Lord's Supper may be an exception. (1 Corinthians 11:23-30)
I'm sure in my quest for Biblical truths and answers, I'll come across more verses and stories that support my answer, and when I do, I'll come back and modify this post. But until then, here is my answer to the question of whether or not it's okay to drink: When we stop trying to get away with as much as we can, and start living lives fully surrendered to Father, we won't have the desire to drink alcohol.
June 1, 2013
Kaleb Quotes: May 2013
- He was running around the park and came to the bench where his juice was. Then he said, "I need a pet shop." aka a pit stop
- "I love you, but I poo pooed."
- "I always don't go to time out." Honey, the word you're looking for is 'never.'
- "My heart is singing 'Silent Night.'"
- "Mommy, do you have a bathing suit?" YES "Is it a girl bathing suit?" YES "Is it a princess bathing suit?"
- "I love you, but I have to go to the playground."
- "I don't love the family anymore." Who is this kid? A mob boss?
Photo a Day in May
I've seen some other blogs do this and I thought it was interesting. One blogger did a picture a day for a year! Yeah, I knew that definitely wouldn't happen so I chose to do it just in May. Here's a list of prompts for the month.
Day 1: Okay, really it's two pictures, but I can't imagine anything more (peace)ful than sleeping babies.
Day 2: There's not much in the way of a traditional (skyline) but this is a Southern view. From the porch and everything.
Day 3: Love blue jean Friday. This is (something I wore) today.
Day 4: Eric used to have a lot of (fun) making and shooting model rockets as a kid, so I bought him one for his birthday. He is now passing down the love to Kaleb.
Day 5: If I had to pick my favorite (bird) out of the bunch, it would probably be the little hot pink one. These guys were half off at World Market after Easter. Score!
Day 6: I think (you) can tell a lot about a person by his or her favorite Bible verse. Romans 3:38-39 is mine.
Day 7: Gone with the Wind is my favorite book and movie. Part of the reason I love it so much is because of Mellie. She is the opposite of Scarlett and is (someone that inspires me) because she is so selfless and always sees and believes the best in people.
Day 8: There are many (smells I adore) but they are so hard to capture. One that was easy was the smell of my freshly bathed kids.
Day 9: This is (something I do everyday) in the sense that I feel like I MUST read. If you're a true lover of books, the day just isn't complete without reading at least a chapter of something. At the moment I'm reading Anna Karenina.
Day 10: I don't know if this makes me crazy, but as a teacher one of my (favorite words) is August because it's the beginning of the new year. I still get that giddy excitement of starting fresh.
Day 11: This is what my (kitchen) looks like 3 days into a boil water notice. Ugh! Bring back the water!
Day 12: This little guy in huge glasses is definitely (something that makes me happy).
Day 13: Pretty sure this used to be a (mum). Mrs. Brown Thumb strikes again!
Day 14: This is going to make mowing the (grass) so much easier!
Day 15: I (love) our new tradition: Shipley's Saturdays!
Day 16: (What I'm reading) is still Anna Karenina. (and it probably will be for a long time)
Day 17: I'm kind of obsessed with this perfect summer (snack).
Day 18: These are (something I made) for our bare bathroom walls. Thanks Pinterest!
Day 19: I know it makes me seem lazy, but my bed really is (a favorite place) in my house.
Day 20: Living in the south, ceiling fans are definitely (something I can't live without)!
Day 21: The place (where I stand) 180 days a year looks might lonely with no kiddos.
Day 22: I plan on wearing this (pink) dress to an interview Memorial Day. (I didn't end up wearing it - I also didn't get the job)
Day 23: (Technology) can be sooo frustrating when it doesn't work!!
Day 24: I haven't bought (something new) for myself in quite some time, but I bought a couple of pair of khaki pants that I love.
Day 25: It's quite (unusual) for us to see a movie anymore. Much less two in one weekend.
Day 26: It hasn't taken effect yet, but this is what our (12 o'clock) will look like once summer really begins...June 21.
Day 27: This (something sweet) is seriously one of the best flavors out there.
Day 28: (The weather today) was pretty typical for late May in Mississippi...hot, pretty, with a quick shower thrown in.
Day 29: The (number) of poison ivy spots seems to be growing daily.
Day 30: (My personality) shines through in these boys' silly faces.
Day 31: This view is (something beautiful) on a Saturday morning.
Day 1: Okay, really it's two pictures, but I can't imagine anything more (peace)ful than sleeping babies.
Day 2: There's not much in the way of a traditional (skyline) but this is a Southern view. From the porch and everything.
Day 3: Love blue jean Friday. This is (something I wore) today.
Day 4: Eric used to have a lot of (fun) making and shooting model rockets as a kid, so I bought him one for his birthday. He is now passing down the love to Kaleb.
Day 5: If I had to pick my favorite (bird) out of the bunch, it would probably be the little hot pink one. These guys were half off at World Market after Easter. Score!
Day 6: I think (you) can tell a lot about a person by his or her favorite Bible verse. Romans 3:38-39 is mine.
Day 7: Gone with the Wind is my favorite book and movie. Part of the reason I love it so much is because of Mellie. She is the opposite of Scarlett and is (someone that inspires me) because she is so selfless and always sees and believes the best in people.
Day 8: There are many (smells I adore) but they are so hard to capture. One that was easy was the smell of my freshly bathed kids.
Day 9: This is (something I do everyday) in the sense that I feel like I MUST read. If you're a true lover of books, the day just isn't complete without reading at least a chapter of something. At the moment I'm reading Anna Karenina.
Day 10: I don't know if this makes me crazy, but as a teacher one of my (favorite words) is August because it's the beginning of the new year. I still get that giddy excitement of starting fresh.
Day 11: This is what my (kitchen) looks like 3 days into a boil water notice. Ugh! Bring back the water!
Day 12: This little guy in huge glasses is definitely (something that makes me happy).
Day 13: Pretty sure this used to be a (mum). Mrs. Brown Thumb strikes again!
Day 14: This is going to make mowing the (grass) so much easier!
Day 15: I (love) our new tradition: Shipley's Saturdays!
Day 16: (What I'm reading) is still Anna Karenina. (and it probably will be for a long time)
Day 17: I'm kind of obsessed with this perfect summer (snack).
Day 18: These are (something I made) for our bare bathroom walls. Thanks Pinterest!
Day 19: I know it makes me seem lazy, but my bed really is (a favorite place) in my house.
Day 20: Living in the south, ceiling fans are definitely (something I can't live without)!
Day 21: The place (where I stand) 180 days a year looks might lonely with no kiddos.
Day 22: I plan on wearing this (pink) dress to an interview Memorial Day. (I didn't end up wearing it - I also didn't get the job)
Day 23: (Technology) can be sooo frustrating when it doesn't work!!
Day 24: I haven't bought (something new) for myself in quite some time, but I bought a couple of pair of khaki pants that I love.
Day 25: It's quite (unusual) for us to see a movie anymore. Much less two in one weekend.
Day 26: It hasn't taken effect yet, but this is what our (12 o'clock) will look like once summer really begins...June 21.
Day 27: This (something sweet) is seriously one of the best flavors out there.
Day 28: (The weather today) was pretty typical for late May in Mississippi...hot, pretty, with a quick shower thrown in.
Day 29: The (number) of poison ivy spots seems to be growing daily.
Day 30: (My personality) shines through in these boys' silly faces.
Day 31: This view is (something beautiful) on a Saturday morning.
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