I have been going through Beth Moore's Jesus: The One and Only devotional book, and the other day I read something that I really liked, and I thought I'd share it with you all.
It is based on Luke 7:18-28, when John the Baptist, who is in prison, sends messengers to Jesus to ask him, "Are you the one to come, or should we expect someone else?" This question just reeks of doubt, yet this is coming from the man who preached in the desert and baptized people in preparation of Christ's coming. This is from the guy who recognized Christ for who He was and told his followers that he was not fit to tie His sandals.
But here he is, sitting in prison, persecuted and dejected and about to be beheaded, while Jesus is out there doing all kinds of miracles for all kinds of other people. In fact, Jesus had just raised someone from the dead. It seems like a natural response to ask why Jesus had not done a miracle for him, too. It seems like a natural response to wonder if this was really the plan--for him to preach for only a year then be murdered because of political intrigue. So John started to have seeds of doubt.
Our pastor preached about faith and doubt several weeks ago. He mainly talked about Thomas, but he also incorporated this passage, because in both cases, Jesus does an amazing thing. He does not chastise John or Thomas' doubt. He does not cast them out. Instead, He answers their question. How awesome is that? In Thomas' case, He shows him the marks on His hands so that he will believe that Christ was alive. In John's case, in answer to "Are you the one?" Jesus sends the messengers back with the message that "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." In other words, "Yes, John, I am definitely the one." What patience and compassion Jesus had to actually acknowledge their doubt and answer their questions.
In both cases, He does follow it by saying something that implies it would have been better if they had never doubted. To Thomas He says, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed," and to John he says, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." But since Jesus teaches that it would be better not to doubt, why does He tolerate the doubt at all? Our pastor answered that it is because it is a normal--maybe even healthy--part of being a Christian to doubt. At least when we are seeking answers, we are being honest and are genuinely seeking the truth. He pointed out that in Thomas' case, a LOT rode on whether or not Christ really was alive, including personal safety, and so it made sense that Thomas wanted to see proof. He could have just ignored the other disciples' testimony, but instead, he showed up in the inner room to hear what they had to say and test the truth. There is a genuineness in that. Our pastor postulated that this is why Christ admitted it--because Thomas and John were honestly seeking the truth, despite their doubt.
In fact, in the case of John, Jesus even turns to the crowd at hand and tells them--and remember that this is right after He has confronted John's' doubt and sends him an answer--that "among those born of women there is no one greater than John."
How awesome that Jesus accepts our seeking, answers our doubt, and still sees us for who we are in His kingdom? That we can still be used, loved, and in John's case, honored.
The other thing I love about this passage is what Jesus says to John: "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." I loved learning what the Greek words actually meant the other day, because that's the key for unlocking this seemingly strange answer. And it does seem strange, doesn't it? Why would Jesus answer John in such a way that makes it look like he has "fallen away?" That wasn't really what happened, or at least that would be an exaggeration of the facts. It turns out that the Greek sheds some light on what Jesus actually said.
"Falling away" comes from the word skandalon, which means "a cause of stumbling." So what Jesus is saying is, "Blessed is the man who does not find me a cause for stumbling." Why would John find Jesus a stumbling block? Because Jesus was not working in his life like he was in others'.
Amen to that, right? How many times do we see these amazing spiritual experiences of other people or hear about how God worked in so-and-so's life, and it kind of takes us aback that God didn't work in our life like that. I certainly know how that feels. So what Jesus is saying is, "Blessed is the man who doesn't let the perceived activity or inactivity of Christ trap him or make him stumble" (Beth's words).
Well, that really got me. I think that a lot of times I assume that God is not working in my life in the same way He's working in others' lives because I must have a lack of faith or because I'm not listening enough or because of some other personal failing. And I'm sure that's true to an extent, at least sometimes. But the truth is that God has kingdom purposes, and I am no less a part of that kingdom than any other Christian. He has a purpose in my life, and in the dry spells or when it seems like He's not answering prayer, I still have to trust that He is good and that He is working on my behalf. Blessed am I if those dry times don't make me stumble. I never knew Christ acknowledged this or gave any instruction or encouragement regarding it. I like it. :)
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
"Test everything."
1 Thess. 5:21
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Shower!
Last weekend, the girls in our Bible study threw me a shower! It was a lot of fun--there was WAY more food than we could ever have eaten (we called the guys when we were done and they ransacked the leftovers), Sara came up with some really cute games, and, of course, opening gifts is always fun. And it's always nice to get together with just the girls. :)
Here are some pictures (more to come):
Me, trying to diaper a stuffed bear with a bandanna and some safety pins, blindfolded. The idea being that we were seeing how we would do if we had REALLY had some little cowboys and had to change them in the middle of the night in the old west, with no lights! The other team won, but that's okay. We still did a pretty good job!
Me, with presents!
Food--mmmm.
Bonnie's cake. Now, Bonnie is famous for her baby shower cakes. She makes them from scratch, and they're always amazing. This one had an orange-apricot filling. Yum!
Here are some pictures (more to come):
Me, trying to diaper a stuffed bear with a bandanna and some safety pins, blindfolded. The idea being that we were seeing how we would do if we had REALLY had some little cowboys and had to change them in the middle of the night in the old west, with no lights! The other team won, but that's okay. We still did a pretty good job! The freshly diapered "babies" and Hannah.
Me, with presents!
Food--mmmm.
Bonnie's cake. Now, Bonnie is famous for her baby shower cakes. She makes them from scratch, and they're always amazing. This one had an orange-apricot filling. Yum! The girls:
Bethany, Bonnie, Hannah, Kendra, me, Julia, and Sara
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Cankles
When we were dating, I once asked Nathan if he had any insecurities about himself.
His response:
Cankles.
My response:
What the heck are cankles?
Who among you knows what cankles are? If you don't know, let me enlighten you.
People who have cankles have ankles that are rather wide, so that it just looks like their calf just extends down to their foot. Calf-ankles.
Well, Nathan does not exactly have cankles. I, however, have developed them recently. Seriously, my ankles are so swollen! I have not seen my ankle bones in a couple of weeks. Yesterday, as I was changing shoes to leave work, I almost couldn't get my tennis shoes on because my ankles had swollen so much throughout the day.
So if you don't have cankles, PTL. And if you do, you are probably pregnant. Just kidding. There was actually a guy on the Rice baseball team with the most amazing set of cankles. I've never seen anything like it since. Not even mine.
Anyhow, there you go. If you know of any solutions for my cankle problem, let me know.
His response:
Cankles.
My response:
What the heck are cankles?
Who among you knows what cankles are? If you don't know, let me enlighten you.
People who have cankles have ankles that are rather wide, so that it just looks like their calf just extends down to their foot. Calf-ankles.
Well, Nathan does not exactly have cankles. I, however, have developed them recently. Seriously, my ankles are so swollen! I have not seen my ankle bones in a couple of weeks. Yesterday, as I was changing shoes to leave work, I almost couldn't get my tennis shoes on because my ankles had swollen so much throughout the day.
So if you don't have cankles, PTL. And if you do, you are probably pregnant. Just kidding. There was actually a guy on the Rice baseball team with the most amazing set of cankles. I've never seen anything like it since. Not even mine.
Anyhow, there you go. If you know of any solutions for my cankle problem, let me know.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Test Your Skills and Feed the Hungry
A friend emailed me this link today:
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
Basically, they're giving 10 grains of rice away for each vocabulary word you get right. Pretty nifty! It automatically adjusts to your skill level, depending on which words you get right and which ones you get wrong.
I quit after I donated 1000 grains of rice. My vocab level was about 41. I was feeling pretty smart until I read in their FAQ section that you're considered really good if you can get to 48 or above. Nathan and I can't believe that--who in the world can get to 48?!?
How did you do? Leave a comment!
http://www.freerice.com/index.php
Basically, they're giving 10 grains of rice away for each vocabulary word you get right. Pretty nifty! It automatically adjusts to your skill level, depending on which words you get right and which ones you get wrong.
I quit after I donated 1000 grains of rice. My vocab level was about 41. I was feeling pretty smart until I read in their FAQ section that you're considered really good if you can get to 48 or above. Nathan and I can't believe that--who in the world can get to 48?!?
How did you do? Leave a comment!
Week 32 Doctor's Appt (pic to come!)
I had my 32-week doctor's appointment today. I actually made all the rest of my appointments up until my due date today. I start going weekly before too long--craziness! It's a good feeling to think that I'm nearing the end.
Nathan's department secretary had her babies this weekend. She and I had about the same due date, but she had triplets (!), so of course hers came early. It's weird to look at the pictures and know that our kid is that size right now. It feels a little unreal that there is a real baby in there, sometimes, when you can't see his face, fingers, etc. One funny thing about the triplets: apparently they came around 1:40am the night of the daylight savings time change, and there is some speculation in Nathan's department that the 3rd baby actually came right at 2am, which would mean that technically she was born earlier than the other two. So it'd be as if one was born at 1:30, the second at 1:40, and the third at 1:00. Funny! (Although I think they must have been born by c-section.)
So Baby B. is doing fine, according to all accounts. He is growing at the right rate, and his heartbeat sounds good every time. My blood pressure is good, too, and I know this because the nurse literally compliments me on it every time I go in. It's getting to be kind of funny by now, because she's a little on the brusque side, and it's like my bp just makes her otherwise busy and unsatisfying day. Her eyebrows go up and she gets this look of approval, nods her head, and looks at me and says, "Oh, it's 108 over 71. Very good."
The baby has been kicking a lot the last couple of days. Nathan was noticing it a lot this weekend. Baby B. does a lot of stretching, too. I can tell because he'll make movements that are not simply a quick jab; it's more like a good push for a couple of seconds. I told Nathan about this, and he thought that it's probably good resistance exercise. He's building good muscle tone. Ha! Anyway, we were trying to figure out which body part we were feeling. Nathan thought maybe his head was to one side, but the doctor told me today that she could tell his head is already down. So we were just feeling feet on both sides. :)
I also asked how far beyond the due date they generally let people go. She told me that they usually induce between weeks 41 and 42. So between 7 and 14 days, depending on your situation I guess. I told her I'd be perfectly okay if he came early, and she laughed and said, "Well, maybe," and reminded me that most first-time moms actually go late. Stink.
Oh, and as for an update on the weight gain, it's tapered off a good bit. I think they'd still like to see me gain a little more slowly than I am, but I only gained 4 lbs. in the last month, which in my book is GREAT compared to the 8-10 lbs. per month during the entire second trimester. That means I cut my weight gain in half, and I am totally okay with that. I am still trying to stay active, though, walking at least twice a week and doing yoga at least once a week. I find that a good motivation for me to walk a long distance is, ironically, food. Okay, does that really surprise you? There is a place that makes really good soup nearly a mile from where I work, so I've been walking over there a couple of times a week to get a bowl for lunch. That makes for a pretty good walk of about 1.75 miles or so, and I figure that doing that twice a week plus doing the yoga at least once is doing me a lot of good.
And, also related to weight gain, the doctor also asked me if I have experienced any swelling. I have; my ankles are perpetually swollen now. They used to swell but then go back to normal overnight or after a rest, but they are just always puffy now. She said that that's perfectly okay (which I knew), and she also told me that before the swelling was even visible, I was probably carrying an extra 3-4 lbs. of water weight in my legs alone (which I didn't know). Wow! Check off another easy 3 lbs. to lose after the baby is born! Score! I know I probably seem like I'm obsessing over the weight gain, but I am starting to see the effects of it on me everywhere, so I am definitely anticipating getting it all off quickly after Baby B. comes. I even told Nathan I would like to set aside some dinero to hire a personal trainer for a while just to whip this extra weight off. You will probably all write in a kind comment about how it will come off with breastfeeding, or how I will look great regardless, etc. But I know myself, and if I don't attack the non-breastfeeding fat loss right away, and if I don't have someone to be accountable to and to push me when it comes to working out, I will carry that weight around for years. So the plan now is to attack it as soon as I am able and to get back to my normal weight within 6 or 10 months or whatever is healthy. I know I'll feel so much better about myself if I can master the discipline to do that.
Anyway, this entry is getting to be much longer than I anticipated. I'll cut it off now. And a belly picture is coming, I promise!
P.S. My very sweet Bible study friends threw me a shower this weekend. :) I will write a post about it as soon as I get pictures from them, because I think they got some that I'll want to put up.
Nathan's department secretary had her babies this weekend. She and I had about the same due date, but she had triplets (!), so of course hers came early. It's weird to look at the pictures and know that our kid is that size right now. It feels a little unreal that there is a real baby in there, sometimes, when you can't see his face, fingers, etc. One funny thing about the triplets: apparently they came around 1:40am the night of the daylight savings time change, and there is some speculation in Nathan's department that the 3rd baby actually came right at 2am, which would mean that technically she was born earlier than the other two. So it'd be as if one was born at 1:30, the second at 1:40, and the third at 1:00. Funny! (Although I think they must have been born by c-section.)
So Baby B. is doing fine, according to all accounts. He is growing at the right rate, and his heartbeat sounds good every time. My blood pressure is good, too, and I know this because the nurse literally compliments me on it every time I go in. It's getting to be kind of funny by now, because she's a little on the brusque side, and it's like my bp just makes her otherwise busy and unsatisfying day. Her eyebrows go up and she gets this look of approval, nods her head, and looks at me and says, "Oh, it's 108 over 71. Very good."
The baby has been kicking a lot the last couple of days. Nathan was noticing it a lot this weekend. Baby B. does a lot of stretching, too. I can tell because he'll make movements that are not simply a quick jab; it's more like a good push for a couple of seconds. I told Nathan about this, and he thought that it's probably good resistance exercise. He's building good muscle tone. Ha! Anyway, we were trying to figure out which body part we were feeling. Nathan thought maybe his head was to one side, but the doctor told me today that she could tell his head is already down. So we were just feeling feet on both sides. :)
I also asked how far beyond the due date they generally let people go. She told me that they usually induce between weeks 41 and 42. So between 7 and 14 days, depending on your situation I guess. I told her I'd be perfectly okay if he came early, and she laughed and said, "Well, maybe," and reminded me that most first-time moms actually go late. Stink.
Oh, and as for an update on the weight gain, it's tapered off a good bit. I think they'd still like to see me gain a little more slowly than I am, but I only gained 4 lbs. in the last month, which in my book is GREAT compared to the 8-10 lbs. per month during the entire second trimester. That means I cut my weight gain in half, and I am totally okay with that. I am still trying to stay active, though, walking at least twice a week and doing yoga at least once a week. I find that a good motivation for me to walk a long distance is, ironically, food. Okay, does that really surprise you? There is a place that makes really good soup nearly a mile from where I work, so I've been walking over there a couple of times a week to get a bowl for lunch. That makes for a pretty good walk of about 1.75 miles or so, and I figure that doing that twice a week plus doing the yoga at least once is doing me a lot of good.
And, also related to weight gain, the doctor also asked me if I have experienced any swelling. I have; my ankles are perpetually swollen now. They used to swell but then go back to normal overnight or after a rest, but they are just always puffy now. She said that that's perfectly okay (which I knew), and she also told me that before the swelling was even visible, I was probably carrying an extra 3-4 lbs. of water weight in my legs alone (which I didn't know). Wow! Check off another easy 3 lbs. to lose after the baby is born! Score! I know I probably seem like I'm obsessing over the weight gain, but I am starting to see the effects of it on me everywhere, so I am definitely anticipating getting it all off quickly after Baby B. comes. I even told Nathan I would like to set aside some dinero to hire a personal trainer for a while just to whip this extra weight off. You will probably all write in a kind comment about how it will come off with breastfeeding, or how I will look great regardless, etc. But I know myself, and if I don't attack the non-breastfeeding fat loss right away, and if I don't have someone to be accountable to and to push me when it comes to working out, I will carry that weight around for years. So the plan now is to attack it as soon as I am able and to get back to my normal weight within 6 or 10 months or whatever is healthy. I know I'll feel so much better about myself if I can master the discipline to do that.
Anyway, this entry is getting to be much longer than I anticipated. I'll cut it off now. And a belly picture is coming, I promise!
P.S. My very sweet Bible study friends threw me a shower this weekend. :) I will write a post about it as soon as I get pictures from them, because I think they got some that I'll want to put up.
Car for Sale
Hello all,
My brother and his wife are trying to sell their car. They haven't had it for too long, but they're finding they can do without it, since Ken can walk/bike to work (he's a youth minister, and they live close to church). Since I know how effective word of mouth can be, I thought I'd let you guys know about it. Ken & Meredith live in Dripping Springs (outside of Austin), but they'll bring you the car if you want it, obviously--well, if you're in Texas, at least. :) And if you live in Houston, it probably would not be too much trouble for them to bring it to you to test drive.
If you know anyone who is looking for a cheap, small-ish car in good condition, contact Ken at the number below.
Speaking as someone who just did a whole big car search and bought a used car, to find one with this few miles on it at that price is pretty nifty, not to mention that a lot of mechanical things on it are brand new.
They're selling it for $5500. Here's the text from the Craig's List ad:
My brother and his wife are trying to sell their car. They haven't had it for too long, but they're finding they can do without it, since Ken can walk/bike to work (he's a youth minister, and they live close to church). Since I know how effective word of mouth can be, I thought I'd let you guys know about it. Ken & Meredith live in Dripping Springs (outside of Austin), but they'll bring you the car if you want it, obviously--well, if you're in Texas, at least. :) And if you live in Houston, it probably would not be too much trouble for them to bring it to you to test drive.
If you know anyone who is looking for a cheap, small-ish car in good condition, contact Ken at the number below.
Speaking as someone who just did a whole big car search and bought a used car, to find one with this few miles on it at that price is pretty nifty, not to mention that a lot of mechanical things on it are brand new.
They're selling it for $5500. Here's the text from the Craig's List ad:
Great Base Model Car: Previously listed at $6000
This Kia Rio is in fantastic condition, with no functional or mechanical problems. The clutch is brand new with only about 200 miles on it. The tires are also new with about 300 miles on them (Sumitomo). Great gas saver! Only 58,300 miles and still under warranty for 1,700 more (warranty can be extended). Very clean, Great A/C, CD player. There are a few minor dings. I purchased the car 6 months ago and then moved to a new city where I no longer need it. Hate to let it go. I got a great deal on the car at an auction and I only want to break even on my cost. Blue Book value: $6,000. Call Ken at: 512-879-8540
Saturday, November 3, 2007
November Arbonne Specials
Prep and Plumps 20% OffIn November, save 20% on About Face Prep & Plump™, each available for only $22.40, regularly $28, while supplies last. I love this product! Not only does it go on beautifully, but it also has anti-aging elements in it that help prevent the signs of aging on your lips. Plump up the volume with this revolutionary formula that works to counter the appearance of thin lips. These gloss and treatment duos — in 10 terrific shades — feature a double-ended application wand to enhance lip color and shape.
RE9 Foaming Body Wash for $14Qualify to purchase the NutriMinC RE9 REfresh Foaming Body Wash, regularly $35 for only $14 with every $75 SRP order increment in November. You’ll be looking and feeling fine with the benefits of RE9®, thanks to this advanced body wash. It includes Nanosphere Technology to deliver beneficial ingredients to clean skin and leave it softer and younger-looking. Includes a free orange wash puff, too!
Free Gifts for doing your Holiday Shopping with Us!
As you begin your Holiday shopping this month, keep in mind that you can also receive some extra goodies!
If you place a $500 order ($325 after your 35% discount) between November 1 and 15, you'll receive these chic, black gloves, complete with embroidered Arbonne logo.
And if you spend $1000 this month ($650 after your discount--remember that you can combine orders with friends to reach this number), you'll receive this elegant, black scarf with Arbonne logo detail.Click here to see all of our holiday products, or visit www.arbonne.com.
Arbonne Opens in the UKIn addition to doing business in the US, Canada, and Australia, Arbonne is now open in the UK!
Who do you know in the UK who would love Arbonne's products? I give wonderful thank you gifts to clients who give me referrals in the UK and Australia!
Best,
Lauren
--
Lauren Benesh
Independent Consultant
Executive Area Manager
Arbonne International
(617) 388-6419
laurenbenesh.myarbonne.com
www.arbonne.com
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