True Humility

Verse of the Week:

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5b

True Humility

A while back I had had a wonderful day with my husband and son. We had just enjoyed a fun time being outdoors, and watching my two boys together made my heart swell with love. After being outdoors for most of the day, it was nice to go inside, relax on the recliner, catch up on emails, and check my facebook. As I quickly scrolled down on the newsfeed of facebook, my eye caught a post. It said something along the lines of this: "Had a wonderful evening with my friends tonight." Then the post tagged all the people that were there... many of them my friends. Immediately my day went from wonderful to bad.  Why wasn't I invited? Did they not like me?  Hurt filled me. Maybe I was considered weird or maybe my hearing loss turned them off. I began to go through things I had done in the past wondering if I had hurt someone's feelings or had done something to make them dislike me. For two days I wallowed in self pity over it. My self esteem hit an all time low. I thought God was humbling me so I began to put myself down. I cried out to God to take away the hurt, but it continued to plauge me. Can anyone relate?

One morning during my quiet study time I started doing some deep soul searching.  I believed God was teaching me a lesson on humbleness but my perspective of what being humble truly was was completely distorted. Yes, there was a lesson for me in humbleness, but it wasn't about putting myself down and having a pity party. I read a definition in the dictionary about humbleness, and it said, "having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc."  People tend to take the words insignificance and inferiority and think that they are supposed to put themselves down, but insignificance doesn't mean putting ourselves down. Here is my definition of humbleness: changing our focus to God and giving Him the glory.  When we shift our focus to giving God the glory, we strip ourselves of our glory and make ourselves insignificant. Our focus is not about ourselves but about God and what we can do for Him, which is love Him and others.

My eyes began to open up to the pride and selfishness I was showing to that facebook post. It was all about me, myself and I. Why wasn't I invited? Why was I not part of the group? I deserved to go to the gathering. Then I realized something God was asking me, "Why was going to the party so important?" In light of Jesus, it was so insignificant. In light of me, it was so important. People, including myself, like to climb the ranks of social status and make themselves look good. How many likes or comments did I get on facebook? How many friends do I have? Do people like me? Do I dress and have the home decor that would meet the approval of others? Do I donate money for causes to make myself look good? Am I climbing the ranks of social status in my job? Am I talented enough in a sport to WOW people when they watch me play? Our motives tend to be prideful and selfish.

Here is what I am learning:

Pride- focusing on ourselves
Humility- focusing on God

It is all about HIM, folks, not about me.  When I began to understand true humbleness, the verse 1 Peter 5:5b began to have deeper meaning: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. I began to understand why God opposes the proud, it was all about THEM! He needs followers of Christ who are focused on giving Jesus the glory not themselves.  He gives grace to the humble and uses them because He knows that the humble will give Him the glory.

My perspective on that facebook post began to change. In light of God, it didn't matter one bit if I was invited or not. What mattered to God is that I make myself available to loving my friends and others.  Being available if they need me; talking with them about how they are doing; asking questions about their lives; and making them feel important...invitation or not. Philipians 2:3 says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Wow! So I need to treat others as if they are more important! That is true humility.

Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me what true humility is. Help me to love You and others with the same kind of unselfish love that Jesus displayed for us. To You be all the glory.

It is all about Him, not me.

Adventures in Disciplining a Toddler

Verse of the Week:

Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives. Proverbs 19:18

Adventures in Disciplining a Toddler

Tears were streaming down my face for the second time that week. I was having another Mama meltdown. I have always heard of the terrible twos, but I didn't think that it was that terrible. NIGHTMARE seemed like the better description. I had just spent part of the day disciplining, disciplining, and disciplining! I was saying things similar to this,   "Do not push the buttons on the dishwasher, do not pull down the blinds, don't put the plastic flute down the drain, do not stand on the chair, kleenex is to actually stay in the box, and for the fifty gazillionth time, do not take the dvds out of the tv stand!"    After barking out orders, Brayden looks at me with his mischevious grin, and does it anyway. Lets just say the grin doesn't last long after Sergeant Mama administers her consequences. Then five minutes later he would go after it again. To top it off, there seemed to be a temper tantrum around every corner.  Would the day ever end? 

You know you are raising a toddler when....
1. Everything must be touched.
2. They smile at the word no
3. You sound like a broken record when trying to get them to do something
4. Their scream stops everyone but you mid way in their tracks
5. Their cuteness keeps you from throwing them across the room

Thank goodness these days are not everyday, but when they come, I begin to wonder where I went wrong with my boy, and begin to have a pity party for the next hour! I start to wonder if the disciplining is even worth it, but according to Proverbs 19:18, it is SO WORTH IT! King Solomon wrote, "Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives." I discipline Brayden because I want to prepare him for the future. I want him to know how to display proper behavior in kindergarden, how to share, how to listen to authority, and how to manage his emotions. Ultimately, I want him to grow up to be a blessing to society and to be a light for Jesus. I discipline him because I love him. I hate the process of disciplining, because I have never liked conflict, but I do it because I love Brayden. 

Even though I have those days where I feel like disciplining is getting no where, it is the good days that I receive renewed hope that it is all worth it. Days when I see Brayden asking me permission to go someplace or touch something; days when I see Brayden putting the kleneex back in the box because he knows they aren't supposed to be out; days when I see him reaching for the blinds and dvds, but decides not to touch them; and days when he wants to get upset but controls his emotions are what encourages me to stay strong and keep trying. Don't give up parents! Keep disciplining because you love your children and you want what is best for them. 

Train a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

In the Garden of Gethsemane

Dear Readers,

I sometimes like to look back at some of my old writings and see what I wrote. I just recently found this poem that I wrote over 3 years ago in my Grandma's old box of pictures and keepsakes. It is all about Jesus' love.  I am in awe with all that my Savior went through.  While Easter is a wonderful day to celebrate Christ rising from the dead, I don't want to forget the costly sacrifice he made three days prior to it. I love you, Jesus, and thank you for your amazing love.

Happy Easter to All!

-Katrina Arnold

In the Garden of Gethsemane

By Katrina Arnold 2010

This Poem is Dedicated to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

In the Garden of Gethsemane was a man

Didn’t look like anyone grand

He was a son of a carpenter, with hard working hands

His appearance seems ordinary, nothing to attract man

If one were to look deep in His heart, he would discover to his delight

His heart was as big as the universe; His love reaching the highest heights

A sacrifice he would choose to be,

To see mankind face his doom, just wouldn’t do

Man represented hate, jealousy, anger, bitterness, deceit, selfishness, and greed

He represented love, kindness, joy, peace, and generosity to those in need

In the garden, he bowed down to pray,

Sweat pouring down his face

In anguish he cried out to God, knowing what was to come his way

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me;” He would say

“Yet not my will but yours be done.”

Only HE could accomplish what needed to be done

                                               

Into the garden, came his friend with army men

One who had eaten, laughed, and said he would follow him to the end

Man’s heart above all things is deceitful, it has been told

His friend would be his deceiver, betraying him not with gold

But for only 30 pieces of silver, he would lead the soldiers to him

Betraying the one who knew no sin

With a kiss he would reveal to those the Savior of the world

The one who was the King of Kings and Lords of Lords

The kiss was given, betrayal was done

 Soldiers carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons approached God’s son

Arrest had begun,

The soldier’s seized God’s son

A follower of Jesus, stepped forward, sword in hand

Ready to kill the entire armed band

Striking a soldier’s ear

The fight had begun, “Stop! Put your sword back in its place.” He would hear

“For all who draw the sword will die by the sword,” declared his Lord

Jesus touched the man’s ear and it was restored

Despite the kindness, love, and healing he had given

Away from the garden he was driven

Arrested and taken to the high priest to be judged

False testimony would be given by those with a grudge

Liars, cheaters, and deceivers gathered in the courtyard to slander our Redeemer

All those around blasphemed our Leader

Jesus stood silent taking beatings to his heart,

Holding no grudges, despite the breaking of his heart

Forgiveness was all he knew,

His love for man, would never cease

                                   

In the midst of the courtyard was one who loved his Savior

But no love would be shown by his behavior

He had told Jesus he would stand with him to the end

But standing with sinners and mockers, he refused to be associated with Him

“You were also with that Nazarene, Jesus,” the people would say

Fearing for his life, three times he would say, “Nay”

Earlier that day Jesus sadly foretold Peter’s crime

“Peter, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times,”

“Even if I have to die with you, I will NEVER disown you!” Peter insisted

The rooster crowed, prophecy fulfilled

Realizing his deceit, he broke down and wept

His promise to Jesus wasn’t kept

In the front of the courtyard, a daring question was asked

“Are you Christ, the Son of God?’

“I AM,” Jesus replied

“Blasphemy!” people would say

Put him to death, and do not delay!

Filled with hatred and abhorrence, their hearts were hard

They spit at him, blindfolded him, and struck him until he was taken by the guards

Under the guards, he was beaten and mocked some more

Covered by his blindfold, the guards would hit him without remorse

“Prophesy! Who hit you?”  They would taunt and sneer

Their eyes would not see nor would their ears hear

Of all of the things Jesus had done in the days before

The deaf could hear, the blind could see, the lame made to walk, and hearts restored

The blood in their hands

Belonged to the Son of man

Christ, Savior, God, and Lamb

Morning came and the sun touched the sky,

Today Jesus would die

The Jews led him to the governor’s palace

Seeking to talk to the leader, Pilate

“I find no basis for a charge against this man,” Pilate proclaimed

Desiring that the Son of Lamb not be slain

To the crowd Pilate brought out two men

A criminal named Barabbas murderer and fiend

Along with Jesus, Savior and friend

Each year they would release from prison a man

In order to give mercy to one who had greatly sinned

Pilate looked at the crowed and asked, “Do you want me to release the King of Jews?”

“No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”  The crowd shouted

The evil doer was freed

Jesus’ death was now guaranteed

“Crucify him! Crucify him!”  the crowd chanted

Condemning an innocent man was not what Pilate wanted

“Do you want me to release him?” Pilate would question

 “No!” they would reply, leading their Creator to His destruction.

Hoping to save Jesus from execution,

Pilate ordered him to be flogged, a different solution

With Courage greater than the world has seen

Our Savior was sent to the soldiers for more beatings

A whip covered with sharp stones and glass

Was placed on Jesus’ back

Over and over flesh ripped apart

A sacrifice to heal mankind’s hearts

A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus’ head

Like needles they sunk into His head

The soldiers clothed Jesus with a purple robe to bring Him disgrace

“Hail, king of the Jews.”  The soldiers laughed and struck him in the face

Bitterness never took hold of Jesus’ mind,

Forgiveness was all He knew for mankind.  

Sent back to Pilate for one last chance

To perhaps change the course of events

Pilate brought him out to the crowd with his purple robe and crown of thorns

Hoping to stop all of the scoffs and scorns

“Here is the man,” Pilate declared

“Crucify him! Crucify him!”  The crowd shouted; Jesus would not be spared.

Pilate handed him over to be crucified

The King of Kings would not be dignified

Carrying his own cross to the place of Skull

Jesus had no strength to carry on any more

Simon of Cyrene was forced to help

He carried Jesus’ cross, despite how he felt

At the place of skull they placed the King on the cross

Through his suffering, our sins would be bought

Hammering a nail on each hand and one on his feet

Each pound represented the freedom that we seek

By each of his sides hung two other men

Criminals and sinners in need of Him

One represented the desires of the world,

Selfishness, pleasure, no consideration for others or His Lord

“Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

Hurling insult after insult at Jesus

The other represented repentance and a need for redemption

His heart filled with conviction

Over the sins he had committed

“We are being punished justly,” he admitted

 “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Forgiveness he received no matter what he had done

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus said.

To heaven with Jesus, he would be led

In the sixth hour darkness filled the land

Soon Jesus would surrender his Spirit into his Father’s hands

By the ninth hour a storm had arisen

“It is finished!”  Jesus cried

His last breath was given

The task was done, Jesus had forgiven

Every sin in this world

No matter how bad or horrid

The price was paid

New life was made

For all who come to Him

Sadly 2,000 years later some men still prefer sin

Rejecting all that was done for them

They now stand condemned

For those who chose life

Jesus gave it with a price

That he paid full on the cross

So that none would be lost

Freedom they received,

Eternal life if they believed,

Was given by an extraordinary man

In the Garden of Gethsemane

A Lasting Heritage

Verse of the Week:

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

A Lasting Heritage

I can remember seeing these beautiful vineyards on a drive up through Northern California.  The lush vines with ripe juicy grapes hanging from the limbs was breathtaking.  I wished Brian and I could have stopped at one of them so that I could just walk through the endless rows of green and purple or lay under the shade of the plants and rest in the beautiful sanctuary.

 Lately I have had the opportunity to study how the Jewish people tended their vineyards during the days when they entered the promise land. Jewish families did not own acres upon acres of land to grow their crops; apparently they created terraces. Each terrace was owned by one Jewish family.    Even though the soil was rocky, it was incredibly fertile and allowed them to grow grapes, figs, and olives.

Vineyard Terrace

Each Jewish family owned a row or terrace

While the Israelites were not responsible for making each plant produce fruit, they were responsible for creating an environment in which would allow plants to prosper and produce much fruit.  One of their main jobs was to keep the stone walls in repair.  They built strong stone walls because it was the only way to keep the rich fertile topsoil from blowing away from a strong wind or washing away from a heavy rainstorm. Once the topsoil escaped, it was gone forever. 

 Many  of these terrace vineyards with the stone walls have been around since the days of Joshua and the plants are still producing figs, grapes, and olives today.  Wow!  It got me to thinking on how well Jewish families taught their children generation after generation on how to take care of the walls and nurture the soil so that their crops would still produce. What a lasting heritage.****

I started thinking about my own children.  What kind of heritage do I want to leave them with?  I once again began studying Jewish tradition in the Old Testament and found this:

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

I love the words the Israelites were told to impress on their own hearts and the hearts of their children, "to love God." The lasting heritage that I want to give my children is not a vineyard, money, or some fancy heirloom but a deep love for Jesus. A love that they can pass down to their children, to their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

I know I cannot make my boys love Jesus; just like the Israelites could not make their plants produce fruit.  But I can create an environment that will give them the opportunity to learn to love Jesus.  I can build high stone walls and tend the rich fertile soil, and, eventually, with much loving care, I pray that an abundance of fruit will began to grow from the vines and branches.  I pray that I am able to show my two boys God's loving grace, and that through His grace, they grow to love Jesus.  I pray that I will let Christ orchestrate my life in a way that my children will see nothing but Jesus inside of me, and eventually they desire to have what I have.

Sweet Jesus, may you build a strong stone walls in our home.

What lasting heritage do you want to pass down? 

****Jewish history of Terraced Vineyards was found in Ray Vander Lann's DVD "With All Your Heart"