Has Christ consumed you heart and mind?

I have been reading a wonderful book Anchored: Pressing On by Pressing Into the Savior. It is an easy to read book about a young woman's true conversion to Christ.  Here is one of my favorite quotes from the book.

 

She writes in a way that really spoke to my heart. I would encourage you to pick it up and read it. It is worth reading.  

Anchored: Pressing On by Pressing Into the Savior



PS. I wrote this post of my own accord simply because I really liked the book.

The above links are affiliate links. This just means that I am referring you to Amazon to purchase the book. If you buy through Amazon you are supporting my work here, but more importantly you are helping a young woman (Teresa Blondo) share her conversion story and helping to spread the word of the Lord.





"Let it go" makes me Freeze in my tracks.

I have been amazed at how the movie "Frozen" has swept the country. The song "let it go" has been belted out and sung over and over so many times it makes one crazy. We hadn't even seen the movie and my kids were singing it everywhere we went. Even my five year old who stays home with me has been swept up with her older sister who learned the words at school. It is such a catchy little song. It gets going around and round in your head (I bet you are singing it right now).  I sometimes find myself singing it and it makes me crazy. Let me tell you why it is so annoying to this Christian Momma.

 

Over the weekend I finally broke down and went to Redbox and rented the movie "Frozen" for the family to see. It seemed like a great idea to have a family movie night.  My 8 year old had been begging me to see it. We went to our local Redbox and my son was so excited he could hardly contain himself. He made sure to announce to everyone in line that we were renting "Frozen". When one of the mothers asked him "How many times have you seen it?" She was shocked by his response that this was his first time to watch it. She went on telling about how her family has watched it dozens of times. "you'll love it!" she said.  There were about three mothers in line that also said, "you'll love it" with one mother adding, "Your Mom will love it too."

We sat down and watched the movie and I was surprised by what I saw. I had heard such great things about it and I was kind of disappointed. It was kind of lacking in storyline, and the dialogue is really cheesy. My husband was annoyed by the songs. But we had to find out what everyone was talking about. We sat and watched as a family. After it was over the son who was so excited to see it was asked how he liked it; he replied, "I haven't made up my mind yet." The only one who was real excited about it was his six year old sister who was in love with Elsa and her beautiful song "let it go"

There are a few things that I do not find appealing or right about the movie. First, is the way Anna is allowed to run rampant in the castle as she is growing up there. So many Disney movies make it seem like this is what princesses do, their home is their domain and they can do whatever the *#$@ they want. We have a generation of "little Disney princesses" growing up that have that same attitude. It makes me really sad. My youngest does not need motivation from the movies to encourage more of this behavior. I work hard to help her to know the rules and obey them. 

Second, is the fact that Anna falls in love and is engaged all within a day. Oh brother, our teenagers think that love is all like that. So many of our young adults are growing up, falling in love, then getting divorced several months later when they find out that life isn't always happily ever after.  I am seeing more and more of it, and it makes me sad that it is becoming acceptable to society.  I am trying to teach my children a different kind of love story, one of never ending love. One of real love such as is found in the Bible.  

Third, The song "let it go" Have you really looked and thought about the lyrics that are going round and round peoples heads?   I have highlighted a few phrases in the lyrics below.

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight,
not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I'm the queen.
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside.
Couldn't keep it in, Heaven knows I tried.
Don't let them in, don't let them see.
Be the good girl you always have to be.
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know.
Well, now they know!

Let it go, let it go!
Can't hold it back any more.
Let it go, let it go!
Turn away and slam the door.I don't care what they're going to say.
Let the storm rage on.
The cold never bothered me anyway.

It's funny how some distance,
makes everything seem small.
And the fears that once controlled me, can't get to me at all
It's time to see what I can do,
to test the limits and break through.
No right, no wrong, no rules for me.
I'm free!

Let it go, let it go.
I am one with the wind and sky.
Let it go, let it go.
You'll never see me cry.
Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay.

Let the storm rage on.

My power flurries through the air into the ground.
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I'm never going back; the past is in the past!

Let it go, let it go.
And I'll rise like the break of dawn.
Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl is gone
Here I stand, in the light of day.

Let the storm rage on!
The cold never bothered me anyway.

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These are just a few phrases that go through the kids heads. I even find myself humming "no right, no wrong, no rules for me. I'm free" I catch myself and it makes me so upset. This is NOT what I want going through my head. These words, and especially the attitude associated with this song will infiltrate us and eventually destroy us. Music has such a powerful impact. I listen to Christian music on the radio. The other music has no place in my life anymore.  K-love is about the only radio station we listen to. You can find K-love in most cities. Good music makes a huge difference in our lives, and I am saddened that a little song like this has pushed its way onto the stage leaving little room for anything else.

 There is something else about this song. Elsa was originally set to be the villain in the story. The song "let it go" was written for her character, and it seemed so great, they tweaked the movie and made Elsa more of the hero as opposed to a villain. Think about this, the villain is now the hero?  A warning was given about the last days and about such things. in Isaiah 5:20 "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"  I would say that this is a really good example of this and there are more examples all around us.

I was surprised to hear the young people in our congregation sing this song as part of a talent night.
I saw their faces and what I saw amazed me. I could see it in their faces that they were feeling a battle inside. They were seemingly gaining strength to fight the battle as they sang this song, but is this the strength that we want them to gain? I would suggest that this is not the strength of the Lord. Strength in isolation is not it. Strength in numbers, strength in the Lord's ways. (look back at the words again)  In 1 Chronicles 16:11 it says "seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually"  We do not need to do it alone, we cannot do it alone. We need not isolate ourselves, but turn to God and seek his ways. This is what I want my children to learn. Yes, we all have a battle to fight inside of us, but to let it go and give up the fight? Is this really what we want to teach our children, to give into the "natural/carnal minded man" In 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him. I want my children to understand and walk with the spirit of God. I want them to learn to use the gifts that God has given them, not hide them, and not to battle inside with the spiritual gifts they have been given.    
  
I know that not everyone would agree with me, but this is where I stand on this movie. It is not a movie that we are going to buy or entertain in our home. It does not teach anything worthwhile for my family in fact it teaches the opposite of what I want. There is the message of true love that melts Anna's frozen heart. It is there, along with some other great messages, but it is overshadowed by the other things. "Let it go" seems to be the overwhelming message of the movie and the part that people remember and relate to. The other messages get lost.

I wish that I could get the song "let it go" out of our lives completely, but that is nearly impossible. So until then, we can tame it, we can be aware, and when we find ourselves entertaining that song (or any other questionable song for that matter)  we can call it off the stage of our mind and replace it with a hymn or song of praise that will be more uplifting to the soul. 



I would urge you to look into your own life, your own soul. If these words have prompted you to take another look at your life, please do so. Make any changes that you find necessary so you  won't drown in the popular culture.  

Blessings to you all,
 Happy Christian Momma
 

Come unto him and be healed

It all began Sunday with one of the lesser known hymns of our church Come, Ye Disconsolate   I am singing this hymn and realize that I am not sure what this hymn is saying. I can  hardly pronounce disconsolate let alone know what it means.

Come, ye Disconsolate, wher-e're ye languish; Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel. Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish. Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.

Joy of the desolate, Light of the straying, Hope of the penitent fadeless and pure! Here speaks the comforter, tenderly saying, Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot cure.

Here see the Bread of life; see waters flowing forth from the throne of God, pure from above. Come to the feast of love; come ever knowing Earth has no sorrow but heav'n can remove.

Text by Thomas Moore 1779-1852
Verse three, Thomas Hastings 1784-1872

I began a study of the meaning of disconsolate and of this hymn. It was a beautiful hymn with a message that God wanted me to understand and live, I could feel it. I wanted to know what the message was and what I was to do with it. I began with a definition of disconsolate. Disconsolate is defined as being beyond consolation. A synonym of the word is discontent which is to long for better things, or a restless desire for something better. Now I was beginning to get somewhere. God was telling me that; When thing get rough and I feel the need for something more, He has the answer I can come to him and he will heal me. 

 

"Come to the mercy seat and fervently kneel". During the month of march I had the opportunity to research the mercy seat while teaching the children of our church the hymn I Stand All Amazed. The mercy seat is the gold covering for the Ark and the covenant. It holds the tablets containing the Law of God, the ten commandments that Moses brought off the mountain. I was beginning to see what God was saying through this beautiful hymn. He is saying, come,  learn of me, live by my word and let me heal you,  In other words; let the Atonement be felt in your life.

He has been teaching me to rely on him as the Bread of life. Rely on him for everything, and quit trying to do it all myself. He is teaching me of his ways and teaching me to work along with him. I am truly learning that his yoke is easy, and his burden is light. (see Matthew 11:28-30). He is teaching me to be a committed, covenant member of his church.

Over the last few weeks a change has taken place. I have truly become hungry with a desire for his word. A desire to be on his side. A desire to know him, A desire that only he can fill.  I am truly feasting upon the words of Christ. He is filling my soul in ways I never even imagined. He is opening my eyes to the changes that are to come as the world prepares for his second coming. It is truly a joy to be a part of the work of God. The time is short, there is much to do to prepare the world and the churches for his coming, I am glad to stand as one who loves the Lord and share my witness of  his love, grace and truth and be a part of this great work.


Blessing to you all as you find your place with God.

P.S.  Since I began this post I have been singing the chorus of a little song by the group Pocket full of rocks; it is a song that I find myself often singing. It had often brought hope when it seemed hopeless.

 

You can come as you are with all your broken pieces
And all your shameful scars
The pain you hold in your heart, you bring it all to Jesus
You can Come As You Are
 

I have included some Amazon links below so you can download some of these wonderful songs and hymns and bring the wonderful message of Christ into your life.


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Note the links above are Amazon affiliate links. This means that when you click on them you are allowing me to refer you to Amazon. I get a small proceed from Amazon by referring you to them. This helps keep the work going here at disciple walk.  You can read the full disclosure by clicking on the privacy policy tab at the top of the page.  

Has pintrest hijacked your life?

 

 This is an excerpt from my new book which will be out later this summer/fall.

 

Comparison is the thief of JOY. Theodore Roosevelt

If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree; it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. Albert Einstein.

Oh how I know too well that comparison robs us of joy. It is said that we should avoid comparing our beginning to somebody else's middle, or comparing our weaknesses to others strengths, which is all too often what we do. We compare ourselves and then let ourselves be  caught up into thinking that we are failures because we can't do what everyone else does. This is especially true in church settings and on the internet. Pinterest is especially known for its ability to make people feel inadequate and for fueling the comparisons that cause us grief, pain, and stress.  

 

I remember an experience from when I first started blogging. I was about a month into blogging and was starting to sprout wings. I had written a post about our garden. The children and I had made some garden boxes out of scrap wood. I was so excited to try this method for growing my plants.  In the past my garden was a disaster.  I did not always mark the rows well enough to tell where things were supposed to be growing. I often found myself digging up the growing plants thinking they were weeds until I noticed they were growing in somewhat of a straight line, or stepping on a row of tiny plants, I had such troubles with it all. With garden boxes I would be able to see where the plants were  supposed to be growing along with having a pathway for my large clumsy feet. I was hopeful that it would eliminate many of my biggest garden pains.

 

 

 

I began linking up and sharing this post about my garden boxes.  I came to one of the homesteading blogs where I was going to link-up  with other homesteaders, and then I saw it......someone else had already linked up a post about how to make a garden box. I looked at their picture and it was beautiful. They had made their boxes out of redwood with beautiful brick pathway surrounding it. They had lovely green plants growing in them. It looked just like the cover of a magazine. I couldn't believe it.

 I turned my head in shame, how could I compete with this. I looked at my picture of my garden box, all grey and worn out looking. It looked like the work of a child. I was so frustrated. I had worked so hard.  I sat for a few moments with tears in my eyes contemplating what to do. I even thought about quitting blogging all together. I can't keep up with these types of people, maybe blogging was not for me. All of a sudden I found courage, I stood and held my shoulders high, and said to myself, "This is stupid, why am I comparing myself to these people that I do not even know, To let them ruin something good like this blog, I won't let it. This is who I am, So what if my garden box is not as beautiful as theirs, it is mine and I made it by myself!"  This was my blog, my experience, my things.  My blog, the one about being resourceful and making it with what you have. I linked my blog post, proudly placing my picture next to that beautiful garden box.  If people wanted a comparison of garden boxes, here it was. You can make them beautiful or simple and plain, either way they get the job done.  

 I have since found out a simple truth about some of the internet bloggers and Pintrest junkies There was a blogger who posted in this way;  She began to wonder how peoples "internet likeness" matched up with their true likeness. (I wish I could find her blog again to give her credit, but this is what she said.) 

"I call them “virtual wives”.  They may be a model wife online… but what if you came to their house? Would they meet you on the door step outside?  Do they keep their blinds closed at all times so you can’t see the mess inside? Does their husband feel as loved, respected and appreciated in real life as she seems to portray on the web? Do all those crafts and projects make her extra-industrious, or is she neglecting everything else that should have come first?

Too often we compare ourselves to those "virtual wives"  It is an easy trap to fall into. It seems to be too easy at times to join in and wallow in it. It is not healthy, it truly can rob us of the Joy that can be found in being true to our own self. Go and find your own joy, do not get caught up in the things that really do not matter in life, this is my prayer for each of you today.  

 

 

You can check out some of my homesteading, cooking, and other great posts at my other blog
life less hurried.

The widow's oil

In Kings we read two different stories where widows were blessed by the prophets to "have enough and to spare." In 1 Kings chapter 17 we learn of the first widow. There was a great drought in the land and the widow was feeling the effects of it. She was out gathering a few sticks to build a small fire to prepare the last meal for herself and her son. She only had a handful of meal and a little oil. With this little bit of what she had left she was going to make a little cake for herself and her son, then they would wait to die. While on her journey she met up with the Prophet Elijah and told him of her plight. In 1 Kings 17 verse 13-14 we read Then Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go, do as you have said, but make me a little bread cake from it first and bring it out to me, and afterward you may make one for yourself and for your son. 14 "For thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'The bowl of flour shall not be exhausted, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth."  And so it was, the Prophet Elijah, the widow, and her son, all had enough to eat until the crops would grow again.

The second story comes from 2 Kings chapter 4. Another widow was in need of help. She was about to lose her home. The debtors were knocking at her door wanting to be paid. She had nothing to give to them. The prophet Elisha came to her rescue.  He asked what do you have? She replied that she only had a bit of oil.  It says in 2 Kings chapter 4 verse 3  "Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few."   He told her to gather up as many vessels as she could find. He then told her to pour out that oil amongst the empty vessels that she had gathered. To her surprise the oil was multiplied until it filled the empty vessels. He then told her to go and sell the oil to pay her debt. She was also blessed with a supply of oil when she needed it.

In both of these cases the Lord knew of the trials of these widows. He knew of their needs. He was watching over them and provided for them. The same goes for us today. The Lord knows each of us. He knows our trials. He knows what we are in need of. Often he sends us blessings in ways we cannot comprehend. He will fill our souls and bless us in our times of trial. He is very aware and will send help.

It is truly amazing how the Lord blesses us. Often I pray with a special blessing or favor in mind, yet what he gives me is a thousand times better than what I ever thought possible. He is always watching and will help us, but often he asks us to do things in the process. In the first story the widow was asked to take care of the temporal needs of  the prophet. She was given the means to be able to care for herself, her son, and the prophet. I  wonder what her morning prayer might have been like that day as she contemplated the ending of her life and that of her son. She was hopeless, and I am sure that she asked that the Lord would understand her decision. I would suppose that she prayed the that Lord would receive her soul and that of her son to heaven.  She was praying for peace of mind and soul, and yet what she got was so much more. I wonder what her prayers would have been like that evening and the days following as she had to opportunity to serve and to sit and learn at the feet of the prophet who had saved her life.

 

The second widow story has much to learn from it. Like the second widow woman when we come to the Lord or his servants asking  for help, often we are asked "what do you have/what can you give? "And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil."  She was then commanded to use what she had and it was multiplied.  She was asked to give all she had. Which she did, and she was blessed for it. How often are we asked to come before the Lord and give him all and trust in his goodness? And again, how often are we blessed that our small offering is made larger in Christ? Think in your own life about how the Lord has blessed you.

When we give to the Lord first and trust in him somehow it all works out and we are truly blessed in our time of need. There are countless stories of those who give of themselves and are blessed. There are so many stories of people struggling and yet they paid their tithes and offerings and the Lord blessed them to have the things they needed. Somehow the money goes further and seems to be multiplied once the tithing is paid in faith.

In Luke chapter 6, verse 38 Jesus Christ himself taught us "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."  

Give to the Lord and his work and you will be blessed more abundantly than you could ever imagine possible. I know of this for a fact. He blesses me so much and often he asks me to give back and yet what I have to give seems so small. Somehow he takes what I give and makes it larger.

The Lord Jesus Christ needs people to assist in his work. From the strong to the weakest, he needs all of us and we need him. He will multiply your efforts more than a hundred-fold, and the joy that comes from serving; (if only you could feel what is in my heart) it is more than you ever dreamed of. I invite you to come and let the Lord heal you and bless you. If you are discouraged to the point of despair, come and let the Lords power be felt in your life. Ask, and you shall receive more then enough. I testify that it is true, I do not know how or why, but I know that it is. May the Lord ever bless us always.  

  

Is it OK to challenge your beliefs?

I had a friend who grew up in a community and a home where religion was a mainstay. In her home there were many rules and everyone was expected to adhere to those rules. This is how it was. As she grew older she became aware that there were others who did not share in her beliefs nor live by those same rules. She began to question her faith, and to her parents dismay, she has strayed far away from those rules and traditions that she was taught, even to the point of publicly mocking her family, close friends, and others who follow any religion.

It is a pattern that we see so often in life. There are many who follow the rules, regulations, and religion taught to them, and then.... when exposed to something different, get swayed by popular opinions and begin to believe something different than what they have been traditionally taught. I have heard it said that any belief is nothing more than a thought or opinion that you have come to treat as automatically correct. Once we label it as a "belief" we convince ourselves that it is different and must not be questioned.  I would ask, is this true?


I grew up in that very same religion this friend mentioned above but, I was taught in a different manner. We were given many of those same rules to live by, but we were not forced and coerced into living them. We were taught that these rules were there to guide, protect and help us. We were given the opportunity to live by the rules. We were given the opportunity to choose to live in righteousness, for righteousness is chosen and cannot be forced. We were taught to govern ourselves within the boundaries that God has set for they will never change. We were taught in the same manner as the Savior taught when he invited the those who would be his apostles to "come follow me"  He did not force them to come and be a disciple but called out to them who would hear and follow.


Jesus Christ himself challenged the popular beliefs of those in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. He challenged those who "professed to believe."  He set the pattern for us to follow. We cannot fall prey to the idea that something must be true because that’s what lots of people believe. The number of believers has no bearing on how correct it is. There was a time when just about everyone believed, in fact they knew for an obvious fact that the world was flat. That didn’t make them right. How can we tell if our beliefs and actions are correct?  How do we know we are on the correct path? I would suggest asking questions? If we do not question, if we do not challenge our beliefs we are easily swayed by popular opinion.

 
From my friend Caleb Warnock's blog

Two years ago, I was at a local university to hear a speech by New York Times editor and writer Tom Zeller Jr. While taking questions from the audience, he was asked about how the media is doing when it comes to helping the people understand complex issues.

His answer jolted me.

Media has changed, he said -- and so have we, the consumers of media.

"It is easier than ever now for individuals seeking information to find only information that affirms their preconceived notions of an idea," Zeller said. "It is very difficult to be exposed to information that challenges your point of view."

This answer was interesting to me. We live in a world of information that is mind boggling. It is easy to find people that believe the same way you do. It is also very easy to let that be a way to excuse ourselves into thinking that what we are doing is right. It makes it easier to let sin creep into our lives. It is easy to find someone who will stand with you in the wrong. I would suggest that the time is now to question some of your beliefs and habits to examine where you stand with God and Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if in man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. Have you become changed through your belief in Christ? Are you following Christ, or the things of the world? Are you becoming a new creature in Christ, or are you an old creature of habit?

In the United states it used to be that the Christian ideals were upheld in society itself. It was easier to live a Christian life because it was popular to believe and uphold those values. It was a part of everyday life and society. Things have changed. We have come to a point that upholding Christian faith takes much more strength. It is not popular to be a Christian anymore, but as a Christian I still stand. Who is standing with me? If you have not decided for sure, I would suggest that now is the time to decide and show whether you are on the Lord's side.  You cannot stand with the world and Christ too.  They are not compatible, society does not uphold the things of Christ anymore. The time has come to choose sides.  "Choose ye this day, whom you will serve....... but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord"

May the Lord bless each of you as you examine your own lives and strive to come closer to him.

General conference

I am excited for this weekend! I am looking forward to a spiritual feast at our General Conference.

 

 

 

Everyone is invited to come and join in the worldwide conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints. Yes, I belong to the LDS church or the Mormon Church as it is sometimes called. Twice a year, in April and October we have a General conference where many of the 10 million  members of my church gather together from around the world. It is a wonderful experience. It is a time of renewal and hope. It is not only for those of our own religion; we invite everyone, everywhere, to come and learn of Jesus Christ. There are four general sessions available on the Television, radio, and the internet. For more information and to view online check out the the Latter day saints main web page

Sessions begin Saturday, April 5 2014  Two different sessions are available they are shown live at  10am Mountain standard time (12 noon Eastern) and at 2 pm (4 pm Eastern)  with an additional session just for the men at 6 pm (8 pm Eastern)

Sunday sessions are available live, at 10 am Mountain (12 noon Eastern), and again at 2 pm (4 pm Eastern) 

There is also the traditional Sunday morning broadcast of Music and the spoken word with the Mormon tabernacle choir. It is the longest continual running radio program in the world. It has been broadcasting since 1929.

This program is at 9:30 Mountain time (11:30 Eastern) every Sunday morning.


I look forward to this great gathering of people all over the world hearing, and learning the words of the Lord. I will have lots to write about in the weeks following conference.