Worship through scripture

Worship....
Ps 95:6

Love....
Det 6:5

Pray....
Luke 6:28

Adore...
1 Chron 29:11

Sing....
2 Sam 22:50

Stay....
Deut 5:31

Breath...
Ps 116:2

Whisper....
1 Peter 3:4

Wonder....
Hab 1:5

Ask...
Is 58:2

Confess.....
Is 26:13

Admire....
Ps 22:23

Plead...
1 Sam 24:15

Respect....
Is 17:7

Profess...
Acts 17:7

Desire...
Ps 119:20

Love....
De 7:9

Worship...
Ex 12:31

So it's May, the month of graduations, award ceremonies, dance recitals, and WEDDINGS!!!! Such a beautiful month, its no wonder everyone loves this time of year :) The only downfall is the pollen, but with the rain we've had recently, I can't imagine even that has been very bothersome for my allergy prone friends! Anyways, so I've been thinking about this whole wedding thing- the ceremony itself, to clarify. If you are my Mom or Daddy, you know that I've been wrestling alot about that extra special moment when the bride enters the sanctuary. So I need to get all my thoughts out there, and if you have comments, please add them! I'm so open to ideas, comments and thoughts!

So what we have traditionally is that the guests are escorted in to their seats by ushers or groomsmen, then the groom and groomsmen take their places at the altar with the minister. (I'm def using "christian" terms, cuz I don't know what else you would say... "front of the room" "officiary" ??? ) The music begins and the brides attendants enter at a regal, measured pace. Often there is a ring bearer, carrying the wedding rings; a flower girl, tossing flowers onto the path for the bride to walk on. I've also seen 2 young boys come down the aisle unrolling a white carpet for the bride to walk on. Then follows the jr bridesmaids, bridesmaids, and maid of honor. Finally, the music changes, and the congregation rises to their feet as the Bride enters in a billowing white gown with much pomp and glory.

(I'm sorry if my description subtly showed my struggle, I tried to keep it objective haha)

Okay, so my issue with the above situation (which many of you are familiar with) is that the groom is basically ignored. I know its been said that "its the bride's party", but here's my take on that. Through the relationship, the guy does all the wooing, chasing, asking, etc. He is the one who does the work. The wedding is paid for by the brides family because she is wanting to honor him. It's the first act, as a wife, to bless our husbands. And so we plan a huge party focused entirely on us? Well that seems typical of pop culture today- where usually it is the girl who captivates and subdues her "man". So she deserves it! But that's not how the Bible represents marriage. So I just don't like how all the focus is on the bride, right from the get-go of the wedding.

But here's my issues- there is a GOOD reason for why everything is done this way! First, the groom is in the church first because he initiates the covenant. He is the leader. The bride must enter at some point after him, so it does kind of interrupt whatever is going on (which is probably why they had her come in near the beginning, to get the interruption ouit of the way). She wears a brilliantly white dress to represent her purity. Also to represent that she has readied herself for him. Both of these are very biblical representations. And then the congregation stands because it is customary for you to stand when a lady enters the room- for guys it is any lady; for girls it is any lady they wish to meet or honor. Since she is the most honored woman in the room, it makes sense that everyone would stand when she came in.


So, how can we tone down the pomp and circumstance that the bride enters with? How can we give more honor to the groom?

Any ideas?

Prayer

Here's an old post, it encouraged me today, I hope it does the same for you.

So often lately, I have wrestled with prayer. I have struggled to quiet my heart and focus on the Lord. Then once I have quieted myself, I face the shocking reality that none of my words are worthy to be heard in the Holy of Holies; the Court of the Almighty. Why can't I think of something more original to pray? Why do I always sound so self centered and small-minded? In perspective of the whole world, can my personal needs, and my coworkers afflictions be worthy of presenting? Shouldn't I include all the others as well, with a much more sweeping "Save the lost, protect the weak, fight for the oppressed, and humble the proud"? Wouldn't that be more appropriate, and grand?

And then today, I read a small passage in Elizabeth Elliot's book "Keep a Quiet Heart".

"When I pray I am often preoccupied and distracted, aware that my efforts are feeble and seemingly quite useless, but the thought that those distinguished heroes [found in Hebrews 11] are to be perfected along with me changes the picture altogether and puts a new heart into me. Grand and mysterious things are in operation. We are not alone. My prayers are perhaps a single note in a symphony, but a necessary note, for I believe in the communion of saints. We need each other. The prayers of one affect all. The obedience of one matters infinitely and forever."

(emphasis added)

My prayers are not being heard alone, but rather it is a chorus of voices! I am joining together with all the saints to lift up our lost world to the Throne of Heaven. If I do not lift up my coworkers, who will? People need specific prayers. And the Lord will bless our efforts.

A Little "Peace" of Research

Okay, so a conversation with one of my friends really struck me with an intense curiousity. I wanted to know what people think peace is. I've heard it described through many scriptures and from many pulpits. But when you snag a person in the middle of their crazy day, and ask them to pinpoint what peace is, what do they say? So, I text messages (I love technology) a whole bunch of my friends, ages 15-50, asking them what peace was, and what it looked like in their life. The responses were amazing. I'll let you read them for yourself, ponder them, and then do me a favor and comment with what peace looks like in YOUR life.

(Remember, these responses are coming from all different walks in life. A nice mixture of faiths and belief systems too.

1. Being harmonious, internally and externally. I’ve never experienced it, but yes it’s possible.
2. Shalom. Ask me tomorrow, I don't have the energy to answer you right now.
3. Coming home after a busy day and just being able to relax. No worries.
4. When all people on earth are united in worshipping the one true God and no evil exists on Earth. Also, when I have a problem and I pray asking God for His Holy Spirit to guide me, I have felt peace and a sense of calmness come over me.
5. Lack of Conflict. It’s humanly impossible.
6. Harmony in relationships, a state of tranquility or quiet, freedom from civil unrest. Personally, its letting God take charge of things I can’t control and trusting Him. Seeking to be humble in conflict.
7. Contentment, and a quiet house
8. Happiness. Being happy all the time with no worries.
9. It means internal tranquility and contentment. Wrapped in love and Spirit. Internal conflicts are eased and I am accepting. When problems happen and I’m not bothered. I’m able to genuinely care and help others.
10. It is a feeling that I get when all the drama and stress of life fades into the background and you have a moment of “ah” where everything is perfect. It shows up when I am surrounded by my family or praising God.
11. To me, peace is the calm and comfort inside yourself. Peace in my home is keeping good and healthy company and entertainment.
12. Peace... accompanies nothing so completely as following God's will. It's not a set of emotions, it's a blessing from God for following His commands.
13. To me its when everything is calm and well. Just relaxed without worry. I don't know how we'll find it until we get to Heaven.

So what does peace mean to you?

Do you feel invisible?

Find more videos like this on Proverbs 31 Woman

Love languages?

Have you ever read the book "The 5 Love Languages"? I actually haven't, but everyone I know and their aunt has. And I've heard it talked about for many years. It frustrated me, though, because I wondered what my love language was, and had no idea. My brother, clearly, is a gift giver. My mom is acts of kindness. My other brother is def words of encouragement. But I never really knew what MINE was. For many years I thought it was physical touch, but that never really sat well with me. I am a very tactile learner, I need to do it to learn it. I also am a hands-on teacher, I show better than i describe. But thats not a love language. I also love hugs and I like sitting on laps (moms, dads, friends parents, etc). But I didn't really think my love language was physical touch.

Then, just this week, I realized what it was. I have this one really good friend whom I hadn't seen or spent much time with in the past year or so, in spite of the fact that we live in the same town, due to crazy schedules. Just a few days ago, he came out and met me as I was getting off work. In the bitter wind, all we really took time for was a "hi!" and a quick chat, but I walked away from that feeling so blessed! I was really touched by the fact that he took a twenty min drive, for no other reason than just to see me after work (and to go to blockbuster, apparently, but that doesn't bother me haha).

So, I'm fairly certain that my love language is quality time :)

Have you figured out your love language? What is it?

Honesty

Last night I spent the night at a friends house, and we watched a few episodes of NCIS- truly my favorite tv show. I like alot of tv shows, but this one has been a favorite for the longest :)

So we watched 3 different shows (I loved every single one) and as I turned the tv, and the lights, off for the night, I realized there was a running theme... In the first show, a convicted criminal was presented with a deal to keep him out of jail. He lied, confessing to a murder he didn't commit. When the interrogator realized it, he yelled "Just tell me the truth!" In the second one, two parents were lying to protect their son, and ended up forcing a good friend to be investigated for the crime. These parents were urged to "just tell the truth". In the last show, two of the detectives were set against each other because one doubted the other's allegiance and commitment to the department. Their relationship was resolved when they finally were able to open up and be honest with one another.

Moral of the story? Never underestimate the power of honesty. It brings justice. It heals wounds. It unites families and friends. It protects from harm.

Telling the truth is always a powerful solution. Be open with those you love, tell them exactly what you are thinking, feeling and dealing with.

HOP Christmas

Hey guys, I got the Christmas video uploaded- enjoy!