Today I learned about the 9 attributes Jehovah LOVES about us.
They are:
1) Love
2) Joy
3) Peace
4) Patience
5) Kindness
6) Goodness
7) Faith
8) Gentleness
9) Self-Control
This list is based on Galatians 5:22, 23 that states:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
#4 in the Witness Bible - New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures - is long suffering; and #8 is mildness. I personally understand patience more than I can wrap my head around long-suffering. When I think of suffering I picture a starving animal with a bleeding limb as it limps around the street. But Bonnie told me that long-suffering has to do with the Beatitude: "Blessed are those that have been persecuted for righteousness sake, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them."
Rather than physically suffering with ailments left and right, to be patient regardless of the daily trials is what God wants of us. God LOVES these 9 attributes.
Of course, in past weeks I have been taught what Jehovah HATES. Yes, the Witnesses use the word, HATE, to describe how Jehovah feels when we act certain ways. Here are the 14:
1) Killing
2) Sexual Immorality
3) Spiritism
4) Idolatry
5) Drunkenness
6) Stealing
7) Lying
8) Greed
9) Violence
10) Improper Speech
11) Misuse of blood
12) Refusal to provide for ones family
13) Participation in wars or political controversies of this world
14) Use of tobacco or so-called recreational drugs
So some of the above seem "obvious," and yet others (like the one about blood) seem a bit different that what most have grown up with. Murder and Stealing can land you in jail, and Lying (purjery), Drunkenness, Drug Use, and Violence can put you there too. However, smoking (cigars or cigarettes), refusal to participate in wars or politics, improper speech, "white" lying, sexual conduct, spiritism, and idolatry are not aspects our society reprimands. Of course our society (unlike many believe) was NOT founded by Christians (but that is another story for another time).
Whether you live by the 9 aspects or the Beatitudes, it still seems almost impossible to be a "good" Christian person. To uphold Jehovah's desires is really quite difficult in today's world. Maybe that's why the Witnesses seem to different to us.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
the desire to be a moth
I was reading this really cool article today that talked about "man-made" verses "natural made". It was in a Jehovah Witness publication, but the article featured a beautiful monarch butterfly. Imagine having a brain the size of a ballpoint pen!
The other day my girls were watching "Miss Spider's Sunny Patch," and there was a butterfly that lost her sense of direction. In the end it was just a simple case of losing confidence. How many of us can relate to that? Kids, jobs, life getting in the way. Constantly having things cloud your vision to the Creator. And I wonder, why are protagonists always butterflies? What about the moth? Isn't the moth ever a character in a story?!
Until recently, I thought that moths were dull-colorless butterflies. In fact, the moth is really a cool insect. According to Wikipedia, the butterfly are a small group that rose within the moth. Moths make cocoons, but butterflies make chrysalis. Which is funny, because one of my favorite books, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," ends with a caterpillar exiting a chrysalis and becoming "a beautiful butterfly." Even Mr. Carle got it wrong - but the butterfly is such a lovely creature nobody would correct him.
However, the more I read about the moth, the more I really would rather be a moth than a butterfly. Unfortunately, due to their nocturnal existence I will probably never see one in its beauty. Even with the Christian reference to Jesus as the butterfly, I still would rather be a moth.
Maybe I should write a story about the lonely moth....hmmm....food for thought.
The other day my girls were watching "Miss Spider's Sunny Patch," and there was a butterfly that lost her sense of direction. In the end it was just a simple case of losing confidence. How many of us can relate to that? Kids, jobs, life getting in the way. Constantly having things cloud your vision to the Creator. And I wonder, why are protagonists always butterflies? What about the moth? Isn't the moth ever a character in a story?!
Until recently, I thought that moths were dull-colorless butterflies. In fact, the moth is really a cool insect. According to Wikipedia, the butterfly are a small group that rose within the moth. Moths make cocoons, but butterflies make chrysalis. Which is funny, because one of my favorite books, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," ends with a caterpillar exiting a chrysalis and becoming "a beautiful butterfly." Even Mr. Carle got it wrong - but the butterfly is such a lovely creature nobody would correct him.
However, the more I read about the moth, the more I really would rather be a moth than a butterfly. Unfortunately, due to their nocturnal existence I will probably never see one in its beauty. Even with the Christian reference to Jesus as the butterfly, I still would rather be a moth.
Maybe I should write a story about the lonely moth....hmmm....food for thought.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones
At my Bible study this morning a fantastic scripture passage was read:
Proverbs 3:5 - 10 (New World Translation)
Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understand. In all your ways take notice of him and he himself will make your paths straight. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad. May it become a healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones. Honor Jehovah with your valuable things and with the first fruits of all your produce. Then your stores of supply will be filled with plenty and; and with new wine your own press vats will overflow.
The 5th verse of this chapter, which starts with "may it become a healing," really spoke to me. I have heard the verse "trust in God with all your heart..." before, but the idea of having Jehovah heal your existence is very powerful indeed. What a powerful idea: that God can heal us spiritually and physically. And as a mom I am very aware of the connection of the navel (belly button or bebo if you are Boynton fan like I), and I quickly said to Bonnie and Norma, "OOHH! The navel! What is left over from the umbilical cord after a baby is born! This must mean life!" Norma said, "I never thought about that before!" So when Norma was saying the final prayer, she said she is blessed that she doesn't just get to teach to me, but that she learns something too!
The idea of the navel is very primitive. We knew we were different than a fish, or a bird, or a snake early on. We were born from our mothers womb and connected to her by the beautiful life sustaining cord. I love finding little gems like this in scripture. Whether you believe the Bible is inspired by God, or if you believe it is just a "book," it still contains beautiful prose. Especially in Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Do I put God first? Probably not like I should. Should I have a reverence for him? Yes. I must do my best to work on this in my journey.
Proverbs 3:5 - 10 (New World Translation)
Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understand. In all your ways take notice of him and he himself will make your paths straight. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad. May it become a healing to your navel and a refreshment to your bones. Honor Jehovah with your valuable things and with the first fruits of all your produce. Then your stores of supply will be filled with plenty and; and with new wine your own press vats will overflow.
The 5th verse of this chapter, which starts with "may it become a healing," really spoke to me. I have heard the verse "trust in God with all your heart..." before, but the idea of having Jehovah heal your existence is very powerful indeed. What a powerful idea: that God can heal us spiritually and physically. And as a mom I am very aware of the connection of the navel (belly button or bebo if you are Boynton fan like I), and I quickly said to Bonnie and Norma, "OOHH! The navel! What is left over from the umbilical cord after a baby is born! This must mean life!" Norma said, "I never thought about that before!" So when Norma was saying the final prayer, she said she is blessed that she doesn't just get to teach to me, but that she learns something too!
The idea of the navel is very primitive. We knew we were different than a fish, or a bird, or a snake early on. We were born from our mothers womb and connected to her by the beautiful life sustaining cord. I love finding little gems like this in scripture. Whether you believe the Bible is inspired by God, or if you believe it is just a "book," it still contains beautiful prose. Especially in Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
Do I put God first? Probably not like I should. Should I have a reverence for him? Yes. I must do my best to work on this in my journey.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Invitation - Final Copy sent to Publication
THE INVITATION
Ruth quietly drew in her new sketchpad while sitting at her desk in Mrs. Moran's class. Ruth loved to draw, especially animals, and Mrs. Moran always let her students have quiet time on Monday mornings.
A "knock, knock, knock," at the classroom door woke Ruth from her daydream. Ruth's latest drawing, a beautiful spider web, was coming together nicely. Mrs. Moran went to the door, smiled, and brought a girl into the classroom. Ruth followed the newcomer and noticed that she looked uncomfortable and kept her eyes focused at the floor. The new girl shyly introduced herself as Kara. Kara and her family were new in town. They just moved to the city from a small town in Ohio.
Ruth was very curious about Kara. At lunch, Ruth asked Kara to sit with her. Kara sat down, but spent the entire lunchtime eating and only looking at the food in front of her. Ruth also noticed that the other children made fun of "the new girl" and called her names and talked behind her back. It hurt Ruth that her classmates acted this way.
That afternoon, Ruth was talking to her Grammy about her day. Ruth mentioned Kara and that she had hoped things had gone better. Grammy suggested that they pray and ask for God's presence and peace. After praying, Grammy reminded Ruth of scripture in the Bible dealing with friendship and the power of sharing the good news with others.
As Ruth was leaving Grammy's house, it finally came to her, "I can make Kara an invitation to come to church with her family on Sunday!"
That evening after homework, Ruth made a beautiful invitation to worship at her church. Ruth had drawn a lovely picture. In the middle the invitation said:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY at 10am.
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
387 MAIN STREET
YOUR NEW FRIEND, RUTH
The following morning, Ruth smiled and gave Kara the card. She thought Kara would stay silent, but then she said, "What a beautiful card. Did you draw this?" "Yes, " Ruth answered, "I love Jesus, I love to draw, and I love my church. Do you think you might like to come?" "I'll have to ask my parents, but I really hope they say, yes!" exclaimed Kara.
Ruth was so glad she had turned to God for help, because she had made a new friend: Kara.
Ruth quietly drew in her new sketchpad while sitting at her desk in Mrs. Moran's class. Ruth loved to draw, especially animals, and Mrs. Moran always let her students have quiet time on Monday mornings.
A "knock, knock, knock," at the classroom door woke Ruth from her daydream. Ruth's latest drawing, a beautiful spider web, was coming together nicely. Mrs. Moran went to the door, smiled, and brought a girl into the classroom. Ruth followed the newcomer and noticed that she looked uncomfortable and kept her eyes focused at the floor. The new girl shyly introduced herself as Kara. Kara and her family were new in town. They just moved to the city from a small town in Ohio.
Ruth was very curious about Kara. At lunch, Ruth asked Kara to sit with her. Kara sat down, but spent the entire lunchtime eating and only looking at the food in front of her. Ruth also noticed that the other children made fun of "the new girl" and called her names and talked behind her back. It hurt Ruth that her classmates acted this way.
That afternoon, Ruth was talking to her Grammy about her day. Ruth mentioned Kara and that she had hoped things had gone better. Grammy suggested that they pray and ask for God's presence and peace. After praying, Grammy reminded Ruth of scripture in the Bible dealing with friendship and the power of sharing the good news with others.
As Ruth was leaving Grammy's house, it finally came to her, "I can make Kara an invitation to come to church with her family on Sunday!"
That evening after homework, Ruth made a beautiful invitation to worship at her church. Ruth had drawn a lovely picture. In the middle the invitation said:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY at 10am.
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
387 MAIN STREET
YOUR NEW FRIEND, RUTH
The following morning, Ruth smiled and gave Kara the card. She thought Kara would stay silent, but then she said, "What a beautiful card. Did you draw this?" "Yes, " Ruth answered, "I love Jesus, I love to draw, and I love my church. Do you think you might like to come?" "I'll have to ask my parents, but I really hope they say, yes!" exclaimed Kara.
Ruth was so glad she had turned to God for help, because she had made a new friend: Kara.
The Green-Eyed Monster - version 1.0
The following is for a Christian publication read by 8-12 year olds. The topic is: Jealousy.
The Green-Eyed Monster
Jessica slammed her bedroom door, dropped her backpack and books on the floor, and threw herself upon her bed. As the bed bounced back, Jessica felt the salty tears streaming down. She took a deep breath and wiped her face, but it was too late. Her mascara left her looking like a raccoon and her feeble attempts at calming herself were interrupted by short, staccato breathing.
The thing she didn’t understand was: where had her popularity plan gone wrong?
Jessica had friends, but was not considered popular by her peers. In her struggle to fit in she had concocted a plan that was seamless, or so she thought. She would transform herself into one of the popular crowd.
First, she would change her looks. Jessica read a ton of magazines and watched make-over shows on TV. All the popular girls had great, designer clothing, perfect hair and no glasses. Jessica wanted to have the same. After hours of pleading, her mom finally gave into the idea. The new clothing was pretty but very uncomfortable, and the contacts only made her eyes itch. The biggest issue was that she didn’t feel like herself. Not letting it bother her, Jessica moved to the next phase: join a club, or two.
The popular crowd of girls weren’t part of just any club, they were members of Cheerleading or SADD or Student Government. Jessica was already a member of the Drama Club, Fermatas (the show choir) and the Bible Club, but none of those worked for her popularity plan.
Elections for Student Government had already taken place and SADD wasn’t accepting new members, so when basketball cheerleading tryouts were announced Jessica was one of the first to sign her name to the list. She practiced her cheer routine again and again, but her inability to do a back-bend nor the splits was only the beginning of her disastrous audition.
Jessica was not very coordinated, nor was she a skinny stick like the other girls, so she looked quite ridiculous during her pom pom routine. Granted she thought she did a mean set of choreography to “Operator” by The Manhattan Transfer, but Jessica clearly proved she did not fit the needs of the squad.
Her last hope was to attend a party thrown by a popular person. Jessica immediately thought of Valerie. The two had gone to school with each other since Kindergarten. By 5th grade Valerie had found a new set of friends and left Jessica to fend for herself during recess and after school. Valerie had a party all the time, or so it seemed. So Jessica figured that their old friendship might bring an invite to her next bash, which was this Saturday.
After school Jessica approached Valerie at her locker. Unfortunately Valerie was with her new, popular group of friends.
“Hey Val,” Jessica stated.
“Hi Jess,” answered Valerie accompanied by snickers from her friends.
“I heard you are having a party tomorrow, and I was hoping I could come and bring my mom's 7-layer chili dip!” Jessica knew it sounded pathetic, inviting herself and all, but it was the best she could do under the circumstances.
“Umm..” started Valerie. She turned around to her other friends and they whispered with each other. It made Jessica extremely uncomfortable.
“Umm,” began Valeria again, “I think the party is all set with food.”
“Oh,” said Jessica flatly.
“Sorry, Jess...guess I’ll see ya around,” called Valerie as she walked away. Her comment was joined by a few nasty comments from the group of girls. “Yeah, see ya Bible girl.” “Don't have too much fun at home with your mom and the chili dip, four eyes!”
Jessica ran the entire way home. She was completely hurt and humiliated. How could she be so stupid as to think that she could change how people saw her? Why couldn’t she be more popular!
Just then her door quietly opened. “May I come in?” her mother asked.
“I guess so,” Jessica sadly replied.
“I couldn't help but hear your rather dramatic entrance earlier. Would you like to talk about it?”
“Nah, I don't think you'd understand,” Jessica said.
“Try me,” her mother challenged.
So Jessica explained to her mother about her popularity plan, and her many pathetic attempts at trying to become someone else.
“Well, it seems to me that you have a case of the green-eyed monster,”
“What is that, some weird eye infection?”
“No, Jess, the green-eyed monster is another term for jealousy. When you are envious of something someone else has, you are green with envy!”
“Oh mom, you are so old-fashioned!” exclaimed Jessica.
“I might be old-fashioned, my dear, but jealousy is nothing new. In fact, the Bible has scripture on the subject. The tenth commandment given to Moses tells us not to covet or desire what others have. And in Philippians, Paul wrote that we should be content with who we are and what we have.”
“Oh mom,” Jessica sighed, “didn't you ever just want to fit in?”
“Of course I did. Everyone wants to feel included. But people should be your friend because of who you are, not what you have or what you look like. And you have friends at school that accept you for who you are. That matters a lot more than being popular.”
“I know, mom, it’s just..” Jessica began.
“Jess,” her mom interrupted and she pulled her daughter close. “Jesus wasn’t popular, but that didn’t stop him from preaching the gospel. Being a Christian might not be popular, but it is who we are. God can see this in your heart.”
Jessica took her Bible from her nightstand and turned to Philippians.
“Thanks mom, I think I have some reading to do,” Jessica said.
The Green-Eyed Monster
Jessica slammed her bedroom door, dropped her backpack and books on the floor, and threw herself upon her bed. As the bed bounced back, Jessica felt the salty tears streaming down. She took a deep breath and wiped her face, but it was too late. Her mascara left her looking like a raccoon and her feeble attempts at calming herself were interrupted by short, staccato breathing.
The thing she didn’t understand was: where had her popularity plan gone wrong?
Jessica had friends, but was not considered popular by her peers. In her struggle to fit in she had concocted a plan that was seamless, or so she thought. She would transform herself into one of the popular crowd.
First, she would change her looks. Jessica read a ton of magazines and watched make-over shows on TV. All the popular girls had great, designer clothing, perfect hair and no glasses. Jessica wanted to have the same. After hours of pleading, her mom finally gave into the idea. The new clothing was pretty but very uncomfortable, and the contacts only made her eyes itch. The biggest issue was that she didn’t feel like herself. Not letting it bother her, Jessica moved to the next phase: join a club, or two.
The popular crowd of girls weren’t part of just any club, they were members of Cheerleading or SADD or Student Government. Jessica was already a member of the Drama Club, Fermatas (the show choir) and the Bible Club, but none of those worked for her popularity plan.
Elections for Student Government had already taken place and SADD wasn’t accepting new members, so when basketball cheerleading tryouts were announced Jessica was one of the first to sign her name to the list. She practiced her cheer routine again and again, but her inability to do a back-bend nor the splits was only the beginning of her disastrous audition.
Jessica was not very coordinated, nor was she a skinny stick like the other girls, so she looked quite ridiculous during her pom pom routine. Granted she thought she did a mean set of choreography to “Operator” by The Manhattan Transfer, but Jessica clearly proved she did not fit the needs of the squad.
Her last hope was to attend a party thrown by a popular person. Jessica immediately thought of Valerie. The two had gone to school with each other since Kindergarten. By 5th grade Valerie had found a new set of friends and left Jessica to fend for herself during recess and after school. Valerie had a party all the time, or so it seemed. So Jessica figured that their old friendship might bring an invite to her next bash, which was this Saturday.
After school Jessica approached Valerie at her locker. Unfortunately Valerie was with her new, popular group of friends.
“Hey Val,” Jessica stated.
“Hi Jess,” answered Valerie accompanied by snickers from her friends.
“I heard you are having a party tomorrow, and I was hoping I could come and bring my mom's 7-layer chili dip!” Jessica knew it sounded pathetic, inviting herself and all, but it was the best she could do under the circumstances.
“Umm..” started Valerie. She turned around to her other friends and they whispered with each other. It made Jessica extremely uncomfortable.
“Umm,” began Valeria again, “I think the party is all set with food.”
“Oh,” said Jessica flatly.
“Sorry, Jess...guess I’ll see ya around,” called Valerie as she walked away. Her comment was joined by a few nasty comments from the group of girls. “Yeah, see ya Bible girl.” “Don't have too much fun at home with your mom and the chili dip, four eyes!”
Jessica ran the entire way home. She was completely hurt and humiliated. How could she be so stupid as to think that she could change how people saw her? Why couldn’t she be more popular!
Just then her door quietly opened. “May I come in?” her mother asked.
“I guess so,” Jessica sadly replied.
“I couldn't help but hear your rather dramatic entrance earlier. Would you like to talk about it?”
“Nah, I don't think you'd understand,” Jessica said.
“Try me,” her mother challenged.
So Jessica explained to her mother about her popularity plan, and her many pathetic attempts at trying to become someone else.
“Well, it seems to me that you have a case of the green-eyed monster,”
“What is that, some weird eye infection?”
“No, Jess, the green-eyed monster is another term for jealousy. When you are envious of something someone else has, you are green with envy!”
“Oh mom, you are so old-fashioned!” exclaimed Jessica.
“I might be old-fashioned, my dear, but jealousy is nothing new. In fact, the Bible has scripture on the subject. The tenth commandment given to Moses tells us not to covet or desire what others have. And in Philippians, Paul wrote that we should be content with who we are and what we have.”
“Oh mom,” Jessica sighed, “didn't you ever just want to fit in?”
“Of course I did. Everyone wants to feel included. But people should be your friend because of who you are, not what you have or what you look like. And you have friends at school that accept you for who you are. That matters a lot more than being popular.”
“I know, mom, it’s just..” Jessica began.
“Jess,” her mom interrupted and she pulled her daughter close. “Jesus wasn’t popular, but that didn’t stop him from preaching the gospel. Being a Christian might not be popular, but it is who we are. God can see this in your heart.”
Jessica took her Bible from her nightstand and turned to Philippians.
“Thanks mom, I think I have some reading to do,” Jessica said.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Anne Frank
I have been deeply moved by Anne Frank this week. I picked up a new release called, "Anne Frank - her life in words and pictures." Of course, since I was at the library, I decided to also get a copy of her diary. Here is my favorite quote from Anne, from Wednesday 23rd, February 1944:
"Riches can all be lost, but that happiness in your own heart can only be veiled, and it will still bring you happiness again, as long as you live. As long as you can look fearlessly up into the heavens, as long as you know that you are pure within, and that you will still find happiness."
Anne Frank also wrote essays and short stories. I have added a book of this collection to my Amazon wish list.
"Riches can all be lost, but that happiness in your own heart can only be veiled, and it will still bring you happiness again, as long as you live. As long as you can look fearlessly up into the heavens, as long as you know that you are pure within, and that you will still find happiness."
Anne Frank also wrote essays and short stories. I have added a book of this collection to my Amazon wish list.
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