Because Joseph Was a Righteous Man...

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:19 (NIV)

A new twist for marriages, Christian marriages that is, lies most delicately within the cleft of this truth. Imagine your marriage was plagued with the trappings of today: adultery, selfishness, denial, envy, strife…you get the idea. Now, in light of these problematic circumstances you realize you just cannot hold up under the pressure and decide to divorce.

Sad but true is this reality within our churches today. Our stats according to nearly every statistician reveal that the church is hanging in there not in perseverance instead with the world. Our rate of adultery, divorce, alcoholism, drug addiction, and downright pride and selfish ambition are unbelievable. Now, please know that I am not pointing fingers I have done my share of sinning and putting on my plastic face but I am truly astonished on how people who once loved one another are now lining the pews with all that is bad within them. Even in divorce the members of a church can be seen as vindictive and offensive as the lost. We seek justice in any form we can get and bring down the gavel at every moment possble. When looking into situation this way I see justification for our hurt not justice for the wrong doing.

I am not writing this to condemn anyone or reveal anything you do not already know but to shine the light on how this verse spoke to me….Because Joseph was a righteous man…he had in mind to divorce her quietly. This absolutely blew my mind! He knew the ramifications of her presumed “actions” and that it would end in her death by stoning. Most of us know by now that they, Mary and Joseph, were betrothed (engaged) and it would require a divorce to sever the relationship. We know that even at this point it was allowable to divorce in the event of adultery or sexual immorality; furthermore, if what Joseph initially assumed was true then he could divorce her legally. The problem with that is that there are few divorces that are quietly executed. I have not seen one in my lifetime; someone usually goes down in flames but both lose, all involved lose - when it is not done quietly.

But because Joseph was a righteous man he set out to divorce her quietly. Because Joseph was righteous he acted with intent. Now I don’t know about you but most divorces are not executed with the righteousness of the “other” person in mind. Most actions in a divorce are driven in response to what another person did or did not do; therefore, I can conclude that it is reasonable to respond to the actions of the other party. But is this really what Jesus intends for us to do?

I found the answer to that question nestled in Matthew 1:19. This is the truth behind an acronym for a delicious dessert the Lord gave me in the summer of 2003, FUDGE. Forgiveness Under Divine Guidance Everyday. Wow!! The delicate truth that was found in the cleft of this rock is very telling of what our “nature” as a believer, a righteous child of God should be. Living holy because HE is holy is best exposed when one is at their most vulnerable moment. We all have selfish moments, thoughts, and actions but when the rubber truly hits the proverbial road your character is unveiled. (sweet or bitter and sometimes with nuts!)

Jesus tells us to love our enemies because being kind to those who are kind to us is even done by unbelievers. What about being the most loving to those who hurt us or let us down? We place people on pedestals and are shocked when they fall or fail. Then our shock is what truthfully drives our response not the action of the person. I do not say that to relieve responsibility on the part of an offender but it is up to us how we respond to others. Joseph was in shock no doubt. He could have lashed out very easily. He could have run to her father and revealed her indiscretion but instead he measured HIS OWN righteousness and responded from that foundation.

If we have ever wondered what we could learn from Joseph or why he was specifically chosen to rear Jesus, then we now know. His faith was lived. His heart was exposed at one of the most vulnerable moments in history, yet he was discreet and humble even in his disappointment. Many men have been weighed, measured, and left wanting but Joseph shows us how picturesque the high road truly is.

I have a new respect for Joseph and a little more realizaton into the Sovereignty of our Holy Father.

Revised from Christmas 2009 and enjoy your FUDGE!
Chel

From the Manger to a Mansion

Simeon was a man that patiently awaited the birth of his Salvation.

The Lord promised he would not see eternal sleep until hs savior he would meet.

Salvation came to earth as a babe and in a manger He would lay.

None could be bothered there was no room to spare, a man placed them in his stable and gave not another care.

As word traveled to lands very far shepherds and kings would faithfully follw a star.

This star would lead them to a new born kin, one who would rise and rule everything.

How it must have been to their surprie to find this king was a carpenter's son.

How would this lowly Jew ever rule anyone?

Their faith had lead them here thus far, and it was great lengths they had traveled following that star.

The journey was long but their praise must be paid to a king who once in a manger laid.

I tell you today, be sure that you know, the trade of Jesus was no oversight. He came, He lived, He worked, He prayed to be certain He pointed toward Heavenly light. He went to prepare a place for us in Heaven above now let us rejoice as Simeon has in the one whose name fits like a glove.

Rachele Posey - November 2005 (revised 12/21/2009)

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style by Sharon Jaynes

I have this wonderful book called Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Sharon Jaynes and I wanted to share her Christmas twist on 1 Corinthians 13 with you!

Merry Christmas!!

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style

©By Sharon Jaynes



If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another decorator.

(my ornament)

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another cook.

(my pie)

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.

(my inner chef)

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

(my tree)

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

(my son)

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

(my husband)

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

(favorite fun Christmas movie)

Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

(my table)

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

(my daughter @ food bank)

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

(skeptical horse in Waco)

Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.

(one of the kids ornament gifts from last year)

Merry Christmas!!

Chel

Merry CHRISTmas Random Dozen!!

Special thanks to Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee for hosting this fabulous meme and Merry CHRISTmas to all! You can join in on the festival of fun by clicking the button above and link up for a jolly good time!!

1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?


My toes. My second toe on both feet are longer than my "big toe" and I would never wear flip flops or open toed shoes because people would always comment on my toes. Now I hope people notice my pretty little skinny feet with which the rest of my body needs to conform!

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?

Claire Huxtable. Loved her!

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?

I know a little sign language and enough spanish to really confuse those who do know it well. I would love to learn it well along with Portuguese, German, Russian, Hebrew, and especially Vietnamese so that I have full comprehension when getting toes and nails done!

4. Who is your personal hero?

Jesus Christ my Savior!

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?

Stuffing!!!!!!

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.

This little yet simple stocking represents one of the last Christmas' that I spent with my dad and my mom together.

7. How do you feel about snow?

I love it when I want it. This picture is of our most recent snow which usually does not happen until after Christmas. Since it was not as cold a it is today (20's) it became slushy and did not stick around.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.

4-6 depending on my "To-Do" list that had yet to be completed. And this time of year I get less because both kids have their birthdays (17th & 22nd) so I make multiple lists and check them all twice.

9. Tell me about your first crush.

Well, when I used to go to Gulf Skate in Corpus Christi,TX, I met this boy who I thought was sooo cute! I went to a different school in 6th grade but when I moved back to Flour Bluff I saw him there!!! I can't begin to explain my excitement!!! There he was one of the cutest boys I had ever seen!!  Oh boy did I have a huge crush on him!! Only for a short time was he actually my boyfriend yet I continued to believe he was the cutest, nicest boy around, then he moved! If you were to ask any friend of mine they would probably still be able to tell you his name. I had it bad!!

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?

I would likely write my name until I thought it looked pretty, then draw a few hearts, a horse's head, a lady's face. BUT I would erase it all before anyone saw it!

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?

The current temp and whether I feel cold or hot at the moment I am looking. I am often very hot while getting ready! lol

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?

This is a loaded question...be careful or "you'll shoot your eye out!" I did love A Christmas Story until I sat down to watch it with my kids!!! But in 2005 my sister-in-love, Joyce, brought Elf to the house and I was sold after recovering from the breath-gasping laughter!!!

So don't be a "cotton-headed ninny-muggins" and take a trip through "the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then walk through the Lincoln Tunnel," otherwise I'll call you a "South Pole Elf."  Get the movie but take heed DO NOT WATCH ON A FULL STOMACH! I DID THE FIRST TIME I SAW IT...IT WAS ALMOST BAAAAAD! (I know you are singing the MJ song now! lol, if you weren't then you are now!!!)

Lid, This is for you!!!! Thank you for the World's Best 2nd Cup of Coffee...with a Lid!!!



Come on back tomorrow where you can link up and share your randomness with the world. Or about 50 other people, usually.
 
Merry CHRISTmas to all!!
Chel

Random Dozen!!! Linking Up Some Love...lol

Our friend, mentor, and just down right lovely lady, Lid, has posed some very fun yet deep questions. (psst. I can't wait to read some of these!) Join us for some fun with Random Questions served up in a Dozen!

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?


Hmmm, if I only had a brain I could answer this question.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?

My bottom half is first because that is where I have more trouble selecting what actually fits.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?

MOskeeetoz!


4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?

Only one. I want two but that will happen some day.


5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?

Nope, nuh uh, nev-ah!


6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?

Oh sure.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?

Some.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?

Hmmm. If I were to take a shot at this I would venture to say that adjusting some parts can bring about lust, if you make a spectacle of it. Aren't we not to be stumbling blocks? Invoking lust would definitely be tossing some blocks out if you know what I mean.

With that said, there are just somethings that HAVE to be fixed lol, it all boils down to presentation.

I am fine with whatever surgery if it is for you and our spouse but when you make a point to show others, well...you know. It is like a lovely lady named Janet White said at her Feminar (http://www.macbc.org/SpecialEvents/Feminar/tabid/74/Default.aspx),

"Ladies, Wives, "those" are for YOUR husbands or your future husband's pleasure, not your neighbor's husband." love it. (quoting from Songs of course)
9. Enjoy horseback riding?

Yes. One time, when I was 15, I rode for the first time in years and had to stay home from school the next day because I could not walk. My inner thighs were screaming, "Don't - you - ever - do - THAT - again!" lol

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?

It just has to be both. I buy lots of stylish but my feet do not agree every day. My Brighton, Sarah's, fixed that problem! Cute and Comfy - Black and Brown! They cover basics and vanity, lol!!!

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.

I do not have pictures handy but my first pet that I remember was a kitty cat named Scribbles. My mom brought her home from the plant nursery, Turner's Gardenland, and she gave birth to Simon.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?

About 70%!!! Yea! I am accustomed to being done or closer to it by now. Arg, the limits of limited cash flow!

Just Put on Your SONday Best!

Boy oh boy, if there has ever been proof, I've seen it now.

You know we, meaning Christians have heard talk after talk and sermon after sermon telling us that "they" are watching. Well we know they are, they all are. Our walk is measured and our talk is weighed.

During this season, His season, let us live in a manner worthy of the calling and the Gospel of Christ. And as my precious Uncle John says, "That None Should Perish!"

We really look no different than the world, truly. Obviously we are all human but as Christians this world is not our home. Our stats, our sins are equivalent yet worse because they are stumbling blocks to Christ in the lives of others. Oh how precious it is to know my destiny but more so to know my Savior. I long to spend time with Him even if I have let Him down. I know that His rebuke is for my well being and to help me live in the manner I request. A life that pleases Him.

It blessed my  soul to read where Sandra Bullock says that she now knows there are Christians who have an authentic faith. WOW. So many have not shown the authenticity of Christ to her. I am speechless! Perhaps that what many should be including me (often), speechless. lol

Evangelism does not have to be as hard as we make it out to be. Just live and love like Christ and the rest will manifest outwardly to others.

It is so important that the "world" gets out of the Church, out of the Body. My previous Sunday School teacher likened it to the scuba diver. He is "in" the ocean but not "of" the ocean. Then I reflected on scriptures which call us to this without a doubt. In order to make it more fun allow me to apply some good old fashioned grammatical rules to our Scriptures.

If I believe in Christ then I am a new creation. Right? 2 Cor. 5:17)

If I am a new creation, my old self is gone. Right? (Ro. 6:6)

If my old self is gone then I am now created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:24)

If I live a righteous life in the holiness of God in Christ then I will clean the inside of the cup before the outside. (Matt. 23:25)

With those "if then" statements said I can only agree that others like Sandra Bullock are listening and watching therefore my actions must represent my beliefs. Now, "if" I am like that "then" the Holy Spirit can work with me.

Read this article and rejoice with me that finally Christ was represented well and it has been noticed. There are two types of judgmental people....Those who wait and watch for the Christian to fail and those who claim to be righteous while faulting the blind for not seeing. (Thank you Dr. Johnny Hunt for that quote.) How many of us not only misrepresent our beliefs with our actions but also fault the blind for not being able to see? The Holy Spirit is the only giver of "that" type of sight, not me, not us. Be an example worth following so that you can boast in Christ and not in your deeds.

Just put on your SONday best!

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=792418&sms_ss=facebook

LOS ANGELES - Actress Sandra Bullock says meeting Leigh Anne Tuohy, who she portrays in The Blind Side, showed her there really are some Christians who "walk the walk."



The film, which opened the week before Thanksgiving, presents the true story of the Tuohys -- a well-off white family in Tennessee -- who welcome a homeless black youth into their home and then adopt him as their son. That young man, Michael Oher, became an All-American selection for Ole Miss and a first-round draft pick. He now plays for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.

Bullock says thanks to the Tuohys, who attend Grace Evangelical Church in Memphis, she now has "faith in those who say they represent a faith." Getting to know Leigh Anne Tuohy, says the actress, showed her that religious faith can be authentic. "She was so open and honest and forthright," Bullock shares, "and I said, wow, I finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach."

Tuohy isn't like some hypocritical church-goers she's known, adds Bullock. "The beauty of Leigh Anne was one of my biggest questions was how people use their faith and their religion as a banner," she says. "And then they don't do the right thing, but they go 'I'm a good Christian and I go to church and this is the way you should live your life.'"

Bullock admits she was wary of Christians before she met the Tuohys. "Whereas...before I was like, do not give me a lecture on how to live my life when I know I'm a pretty decent human being," says the actress. "I might not go to church everyday, but I know I do the right thing or try to. You're going to church and you're still sleeping around on your wife...how are you better than I am? So I finally met people who walk the walk."

Leigh Anne Tuohy says she hopes The Blind Side inspires more people to help others. "You don't have to go out and bring a child into your home -- that's not what's required," says Tuohy. "But you can do something -- everybody is capable of doing something. So whatever your something is, do it well. Make a difference."

Oher's mom says she enforces a behavior code when she watches her adopted son play for the Baltimore Ravens. "I had to have a little 'come to Jesus' talk with my section at [the] Ravens' stadium," she says. "I had to explain to everyone that, okay, we're going to have a change of attitude. There is a two-drink limit, there is no cussing in this [section]. You don't know who you're sitting next to -- I'm a player's mom."

The Blind Side has earned more than $100 million dollars at the box office so far.
Read 'The Blind Side' should trouble as well as inspire
(Commentary by Star Parker)

WOW! See they could have tried to impress Sandra with how wonderful and good they are but instead the Holy Spirit was allowed to make HIS impression. Oh, I know we will not live perfect lives but please Lord enable us to live surrendered lives in our SONday best! (everyday)

Chel