Sin in Coupon and Frugal Grocery Shopping

Each of us struggles with different sin.  Mine has changed at the different stages of life.  Teenage years and early 20s it was…. well that would be TMI.  Mid 20s to mid 30s it was materialism and pride in my career.

When I left my career, I hit homemaking with the same fervor I had other parts of my life.  When I go for something, I’m one of those people who give it my all.  Dave gave me a grocery challenge to see if we could spend $75 a week for groceries, household and diapers.  I started doing the grocery game and became a very accomplished coupon shopper.

There is nothing sinful with using coupons.  Rather, it can be very Godly in helping manage the resources you have been given.  But like anything good, humans can pervert a good thing into a sinful thing.  I became obsessed with seeing well over 50% savings on my receipt.  So much so that I began using coupons in a sinful way.  And like any sin, I justified my sin.

For example, if a coupon said $1 off 2 items, then I’d give the checkers two of these coupons for 2 items.  Many times their scanner would take both, so I got $2 off 2 – double the amount the manufacturer intended.  And if the scanner beeped and didn’t take it, many times the checker had a long line would and would override / accept the extra coupon.

If you knowingly do that, it is sin even if the store takes it; unless of course they have a store policy that accepts using coupons like this.  I doubt any do.  What I did, on occasion, was manipulate the store’s system to save more money.  But it really isn’t saving, it is stealing.  I would justify doing this for many reasons:

• many times the checker scans the coupons so fast that she doesn’t get them all.  by giving the extra coupons, I was just gettting caught up with the ones that were not scanned
• many times I’m overcharged for an item because their system rings up higher than advertised price… my extra coupons helped me recoup some of these overcharges
• most people don’t use coupons, so my extras could be counted toward those same products purchased by others without a coupon
• I offered the coupon and they took it – all is OK…right???  It was on the up and up.

I’ve been convicted of this sin and repented.   But a couple of weeks ago, it popped up again.  I purchased marked down frozen gourmet tamales. There were several packages marked down to $5.00, which was way too much in my mind (this is where the justification starts).  There was one package where the last “0″ was barely visible, so I grabbed it knowing the checker would ring up for 50 cents.

Sure enough, I got the tamales for 50 cents.  If I had really thought they were 50 cents, there would have been no sin on my part.  However, I knew they meant for these to be $5.00 and I chose the package to benefit from a poor sharpie marker.

It was not worth it.  Afterward, when I had my quiet time with God, it came up again and again.  I knew I could not have fellowship when this was eating at my conscience.  Today I went back to the store for a few items.  I asked the checker to ring up an extra $4.50 in general merchandise.  She asked why and I told her the story.  She couldn’t believe I was so “honest.”  I looked at that woman and told her I’m not honest, I deliberately got those tamales for 50 cents knowing they were meant to be $5.00.  On the contrary, I’m a dishonest person with a bad conscience.  She smiled.

I feel much better now.  I’m so thankful it bothered me.  We all have sin and when our sin stops bothering us we’re in trouble.  If we continually sin and ignore our conscience routinely, God may turn us over to our sin.  What a terrible place to be.

I think many of us who are not perpetrating the sins our society thinks are really terrible, don’t think we’re as bad as those who murder, rape, etc.  However, sin is sin and separates us from God.  If you have Jesus, then a price has been paid.  However, even Christians may suffer for their sins in the here and now.  We should not think too highly of ourselves because our sin is “little.”  In reality, sin is sin period.  If you have any outstanding sin, repent and sin no more.  Each day is new, thank God.

“I’ll pray for you” platitude

This post is for the Christian community.  It is another one I’ll probably get negative emails / comments on, but this topic has been hitting me from various places in the last month.  So I’m writing about what’s on my mind.  I have athiests friends who read my blog (btw thanks for reading) … this post is not for you.  You’re welcome to read for entertainment, but this is really engaging my Christian friends.

Our country is facing serious challenges and people are hurting.  Our family has not had life altering changes (yes our 401K is significantly down, but that is small compared to others), but you never know what the future brings.  I have friends who are seriously hurting because of the economic downturns.  And we’re not even in a part of the country that has received the brunt of this storm.  But if you’re close to one family or experiencing this yourself, it does not matter if the whole city is falling apart because your friend’s pain/ your pain is enough to get your attention.  And I’m not talking about people who are suffering self inflicted pain from very poor decisions.  There are people who’ve tried to live it right and are suffering.

I was listening to a pastor from Detroit being interviewed.  His congregation has been hit tremendously with job layoffs.  This may not be what he said, but it is what I walked away with:  In times like these, telling a person who is losing so much “I’ll pray for you” is just a platitude.  This pastor pointed out his people needed to be ready for another family to move into their basement after losing their home.  And many of the families from his congregation are stepping up to the plate and opening their homes to other families.  This is much more meaningful than “I’ll pray for you.”  It is self sacrifice to help others.

It is easy to say “I’ll pray for you” and maybe shoot up a 5 sec prayer so you’ve done it.  But it is another thing to get inconvenienced.   I’ve become desensitized when someone says “I’ll pray for you” in passing.  It is like hearing someone walk by and say “how are you?”  Many times they really don’t want to know.  I have a couple of friends / family that say “I’ll pray for you” and I value it so much because I know it is a serious commitment on their part.   But when someone in church asks how you’re doing and you share a burden, then they respond “I’ll pray for you” – many times I take this response as: get out of the conversation quick card.

I’m guilty of this, so I’m directing this to myself as well as others who are guilty.  I have have many Christian friends who are much further along providing tangible responses in addition to prayer… they are truly living a life of example.   What I’ve done is try to start responding in more of a practical way.  For example, yesterday I met a lovely woman at church who was hurting, so I invited her to our house for lunch after church.  I enjoyed my time with her and hope it brightened her day.  I will pray for her, but tried to offer friendship rather than “the phrase”.

Even though I’m not a fan of using this phrase casually, I will continue to use it in certain circumstances.  For example, last week I told others “I’ll pray for you.”  It was a response to a specific prayer request.  If someone asks others to pray for a concern, then this response is appropriate.    I will also say this to my close circle of friends / family.   And I always want to be open to the Holy Spirit guiding my words, because this may be just what someone needs to hear.  But when I do, I need to take this seriously rather than using it to move on to the next conversation.

Being Joyful in an Uncertain Time

I’m pretty open about my view of the future.  The world is changing at breakneck speed.   This video is another example of how the world we know it may not exist  in the not so distant future.  Many of the changes in our world are wonderful and we benefit from these enormously.  However, the potential for craziness and sudden destruction is also amplified.

When I’ve posted about Celente or other grim news, I get comments and emails from other moms who are seeing the same thing.  The problem is we hear so much about the problem and less about how to adjust to this changing world.

I watch current events and try to prepare to the extent I’m able.   I’m finding these two activities are adding to my life, not adding more fear.  Some would think a focus on these things would take away from day to day life, but for me it is not the case.

Rather, there has been joy.  The more I look at current events, the closer I see Jesus’ return.  We do not know the exact time, but we do know the season.  It appears to me that we are in that season.  What an exciting time to be alive.

I’m not saying I’m never down because I still do have days of fear.  But I’m also learning joy like I’ve never known.   I listen to guys like Glenn Beck and don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  That is more reason to enjoy today.

I’m finding joy in things I didn’t notice before.  When I go into the grocery stores and see the shelves stocked, I thank God.  Before Ike, I just took it for granted.  When I can sleep at night without fear, I’m thankful we live in a place where crime is not rampant.  I’m thankful I have a sewer system that works and clean water.  I’m really thankful for our doctors and medical care.  This may seem trite, but the growing uncertainty of tomorrow is causing me to rethink today.

I’m thankful we have income.  At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. We’ve had such wealth in this country that many of our poor are rich by world standards.   The thought of seeing massive poverty is a new idea for many of us.  I believe we will have less wealth in the future.  But maybe this will strengthen our values and change our priorities.  Mine are certainly being tweaked.

I’m trying to laugh and play more with my kiddos.  The other day I played with Shea on the trampoline instead of wiping the countertops one more time.   Or sit down with the girls and read a book together.

And most importantly, I’m also finding joy in being able to worship God and have a Bible.  I recently heard if you’re caught with a Bible in North Korea that three generations in your family is executed.   Christians all around the world are facing terrible persecution.   I’m so thankful I can freely share the Gospel with my children.

There is joy in today.  I am trying to get ready for tomorrow without missing the moment now.

One more thing… here are a couple podcasts that are on point with my thoughts today that you might find helpful.

Familylife broadcast: “In uncertain times, we need to focus on that which is certain – the Word of God. Dennis Rainey helps us find certainty in uncertain times and faith in time of fear, as he offers practical tips for preparing your home to withstand the current economic and cultural storm.”

Olive Tree  Ministries May 23 2nd hour broadcast: Jerry Robinson is Jan’s guest. He is a World Net Daily columnist and author of the new book, “Bankruptcy of our Nation: 12 Key Strategies for Protecting Your Finances in these Uncertain Times.” Robinson says we are entering the most grave period of financial instability in history. He explains the real reason for the bailouts, why the dollar is doomed and what that means, the forthcoming hyper-inflationary period and how that compares to the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, and much more. Jan and Jerry also go over the 12 key strategies for your protection.

There’s also an excellent women’s Bible study in Houston teaching on this subject.  You can call the church and get CDs at little or no cost. Lois McCall is teaching “God’s Wisdom for Today’s Woman.”  I went to the first class today and it was excellent.  She showed the video at the top of this blog.

A Christian Woman in Today’s Culture – Part 6

I’m writing a series of being a Christian woman in today’s culture.  Please see part 1 for my disclosure.

In part 6 I promised to address the woman working but her husband asks she stay home.

What if she does not want to stay home, but her husband wants her home? If she is working against her husband’s wishes, she should really examine why she is working. Is it because she wants stuff? Is it because she doesn’t trust her husband and thinks she must stand on her own two feet? Is it because they are in debt? If there is no real reason for her to work and her husband asks that she stay home, working is probably a sin for this woman.

God put a woman under her husband and she must submit to his authority voluntarily. Many young women are afraid of being dependent on a man because they see so many marriages with sad endings. Staying home is risky because you cannot just jump into the workforce after being home and be back at the same level as others who have stayed in a career. Following God is risky in a worldly sense. But as a Christian woman, she must determine if her God is big enough to catch her if she falls after being obedient. Being obedient to God does not guarantee a worldly happy ending, but it does mean you’ll get “well done my faithful servant” in the end. Which is more important?

Many Christian women don’t trust God enough because the consequences appear to be too grave.  The Bible is full of faith examples.  People who followed God when it appeared very risky.  And sometimes they suffered.  Reading Hebrews is enough to shake up anyone!  But it is easy to read these stories and applaud their faith, but then when it comes to “me”, “my” situation is different and “I” have to keep control of the reigns.

Many Christian women trust God enough for a good parking spot at the grocery store or might pray there will be no traffic she we can make an appointment. However, on the big stuff women like to keep control.   I am one of these women.

However, God calls women to be obedient to His word even when it goes against what our culture has taught. In James 2, the Bible says: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” …. “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.” … “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” This is tough stuff, but our Creator LOVES obedience. Who are we to please? Humans are eternal beings with one chance on earth.

Why not risk it all and be obedient. We could really suffer for this decision, but God tells us to expect hard times.  Husbands are not perfect and sometimes let down the family.  But in the end we are following God.  We may look back as an old woman and be so glad we followed God as we see in hindsight the blessings of obedience.

I’m not writing on the risky side of this decision to scare anyone.  Many husbands are wonderful and faithful for a lifetime.  But to the woman afraid to stay home, she is not concerned about faithfulness.  Rather she is afraid of the vulnerability of men and the craziness of the world.  Many preach blessings, blessings, blessings if we do such and such.  But I don’t think that is realistic.  The blessings may not be now.  They WILL arrive, but maybe not like we think.  The important thing is to do the Lord’s will regardless.

Next time:  Woman working/wants to stay home/husband not supportive

Mary or Martha? in the church

I’ve had an email discussion with a friend about the need for more “Marys” in the church.  It got me thinking.  I always get defensive in a discussion about these two women.

I’m a Martha.  So I must defend her.  I think she gets a bad rap.  Granted she was wrong when she got on to Mary, but she was doing something right maybe.  This is not biblical, just my musings.  Martha’s house was probably in order and her pantry was stocked.  Mary probably had a sink full of dirty dishes and laundry on the sofa.  Granted Jesus could have miraculously changed any of this, but He didn’t.  He went to a “Martha’s” house.  Martha fell short when she could have spent more time with Jesus.  So maybe we don’t need all Marys.  Maybe some of the Marys need to get to work and the Marthas need to spend more quiet time.  I’d probably lose a biblical debate on this one!

Martha would be the one giving the coupon class, organizing the spag lunch, BrownBags, etc.  Mary would be the one showing up who forgot to bring the veggie platter she signed up for.  Martha would worry about it during the service, and Mary would sing with her hands in the air.

I think there need to be more Martha and Marys.  We really don’t have many of either when you think about it.  Martha was not creating programming, but made her home available for hospitality.  I think the Marthas in the church need to be redeployed in a new way…but how?  And where are the true Marys… I don’t see many.

I’m anti church programming.  I think the church has replaced community with programming.  However, I’m not fully complete on my thoughts on this subject.  Some are going for the family integrated church with no separations.  Others are getting out of buildings and just meeting in houses and restaurants.  I’m not sure either of these are the right answer.

The Martha in me has a really hard time without concretes.  How does a pastor in American lead a congregation to relationships and community?  It is really hard, which is why we have programs.  It is much easier to set up a program than work on relationships.  Or are these two mutually exclusive.  I think in many cases they have become so.

We think if we put Christians in the church box more often, they become closer to Christ.  The mega churches are now admitting it is not working for them.  The key is fellowship and helping to build each other in Christ.  However, some of this does require organized church activity.  The American church is being changed and will look very different in 20 years.

Our numbers are dropping, so something must change.  I think Christian persecution and the economy will  lead to a stronger church.  I’m looking forward to see what God is doing…. especially with the Marthas.

A Christian Woman in Today’s Culture – part 5

I’m writing a series of being a Christian woman in today’s culture.  Please see part 1 for my disclosure.

In part 5, I said I’d start writing about “if a woman marries.”  I started putting it together and had to stop, because I wasn’t doing a very good job at being a wife earlier this week.  I had to get my heart right before I could continue.  As wives, we have ups and downs.  If any woman looks like the perfect wife, don’t believe it… we all fall short.  But I am thankful for a committed husband and we each need “fresh starts.”  Imperfect people marry imperfect people, then we expect perfection.  To negatives don’t make a positive in this situation… we need God.

If a woman marries
God likes marriage and uses Godly wives to bless the world.  Proverbs 18:21:  “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”  Proverbs 19:14:  “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

A woman should be a blessing to her husband and it is her choice.  She can also choose be a curse.  Proverbs 21:19:  “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.”

When a woman marries, she needs other Godly women in her life teaching her how to be a Godly wife…the blessing mentioned in Proverbs.  Proverbs 23:12:  “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”  She needs to learn the importance of the home, even if she has a career outside the home.  And the home should always come first, even before she has children.  It should be a haven for her husband.  This does not mean she becomes his new “mother”.  Society has gone so far in that things should be equal that many women have not become homemakers.

Proverbs 24:3-4  “By wisdom a house if built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”  Young women need to learn how to be wives, even in the details.  We need to teach girls how to be good home economists.  Young women need to learn how to shop for household items and prepare meals.  Girls need to be taught how to keep the home organized and clean.  They need to learn the art of hospitality.  Instead they are taught how to be breadwinners so they can hire maids, send clothes to dry cleaning and get take out for dinner.  Instead of having friends over, they meet at restaurants and charge meals on the credit card.  Few young wives are prepared to host a dinner party in their home with a short budget and items made from scratch, especially on short notice.

Many wives in today’s culture are also not prepared to make a home a haven on a small budget.  Instead, many have started their marriage with elaborate weddings and received lavish wedding gifts.  They are on a roll.  The next step is to head to Ethan Allen for a house full of new furniture which is purchased with credit.  Chances are they also have car payments and student loans.  There is no way this woman can stay home and chances are it has not seriously crossed her mind.

Instead, these young women need to be taught the value of living on less.  Our culture bombards them with the opposite message.  The advertising they receive is incredible.  Our churches and communities are not speaking up in a loud enough voice to overcome the worldly consumerism message.  In fact, most leaders in churches have fallen into this trap also so it is hard to preach on this subject.  Many of these leaders are throwing the lavish weddings for their daughters with loans against their 401k!

It is possible to make a home beautiful without lavish decorations.  The first step is to keep a home organized and clean.  When we sold our home, the realtor told us that most homes are filthy and cluttered inside.  The realtor told us a clean home is a huge plus to potential buyers because most are nasty.  What a sad way to live.  That is why all the home make over and organization shows are so popular.  People are looking for a way to change but are overwhelmed with the task.  Keeping up a home is work and doesn’t happen without a steady hand.  A woman cannot keep a home if she is not at home.

If a wife without children decides to stay at home, our world is shocked.  She will get comments:  What do you do all day?  Our culture does not value this job.  However, if a couple decides they will live on one income so that the wife can be a homemaker, it is a noble calling.  She can save money by cooking at home and taking care of other home issues rather than outsourcing to services.  She can be the ambassador for the family and serve in ministries.  Although her husband may not be serving with her, he is serving by working so she has time to devote to ministry.  She can spend more time praying for her husband and their future.  She has time to make her home open for hospitality.  And she can invest in relationships with other older women who can teach her the art of being a wife.

Next time:  A woman working but Husband asks that she stay home

A Christian’s Woman in Today’s Culture – part 4

I’m writing a series about being a Christian Woman in Today’s Culture.  Please see part 1 for my disclosure if you’re new to my blog.

Today I’m focusing on those women called to be Single.

The Bible speaks much about the role of a wife and mother, but speaks little directly about the adult single woman.  Therefore, I conclude that God intends for most women to be married.  However, in 1 Corinthians He does address being single “because of the present crisis”.  There was tremendous persecution and Paul advised that if people wanted to remain single for the purpose of serving God, possibly being a martyr, then it was good.

The Bible does not command a woman to marry and she is free to choose a single life.  However, this must be a choice to allow her a life of Kingdom service.  If her motive is to remain free to pursue her pleasure, she will be out of the will of God.  See Matthew 19:10 – … where Jesus was discussing divorce with the religious leaders.  Basically, if you divorce and remarry, except for marital unfaithfulness, you commit adultery.   The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”  Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.  For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.  The one who can accept this should accept it.”

If a woman remains single, then she has an obligation to devote herself to the Lord in body and spirit “because of the kingdom of heaven.”  How does she do this in today’s world?  1 Corinthians 7:  “An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs:  Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.  But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world – how she can please her husband.  I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the lord.”

So what does it mean to be devoted in body and spirit in today’s culture?
Body.  She is to remain pure sexually.  That is simple.  She is also to treat her body with respect regarding food, alcohol, exercise, etc.  She needs to keep her body healthy so she can serve as needed.

Spirit.  A single woman has more time for prayer, study, and fasting, all-out devotion.  She does not have the same distractions as those of a wife and mother.  She can use this to focus on knowing and worshipping God.

Our culture tells young women the time of being single is to have all the fun she can because once she is married it is all over.  This goes against scripture.  We need to start teaching young women that the time of being single is a resource they have been given by God and one day they will stand in account for how they managed this time, just like any other resource they are given.

So if a woman has a desire to be married, she should pursue this path if she has a Godly man to marry.  If she has a desire to be single, then her life should be devoted to God.  Being single is a treasure she has to offer God and must be managed for His glory.

If a woman marries next time….

A Christian Woman in Today’s Culture – part 3

I’m writing a series about being a Christian Woman in Today’s Culture.  Please see part 1 for my disclosure if you’re new to my blog.

What about the Single woman desiring marriage?
There are some women who do seek marriage early and still do not find a Godly man.  We need to pray for the young women in our lives that God will raise up Godly men for husbands.  These are tough times on marriage.

So what does a single woman do who has a desire to be married? It is better that a woman remain single than settle for an ungodly man.  We  should not confuse ungodly with imperfect.  We are all imperfect, but should not be unequally yolked.

A woman can give her gift of singleness to God and God will honor her.  She should not spend her life depressed because that does not honor God and wastes her energy.  Rather she should lift up her head and live a noble life of service.

She should pray and ask God if this is a God given desire or if she is being called to a single life.  She probably has this desire from God, but may not have positioned herself to be available as a wife for those Godly men seeking such woman.  If so, she should look at her life and see if she is with Godly men.  If not, chances are she will not find one.  There are many single groups in churches.  However, she should not assume these are Godly men.  She should get involved in ministries she loves that also involve people of diverse ages and gender.  People notice a woman of noble character and love to match make.  She should let spiritually mature people know of her desire and ask them to pray.

If she is a woman that has waited until she has a higher education, career and 401k, she may have a more difficult time finding a spouse.  The pool of men has shrunk for this woman.  She may not be attracted to men with less education or career drive.  And some men may see her as a meal ticket because they have no desire to be the primary breadwinner.  Many of the Godly men pursued marriage earlier and are already married.  Also, many of the single men 1 to 10 years older than her are divorced with children.  This woman will most likely have a hard time finding a Godly mature man with an education equal or greater than hers who is also seeking a wife.

So maybe we should teach our young girls that it is possible that God may call them to marriage at a younger age.  We have focused so much on the risks of young marriage that we overlook the benefits.  For a young woman, the pool of men is larger.  There are a few males becoming men at a young age and desiring to have a wife.  If a woman meets this type man, she should pray and seek guidance from the authority in her life.

Those called to be Single – next time!

A Christian Woman in Today’s Culture – Part 2

Last week I started writing about being a Christian Woman in today’s culture.  Please see that post for my disclaimer…

Today’s topic is “marriage”.

Assuming a woman has salvation, her next biggest decision in our day is marriage.  In Bible times, it was assumed a woman would be married so they didn’t face this major life choice.  In our culture, women have the option.

If and When to Marry.
Marriage in our country is under attack.  God does not call all women to marriage.  Some are given the gift of singleness.  However, most will be called to marriage and motherhood but many will not hear this calling because our culture is screaming a different life path.

When you look to the Bible for examples of Godly women, most were married or to be married:  Eve, Sarah, Leah, Ruth, Mary, others.  Our first example, Eve, was designed to be Adam’s helpmate.  The first woman was put on this earth to be a wife and mother.  In the Bible, God honors these women who embraced this calling.

In history, we have lovely examples of women who embraced being single for service.  You can do so much in the Kingdom as a single person.  However, most women remain single for other reasons.  I think there are two main reasons women (who are not called to be single) remain single.  First, girls are trained to get their lives in order before they pursue marriage as a young woman.  More on this below.  The other reason is the lack of Godly men in our culture.

This world does not assume that most women’s calling will be a wife.  If you ask little girls what they want to be when they grow up, few will say a wife and mommy or answer they will want to be what God calls them to be.  When my oldest daughter was in public school kindergarten, the teacher asked each child in the circle what they wanted to be when they grow up.  My daughter responded she wanted to be what God called her to be.  The teacher grimaced and told the class, “Kids, you can be whatever you want to be.”  My daughter was rebuked for this answer.  That was our last year of public school.

We train them that this is a secondary calling.  If a woman with a bright future desires to get married at 20 people are shocked and disappointed.  So most women with a promising future wait until they have their primary calling in place: a degree, career and 401k.  This woman doesn’t consider marriage until her mid to late 20s at the earliest.

Many women are not mature enough to be married at a young age.  This is because they have not had training from older women on what it means to be a real woman. Being a Godly woman does not equate to getting married or getting married younger.  However, society tells us a real woman waits until she has become independent.  Nowhere in the Bible does it teach that a Godly woman is to independent.  It teaches that a Godly woman is to be strong and follow God’s role for her life.

Godly girls in today’s culture need to mature earlier.  Not in a worldly way but in a Godly way.  They need to be trained on the value of taking responsibility and serving others in this “all about me” world.  They waste their early years in womanhood chasing a path that is about enjoying youth and preparing for a career.  The precious time of youth should used as a gift to God, not the last chance to live it up.  Many learn this after it is too late.  Some never get it and pass this to their children.

Lack of Godly Men
For women who wait for marriage, many find the pool of men has tremendously shrunk.  They begin seeking a Godly man with a better career and education than theirs.  However, many of these men are already married.  Many of the single men in the marriage pool have marriage phobia and they are waiting until their mid 30s to settle down.  Men are remaining boys much longer.

What about the Single woman desiring marriage?  …. coming in part 3.

A Christian woman in today’s culture – Part 1

Disclaimer/Introduction

I’m going to post a series on “being a Christian woman in today’s culture.”  Many of you visit my blog to keep up with our family.  I appreciate your interest in our lives.  However, we don’t necessarily share the same world view.  I want you to continue to feel welcome to visit my family through this site, but you may want to skip this series of posts.  It is not my intention to be offensive, but this is my blog of thoughts.  If I can’t post my opinion about life here, then this is just a listing of family pics and recipes.  We still live in a country that allows freedom of speech and I want to savor the ability to speak out.  If you disagree, I will approve all differing comments as long as they are respectful.  I probably will not debate the issues b/c that takes too much online energy.  In this series, we can both share our opinions and move on…
This series is about women in today’s culture.  It ties back to scripture, but is heavy on opinions.  Take all this back to the Bible and God for ultimate authority.  Men in today’s culture also have issues.  This, however, only addresses Christian females.  It also does not address abusive relationships.  It is directed toward Christian single women and Christian married women with faithful non-abusive husbands.

This is a message many do not hear as a young Christian women.   I think that Christian circles are not giving enough of this message to our girls and young women.  The counter message is so loud that God’s word (in this area) is not being heard by many at a critical time in their lives.  This is the time they are making decisions that will impact their entire life and service to God.

A woman in today’s culture –
Society’s definition does not line up with God’s definition.   Proverbs 16:25:  “There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end it leads to death.”  As a Christian woman in today’s culture, how does God’s word teach us to lead our lives?  What is our purpose and how should be behave in this world where wrong is right.

In today’s culture there is a lack of wisdom.  And many are blind to the foolishness in our world, even among the Christian community.  It is though people have scales on their eyes.  There are a few public Christians speaking out against the direction we are headed, but our world still seems to be on a collision course with Sodom and Gomorrah.  What are women to do when they live in a crazy society?

Each woman can change the choices she makes.  Not everyone can have mass public influence, but individual influence is powerful.  Each woman should look at her life choices because many have gotten off track in life decisions and our values.  First, look at what God values in a woman and the examples in scripture given.  And compare those values to what society is telling females.  The two are in stark contrast.  Here are a few examples:

God Values  /   Society Values
Obedience    /  Follow your heart
Modesty       /   Being sexy
Servant to others   /   All about me
Generational relationships between women    /   Careers outside the home
Morality  /   Immorality
Perseverance   /   Get out if it gets hard

So how does a young woman become different than the world and mold her life to fit the first category.  It sounds easy but is very very hard and most women in this world are falling short.  How do women change this trend?  The primary change would be to turn over life decisions to God.  This takes faith and trust in our Creator.  The biggest life decision is salvation.  After that, it is marriage.  After marriage is children and career.  The values above all fit into each role.  They are not separate.

More tomorrow…