Recent Poll....

Hello friends!
Just thought I would share with you the results of a recent poll that I heard about on K102 (yes, Minneapolis, it is indeed a country music station.....oh,well! the Southern-ness strikes again...)
Anyway, results of this particular poll showed that 25% of American women and 12% of American men regret (are you ready?) their decision of who they married.
Now, I am not sure if this reflects a major problem in how Americans view marriage, or in the wisdom and discretion they used when choosing a spouse....probably both. It is a sad state of affairs, either way. Let's make an effort as believers to affirm those we know who are married, and to encourage them to let their marriages be a reflection of the union between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5). For those we know who are pursuing marriage, let's encourage them to rely on the Lord's wisdom for their lives (Proverbs 3:5-6). And for those of us who are (apparently) far from being married, let's remember that "the Lord brings food in due time" and that He "fulfills the desires of the righteous" (Psalm 145)...always keeping in mind that the Lord knows our true desires, that He does not withold any good thing, and therefore we need not be in a hurry to make a decision or to "settle" for less than the one God has for us.
love kristi

Hmmm....

Hmmm...not sure why the last post doesn't show up. I'm trying to see if it will work if I post another one.,,,
love kristi

Purity

This is part of an e-mail I got from my mom, who was studing 1 Thesselonians. She was struck by the emphasis of purity in the book...and she e-mailed me this because she feels these concepts are much needed among people our age...I hope you are spurred on toward holiness by it!


"I have been studying 1 Thess. and have been struck with the richness of the teaching on purity is found in 1 Thess 4:1-8:

· purity is expected—it is how we “ought to live”; as you are doing (v. 1); “keep on abstaining” (v. 3)

· purity is pleasing to God (v. 1)

· we should be increasing in purity (v. 1)

· instruction is needed (v. 2)

· purity is a part of our sanctification and is the will of God (v. 3)

· purity means controlling our own bodies (v. 4)—in holiness in honor

· purity (controlling our bodies) is a mark of a Christian; not controlling our lusts is the mark of an unbeliever (v. 5)

· immorality is sinning against another (v. 6)

· the Lord avenges immorality (wronging a brother) –(v. 6)

· scripture solemnly warns against immorality (v. 6)

· we are called to holiness not to impurity (v. 7)

· disregarding God’s commands concerning purity is disregarding God (v. 8)—this is not a man made standard but an expectation of God

· the Holy Spirit is given to the believer to help the believer increase in purity (v. 8)

· the passage indicates the understanding that there are temptations to impurity but they must be resisted and can be resisted



The bottom line is that purity is not only commanded but also enabled by the Lord; impurity is a serious disregard for God which God will avenge and may be an indication of an unregenerate heart. Strong words from Paul—a single man who undoubtly faced much temptation but found power through the Holy Spirit to increase in purity..."
-Contributed by Sally Michael

I hope this was helpful to you...thanks for taking the time to read it! Kate and I are home alone at the moment (Bri is visiting friends that are here from Israel--maybe I can convince her to post some pictures! and Easten is visiting at home in Chicago). We have spent the evening playing with Ruth, doing laundry, discussing life....all the good stuff. : ) I hope you all had a lovely day full of the love of Christ--keep hoping in Him!

love kristi

Be Still and Know

It is already August...nearly a month since my last posting. Life has been full of changes, laughter, friends, neighbors, family, church, and growth in Christ for us all here at the North Wing. I am sure we will be updating soon...

I have been thinking alot lately about burdens, and what the Lord says about them. I have felt very burdened lately with alot of things. My job has been one of the main causes of this, I think. God has been faithful thus far, and I have no doubt that He will be in the future....but honestly I have to drag myself through the door these days and leave wanting to resort to tears...but the tears won't come. I find myself feeling alone--I want to talk about this but don't know how, or to whom. I am feeling frusterated--I want to deal with everything that has been happening but can't seem to find the right way to do it.

So, I find myself at the place where Christ most wants me to be--at His feet, relying on Him for every moment, trying my hardest to "cast my cares on Him, because He cares for me." I am reminded that I am commanded to exchange my burdens for His--for "His yolk is easy and His burden is light" (even though it doesn't always feel that way). I reflect on the fact that "His power is made perfect in weakness" and as a result of that weakness, "His power rests on me". Above all I hang on, through the power of Christ, to the promise, "My grace is sufficient for you."

So please pray for me...when I feel alone, pray that I will remember that Jesus is always with me. When I feel let down by people and frusterated by their thoughts and actions, pray that I will extend to them the love that Christ extended to me when I let him down and deserted Him. When I am disappointed in myself, pray that I will remember God's grace. When I feel I can't carry this burden anymore, pray that He will sustain me and give me strength. I pray the same for you....

Psalm 145 has been the focus of my meditation this past week....I hope that it encourages you in the battles you are facing today.

"The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, aboutding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made...
The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.
The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand, you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
the Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him,
He also hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord preserves all who love him, but the all wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
and let all flesh bless his holy name,
forever and ever."

love kristi