Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the thirteenth truth:

I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices.

In our society today we often see the victim mentality.  People are constantly trying to pass the blame.  They are avoiding responsibility for their actions.  We often hear of adults blaming their problems on their parents and their upbringing.  Spouses try to justify their unfaithfulness by saying their spouse doesn’t love them, or pay attention to them.  Although we may not be able to control the circumstances that come into our lives, we can control how we respond. 

“Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’  Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:17-21

Ms. DeMoss writes, “When we stop blaming others and circumstances for sinful behavior or negative patterns in our lives, when we begin to assume personal responsibility for our own choices, we will be released from the sense that we are helpless victims.  We will be free to obey God, regardless of our circumstances.” (page 260)

Are you obeying God, regardless of the circumstances?

~Theresa

 

I’ve been tagged, want to play?

1. If you could go on two vacations, without any concerns, one  with your family and one with your husband where would you go? With my family, The White Mountains in New Hampshire.  With my husband to Freeport, Maine.
2. If you could write a book, what author would you want to be like and why? Elizabeth George because she is so practical and full of wisdom. 
3. If you could dream up the most romantic evening with your spouse, what would it be? Staying at a Bed and Breakfast (in Maine) while it is snowing out.  The fireplace going and the moonlight shining. 
4. If you could hear your parents say anything about you, what would you want to hear? I am so proud of her.
5. If you were to have your dream job/career/extra-occupation, other than the blessings of what you are doing today, what would it be? Counseling women and showing them that God’s Word has all the answers to life’s problems. 
6. If you could be a missionary in any country, where would you go to serve? Probably Canada.  I don’t like to fly. 
7. If you could go back for a day, year or month in your past, what would it be and why? Of course I would pick the year right before I became a Christian, but when I stop to think about it I wouldn’t because I know all of the difficult stages of my life were used to bring me to Christ. 

Thanks Janette for inviting me to play.  Anyone else want to join in?  Just copy Janette’s questions and answer them.  I look forward to hearing your answers blogging friends.

~Theresa

Fall Challenge- Week Four

Well I still try to keep the candle burning at home.  My hot cider candle is half way gone so I have been enjoying this part.  I must admit not so much the music part.  I don’t know what it is, but I haven’t really been doing this.  I love music and like to listen to it when I am getting dinner ready, but other than that I don’t really play it.  We sing hymns together at bedtime and I sing to myself throughout the day.  I guess everyone is different.  For me to be playing music during our school day is a distraction.

I loved the decluttering challenge last week.  I cleaned out the three drawer cart with school supplies, organized my baskets and went through a couple of drawers that have become dumping grounds.  I know I said last week I would post pictures.  I am working on it.  I am not good at posting pictures.  For some reason it takes me so long to upload photos.  This morning I tried taking some more photos and my batteries went dead.  Go figure! 

Here is Courtney’s Challenge for this week: 
Keep your candle going, the music playing, and add some tender moments with your family. Have a pillow party in the family room and get out every blanket and pillow in the house and be cozy with the kids or your hubby! Even if you live alone you can do this. Enjoy a cozy evening of hot cider and caramel corn. Give a 5 minute back rub to every single person in your house...and for a double challenge- try to give one every day to each family member! During your tender moment with the family, ask them how they feel about this challenge. Are they enjoying it? Is it helpful? Is there anything they would change. Give your family listening ears.

~Theresa