Is She a Hotty?

Who are we dressing to please? Two recent posts, Kim writing, Is There a Happy Medium? at the Upward Call blog and Dan Phillips at Pyromaniacs with his excellent repeat article, Sister...show Mercy! were inspirational for mine. I'd been thinking of writing about an experience I had not too long ago and they have encouraged me to go ahead with it.

Our Church (at that time) Praise & Worship team had 3 or 4 teen girls, some of whom dressed more provocatively than others, but all were at least borderline. Pastor issued them a request to modify, modestly, their dress. However, one young lady continued to wear, Sunday after Sunday, very "dressy" clothes that were at the same time, tight, way above the knee, belly button showing, etc. And, I knew men in the congregation were struggling. Finally, after one service I approached the girl, mind you apart from the others, as an elder woman, on Church Council, and spoke very gently and diplomatically, I thought. I told her that she was not dressed appropriately for a Church Worship team (or anywhere else really - but I didn't mention that) and that men shouldn't have to struggle with impure thoughts, to have that sort of temptation in their face, in church of all places. And, up on a stage where our attention is focused for the duration of what is supposed to be a focus on worship of God.

Well, she mumbled that she didn't understand, that her grandma had said she looked just beautiful that morning before they left for church. I told her she did, but that wasn't the point. Fashionable, yes, she was. Dressed up, yes. Sexy to the max as well. She cried a bit and went off to tell her family.

And then, all hell broke loose. I got a call at home shortly after church from her father, using obscenities, racial slurs, cursing... and mother could be heard in the background chiming in.... to think that I would have the nerve to tell their daughter how she should dress! Well, THEY surely weren't doing it. And, nothing changed.

To make a long story short, we ended up leaving that congregation, for a number of reasons. She went on to have a baby out of wedlock shortly after. I don't know if anyone ever learned anything. I came to the conclusion that if a father doesn't explain clearly to his daughter what effect dressing provocatively has on men, with ideally his wife backing him up, and if he further, doesn't enforce a dress code, girls just don't get it at that age, I certainly didn't, and often they won't until much later. The responsibility is clearly with parents, biblically speaking. Though, in the absence of that, in some situations, a pastor or church elders should be able to come alongside. What about a sermon once in awhile? And, what are they doing in their "Youth Groups", aside from having fun and games, if a basic teaching like this cannot be communicated?

In an earlier age I suppose they erred in over-dressing competitively and expensively. In our time it's under-dressing, sometimes competitively and even expensively. Is it to please God, our peers, members of the opposite sex, the family cat, who??

I have been recommended an excellent little book on the subject, Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard.

What is that smell?

"Thanks be to God, who...through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him."

I may be off base, but don't you think that the Church's use of the Greek word "Christ", instead of the Hebrew "Messiah", has needlessly put an additional barrier in the way of Jewish acceptance of him? We know there is a veil, but this extra covering might well be taken away, and anything which contributes to sight promoted.

Besides the fragrance, I am a letter from my Messiah and he has made me competent (not in myself, but a competence from God) as a Minister of the new covenant of the Spirit. (from 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 & 6) We are ministers of reconciliation, in

"that God was reconciling the world to himself in the Messiah, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Messiah's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Messiah's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

I am a bit more conscious of this fragrance and ambassadorship lately. My husband discovered only a few years ago that he had a Jewish cultural and religious heritage through his mother. So, all this exciting new ancestral background, along with getting me three Jewish cookbooks. I'm getting with it. Some.

Steely-eyed Focus

Meet my brother's dog, Eddie. You see that ball? He's very protective of it. Fixated you might say. Puts up a tremendous struggle if you try to take it from him. You throw the ball and he's ON IT.
No distractions. It is priority one.

So, what is my focus? What is priority one in my life? Hopefully, not anything material. I was just talking to my nephew about Emergency Medic as a career option, discussing how you deal with the death of someone you may have grown close to. But, we're all on that train of life, not knowing what stop will be ours. We're all terminal, in terms of this life. Only a relationship with God extends the trip into eternity. You can think of it in that way. You may be the one who keeps them on the train for awhile, and or the one who helps them get an eternal ticket.

You get the idea. Number one, top priority, intense focus needs to be that relationship with my Creator. Because I don't know, and none of us do, how much time we have on this life train.

Hilo Farmer's Market and Prayer Post

It's A Farmer's Market Day

In Hilo, that's Wednesdays and Saturdays. So, I went with mangoes on my mind and was not disappointed. Besides that, there were fresh radishes, and etc. etc....

While there, I took a few pictures, and talked to an old acquaintance, Danny, who mans a corner stall, selling plants, especially carnivorous ones. Yes, they do eat bugs. I mentioned putting the photos on my blog and about the parables we encounter in our lives. Danny reminded me that these plants use a sweet attractant and then trap the insects once they're drawn in. Just as we are warned about in various Proverbs, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." We can be seduced by something that seems good.

Do you see the little sacs? Those are the traps, holding rain water to drown the unwary bugs. Poor dears.

Being armed against temptation is only one reason why we need to be in prayer. I was reading some of the responses on a Meme that was recently circulating in the blogosphere - comments were invited about the things we are afraid to mention in church or to other Christians. It seems that many people have trouble with prayer, the need for it, the usefulness of it, and making time for a prayer life.

If I have a question about something that's discussed in the Word of God, that's where I go for an answer. What did Jesus do? If at all possible, we can check that. Jesus, as perfect and sinless as he was, and Creator of the Universe (it boggles the mind), found the time, saw the need to spend time in prayer with his Father. He is our model and best example. Do we need it less than he did? And, sometimes, we are told, it was for the whole night! Luke 6:12

Even with people around him (what I would call a real distraction), he was able to be "praying in private." Luke 9:18 Not being able to get off by ourselves is not necessarily an excuse. He was an example to his disciples and us, and taught about prayer. Luke 11:1-13

In addition, it was a habit with him. Reading in Luke 22:39-42, we see that he went "as usual to the Mount of Olives" to pray. He "knelt down" - now this is God's own Son! And, He asks "If you are willing, take this cup from me; (the request) yet not my will, but yours be done." What about naming and claiming it? Also, "he prayed more earnestly." This brings to mind what James 5:16-17 says about the fervent prayer of the righteous.

Some of the comments mentioned not wanting or feeling like praying at or for meals. Jesus is once again our model for right action. He, Creator of the Universe, gave thanks. Someone else suggested that those people should fast for at least 24 hours and then they might be more thankful for the next meal.

How can you sustain a relationship with someone without talking to them (prayer) or listening to them (reading his Word and listening for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit)? I don't think it's possible.

When You've Got Bananas

Whooee ... two recipe posts in a row!


Father's Day Breakfast Special
When we have time for a more leisurely breakfast, one of my all time favorites is fruit-filled crepes. I usually dribble a bit of marmalade down, add either fresh sliced mangoes or, as today, bananas sauteed in butter, a little creamy, thick yogurt or sour cream, roll it up and top with syrup or, as I do, with a dusting of powdered sugar. They're unbelievable!

Almost any fresh fruit is good, but bananas are even better when they're lightly sauteed in butter, just til softened. So, you see, I DO use bananas for something besides wine. There's cream pie, banana muffins, banana waffles, banana pancakes and, of course, banana bread too.

The easy crepe recipe is:

• 1 - 1 & 1/2 cups milk (batter should coat spoon well)
  
• 3-4 eggs (depending on the size)
  
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Beat flour in gradually with whisk, then add the butter. Swirl a small amount in hot crepe or small saute pan. Flip after a minute and voila!

---

I was thinking about how Jesus told people many times that their faith had healed them - Luke 18:43 for example. Besides actually healing people he used parables, and the healing was also a form of illustration. You come to Jesus Messiah, and ask him to lift you above your circumstances - to save you. That is faith - that he not only can, but will. And, he does, by his mercy and grace. Because he loves us.

Who or what are our gods now?

It was instructive to observe in 1 Samuel 4:3, how after a defeat,

"The elders of Israel asked, 'Why did the Lord bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines?'"

Good so far, but in the very next sentence, without so much as a pause for reflection, much less prayer and supplication, or waiting on the Lord, they answer their own question. They'll bring the Ark along next time. That's the ticket! Aren't we smart?

How often do we do the same thing? Ask the Lord for an answer, without any real intention of listening for his response? Of seriously waiting and seeking? Instead, I often do the first brilliant thing that pops into my head that looks like it might work.

And, as we learn from this story, there is no blessing in their own solution. To the contrary, they get another defeat, worse this time, as well as loss of Israel's Ark of the Covenant, and the death of the High Priest, and his two sons (not such a loss there).

Right before the battle, the Philistines had heard the Israelites shouting when the Ark was brought into their camp, and said: "A god has come into the camp..." (verse 7) And, they were correct, in a sense. Israel had made a false god of the Ark: "...so it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies." (verse 3) Appropriately enough, the Ark, when captured, is placed beside the Philistine god, Dagon, in his temple. And, what happens next is one of my favorite stories.

So, we need to ask ourselves, what are the things we use today to "save us" when God seems too remote or not answering fast enough, or loud enough, or in the way we would like?

Give a Goat

Absolute cuteness

What a great idea for Father's Day! A gift certificate from World Vision Ministries. They have an online catalog of over 100 useful, helpful & compassionate options: Fishing kits, a goat, a share in a pig, water pump, etc. etc. for folks in various countries, where needed.

I know my husband would also appreciate the idea. He often says he doesn't want anything for himself, has all he needs. And, since there are plenty of people in this world who can't say that and if we are in a position to do something about it, this is a terrific opportunity.

Giving is not my strong point. It's Bob's, but I am asking God to correct that in my character. To make me a more generous, compassionate person. He's got his work cut out for him. I've been reading Proverbs 31, wouldn't you know.

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

As an addendum, I read a related post in which the Whittaker family are eating rice one day a week as a way of teaching their children how much of the world is limited in what they have to eat. They are giving a portion of their food budget to Compassion's Food outreach. What an inspiring idea.

The Laidback Life

He's frequently a hard worker.
Recently a post on Don't Waste Your Life blog dealt with the affluence of America and quoted Wilberforce: May 17, 2008 - By: Lukas Naugle

In 1797, William Wilberforce wrote A Practical View of Christianity in which he addressed the defective nature of the Christianity many middle and upper class people in England professed. Here is an excerpt that sounds as if it could have been written about today. It makes plain that affluence has a consistent effect on Christians in every age.

Yet thus life rolls away with too many of us in a course of shapeless idleness. Its recreations constitute its chief business…amusements are multiplied, and combined, and varied, to fill up the void of a listless and languid life; and by the judicious use of these different resources, there is often a kind of sober settled plan of domestic dissipation, in which with all imaginable decency year after year wears away in unprofitable vacancy. Even old age often finds us pacing in the same round of amusements which our early youth had tracked out. (99)

We can all err in regard to idleness. And, along those lines, here is a good quote attributed to John Piper, from the Book of Shadow blog:

Jesus Christ is refreshing, but flight from him into Christless leisure makes the soul parched. At first it may feel like freedom and fun to skimp on prayer and neglect the Word, but then we pay: shallowness, powerlessness, vulnerability to sin, preoccupation with trifles, superficial relationships, and a frightening loss of interest in worship and the things of the Spirit

I am rebuked by the insights of Wilberforce and of Piper. On the other hand, I don't know about your neck of the woods, but at least where we live, alongside retired folks and other leisure lovers, there is a growing population of idle poor. Receiving various types of Government assistance, numbers of people are encouraged by this "free" income to avoid work at all, which would, for them, involve a minimum wage job. If they are able to make as much or more not working, then the conclusion is, why work? We have a new leisure class.

He was writing about Christians, nominal perhaps, so it's possible a parallel can't be drawn. Though there are some who claim to be saved, yet live, what is called here a "laidback" lifestyle, or one filled with excuses at any rate. Local tradition on the Big Island often has the wife working or getting Welfare and a boyfriend or husband unemployed. I guess it's no worse than any other type of unconfessed and unrepented sin that can linger in a redeemed life, until the Holy Spirit convicts. Paul warns against idleness, and even says not to associate with those who will not work if they are able. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

The Greatest Joy

Back at Christmas we got a number of those family newsletters with photos and you, or I do sometimes wonder, should I write an answer or what? Well, it's six months later and since I did write a response to one in my journal, I want to post a version of that.

The letter included an essay this friend (he is either an agnostic or atheist, I forget which) had written on turning 65 - reflections on life and the joy to be found in love, beauty, discovery and accomplishment. God is so amazing. That day I read:
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 4. What an awesome reminder. And in Psalm 53:1 - "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God."' I had started to think,"Wow, Dave has it all." Praise God, whose word is not far from me.

There is, of course, joy to be found in the things he mentioned, but thank God, that is not all there is, and even without one or more of them, we can rejoice and be glad in Christ our Savior, with the joy of the Spirit. Fortunately, looking forward to life eternal, even when things aren't going right for us here. The earthly joys of this present life are comparatively short-lived.

"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God." Revelation 2:7

Not Martha

Kealani is perfecting her dive - seriously working on it.
My daughter, Sunny, recently did a terrific post on her blog about Feminism and the Christian woman, but I really must waive the "Martha Stewart" attribution. If I preserve stuff, it's usually so produce doesn't get wasted, i.e. jams, chutney, pickles, wine, etc. I did make clothing, for a time, but only because of necessity. I don't really enjoy sewing. My windows need cleaning at this moment. Would rather study ancient history or blog......art, when I'm in the mood. Actually, it's her sister, Mary, I'd rather be like. Sitting at Jesus' feet and soaking it in.

But, on the subject of Martha, I do think she is a fine example of feminine entrepreneurship - a sort of secular Proverbs 31 woman. She is encouraging to many, who want their homemaking to be creative, more of an art form. To do it really well, as unto the Lord. And, maybe even have a home-based career while home-schooling or just being there for their kids. Wow! Is that a worthwhile goal?

I know there are people who are trapped at the moment and not able to make that choice, but God IS able and he can and does change circumstances. The Christian faith is just that, FAITH. Believing what looks impossible. Seeing what is not always obvious or understandable, but trusting in God and in his goodness - his character. Be encouraged.

Random Musings

Today, I have some not necessarily connected thoughts to send out into the blogosphere.

Beginning with the observation that in another 3 months I can be considered for inclusion on the Scum of the Earth Blogroll! Now there's something to hope for. You will all be jealous, I know, should I qualify. Apparently they have been scraped.

How about this: I just read that there has been a motion put forward in the House of Commons to disestablish the Church of England, and the number of that motion is yes, 666. Here's a link to the story.

Next, it occurred to me, reading in Luke 15:7b, that if there is "one sinner who repents" then the other half of the verse is also true - there are an equivalent "ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Is it because they only think they're ok like the Pharisees, or is it because they have already repented, and continue to do so when they sin (at least eventually), as did Old Testament patriarchs like Abraham, Deborah, David, Daniel, etc. and New Testament saints such as ourselves? Probably the latter. We were all in that sinner who repents position at one stage. Meaning, of course, habitual sin coupled with unbelief. Because some of us who repented were the modern version of a Pharisee - they need to repent also, and occasionally do. We are washed but need to wash our feet. Is this making any sense?

I am always feeling the impetus to DO something to justify my worthless existence and need to daily remember, it is totally the gift of God and by his grace alone I AM SAVED.

Then, this morning, in Judges 17:6 I was reading that in those days, "everyone did as he saw fit." Isn't that a good description of the New Age or politically correct cultures of our time? Picking and choosing what to believe and what not to believe. Unfortunately, even "Christians" are guilty of this. We have our precious standard in God's Word - from him direct to us - and yet we select out what isn't palatable, as if it's a menu.

In the story of Micah, he is totally a man of today who wants to do the "right" thing. He repents of his theft, then sacrifices to God (along with his mother who is apparently on the same wavelength) by having some idols made for their home, and then finds himself a priest. Hooray, he has "religion" and says to himself, "Now I know that the Lord will be good to me." Isn't it nice? He believes that he can decide the requirements for righteousness, but is either unwilling or too lazy to find out what it is GOD requires of him. He'd rather do his own thing.

Today, the pastor, at a Congregational Evangelical Covenant Church we are presently attending, gave a good sermon from Proverbs on the principles that young people need to be raised on in order to make wise choices in life and be a blessing to others. However, (you were waiting for that, right?) even though these proverbs were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and by a man we are told in God's Word was the wisest man ever to live (King Solomon) - both before or after his reign (1 Kings 3:12 & 4:29-34), still we heard (on the criteria of self-discipline) that in those days they didn't know about ADD! Imagine that.

Bob says they did know about butt whapping though. Maybe this is the difference. Fewer labels and drugs and more consequences, both logical and natural.

As an addendum to that last muse, there is a related interesting article on The Seventh Sola by Joel Griffith.