Theology, from a seven year old point of view

When Hannah got off the bus recently, she said she had been daydreaming about God putting her back before she was born.  She described the evil angel (Satan) and gave vivid details about her musings.  At school, she reports playing and drawing pictures where Satan (the evil one) controls things (usually horses) while whoever else she wants in the story watches.  Trust me when I say that while I can't always remember all the elements of her imaginings, I know that she's got the basic theology down.  Satan is bad and God is good.


Recently, our family seems to be in a season of trial.  One thing after another happens to cause us to either trust in God or abandon all hope.  We are choosing trust.  While God is gracious and gives us brief periods of rest, life is very unpredictable right now and I truly feel that we are in a period of testing. 


I told my girls the story of Job.  In the Bible, it tells us that Satan (a fallen angel) visits God in heaven and questions the loyalty of a man named Job.  By the way, the name Job has a "long o".  Anyway, Satan tells God that of course Job is faithful and loyal to Him;  he has been blessed again and again.  God agrees to allow Satan to test Job.  The only condition is that he cannot take his life. 


As the story proceeds, Job loses his livestock (financial), servants, and children, is covered in painful sores, and still praises God.  The remainder of the story is a conversation between Job and his friends lamenting and debating the "whys" of the situation.  Finally, God intervenes and calls Job from a whirlwind, asking him rhetorical questions.  Job is overwhelmed by the encounter, and God restores his health, wealth, and family. 

We've also been talking about the spiritual warfare that is happening all around us every day.  Hannah and I sometimes name the demons we think are bothering us as Frank Peretti does in his book This Present Darkness.  We claim the power of Jesus' name by saying (even very quietly) "In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to leave", and we believe that those demons are leaving.  I feel physical relief when I claim that power, so I can testify to this invisible battle.  We pray for the Holy Spirit and the angels to surround us and everywhere we go, and we feel protected. 


You see, I want my children to know where true power and protection come from.  I want them to know the difference between the truth of God and the lies of Satan.  I want them to know that even when we don't understand the "whys" and "whats", we have a God who does and who is working out HIS plan and HIS plan is always good in the end. 

Pinterest Picks: Palm Sunday to Easter

Can you put the events in order from Palm Sunday to Easter?

Thanks, SundaySchoolKids.com!

This arrangement of cups in the shape of a cross opens up a world of possible game variations for young and old alike.  Thanks for this cute idea, mamabeefromthehive.blogspot.com.au! 




Retell the Easter story!  Thanks to 1plus1plus1equals1.net for this fun how-to using resources from mywonderstudio.com!

Simple and sweet, this handprint craft symbolizes the hope we have from the cross.  Thanks to sassydealz.com for this cute idea presented in detail by craftymorning.com!

He is Risen!  One of my personal favorites, this tasty object lesson is easy to make and powerful in its message.  Thank you sweethomeclubmom.blogspot.com for instructions!



Available at EggloEntertainment.com

Thanks to MeaningfulMama.com for this cute idea !

For a free printable of this Easter story wreath, visit WeeLittleMiracles.com.

Here's another color poem relating jelly bean colors to the story of Easter.  Attach to a bag of jelly beans for a sweet treat for neighbors and friends.
Thanks, RachelWojo.com!



A Mom's Review: Imagine Dragons

 

Explanation of post:  As my sixteen year old son is a dedicated percussionist, it has been interesting to observe the dedication young people have to their music and how they use it to ponder life, deal with stress, bond with each other, and express their deepest feelings.  For that reason, as well as my own tendencies toward depression, I am intrigued by this band.  I have barely scratched the surface of information available, so this is only a tidbit and certainly deserves continued introspection and research.  Each individual's experiences and perspectives will affect their personal opinions and interpretations. 


The sermon at church last Sunday was entitled, "Understanding Our Natural Inclinations". As an illustration of this, the song "Demons" by Imagine Dragons was performed. This, of course, led me to think that I would like to look more into this band - who they are and what they stand for. So, I did a little research.....


        

1. Imagine Dragons came about when Dan Reynolds (vocalist) and Andrew Tolman (drummer) met at Brigham Young University in 2008.  At this time, the group was comprised of Dan, Andrew, Dave Lemke – bass guitar, backing vocals (2008–2009), Aurora Florence – piano, backing vocals, violin (2008), and Andrew Beck – guitar, backing vocals (2008).  They are an alternative rock band.
2. By 2009, Dan, Andrew, Daniel Wayne Sermon (guitar), Ben McKee (bass), Brittany Tolman (keys and backing vocals and Andrew's wife) had formed the band and become known regionally.
3.  After relocating to Las Vegas (Dan's hometown), the band recorded three EPs before the Tolmans left the group for other pursuits.  The band was joined by Daniel Platzman just before signing a record label deal.  Theresa Flaminio served in the role of piano and backing vocals from 2011-2012. 
4.  With the physical and emotional intensity of life on the road, the band members chose to spend a lot of their down time writing new music as a release for all of the ups and downs that come with such an experience. The music they created during this time period is an open window into the thought processes these young people went through. They are "baring their souls", so to speak.
5.  Dan Reynolds and Wayne Sermon are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 
6.  Dan has openly spoken of his struggles with depression. 
7.  Sermon has chronic insomnia and often records songs during the middle of the 
8. The song "Demons" seems to reflect an awareness of one's weaknesses, or "demons".  The general consensus seems to be that the song represents a person who is in love with another.  The first feels overwhelmed by his own unworthiness and desperately wants to protect his love from the "demons" inside him.  In this sense, "demons" are a metaphor for any number of sinful or evil behaviors or tendencies.  The struggle, of course, is that love both wants to stay with the other and keep her from being destroyed.  Other interpretations exist for the lyrics, but most are variations on this theme.  See the link below for the lyrics to this and other Imagine Dragons songs.  What do you think they are trying to say? 

  

Is it appropriate for a church to play a secular song? I believe it is the epitome of what we are to do as Christians. When we are in tune with God, we see Him everywhere. Just as when you are focused on ANYTHING, it will all of a sudden seem to be everywhere, so it is with things of a spiritual nature. 

Are the members of this band Christians? I don't know. They don't proclaim themselves as such, although Dan and Wayne both have roots in spirituality.  I do see that they are actively reflecting and learning. They are teachable. They are young, and they are passionate. They are devoted to their music and to making that music say what they want it to say before they share it. That, to me, is a very definite sign that they are heading in the right direction. What will the future hold for these musicians? Great things, I hope. 

For more information:



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Reynolds_(musician)         


Dan Reynolds openly discusses his depression.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Wayne_Sermon
Imagine Dragons lyrics

Fear of Failure

I struggle constantly with feeling like I don't measure up.  I know that we will never be perfect until we get to heaven.  I know that perfection in this world is flawed by perspective anyway.  I know that God isn't done with me, yet I hear the message of the evil one over and over telling me that I just don't belong, don't contribute, am a failure.  I'm not good enough, I am stupid and nobody likes me. He continually lies and works to drag me down.  He points out my mistakes, and I struggle to forgive myself even though I know that I am forgiven.  This is indeed one of my greatest battles in life. 


I find it is worse when I am tired and worn out.  It is aggravated by the war of hormones in my body.  It is exacerbated by both my own sin and others' sin toward me.  Sometimes it makes sense.  Sometimes it doesn't. 


I am afraid because I know that if my children don't understand that ultimately this is a spiritual battle raging both inside me and them, that they won't understand that the only way to overcome it is with the truth. 


The truth is that we have been "fearfully and wonderfully made", that "God is for us, not against us", that everyone has a unique spiritual gifting that God is using in His ultimate plan.  The truth is that we "have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God", that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus", and that "the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children".  Anyone who has children and loves them well knows that a parent would do anything for his children and that if we are God's children, He loves us even better than that.  Why can't we hold on to that truth?


It is because we have to consistently be refilled.  The world is not a perfect place.  We are not perfect people.  We have battles to wage, and our resources are being depleted.  If we try to do it on our own, we will quickly fail.  I guess it is kind of like a racetrack with the Holy Spirit right there with us and filling stations all along the way.  If we focus only on the road without seeking the direction of our Holy Spirit "guide", and refuse to utilize the fuel, maintenance, and rest stops along the way, we will eventually wear out.  Satan will find it easier to catch up with us and take advantages of our weak spots. 


Especially as mothers, we give and give and give.  We forget that our very survival depends on being refilled.  I feel depleted...that's why I write today, to remind myself and to encourage you.  I already feel more focused and hope that my words will help at least one person know that they are not alone.  I do this for me, and I do this for you.  While writing is therapeutic for me, I know that God can powerfully use these words to touch others in ways that I will never know.  So, please share if you feel led, and thank you for being my encouragement. 


Psalm 139:14
New International Version (NIV)

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

Romans 8:31

New International Version (NIV)

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 3:23

New International Version (NIV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  


Romans 8:1-4

New International Version (NIV)

1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.  And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.