41 Evidences Of Pride
( I don't know about you but there were one too many that I could check off!! Change me Lord!!)
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss
1. Do you look down on those who are less educated, less affluent, less refined, or less successful than yourself?
2. Do you think of yourself as more spiritual than your mate, others in your church?
3. Do you have a judgmental spirit toward those who don’t make the same lifestyle choices you do . . . dress standards, how you school your kids, entertainment standards, etc.?
4. Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others? Do you have a sharp, critical tongue?
5. Do you frequently correct or criticize your mate, your pastor, or other people in positions of leadership (teachers, youth director, etc.)?
6. Do you give undue time, attention, and effort to your physical appearance—hair, make-up, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding appearance of aging?
7. Are you proud of the schedule you keep, how disciplined you are, how much you are able to accomplish?
8. Are you driven to receive approval, praise, or acceptance from others?
9. Are you argumentative?
10. Do you generally think your way is the right way, the only way, or the best way?
11. Do you have a touchy, sensitive spirit? Easily offended? Get your feelings hurt easily?
12. Are you guilty of pretense? Trying to leave a better impression of yourself than is really true? (Would the people at church be shocked if they knew what you were like at home?)
13. Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong?
14. Do you have a hard time confessing your sin to God or others? (not just in generalities but specifics)
15. Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?
16. Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?
17. Are you excessively shy?
18. Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don’t know at church?
19. Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents, or others?
20. Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?
21. Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren’t?
22. Do you tend to be controlling—of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?
23. Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?
24. Does your husband feel intimidated by your “spirituality”?
25. Does your husband feel like he can never measure up to your expectations of what it means to be a good husband, spiritual leader, etc.?
26. Do you often complain—about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?
27. Do you talk about yourself too much?
28. Are you more concerned about your problems, needs, burdens than about others’ concerns?
29. Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family’s reputation?
30. Do you neglect to express gratitude for “little things”? To God? To others?
31. Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?
32. Do you get hurt if your accomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?
33. Do you get hurt if your feelings or opinions are not considered when your mate or your boss is making a decision or if you are not informed when a change or decision is made?
34. Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?
35. Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty, or your socio-economic status?
36. Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear of being embarrassed or looking foolish?
37. Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don’t feel you measure up?
38. Are you uncomfortable inviting people to your home because you don’t think it’s nice enough or you can’t afford to do lavish entertaining?
39. Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?
40. When is the last time you said these words to a family member, friend, or co-worker: “I was wrong; would you please forgive me?” (If it’s been more than a month, mark it down!)
41. Are you sitting here thinking how many of these questions apply to someone you know? Feeling pretty good that none of these things really apply to you?
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday
We had a lovey day, one of those days when you really are praising God for your life.
The morning started out with school work for everyone. The kids are whipping through their math. I am really proud of their diligence. After I got the two babies down for naps I did some house work while the big kids were playing a money game with the littler two.
I chatted on the phone with a really good friend for over an hour while they played. The Lord always know what I need when. I was really encouraged in my walk. So refreshing to have Godly friendships.
It wasn't until my kiddies were all up and I was fixing dinner and the house was bursting with excitement, big kids running in and out that I really started to think about my life.
I really don't deserve any of this. I was thinking of my life before Christ and the road I was on and I can't help but cry. It's truly is beautiful the work He has done. Beauty from ashes.
My life was transformed for His Glory.
Here is what just floors me... this love is not based on what I have done, or how good I am clinging to Him, or on my goodness. But completely on what God my Father is and has done through Jesus Christ. I cannot add anything to that by my own strength and effort and goodness or morality. Nor can I subtract it by my failure.
That is TRUE freedom in Christ!
The morning started out with school work for everyone. The kids are whipping through their math. I am really proud of their diligence. After I got the two babies down for naps I did some house work while the big kids were playing a money game with the littler two.
I chatted on the phone with a really good friend for over an hour while they played. The Lord always know what I need when. I was really encouraged in my walk. So refreshing to have Godly friendships.
It wasn't until my kiddies were all up and I was fixing dinner and the house was bursting with excitement, big kids running in and out that I really started to think about my life.
I really don't deserve any of this. I was thinking of my life before Christ and the road I was on and I can't help but cry. It's truly is beautiful the work He has done. Beauty from ashes.
My life was transformed for His Glory.
Here is what just floors me... this love is not based on what I have done, or how good I am clinging to Him, or on my goodness. But completely on what God my Father is and has done through Jesus Christ. I cannot add anything to that by my own strength and effort and goodness or morality. Nor can I subtract it by my failure.
That is TRUE freedom in Christ!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
A trip to the fruit stand
Our city is under this smoke you can't even see our town.
What a fun day!
We all got up the morning trying to decide what to do for the day. It was much too smokey to do anything outside, so I suggested we go to a fruit stand about 45 Min's out of town. To maybe escape the smoke.
We were so close to the next town over we decided to go wander around there mall. I had never been there. Well that didn't take up too much time so we stared at each other for a bit trying to think of what we could do next since it was still so smokey. Another town over was only 20klms away and they have this great cheese factory, where you can watch through a big window. And sample a bunch of different cheeses. We walked down to the grocery store and picked up a few snacks and sat outside trying to decide what next. After not haven't a clue what to do when headed home. As we were driving we saw a sign that said " Go back in time" so we went to have a look we found the greatest outdoor museum!
We had so much fun! The kids got to try gold panning and bring home their nuggets of "gold" you get to tour all the old building from that area. It was alot of fun!
I'm so glad we stopped. It was such a great family day, that was completely unplanned. Those always end up being the best.
Therefore I didn't bring my camera :( So on the way home I stopped to pick up my 20lbs of peaches and then we were home.
Check out the website: http://www.salmonarmmuseum.org/default.htm
Friday, August 20, 2010
Friday Already
Friday already?! I'm looking forward to having Chris home for two days. Even though he's been home he's been very ill. He has lost 15 lbs since the beginning of his trip. But is on the mend with his energy back.
We have been back to school for a full week now. I love having these guys with me all day, it really builds character in me. How could it not?
It's been busy! Training little ones in the mists of all the work. Nipping somethings in the bud, that I had missed. But after 3 days there is light! Praise God!
Chris and I have really been talking about the links between bitterness and pride. I have asked Chris to pray for me daily that I will walk humbly and not react to things in haste. Even if I'm just reacting to my husband, it's still wrong. I read this list this week and wrote it out for my fridge and also a quote on bitterness.
Common Signs of Bitterness:
1. Gossip and Slander
2. Ungrateful and Complaining
3. Judges Motives
4. Self-centered
5. Excessive Sorrow
6. Vengeful
7. Brooding
8. Loss of Joy
9. A Critical, Judgmental Attitude
Entertaining bitterness can result in a woman who acts out and yells at her husband & children, pouts to get attention, name-calls, criticizes, manipulates by crying (or silence) to get her way, and acts no less like a child who is throwing a tantrum. Only now, the scary thing is...she is a full blown adult! It truly defiles her family and herself. (Heb 12:15)
"The total price for your sin has been paid. “It is finished!” The debt is cancelled. God’s justice was completely satisfied. The pen of your Heavenly Father’s sovereign grace has written with the ink of His own Son’s blood, “You are forgiven for all, and you are Mine forever.” Nothing more can be done. No one can sew back the veil that was torn in two at the entrance to the Holy of Holies. The Father Himself tore it from top to bottom because His Son’s torn flesh and shed blood paid the full price. Bring your sin and shame before Him and He will cleanse your soul and conscience once again, and He will do it as often as you need it. You can rejoice—truly rejoice—in His steadfast love for you. Hate the sin and shame because of the grief it causes your Heavenly Lover; be honest with Him about it; thankfully receive the gift bought by His Son, the Lord Jesus, and rejoice with praise."
We have been back to school for a full week now. I love having these guys with me all day, it really builds character in me. How could it not?
It's been busy! Training little ones in the mists of all the work. Nipping somethings in the bud, that I had missed. But after 3 days there is light! Praise God!
Chris and I have really been talking about the links between bitterness and pride. I have asked Chris to pray for me daily that I will walk humbly and not react to things in haste. Even if I'm just reacting to my husband, it's still wrong. I read this list this week and wrote it out for my fridge and also a quote on bitterness.
Common Signs of Bitterness:
1. Gossip and Slander
2. Ungrateful and Complaining
3. Judges Motives
4. Self-centered
5. Excessive Sorrow
6. Vengeful
7. Brooding
8. Loss of Joy
9. A Critical, Judgmental Attitude
Entertaining bitterness can result in a woman who acts out and yells at her husband & children, pouts to get attention, name-calls, criticizes, manipulates by crying (or silence) to get her way, and acts no less like a child who is throwing a tantrum. Only now, the scary thing is...she is a full blown adult! It truly defiles her family and herself. (Heb 12:15)
"The total price for your sin has been paid. “It is finished!” The debt is cancelled. God’s justice was completely satisfied. The pen of your Heavenly Father’s sovereign grace has written with the ink of His own Son’s blood, “You are forgiven for all, and you are Mine forever.” Nothing more can be done. No one can sew back the veil that was torn in two at the entrance to the Holy of Holies. The Father Himself tore it from top to bottom because His Son’s torn flesh and shed blood paid the full price. Bring your sin and shame before Him and He will cleanse your soul and conscience once again, and He will do it as often as you need it. You can rejoice—truly rejoice—in His steadfast love for you. Hate the sin and shame because of the grief it causes your Heavenly Lover; be honest with Him about it; thankfully receive the gift bought by His Son, the Lord Jesus, and rejoice with praise."
Monday, August 16, 2010
Guatemala in Snips
"Here am I, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort on earth; send me even to death itself, if it be but in Thy service, and to promote Thy kingdom."
Austin heading to do VBS riding on the top of a Van. Something that would not happen in Canada. Does he look thrilled?
Austin heading to do VBS riding on the top of a Van. Something that would not happen in Canada. Does he look thrilled?
Helping with a work project, Chris just keeps telling me how proud I would have been to see Austin work so hard.
Austin and Pastor Rob doing VBS crafts. Austin said this was one of his favorite times.
I guess there was a moth the size of Chris's hand and Rob ( our Pastor and his son) and Ryan were scared of it. Austin when to go pick it up and Ryan freaked out. This is him stopping him LOL
This is the little guy our local homeschool support group sponsors together.
Austin outside one of the homes they went to go visit.
This has a huge story behind it. That Chris says shook him. They went here to pray over the land. In this bush hundreds of children were slaughtered is the worst ways I have ever heard. I wont write how on here because it's alot for my younger kids to read. Chris would just pray over Austin that God would protect his heart and mind during these times that he would filter what he was ready to hear. Jesus is so faithful from what Austin has told me, he took alot in but right at what he is able to handle.
Chris in his glory helping a man with rebar. I teased him asking if he showed him or took over. LOL
Austin said this little boy wanted to become friends right away. His name is William even though they had no clue what each other were saying to each other.
I post this one cause it's so sad. It's took from the plane and the dark cloudy part you see is all the oil in the gulf.
Chris said after the worship service in the morning, he heard singing down the hall so he went to go look and he said all the children were praying loud and singing, all alone.
He said this is one area in our home he wants to see grow, is the daily praise and worship. Im so excited to see what God is going to do
He said this is one area in our home he wants to see grow, is the daily praise and worship. Im so excited to see what God is going to do
Austin and Pastor Rob doing VBS crafts. Austin said this was one of his favorite times.
I guess there was a moth the size of Chris's hand and Rob ( our Pastor and his son) and Ryan were scared of it. Austin when to go pick it up and Ryan freaked out. This is him stopping him LOL
This is the little guy our local homeschool support group sponsors together.
Austin outside one of the homes they went to go visit.
This has a huge story behind it. That Chris says shook him. They went here to pray over the land. In this bush hundreds of children were slaughtered is the worst ways I have ever heard. I wont write how on here because it's alot for my younger kids to read. Chris would just pray over Austin that God would protect his heart and mind during these times that he would filter what he was ready to hear. Jesus is so faithful from what Austin has told me, he took alot in but right at what he is able to handle.
Chris in his glory helping a man with rebar. I teased him asking if he showed him or took over. LOL
Austin said this little boy wanted to become friends right away. His name is William even though they had no clue what each other were saying to each other.
I post this one cause it's so sad. It's took from the plane and the dark cloudy part you see is all the oil in the gulf.
Last night bedfore Austin went to bed, he told me he was homesick. I said "homesick?" and he told me he belongs in Guatemala. They have so many amazing stories, I am so thankful they got to go and serve there.
"Christ is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all."
Monday, August 9, 2010
Living the Rich Life
I woke up this morning around 6am the rain was loud I could hear it pour through the gutters, they must need cleaned out. Water was spilling out everywhere. I closed my eyes and pulled my baby in closer taking a deep breath of his Johnson & Johnson baby smelling hair and drift back asleep until 9:30! I couldn't believe my littles all were sounds asleep.
This is a quote out of a book I am re-reading for the 100th time.
"She says I shall now have one mouth the more to fill, and two feet the more to shoe; more disturbed nights, more laborious days, and less leisure for visiting, reading, music, and drawing. Well! this is one side of the story, to be sure, but I look at the other. Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God, and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Chist's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her life-long prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!"
It's been and interesting time not having Chris here, I have missed him so much it hurts. I was washing out a big pot this evening staring out the window, I do my best thinking and praying in that spot. More and more it's here at home, in my daily life, I experience more of Jesus, more of the power of the Holy Spirit, than at anywhere else. It has taken me a long time to be content in this place, but he is so faithful to us. More and more I am seeing how the rich life is the quiet one, the guarded one. It's here at home in front of my kitchen sink where I pour my heart out to Him or I am singing his praises as loud as I can while my children play and before I know it they are singing with me.
Sometimes when he calls us to live a life that is counter-cultural it's lonely. But He is faithful, he knows our heart, he knows words can sting and be painful.
But compromise is not an option. And when we are lonely, He will wrap His arms of love around us and we can cry out to Him "Abba Father".
It's in these moments I hear a still small whisper encouraging me to keep going. "Hold nothing back for God, not even our need to be accepted" Keep looking froward the goal is ahead no matter what the opinions of others is follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. And so I am reminded that there are worse things than suffering loneliness or disapproval. Even with those things we do not walk alone we are walking with the King.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Happy 12th Anniversary
I woke up this morning to my 9 year old passing me an envelope. He says " dad wanted me to give this to you on your anniversary."
This is what it said...
"Dear Miranda.
Well by now I am missing you immensely. I hope this day is as perfect for you as it can be with out us being together. I can't believe that it has already been 12 years we've been married. I love you so much. In all our life together there is only one thing I would ever change. I would have met you sooner. You are a perfect wife and amazing Mother. The way you live your life continually amazes me.What you do for our kids and our household astounds me. I am without a doubt the luckiest man in the world. I give you so much credit for always standing up for what you believe in and never wavering in your faith. It has taken amazing courage in these last few years. I pray that that will never change, and I know our kids will appreciate it throughout their entire lives. This isn't just a lovey dovey note for our anniversary I sincerely mean every word. We make our mistakes but we always come around and our goals and dreams do not waiver. I could not imagine you never being in my life. I love everything about you and would change nothing, ever. I look forward to every day we have together for the rest of our lives.
I hope you have a day as beautiful as you are. Know that I am thinking of you and loving you every day.
I love you with all my heart.
Always and Forever,
Chris"
Also here is an update from Chris...
"
Hi Miranda, Zachary, Natalie, Presley, Rachael and Jude.
I heard today you did not get an update right away, We are doing very well. Austin is amazing me, He works so hard it is impressive. He played with a couple of boys whose house we went to for dinner last night. He had lots of fun even though they didn’t understand each other. We went to a sinkhole today he really enjoyed that as did I. Austin found a lizard today and lit firecrackers. I think he threw away his passport so he can not go home:) I hope everything is going great for you guys. We have lots of rain. Today is the first day it has not rained. I hope I can actually talk to you at some point throughout the trip. Are you e-mailing if there is any big news to report if so email Les. I love you lots. So does Austin. Talk to you soon."
This is what it said...
"Dear Miranda.
Well by now I am missing you immensely. I hope this day is as perfect for you as it can be with out us being together. I can't believe that it has already been 12 years we've been married. I love you so much. In all our life together there is only one thing I would ever change. I would have met you sooner. You are a perfect wife and amazing Mother. The way you live your life continually amazes me.What you do for our kids and our household astounds me. I am without a doubt the luckiest man in the world. I give you so much credit for always standing up for what you believe in and never wavering in your faith. It has taken amazing courage in these last few years. I pray that that will never change, and I know our kids will appreciate it throughout their entire lives. This isn't just a lovey dovey note for our anniversary I sincerely mean every word. We make our mistakes but we always come around and our goals and dreams do not waiver. I could not imagine you never being in my life. I love everything about you and would change nothing, ever. I look forward to every day we have together for the rest of our lives.
I hope you have a day as beautiful as you are. Know that I am thinking of you and loving you every day.
I love you with all my heart.
Always and Forever,
Chris"
Also here is an update from Chris...
"
Hi Miranda, Zachary, Natalie, Presley, Rachael and Jude.
I heard today you did not get an update right away, We are doing very well. Austin is amazing me, He works so hard it is impressive. He played with a couple of boys whose house we went to for dinner last night. He had lots of fun even though they didn’t understand each other. We went to a sinkhole today he really enjoyed that as did I. Austin found a lizard today and lit firecrackers. I think he threw away his passport so he can not go home:) I hope everything is going great for you guys. We have lots of rain. Today is the first day it has not rained. I hope I can actually talk to you at some point throughout the trip. Are you e-mailing if there is any big news to report if so email Les. I love you lots. So does Austin. Talk to you soon."
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
That beautiful season, the Summer.
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We already have had such a full fun summer, and yet I have no pictures to share with you. My camera was acting up, then as soon as we got it fixed up Chris and Austin took it to Guatemala.
I plan to borrow one so I can capture a few of our fun times while the two guys are away on their mission trip.
On Monday we got to meet up with one of my most dearest friends and her children, they moved away a couple years back so I only see her once a year. Her friendship is one that is very special to me. We are both like minded so our visits are always very encouraging. She is one of the most calm gentle mothers I know with very welbehaved children and every time I see her I am so encouraged in my mothering.
Then 2 weeks ago I had to say good-bye to another close friend that moved away. That was really hard, we had a wonderful last visit at a local restaurant patio. I think we sat there for 4 hours drinking sweet tea in the middle of a lightening storm. :)
Our garden is doing amazing this year. The weeds don't make it look too beautiful but the veggies and fruit we are getting is such a sweet blessing. I loved sending my five year old out there with my big wooden bowl to fill it up for dinner.
I must say though with all the smoke from the 350 forest fires all around us, it makes it very hard to breath to be out there to get the weeding done. We have done lots of preserving of apricots so far. I had made 40lbs of fruit leather and then our sweet neighbour brought over another 50lbs. We have been eating them fresh made some crisps, and dried some for muffins and other baking.
Chris and Austin have been gone four day now, and I must say I have some pretty great kids that are making this really easy.
We moved my bedroom around and pulled in one of the kids matresses off the beds and made wall to wall beds, so every night is one big slumber party. It's been alot of fun! And even with all of us in one room my little three are still sound asleep by 7:30.
I have been using the quiet evenings to plan out the next school year and think about some of the big goals.
* What are our priorities as a family?
* What are ways we can serve as a family outside the church?
* What are our goals for the school year?
* What can we be doing to build stronger relationships in our home?
Those are just a few things I am thinking about.
I hope to have our fall/winter schedule done before they get home.
I have so much more I could share but my time is up, I need to get dinner prep started. I hope to add to this a little later.
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We already have had such a full fun summer, and yet I have no pictures to share with you. My camera was acting up, then as soon as we got it fixed up Chris and Austin took it to Guatemala.
I plan to borrow one so I can capture a few of our fun times while the two guys are away on their mission trip.
On Monday we got to meet up with one of my most dearest friends and her children, they moved away a couple years back so I only see her once a year. Her friendship is one that is very special to me. We are both like minded so our visits are always very encouraging. She is one of the most calm gentle mothers I know with very welbehaved children and every time I see her I am so encouraged in my mothering.
Then 2 weeks ago I had to say good-bye to another close friend that moved away. That was really hard, we had a wonderful last visit at a local restaurant patio. I think we sat there for 4 hours drinking sweet tea in the middle of a lightening storm. :)
Our garden is doing amazing this year. The weeds don't make it look too beautiful but the veggies and fruit we are getting is such a sweet blessing. I loved sending my five year old out there with my big wooden bowl to fill it up for dinner.
I must say though with all the smoke from the 350 forest fires all around us, it makes it very hard to breath to be out there to get the weeding done. We have done lots of preserving of apricots so far. I had made 40lbs of fruit leather and then our sweet neighbour brought over another 50lbs. We have been eating them fresh made some crisps, and dried some for muffins and other baking.
Chris and Austin have been gone four day now, and I must say I have some pretty great kids that are making this really easy.
We moved my bedroom around and pulled in one of the kids matresses off the beds and made wall to wall beds, so every night is one big slumber party. It's been alot of fun! And even with all of us in one room my little three are still sound asleep by 7:30.
I have been using the quiet evenings to plan out the next school year and think about some of the big goals.
* What are our priorities as a family?
* What are ways we can serve as a family outside the church?
* What are our goals for the school year?
* What can we be doing to build stronger relationships in our home?
Those are just a few things I am thinking about.
I hope to have our fall/winter schedule done before they get home.
I have so much more I could share but my time is up, I need to get dinner prep started. I hope to add to this a little later.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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