Monday, August 22, 2011

39 evidences of pride

This list came to me recently- I am convicted and challenged! So much of today's atmosphere smacks of "self-worth, self-confidence, self-image, know yourself, self-this, self-that, and more-self. " Oh! just to have the mind of Christ!
If you know who developed this list. Please let me know, so credit can be given to that individual.
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 the church?
3.Do you have a judgmental spirit toward those who don't make the same lifestyle choice you do?
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 minister, 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, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding appearances 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 people be shocked if they knew what you were like at home?)
13. Do you have a hard time admitting you are wrong?
14. Do you have a hard time confessing yous sin to God and others? (Not just in generalities but specifics)
15. Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?
16. Are you excessively shy?
17. Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents or others?
18. Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?
19. Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren't?
20. Do you tend to be controlling- of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?
21. Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?
22. 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?
23. Do you often complain- about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?
24. Do you talk about yourself too much?
25. Do you have a sharp critical tongue?
26. Are you more concerned about your problems, needs , burdens, than about others' concerns?
27. Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family's reputation?
28. Do you neglect to express gratitude for "little things"? To God? To others?
29. Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?
30. Do you get hurt if your accomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?
31. 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?
32. Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?
33. Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty, or your social status?
34. Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear of being embarrassed or looking foolish?
35. Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don't feel you measure up?
36. 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?
37. Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?
38. 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 has been more than a month, mark it down).
39. 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?

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Forty Six Years and counting

Forty Six Years and Counting
Years ago we were young, in love and full of dreams for our future together.
We have shared many joys and sorrows of life
that were part of the dim unknown future
on August 14, 1965.
Sometimes we have taken each other for granted,
On this anniversary we grieve with a dear couple who have barely made it past their silver anniversary before the dark cloud of cancer appeared on their horizon.
And we feel so blessed to still love each other and have the privilege of growing old together.
We did not know how hard it would be to earn a living and make ends meet.
But God has faithfully provided for our needs and beyond.
We have chosen God's Word as our guide for living.
Sometimes we were faithful, many times we were not.
We thank God for His mercy and forgiveness.
He is a God of "new beginnings".
We did not always handle stress in a good way during the heat of the day,
but today we enjoying the opportunities to spend more time alone together
while we watch the steadily approaching sunset on the horizon.
This was the opening song at our wedding (adapted version):
All the way our Savior leads us, what have we to ask beside?
Can we doubt His tender mercy who through life has been our guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell
For we know whate'er befall us, Jesus doest all things well.
All the way our Saviour leads us; Cheers each winding path we tread,
Gives us grace for every trial, feeds us with the living Bread,
Though our weary steps may falter, And our souls athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before us, Lo! A spring of joy we see.
All the way our Saviour leads us; oh, the fullness of His love,
Perfect rest to us is promised, In our Father's house above
When our spirits clothed immortal, Wing their flight to realms of day
This our song through endless ages; Jesus led us all the way.