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Lawful and Sinful

28 Jun

We have come to a place where we automatically assume because something is lawful it must also be moral.  Morality has changed a great deal just even in my lifetime. We, for some reason, think that if we wrap sin in pretty paper with a shiny bow and throw a party for it, it somehow changes how humanity and God sees it.  Because one is acting within law they automatically assume they are “a good person”(which is subjective without the moral parameters given to us by God). There has been a drastic culture change and it just isn’t within the secular world but also within the lives of believers. We are challenging people to redefine what God already defined.  Many Pastors and churches are riding the worldly train looking to attract new members by going against the very word of God-perverting the Bible in ways to make sin irrelevant to ones salvation. We have caved under pressure and are afraid of defending the word of God because we covet the love of man more than the Son of Man.

We have to learn to separate the sin from the sinner.  We can love and support people without celebrating their sin. James 5:19-20 says-  My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back,  you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Of course I understand not everyone is a believer but we as Christians need to live a life that reflects God’s will toward them. For example in Colossians 4:5-6 it says-“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone”.  When we are asked, we need to be ready with an answer and do it in such a way that conveys truth, gentleness, and respect.

Titus 2:1 says-“You must teach what is in accord to sound doctrine”. It doesn’t end there.  There are many other verses dealing with false doctrine.

When we sugar coat, add, or purposely misinterpret for gain… Titus 1:11 says it well-“They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

I know the new popular slogan is “I want to be on the right side of history”.  While that might bring worldly pleasure, I would much rather be on “the right side of eternity”.

Love everyone fiercely, be the first to offer encouragement, always speak the truth in love, but don’t forget to be set apart.  Let’s be bold for Jesus!

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest

Image courtesy of [ renjith krishnan] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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The Twilight of Childhood

4 Jun Twilight of Childhood

She wakes with an infectious smile that seems to chase away any lingering gloominess from my soul.  She rests her head with ease  in that little crook of my shoulder that always seems to fit no matter how she grows.  She reminds me what goodness, and loveliness, and kindness feels like and she freely shares it with anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.  She dreams of filling shelves at the book store with her writings and filling the stage with songs about her greatest love….Jesus.

Even though the twilight of her childhood is setting in she still clings to girlhood fiercely. She isn’t quite ready to let it go and I’m not quite ready to let her go. So for a moment I will relish in my little girl and all her little girl ways and I will keep loving her well. For these last few moments, I will be near, holding her hand as she dips her toes into adolescence, so when the sun sets for the last time on her childhood she will be ready to let go of me and pursue her own life with confidence. grace, tenderness, and passion. I pray that these gifts will be accepted well and would bring healing to a wounded world and hope to wounded souls.

But for now, I will enjoy her sleepy head on my shoulder with messy curls tickling my cheek. In a moment it will be over. Tonight she will say goodbye to ten and welcome eleven with great expectation…..just as she should.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

You can find me on Pinterest and YouTube!

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Take a Moment to Remember

25 May

I live with a constant reminder of how blessed I am to of been born and raised in a free country. It is an awesome responsibility to live in such a way that it is never in vain. I am so grateful for the brave men and women who headed the call and left what was familiar and comfortable for a life of upheaval and uncertainty. Today I pause with reflective prayer to honor those who gave their all…the fallen brave who courageously breathed their last breath defending the country and the people they so loved.

To the families who gather around a grave rather than a grill-my prayer is that our Heavenly Father will fill them with grace, peace, and healing. That they would find comfort in each other and that the sweet memories of their loved ones will sustain them until they are reunited in Heaven. Thank you, for your great sacrifice also!

Regardless of your feelings of the military, president, or war we are one family bonded by the American Flag and we should support our soldiers and let them know we appreciate them. A simple “Thank you for your service”, will really show that you stand united with them. Continue to pray for them, for their safety, for our safety, and for their families.

Pray for our wounded country. Pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will help us to turn our faces to Him once again and that He will Bless and unite us.

Thank you to our fallen, to our veterans, and to those serving……..it’s not in vain!

I will leave you with a quote I found.

“Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you….Jesus Christ and the American Soldier. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.”

~Author Unknown~

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Photo credit, Google Images

I am my Beloved and My Beloved is Mine

23 May

12 years ago on a beautiful Colorado day I married my very best friend and the love of my life! I thought I couldn’t be any happier than I was at that moment but each year proves to be better than the last. We have been on such an adventure from births, deaths, illnesses, college, graduations, teenagers, moves, job changes, aging parents, and everything in between. With the constant changes of life, the one thing that has remained, is that we have clung to each other through all of it.  We have grown from a couple of crazy love-struck kids to a couple who are weathering the storms and enjoying every rainbow together. We have learned to appreciate that each day together is a gift.

There is no one I would rather spend time with or journey this life with. I am so blessed to married to a man of honor and integrity! A man who puts his family first and works hard to give us a good life. He is a man that I adore, respect and love! Without the grace of God none of this would of been possible!  I thank God for sustaining us and for constantly working on my heart as a wife. Happy Anniversary, Sunshine! Thank you for choosing me!

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Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

To All the Mama’s……

10 May
To all the mama’s who do this alone, to all the mama’s who chose life, to all those mama’s who chose to give that life to another woman, to all those women who wake to feel the sting of empty arms, to al those mama’s who never felt life grow in their bodies but love the children who grew in their hearts just the same, to all those mama’s who stepped in to raise another woman’s child because they were no longer able to, to all those mama’s who have angel babies, to all the mama’s who are caring for children with special needs, to all the ladies who don’t have the official title of mom but love just the same, and to all the people who think of their mama’s in heaven today………He sees you, sees every tear, and holds you in the palm of His hand. Today I honor you and pray that the love of God will bring you strength, comfort, and joy!
Happy Mother’s Day!
~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca
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Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

When All Eyes Are On Me

4 Jan

We live in the day and age that regardless of our best efforts we are inundated with unrealistic body image ideals.  While I know that the pressure can be felt by both sexes I think the brunt of it is fixated on our girls and women. Mainstream media praises the efforts of already thin women getting thinner and applauds a size four for flaunting her  curves. This sends a confusing message to our already confused young girls and women. Let me just add here that I am not suggesting that ultra thin doesn’t exist in healthy realms. I am speaking of the extremes to attain it  and the misguided illusion that beauty is found in a certain size.

I am once again entering into a season where adolescence will soon give way to budding adulthood.  A daughter who is somewhere between Barbie and make-up and trying to figure out how that all works together.  It is a confusing time at best and hurling unrealistic expectations at them makes a challenging transition even more so.

While I am focusing on Jesus to be a better, wife, mother, and woman, her eyes are on ME!  How, in all my earthly insecurities, do I help her overcome hers?  Growing up I watched my mom succeed briefly and crash and burn on one crash diet after another and before I hit double digits I was joining her.  Healthy food was torture, treats were taboo, and a growling stomach at the end of the day meant success.  This was my inheritance.

I have made a list of behaviors to model in attempt to bankrupt my inheritance and add richness to the lives of my daughters (and future daughter-in-law, I want this to affect my son also) lives.

1. NEVER call an indulgent meal a “cheat” meal.  Enjoy the meal and move on.  No guilt necessary.

2. NEVER complain about a healthy meal. Again, enjoy the meal and move on.  No need to feel depravation because it wasn’t a double portion slathered with cheese.

3. Let them see and hear me enjoy that freshly baked cookie as much as that juicy crisp apple.  Food is meant to be enjoyed and treats don’t have to be eaten in private….there is NO shame in enjoying an indulgence.

4. NEVER complain about exercising. Instead, let them here me say positive things like, “What a great workout, it really challenged me.”, or, “It’s amazing how strong and energized I feel after exercising.”.

5. Never let exercising, beautifying, etc. consume my time.  It is a small but important time of my day. Set aside a reasonable amount of time for it. I want them to know that even in their busy lives this is something that is an important and manageable part of their week. I want it to come as naturally as showering or sleeping.

6. NEVER body shame-anyone!  Talk about how incredible God created our bodies.  All different, shapes, sizes, and colors-what a creative God!  Tell them that if we eat well and exercise our bodies will naturally find the size that best suits who God created us to be. 

7. To not be afraid of changes.  Different seasons of life will find your body growing or changing especially if you carry a baby in your body.  If the experience leaves behind physical daily reminders just count it as a blessing and a badge of honor.  Dwelling on what was steals from what is and what is to be.

8. It’s OK to have an athletic figure or a curvy one.  Just don’t get carried away with extremes.  Starving to be thin, exercising excessively, or overeating  are all behaviors that should be considered worthy of change.  Your health matters over vanity.  

9. Investing in your health and well being is something you always have time for. When you take the time to do things that help you feel good about yourself you will, in turn, feel better equipped to take on your day and to be the best you can be.

10. No matter the circumstance, you’re “Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)” by a God who tells you that you’re “His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6).  You’re worthy of love, respect, and joy.  When you pause and try to see yourself through the eyes of Jesus, it is there where your worth lies.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

You can find me on Pinterest 

 “Image courtesy of[Clare Bloomfield] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Seed Planters

30 Dec

It is incredible how one person planting just one of these seeds can snowball into something so profound that we will never know the true impact this side of heaven.  Lets’ be seed planters in 2015!

~Be Blessed and Be a Blessing~

Rebecca

You can find me on Pinterest

Image courtesy of http://www.stormieomartian.com/

Feature Image “Image courtesy of[ samarttiw] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Copyright © 2015 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

O Holy Night

24 Dec

~ O Holy Night~
“A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn”. Hope, our great hope in Jesus Christ who came to the world in the most humble and lowly ways to be our sin bearer and to give us hope (Google Jesus and hope). When there seems to be nothing left to give, feel, or even take-we still have our hope in Christ and Christ alone. His mercies are new every single day! Amen!
“Chains shall He break,for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease”. He came to break the bondage of sin and Satan’s hold on us. There is a constant struggle of things that can hold us in bondage-grief, food, drugs, alcohol, p*rn, and just about anything else you can think of of this world. “For the slave is my brother” With Christ, you see a brother or sister in place where you might of just seen a prostitute, a drug addict, a beggar, a Muslim or Jew, or any other undesirable or different beliefed person we live among. To love them, so that even if they don’t seek or know Him, they will recognize Him in us.. Oppression of worldliness will no longer weigh me down in spirit and will cease to have any hold on my life.
Our Savior came to be the light of the world (John 8:12) and to save us from sin (Matthew 1:21). Rejoice with greatness and gladness that our Savior lives and our Savior brings with Him hope and life.

Merry Christmas. May you be filled with renewed wonder about the babe in the manger who came to live among us and die for us.
I leave you with a few versions of my favorite song-take a minute to really hear the lyrics and see how it resonates in your soul.
http://youtu.be/4Zh-yR0pbmU
http://youtu.be/lKSknasrE3k

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

   Image courtesy of [dan ] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Continuing to Love Every Age

14 Nov

As many of you know, I LOVE my birthday!  It is a great time to reflect on the year past, to see where I was, where I am, and where I am going.  Our culture reveres youth and anything over 30 as a has been.  I disagree!  I think we need to celebrate every year and thank God for the privilege of age and wisdom!  Aging is inevitable.  No matter how much you dwell on it, wish it away, or daydream of your younger years, they are not coming back.  So celebrate!  Be proud of your age and wear it to the glory of God!  You never know when it will be your last, so make it memorable not only for you but for those who love you!

I am so grateful that 37 years ago today I was born! I am grateful for all the experiences, all the tears, all the laughter, for all the things that built endurance and character, and mostly for God’s faithfulness through it all!  Today I celebrate and wear my age with pride.

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~
Rebecca

Age 37

 

You can find me on Pinterest

 Image courtesy of [ tiverylucky] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Copyright © 2014 · All Rights Reserved · www.andasprinkleoflove.com

Happy Veteran’s Day

11 Nov

God Bless our Veteran’s!

.....and a sprinkle of love

Freedom isn’t free. Thank you to all the brave men and women past and present. May we live in such a way that it honors your great sacrifice. A special Veteran’s Day thank you to my dad, a career Navy man who did two tours of Vietnam. What a great privilege it is to wake up everyday and praise the Lord without fear of persecution. My freedom is such a precious gift and I thank you and honor you, everyday!   God Bless you and God Bless the USA.

veterans day

~Be Blessed and be a Blessing~

Rebecca

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