"Cultivating Contentment" - Do Not Complain

Yes, we have all done it from time to time. Things don’t go our way and we are complaining about this and whining about that. We make excuses. Yet the Bible clearly says that complaining is a sin. It shows an attitude that you are ungrateful and bitter. It often tests God’s patience.

 1 Corinthians 10:10 - And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. (NIV)

Our ladies Bible study group has been studying the book, "Cultivating Contentment" by Thomas Nelson. Our recent focus has been on complaining and what God says about it. Here are some excerpts from the book.

". . .in the morning you will see the Glory of God. Yes, he’s listened to your complaints against him. You haven’t been complaining against us, you know, but against God.” Exodus 16:7

• When we lash out because we don't like our lives, our complaints are heard in heaven. In a sense, we are telling God He's not doing things right, and we want Him to d things our way.

After reading this, I had to ask myself, "Am I testing God, whenever I complain?"
"You must not test the Lord your God as you did when you complained. . ." Deut. 6:16 NLT

So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded.
“Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?” Exodus 17:2 NLT

• Selfish, ungrateful, forgetful, cantankerous, rebellious, argumentative. . .

• How could (can) God's children complain?  We are His chosen ones. He knows us. He loves us. Look at all He has done for us! He cares for us. He died for us. He has given us an eternal hope! No matter what inconvenience we face on this earth, we are assured of living "happily ever after".

• The complaining we exhibit reveals the childishness of our hearts.

Things will go wrong in our lives. A pop quiz. A long term paper. A break up. A fight with a friend. These things happen. We can spend our time complaining, taking our eyes off of God, or we can find a way to make things better. We can remember all the other things God has provided. Not only will we be happier, but we will be a positive Christian example to everyone around us.


Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (NIV)

 I'm reminded, once again, even complaining about the small things that irritate me in life show my lack of trust and maturity in my relationship with God.

Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at  

"Multitude on Mondays".

1,356 - A beautiful, warm, sunny spring day.
1,357 - My knee feeling good enough to walk some trails with my friend.
1,358 - The sweet aroma of a field full of wild phlox.

1,359 - The pretty lavender color, spread across a field in the middle of the woods.

1,360 - God leads and directs our paths...

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

– Psalm 119:105 (NIV

1,361 -  An entwined, knotty tree, with many branches that form a frame for the wild phlox...God's perfect frame of His beauty!

 

1,362 - The goodness of God, as he reminds me, over and over, of His great love and how He blesses me every day!
1,363 -  The beauty and stoic look of a blue heron, standing on my neighbor's pier.

1,364 - Even when I'm feeling frustrated by other's unkindness or untruthfulness, that God provides me with patience and a kind spirit to the other person.

1,365 - A Cardinal, stopping briefly at the feeder to look my way.

1,366 - Finally getting to see my sweet, 2 month old great-niece!!

1,367 - The peacefulness of a sleeping baby.
1,368 - My aunt, the little one's great, great-aunt, also getting to see her for the first time!

1,369 - Adorable expressions!

May you find many blessings, through Christ, in the coming week!

Also linking over to these blog hops:
Heart Reflected Blog Hop
Sunday Stillness (He Cares For You)
Weekend Brew (My Freshly Brewed Life) 
 Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)  
 Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace) 
Wednesday's Word (He Cares for Us)
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)

Thrilling Thursday (The Family Blog)
T.G.I.F. (Bible Love Notes) 

Do Not Be Foolish

Today is April 1st (April Fools Day)

My hubby, the jokester, called me from work and told me about his "crazy" morning.

 We have had an unwelcome visitor (a muskrat) on our propertylately, so his story caught my attention.

 He said he was in the yard early this morning and got chased by the muskrat  His story was so dramatic-sounding and he had my full attention. After going on for about 2 minutes, 
he chuckled and said, "April Fools!" 

Yeah, he got me good.
I had believed him, hook, line, and sinker!

Lately, I've been reading through the book of Proverbs. There are numerous admonitions on wisdom in this book. Over and over again, King Solomon warns us to be wise. 

In the first 5 verses, it says:

 "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;
    for understanding words of insight;
³ for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
    doing what is right and just and fair;
⁴ for giving prudence to those who are simple,
    knowledge and discretion to the young—
⁵ let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance— "

God wants His followers to be wise. So much so, that He says:

"Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

Prov. 4:7

What will wisdom do for us?

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,

 2:12

 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,

2:16

 This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.

 3:8

 For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life. 

 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you."

 9:11-12

How valuable is wisdom?

 "Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding, 

 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold. 

 She is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her."

3:13-15 

 

How to get wisdom:

1.Fear the Lord (with a reverent and holy fear).

 

 2. Humble yourselves

 

3. Ask for it.

source

 4. Listen to the words of the wise, follow their advice.

 

 5. Trust Him...Don't lean on your own understanding...Acknowledge Him...

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I find it interesting that we have a day that focus' on fooling others.

Today, I was reminded how important it is to strive for wisdom.

 

Giving thanks today, as I continue to count my blessings, and joining others at  "Multitude on Mondays".

1,280 - Finding joy, when most of the week I've been feeling somber, thinking of Christ's death on the cross and the suffering He faced.

1,281 - Learning to forgive and start afresh, when I've been hurt.

1,282 - A few days of warmth and sun.

1,283 - Easter - Christ rose from the grave!

1,284 - Easter - spending the day with my son!(Being silly)

1,285 - Easter music!

1,286 - Easter - delicious dinner with lots of family!

1,287 -  My cousin and her new puppy.

1,288 - The wind that blows across the earth, putting ripples on water.!

1,289 - Critters in the yard, both welcome and unwelcome.

 The dreaded Muskrat!!!!

1,290 - The wise words of Proverbs.

1,291 - Wisdom, the kind that only comes through the Lord!

Also linking over to these blog hops:
Multitude on Mondays (A Holy Experience)  
Hear It on Sunday/Use It on Monday (Michelle DeRusha)
Weekend Brew (My Freshly Brewed Life) 
 Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)  
 Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace) 
Wednesday's Word (He Cares for Us)
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)

Life is Precious

She had been put on bedrest till her due date.

               The doctor said, no stress, till baby comes.

                         But on this special day, he gave special permission. 

                                    Her day . . . their day!

The joy on her face. . .

                            The excitement in her voice. . .

                                             The energy in her walk. . .

It was a day to celebrate the joy of life. . .

                          A day to show our support 

                                                    and love to the momma-to-be.

 And to this little one. . .  
I'm going to be a great aunt. once again, but she will be the first on my side of the family.
  

To rejoice in new life!  

 Pink was the color of the day!  
In the decorations, the cake, the presents!

 Already, preparations were being made for this little girl!                                This little life, not yet born, but forthcoming. 

Already, she's a precious life, to her parents and family,

                To extended friends and loved ones. 

Most importantly, to her Creator.

              To all, she is a princess. .

                   To the King, she is a member of His Royal family! 
     

     Already, she has a name. . .                  Cards were presented, with congratulations and love.

 Gifts were opened.Sweet, girl-y things were shared. 

The waiting is almost over. The anticipation has been intense at times, especially lately.  

 Only 7 weeks to go (or maybe sooner) and another little life will enter the world!

                                        Then we will say . . . 
Oh, how precious life is.

                  Even before she leaves the safe and comfortable womb,

                                   she is adored, embraced, and loved! 

 That is how our Lord sees each of us. . .

                  We are all precious to Him!!! 

                                  Thanks be to God, our Lord and Saviour!!! 

Giving thanks today, as I continue to count my blessings, and joining others at  "Multitude on Mondays"

1,273 - New life, soon to enter the world.
1,274 - My hubby, slowly overcoming a bad cold.
1,275 - Knowing my son will be coming home for Easter to visit.
1,276 - Melting snow
1,277 - Snacking on jelly beans
1,278 - My new look on both of my blogs (New headings and backgrounds).
1,279 - Being in awe and rejoicing, as I remember what Easter is about.

Also linking over to these blog hops:
Multitude on Mondays (A Holy Experience)  
 Soli Deo Gloria Party (Finding Heaven)  
 Sharing His Beauty (Beauty In His Grip)
Titus2sdays (Time-Warp Wife)
Gratituesday (Heavenly Homemakers)
Winsome Wednesday(My Daily Walk in His Grace) 
Wednesday's Word (He Cares for Us)
UNITE (Rich Faith Rising)