God Rules*

My daughters love to ride their bikes, especially my 8 year old. And while I have been known to be legalistic in my rules, I sometimes let her ride without her helmet if they are only riding in the yard or driveway. Not my husband…he says wear it every time, then there is never a question of when she wears it. It’s a rule, all the time. She often complains about her dad’s rules, the helmet, having to wear tennis shoes or crocs when biking (no flip-flops or sandals), etc. I try to explain that he just wants her to be safe.

The other day as I came home from the grocery store (and the girls had been home with their dad), she ran out to greet me. “I fell off my bike while riding on the sidewalk. I hit my head on the sidewalk, but I had my helmet on and it didn’t even hurt. Dad’s rules rule!” I had to laugh. These “terribly unfair” rules became great because they helped her out.

It reminded me about God & his “rules.” I’ve heard folks say that they didn’t want to become a Christian because then they couldn’t have any “fun” anymore. Or why do those Christians have so many rules! Well, God doesn’t want us to hate his rules, but to love them. They keep us safe, just like that bicycle helmet.

The most important rule is to love God with all your heart, and to love others as much as you love yourself. (Jesus tells us this in the Bible in Mark 12:28-31.) My husband loves our daughter so much, he can’t bear the thought that she might get hurt – and that’s EXACTLY why God gives us his rules. I’m glad I have a Father (a heavenly Father named God!) who loves me so much…just like my daughter does.

**This post originally ran in 2008, and is posted as a repeat, as I take this week off to enjoy Spring Break with my family.**

It's Raining, It's Pouring

Nighttime thunderstorms bring my kids dashing into my bedroom. The weather forecast warns us of upcoming thunderstorms. But what about when the storms of life come? Are you ready for them?

Join me over at Titus 2 in Action to find out.

Adjustments*

It stars out with a back ache. Next thing you know it's a pain in the neck. Finally it's a full fledged headache that Advil won't touch. Now there's no doubt about it. I need to see the chiropractor. My back's out of whack!

At the chiropractor's office he applies a little pressure here, a minor adjustment there and CRACK! I'm a new woman. But chiropractic care is a strange thing. I need to keep going even when I feel okay. By continuing to go in and get adjusted, my back stays in line - no headaches! But if I don't go in, things start moving, little by little - until here I go again! My back's out of whack!

My Christian life is just like that. It starts out with getting out of the habit of reading the Bible. Next thing you know you're not praying. Finally you're faced with full fledged sin and even Aleve won't alleviate it! I need to see the Holy Spirit. My spiritual life is out of whack!

Just like the chiropractor, the Holy Spirit also applies pressure in my life. The pressure for me to make my own minor adjustments...to my schedule to allow more time for bible reading, to my priorities, to make sure I'm putting prayer before other things. Suddenly - I'm a new woman!

But just like chiropractic care, I need to continue with it. If I don't, things start moving, little by little until - here I go again! My spiritual life is out of whack!

Take a look at your spiritual posture today - it is out of whack? If so, visit the great physician and see if you can make some adjustments in your life to get BACK to God.

Psalm 119:169-176 --
May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.
May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.
May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.
May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

**This post originally ran in 2008, and is running as a repeat as I take this week off to enjoy Spring Break with my family.**