Becoming HIS Tapestry

Christian Lifestyle Blogger

WHAT DOES IT MATTER?

Good day Friends, how are you? How was your week? Can you believe it’s the end of week two in October? Week two, friends! I can hardly believe we are just about half way into October! Where did the time go? November and December are almost here and then we are 2019. I just want time to slow down a tad bit, just a little, Lord, just enough for me to catch up with the plans, I made at the beginning of the year.  I feel like time is simply flying past and I’m scrambling to put order, to what seemingly is a very disorganized life.  I write down my plans and try to cross out those I’ve accomplished, except when I look, I haven’t completed any of my projects.  Slow down time, please slow down.  So… how was your week again?  John 10 10The nuances of life that time brings can sometimes be overwhelming. Just a little over two years ago, we were a family of four, all living under one roof.  I homeschooled our girls and in the distance was college and grown kids.  Although they will never be ‘grown up’ kids to me, they are now both at college.  In the not too distant future, I may be a grandmother.  Wait! What! Nooooooooooo.   I am not ready for that title.  I’ll have to talk to the girls!!  James 1 17But wait… this title does not define me, does it? Phew! I was worried for a minute there.  For just a minute, I envisioned a 5”2 woman with a walking stick, wearing black, ugly, but comfortable Dr. Sholls shoes with a brown cardigan.  Sorry, of course, you are quite cute, if you wear Dr Sholls shoes with a cardigan.  But then again, do my clothes define me? What can you tell of the person I am becoming, by my clothes, if I am modestly dressed? Prov 31 29What then, defines me? I am wife, mother, grand-daughter (much better title), sister, and teacher, to just name a few.  Can my identity be found there? Or, perhaps they are roles the Lord has gifted to me.  I am not yet a grandmother and I may never be, does that make me less of a person? Is it okay to look down on others with no children or husband? Or should I just wait for these roles to be fulfilled? Should this be the bar that completes me? Can my identity, my worth as a person be found there? Who am I? Do my roles and accomplishments give me worth? My degrees; does that define me?  Am I less worthy because someone has more than I do?  cropped-heb-13-5.jpgWe talk about the Instagram algorithm and about people cheating because they want more followers or likes or more comments.  Why should that matter? People will always be people. Isn’t it in our nature to sin? Who am I? Should I be so consumed with what others are doing, that now that becomes the definition of me? Am I the Internet police? What is the most important thing? It’s like a parent dealing with the actions of a child rather than the character they are developing.  People are on their way to hell, friends.  Sometimes, I think we are so caught up with the insignificant, that we miss the big picture.   cropped-img_0539-edited1.jpg

I am Christian.  That’s my identity. This identity shapes my life.  It gives me direction, it tell me what to think, what to say and what to do.  It controls my actions and my relationship with others.  This is where my definition is found.  This identity defines my roles as a wife, mother, sister, and teacher.  It defines the person, I am becoming.  At the root of this identity is the desire to bring glory to my Lord and Savior.  In order to accomplish this goal, obedience to His Word is not an option.  He sets the standard for my life.  And guess what? When I falter, there is grace, mercy and forgiveness waiting for me.  Who are you? Who are you becoming? closing1brenda

 

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51 responses to “WHAT DOES IT MATTER?”

  3. GOOD to know you here Brenda! I enjoyed your post because you used my word for the year: ABUNDANT. Yes, we have our identity in CHRIST and that should be all that matters to us. HE is our priority above all things of this world. But while we are on this earth, we must walk in the world, but not of it. And so we live each day in HIS abundant love. Blessings to you today!

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  4. YES!!! My Identity…. I am a “baby wallowing in its own blood” (Ezekiel 16:6a; translation–already dead by being born into a sin nature). But Christ called out to me “Live!” (v.6b) and I lived! Christ laid down his life for a squalling, selfish and constantly needy child. That defined me once, AND it defines me every moment. More than that, because I am alive with Christ by His sacrifice and command, I am *growing* and no longer a child sucking my own thumb for comfort (1 Peter 2:2-3; Colossians 2:6-7). He has washed me (1 Corinthians 6:11) and I am made a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). I have all that I need for godliness (2 Peter 1:3) to walk this shady world in the Light of Christ himself. And furthermore, I have a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Philippians 3:20). I am LOVED (Zephaniah 3:17)! I am called to serve (1 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58; John 15:16) and He gives me the strength to do so (because I don’t have any of my own) (Isaiah 40:31; Acts 1:8). I am a bride waiting for her husband to come receive her in the beauty of holiness (Rev. 22:12-17, 18). In my daily walk, I am a woman who is never alone (Lamentations 3:21-23). I am defined by the Lord Himself who has given Himself sacrificially that I might go and live likewise for the Father’s glory and the least of these whom He loves. Praise the Lord!!

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  5. You’re so right Brenda and we need that reminder very often don’t we? I often have to ask myself what defines me, because I can fall into the trap of comparing myself to others. Yes, it is Christ who defines us and that is enough. I love the way you put this truth together in this post. My only child has just hit 13 and so I am also in that reflecting stage like you. However, I am already a grandmother, because my stepdaughter who is 27 has four kids! But I still dance in front the telly trying to copy YouTube dances and I still smile when my daughter laughs at me, telling me I’m too old to keep up with the steps. Your post reminds me that it’s good to be defined by laughter and joy and memories of fun times, because life changes so quickly. I want my daughter to remember those silly times with fondness, but more importantly, to remember the times we talked to her about Christ and tried to set a good, godly example for her, so that the world will not be such a scary place when she finally leaves home. Thanks again for a fantastic piece of writing!

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  7. When we remember that our identity is found in Christ, and not what we do or don’t do, we offer more grace to ourselves. There are things that needs to be done, but we must allow God to give us direction in what to do. Even as the new year approaches, I ask God what he wants to do with me in the new year, and what he wants me to do. God won’t lead me astray, that’s for sure.

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  10. Amen!! Amen!! God Is Good And He Is Able…We Are Just to Take It One Day At A Time!! God Bless You And Your Family In Jesus Christ Name. ((Hugs)) 🙂

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  13. I, being a millennial, have a slightly different perspective on this. I will never minimize the overarching reality that my identity is found in Christ. However, I think it perfectly normal for one to be offended or hurt when someone does not acknowledge your post or does not follow you back because it works both ways.

    Yes, it is a testament of their character to act in such a way because it is hurtful and can be done out of jealousy, spite, pride…all things against God. At the same time, yes, I agree it does reflect a sense of reliance on something other than God when the person becomes offended or another sinful basis. HOWEVER, there is normalcy in these emotions and this does not equate to “going to hell.”

    Again, the concept of judgment goes both ways and if they do not want to be treated in such a way, they should not be treating others that way. People hurt differently.

    I, in no way, mean to be abrasive or degrading to your beliefs but I do intend to explain the “millennial perspective.” I hope to expand your perspective as to why it can be seen as offensive or hurtful to be judged in such a way. Again, I totally understand your viewpoint and I hope you understand mine, as well. Blessings!

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    • My Sweet girl, you never have to apologize for your feelings. They are God’s gifts to us, even our Lord Jesus Christ utilized them 😀 the problem is what we choose to use them for. Our mission as children of God to: to know Him and make Him known. When we miss that calling by allowing our feelings to control our walk and talk, our testimony is being compromised. Trust the Lord enough to give us followers and comments and likes and everything else we need. I promise He is faithful to do it

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      • I was so worried you would be upset with me. It really speaks volumes that you responded with understanding.

        That’s the thing. I am not upset about the followers, likes, comments in a generic sense. It is when people close to me do not awknowledge something that they know is important to me. Or if someone reaches out to me and we have a conversation and they act all sweet but then do not stay in touch once they get what they want aka a follow, advice, likes etc. It’s the hypocrisy behind it that hurts me. I don’t want it to be perceived as an overall desire for gain but, more so, sadness when seeing the true colors of people that I would willingly be kind to. Sorry for my rant. Thank you for always listening ❤

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      • My pleasure, I truly do understand the pain and sometimes frustrations in these situations. It is disappointing when people play the two-faced game without letting us know that’s what they were doing. But the beautiful thing is God sees all of that including their sin and when we respond in a manner that exalts His Name, He will reward us. Believe it or not, responding in a godly manner to people who deliberately seek to hurt is NOT a natural response for me, as a matter of fact, it is rarely the first response. Usually I want to retaliate in kind, but whenever I go against what I want to do and go God’s way, there is always peace and joy. My secret: I just complain about them to the Lord, I whine and I tell Him how I feel about the situation. Then He changes my heart and reminds He has this and I can trust Him.

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  14. Wow, really needful and deep questions to ask one’s self. It came in at the time most needful. Thanks for this ma.
    P.N: I’m sure you will be a great role model in whatever role; even when the G-ma role comes into play. Smiles

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  16. I pray I am remembered as a woman who loved the Lord with her whole heart and honestly that is enough for me. To many people I am many things. To myself I am just me. Haha! 😀 made me laugh and smile. i never been one for labels. I am who I am! One of my favorite names of God is also a name I take for myself. Shalom Brenda! A beautiful person is what shows through your writing. you are either a good writer. a good actor or your character reflects in your writing.

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  18. So enriching. Yes, I am a Christian, a Child of God. That’s my identity. Obedience to His Words is not an option, its a necessity. Soul-winning is also vital. Sadly, we see litttle of this today. I pray the Lord will inspire us to greater service in His vineyard in Jesus Name.

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  21. Amen! The things of this world will fade away, but our identity in Christ will remain forever! It has been a great week spending time with my wife and kids! It has been cold, rainy, and even snowed the other day, so we have stayed cozy inside. Thanks for asking! God bless!

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