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“Choosing Joy, Not Complaining” by Guest Blogger Author Cheri Swalwell

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I consider myself a Christ follower and while my family and I belong to a specific church body, our church is considered nondenominational. As a result, our church is made up of people from many different backgrounds – those who were raised Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, or came from no religious background and found a relationship with Christ in their adult life.

One of the blessings that comes from us being “eclectic” is that our church celebrates and embraces many different traditions, with members being invited to join in or not, depending upon their comfort level. Our pastor likes to say, “We keep the majors the majors (that in order to experience eternal life with God in Heaven we must admit that we’re sinners and cannot save ourselves, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and that accept that He is the only way to bridge that gap between God and us) and the minors, the minors.”

As a result, we’ve celebrated Advent for the past four years. I’d never really known much about Advent (celebrated at Christmas time but truly embracing the message of Easter too) until our pastor introduced it and invited the church as a whole to join the party. I’m so glad we did.

While our church doesn’t celebrate Lent, friends of mine do and I was curious to learn more about it. I didn’t know whether or not God was inviting me to participate or sit on the sidelines. At first, I thought God was telling me to have a free pass this year. Due to other circumstances in my life that God was teaching me through the sacrifice of fasting, I didn’t feel compelled to fast any food but Lent isn’t about just giving up food. God reminded me of a conversation we’d been having off and on since last fall, one He got very specific about in January. He gave me a choice: I could choose one of two paths – a life of complaining or a life of joy. It wasn’t a coincidence that the word God gave me for 2017 was JOY. Not “fun” as I originally thought, but JOY.

So, when my friend casually mentioned what she was giving up for Lent and part of her sacrifice was intangible, God nudged me and said, “While I’m not asking you for your food this time, remember that choice I gave you? Forty days is a great way to form a habit in your life…”

I chose to join the party and give up complaining. I find for myself when I make a choice to do something, if I don’t specifically give it to God, I seem to always fail. However, while I’m still not perfect, making a specific commitment to God gives me that extra will power I need. I guess I’m used to sabotaging myself but to disappoint God or directly disobey Him when I have made a commitment, a promise to Him – that gives me that extra oomph I need at times.

So this is the first Lent season I can remember participating in and I’m choosing not to complain. However, it’s really more than that. I’m choosing to see JOY in life. Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, I’m choosing to look at life through a Heavenly focus and trusting that what I’m faced with is there for a purpose. The bill that I supposedly took care of last month but never did get adjusted? While I don’t know the purpose behind the inconvenience, I’m willing to see it for what it is – an inconvenience. Maybe God has a blessing waiting for us and that bill is the extra incentive I need to look into alternatives that could be the blessing waiting to happen.

That’s just one example where I could’ve chosen to complain, but instead choose to see JOY in the situation. We are only one week into the Lent season, but I’m choosing to believe that God will use this time to slowly change any complaining behavior I have into a JOYful spirit that will bless those around me.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 (NIV)

© Cheri Swalwell 2017

The Gift of Grace

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Valentines Day has come and gone.  Long Gone.  Presents have been given to the grandboys.  They live just a little closer to us.  The twin grandgirls live a bit farther and are super busy being in middle school, active in sports, music, and social butterflies.  Their gifts are awaiting them on the Hoosier cabinet.  It doesn’t matter when, they are for M&M.

What is Grace?  The dictionary says it is the “free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessing”.  It is something that’s free and not earned.  God’s grace of salvation is a Gift.  Like an Easter or Christmas gift.  Parents or grandparents buy gifts days or weeks ahead and wrap them up.  Then they wait, like with the Valentine gifts.  The gifts are there whenever the children choose to receive them.  They didn’t do anything to earn them.  These are gifts, plain and simple.

Salvation is like that in a way.  It is God’s gift to us.  Jesus is the gift.  The sacrificial Lamb that died on the cross so that our sins would become His sins.  He paid the price himself.  The Bible explains that you cannot earn salvation.  You do not receive it by good works or deeds.  There isn’t anything you have to do or be to obtain it.  It comes from accepting and believing Jesus Christ is God’s son and that He died for you and me to have life eternal. He was resurrected and ascended into Heaven.  That’s all there is to it.  Just accept and believe.  After accepting Jesus you will want to be a better person.  The Holy Spirit will live inside you and help.  You desire to read His Word and study it.  The Bible will be His letter, His love letter, to you.  Slowly you will notice yourself changing for the better.  Your future looks better, happier, full of hope.

Grace isn’t just for us to receive from God.  We need to show grace to others.  Share grace.  Think about when you become testy in traffic when someone cuts you off.  Show grace.  Don’t yell, honk your horn or make gestures.  Show grace.  Hubby forget to put the ice cream back in the freezer and it made a big mess melting everywhere?  You’ve got it.  Show grace.  Shouldn’t he get grace from the love of his life?   How about the slowest check out person in the store just switched to your lane.  Show grace.  We have no idea what a difference Grace would make in their life.  Think before reacting.  Spread some grace and watch what happens.  There will be less stress and more Jesus in your life.

” For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Eph. 2: 8-9 NIV

Read a Book Monday: Baseball Faith

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What is the first word that comes to mind when I say baseball?  Is it faith?  It might not be now but after reading this book, maybe.  It is Lent which means time to prepare yourself.  Strengthen your faith.  Whether you are a baseball fan or not, this is an excellent devotional for you.

In a family of sports enthusiasts, I am the odd gal out. Not only do I not enjoy sports, but I do not understand them. Take baseball for instance, everything I know about it could be put in a Little Leaguer’s pocket. They do have pockets, don’t they?

“Baseball Faith: 52 MLB Stars Reflect on Their Faith” by author Rob Maaddi is the first baseball book of any kind I have read. This 217 page Christian Living book could definitely be read as a devotional. I was totally and pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. Actually I loved it. It begins with a heartfelt dedication and then “On Deck” intro to the book. The Table of Contents list all 52 baseball stars alphabetically which is the order you will find them in the book. Each player has a full page color picture, the next page lists his name, a Bible verse that means something to him, and his testimony. The third page lists baseball information on him such as his position, teams, schools, honors, and more. The fourth and last page has “Seventh Inning Stretch” which includes some detailed trivia, more information, and Career Stats. At the end of the book is author information. You will also find an index of Scripture used followed by art credits.

If you know anything about baseball, I bet you know some of these players. Chris Davis, Cesar Hernandez, Pedro Martinez, Steven Matz, Aaron Nola, Andy Pettitte,
just to name a few.

Pedro Martinez talks about growing up in the Dominican Republic and how he prayed all of the time to be a baseball player. He was a skinny kid and questioned about his ability, but his testimony tells that God is the Mighty One and the only One who knows what we can become if we overcome what we think are our limits. Psalm 18:2 is his Bible verse.  The other stories are as uplifting and God glorifying, too.

This is an encouraging, inspiring book. Anyone would benefit from it. A baseball fan will especially love this book. Young boys and girls that want to learn about baseball will devour this book. Adults, too. The 52 messages are real and some pull on your heartstrings. You can feel the emotion through the words.

Author Maaddi has done an exemplary job with this book. It is a well researched, well planned, and well written book. It was penned so that anyone could understand the baseball information and more importantly the testimony. It will light a fire in you to turn to Jesus. It is a book to honor God and share our faith. Something we should do everyday.

This is no base hit. It is a big, bases loaded home run. A true winner!  I highly recommend it and rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Pick up a copy as an Easter gift, for the church library, your youth group, and yourself. Get inspired!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

 

 

Names

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What is in a name? Does a name mean anything? Certainly. My name is Nyla Kay Wilkerson. Nyla means Princess or Champion. Kay means Rejoice. Growing up I didn’t like my name because I could never find anything personalized. No hair barretts, necklaces, or ornaments had my name on them. As I aged, I decided my name wasn’t so bad and now that I read its meaning, I especially love it. Thanks, Mom!

My mother calls me Nyla Kay. (Double names are another Southern thing). My hubby calls me the usual endearments of hon, honey, little lady, baby, or my favorite – wife of many years. He also calls me Katie as do many friends and family. My daughter calls me Mom. Some friends and family call me NK or Nyla. My granddaughters call me Gram while the grandboys call me Nina. My sister calls me Sissy and her kids call me Aunt Sis. My husband’s nieces and nephew call me Aunt Katie. My (step)brother’s kids call me Aunt Nyla Kay. Neighborhood kids called me Aunt Wilkerson. People that do not know me address me as Mrs. Wilkerson. One of my best friends call me SIC (Sister In Christ) and PWP (Prayer Warrior Partner). Our relationship is Christ centered. The best kind of relationship. Wouldn’t you think one name would be enough?  No.  I answer to many different names for many different reasons. I am a daughter, wife, mother, friend, cousin, niece, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, Sister in Christ, and Prayer Warrior Partner. Most important, I am a child of God and called His Prayer Warrior Princess.

God has many names for many reasons, too. Do you know any? Here are a few:

He is Abba – our Father
Jehovah or Yahweh – our Lord God
Jehovah Rapha – the Lord Who Heals
Jehovah Jireh – the Lord Who Provides
Elohim – God of Power and Might
Adonai – Lord, Master
El Elyon – The Most High God
El Shadda – The Lord God Almighty
El Olam – The Everlasting God

So does Jesus. He is:

Emmanuel – God with us
Redeemer – our Deliverer
Lamb of God – Sacrifice for our sins
The Way, The Truth, and The Life – the Only Way to God
The Word – Who defined, explained, and expressed God to us
Christ – the Anointed One
Savior – One who saves us from eternal death
Alpha and Omega -the Beginning and the End
Lord – God or Master

What about you? Do you have more than one name like I do? Like God doe or Jesus?  I am only one person, but many names define me. The same with Him. He has many more than I listed, too. Are you Thomas, Tom, Tommy or T? Or maybe Suzanne, Suzie, Sue, Aunt S, Mom, and Mammaw? Among your list of names do you include child of God? Don’t you want to be the child of a Father that Heals, Provides, is Powerful, Mighty, Most High, Everlasting, and so much more?   I’m glad I am.

“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” 1 John 12

“Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names,” Phil. 2:9

When God Says No

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I have heard that when we pray God says yes, no, or wait. The Bible says to pray without ceasing. Pray that things will be done according to God’s will and not ours. I can’t remember not praying. Even as a young child my Mother knelt beside me at night and prayed “Now I lay me down to sleep…..”

My family consists of three branches: my Mother, my Daddy, and my Dad. You see, when I was twelve my life changed in the blink of an eye. We’d had a great family weekend. Daddy’s parents had come in from Lexington to spend time with us. I remember them playing game after game of Canasta and talking nonstop. My Grandmother waved goodbye with tears in her eyes. Me, too. I hated to see them go.

Then came Monday. My parents were at work. Mammaw lived with us and was beginning to cook dinner in the afternoon when Daddy’s boss and secretary brought him home. A few minutes later he had a fatal heart attack on our couch in front of me.  As the ambulance sped by I ran down the street trying to get their attention. I did.  Just as they were putting Daddy, covered with a sheet, in the ambulance my sweet Mother was dropped off from work.  Wow. Can you imagine?  She is an amazing woman. So strong in all ways, especially her faith. The quintessential Proverbs 31 woman.

While my family all prayed for God to heal Daddy, He had other plans for him. He also had other plans for us. Mother remained strong in her faith, never missing church and making sure we went, too.  Over a decade later she met and married Dad. He is one of our greatest gifts from Abba. Dad is a loving, strong, Christian man. A leader in the community and church, he is a retired mathematics teacher and college instructor as well as the official grandchildren tutor.  Playing high school basketball earned him a scholarship to LSU  and a place at the NCAA finals where his Tigers were beaten by the Hoosiers! His gruffness comes from being retired military but don’t let that fool you.  Dad’s a big old soft teddy bear.  He is a sweetheart.

He loves my sister and me abundantly and has taken the word “step” out of our vocabulary. The love he has for my dear Mother shines through his eyes as he gazes upon her, and that love is returned, too.  Not only does he speak words of love, but his actions show it. He has taken care of us longer now than Daddy. Dad is generous, funny, conservative, and not soft spoken. He has a heart of gold and always speaks the truth. We love him. As an added bonus he brought with him a huge, loving Christian family that immediately adopted us.  Not to mention his son and daughter so now I have many nieces and nephews, too.

It is hard when we pray and God says no. Really hard. Especially when it comes to health, life, and death we want God to say yes. Most people, me included, have a tendency to think we know better. How crazy is that? God is supreme. He has plans for us and they are always good. He will make something good out of a tragedy. He doesn’t make the tragedy but will use it. Keep praying even if His answer is no. Pray for God’s will to be done. That’s what Jesus did. Trust Abba. Something good is coming. It may take just a day or perhaps a decade, but pray for God’s Will. Things will get better.  Have faith.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
Luke 22:42 NIV

 

Let’s Get Cookin’ Thursday: “Little Acts of Kindness are Big” Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

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Have you ever gone to a restaurant and had a nice lunch or dinner? Things were going well until the check came….or didn’t come. Then things got even better. What a treat to find an anonymous person had paid your bill. Someone you didn’t even know. And they added on dessert as a bonus. What was going along as a normal day just became a special one. That little thing is called an act of kindness. Doing something nice for someone without expecting anything, even a thank you, in return.

We have a neighbor with five children. She and her husband have taught this lesson to them well. Frequently there is a soft knock on our door. We are excitedly presented with a homemade loaf of banana bread, biscuits, or jar of strawberry jam that the kids have made themselves. Sometimes there is a bag hanging on our mailbox that has a yummy treat in it. Their mother is teaching them service and acts of kindness. What an excellent teacher and students.

There are so many opportunities to share acts of kindness. It doesn’t need to be for a stranger. We hear about leaving coupons on grocery shelves or paying the toll for the next car.  The kind acts from our neighbors bless us, too.

How about your family? Is Mom having a busy day at work? Make dinner for her. Kids having a rough time at school or with friends? Do one of their chores or leave an encouraging note under their pillow. Is Dad’s car dirty. Wash it for him. Call Grammy to let her know you love her. Send Pappaw a funny card. Take a neighbor some peanut butter cookies. Pass the 25 cent Aldi cart on to someone and do not take their quarter. Send someone something without signing your name like flowers, coffee, a gift certificate, or anything to brighten their day. Leave a gift on someone’s porch. Hold the door open for someone. Smile and greet someone you don’t know. If it’s raining, grab an umbrella for someone. Think about making someone else happy. Be nice. Be kind.  Share Jesus’s love.

This Lenten Season are you spreading kindness? Putting a smile on someone’s face without wanting credit? You might never see the person again but the impression you make will stay with them. If you aren’t sure where to start, ask God. Pray that He will lead you to be a blessing to someone today. Let Jesus shine through you. Be gracious to someone. You might like it so much you’ll do it again tomorrow and the next day! Acts of kindness are limitless. The joy they bring is limitless, too. Spread some joy! You’ll get it back, tenfold, at least.

“Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matt. 6:4 NLT

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 c. peanut butter
3/4 c. sugar
2 egg whites
Optional: 1/4 c. chocolate chips

By hand, beat egg whites until frothy; add peanut butter and sugar; blend well. May stir in chocolate chips. Drop on cookie sheet by spoonfuls. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned on bottom. Do not over-bake.

Blessed or Blamed or Forgiven

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Spring has come early in Southern Indiana. My jonquils are blooming. Dogwood trees and Bradford pears are in beautiful bloom. It is early March. Early March! Already the animals and birds are scurrying around and loving the sunny days. As I watched out my kitchen window I saw a majestic pair of red tail hawks. They were gliding and sailing so effortlessly across the sky almost weaving in a dance together in and out. It was so graceful. Obviously they we courting. One bird landed on the highest branch in the tallest Sycamore tree by our creek. After a minute the mate, I’m guessing the male, flew down and bopped her on the top of her head nearly toppling her out of the tree. Okay, maybe they weren’t courting. She flapped her wings and shrieked at him. He didn’t want to argue so he left. Back she went to her regal perch and fluffed her ruffled feathers.

Back to my dishes I kept an eye on her, and bingo, her repentant mate was back. Bearing a gift.  Smart man.  I thankfully couldn’t see from the window what poor creature was being ripped apart and lovingly fed to the Queen hawk that a minute ago was a pecking board. She graciously accepted and they cuddled and sat close like two teenagers at the movies.  True love.  It wasn’t long before something happened, and she was back to shrieking and flapping her wings. He flew off again. Later in the day I spotted them gliding over my yard on the way to their tree.

Forgiveness. It goes both ways. Who is to bless or blame? The rowdy male or hurt female? Had she not forgiven him for knocking her out of the tree and playing tough the story would have a different ending. He would come back and maybe she would be gone. Maybe she would chase him off again. Forgiveness. Had he not forgiven her over reaction and tantrum that would have been the end of the story. Maybe he would have kept flying. Forgiveness happened more than once in the same day for them.  They were both blessed and no one was to blame.  They were forgiven.

Forgiven is for both people in a situation. It frees each party and in most cases both share the blame.  After forgiveness, both are blessed.  Are you holding back from forgiving someone? Has it been so long that you don’t even know why now? What is more important? Holding that bitterness or pleasing God. We are humans, flawed and prone to make mistakes. It is more than unfortunate when a mistake or word causes hurt feelings. Even worse is when they fester into an unforgivable grudge. It’s like leaving a splinter into your toe for days rather than getting it out right away. Pretty soon it has gotten bigger, messier, and hurts a lot more. Forgiveness helps you, too.  Do you want to be blessed or blamed or forgiven?

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

Ratty White Bible

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Are you a dedicated Bible reader? Do you make sure everyday your soul is fed with the Word? Since it is Lent, this is especially an appropriate time to delve more into the Bible to hear what God has to say. It has been said that the Bible is God’s instruction book and love letter to us. Wow. That makes happy tears come to my eyes. The Holy creator of the universe left me instructions on how to live. He left them in a loving way because He wants me to know of His great love for me. I am humbled.

Before I opened my Bookstore there was much preparation needed. I took it seriously, too. We had only been open one day when a gentleman came in looking for a Bible. I was ready. My translations were in sections KJV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, you name it.We had the translations separated into Study Bibles, Life Application, Devotional, Men’s, Women’s, Gift & Award, and even Large Print.

After greeting the man, I asked the suggested questions to determine which Bible would be the right fit for him. However, this man was not cooperating with me. His answers were short and the only thing I could get out of him was that he wanted a white Bible. Color was way down on the list when assisting someone with a Bible. I tried one more time and asked what it would be used for – devotions, study, something else? Finally the exasperated man said “Look, it’s going in a casket so the lady ain’t gonna read it. She’s dead. The kids want a Bible in the casket and hers was too ratty looking. Just sell me a cheap white Bible.”

A well read, extremely used Bible is many things, but not ratty. Oh, no.  Maybe treasured and beloved. It is a testimony to the owner’s dedication to study God’s Word. This Bible is proof of a deep love between Father and child. Tattered, used, adored, but never ratty.

What does your Bible look like? If someone picks it up would he be able to see your faithfulness to the Word just by looking at the Book? I agree it takes more than reading to follow God, but it is a good step. You need to know how to live, what to do, how to obey, and the Bible has the answers.  You just have to read.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Read a Book Monday: “When God Says Wait” Review

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All of my life my Mother has told me that I was born 25 days early and have kept up that pace ever since. Somehow I don’t believe my sweet Mother was giving me a compliment but nicely saying I am impatient. I am. I like things right now. Well, who does like to wait?  Even in my prayer life I notice I want things immediately.  It is hard to wait for answers.  Apparently I forget that I am chatting with my Creator, the One who knows what is best and when the right time is.  Recently I was asked to read a book on prayer and when God says wait. Waiting on an answer from anyone is difficult but it is especially hard when it is God. This book helped me gain perspective on that.

“When God Says Wait: Navigating life’s detours and delays without losing your faith, your friends, or your mind” by author Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a 224 page paperback book that any woman will thoroughly enjoy. It is well written with humor, scripture, and biblical stories. There are twelve chapters with catchy titles such as “Wait Is a Four-Letter Word”.  All of the chapters are about a biblical character, such as Naomi, David, Ruth, or Miriam” and their journey.  They are tied in with life today.  Told in narrative, this book took me into the hearts, minds, confidence, and land of each person. I felt their frustration, dilemma , pain, joy, and love as I kept reading. The stories were heart stirring and emotional.

The author has a nice writing style. Her stories flow effortlessly and held my interest. With biblical characters telling their stories the author then explains how it applies to our lives today. The book is well planned and organized. It has scripture and encouragement on trusting God when prayers take a while to be answered. Honest and not sugar coated, the author reminds readers to continue to pray even though they do not get the quick answers they want.  Don’t give up, keep praying.

We live in an immediate society. People are impatient and want things yesterday with no waiting. Sometimes it takes a while for things to line up. Sometimes we need to enjoy the journey.  Sometimes we need to strengthen our faith.  Author Thompson reminds readers not to give up. God hears prayer. Sometimes He has something better planned for us. Sometimes the journey is a blessing.  We need to wait and trust.

I highly recommend this book. It gives new insight into prayer, especially when waiting for an answer. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour for my honest opinion. Any church library would benefit from this book. It would be a great Lenten read to inspire your prayer life and relationship with Abba.  I would definitely recommend this for a small group, readers club or women’s group.  I loved it and was encouraged.

“But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.”  Micah 7:7

 

 

Granddaddy’s Girl

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Recently I told you how life was for me in my maternal grandparents farmhouse. My Daddy’s parents lived down the road from them until moving back to Kentucky after Granddaddy retired. My Grandmother was a strict, proper Southern lady. Men wore suit coats to the dinner table, which was always in the dining room. Hands and faces were washed, shirts tucked in, and we walked, not ran, to her table. She gave me my love for reading and canasta. Every Christmas she made candy and eggnog. (I don’t remember the eggnog but Mom says it was delicious.) Her meringue pies were piled high with artistic swirls. Grandmother had soft hands that smelled of Jergens lotion, that cherry almond. When we prayed she always held my hand.

Granddaddy was my hero. He was Lock Master at Dam 43 and loved me deeply. It was reciprocated. A family story tells of my 6 foot Granddaddy squatting down picking peas in the hot sun with me hanging onto his back. He had trouble telling me no. Occasionally he would let me go to the Dam with him. Keeping a watchful eye he made certain I never wandered to the river. Sometimes he would take my hand and tell me we were riding a boat to the next Dam and catching another back. What fun! I blew the whistle, waved at people on the shore, and had a grand adventure. He was soft spoken and did not say much, but when he did we all listened.

That side of my family has a total of five grandchildren so it was much different than my Mother’s. My cousins lived two hours away, and I couldn’t see them each week. That doesn’t mean we aren’t close. I love all three of them. My youngest cousin is like a little sister, a treasure. The boys are great, too, and my aunt! You will meet her later. I was the first grandchild so I spent a lot of time alone with my grandparents growing up.

I remember spending a Saturday night with them when I was young. We played games, sat on the porch, had snacks, and made a pallet beside their bed for me to sleep. Waking up I could smell bacon wafting in from the kitchen along with the aroma of coffee. Sun was streaming in through the windows and birds were chirping. I heard the slow steady footsteps of Granddaddy on the hardwood floor as he came in to wake me. I asked “do we hafta go to church today?” knowing he would say no and wonder what I wanted to do. He thought for a minutes, went to his nightstand and came back with his Bible. He thumbed through it and read a verse “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Then asked me what kind of house I thought his was. “Brick” I replied. He chucked and said “One that serves the Lord. Now get up.”

Think about who you serve when you want to sleep in or go on an adventure instead of worship.  What is really more important?  Who should get that hour?  Does your house serve the Lord?  Do you?

 

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…..but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”   Joshua 24:15 NIV