Real Life Lesson

I am in the process of reading the entire "Chronicles of Narnia" series to my boys. As we complete a book, if there is a series or film based on it, we try to watch it.

Yesterday, we finished "Prince Caspian". There were two shows for us to watch. The first, "Prince Caspian " was the 1989 t.v. mini series. Immediately my boys began to notice differences and similarities between the book and the show. They got about half way through the first episode before we had to turn it off, to go somewhere. When we had the chance to start it up again, they asked me not to, stating they didn't like how much of the book was cut out of it.

This paved the way for a good lesson. I explained to them that the show was one person's interpretation of the book. That, if we hadn't read it, we wouldn't know what they'd left out or what they may have added. The same is true for God's word. If we choose to only listen to what others have to tell us about the Bible, we will miss so much and not know if the information we were given was accurate or not.

So, instead, we began watching the 2008 version of Prince Caspian . To this, they also commented on things that were missing, different, added on, or even put in the wrong order. (Reading comprehension test!) Though they liked it much more than the previous version, they still weren't completely pleased at how different it was from the book.

I drew their attention to how different the movie and series were from each other. We discussed the similarities and differences. I pointed out that the same is true in life. You may hear about what the word says from two different people, but their interpretations may be very different from each other. This can lead to confusion, if you haven't read the Bible for yourself.

It was such a wonderful opportunity to be able to give my sons a parable, or visual, of the importance of knowing things through your own efforts, vs. simply relying on someone else's.

It is just as true for us, as parents, in the importance of teaching our children about God's word and reading it to them ourselves, so that we can discuss it with them, encouraging them to study it, to know it, to apply it. Instead of hoping the church will accomplish that once or twice a week.

The word is a powerful tool, when we use it.

The Living Book

Every year, my pastor challenges and encourages us to read through the whole bible in a year. All through out the year he reminds us that we should be not only reading it, but studying it. The King James Version renders it this way in  2 Timothy 2:15

 

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 

 

You see, we go to church, where we get snippets of the bible. We get it in whatever context the speaker chooses to use it. Often times we're going over the same small areas of the bible. If that's all the bible we take in, we are sorely missing out.

 

Every time I read the bible, the Lord shows me something new, something I missed. You all know what I'm talking about. It's like watching a movie or reading a book. You often catch things the 2nd time around that you didn't the first. Some things are more clear the 2nd time around, as well. The more we dive into the word of God, especially to really pay attention to what we are reading, the more we glean from it. 

 

Since Jesus is the word, the word is a live, just as He is, therefore it truly speaks to us. Many times I've sought comfort and found it, because the Spirit of the Lord resonated something, in the bible, with my heart. 

I've learned things, connected things, and understood much better what often is not discussed in church or focused on. I've discovered how cool the genealogies actually are. And how truly connected our present day is to the things written all throughout the bible. 

In fact, some of what I've been gathering from it lately, with a friend, has inspired us to do a more in depth study. We are that intrigued.

Not only that but we've each done studies that opened our eyes to things not typically discussed in church. Like how much positive commentary there is on marital sex. The impact our choices have on others. What generational curses look like.

Quite honestly, I don't blame some people for not trusting, but fearing Abraham. He lied TWICE about Sarah, because he was afraid of dying. We see that the Lord shows these men the danger they are facing, should they continue to pursue Sarah. Yet, the Lord had mercy on the men Abraham lied to and gives them the truth and the choice to do what was right or not to. He did not desire to destroy, but to restore. The men, of course, chose the more positive outcome, returning Sarah to Abraham with the command that no one do them any harm. Not only did Abraham do that, but his son Isaac did the same thing to one of the same men, many years later, concerning his wife!

I did not hear about this in church, but by reading the word for myself.

Maybe that doesn't seem interesting to you. I can say, that isn't one of the most interesting things in the word. So go, read for yourself. Gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for yourselves. You will, most likely, be surprised by what you discover.

Hygge

Over the years, I've learned that there are names for many of the things that I have natural tendencies for. The latest discovery is the word Hygge. Apparently, this is the Danish word for enjoying life's simple pleasures. It is a synonym to the word coziness.

In all honesty, it's me, in the winter, especially. I naturally crave time curled up by the fireplace, with a good book and/or good company. Candle light, soft blankets, and good comfort foods. How good it is for my soul. 

I am the person who will keep my Christmas tree up as long as I can. For real. I've actually re-decorated it for Valentine's Day before! And even had one that lasted until the beginning of March! We use real trees, that get put out on the property to be used by critters for a new home, when we're done with them.

Though, my home is somewhat Hygge friendly, with blankets on each section of couch. The fireplace going most of the time, as we gather for a story or a good game, not to mention some good food! My hope is, that by next winter, my home will much more Hygge friendly.

Currently it is a mess of half finished projects. Clutter and chaos abound. Thanks to the concept of minimalism, another natural tendency of mine, I'm working to decrease the unwanted, unneeded, excess to make more time, more space, and more freedom for us to truly enjoy just being. Just fellow-shipping.

In truth, it makes me think of my relationship with the Lord. I came into it with so much baggage, and just when I think I've got things cleared out, He says, "Now let's work on this one." However, with each area we dive into, I learn, I grow, I become more free. The freer I become, the more time I spend just enjoying my time with Him. The fellowship. The good spiritual food. The comfort and coziness of His presence.

I hope that by next winter, this too shall be more Hygge friendly. That not only will my home be a warm, cozy, friendly, welcoming place to gather and snuggle and share with one another a time of eating and drinking and being merry, but my spirit will match the state of my home. That I will be in a place of compassion and tender care, of joy and laughter, with faith and hope abounding.