“I may be speaking to some who can say, with an emphasis, that they oftentimes find great crops of thistles springing up in their hearts, and they have to keep the sickle of sacred mortification going to cut them down, and they try if possible to dig them up by the roots. But thus it is; you cannot expect a perfect life of happiness in an imperfect world Eke this. No; your Savior carried the cross, and you will have a cross of some kind or other to carry after him. ??Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee.?? Spurgeon, C. H.
Matthew has reached another milestone. Yes, that’s right, according to experts, sticking the foot in your mouth is a mark of development and achievement. As adults, of course, the phrase “sticking your foot in your mouth” takes on entirely different meaning. However, for Matthew, this is great news. Without any help from us, while laying on his back, he can bring his foot up within hands reach, grab it, and stick it in his mouth.
Lately, it has been very hard, even for men to get a regular pair of jeans. Most of the new jean styles have been those low rise jeans. You can choose a moderately low rise, or super low rise. In Queen Latifa’s latest movie “Beauty Shop”, the mother described these jeans as “coming down to the top of her burning bush”!
At our church, Church on the Hill, most junior high students are wearing these jeans. Many of the activities require student to bend this way and
that, or sit on the floor. These low rise jeans are not very attractive in these situations. It wasn’t attractive to see crack when the plumbers did
it, and it still isn’t attractive when youngster do it. Just say no to crack!
Thankfully, the jean companies are giving us some relief and are beginning to provide some higher rises on these jeans. It seems that they are even going so far as to provide ultra high rise jeans. I suppose so we can look like we have no belly? I’ve been trying to get rid of mine, so perhaps I’ll try one out. 
Here’s a link to a Low Rise Jeans Article
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5, NIV)
I’ve heard others complain about all the rules imposed by the Church. They feel it’s impossible for them to follow it. I have some old friends that say they couldn’t give up their party style life for God. Sure, it may seem like a very difficult task to follow God’s commands. However, His commands are not burdensome. God has given someone, Jesus Christ, so that we can overcome the world.
What does it mean to overcome the world? It means to be freed from the pressures and worries imposed by the world. We don’t become destroyed by the temptations for materials and physical pleasures. We don’t become lost in the chaos of relative truths, new age lies, and false religions. We stumble, but we not rise up, we are triumphant.
Those of us that have been born of God, having faith in Jesus Christ, can overcome the world. We do not need to feel hopelessness or despair when we fall or stumble. God has already claimed victory for us, and in the end, we will overcome the world. Let’s rejoice!
We took a trip to Happy Hollow, a park and zoo located close to our house. I haven’t been there since I was a kid. I used to love this place and it’s still the lovable place that I remember.
Jenn and I had a chance to horse around.
Jenn and I really enjoy spending evenings with those junior high kids at Church on the Hill. The Oasis Junior High ministry has a very cool website up. Check out the new photos, read devotionals, funny quotes, or just find out what’s going on with Oasis Junior High at www.oasisjhigh.com
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