Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 5 & 6

------------------------------------

May 12, 2009- Order

Today my virtue was order. This was a hard thing to do throughout the day considering I was away from the house most of it, but I tried to think about the virtue and apply it often.

When I started school this morning, I tried to plan out what I was going to do first, second, third, etc. This plan began very well, but then I had to choose subjects that were shorter in length to finish before I left the house so the list got thrown out the door (not literally).

May 13, 2009- Temperance

I feel as though I practiced temperance very well today. The best way that I knew how to apply this virtue was in my eating habits.

At lunch I ate a moderate portion of food consisting of a sandwich and chips. I usually eat a second helping of chips, but today I opted out because I had already had enough.

Now, I did have a guilty pleasure: a drumstick ice cream bar. I just had to have one! I let temptation in and kicked temperance out.

-----------------------------------

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 4

------------------------------------------

May 11, 2009- Cleanliness

Today my moral virtue was cleanliness. I'm the type of person that loves for things to be clean: my room, my body, my heart, etc. In my life, this can be a really hard task because I have so little time to designate to this necessary task.

This morning I got up and changed my sheets, then I picked up the clothes that were all over my desk and hung them up. I tried to make my room look like I cared about it. Now, there were many other things I could have done, but time just wasn't on my side.

Tonight I took a shower and put on a fresh pair of PJs. Before I laid down to go to sleep, I prayed that God would purify me from all unrighteousness and give me a pure heart. I believe this is a good way to end the day everyday.

-----------------------------------------

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 2 and 3

------------------------------------------

May 7, 2009- Humility

Today my moral virtue was Humility. I'm not exactly sure how to record how well I did, or didn't do. I do know that I tried to not think too highly of myself, even though thoughts did pop into my head throughout the day. I tried to appreciate my mom and thank her for what she did for me; I failed at doing this for my grandmother. I tried to talk less about myself and more about the person whom I was speaking with.

May 8, 2009- Sincerity

Sincerity was my moral virtue of the day. I tried my best to be honest and open about things throughout the day, not holding much of anything back.

My mom had some medical test this morning. When I asked her about it, I tried to be as genuinely concerned about all that she told me.

(Sincerity- freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, or duplicity; probity in intention of in communicating; earnestness.)

------------------------------------------

Moral Virtues Assignment- Day 1

At the beginning of May, I was given a history assignment that went along with my study of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin believed that everyone should practice certain virtues in their daily lives to achieve moral perfection. So for nine days I had to pick a moral virtue for each day, try to use that virtue throughout my day, and then journal about how I succeeded or failed.

Here are my journals from this assignment. I thought I would share with you the experience. (I'll try to post a new one everyday so check back with me!)

---------------------------------------

May 6, 2009- Industry

My moral virtue of the day was industry. I would not say that I completely succeeded in this area, but I believe I put forth a great deal of effort to achieve it.

I worked really hard in all of my school assignments and tried to remember everything in detail that I read throughout the day. I tried to ask as many questions so as to further my knowledge.

This evening I had to play the guitar with a group of people from church. I gave a hundred percent to my playing, trying to make every chord as clear as I could play. Before I began playing, I checked my tuning twice so I would have the best possible sound.

When I left the church, I was determined to come straight home and finish my history reading. But when I arrived home, I got distracted by the computer.

Overall, I tried to be productive and work hard at everything I did. However, I did have my moments of laziness.

---------------------------------------

Discerning The Will Of God

I'm the type of person that DESIRES to do and be in the perfect will of God. If you are like me you wonder: "How in the world am I supposed do the will of God when I don't know what His will is?". And "How do I know if this decision I'm making is part of God's plan for me?"

I read this article recently in Focus On The Family magazine and thought that this answer by Dr. James Dobson was a great one that needed to be shared. I hope this is as helpful to you as it was to me!

---------------------------------------------

Q: If you can't always trust what you feel, how can you know what is right?

A: There are at least five ways you can discern the will of the Lord. First, the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians, "And this is my prayer. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the all-glorious Father, will give you spiritual wisdom and the insight to know more of him" (Ephesians 1:16-17, Phillips). He wouldn't have said that unless it was possible through prayer to gain spiritual wisdom and insight. Therefore, a search for God's will should begin on your knees. He will meet you there. Remember that Jesus promised, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7)

Second, you should examine the Scriptures for principles that relate to the issue at hand. The Lord will never ask you to do anything that is morally wrong or in contradiction to His Word. If what you are considering violates a concept you find in the Word, you can forget it.

Third, it is helpful to seek advice from those who are spiritually mature and solid in their faith. A godly counselor or pastor can assist you in avoiding the common mistakes that confuse many young people.

Fourth, you should pay close attention to what are known as providential circumstances. The Lord often speaks through doors that open or close. When you begin to be blocked on all sides in a particular pursuit, you might consider the possibility that God has other plans for you. I'm suggesting not that you give up at the first sign of obstacles but that you attempt to "read" the events in your life for evidence of divine influence.

Fifth and finally, do nothing impulsively. Give God an opportunity to speak. Until He does, stall for time and concentrate on the first four approaches.

In addition to these five steps to determine God's specific will, I can tell you now what His general will is for each of us. The Scripture gives all believers the same assignment, and it's called the Great Commission. We find it in the words of Jesus, who said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15, KJV). That responsibility applies to all of us.*

----------------------------------------------

*This is an excerpt from Dr. James Dobson's book Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide.

Feeling Vs. Truth

God's Positive Answers

You say: "It's Impossible."
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me."
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on."
God says: My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't figure things out."
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it."
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able."
God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it."
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself."
God says: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage."
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid."
God says: I have not give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated."
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (1 Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough."
God says: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone."
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

-Author Unknown-

-------------------------------------------------

I found this list on another blog a while back and thought that everyone should read it. As humans, we can get so caught up in the emotional struggles of everyday life that we forget the truth.

Feel free to copy this list and place it somewhere so that you can see it everyday and be reminded of God's promises to you.

"What Does God Think About Me" Part Two

Not only does God love us, He thinks we are beautiful. He sees us as His beautiful creations. We are precious and lovely in His sight. This is another trait of God that I have had a hard time understanding. All I used to see were the imperfections, not the beauty of what God had created me to be. But then I realized that I was made in the image of God: the creator of the Universe, the Lord of all, the Author of all things beautiful.

If you're like me, sometimes you question your outer beauty because, according to the world, you just don't measure up to its standards. But God doesn't look at us and think that at all. He sees our beauty inside and out. He made us. We are His own. Who are we to question the workmanship of the Creator of the world?

If you didn't already know...God does not make mistakes. He is perfect. He is holy. He just can not make mistakes. So next time you're feeling down about the way you look, remember that God sees your true beauty...and nothing else matters.

(Please read the words to this song by Addison Road that I have typed out below.)

-------------------------------------------------------------

"All That Matters" by Addison Road

I may never be the one that gets a second glance

I may never be the one they call the prettiest

But thats alright with me

And maybe I don't follow every crazy passion

Spend all my time trying to get a good reaction

But thats ok with me

This world is like a trampoline

High and low no in between

Jumping at the chance to please

Everyone but thats not me

Cause all that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

Cause all that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

Some people tell me to step out and do my own thing

And others say I got to blend in just to be the same

And stop being me

But this shallow world is no longer what I'm made of

I've been changed by grace

I've been saved by love

What more do I need

All that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

My life comes from the One Who made the stars and brought the sun

He loves me more than these So I don't need another identity

All that matters is

All that matters is

I know your love has set me free

And that's all that matters to me

That's all that matters

"What Does God Think About Me?" Part One

That is a great question...what does God think about us?

First of all, He loves us more than we can ever imagine! I've always struggled with grasping this concept. God loves ME.....why? Why does He love me? Because I am His own.

Imagine yourself as a parent: Would you hate that boy or girl? No. You would love that child. Why? Because it's your own. It's part of you.

That's how God sees us. He looks past our imperfections and mistakes and sees us: His children.

God's love is an overflowing, never ending, unfailing love. Nothing compares to it.

----------------------------

-Puppy Love: 2 weeks in high school.

-A mother's love for her newborn: a lifetime.

-God's love: priceless and eternal.

-----------------------------

Like I said, nothing compares to the love that God has for us...His children.

Commandment With A Promise

Let me paint a picture...

A mom and daughter are in a clothing store shopping one Saturday afternoon. The daughter begs her mom to let her go in "Hoochy-R-Us" to look for some new clothes. After a few minutes of wining from the daughter, the mother gives in and and she and her daughter head on into the store. The first piece of clothing the daughter picks up is a black shirt that is backless and has a PLUNGING neckline. And the argument begins...

I'm going to be honest...I do not always get along 100% with my parents. I am certainly NOT proud of it. I do argue sometimes when I don't agree with what they say. I mean, I love my parents and I value their opinions, but sometimes I just don't agree with them. God has really convicted me about this sin of arguing in my life recently.

Did you know that in the Bible God never said that children had to agree with their parents? OK, so I don't have to agree with them...but what does God say about my relationship with my parents? Well, it does say in Ephesians 6:1-2 that children are to honor them.
(Honor meaning to love, be reverent towards, obey, and assist in all things.)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise..."

When you honor your parents in everything, you will be blessed. You might not see the rewards for honoring them here on earth, but you will be rewarded when you meet your Savior face to face.

In Deuteronomy 5:16, God says that if you honor your parents, then your life will be long and happy.

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you; that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you..."

Also, in Colossians 3:20, God says that if you honor your parents, you will make Him happy.

"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Next time that you don't agree or argue with your parents, remember that God placed them in your life for a reason and that He smiles upon children who obey.

(For further reference, read Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16)