Tough Truth Tuesday-Members Who Strengthen

                  The strength of the church lies in her supernatural elements, her sure foundations, and her divine cornerstone. The weakness of the church lies in her human elements. We can offer no improvements in the supernatural elements, but we can strengthen the human elements. There are four groups of members who strengthen the church.

                  The first group is composed of attending members. They are found in every congregation. They have the same “excuse” which others use: all week, they too have Sunday illnesses, but because of their love for the church-they put God first.

                  The second group is made up of informed members. The Christian life begins with a spiritual impulse, a movement of life toward God. When and where and how this desire for more knowledge of God is not always discovered. It is perfectly plain, however, that when a life has been “born again,” its growth can be sustained and matured only through knowledge and experience. They are busy people who make time to feast on the “good Word of God.”

                  The third group which strengthens the church is that of the supporting member. A church is strong or feeble, not primarily in proportion to its enrolled membership, but in proportion to its supporting membership. The strength of a church is in the number of its “active” members, those who invest time, thought, energy, and money in its maintenance. The weakness of a church is in the number of its inactive members.

                  The fourth group which lifts the church is the consistent members. No one can point to him and say, “He is the reason I am not a member.” Those in this group profess with their lips and practice with their lives as believers on Monday as well as Sunday. They praise the name of God in the meeting place without profaning His name in the marketplace. The religion of Christ is greatly helped by those whose consistencies speak so loudly that the world can hear what the church says.

                  If you cannot find yourself, begin at once by confessing the error of your way and dedicate your life to strengthening the church.

written by Jerry Jenkins

via South Florida Avenue Messenger

Mention Worthy Monday (Links Ed.)

5 Important Financial Resolutions for 2014 - Even though we're wrapping up the first month of this new year, it's not too late to reevaluate your financial situation and resolve to make some improvements where possible. This article includes great reminders of financial goals Christians should keep.

How much should we really be sharing about our children online? I am of the belief that what we share online regarding our children, husbands, wives, parents and even friends should be very little for two basic reasons. First, because of safety. Second, because I respect their privacy. I am all for blogging and sharing real-life stories to encourage and learn from one another, but we should do so with careful (even prayerful) thought.

Why Being A Mom Is Enough - I'm guilty. I try to do it all. Of course I don't succeed because I'm not superwoman and then I allow myself to feel like a failure. We should always be striving to better ourselves, but enough beating ourselves up because our homes don't look like our Pinterest boards. Enough is enough and being a mom is enough.

5 Reminders for Exhausted Christians - Let’s face it, life is exhausting. And sometimes, Christianity can be exhausting too. When we think of all the people who need to be helped, encouraged, taught, and ministered to, it’s no wonder so many Christians are tired.

 Regarding My Wife and Peyton Manning - It's no secret who I will be pulling for this coming Sunday because..."This is Peyton Manning. An extraordinary athlete, no doubt. A focused and determined leader, without question. But most importantly, Peyton Manning is a decent guy. In a day and age of egotists and cheaters and complainers and free-loaders, Peyton Manning is a really decent guy."

Easy Evangelism Ideas #2

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“Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

I once heard a preacher say that he tries to write a short note each weekday to a different member in the congregation, just to let them know that they are appreciated. While this is a great idea it can be a challenge to do each weekday if you work full-time or have children to care for. However, it is still a practice we can strive to do at least once a week. Don’t be alarmed if your vocabulary (like mine) does not overflow with eloquent words. Your brothers and sisters in Christ will appreciate a simple note just as much as an articulate one. The thought is what matters.

Just last week, I received a note from one of the children we have the pleasure of attending services with. It didn’t contain flowery words or even a meaningful picture, but she signed it with her name. It holds a special place in my heart (and on my wall) because she thought of me.  

“The gifts we treasure most over the years are often small and simple. In easy times and in tough times, what seems to matter most is the way we show these nearest to us that we’ve been listening to their needs, to their joys, and to their challenges.”

-Fred Rogers in The World According to Mister Rogers

Teaching on Tuesday

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Memory Verse Puzzle

This is a great activity to help children learn memory verses and it is so easy! It takes very little time, making it perfect for an in-class-activity or one for you to prepare beforehand, and it takes even less materials. Just cut up squares of construction paper and write the verse out. On the opposite sides of the cards, I numbered each one to help know what order they go in.  You could even trace (or have each child trace) puzzle pieces to make it more fun.

Mention Worthy Monday (Link Ed.)

Preacher Killed for Sharing the Gospel - I realize this is not the type of article you prefer to start your day with nevertheless, I felt like it needed to be shared. The blessing of religious freedom that we are able to enjoy in the USA sometimes causes us to forget that this liberty is not enjoyed by many others. While we worry about facing verbal ridicule or becoming a social outcast, others are paying with their very lives.

Preparing the Home for Winter - I recently stumbled upon this site and it has quickly been added to my regular reading list. This particlar post features simple reminders to help keep your home & loved ones warm & cozy through those (seemingly) long winter months. Enjoy and be sure to check out the whole site!

8 Reasons to Live in a Small House - Another site that has quickly become one of my favorites. Look for more links to The Praire Homestead in the future and in the meantime, check out why smaller houses are best.

The Value of a Day - This video is pretty much how the day looks at our house right now. Is it wonderful? Absolutely! Would I trade it for anything? Not. One. Thing. I love being a mom. I love that this is a fairly accurate description of my days.  This is something I have been looking forward to and praying for, yet I still catch myself feeling guilty due to all the things I don’t get done. Reminders like this help me realize I am doing the most important thing right now. 
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Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.

 -Elder Neal L. Anderson

I'm Pinterested.  - If you're a Pinterest addict...not something I would know anything about...you will love this cute video. Happy Monday everyone!