Movie Review: Mom’s Night Out Movie Fun for Moms of All Kinds
The movie Mom’s Night Out takes a humorous look at the challenges, frustrations, and joys of being a mom.
From the makers of October Baby, the directing team, “Jon & Andrew Erwin, “focus on developing and producing unique stories of redemption, faith, and triumph of the human spirit.” This talented duo has created a delightful, high quality film that affirms the all-important values of faith and family.
As the movie opens, we join Allyson (Sarah Drew), a mom in the midst of the frenzy of life with three small children. As a mommy blogger, the exhausted Allyson feels she has nothing to write about as she struggles to keep her head above water. Over-stressed and on the edge, Allyson struggles to reconcile her compulsive desires to be a great mom and perfect housekeeper with the reality of parenting.
When the frustrations pile up, Allyson plans a sophisticated night out with two other moms. Reservations to an upscale restaurant, party dresses, and rarely used glittery high heels are all part of getting ready for this well-deserved and desperately needed break. The well-meaning husbands volunteer to watch all the children with promises of no violent video games.
The fun night out quickly goes wrong as the three friends discover that reservations for “this Saturday” mean different things to different people. Ripe and ready for a MOMENT, the friends pull Allyson off the edge of a meltdown with the restaurant hostess. They end up at the bowling alley, trading high heels for bowling shoes. The hilarious mayhem spins as the mishaps go from bad to worse. Mom’s night out turns into a chaotic pursuit of stolen cars and a lost baby, with trips to the hospital, tattoo parlors, and the police station. Amid all the craziness, viewers will enjoy many laugh-til-you-cry moments.
The cast features Sarah Drew in the lead role as on-the-edge Allyson. Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), trades his hobbit status for fatherhood and plays a supportive and caring husband, trying his best to give his wife a much needed break. Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) displays her comedic talent as Sondra, a pastor’s wife and mom of a teenage daughter. Sondra is a mentor and friend to the younger mom’s, but also struggles with the challenge of maintaining her pastor’s wife image amidst the challenges of parenting a teenager. Country-music star, Trace Akdins, plays the gruff tattoo-artist-biker dude with a softer side that is revealed in the heart of the film with unexpected poignancy and wisdom. The cast also includes familiar faces from the movie Courageous–Alex Kendrick, Robert Amaya, and Kevin Downes.
If your kids have surprised you with a colossal mess while making breakfast for you as you grit your teeth and try to ignore the mess…Mom, this movie is for you.
If you have struggled to reconcile the beautiful mess of the daily challenges of parenting with the ideal in your head… Mom, this movie is for you.
If you have wondered how you could have what you always wanted–a beautiful family–and yet feel the guilt of discontent and exhaustion…Mom, this movie is for you.
If the stress of your expectations of yourself have made you feel like a failure as a mom and wife…then Mom, this movie is for you.
If you have desperately wanted to take a break and do something for yourself, to wipe of the grime of magic marker and baby spit up and remember who you used to be…then Mom, this movie is for you.
Like Allyson, we can all get discouraged in trying to be the perfect mom and we can all benefit from the reminder that perfection isn’t the goal. Mom’s Night Out gives us time to step back and laugh at the challenges and frustrations of parenting can give us all a much-needed break from the weight of our often un-realistic expectations.
Tweet this>Movie review: #Mom’sNightOut Fun for Moms of all Kinds. via @GingHarrington. http://ow.ly/wuBkQ #movies.
A Cinderella Moment
Life at my house has been like a revolving door, in and out with a hectic but fun travel schedule. Just got back from my trip to the premiere of Mom’s Night Out, and I’m excited to share a little more about the trip. Next post will cover a review of the movie.
Have you ever had a Cinderella moment?
Shimmering with the sparkle of the unexpected, Cinderella moments transform the everyday into the extraordinary.
Last fall, I sat down to dinner at Allume, a blogging conference. Conference sponsors announced two prizes tucked under chairs somewhere in the room of four hundred bloggers. I’m going to make a confession here–I almost didn’t bother to reach under my seat, as I have been chronically gifted at avoiding prize-winning.
Have you ever felt that you are never the winner, so why bother to play?
Maybe I was ripe for a Cinderella moment.
The prize was a trip to attend the premiere of the movie, Mom’s Night Out.
Months later, the invitation arrived with a flight itinerary and hotel reservations. This Cinderella rode American Airlines instead of a pumpkin, and I brought my Prince Charming with me.
I can just imagine God chuckling with glee at my delight and excitement. After all, who do you think taught the fairy Godmother her tricks?
Attending the premiere with the cast and staff of the movie, along with other invited guests, this mom-housewife-blogger never dreamed of attending this kind of event.
Walking the famous trail of legendary Hall of Fame stars, we made our way to the historic and iconic Chinese Theater in the heart of Hollywood. With the flash of an invitation and our ID’s, we were allowed past the red ropes marking the division between tourist and guest.
Excitement hummed in the air as everyone waited for the arrival of the cast, Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton, and Trace Adkins. Unfortunately, the many ushers insisted that everyone find their seats, but I could see folks discreetly hiding in the restroom alcoves trying to blend in with the wall paper and others whisking about with eyes and cameras wide open looking for the celebrities.
I tried to disguise myself as one of the costumed mannequins on display, but I don’t think it worked…. (excuse the blurry photo–a hazard of trying to blend in with the surroundings…)
The theater is stunning and well worth a visit just to enjoy the ambiance of the old-world oriental decor and atmosphere. Taking our seats with time to spare, I enjoyed meeting the friendly folks seated around me.
Mom’s Night Out is a fun film that brings out the challenges, frustrations, and joys of motherhood with humor and poignancy. A family and faith affirming movie, Mom’s Night Out will make you laugh out loud again and again.
My next blog post will cover the movie itself, but for now, let me just say this: go see Mom’s Night Out! The movie opens May 9—you guessed it—just in time for Mother’s Day.
I extend a huge thank you to the Mom’s Night Out team! With gratitude, I am reminded that God can and often does things that are above and beyond what we imagine. After all, isn’t that what Cinderella moments are all about—expanding the limits of our daily experience with the reminder that at any moment God can step in with any blessing He chooses?
I am Attending the Mom’s Night Out Movie Premiere!
This regular, everyday mom has a very special night out tonight! A few hours ago I checked into a posh Hollywood hotel and enjoyed an afternoon of playing tourist. Snapping pictures with some serious tourist swank, my husband and I strolled the Hollywood Walk of Fame, scouted out the Graumans’s Chinese Theater, and had a fresh air lunch.
Hanging out with the stars, my husband and I fit right in.
Ahh, the other Ginger…
I am pinching myself, just to make sure I’m not dreaming. I am here courtesy of the new movie, Mom’s Night Out. I was a winner of a trip at the blogging conference, Allume.
Just so you know, I have never been the one to win the big prize at anything–yet here I am, getting ready to get gussied up and hang out on the red carpet with an invitation to be part of all the festivities!
More to come tomorrow. But for now, this mom’s gotta get ready for a big night out!
Yoked with Christ
Today I am pleased to share the encouragement of a good friend. Christi Naler is a fellow Marine wife and is very active with women’s ministry at Quantico.
Christi (2nd row, 2nd from left) is a creative and gracious friend. She holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and is mother of a 13 year old. Today, she shares a few thoughts on Matthew 11:28-30:
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Here’s Christi:
Do you ever feel like you can’t find your way; that life is just too complicated? It’s often difficult to make the best decisions during times of stress, and sometimes our circumstances can feel really heavy.
Well, I have good news for those of you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. We have not been left here to bear the load on our own. Scripture tells us that, if we are children of God, we can rest confidently in the promise that Jesus Christ will guide us and bear the weight of life along-side us.
Help for the weary
Jesus said:
”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).
David Guzik’s commentary helped me understand what word picture Jesus was trying to convey to His listeners. When ancient farmers would train a new ox, they would often yoke or harness the young animal beside a stronger, more experienced ox. This pairing would bear the burden of the work load and help guide the younger animal through the learning process.
Yoked with Christ
When we give our lives to Jesus Christ and choose to follow His teaching, our Father God yokes or bonds us together with Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Jesus, as well as being our redeemer, is our stronger, more experienced guide, who teaches us His Father’s perfect ways. His yoke is not burdensome or heavy because He is the one bearing the burden of the work load of our salvation.
Does this mean life will be easier for Christians? Unfortunately, no. Jesus says His yoke is easy, not because he is making lighter demands of us, but because we are entering into a relationship that symbolizes a disciple-mentor bond. The young disciple doesn’t need to have all of the answers or worry about her lack of strength. She can rest assured that her Mentor will lead her in the right direction, sharing His strength as they go.
Which way will we choose?
When two are yoked together they can only go one direction, but Jesus will not force us to go His way. When yoked with Jesus, we must choose to go His way or we will never grow in our faith. A daily relationship of yielding to Jesus and obeying His word will change our thinking about every aspect of life. Jesus promises to gently and humbly guide us through this learning process. He will teach us how to make godly decisions so we can steer clear of the negative consequences of sin, and direct us through the confusing circumstances of life so we can be confident we are doing the will of God.
If we are willing to learn from our Redeemer, He will teach us how to manage our lives in such a way that we will be set apart for God and a light to the world. We still have to put forth great effort to deal with life’s demands, but we can find rest from fear and worry knowing that Jesus is always there to guide us and give us His strength to bear the load.
7 More Things You Should Not Say if You Want to be Humble
So you want to be humble.
If you read last week’s Weekend Fun post, you’ve probably been trying to stop saying those 5 Things You Should Not Say if You Want to be Humble. How’s it working for you? With a whole week to work on it, you’re a pro, right?
Well, before you get too uppity about how humble you are, consider a few more additions to the list.
7 more things you should not say…
if you want to be humble
1. “Me first!”
Don’t insist on first place or having the best seat. Don’t remind others, “I was here first!” DON’T take the biggest piece of cake (unless it’s chocolate).
And don’t cut in line.
You should have learned this in grade school. Jesus says, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” Well now, that’s not the way it works at Walmart on a pay day. Can you see the line lady telling people, “You’ll have to go to the end of the line since you were first…?”
2. “Let’s talk about how pretty I am!”
This is a line one of my favorite movies, Good Boy. Once again, it is calling undue attention to yourself AND monopolizing the conversation.
Enough said about that.
And I’m not even going to mention Facebook…
3. ”Too bad for you!”
Okay, this is one that my kids think is fun to say… Who came up with this one, Hannah Montanna? This is really not a very humble thing to go around saying–not to mention it’s just a tad lacking in the compassion and empathy department.
4. THE BIG SIGH…”Move over and let me do it…!!!”
This un-humble command is a serious temptation for frustrated parents. Sometimes your vocal chords just itch to let loose. Steam starts to come out your ears and the roar of a lion is welling up from the pit of your stomach. You think, “This kid is lucky if they just get THE BIG SIGH.”
But really, what are you communicating? You might as well say, “Get out the way, let me get in there and do it right.” Because that’s what it feels like people are thinking when they give you the BIG SIG and the get-out-the-way kind of talk.
Because we have good manners, we would never call someone Hopeless or Useless to their face. But we have no problem with whipping out THE BIG SIGH. Same goes for that snide under-your-breath laugh. And eye-ball rolling.
Nobody should say or do stuff like that.
Yikes, but we do.
5. ”Poor, pitiful me! I have it so bad!”
Now, here’s one that you may not think of as prideful at first, but on further examination you’ll see that it falls under calling undue attention to yourself.
If we have to feel bad, we want somebody to feel bad with us…do you know what I mean? Sometimes I like to have a pity party. I even send out invitations…
Did you get one?
6. “What I want is more important than what you want.”
This one we usually have better manners than to say out loud, but we sure can say it without saying it. It can come out in a passive-agressive sneaky kind of way. Or it can come out with a rant, a whine, or a decree.
These are times when it would be handy to remember that the Bible says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Funny thing is, I usually only remember this verse after the fact…
7. “I’d love you more if you would just…”
Never, ever say this. These words never slide down right, in fact, they can really choke you up… And they can break off a chunk of your heart that’s hard to get back.
Humility is hard
See, I told you this is an uncomfortable topic. Just so you know, eating the proverbial humble pie will not actually make you humble.
You have to do it the hard way…
“…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2)
We all want to be the best we can be. I know I do, but to be honest with you, I’ve got a long way to go. Humility comes when I can rest in the quiet confidence of Christ. Emptying my heart of selfishness, I can inch a little closer when I act in a way that demonstrates that others really are more important.
And I get a little closer when I have the humility to not need others to think I am the greatest thing since disposable razors to feel okay about myself. <Tweet this.
Oh this is hard stuff.
A woman who is fabulously humble doesn’t need everyone to tell her how excellent she is. In fact, she does all kinds of excellent things and you never even know it was her. Now that’s slick!
And she never says any of those things I told you not to say if you want to be humble!
Sure would be honored if you would share this post with a friend.
If you like this post, please consider subscribing to Ginger’s Corner via email. Thanks for joining our tribe.
A big shout out to Rebecca Webb for the wonderful drawing!
How to Meditate on Scripture
How to meditate on Scripture? Christian meditation is the practice of reflecting on God’s Word for the purpose deeper understanding and intimacy with God. Learn simple ways to meditate on Scripture. In the Bible, there are three definitions for meditation. Though there are slight variations to each word, the idea of meditation is to ponder, reflect on, practice, and mutter the Scripture so that it takes root in our hearts.
Letting God’s Word seep into the depths of our heart and the nitty-gritty of our moments brings life and wholeness we long for. God’s Word changes lives when it transforms our hearts and minds. Yet the distance between the head and the heart, between knowing and inhabiting truth can be a long road. Learning to read Scripture with the heart rather than the head empowers us to receive revelation rather than simply learn information. The truth is many of us struggle to understand what biblical meditation is and how to do it effectively.
How do you meditate on Scripture? I’ve been asked this question many times as it can be confusing. The word meditation can mean a lot of different things to folks. For instance, in Eastern religions meditation involves emptying your mind, but biblical meditation is filling your mind with God’s truth.
However, one of the most effective ways to travel from knowledge to core-belief is to meditate thoughtfully on God’s Word. Christian meditation brings together prayer, listening, worship, and understanding of God’s Word as the Holy Spirit joins us in the process. 
Meditation is worship that ponders giving time for truth to penetrate. Other meanings of the word include the actions to attend to, to practice, be diligent in, to ponder or imagine. Meditating on God’s Word develops a listening heart, alert and open to God.
Why Should I Meditate on Scripture?
Maybe you’ve asked yourself this question. There is a lot of confusion about what it means to meditate on the Bible. The Bible has much to say about the importance of meditating on the Word of God. One of my favorite passages is found in Moses’ instruction to Joshua:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.–Joshua 1:8 NASB
From this instruction, we can see that meditating on Scripture is linked to obedience and blessing. Now this isn’t a mantra of prosperity gospel, but a solid truth about the benefit of following God’s Word with heart, mind, and soul. In the book Life With God, Richard Foster writes the following (affiliate link at no cost to you):
“The best guard against any handling of Scripture that leaves our souls untouched—and ourselves unchanged—is surrender to the cleansing, forming flow of the Holy Spirit. Simply this means opening our whole selves—mind, body, spirit; thoughts, behavior, will—to the open page before us. We seek far more than familiarity with the text alone; instead we are focusing our attention through and beyond the text to the God whose reality fills its depths” (p. 62).
Foster explains a compelling case for the importance of understanding how to engage with God’s Word through meditation.
What are the benefits of meditating on God’s Word?
There are many benefits to meditating on God’s Word. The following verses show both the benefits and some how-to’s of meditation: “Give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh” (Proverbs 4:20-22 NIV).
Four actions of meditation in Proverbs 4:20-22:
- Paying attention involves focus and slowing down to read thoughtfully and prayerfully.
- To incline your ear is the idea of leaning in to listen closely. It is an action, a posture, and an attitude.
- Do not let them depart–this has to do with keeping our attention, making the passage a focal point as well as making the effort to remember.
- To keep them in our hearts is a deeper engagement as we value God’s Word letting it impact the core of our being.
Benefits of meditation in Proverbs 4:20-22:
- Meditation on God’s Word enhances life, including the ideas of flowing, fresh water, green vegetation, lively living, and the reviving power of spring. (See definition for the word life.)
- “Health, healing, cure, profit, and sound mind” are aspects of the word health.
In the book, Switch on Your Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf explains that Christian meditation can actually “rewire healthy new circuits in the brain” (p. 72-73). According to Dr. Leaf, “the brain is more active, growing more branches and integrating and linking thoughts, which translates as increased intelligence and wisdom and that wonderful feeling of peace. God also throws in some additional benefits such as increased immune and cardiovascular health. When we pray, when we catch our thoughts, when we memorize and quote Scripture, we move into this deep meditative state” (p. 84). That’s pretty incredible, isn’t it? Proverbs 4:20-22 is only one of the many portions of the Bible that demonstrate how to meditate, giving good reasons to make meditation a regular spiritual practice.
A verse to pray when you meditate on God’s Word:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 This is one of the many prayers of David that can help us go deeper with God as we meditate.
The Value of Holy Expectancy in Christian Meditation
Holy expectancy brings us to God with a heart ready to receive right in this very moment. For “there is a difference between simply being in the same room with others versus truly being present to them” (Richard Foster, Life With God, p.23). Meditation teaches us to read with the heart being fully present with God. It is one simple way to let God’s Word seep into the fiber of our souls. As our thinking is transformed by God’s word, truth becomes life as we choose to live God’s way. Through meditation we learn that the words Christ speaks to us “are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63).
Meditating on Scripture Is Not Hard
Truly, you don’t have to be a spiritual guru or and religious expert to dig deeper into God’s Word. How do we get hold of this idea of meditation? Will it involve convoluted body positions or ummm…. strange sounds? If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate on God’s Word. Many theological books have been written on the subject, but for today, let’s keep it simple. Let’s stop for a moment and define the word meditate. It simply means to attend to, to practice, be diligent in, to ponder or imagine. Meditation is worship that ponders giving time for truth to penetrate. In the book Prayer, Timothy Keller defines meditation as simply “thinking in the presence of God.” Now that’s not too hard is it? (affiliate link at no cost to you)
Learn simple ways to meditate on Scripture
How do we get hold of this idea of meditation? Will it involve convoluted body positions or ummm…. strange sounds? Many theological books have been written on the subject, but for today, let’s keep it simple. Sometimes a picture is more helpful that lot’s of explanation. Consider the following illustrations to help you learn a variety of ways to meditate on God’s Word.
Meditating on Scripture can be a lot like worry.
Meditation dwells on truth, a bit like worry dwells on problems. Thoughts of worry can spin like a merry-go-round. Around and around they fly, faster and faster, gaining momentum. If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate–replace your concern with God’s truth and hang on until your mind stops spinning. Hang on to truth and get more of God.
Meditation works God’s Word into our heart.
Meditation works like pulling taffy. Mentally stretch and pull the meaning of the verse back and forth, until the candy (understanding) is the desired consistency. It is also similar to the process of kneading bread dough to work the yeast fully into the dough. It takes a little spiritual muscle to work truth fully into our hearts.
Meditating on Scripture is like relaxing in a rocking chair.
Meditation rocks in a chair by the fire. Sink into a verse like a comfortable chair and let the meaning of the words rock back and forth in the rhythm of holy listening. Prayerfully read the verse several times, emphasizing different words or phrases each time. 
Meditation follows the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Meditation ponders truth like following a garden path, stepping over stones one by one. The path curves deeper into the delights of the garden. Meditating on the paths of truth, follow the Holy Spirit who leads the way to discovery and freedom. Line by line, thought by thought, concept by concept, let the Holy Spirit work through your thinking as you explore the depth of a passage. 
Meditation treasures God’s Word.
Meditation treasures truth like a scrapbook stores cherished memories: take time to collect truths and experiences that God has worked in your life. Paste them in your heart or even in the pages of a book, set aside as special and significant, pictures of God’s truth and grace in your life. 
Meditation lights our hearts like a candle.
Meditation creates space for the Spirit to shine the light of understanding as he illuminates what is in our heart. We make our hearts ready for the light of understanding to transform dark corners of unbelief, resistance, or confusion. The Holy Spirit creates light in every place we make ourselves available to receive. Revelation brings clarity of inspiration, power to move and believe and grow and change. 
Meditation empowers us to absorb the truth into our hearts.
Meditation soaks truth like a sponge, absorbing living water for the soul. Saturated and full, we are soaked through with God’s words. A quick reading of a bible verse does not give us time to fully absorb meaning and reflect on application. It’s important to take time for the Spirit to take a thought deeper into our thoughts as we reflect and pray. 
Meditation writes truth on the tablet of our lives.
Journal connections and observations as you reflect on a passage. Pressing pen to page, ask questions and stop to think and listen. Journaling meditation stands on the watchtower, ready and waiting to see what God will say. Writing thoughts and impressions helps us to focus and listen to the Holy Spirit working through our thoughts. There can be holy connection between God’s Word and the pen in our hand. 
Meditation opens the door to deeper understanding.
Meditation walks through the doorway to enter deeper into Christ. Meditation opens the door to understanding and obedience takes us all the way in. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20.) As we meditate, we give God our attention for Him to open our understanding or show us connections to apply to our lives. To enter into a truth is to embrace it with faith and a desire to live it out. As God’s presence soaks into our lives, holiness will move through the small things, the choices and responses we make in the moment. Added together, holy moments change lives and steer destinies in God’s direction. But it all comes down letting God’s Word seep into our soul as we learn to live present with God. Which one of these ideas is most helpful to you? What helps you meditate on Scripture? If you have found this post helpful, won’t you please share these simple ways to meditate on God’s word on your favorite social platform today?
Get More Practical Ideas for Going Deeper with God
Like this content? Check out the Moments to Listen chapter of my book, Holy in the Moment. Click here to learn more about this award-winning book. Each chapter is packed with simple ways to ignite spiritual growth that sets us free from the things that hold us back. Join thousands of readers who have discovered the difference simple choices to trust God can make in every moment!
*This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Free Resources for a Deeper Relationship with God, Others, and Yourself
Sign up for my newsletter to get access to the Deeper Life Collection of free resources made with you in mind. Click on the image below to sign up.
More Posts on Meditating on God’s Word
- 15 Simple Ways to Overcome Distraction to Focus Your Attention on God (with printable)
- 10 Benefits of Reviewing What We Learn from God
- Do You Have Spiritual ADD?
- Simple Ways Silence Can Deepen Your Faith
- Discover Six Important Truths About Listening to God
5 Things You Should Not Say if You Want to be Humble
[tweetthis]”If I only had a little humility, I would be perfect.” ~ Ted Turner[/tweetthis]
The Bible is full of all kinds of interesting truths that can turn your life upside down–or at least bounce you on your head a little. Humility is one of those subtle topics that’s easy to trip over. Here’s an example from 1 Peter 5:5:
… and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
What are You Wearing?
Though at first glance this appears to be a bit of fashion advice, this is one of those Bible truths that will stop you up short. One thing’s for sure, you won’t see this style on display a Paris fashion show. You won’t ever hear Hollywood stars interviewed at the Oscars, “What are you wearing? Oscar de la Humility?
To some people, humility is kind of a bad word. A word that most of us are a little uncomfortable with. It’s one of those things that everybody knows they should do…but how many of us really want to be humble?
Got Humility?
When you were a kid, and somebody asked you what you wanted to be when you grow up, how many of you said, “humble?”
Anyway….as I’ve been thinking about humility, I’ve realized there are some things you should not say IF you want to be humble.
[tweetthis]5 Things You Should Not Say if You Want to be Humble[/tweetthis]
#1 “Look at Me! Look at Me!”
Don’t yell this out in a crowded room. My mamma always told me that calling undue attention to myself wasn’t humble, or ladylike. This kind of thing works fine if you are five years old, showing off your best cannon ball on the diving board. For adults, it just doesn’t work.
#2 “Wow! Did you see what I just did? Wasn’t it great!”
Here again, calling undue attention to yourself. Not to mention that there can be, and often is, somebody around who can do whatever it is that you just did, better than you can.
#3 “I can’t do that…I might break a nail.”
If you want people to see your humility, never let them think you’re more concerned about your manicure than you are with helping them. Nobody likes to play second fiddle to a fingernail! If somebody asks you to do something, be willing to help out.
#4 “What is wrong with you!”
Anti-humility translation: “I’ve got it together and you obviously don’t.” Nobody likes to hear that, but it sure is easy to say, especially when your mad! You might as well be upfront about it and just say what you mean. However, if I remember correctly, God has a lot to say about not judging others…
Remember that part about looking at the speck in your brother’s eye and not seeing at the log in your own eye.? Of course if you got a log in your eye, you probably can’t see much of anything…but that’s the whole point isn’t it?
#5 ”I’ll never forgive you!”
Warning, this is s a hard one. We like to hold tight to our rights, but humility remembers that we are all sinners and all quite capable of making a mess of things.
A Little Homework
So here’s your homework–yes there can be homework on a blog. I am the writer and that makes me queen in this little universe…oops, that wasn’t a very humble thing to say. Use this list to help you feel great about being humble.
Anybody Remember This?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCsNunGnqE0
Call to action: Send this post to anyone you think needs to work on humility. Just kidding, I hope you’ll pass this along just because it made you smile.
Actually, I”d love to add to my list of things not to say, so please leave a comment with your suggestions and let’s keep the fun rolling.
Road Map into the Presence of God
Sometimes we have a hard time finding our way. Chapter 4 of Hebrews reads like a road map straight to the heart of God.
“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]” (Hebrews 4:16 AMP).
This pivotal chapter begins with concern for missing out on the richness and intimacy of God’s rest.
Have you ever experienced that uncomfortable disconnect between what you have heard (what you know) and what you believe at that gut-level of your life? Have you ever struggled to trust God in the nitty-gritty uncertainties, even though you know that God is faithful?
The Roadmap into the Presence of God
In this chapter of Hebrews, we discover a progression of ways in which God invites us into intimate relationship.
- The first part of the chapter highlights the importance of hearing, believing, and, entering God’s rest through faith. (4:1-11).
- Next step: God’s word is living and active. It has a Spirit-empowered ability to get into the deepest places in our inner heart (4:12). God’s Word reaches to the real stuff we are made of.
- Next stop: Jesus understands our weaknesses for he has been tempted in all the ways that we have. He has experienced temptation yet did not sin (4:15).
- Therefore, because of all of this, we are invited to draw near to the throne of God, the inner sanctuary that was once inaccessible to all but the high priest once a year. Invited to enter with confidence, we will receive grace and mercy, the spiritual heavyweights for every need. (4:16).
Enter Confidently into the Presence of God
Listen to the desire of God for relationship in this verse that I have rephrased in first person: “Approach Me with confidence so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of your need.”–Hebrews 4:16 rephrased.
This come-as-you-are invitation relieves us of the feeling that we must somehow get ourselves clean and polished before coming to God. AW Tozer writes about this intimate mix of God’s word and His desire. This can be our experience when we meditate thoughtfully and enter confidently:
[tweetthis]To come with confidence means to trust that you will be lovingly received.[/tweetthis]
Worship with eyes that see that coming to God boldly is to come freely, without fear. Enter into the throne room as one of the family rather than a stranger who knocks hesitantly.
Come close enough to whisper your secrets and receive God’s helping rest. In this place of reverence, let your heart melt, pliable and soft with worship. This is the Father love of God longing to comfort and help…if we will but seek and receive…if we will enter confidently into His love.
[tweetthis]Entering in is finding our way home.[/tweetthis]
What passages have been road maps bringing you closer to God? Let’s share the paths of scripture that can draw us all closer.
Time for Winter to be Done!
Although I have enjoyed playing with my iPhone and taking pictures this snowy winter, I am ready for spring. The last few days the weather has warmed up and my daffodils are peeking their little green spikes out of the ground. I am ready to feel...
