I LOVE Exercise! What?! Did I just stay that? I have never felt this way.
It's so interesting pursuing this healthy lifestyle as a 30-something year-old Mother of two crazy boys. It's been so long since I made the effort, and now I'm in a very different place. First of all, my body hurts. :/ Ok, so it hurt before when I would start new exercise programs, but not like this, and not for this long. Secondly, I cherish this time for myself and feel proud, energized and optimistic. And it is such a teaching opportunity for my kids, who are usually underfoot while I'm trying to workout. Or they might be hollering at me from another room. I am still working out boundaries with them in this area.
In the past exercise has almost always been a chore, a task, a drudgery. Sometimes after I got going it would feel good, and afterwards I usually felt great. But I rarely looked forward to it like now. Recently I made a goal to exercise 3-4 times a week. I am finding myself wanting to fit it in every day. And it's not obsessive. It's not about losing weight. It's just about how it makes me feel. And I love that!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The "D" Word
So, I'm not "dieting". But I have lost 11 lbs and changed my eating and drinking habits. :) About 4-5 weeks ago I started making a few long-term changes at a time.
I set myself up for success by having lots of good food and drink choices in my house that I enjoy. I also decided that I would make good choices out of the house without being too strict or obssessive about it. I decided to incorporate non-diet-soda drinks into my day. So now, I alternate a Diet Coke with water and/or sometimes a zero calorie sparkling juice/water drink.
My most recent success involves exercise. I don't hate it, but I definitely have a hard time with it. I started two days ago with 45 minutes of an old Richard Simmons tape. I did so well and actually had fun! Then yesterday I did 45 minutes of an old Jenny Craig "Tube and Tone" (without the tube). So I feel pretty darn good! (Very sore, but good). So I am going to "reward" myself by going shopping for a new "tube" and maybe a new workout DVD. And the exercise automatically has increased my water consumption. My goal here is to workout M-W-F each week, and try for at least one time of more natural activity, such as walking, over the weekend.
Why am I experiencing so much success this time without so much directed focus? Well, I am in such a different place in my life. I have so many people (my kids, husband, family, etc.) and activities in my life that I can't spend a lot of time obsessing about weight or weight loss. So, I set some habits that fit with my current schedule and lifestyle. Also, I didn't tell my husband what I was doing. I know, that's weird, but it relieves some of the pressure for me. In the past everytime I mentioned I was going to "do something" in this area it would turn into "our plan" instead of mine. Now, that's actually a good thing, and that's what happens when you're married, right? But that is a lot of pressure for me, and I tend to fail with pressure. I still feel I am having a really good influence on him, and hopefully encouraging him in this area by my example.
Some of the foods I've been enjoying are hummus, raw carrots and cucumbers, cooked broccoli and brussel sprouts, apples, pears, bananas, greek yogurt, string cheese, laughing cow cheese, triscuits, whole-wheat bread, Kashi bars, Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (100 cal), Multi-Grain Cheerios. Most of this is thanks to COSTCO.
Another motivation is my Mom. She has lost over 30 lbs in the last 5 months. It started with stress, and has recently been affected by illness. However, she has made a lot of great choices in between those times.
I have many more thoughts on this journey which I may share soon (if I'm not too busy to get back to the blog, which is questionable). I'd like to share how this is affecting my kids, what my future goals are, and how I see myself in the future. Moving forward!
I set myself up for success by having lots of good food and drink choices in my house that I enjoy. I also decided that I would make good choices out of the house without being too strict or obssessive about it. I decided to incorporate non-diet-soda drinks into my day. So now, I alternate a Diet Coke with water and/or sometimes a zero calorie sparkling juice/water drink.
My most recent success involves exercise. I don't hate it, but I definitely have a hard time with it. I started two days ago with 45 minutes of an old Richard Simmons tape. I did so well and actually had fun! Then yesterday I did 45 minutes of an old Jenny Craig "Tube and Tone" (without the tube). So I feel pretty darn good! (Very sore, but good). So I am going to "reward" myself by going shopping for a new "tube" and maybe a new workout DVD. And the exercise automatically has increased my water consumption. My goal here is to workout M-W-F each week, and try for at least one time of more natural activity, such as walking, over the weekend.
Why am I experiencing so much success this time without so much directed focus? Well, I am in such a different place in my life. I have so many people (my kids, husband, family, etc.) and activities in my life that I can't spend a lot of time obsessing about weight or weight loss. So, I set some habits that fit with my current schedule and lifestyle. Also, I didn't tell my husband what I was doing. I know, that's weird, but it relieves some of the pressure for me. In the past everytime I mentioned I was going to "do something" in this area it would turn into "our plan" instead of mine. Now, that's actually a good thing, and that's what happens when you're married, right? But that is a lot of pressure for me, and I tend to fail with pressure. I still feel I am having a really good influence on him, and hopefully encouraging him in this area by my example.
Some of the foods I've been enjoying are hummus, raw carrots and cucumbers, cooked broccoli and brussel sprouts, apples, pears, bananas, greek yogurt, string cheese, laughing cow cheese, triscuits, whole-wheat bread, Kashi bars, Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (100 cal), Multi-Grain Cheerios. Most of this is thanks to COSTCO.
Another motivation is my Mom. She has lost over 30 lbs in the last 5 months. It started with stress, and has recently been affected by illness. However, she has made a lot of great choices in between those times.
I have many more thoughts on this journey which I may share soon (if I'm not too busy to get back to the blog, which is questionable). I'd like to share how this is affecting my kids, what my future goals are, and how I see myself in the future. Moving forward!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
In Christ Alone (Townend/Getty)
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease!
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone! - who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This Gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid:
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!
“Firm thro’ the fiercest drought”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
“took on flesh”
Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Phillipians 2:7
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
"scorned by the ones He came to save"
www.dictionary.com defines scorned as to reject, refuse; to mock, jeer; to ridicule; to show disdain, contempt; to despise, detest, hate. To consider or treat as contemptible or unworthy. The opposite of what Jesus deserves. It's ironic that the antonym listed is praise.
“on that cross, as Jesus died”
Phillipians 2:8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
"the wrath of God was satisfied"
Propitiation. I'd always thought of it as the payment of debt. But the true meaning is that the wrath of someone (God) who has been unjustly wronged has been satisfied. It is an act that soothes hostility and satisfies the need for vengeance. (taken from The Search for Significance by McGee) The sacrifice of Jesus satisfied the wrath of God in his death as payment for our sins.
"every sin on Him was laid"
Isaiah 53:3-6
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
“light of the world”
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
“in victory”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“precious blood of Christ”
1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
“no fear in death”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“power of Christ in me”
1 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
"no power of hell, no scheme of man"
(taken from) Romans 8:31-38
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
AMEN!
“pluck me from His hand”
John 10:27-29
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled when strivings cease!
My Comforter my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone! - who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This Gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid:
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till he returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!
“Firm thro’ the fiercest drought”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
“took on flesh”
Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Phillipians 2:7
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
"scorned by the ones He came to save"
www.dictionary.com defines scorned as to reject, refuse; to mock, jeer; to ridicule; to show disdain, contempt; to despise, detest, hate. To consider or treat as contemptible or unworthy. The opposite of what Jesus deserves. It's ironic that the antonym listed is praise.
“on that cross, as Jesus died”
Phillipians 2:8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
"the wrath of God was satisfied"
Propitiation. I'd always thought of it as the payment of debt. But the true meaning is that the wrath of someone (God) who has been unjustly wronged has been satisfied. It is an act that soothes hostility and satisfies the need for vengeance. (taken from The Search for Significance by McGee) The sacrifice of Jesus satisfied the wrath of God in his death as payment for our sins.
"every sin on Him was laid"
Isaiah 53:3-6
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
“light of the world”
John 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
“in victory”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“precious blood of Christ”
1 Peter 1:18-19
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
“no fear in death”
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
“power of Christ in me”
1 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
"no power of hell, no scheme of man"
(taken from) Romans 8:31-38
If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all. Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
AMEN!
“pluck me from His hand”
John 10:27-29
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
"Awake", where are you???
So I just wrote a great post about the word "awake". Then it went away. Yes-- lovely computer/internet sucked it into oblivion. I don't have the energy to rewrite it now-- maybe later. But it led me to change the name of my blog which I am pretty happy about. :)
And today (April 3rd) I found it!!!!!! Yay. :)
And today (April 3rd) I found it!!!!!! Yay. :)
Awake
So this weekend I attended Worship Northwest 2010. It is an annual event held at a church in Keizer, Oregon. This is the second year I've attended, although they have had it for the last 10-12 years. My heart and mind are full of tools, ideas, thoughts, etc. I'll share just one for now.
One of the speakers challenged us to focus on words as a tool of worship-- not a body of words, but one at a time. He does this regularly. So my word for today is "awake". As I asked the Lord for a word He gave me this one.
We were rehearsing "Beautiful One" written by Tim Hughes. Here are a few lyrics: "The beauty of your majesty awakes my heart to sing". I am so guilty of living a complacent, laxodaysical Christian life. My soul needs to be awakened frequently and dramatically. So . . . that is my prayer for today and beyond-- that God would awaken me by whatever means necessary! With His beauty, His greatness-- it is for me!
One of the speakers challenged us to focus on words as a tool of worship-- not a body of words, but one at a time. He does this regularly. So my word for today is "awake". As I asked the Lord for a word He gave me this one.
We were rehearsing "Beautiful One" written by Tim Hughes. Here are a few lyrics: "The beauty of your majesty awakes my heart to sing". I am so guilty of living a complacent, laxodaysical Christian life. My soul needs to be awakened frequently and dramatically. So . . . that is my prayer for today and beyond-- that God would awaken me by whatever means necessary! With His beauty, His greatness-- it is for me!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
My Boys
Today I am home sick and alone. So ironic-- I get to be alone, but I feel miserable. Thank you to my Mom who has the kids.
I plan on doing more song studies, but life has been crazy. Not so much overcommitment or busyness, just things coming at me that are very unexpected and difficult.
Meanwhile, my kids . . .
Jack just celebrated his 3rd birthday-- unbelieveable. He loves birthdays. I think someone else's just as much as his. :) He had an awesome day. We met up with all his grandmas, grandpas, one aunt and one uncle at Wildlife Safari. The village is free and has lots to see and do. After a walk-through (led by Jack) we went into the cafe for lunch, presents and cake. He got so many presents! Thanks everyone. It was a very good day.
Sam is a little stinker right now. He loves to scream-- sometimes for no reason. He has started getting "time-outs"-- mostly for playing with the computer and the dvd/vcr player. He is holding his own with brother these days. Yesterday they took turns chasing each other around the house (for fun). Everyone is amazed at his large vocabulary. He will repeat anything you say, and if he associates it with something he continues to use it.
I love my kids so much. They are so different from one another, so challenging, and so precious.
I plan on doing more song studies, but life has been crazy. Not so much overcommitment or busyness, just things coming at me that are very unexpected and difficult.
Meanwhile, my kids . . .
Jack just celebrated his 3rd birthday-- unbelieveable. He loves birthdays. I think someone else's just as much as his. :) He had an awesome day. We met up with all his grandmas, grandpas, one aunt and one uncle at Wildlife Safari. The village is free and has lots to see and do. After a walk-through (led by Jack) we went into the cafe for lunch, presents and cake. He got so many presents! Thanks everyone. It was a very good day.
Sam is a little stinker right now. He loves to scream-- sometimes for no reason. He has started getting "time-outs"-- mostly for playing with the computer and the dvd/vcr player. He is holding his own with brother these days. Yesterday they took turns chasing each other around the house (for fun). Everyone is amazed at his large vocabulary. He will repeat anything you say, and if he associates it with something he continues to use it.
I love my kids so much. They are so different from one another, so challenging, and so precious.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
"One" song study
One
By Jeff Slaughter
Being of one mind, having the same love,
Being of one accord, having the same heart;
Believing in one God, following one truth,
Believing in Jesus, doing what He says to do.
We pray for each other, serve one another,
Walk in unity, and care for each other’s needs;
Break bread together, brothers and sisters,
Hand in hand in the body of Christ, we become one.
And we will do nothing for our own glory,
But in humility we will treat others as more important than ourselves.
(NLT)
Phillipians 2:2-4
Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47; 4:32
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
1 Corinthians 1:10; 8:6; 12:12, 13b, 24b-27
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. . .we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
Romans 12:3b-6a, 9-17
I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Ephesians 4:2-6
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
James 5:16a
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other.
Galatians 5:13b
Serve one another in love.
Psalm 133:1
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
John 17:21-23
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
Colossians 3:12-16
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Titus 3:2
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
By Jeff Slaughter
Being of one mind, having the same love,
Being of one accord, having the same heart;
Believing in one God, following one truth,
Believing in Jesus, doing what He says to do.
We pray for each other, serve one another,
Walk in unity, and care for each other’s needs;
Break bread together, brothers and sisters,
Hand in hand in the body of Christ, we become one.
And we will do nothing for our own glory,
But in humility we will treat others as more important than ourselves.
(NLT)
Phillipians 2:2-4
Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47; 4:32
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.
1 Corinthians 1:10; 8:6; 12:12, 13b, 24b-27
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. . .we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
Romans 12:3b-6a, 9-17
I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Ephesians 4:2-6
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
James 5:16a
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other.
Galatians 5:13b
Serve one another in love.
Psalm 133:1
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
John 17:21-23
I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.
Colossians 3:12-16
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Titus 3:2
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
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