A Pumpkin's Light

This Little Pumpkin Light of mine!

by Patricia Foley-Gibson

as Published on the ChristianMirror website



The Fall season of Harvesting is now upon us! I have been anxiously awaiting the crisp air and cooler temperatures that this colorful season has to offer and the time has finally arrived. This is a time when the fruits of the earth are ready to be gathered. Our grocery stores and roadside stands are filled with fall produce. When I see them, I always want to take some home to use for decoration. From stalks of cane and cotton, to gourds and pumpkins, I love to bring God’s Fall creations inside.

Pumpkins are also a Halloween favorite. In the fall of my son’s third grade year, he was encouraged by his teacher to enter a pumpkin-decorating contest. This was my first real experience with actually transforming a pumpkin into a Jack-O-Lantern. Soon our chosen pumpkin was hulled and its face carved. Then we faced our biggest problem, getting mother and son to agree on the final touches. In the end we had a rather cute, freckled-faced pumpkin, wearing a straw hat and a red bandanna! No awards were won, but the memories were very sweet. Even sweeter than the pumpkin cake I later baked. After the contest, the pumpkin was placed on our front porch with a candle carefully placed inside, making our decorated pumpkin into a real Jack-O-Lantern!

The pumpkins we use for Jack-O-Lanterns today are believed to be from the New World and not native of Europe, which is where the legends surrounding Halloween began. They are, however, part of the same family.

Many myths and legends surround not only pumpkins, but also Halloween itself. When you look at the historical facts of the era,*** it is clear to see that these legends are far-fetched (as most legends are). It is true that many only see the evil, satanic side associated with Halloween, but I choose to look at the good in something rather than the evil. Just as Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated, "Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good." I choose to find the good! How about you?

Below is a story that I received in an email. The author’s name is unknown but the contents will forevermore remind me of the "good" that can be found in a Jack-O-Lantern of Halloween.

A lady had recently been baptized.

One of her co-workers asked her what

it was like to be a Christian.



She was caught off guard and didn't know how to answer; but when she looked up, she saw a jack-o'-lantern on the desk and answered: "It's like being a pumpkin."



The co-worker asked her to explain.



"Well, God picks you from the patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside that you got from being around all the other pumpkins.



Then he cuts off the top and takes all the yucky stuff out from inside. He removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.

Then he carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all to see.

It is our choice to either stay outside and rot on the vine or come inside and be something new and bright."



I'll never look at a pumpkin the same way again!!

You have probably never explained your religious beliefs in this way, but I hope that you are prepared to do so! We are instructed in 1 Peter 3:15 to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (KJV). As Christians, we are to tell others about Christ. This is made so much easier when we make a habit of seeing the "good" in something instead of the bad.

After becoming a Christian, having the dirt of the world washed away and that smiley face put on, we are filled with a "Christian Glow" that shines for all to see, much like that smiling Jack-O-Lantern! Today we must keep that light burning inside of us, brightly enough for others to see! And to "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Whatever our opinion of Halloween, this season, as we view the many jack-o-lanterns that decorate our front porches and towns, let them be a reminder to us as children of God, to let our Christian Light shine too!



Patricia Foley Gibson

2001

Chapter 3: Criticism & Lack of Encouragement

In our study of a Christian Woman’s Self Esteem, we are looking at how criticism & lack of encouragement can affect our self esteem in a negative way. It is hard to have a positive, healthy self esteem if you’re always being criticized, put down, compared to others or simply underappreciated. The only form of criticism that can be good is the loving gesture of constructive criticism, which are often times sought after. Any other form of criticism is negative, usually hurtful & can only serve to damage your self esteem.

Criticizing:

Criticism is nothing new; it has been around since the beginning of time. As Christians, we are warned not to participate in such actions. Philippians 2:14 tells us to do everything without complaining or arguing. Matthew 7:1-2 commands us not to judge and Ephesians 4:29 & 31-32 says “do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is good for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Partaking in these things will affect others in a negative way, hurting others self-esteem and hurting ones Spirituality and the Church as well.

Taking a closer look at Criticism:

Webster’s dictionary uses four definitions to describe criticism:

1. To evaluate (constructive criticism)

2. To stress the faults (chronic fault finder)

3. To complain (grippers with a bad attitude)

4. To judge (self righteous attitude)

Of these 4, only “to evaluate” or “constructive criticism” could be a positive influence on one’s self esteem.

Reason’s people criticize:

Because they have a poor self image of themselves and in turn, they lift themselves up by stepping on others.

Self-righteous attitude or one who has walked the Christian walk for so long that they’ve forgotten that there purpose as a Christian is as much to “walk with the Saints” as it is to help the sinners & the fallen find their way to Christ. If anyone ever had the right to “point fingers” it would have been Jesus. If we follow his example we will be more humble & helpful than judgmental.

Jealousy is such an ugly thing. It will cause a person to hold a grudge & criticize just because they are jealous of you or don’t agree with your opinion on something. If you may have offended this person, Read what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:23-24. A kind word will do wonders for your relationship.

Bad Habits are the worst form of criticism to break. For this person, being critical of others has simply become a way of life & they probably don’t even realize they are doing it.

In order to break free from the critical attitudes that dampen our Christianity, we must learn to overcome them. Below are a few suggestions for doing so:

1. Think Positively! Critical thinking leads to criticism. Remember that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Set high standards and live up to those. Your heart will in turn be filled with a more positive, uplifting attitude in return.

2. Be quiet! Jesus instructs us in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will give an account of every idle word. So choose your words wisely, If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything….., and if you can’t keep your mouth shut, simply say “bless your heart”!

3. Learn the facts! Unless you’ve walked in that person’s shoes, you do not know what their going through. So take the time to get to know that person & their troubles or keep your opinions to yourself. Just be careful that if you do “take the time”, it’s done in love for the edifying of our Father & not for personal gossip’s sake.

4. Choose your words carefully! When dealing with another person’s “situation”, remember it is theirs! If you speak of any matter concerning another, not only should we choose our words carefully but our actions as well. Facial expressions, body language, laughter at the wrong time, all portray your true heart.

5. Evaluate! You may THINK that your criticism is “constructive” but just because you’ve learned all the facts, doesn’t mean that your constructive opinion is needed. If the thought of talking to this person continues to pull at your heart, pray about it for a time before you go to this person to ensure that 1. You should. 2. That you do it in the proper Godley manner 3. That you choose your words carefully. 4. Do it privately

Being Criticizing:

Yes, criticizing goes both ways. Often criticism is directed to those who are doing the most! All leaders, whether church or community, will be criticized more often than others. So in order for us as Christian’s to be more than a bench warmer, we must learn to deal with these bad forms of criticism.

Jane McWorter made some great point’s on this subject in her book, “Let This Cup Pass”

1. “Be rational.” Examine the criticism and see if it is needed before lashing back. Remember that even if it was unjust, you do not want to stoop to their level. It should be easier to forgive them, than to have to seek forgiveness for your actions later!

2. “Act instead of reacting “. Remember Proverbs 14:22 and be the master of your own situation. “Don’t allow other to decide how you are going to act!”

3. “Bite your tongue”. Don’t be too quick to lash back, leaving yourself with regrets. If you are offended, remember #2 above and allow time to pass and pray about it. Be mature and do not allow yourself to be offended to easily. I believe as you follow the examples in the book and build your self esteem, this will be easier to do.

4. “Learn to forgive”. Remember we must forgive, if we expect Christ to forgive us. If this is a problem for you, dedicate your Bible Study to it. The Bible has much to say about forgiveness.

5. “Smother your critics with kindness”. Bless those who persecute you Romans 2:14. It is hard for someone to continue to be critical, when they do not receive the reaction (anger, upset, back lash) they expected. Bless their hearts and remember that sometimes you have to be the better person. Pray that your example, will cause that person to see kindness instead of negative actions.

6. “Should the matter be addressed?” Occassionally a situation will arise that does need to be addressed. However, you must allow TIME before doing this. Time to think it over when your not feeling hurt, angry, etc. Time to Pray about it & meditate on the topic in God’s word. Afterwards if you still feel the need to “address it” do so in Love, in a timely manner.

7. “Try sublimation”. Let’s face it…, sometimes we can do all of the above and the situation still leaves us angry! Choose to channel this negative energy into something positive! Exercise, Run, dive into God’s word, do something good for someone (a card, cook something for someone, etc) DON’T ALLOW THIS NEGATIVE ENERGY TO CONTROL YOU!!!!

Criticism is a part of life…, a part of life that hurts! Criticism affects our self esteem in a negative way, whether we are receiving it or giving it. I hope this lesson will allow your self esteem to be under God’s control and not men’s.

Chapter 2: Guilt, Anziety & Fear

Part 1 of Self-Esteem Destroyers


Guilt, Anxiety & Fear…,



There are many things that can rob us of a High Self Esteem.

Guilt: is a normal feeling that we have, but when left alone, that nagging feeling will grow & steel us of our happiness. Guilt makes way to negative feelings, that when left unaddressed, can swell into a feeling of hopelessness & despair!!! Yet, guilt can also be a very useful feeling if it leads you to repentance. The problem with guilt is when you allow it to linger, without taking action to correct the problem! Even just resolving in your mind that you acknowledge the problem softens the grip & allows you regain the control that guilt has placed upon you.

Address the problem; does this problem warrant the bad feeling I’m getting? What can I DO ABOUT IT? Prepare a plan of action and ALWAYS be prepared to take alternate “action” or re-group! Whether in spiritual, physical or mental battles, this strategy can be applied to eliminate the affects that guilt can place upon you. Withdrawal, Inadequacy & physical “bad health” are only a few things that not addressing your guilt will reek havoc upon. The Bible is FULL of examples of this, Adam & Eve, David etc.

Anxiety & Fear: How can one have a positive self esteem if we are always fill our hearts/ minds with Anxiety & Fear?!? These are sin’s pure & simple! Read Mathew 6. We are told starting in verse 25 that GOD will provide our needs!!! ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS TO SEEK HIM FIRST, the KINGDOM OF GOD & all HIS Righteousness! If you are reading this today…..., you are doing just that!

Don’t allow the anxiety & fears of life worry you, causing you to sin, causing you to dislike yourself, causing others to see you as worried soul. Not to mention causing wrinkles, poor health & others to generally not like to be around us! How can we be a positive Christian influence to others if they do not want to be around us?

His word tells us that we can overcome our anxieties and fears by:

1. “Seeking first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33

2. Staying close to God’s Word. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” Roman 10:17

3. Pray about it! “Casting all your cares upon Him; for He cares for you.”1 Peter 5:7; “Ask in faith, not wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.”James 1:6-7

4. “Give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

5. Accept yourself as you are…., as God made you. “For which one of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” Matthew 6:27 If you can change it, & especially if it needs changing (over weight, bad habit like smoking, etc) the take action. If not, we must accept it & move on. This will give you more energy to focus on more important things.



Guilt, fear and anxiety are a normal part of life……………, how we handle guilt, fear and anxiety is a reflection of our “focus”! Are you focused on God or yourself?

Chapter 1

In order for us to have a healthy self esteem, we must first look at what self esteem is:




Luke 10:27 instruct us to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself……..

So How DO you love yourself?????

Or an even better Question would be…, Can I truly Love my neighbor’s and the Lord, the way I’ve been commanded, If I love them the way I love myself?!?



There are 2 basic types of “self esteem:

1. Low Self Esteem: Is the inward feelings of personal inferiority and self doubt and lack of self confidence. Outwardly, is often more sickly or uses sickness as an excuse for getting out of “social outings or public events” (aka: Headaches, not feeling good). Self described as clumsy, silly, shabby, dummy, stupid me, etc. People with a low self esteem are often disguised or masked as shy or quiet. They are often withdrawn and angry, responses that are neither of healthy spiritually or physically.

2. High Self Esteem: Simply a quiet sense of self worth and self respect. Not Boastful or self righteous. Self confident to use the talents God has given them and not hide (or withdraw) like the parable of the talents!!! Luke 19: 11-27



In addressing Self esteem, it is also important to think about who YOUR Self Esteem is (or should be) important to?



To God:

Genesis 1:27: So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female, created he them

Philippians 4:19: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (NLT)

God not only created us in His own image but He also tells us that he will take care of us and supply all of our needs!!!



To Others:

Often others see God ONLY through YOU! What image are you portraying to others of your God? Is it the Awesome, All Powerful God we read about in the Bible, who is always with you and supplies your every need? Or is the negative worries of the world (Grips and complaints) that you display? We are never perfect but should be continually striving to portray ourselves in a manner that is both well pleasing to God and Spiritually Uplifting to others!!!!!

In so doing, we often quote Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV). I once quoted this passage to my husband and followed it with “but it’s much easier if I have your support too!!!!! “ Having the support of the “Others” in our lives is not always possible and sometimes not an easy thing to achieve but remember that1st off you need to remember that we are only accountable for pleasing God and 2nd that if we are pleasing to God, the decisions we make in life will be for the betterment of the “Others” around you. They may never see or acknowledge this but God knows your heart and motives and hopefully through your Godly desires your actions and mannerisms will strengthen and inspire the “others” in your life.



To Your Home:

Remember the woman in Proverbs 31. Women are responsible for their Home and instilling a Godly presence in our homes, to nurture our husbands and children both physically but more importantly spiritually. How can we do this if we are crippled by a low self esteem? How can we instill the importance of a good self esteem in them if they do not see it in us? Remember that we as wives & mothers are the hub of our home.



To Your Church:

We must not only recognize our God given talents (seeking them if need be) and strive to use them in Gods service as we are instructed but stop making excuse, remembering The parable of the talents in Luke 19:11-27. Focus more on pleasing God instead of worrying about not pleasing man!!! You may be surprised!!!!



To Outreach:

We are instructed to give an account of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear. You will find that as you improve your self esteem (or relationship) with the above mentioned areas, you will automatically see your ability to reach out to others become easier!



As a woman you have always heard that you must first take care of yourselves if you expect to take good care of others. Our problem is that we are so focused of the “others” that we lose sight of ourselves and seem to forget how to take care of ourselves.

Through this study we will look at things to help us in our struggles and desires to have more confidence in ourselves, through our relationship with God, our families (both Home and Church) as well as others



You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

~Dr. Seuss

The Reflection of Christ

When I look in the mirror whose reflection do I see?

Do I see the reflection of Christ looking at me?

Do I study the scripture daily so I can see Him clearly?

Or is my mirror cracked from life's cares and worries?

Do I share His word with others so that they can see Him completely?

Or do I share an image of Him lost, rubbed out, and failing?

It is my prayer dear God that others will see you through me. I want them to see your reflection without a film - pure, clean, and free.

Dwan Reed

You may meet the wisest man you’ll EVER meet today…... so listen!

Characteristics of a Great Leader

 

• Great Leaders make themselves available TO LEAD!

• Great Leaders are Practical and ASK (God) for Wisdom!

• Great Leaders practice “tough love”

• Great Leaders are faithful to the Word of God! Seeking GOD’s will and NOT having a “personal agenda”!

• Great Leaders are Mentors! Creating other Leaders as they go.

• Great Leaders envision the possibilities and PLAN for the future.

• Great Leaders Make Good Decisions! In part because of the above characteristics they practice but also because they’ve learned NOT to lean on their own understanding. Prov. 3:5

• Leaders motivate others to be the Best they can be! Showing enthusiasm and exhorting others as they participate.

Brother Scott Penn

Minister of Mott Church of Christ



What is Self Esteem

What is “Self Esteem?”

The Encarta dictionary defines self esteem as the “confidence in your own merit as an individual person”. Such a positive definition….,So why then, when we hear the words “self esteem”, its more often associated with one’s “Lack of confidence”?  Our Self Esteem is crucial to our happiness but more importantly as women it is crucial to the happiness and; well being of our families (both home and Church) as well.

Just as the busy mother has to be reminded to slow down or STOP and take care of herself, so that she can BETTER take care of her family.  We as Women…... (mothers, daughters, wives, Sunday school teachers, etc) must STOP and take a check up on  SELF!!!!  So join me with our Great Physician as we strive to have a healthy Self Esteem.

Welcome

Join me on.........,
         I Love Me, I Love Me Not.....,
as I share with you lesson's from our Ladies Bible Class.

       It's "A Study of the Christian Woman's Self~Esteem" by Rosemary Whittle McKnight

I hope you will be uplifted and encouraged by our studies and fellowship, even if your not able to join us in person.