Prodigal: I am here to ask you to watch another video from proverbs
Proverbs 1:13
we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The Imitation of Christ
Me: What is on your mind Prodigal?
Prodigal: I am thinking about Christ.
Me: Me too, why don’t I share about him.
This is from the book The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis
He that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished, how we ought to imitate His life and manners, if we would truly be enlightened, and delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chiefest endeavor be, to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.
The doctrine of Christ exceedeth all the doctrines of holy men; and he that hath the Spirit, will find therein the hidden manna. But it falleth out, that many who often hear the Gospel of Christ, feel little desire after it, because they have not the Spirit of Christ. But whosoever will fully and with relish understand the words of Christ, must endeavor to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ.
I am learning to confirm my life to your obedience LORD. It is a constant progress and journey. I will be still working on this a year from now. As the journey progress though it will be filled with a love and sweetness because my relationship with you will continue to grow.
John 8:36
So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
You Are Known and Loved
Me: What a nice birthday balloon!
Prodigal: Yes, and I wanted to share a message with that balloon.
This is from the book The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
There is an emotional “high” that comes to us when someone thinks we are so wonderful and beautiful, and that is part of what fuels the early passion and electricity of falling in love. But the problem is–and you may be semi consciously aware of this–the person doesn’t really know you and therefore doesn’t really love you, not yet at least. What you think of as being head over heels in love is in large part a gust of ego gratification, but it’s nothing like the profound satisfaction of being known and loved.
When over the years someone has seen you at your worst, and knows you with all your strengths and flaws, yet commits him–or herself to you wholly, it is a consummate experience. To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.
You are known and loved, I know you make mistakes, but their is grace and I am so blessed that you show me the real you! May you enjoy this day and be encouraged.
1 Corinthians 13:7
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Women Lovin’ Jesus
Me: Nice cave!
Prodigal: Thanks it reminds me of the pit that we are going to talk about.
Proverbs 1:12
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Faith Can Change A Life
Me: What are you doing?
Prodigal: I am looking for a four leaf clover
Me: They’re as scarce as grass ’round a hog trough.
Prodigal: I might still find one though.
Me: Have hope Prodigal!
This is from the book Believe and Rejoice by James P. Gills M.D.
The experience of John Wesley, the great evangelist and founder of the Methodist movement, shows how abandoned faith can change a life. By the time he was thirty-five, Wesley knew a lot about Christ. He had graduated from Oxford University and resolved to become a priest in the Church of England. He was ordained a priest in 1728. He and his brother, Charles, helped start the Holy Club at Oxford. He read one hundred spiritual books a year for a dozen years. He even traveled to Georgia on a mission trip. But he knew there was something missing. On his mission trip he met some Moravian immigrants who had the spiritual peace he realized he was lacking. His work in America was not very effective, and he returned to England.
Back in London, Wesley met Peter Bohler, a Moravian who convinced him that what he needed was simple: he needed faith, not just knowledge. During a meeting in Aldersgate Street in 1738, Wesley was transformed. As he heard Martin Luther’s preface to the Commentary on Romans being read, he was truly elated. He realized the promises of God are true! He wrote, “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation. He felt a quickening that comes from truly experiencing God’s grace and presence. He was filled with God’s complete and perfect joy.
From this point on, Wesley was a changed man. He preached with a spiritual fire and fervor that was fed by his faith. And he was filled with a glorious joy that affected him the rest of his life because he relinquished to God and believed in His promises.
1 John 4:20-21
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him; whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Likin and Uh Lovin
Me: Thank you for the this day Lord!
Prodigal: I agree, thank you for being you!
Taint no use to grumble
‘N’ frown and keep a frettin’
If you can’t get the things you want;
Then, want the things you’re gettin’!
The path you tread is much the same
As others is pursuin’.
If you can’t do the things you like
Then, like the things you’re doin!.
The world may have its sour folks,
But this will bear repeatin’:
It won’t take long for you to get
As sour as those you’re meetin’,
There may be good folks far away
You’d mightly like to tie to,
But if you ain’t nigh folks you love
Then, love the folks ‘ats nigh you.
Of course there’s a lots of folks
That won’t bear close inspection,
But it you stop and think a bit
YOU ain’t quite reached perfection!
If things don’t move just like they might
Keep pushin’ and shovin’
And don’t let nothin’ interfere
With likin’ and uh lovin’!
Margaret E. Sangster
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Women Lovin’ Jesus
Me: It is time for another proverbs.
Prodigal: I will watch and learn.
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Society
Prodigal: I thought we would find the ladder in here. Now we don’t have one.
Me: Well, this is as welcome as a dust storm on a trial drive.
Prodigal: What do we do now?
Me: Lets call the neighbors and see if they can help.
This is from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
A Christian society is not going to arrive until most of us really want it: and we are not going to want it until we become fully Christian. I may repeat “Do as you would be done by” till I am black in the face, but I cannot really carry it out till I love my neighbor as myself: and I cannot learn to love my neighbor as myself till I learn to love God: and I cannot learn to love God except by learning to obey Him.
God my wants are not important right now. I must focus on my neighbor. I must focus on loving even if it means I have to suffer.
Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
Avoid Choice
Prodigal: I love your smile Brady!
Me: Me too!
Prodigal: His smile is wider than the rind of a blue-ribbon watermelon.
Me: I agree
This is from the book Bold Love by Dr. Dan B. Allender & Dr. Tremper Longman III
Some of us approach life with overt commitment to avoid choice (passivity) or perfect choice (perfectionism) so that the consequences of choice will not fall on our shoulders. Others make irresponsible choices (impulsion) or delay them (procrastination) so that excuses can be readily offered. Some make aggressive choices (intimidation) to keep others from being able to exert their freedom to choose. All of these approaches hate the burden of choice and attempt to side step the responsiblity to deal with the consequences of choice.
Lord we think some times we don’t have to make the choice. The Lord keeps calling. He wants us to make the right choice with His wisdom. We do not have to fear in that choice and we do not have to worry. The Lord has been watching it all. He has loved you through it all. Now step toward the choice and watch the Lord work.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
Genesis 1:8
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
For the Birds
Me: I like your bird friend!
Prodigal: Yes, he would like to hear a story.
Me: This one is for the birds.
This is from Chicken Soup for the Country Soul
While I was standing at the kitchen window, five-year old Spencer, my oldest son, ran into the house screaming, “We need a doctor out here! We need a doctor! Hurry, Mom!!”
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
Spencer anxiously told me he had found a dead bird that needed a doctor.
Dutifully, I grabbed a small plastic bag from the pantry and took Spencer’s hand–after all, that’s the sort of thing mother’s do! While my son led me out the door and toward the bird, I explained that if the creature was indeed dead, a doctor could not help. When we arrived at the accident scene, it was obvious that the baby bird was dead. Spencer and I could see the nest high up in the tree. My son and I discussed the probable age of the baby bird, its inability to fly well, and exactly how the fall had caused its death.
“I bet his mommy and daddy really miss him,” Spencer observed. I reached for my boy’s hand and tried to ease his sadness by saying I was sure they did, but that they would be okay because the little bird had gone to Heaven to be with God and PoPo (my deceased grandfather). I assured Spencer that the bird’s mommy and daddy knew their little one would be cared for and loved. I told Spencer that PoPo loved little birds, and I was sure he was in Heaven holding and playing with the baby bird right then. I picked up the little creature’s body, slipped it into my plastic bag and gently placed the bird in the trash can. Nothing else was said about the matter for the rest of the day. Spencer went right back to playing as if he had never been interrupted, and I returned to my work in the kitchen.
At breakfast the next morning, Spencer sadly explained to his father that he had found a baby bird the day before that had fallen from its nest.
“It was dead, Daddy!”
Trying to lift Spencer’s spirits and remind him that the little bird was really okay, I asked our son to tell Daddy where the baby bird was. Spencer, looking solemn-faced at his dad, stated, “In trash can with Mama’s granddaddy, PoPo.”
Merilyn Gilliam
Isaiah 59:1
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org