A fruit basket for all of us

The fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodnes,, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law.

The fruits of the spirit comes through fellowship with the Holy Spirit. We are to be like God. We are called to be like Christ. The fruits of the spirit will grow in our lives, like fruit grows on trees, they don't show up automatically, you have to work for them.

The world are offering things that might look like the fruits of the spirit, but if you have ever tasted the real thing, you would never want to eat from the world.

Walking in the flesh does not require strength, character of power. Walking in the spirit does require more from you, and will give a result in your life that will last. All fruits of the spirit will build you up and give you power to do the right thing, while walking in the flesh will pull you down and bind you. When we work with the Holy Spirit we will be lifted up and can lift up others.

The bible tells us we are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37). Sometimes we forget that to be a conqueror you actually have to defeat something. When we are fighting we can rejoice and stand on this verse as a promise.

The Holy Spirit is on our side and with Him inside you there is nothing you can not do. For every deed of the flesh there is a fruit of the spirit that is stronger. Choose life!

Have a wonderful day! When you feel like you are gliding down the mountain away from the glory of God, grab a hold of the rope you tied around the cross and pull yourself up again!

maria

Honored by Duke University

My daughter is being honored by the Duke University Talent Identification program. She is going to get an award and medallion at the 2009 Oklahoma Recognition Ceremony for her high ACT scores. And she is only in the 7th grade!!!

Alex, I am so proud of you! Keep up your good work!

Love, Mom

Going multi-lingual....

So, now I'm blogging in both swedish and english, trying to keep both branches of my family updated in the going-ons of our life. It has been an interesting weekend, snowed about 6 inches saturday (in Oklahoma!!) and all of it melted away on Sunday. It was beautiful watching the snow fall, seeing the world be clothed in white. It was very nice to be able to watch it from inside, not having to go out in it too...I do like winter, but when the trees are already flowering and it is supposed to be spring, not so much.

Pastor was teaching from Eph 4 yesterday morning. Paul is talking about how we should live as Christians:

• Don't Lie



• Don't be angry



• Don't steal, but work for what you need



• Share with one another



• Don't speak words that break down but rather build up one another



• Don't keep bitterness and malice in your heart



• Be kind and forgiving towards one another

We as christians are to be salt and light of the world. The world will hate us, because they would prefer us to be like them. We are to stand out because of our love for one another, our willingness to help, to lay down our life, our time, our things for one another. The fruits of the spirit should be our constant companions, should show in our lives always.

Is this easy? Certainly not. Will we fall? All of us will...the bible says we have all sinned. But God's mercy is greater than all of this. He sees our hearts, and knows everything. When we draw closer to him, he will draw closer to us. If you have Jesus in your heart, and as Paul also says, in Phillipians 4:8:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think of these things.

If we think of those things in all, how can we not but keep our hearts pure before Him who gave us his everything in His Son? Live today and everyday to His glory. Put aside your wishes and follow his path for your life. Give God all the glory and praise for what he has done for you and watch him work miracles in your life today.

Have a wonderful, blessed day!

Maria