The Snyders in Germany: conviction

the days were long, but the year flew by

Friday, December 14, 2012
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romans 14:3

Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

the Lord reminded me of this verse recently and i thought it fit to share some of the things God was speaking to me :) so often we are quick to judge, quick to think our way is the best way, i know this is something i struggle with and the Lord has really been showing me i need to humble myself. romans 14:3 (above) paired with james 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." show that it's important for us to submit to the convictions placed on our lives and not to judge when others do not seem to have the same convictions. it has happened recently and in the past that when mr. s and i were holding to our convictions to abstain from things etc, often there was just such of feeling of judgement that came.. feeling left out by friends because we didn't enjoy doing the same things they did, well more like didn't feel the liberty to do the things they were doing, or just some comments from people made that were making it seem like because they chose to be apart of something that that was the "better" way. and that isn't true. it can't be "better" if the people who are abstaining are doing so because of a conviction they have been given by God. now that doesn't mean what they're doing is wrong, but judging someone because they choose not to do something, i believe that is wrong. i will totally admit that sometimes i have wondered "why don't others share my conviction?" and in the end the Lord just reassures me that He will instruct all of His children in His time. it gives me peace to know that my only job is to be obedient to what the Lord has spoken, and to not be ashamed of the decisions i make based on these convictions. i will openly speak about what God has spoken to me, because i think most of what me and mr. snyder do has biblical support but in the end its God who will approve or deny a person. its really beautiful because it shows God's intimacy. that its not just a set of rules, but they are personalized and sometimes the rules change and vary. :) God is so good. i would write more boldly but i just don't feel peace about doing so at this time. so, whether you went out trick or treating, stayed home and watched a movie, or went to church, i hope you made your decisions based on your convictions and love for God :) in the end He is all the really matters. don't neglect that still small voice who tells you what is right and wrong. listen and obey in faith.

with love,

mrs. s

Thursday, November 01, 2012
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blessing or sacrifice?

baby

staying at home with baby has been positively one of the best things ever! ya know, something i've realized is that somebody needs to raise your children. why not you? i mean, why have children if only to pass off the work to somebody else? I am not talking about every now and then because, obviously it's important to get a break, but full time is something different. How glorious to raise up godly children! What a delight to know all the hard work you put in, will someday hopefully have an eternal payout! I know some people think it's "not possible" these days... but it is. Mr. S and I are living proof. yes, there will be sacrifices, like maybe you won't be able to buy a brand new car, or have every possession you desire, but you will know your children are being raised to know God, they will know they are loved, and isn't that worth the sacrifice of "things"?! but i don't even know if "sacrifice" is the right word, because the blessing is far greater! aaron and i have not lacked a single thing by me staying home, and it's even more beautiful/glorious/amazing because he hasn't had work since february! and yet STILL the Lord provides :) but it's really our responsibility in the end, as in, we have to make good choices now, or else yes both parents do need to work due to financial commitments made. now for example, before making a big purchase, example: a new car, determine, is it going to be possible to carry on such financial burdens when a child comes (without both parents working)? if eating out is something that is regular, consider... eating in. take the time to prepare your breakfast lunch and dinners. it's amazing the amount of money saved, and add onto that the time you have to search out good deals because you aren't at work, tired, and in a rush to just eat anything. you can meal plan, bargain hunt, and add that special ingredient to all that's made... love. it really is a blessing to be able to serve up a warm meal to your husband after he's been gone working all day. though there are definitely challenges. planning out the week's meals ahead of time is such a help to the 'what should i cook' question, and that is both time and cost effective! being a stay-at-home mom doesn't mean you don't do work, not at all! it's just your work is in your home. there is nothing wrong with a wife/mom who does side work/part time even on the side. in fact that's what we see modeled by the proverbs 31 woman. the point is more rather, is your full time job outside the home? the Bible teaches us to be good stewards of all our resources, our time, treasures, and talents. how is the Lord teaching you to be a good steward? are you being faithful with that which has been entrusted to you(money, care of your home, and children)? i hope so! i don't write any of this to condemn anyone or to say there is one right way, but i think it's something important for women and parents to consider... i'll leave y'all with this verse

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." -colossians 3:2

until next time,
mrs. s

Tuesday, July 17, 2012
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The Snyders in Germany

the days were long, but the year flew by

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