Here is a list of Jesus’ parables from the New Testament of the Bible, using the King James Version (KJV):

1. The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:4-15
2. The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares – Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
3. The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
4. The Parable of the Leaven – Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21
5. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44
6. The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price – Matthew 13:45-46
7. The Parable of the Dragnet – Matthew 13:47-50
8. The Parable of the Householder – Matthew 13:52
9. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant – Matthew 18:21-35
10. The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1-16
11. The Parable of the Two Sons – Matthew 21:28-32
12. The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers – Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19
13. The Parable of the Great Supper – Luke 14:15-24
14. The Parable of the Lost Sheep – Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7
15. The Parable of the Lost Coin – Luke 15:8-10
16. The Parable of the Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11-32
17. The Parable of the Unjust Steward – Luke 16:1-13
18. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus – Luke 16:19-31
19. The Parable of the Persistent Widow – Luke 18:1-8
20. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9-14
21. The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37
22. The Parable of the Friend at Midnight – Luke 11:5-8
23. The Parable of the Rich Fool – Luke 12:16-21
24. The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree – Luke 13:6-9
25. The Parable of the Wedding Feast – Matthew 22:1-14
26. The Parable of the Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13
27. The Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14-30
28. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats – Matthew 25:31-46

These are the parables attributed to Jesus in the New Testament.

Live your life on your own terms.

Make your dreams happen.

What do you want in life?

These are common questions we hear.

But can you always live life on your own terms? Always make your dreams happen? Always get what you want in life?

Do Christians get to live on their own terms, spend time making their dreams happen, and getting what they want in life?

In the Bible, sometimes people get what they want and other times they don’t.

How would we be any different?

We wouldn’t.

Sometimes people don’t get what they want because what they want is not God’s will.

Have you ever felt that you didn’t get your desires met?

It may be possible God has a better plan in store.

I’ve seen this happen in my own life many times.

• A romantic break-up
• A “we’ve gone with another candidate” email about a job I had interviewed for
• And so many more!

In the midst of a loss, it hurts. Rejection hurts.

However, when I look back, I can see how God had a better plan for me.

• A better romantic partner
• A better career choice
• And so much more!

Just as the back of a tapestry looks unattractive and unkempt, when we turn it all around when all is complete, we see another picture- a beautiful one.

Burnout is the exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration (Merriam-Webster).

Burnout can occur in work environments as well as with one’s spirituality/faith.

Christianity burnout can happen to any believer.

Symptoms can include (but are not limited to) fatigue, apathy, physical illness, mental distress, frustration, lack of connection, an aversion to religious activities, and many more.

Rest and reflection are important to have in order to overcome these feelings.

Boundaries and rest are necessary for everyone.

Rest is so important that God made it as the focus of one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:20).

Martina McBride is an amazing singer.

I particularly love her song, “Anyway”.

Sometimes it feels like our efforts don’t seem to yield what we wanted.

What should we do?

Give up? or Stand up and do it anyway.

This is what hope involves.

Source: Dictionary.com

Martina’s full lyrics for “Anyway” are below:

🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

How do 🐻 mountain brown bears, ❄️ cool temperatures (in the summer), and refreshing ♥️ fellowship opportunities sound? 

You guessed it — An Alaskan 🛥 cruise! All set for 2022.

July 25-August 1, 2022

Itinerary:

July 25 | Seattle, WA
Embark 4:00pm

The Seattle Center complex encompasses an assortment of impressive attractions. View colorful masterpieces by glassblower Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum. Explore the Pacific Science Center or the Museum of Pop Culture. Then take in sweeping city views from the top of the 605-foot-tall Space Needle.

July 26 | Cruising

With so many amazing things to do aboard the Quantum of the Seas, you’ll never run out of fun activities while at sea. Plus, enjoy teaching and worship sessions from Lysa and special guests, and browse Lifeway’s on-site bookstore.

July 27 | Icy Strait Point

12:00-9:00 PM

Icy Strait Point is one tiny port that’s big on Alaskan wilderness and Native culture. Opened a decade ago by the Huna Tlinget Native Alaskans, it’s easily one of the best spots in the region for fishing and whale watching. If you want to venture over to the wild side, go on a guided nature hike through nearby rainforests or hop into an ATV and explore the backroads of Chichagof Island. At the end of the day, you can take in forest views while soaring high above the trees on the longest zipline in the world. No matter what kind of Alaska adventure you’re craving, you’ll find it in Icy Strait Point.

July 28 | Skagway 

7:00am-5:00pm

 

Since its Klondike Gold Rush days, Skagway has served as an outpost for thrilling Alaskan adventure. Take an old-time street car ride along bustling Broadway Street and get lost in riveting historical reenactments. Here you’ll also discover plenty of ways to amp up the adrenaline, from dog-sledding on Laughton Glacier to rafting Lynn Canal, the longest Fjord in North America.

 

July 29 | Endicott Arm & Daws Glacier and Juneau, AK

Endicott Arms & Daws Glacier: 5:00am-10:00pm

One of Alaska’s lesser-known gems, Endicott Arm Fjord marks the southern edge of Fords Terror Wilderness area. As you drift through its 30-mile-long stretch, you can’t help but be awed by the surrounding granite cliffs, mountain valleys and dozens of gushing waterfalls. Drifting icebergs, deep blue waters and a spectacular tidewater glacier only add to this natural spectacle’s appeal.

Juneau, AK: 1:00pm-8:00pm

Juneau is the largest U.S. state capital – And one of the hardest to get to. Flanked by mountains, tundra, and rainforests, it’s basically inaccessible except by air or sea. Once you arrive you’ll find adventure in every corner. Go dog-sledding over Mendenhall Glacier, or prospecting along centuries-old mining trails. In Juneau, the thrills area as endless as the surrounding wilderness.

July 30 | Cruising

Whether you’re enjoying one of the Quantum of the Sea’s many on-board amenities and attractions, or learning and worshipping with Lysa and special guests, you’re sure to love your day at sea.

July 31 | Victoria, British Columbia
4:00pm-10:00pm

As one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, Victoria delivers a delightful blend of romantic British pomp and outdoor Canadian pursuits. Culture seekers and adventure junkies alike get their fill at the southern end of Vancouver Island. Here you can admire traditional Victorian architecture at Craigdarroch Castle and eat your way around Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Explore the vivid floral displays that earned its “Garden City” nickname, or bike the Galloping Goose Regional Trail in the “Cycling Capital of Canada”.

August 1 | Seattle, WA
Disembark 7:00am

Explore Seattle from a multitude of perspectives. Head to Lake Union, where you can go on a flightseeing tour and take in views of the city by plane. Climb to the top of the iconic Space Needle–the views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay can’t be beat. Immerse yourself in Pike Place Market, the city’s buzzing heartbeat: Grab an espresso and stroll among the produce-filled farm stands and artisans selling their crafts.

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I hope to attend!

Get more information here.

Matthew 7:3

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Sometimes, unless we are the responsible one (i.e., the spouse, the parent, or the very close friend), we should consider staying out of other’s life “business” unless we specifically believe the Holy Spirit is guiding us to intervene.

This “peace” key alone will likely prevent strife and emotional hardship with others you know.

We often have no idea of the complexities and many variables impacting others’ situations.

We must rely on wisdom and love in order to truly help others.

Locus of Control.

It’s a psychological term described by Psychology Today as an individual’s belief system regarding the causes of his or her experiences and the factors to which that person attributes success or failure.

Some people have an internal locus of control, whereas others have an external locus of control. Some people have both, depending upon the issue.

For example, a person may believe it is up to them to schedule regular physical assessment check-ups with their medical 🏥 provider, yet realize if they are suddently diagnosed with stage 4 advanced genetically-associated cancer, that is not within their control (especially if they had a healthy lifestyle).

The Serenity Prayer is a great example of this idea of internal and external locus of control in life:

Courtesy of BAMM Graphics

While on this 🌏 earth, there are things we can control and things we cannot. Biblical scripture also describes this principle, though some debate whether or not humans have any control over their lives at all.

For instance, Adam and Eve had the choice to eat of the forbidden 🍐 fruit. The two demonstrated their internal locus of control by choosing to eat of the fruit. They chose their future, including the consequences.

On the other hand, when ✝ Christ was sacrificed for all humankind, this sacrifice was determined by God to wash us of our sins forever. God was ultimately in charge of this event. He had a purpose in mind for Christ’s death.

I have found that God expects me to do what I can, given what I know and which resources I have. Besides all of that, I know my future is within His hands. It is up to me to trust in Him, no matter my emotions.

This can be challenging during times of immense 😭 despair. I often remind myself of the Serenity 🙏 Prayer during such occasions. 

I personally believe Christians have a shared locus of control (internal and external), given by God. I do not believe fatalism is a good driver of outcomes (fatalism is defined per Oxford Dictionary as the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable).

Do you primarily rely on others, including God to bring you success? or do you rely on yourself? Maybe you rely on both? Comment ⬇️ below!