Friday, December 12, 2008

Giving

It is the time of year that people tend to give a little more than they do at any other time of year.
G-I-V-I-N-G


Have you thought about how you could help someone less fortunate than you? I know that I have. What kind of difference do you think you could make? One little gesture could be all that it takes to make an unbeliever a BELIEVER! I know that some people are very hesitant to help someone who asks for money or food. But, have you thought about what it is that God may be trying to teach you through that person or circumstance? Take a moment to look over the information I have gathered below and take a chance on making a difference!


Who knows, maybe you can make a difference in someone's life TODAY!
Here are some ideas:

  • Go to http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ and order a box of food for $30, then take it to someone that you know really needs a helping hand this month. If you don't know of anyone specifically, ask around your church, daycare, school. I am sure that someone knows of someone with a need and you could be the answer to that person's prayers.

  • Check out the site http://www.2hands.org/ and see if there is anyone in your area that you could help out with their need. If not, check out other areas and surprise someone.

  • Volunteer with the Salvation Army. Did you know that if they don't have enough volunteers to ring the bells for donations at the holiday, that they have to pay someone? Can't physically get out there to ring a bell? Then follow the link on my blog and join my Red Kettle Team and start emailing people that you know! Or start your own team!

These are only a couple of examples of ways you can help your community. Take the time to "do unto others". I guarantee that the rewards you feel in your heart will far surpass anything you could have done for yourself!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

I Saw God Today!

I awoke to a cold and rainy day today, wishing it was still Saturday. However, I should have known that God had something great planned!

Our church has been trying to get as many coats as possible for the Christmas Mother in Amelia, Virginia. This year is a really tough one for so many individuals and as cold as it gets, everyone needs a coat. We have been able to get a few, but people forget or don't really think that they have anything to give.

Today was different.

As most of you know, I am part of the worship team at my church and love to sing praise songs to the Lord. Today our pastor spoke on sacrificial giving. How giving sacrificially is so much more rewarding than giving out of abundance. Thankfully, this is something that my husband and I learned early in our relationship with God. There were times when we tithed & we had no idea how we would pay our house payment or car payment, yet God always provided for us because we had obeyed his direction to give sacrificially. (This is a whole other story for another day)

Well, at the end of the service, our pastor challenged everyone in the service to give sacrificially. . . he challenged everyone to give the coat off of their backs. Before John and I could leave the stage to give the coats that we had, people had already started bringing up their coats!!! Now, these were not just "extra" coats that people had brought in, because the extra coats were dropped in the bin outside of the auditorium before people came in to the service. So, all of the coats that people brought up were literally the ones off of their backs! WOW! What an outpouring of love and giving!

I don't think that the day could have been any better than this!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Another day in the life. . .

OK, for those of you that know me, you know that I have been telling my husband for years that he needed to get a Sleep Study done to determine how bad his Sleep Apnea is. Well, after all of the problems he had this year with his lungs and being diagnosed with a Pulmonary disease, this Dr sent him for one.

Well. . . it didn't go so good. They said that he stopped breathing 22 times per hour! They didn't even let him go the rest of the night without a mask that feeds air to him while he sleeps. They also said that he never made it to REM sleep. No wonder he tells me that he doesn't have dreams! He really doesn't! This would explain a lot about a lot. He has said for years that he never feels like he went to sleep and that when he gets up in the morning, he feels like he had just laid down. So not only does he have sleep apnea, he also has narcolepsy.

Now the part that really stinks is the fact that we have new insurance and he was referred to a "non-participating" provider. I have no clue how much it is going to end up costing, but you can bet it won't be cheap. Just the sleep study was $1600! Two visits to the Pulmonary specialist was $550. Yes, that is for 2 OFFICE VISITS. I had to laugh when I got the EOB from the insurance, because it is always something like this going on in our lives. I just looked up to Heaven and said, "Well God, here's another one you are gonna have to take care of." Of course, every time we have had some kind of catastrophe in our lives, whether physical or financial, God has ALWAYS sustained us and gotten us through it all.

One good thing, though. . . He is being offered another position by his employer that would get him out of the weather and in an office environment. I am praying that they will compensate him financially so that it doesn't end up costing him more than he is earning. You see, he currently has a truck and gas card, and has been told everytime he was due for a raise that he needed to figure the truck and gas card as part of his salary. SO, how much is that worth? Well, when we sat down and crunched some numbers, it ended up being around $16,000. Now, I doubt very seriously that they will offer him that kind of compensation. However, it is a BLESSING that he will no longer be out in the weather and breathing welding fumes all day long. I am thanking God for that !!!

Now we are just praying for a decent salary so that we can pay the difference in him driving to and from work in his 10 miles per gallon pick up truck.

Another day in the life. . .

OK, for those of you that know me, you know that I have been telling my husband for years that he needed to get a Sleep Study done to determine how bad his Sleep Apnea is. Well, after all of the problems he had this year with his lungs and being diagnosed with a Pulmonary disease, this Dr sent him for one.

Well. . . it didn't go so good. They said that he stopped breathing 22 times per hour! They didn't even let him go the rest of the night without a mask that feeds air to him while he sleeps. They also said that he never made it to REM sleep. No wonder he tells me that he doesn't have dreams! He really doesn't! This would explain a lot about a lot. He has said for years that he never feels like he went to sleep and that when he gets up in the morning, he feels like he had just laid down. So not only does he have sleep apnea, he also has narcolepsy.

Now the part that really stinks is the fact that we have new insurance and he was referred to a "non-participating" provider. I have no clue how much it is going to end up costing, but you can bet it won't be cheap. Just the sleep study was $1600! Two visits to the Pulmonary specialist was $550. Yes, that is for 2 OFFICE VISITS. I had to laugh when I got the EOB from the insurance, because it is always something like this going on in our lives. I just looked up to Heaven and said, "Well God, here's another one you are gonna have to take care of." Of course, every time we have had some kind of catastrophe in our lives, whether physical or financial, God has ALWAYS sustained us and gotten us through it all.

One good thing, though. . . He is being offered another position by his employer that would get him out of the weather and in an office environment. I am praying that they will compensate him financially so that it doesn't end up costing him more than he is earning. You see, he currently has a truck and gas card, and has been told everytime he was due for a raise that he needed to figure the truck and gas card as part of his salary. SO, how much is that worth? Well, when we sat down and crunched some numbers, it ended up being around $16,000. Now, I doubt very seriously that they will offer him that kind of compensation. However, it is a BLESSING that he will no longer be out in the weather and breathing welding fumes all day long. I am thanking God for that !!!

Now we are just praying for a decent salary so that we can pay the difference in him driving to and from work in his 10 miles per gallon pick up truck.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

A Piece Of History

Barack Obama will be our next President of the United States.

I believe that the next four years are going to be quite different from the last eight. It is going to be interesting to see what other countries have in store for us, how they will treat us, with our new President. I believe that his wife is a classy lady, and behind each strong man there is a WOMAN of strength. She appears to be a devoted mother and wife, and I pray that she stays strong through his Presidency. His children are beautiful and must be very excited to be part of a piece of History. A piece that is life changing; not just for them, but for the United States as well.

While I do not agree with his stand on many issues, I will continue to pray for him and his family. Yes, I said "continue", because regardless of WHO is in the White House, they will ALWAYS have my prayers. He will be our President and with that comes a H-U-G-E responsibility. He will have quite a lot on his hands when he enters the White House in January: our economy is in quite a mess, people are without jobs, people are losing their homes.

I will also pray that he looks to Jesus Christ for direction, when he is looking at the "Changes" that he will implement.

God Bless You and Peace Be Unto You President Obama, Michelle, Sasha & Malia!

Humbly,
One Mommy

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

I am humbled. . .

It is amazing the love that Christ has put in my heart and the feelings of urgency to share that love with others. I know that I was not a good example of His love all of the time when I was younger, but I have been HUMBLED! He has shown me what it is to be loved and to love. He is my ROCK and my SALVATION. And laltely my heart has been bleeding for many of the people in my past. I know that it sounds weird, but up until recently, I couldn't remember the names of several people that I went to school with and all of a sudden, the other day, names started flooding my mind. Names that I believe that God has put there for a reason. He has a plan and YOU are part of that plan. If you think I am nuts, then so be it. But, I am going to contact every person that God has put on my heart before I leave this earth. I know that our days are numbered. . but do YOU know that?

I have thought a lot about how I used to be versus how I am today; and I have to say that I am NOT proud of the person I once was. I know that in my youger years, that I was not always the easiest person to be around. Sometimes I could be real bossy OR just absolutely "clueless" to the feelings of others around me. . . and when I was in college, I could be absolutely "stupid" sometimes and some of the things that I did, were not that of a follower of Christ. But then again, as I have said before, I really didn't understand the true meaning of that until 2000. I did not always show respect to others who had a difference of opinion. . . and for that, I am sorry.

I apologize to everyone whose feelings I may have hurt or whom I may have offended.

I REALLY AM SORRY!

Now, I don't expect that any "specific" person is going to forgive me. But, I want you to know what is in my heart. If you could see me now, versus then, you would know that Christ has indeed changed me. And that He is giving you that same opportunity. Don't let it slip by without so much as a glance. He Loves YOU!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Life OR Death?

My heart is aching, I have been having trouble getting to sleep. I can’t seem to get enough of God’s Word lately. I feel excited and nervous, happy and sad, relieved and concerned. I know, I know, it seems like I may be on the “verge” of. . . something. God has given me a tender heart. SO many things over the past couple of years have really affected me both mentally and spiritually. For the better, of course; and God never brings you to something without getting you through it. And we have been through a lot; as a person, a family, and a nation.

Last night as I lay in bed thinking about the day and the upcoming week, I could not sleep. I was sobbing. Not really sure as to the specifics of “why”. But, I was feeling strongly about how much love I feel for my family and others around me, and knowing that Christ is coming soon and there are still so many lost. I don’t understand all that I need to about the end times, but the more and more I study it, the more and more sad I become. As a Christian, I am thrilled with the anticipation of “going home” to Jesus. Yet, I am saddened because I know so many people that have not accepted Jesus as their Savior or think that they are “saved”, but continue to live in sin. . . . . .

Some examples of what I am talking about: People who profess to be “Christian” and then proceed to preach “hate”. Like the people that picket funerals of our military men and women; people who scream out “you are going to HELL because you ___________________” (fill in the blank for yourself, since there are a lot of things that could go here). If you continue to live in sin, regardless of what sin you are committing, whether it be fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, cheating, evil thoughts, pornography, hatred, whatever the case may be, you will not be with HIM. In order to stay on the path that God has set forth for you, you must stay in His Word. God sent His Son here to die for us so that we might have everlasting life.

This Sunday, my pastor likened it to a person standing at a fork in the road. There is a person that sees you coming, and lets you know that if you continue on the path that you are going on, you will D-I-E, as the bridge is out and it is a L-O-N-G drop to the river. Then that person says, take this path; and points you in the direction of safety, which is L-I-F-E. Essentially, that is what God has done. He sent his Son here to die for us, so that we could have “EVERLASTING LIFE”.

Life in His kingdom.

Life with Him.

Life with Jesus.

Life with the Holy Spirit.

Which will YOU choose?

Life

OR

Death?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Concerned?

You know, back in 2007 Newt Gingrich spoke at the National Press Club and discussed the war on terror. I can't help but wonder, where is this nation going to be when my son grows up? Or will he even get that opportunity?

Take a few minutes and check out what he says in this brief video. If this doesn't concern you, then you have got to be blind!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

We Are In The Midst. . .




I can't seem to emphasize this enough to everyone that I know. We ARE in the End times, people. Those of you that are atheists that conversate on some of the blogs that I frequent, I am having a real hard time holding back my tears for you. Everyday, I pray for you and cry. Yes, I said I cry for you! I cry out and pray that your eyes will be opened and that you will see the proof before you. . . before it is too late! America IS the Church of Laodacia. Those that call themselves "Christians" but are NOT living their life as such, will be LEFT BEHIND to endure the 7 years of Tribulation.

God states in Revelation 3:16 "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth"

Come on folks. Let's get it together. Christ IS coming soon and you NEED to be ready. Time is of the essence, and I beg you to listen. You did not just happen to find this blog for NO REASON! God SENT YOU here! He is giving you ANOTHER chance, another sign. DON'T waste it! Christ DIED for you. WILLINGLY. He didn't have to. He could have ignored it all together and not even bother to give us a chance. But he LOVES US!!

What are you waiting for? How much more proof do you need?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008





Driving in to work today, I was listening to the radio. I couldn't tell you what was playing or what was said. I simply don't remember. All I could think about was how grateful I am to be able to serve Christ and still have that FREEDOM. I couldn't help but wonder if my son will have the liberty to worship openly, like we do now, when he grows up. Things seem to be going in the wrong direction for this country, OR maybe they are going in the right direction . . . a direction of prophetic fulfillment. Lately, I have found myself reading more and more on the end times and realizing how little time we have left here on earth to bring others to Christ. He doesn’t want any to perish, but many will.

That is why I have decided that from now until I die, I will spend time sharing the Word of God with as many people as I can. Whether it be through this blog, internet, in person, at the grocery store, library, work. . . where ever! That is our job as Christians. I also feel that it is my job to share what I know with others, especially brothers and sisters in Christ. That is why I will have links on this blog to inform you of information that is pertinent to OUR beliefs! I know that some of you have said that you love to see what I will share next, AND a couple of you have mentioned that you felt that I was offensive. , I speak strictly from my beliefs in the infallible Word Of God, The Bible AND from my heart. If you find what I say as offensive, then I am sorry. My intent is to spread the TRUTH!


“TRUTH” is not something that you can “decide for yourself”. It is what it is. Nothing more, nothing less. Lately I have felt it necessary to be more assertive in MY BELIEFS, since I have had the agenda of others crammed down my throat for years. Well, I am through eating my words. I am tired of hearing from our Senators, Congressman, etc. that I (being a Christian) should be more “TOLERANT” and that I should allow my child to be taught things that we (my Christian family) DO NOT agree with as morally correct.

One example:
The San Francisco Chronicle reported: “Eighteen first graders traveled to San Francisco City Hall Friday for the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner.” Ok now, this is one of the things I am talking about. It is ok with government for a “public school” to take the kids to something like this, but do you think that they would have taken then to a “traditional wedding”??? NO, that would never happen.

Yet, get this:
In September a boy was suspended from school for wearing “anti – Obama” t-shirt. Now tell me, where is this kid’s right to “free speech”?! His First Amendment right was violated! Why can’t he express his opinion?

ACLU Filed a lawsuit against students for Praying and for holding Christmas concerts in local churches! Yes, it’s true! Check out this article.

So tell me, what do you think? Do you think that we are losing our rights as Christians?

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A Day In The Life. . .

Things have been quite crazy lately. I know, so what else is new?! John hass been really sick and was put in the hospital last Wednesday. They released him on Saturday, so I set up an appointment with his primary care Dr. Well, she was NOT happy that they Dr at the hospital released him AND he was NEVER seen by a Pulmonary Specialist. NOT GOOD! So, SHE set up a chest X-Ray with contrast and an appointment with a Pulmonary Specialist for today. It seems like everything that happens to John is always something like that. The same kind of craziness occurred when he went to an orthopedic surgeon for his back. The guy called John a liar and then when he got the results back from the MRI, he found that John was in fact NOT lying and that he DEFINITELY had reason to be in pain. He has 3 herniated discs and degeneration in his back. Any way, that's a whole other story.

So, this morning he has the X-Ray and this afternoon is the appointment with the specialist. So many things could be wrong. . .or right. But, when I found out about all of this last night when I got home, I was reminded of another story that I had read online. It must be why God directed me to it. It was husband writing about his wife and what it was like when they found out she had cancer. She went through treatments and they were able to get through it knowing that either way “she wins”. (If she made it through the chemo & surgery OR if she died.) She ended up living another four years and then, when it was time, she died. You see, they both knew that if she made it, she would have a little more time with her family. But, if she died, then she would be with the Father above and no longer suffering. Either way, she won!

I know that no matter what the Dr has to say today, that God will get us through it and He is in control of EVERYTHING. Funny how things aren’t as difficult to face, when you KNOW that. Now you might be thinking, so what?. . . big deal. . . he has an appt with a specialist. But, what you may not understand is this: The specialist handles serious respiratory issues like COPD, lung cancer, etc. So, the prognosis is likely not a good one. However, God is good and merciful. He will keep us strong through whatever we are to go through. I know this because of the many other things that we have gone through.

1. Shortly after we were married, I became pregnant. I miscarried just before the 2nd trimester.
2. When our son was about 5 months old, he was diagnosed with E-Coli in his kidneys. The Drs were amazed that he was even alive, as sick as he was. (The power of prayer is amazing!) he is now 4 1/2 yrs old!
3. A year after I had my son, I almost died from hemorrhaging when my hemoglobin dropped below 5 and my heart was skipping beats. I had to have 3 D&Cs in the timeframe of 2 years in order to get my “mommy parts” working properly again.

See what I mean? These were not “little” things by any imagination. However, as always God got us through. And these are only a couple of things. We have had something crazy occur at least three or four times a year. But, like Job, we will NOT falter. Jesus Christ is our Savior and HE is the ONLY way to Heaven! He keeps us strong and died for us. SO, no matter what we have to endure here on earth, we know that one day we will be with HIM and all of this isn’t going to matter.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Fireproof - Passion

On the way in to work this morning I was listening to the Radio and I heard the host talking about what a hit at the box office the movie “Fireproof” was over the weekend! Now, keep in mind that this movie was only in 850 theatres and it STILL came out in the TOP 4!!!! What does this tell you?!? What could it mean?!? Is it possible that America wants more “FAMILY” oriented movies? . . . more of the kind of movies where the family actually works things out? Instead of a bunch of movies selling “lust, infidelity, fornication and all round non-traditional family values”??!!?? Wake up HOLLYWOOD! Take a queue from “Fireproof”. Looks to me like there is a NEED out there for this kind of story for the silver screen!

The host of the radio station was also talking about “The Passion of The Christ”, another movie that went over tremendously well at the theatres and even more so on DVD. As a follower of Christ, I found it extremely hard to watch the scene where Jesus was beaten by the soldiers, before his crucifixion. I now have a greater understanding and appreciation for how much Christ suffered for OUR sins! I don’t think that I will ever be able to wrap my mind fully around how truly severe it was; because I just can’t fathom that kind of pain. It is said that most people did not make it through the beatings and that if they did, that they would die within an hour or so on the cross from suffocation. Christ was given 40 lashes. . . 40!!! There is NOONE in this world that could have made it through all of that and not have come out with broken bones. . . and yet, HE DID! And He did it FOR US!
I can’t keep tears from coming to my eyes when I think of how God must have felt seeing His Son go through such horrid treatment. Can YOU imagine? Sit down alone in a quiet room for a minute and imagine how you would feel if it were YOUR child that you had to watch go through this. What? You can’t do it? You are right. . . not if you have an ounce of LOVE for that child. It hurts too much and you simply can’t wrap your mind around it.

If you have never seen this movie or do not believe in Christ, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. . . take the time to get this movie, sit down and watch it; even if it’s by yourself. I promise you, you will come out of it a changed person. I don’t know of anyone that has seen it that has NOT been affected by it.

Are you an UN- Believer? Do you simply think that Christ is some made up deity that was created in our minds to make us feel better about death? Are you an atheist? I would love to talk to you. I am open to ALL comments, so share your thoughts.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Go Ahead. . . I Dare You!!!

Sunday was a rather awesome day. . .as always. This week we continued our discussion on "Families on the Edge". Our Pastor put a challenge out to the men & women in the church to follow the journal. "The Love Dare", and offered them a free copy. Needless to say, all 30 books were picked up!

Now, if you haven't heard of this, then you need to crawl out from whatever rock you've been hiding under, because this may very well be the answer to your prayer! A new movie came out this past weekend, "Fireproof". The father of a young man that is on the verge of divorce, gives his son a book "The Love Dare". It is a 40 day challenge to work through and learn how to REALLY LOVE your spouse. Now, I don't know if you have a wonderful relationship with your spouse or not, but no matter what your relationship is like. . . it CAN benefit from this process.

The book offers things for you to ponder and pray about, as well as things to do for your spouse. By taking the time to go through this, you can only come out in a better position than that which you started with. As a follower of Christ, you need to know that there IS a way to get through the rough spot you are going through with your spouse. You've got nothing to lose. . . go ahead, get the book and follow it for 40 days. . . I DARE YOU!!!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Cell Phone?

Yes, I know. . . everyone has one and no one could live without it.

Whatever. What happened to the days of just going somewhere without having to have a phone? I remember when I was in high school and we would go out driving on the weekend nights and we would just cruise around looking for our friends to see which hangout they were at. That was part of the fun! Now, everyone has a cell phone. Even kids!

Well, I got rid of mine last summer and ended up buying a Tracphone, because I don't use it often enough to warrant paying an exorbitant fee every month for something that I don't even spend 300 minutes on in a month. Now, I only pay for minutes when I need them and they are only 9 cents per minute. Besides that, I travel enough that I didn't want to have to pay 35 cents per minute when I am out of my area! I have had it for over a year now and have only used about 1300 minutes total. The cool thing is that I don't have to pay a monthly fee, nor do I need to sign any contract! I have a phone that is perfect for me and my family; and I don't have to worry about "budgeting" for this added expense every month.

Anywhoooo. . .

Thursday, September 25, 2008

As a little child

Kids soak up everything like a sponge, especially what they see & hear their parents do. Every night when we (my husband, Elijah, & I) crawl into bed, I read the Bible to our son and say our prayers together. We always include "mommy & daddy", but lately we have been more specific in our prayers for my husband's back. He has 3 herniated discs and degeneration in his back. The Drs told him that he has the back of an 80 year old man (he is only 38). SO, when Elijah & I pray, we've been asking God to heal daddy's back and to take away the pain.

Well, the other night at dinner, going through our evening ritual of "How was your day" at the dinner table. When it was Elijah's turn to tell us about his day at pre-school, he informed me: "we prayed for you today, mommy". I said, "you did?" and hesitantly asked "what did you pray about honey?". . . 'cause you just never know what they may be praying about : ) However, he said that they prayed for my RIB. AAAWWWWWWW. . . with tears in my eyes I hugged him and thanked him. <>

Now, out of all of the things that I have done as a parent, thankfully that was POSITIVE duplication. Because you know, if you are a parent, that usually the things our kids duplicate is something that we really should not have done or said. The gritting of your teeth when you have to repeat instructions to get ready for a bath or when you jam your toe and say something that is less than pleasant. . . those are usually the things that you expect to come out. But thankfully, John & I are reaping the benefits of sowing the seed of Christ in our son.

With so many things happening in today's world, it is important that we give our children the FIRM FOUNDATION of the Word of God to stand upon. Because, as the Bible says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." [Proverbs 22:6] We pray for our son every day. I know that God has a special plan for him, the same way that He has plans for all of us.

God does listen, you know. You just have to start talking to Him.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY




Summer 2008

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY


For other Wordless Wednesday participants click here.



SUMMER 2006

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

End Times Prophesies

"So much to do and so little time." I have heard that saying so often that it is almost silly. But when you apply it to the work we, as followers of Christ, have yet to do. . . well, then it doesn't seem so silly.

Growing up in Suburbia, I never really thought about it. I felt that it wasn't my place to discuss politics or religion. Had I been reading my BIBLE more, then I would have known that it is my JOB to share Christ with as many people as I can before I die. I beleive that there are many ways that you can do that, too. You don't have to walk up to every stranger on the street to share the love of Christ. If you are living the life that He wants you to, then it should be evident in your face. I don't mean you have to be happy 365 days a year. Just simply, that your response to things should be that of a follower.

Reacting negatively to the bad things that happen in your life is not a positive testament to Him, nor to your faith. I have found that by really turning things over to Him, that I don't react the way I used to 10 years ago. For example: I work in the city and encounter rude, wreckless, and incompetent drivers every day. I am almost sideswiped on a weekly basis and at least once a day someone cuts in front of me and slams on their breaks. Seems as if the whole world is in a hurry. But rather than react to what they have done, I take a moment and pray that the Lord would surround him with his Love, soften their hearts, and lift them up and through whatever it is that is making do the things that they are doing. It seems as if everyone has something on their minds and driving is sort of the 2nd thing.

Got off on a tangent. . . . back to the subject at hand: The End Times. There are so many signs that are happening now that are indicators of how close to the End we truly are. There are still several prophesies to be fulfilled, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we were to see Christ's return in our lifetime. If you look at the way things have progressed over the last 60 years, then it makes sense. We have become so far advanced in things; (medicine, technology, etc.) that if you look at it from that perspective, then you can see that the advance of things over the last 60 years far surpasses what has been done for 600 years prior! Things are moving faster and faster. Hence, our time here is short.

We need to get off of our duffs and get out there and share the gospel with as many as we can. Now that does not mean that you need to shove it down someone's throat. It just means that you need to be more bold in your faith and share it more readily with others. God wants us to tell others about Him. As Americans, I think many of us tend to be highly conservative with sharing our faith. If you were to share it the way that many of the people at VOM have done, then you would realize that you are not doing enough for God's Kingdom. Take a moment to visit this link and then tell me: What have you done lately that even compares to what these people have done?

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Family

Today at church we talked about our responsibility as Husbands, Wives, and Parents. When you are living life as a follower of Christ, certain things are just not an option. Things like D-I-V-O-R-C-E. God created marriage to be holy and binding. . . "til death do you part" Now, I am not saying that you are going to hell if you get a divorce, I am simply saying that as a follower of Christ it is within your power to work through things together, especially if you are both followers of Christ.

I went through a really bad divorce back in 1996 and was hurt deeply by the man that I believed I was supposed to spend my life with. I tried to work through things, but it takes two to work it out. Funny thing is I learned what real and true unconditional love is through a new friend, I then was able to get past my hurt and anger and move on with my life. I worked 2 jobs and paid off everything. I spent my Sunday's at church and made new friends.

Five years later I married the friend that taught me about unconditional love and he & I will be together until we die. We have been together for 11 years. Life is not always easy, but we have Christ at the center of our lives, so we are able to get through the rough times. God is good and He has been the ROCK in our relationship. I still have a lot to learn as a wife but thankfully he is patient and encourages me in all that I do.

I know that many people are not as fortunate as I am and they are with a spouse that doesn't follow Christ and wants out of the relationship or has already left the relationship. I pray for them. Because I know how hard it can be. But God turns EVERYTHING that happens to us into a greater good and we can rest in His arms knowing that HE is in control.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Politics & Religion

Ok, so today I was listening to one of my favorite radios shows and the host said that he had an odd feeling that something was going to "break loose" before the election on Nov 2nd. He asked for others to call in and say if they felt the same way and what it was that they thought might happen. He also asked for any "conspiracy theorists" to call in if they felt like there may be something to what they were thinking.

Well, some of the calls were just funny, while others really made you think. One of the callers said something that was rather controversial. . . he said that he wondered "how someone could take the name of Barack Hussein Obama and then become a "Christian" without ever changing his name?" He also said "What better plan could "Al Queda" have than to have one of their own "pose as a "Christian" for years, convince others of that and then to run for President?" Talk about a "conspiracy theory"!

I was surprised at some of the things that people said and believed. It was kind of scary to even think about some of the things that they said. I mean, seriously, if you think about it long enough the stuff gets your mind wandering.

I admit, I am not really pleased with ANY of the choices we have out there on the ticket. . . However, I believe that McCain/Palin is the best choice we have as Americans AND followers of Christ...

The only thing Obama ever did was to be a "community planner" whoopee! Big Deal! I have done similar tasks. I can't believe that any follower of Christ would even consider voting for Obama. I have a hard time believing that he wasn't affected by his pastor's teachings in the church. I mean, good grief. . . Obama said that Wright was his MENTOR for gosh sakes! I don't think that is a good sign! the Rev. Wright obviously has racial issues and does not truly love his "brother", unless they are of the same ethnicity.

Monday, September 15, 2008

End Times

After reading the news over the past few days, I can't help but see that we are truly in the end days. I see more & more prophesies fulfilled and wonder how much longer it will be to Christ's return. I am amazed by the number of things that have arisen over the past few months. Floods in places that have never been flooded, storms unlike in past years, illnesses that are getting harder and harder to treat. And my heart continues to break for so many out there that are clueless to His WORD.

One of the things that I recently encountered on Youtube was several people blaspheming Christ. When I saw this, I began crying. It wasn't just adults that were doing this, it was kids too! All I could think about was how God must feel about the children, seeing them do this and not really know what they are doing. It really struck a nerve with me. I have become even more passionate about sharing God's word and allowing Him to work through me unlike ever before.

I don't care if people think I am crazy. I know that I am right and that the WORD of GOD is true and unfailing. I want to share Christ with as many people as I can before I die. I never really understood what it meant to be a follower of Christ, until I quit trying to live my life the way I wanted to, and let GOD direct my path. Things have been bumpy at times and downright difficult. But, I know that He is in control and that when all is said & done that GOD'S plan is far better than any I could dream up!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

SALVATION

I went to visit my brother a few weeks ago and we had a conversation about politics and religion. I know, I know, it is something that is not a great topic to go in to and I sometimes hesitate when I talk to him about these subjects, as we generally do not agree and he tends to get a little heated in the conversation. But I was intrigued by some of hi thoughts.

One of the things that we discussed were regarding our salvation and sharing that salvation with others. He told me that he believes that Christ is his only way to salvation, but that he did not feel that it was right for him to shove that same belief on someone else. He said that Christ may not be the way for some people. When I had him elaborate on this, I found it very thought provoking. So much so, that I had to do a little soul searching and Bible searching for myself.

This is what I found:

Christ is the ONLY way. . . regardless of what anyone thinks. He is the ONLY way for ANYONE to get into heaven. Whether you want to agree with this or not, it is a FACT. The Bible has been around for over 2000 years and God's word has been proclaimed for even longer.

HIS word says:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
"And this is the way to have eternal life - to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth" (John 17:3)
Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Salvation is available only through Jesus Christ! “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

I could go on & on and list a bunch more passages, but I think that you get the gist of what I am saying. So, I firmly believe that the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN IS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. . . and that is for EVERYONE! AND everyone will be given that opportunity. What you choose to do is up to you, as we all were given "free will".

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? Will you accept him today?

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

God's ways are not our ways. . .

Ever wonder why God has you in the situation that you are in? I used to. But every time something different happens, I now find myself looking at it very differently.

I was in a really difficult situation earlier this year. I needed additional funds to pay off some bills, so I got a J-O-B close to home. It was just enough to pay off some of my Business debt that I had incurred last year when I tried to start a business. The thing is, I was working with this really nice Office Manager and she & I got along great. Unfortunately, the owner's wife apparently did not like me.

I should have known that something was not quite right when all they ever talked about was the prior people that had worked there and they didn't have a nice thing to say about any of them.

Then, on one occasion she told me to blow my nose, when I had just returned from the restroom doing just that, and said that I was "sniffing" too much. On another occasion she made comments on my "cough". (I have mold allergies and the mold count was really high, hence causing me to cough) On another occasion she heard me eating M&Ms and had to make some snide remark about that. There were also comments about how she wanted to see me "overcome this" weight issue. Funny thing is, I didn't ask her. These are only a few of the things I had to listen to.

What finally did it for me was when she called me a liar and then got really snippy with me in front of her husband AND the office manager. I quietly sat down and proceeded to write my letter of resignation. Unfortunately, I chose to wait until they returned from out of town 2 days later to discuss it with her and she said that she just didn't feel that things were working out. Oh, thank GOD I thought I was totally losing my mind! I asked her if she was willing to accept my resignation or if she was firing me and she said that she would accept it. SO she told me to email it to her for my file. Sad thing is, she lied to her husband and said that I asked if she would accept it so that it wouldn't look bad on my employment record (which I never even mentioned) and her husband emailed me with "Apparently you don't understand what transpired on such & such a date" he then proceeded to tell me that I had been "fired". OK, whatever. . . Does it really matter?


God obviously had me there for some reason, whether it was for me to learn from them or them to learn from me OR BOTH. It was not even worth it to write back a response. I felt that it was just best to leave it as it is. I just simply pray for them and ask God to continue to chip away at their hearts. Sadly, I now understand what it means when I read the verse in the Bible that talks about how difficult it is for the "rich" to get into Heaven. All they ever worried about was money. You never heard them talk about their "concern" for a person. Only sarcastic comments about people and nothing nice to say.

I don't harbor any resentment toward them and I know that somewhere deep inside that they have love in their hearts and God can touch people unlike anyone else. I am thankful that I got to be a part of their world for a little while. I definitely have been humbled.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Job's Life

Things have been pretty tough lately:

My husband's back finally went completely out on him and he can't feel in his right leg and has excruciating pain in his testicular area. He also has 3 seperate locations in his back that he has excruciating pain in. He was taken to the ER on Tueseday, they told him to go to his PCP and also to an Orthopaedic surgeon. So, he went to his PCP Wednesday to get a referral to the Orthopaedist and they examined him and referred him to a Neuro surgeon instead. Then they decided that he should go ahead & see the Ortho since he already had an appt for them, but keep the MRI appointment on Monday.

Well, he went to see the Ortho Dr and the Dr was really rude and condescending to my husband. My mother went with him since I couldn't go and she said that the Dr was horribly arrogant & rude to my husband. Thankfully, my husband is a man of God and he was able to keep his cool. The Dr basically told him that he is a liar, that there is no way he could be standing if he was in that kind of pain, and that he was fat.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Elephants in Church - Pastor Tommy

Our pastor has started a new series of "Elephants in the Church". Below are some of my thoughts on the matter.

I believe that as Christians, we tend to forget the true basis of our beliefs and focus too much on the "grey elephants". What I mean by that is, that we focus on issues that are truly debatable and not "black or white" in the Bible. For example, nowhere in the Bible does it say that it is a sin to drink alcohol. As a matter of fact, Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding and many people drank it. However, it mentions that we are not to become drunk. Basically, saying it is OK in "moderation".

There are some people that may drink wine with their meals and that is perfectly fine, as that is a freedom that they feel OK about. Yet, as christians we must remember that there are others that struggle with alcoholism every day and we need to be mindful of them. If you KNOW that a fellow brother or sister in Christ has a struggle, do you think that it is right of you to order an alcoholic beverage in front of them?

Let's see what Romans 14:13-18 says:

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food[b] is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
'


So, while I may feel perfectly fine about eating pork, I certainly would not eat it in front of one of my Jewish friends who does NOT eat it. Same principle.


Here are a few more examples of the "Grey Elephant":

A friend of ours became a pastor for teens at another church and wore Khakis and a golf shirt every Sunday. Several weeks later, the head pastor came into his office and said "You need to start wearing a suit on Sunday" Somewhat confused, the teen pastor asked "Why?" and was told that he needed to give his best to God. . . well, that teen pastor WAS giving his best to God. Those WERE the BEST clothes he had. . . he didn't own a suit. This is a good example of one christian brother hurting another, unneccessarily, over one of those "disputable matters".

A teen pastor had been speaking with one of his students about a friend of his and that he had really been trying to get him to come to church. Finally, one Sunday, the teen was able to convince his friend to come. His friend came walking in the church with torn jeans, a t-shirt, and a ball cap. Nothing with any obscenities, mind you. One of the deacons came up to the teen pastor and told him to tell "that kid" to take off his hat. The teen pastor said "No, I won't do it, because I'm just glad that he is HERE!" So the deacon went over to the "kid" wearing the hat and told him, rather rudely, to take off his hat in church. The kid got up and left. This is a prime example of a Christian brother hurting a "potential-believer", unneccessarily.

Now, I know I have been guilty of these types of thoughts, because I was raised in churches very similar. However, as I have continued growing in my walk with Christ, I have learned alot about these "disputable matters" and have felt very strongly about our portrayal of a "judgemental" religion. Judgement is NOT up to us, it is up to God. Lest we forget.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Father's Day 2008

Yes, it is that time of year, kids, when we celebrate our dads! How are you going to celebrate Dad today?!


For Elijah's daddy, we are cooking out on the grilltoday. His favorite, New York Strip. But first, we are all going to church and worshipping together with our friends. Here are some special pictures for you, dear John!












I wish I could see my dad this year, but it has been nearly impossible to get in touch with him to find out when he is going to be around his house. I was hoping to go up to visit him for the weekend. His schedule is so busy, all of the time. Oh well, I still love you Dad!!! Wherever you are!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Top 5 Dogs for Families with Kids

Oh yes, that is what I said. . . PUPPY! Working around dogs all day has made me really want a Boxer! My neighbors have 3 and they are absolutely beautiful. And the one at the office is an absolute big BABY! I have been reading up on the breed and how their temperament is with children and they are rated as one of the TOP 5 dogs for families with kids.

Well, unbeknownst to me, my dear hubby was researching them, too. he said that when he realized how much I wanted a puppy for our family that he wanted to check into the breed a little more. Turns out that he was just as excited about getting a new pup as I was. : )

So, we drove over 300 miles this weekend and looked at puppies. We ended up coming back to the very first litter and getting the one that my husband fell in love with first. She is absolutely adorable. I had originally wanted a Brindle, but when we saw Sugar, we just fell in love with her. Even though there is a higher incidence of deafness in White Boxers, we chose a white one. We figured that she was the one that God wanted us to have, so regardless of any issues that may arise, she is our newest baby!

She has slept like a rock both nights and she did really well in her crate last nite. My husband was like a kid with a new toy. . . he picked up a crate, lead, collar, and book on his way home last nite. : ) I guess he was a little excited. She was outside with us most of the evening and followed us around as we watered the flowers and Elijah played with her.

I'll post a pic later.....

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Cyber Bullies

I just heard that they are indicting the woman (Lori Drew) that was at the center of Meagan Meier's suicide. Justice is going to be served! I can't even begin to imagine how Meagan's parents must feel right now.

From what I have read about this whole thing, Lori was supposedly a "friend" of the Meiers and a neighbor. ((Gee, with friends like that you definitely don't need enemies.)) If she really thought that Meagan was talking trash about her daughter, then she should have had a "grown up" conversation with Meagan's parents. What kind of person gets the bright idea to create a Myspace account and pretend to be a teenage boy in hopes of gaining the girl's confidence and engaging her in conversation that would lead to her saying something negative about her own daughter?!? I mean, H-E-L-L-O. . . . what the heck was she thinking??!!!??? Yeah, that's really the grown up thing to do.

People seem to forget that words can be very hurtful when they are "hate filled" and to a teen, it can seem like the end of the world. It is bad enough when adults say things to each other, but to be an adult posing as a teen and hurting a child like that. . . well, it's just plain wrong! My prayers are with the parents of Meagan, the ordeal is far from over. But, at least justice is being served. . .right?


On the flipside of this story, I can't imagine how the Drews are handling this. Her husband and her daughter must feel incredibly ashamed that their mom & wife did such an awful thing. Her daughter was part of it, too, so I can't help but wonder if she feels bad? I mean, her mom supposedly said that she didn't feel that bad about Meagan's suicide, since she had attempted suicide before. W-H-A-T?!?! What kind of mother says something like that!? Obviously a mother that has some issues.

Opinions anyone?!?!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Rain, rain go away. . . come again a DIFFERENT day!

I feel like I am never going to get the opportunity to plant all of my flowers! Every time I take the time to plan out my day to plant, it rains! I was supposed to plant some tonight, but it has rained on & off all day. Dear Hubby has to work this weekend, so it is going to be interesting seeing ME drive his truck and trailer to the local "Yardworks" to get mulch & compost. At least we will have it for when we DO get to plant this stuff.

I broke down & got a tiller last weekend, so that should at least help with breaking up the soil where I want to plant my dwarf day lillies. They are bright red and I am planting them along the sidewalk. I also have several bulbs that I am going to plant when I finally decide where I want them. LOL.

I have also decided that I definitely HAVE to get some Peonies. A lady I know growss them and gave a huge bouquet of them to a friend of ours. They were beautiful and they smelled soooooo nice! She said that they are some of the easiest things to grow in the FULL sun. . . and believe me, I've got plenty of that! THREE WIDE OPEN ACRES!

Dear Hubby planted a small orchard last fall and we actually have fruit this year! The trees are only about 5'-6', but the fruit is beautiful! The little birds that are on our front door seem to like the trees, too. This is our 2nd round of baby birds and they are so tiny. I didn't realize how small they could be. I mean, the eggs are smaller than a jelly bean! And when the babies hatch, they are so itty bitty. I love it, though, because my son has been able to see the babies grow and fly away. It has given him an appreciation for animal life. He was not very happy when he saw a dead bluejay in our front yard, nor when he found a broken egg in the grass. I was glad to see that he was sensitive to that, but that he understood that it was part of life.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

"You look tired, Mommy"

Yeah. . . that's what my 4 year old told me this morning on the way to school. He then continued: "your eyes look like you didn't rest well". WHAT?!?! I was just thinking how nice I looked today in my bright red capris and my floral summer blouse and my new black sandals. . . nails painted bright summer red & my hair even cooperated for me today. I guess, when I look good. . . which is so rare lately, that to him I look tired. And when I really look tired (to me) that it is normal to him?!?

Ok, so maybe that's a bit far fetched, but you get my meaning, right? I mean, how often has your child said something to you that you were a little taken aback by? Seriously, this was not something I expected to come out of my 4 yr olds mouth, so early in the morning, especially when he had not been up for more than 15 minutes at this point. Yes, I said 15 minutes. I get him dressed & comb his hair while he is still in the bed, because it is just easier that way. Otherwise, he wants to play or watch his movies and then I end up running late.

I must admit, I am looking forward to hearing what he has to say to me this afternoon when I pick him up. Ought to be quite interesting.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Cracked Ribs

YES. . . that is what I said. I have had this yucky bronchitis - virus - cold - hacking cough - achy body thing for about 2 weeks. John has it too. . . and now, I have a cracked rib. Thanks to the coughing fits. Now, this ought to be fun trying to plant all of those plants this coming weekend with this.

John got several loriope (sp?) plants from a friend of his, we got our Nursery order in, John's mom gave us about 30 Easter Lilies to plant, AND my neighbor is coming by this weekend to give me a whole bunch of her perennials!!! I must say, our humble little abode is starting to look like a real home. 3 wide open acres is quite a palet to design some really nice perennial beds. We are going to have quite a busy weekend ahead of us. Want to help?!?

Anyway, it has been nearly impossible for me to keep up with my blog and all of the emails & voicemails I have been getting about the business. If you are one of the many who has contacted me in the last 3 weeks, please be patient. . . I WILL get back with you!

BLESSINGS!
~Kim

Sunday, April 27, 2008

You Are CALLED To Be An Example Of Christ

How many times have you heard a "fire & brimstone" sermon?
Ever seen some other "christian" protesting about some sin or another and yelling get right up in someone's face???
Do you think that these things are ok with God? Do you think that it is ok to point out others sins and scream at them about how they will be going to HELL?!?

I am asking you this because some people protest in the name of JESUS, yet forget that He is a God of LOVE. He says so in Corinthians and in various parts throughout the Bible. The GREATEST commandment is LOVE. Sharing the word of God does not have to be an "impending doom" conversation. I think as Christians, people get caught up in the fact that by continuing to sin that they are not right with God and want to force that same feeling on others. But what we must remember is a sin is a sin is a sin. Doesn't matter how bad YOU think the sin is, it is ALL sin in the eyes of God. AND it can ALL be forgiven. Whether you have lied to someone, stolen something, committed a sexual sin, or killed someone. . . God doesn't look at is as if one is worse than the other.

Jesus died for ALL of our sins and we simply need to seek Him and ask forgiveness. He LOVES you and wants you to be with him in Heaven. Are you ready? Do you know Him? Where are you going when you die?

Thursday, April 24, 2008

FLDS Cult?

Wikipedia: "Cult typically refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream."

What is your opinion?

I believe that it is important to see that this organization is one that is just as confused by the "outside world" as we are of them them. I believe that EVERYONE regardless of anything has the RIGHT to freedom of religion. I also agree with many of the comments that people have made on several news articles regarding "religious freedom". HOWEVER, with that being said, I must also bring into light the FACT that in the UNITED STATES we have laws protecting the innocent, here refferring to CHILDREN. 1)protection of being married off while underage 2) protection from being forced into a marriage that they do not agree to 3) POLYGAMY is illegal in the United States.

Now, 1 & 2 are pretty self explanatory. But #3?. . . . . By teaching the children that this behavior is right and good, it is teaching them that it is OK to break the law and that the law does not pertain to them. So, where does that leave them? Even in the BIBLE is says that we are to abide by the laws of the land unless it tells us to worship another god.

I have read a lot about FLDS and studied various other reeligions & their belief systems. But this is one that leaves me reeling. I would love to know more in order to understand it.

If you are a member of the FLDS, I would sincerely be interested in hearing from you via email as to your thoughts on this and how it is affecting you, personally.



BELOW:
Copyright © 2007 by Visionary Classics, LLC From the book Escape by Carolyn Jessop, co-author Laura Palmer, published by Broadway Books, a division of Random House, Inc. Reprinted with permission.


"By 1995, Warren Jeffs was becoming a subtle and more powerful presence in our daily lives. This struck me as odd because there were many other men who were more powerful in the FLDS than he. But he was Uncle Rulon’s favored son, and the prophet would often say that Warren spoke for him.

Warren spoke in other ways. He began teaching special priesthood history classes in Salt Lake City where he still worked as the principal at a private FLDS school. The classes were taped, and Tammy’s sister came to our house one day enthusiastically talking about how much information they contained. I wondered why anyone would care about whatever Warren Jeffs had to say. Tammy’s sister said that these tapes were not available to just anybody. Only the privileged could purchase them.

Once the tapes gained exclusive status every family in the community wanted a set. Some people who heard them found them disgusting and said they were little more than Warren’s racist rants. He claimed that the black race was put on earth to preserve evil.

I decided to listen to them myself. Warren based his talks on foundational FLDS. doctrine. He spoke in a strange, trance-like voice that seemed deliberately aimed at hypnotizing the listener. One set of tapes described how God would destroy everyone on the North and South American continents. Then he went on and recited a lengthy list of things a person would have to do before he or she could be lifted off the earth.

Anyone who hoped to ascend had to live with a burning in their chest at all times and that burning was the spirit of God. The tapes were becoming so popular that there was a frenzy among those who were trying to get them. There exclusivity gave them great status and everyone wanted to get hold of a set.

Warren spoke at church and elaborated on how the burning in our chest would presage being lifted from the earth. Those who didn’t have it would be destroyed along with the wicked.

It was around this time when Warren banned the color red. He announced that it was inappropriate to wear the color red or have red items in our home because it was reserved for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He preached that when Jesus Christ returns he’ll do so in a red robe and wearing that color prior to the second coming is unholy.

He made the pronouncement one Sunday in church and those wearing red went home immediately and changed clothes. Other families got rid of every red item they owned. This was a hardship for families without much money. Children lost a lot of clothes, coats and boots. Women with red in their dresses had to get rid of them; for some this meant throwing out a sizable percentage of their wardrobe. Some families adapted to this with a more moderate approach; when the red clothes, toys, or household items wore out, they would abandon them. The more extreme families discarded all red items immediately.

One teacher told her students red wasn’t a bad color, it was beautiful. The students reported her rebellion to their parents. The parents complained and asked that the teacher, who was not a member of the FLDS, respect their beliefs and asked that red be removed from her classroom.

Merril had always liked red. In our family we went through the closets and eliminated most of our red clothes. That evening I watched the sunset — a blaze of orange and red. If God wanted red preserved for Jesus Christ alone, did he spread it across the sky in such abandon?

When some of us gathered for coffee later that week at Linda’s the topic of having a burning in our chests as a proof or righteousness came up again. Jane, my high-spirited cousin I played “Apocalypse” with as a child, kicked off the discussion. “Ladies, I have one question. What the hell is this burning in your chest all about anyway? I always thought that burning is mastitis.” (Mastitis is an infection common to nursing mothers.) Everyone laughed. Someone asked Jane how she dared question the requirements about being lifted up. “Well,” she said, “If I have to have a breast infection to be lifted up, then no thank you! I would rather die with the wicked!”

The discussion then became more serious about what felt like a new extremism taking root in the community that felt more radical than anything that we’d known in the past. One of the women recounted a harrowing story about one of the police officers in the FLDS.

(All of the police officers in our community were FLDS members which complicated matters if a woman tried to escape, because she’d get no help or protection from police. It also made reporting domestic violence almost meaningless because the police would always side with the husband.)

I had rarely ever heard a story as disturbing as I did that morning. The FLDS police officer wanted to take his wife up to the Steeds ranch to teach her a lesson in obedience. He put her in a pen with a bull and then tied a rope to the neck of the bull. He told his wife, who was pregnant, that she had to control the bull with the rope on orders of her priesthood head. She tried to hang on to the bull but he ran off and she ended up being dragged until she let go of the rope.

Her husband got into the pen and handed her the rope again and told her she had to hold on. But the bull pulled away from her and her husband became enraged. This time he took the end of the rope and tied it around the neck of the bull and told her she better hang on this time. But it was impossible. The third time he tied the rope to her so she could not let go. She was dragged around the ring again and so badly injured she lost the baby — which then became her fault because she was so disobedient.

When I heard it I told the group I had a burning sensation in my chest—I wanted to kill the guy. The others agreed and we talked about what we’d do if he ever pulled us over. The story was well -circulated in the community because the man’s stepmother became aware of what he’d done to his wife and was so incensed that she started talking about it. No one went to the authorities because we knew the woman would deny the whole thing. We all knew we were powerless when it came to protecting ourselves. I feared that it was an example of hysteria that was manifesting itself in extreme ways. This police officer had carried the notion of “perfect obedience” to a criminal level.

The obedience Warren preached was a woman’s complete submission to her husband. He said women should not work outside the home and should not even leave home unless allowed to do so by her husband.

We’d always kept our coffee meetings quiet, but now we knew we had to be even more careful. We began to be much more circumspect about what we were doing as changes swept over our community. As women were required to leave the workforce because of Jeffs’ new doctrines, it became harder for some families to make ends meet.

The changes Warren Jeffs mandated were obeyed because it was believed he was the voice of the prophet, Uncle Rulon. People did not resist the more oppressive policies he advocated. Instead, it was widely believed that we were being called to a higher way of living the gospel. This wasn’t oppression, this was grace. God was giving us a new and better way of being more faithful to him via the prophet and his mouthpiece, Warren Jeffs.

People who feared these changes and sensed danger, like me, kept quiet. It wasn’t safe anymore to talk about what you were feeling. Women now were not even supposed to go into town without the company of a man. Our husbands were our lord and supreme master who held exclusive power over our lives. It was seen as no longer acceptable for a woman to enter into the same room as her husband without first saying a personal prayer asking God to put the same spirit on her as her husband’s.

I saw this as a real dilemma for because most of the time when I entered the same room as Merril he was usually in a very bad mood. If I had the same spirit that he had one of us might get hurt. This doctrine was one I decided to ignore."



Carolyn Jessop
Former FLDS Member/Co-Author of “Escape”
Editor’s Note: The following an excerpt from Carolyn Jessop’s memoir “Escape,” which recounts her life inside of a polygamist community and her dramatic flight.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

FLDS Nightmare

SAD. . . SAD. . . SAD
I am so sad to see this whole story, but thankful that someone has done something to get these kids the REAL help they need.

You are probably saying to yourself, what business is it of mine? Well, there are several things wrong with this picture. . .

First of all, as a mother it breaks my heart to see kids abused in ANY sort of way. Teaching young girls that it is NORMAL to be given away in marriage and have babies at the young age of 12 - 14 is ABUSE. If you don't believe that this sort of thing happens, then read the book "Escape" by Carloyn Jessop. I know that after I read this book, I had a very different perspective about the whole issue of their "religion".

Secondly, we are not in some 3rd world country that does not have laws. Why are these people any different than anyone else in the United States?!? You simply cannot say that it is none of our buisiness because of "religion" I believe that everyone has a RIGHT to believe however they want to, but when it affects another human being in a physically NEGATIVE way, then it is time to intervene. I mean, it's one thing to say that they don't "believe" a certain way, but quite another to commit the dispicable acts that they have been accused of.

My prayers are with the children and the young girl that was the one to contact the authorities. If I could talk to her, I would take her into our home and raise her with my family. She would NEVER have to worry about being "married off" to some old man, or to ANYONE for that matter. . . SHE would have the opportunity to meet others and make her own choice about marriage. God Bless her for standing up for what is RIGHT and JUST!

Monday, April 21, 2008

You are on my heart!!!

Yes, YOU! If you have crossed paths with this blog and are not familiar with Jesus Christ, then YOU are the person that was on my heart today. I was listening over an over to a song that I sang this weekend and just kept listening to the words. . . my heart was ready to explode as I had tears streaming down both cheeks. All i could think about was the number of people in this world that continue to deny that Jesus is the Christ. It breaks my heart to hear of someone that blatantly denies HIM and thinks that there will be no repercussion. WAKE UP PEOPLE! Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Jesus is THE MESSIAH. . . HE IS THE ONLY WAY! OPRAH is leading the masses to HELL and some of you are too blind to see it!

I don't want to see you go in the direction that she is leading. . . whether you want to admit it or not, we are among the days of the end times and it is fast approaching. Jesus tells us in the scriptures that He will come again an that in the end EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT HE IS LORD!!!! If you don't believe me, check out "The Case for Christ" written my Lee Strobel, a self proclaimed atheist for years who went on a several year journey to seek the REAL TRUTH. . . check out his website & see for yourself.


If you would like to know more about Jesus or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to email me. Blessings to you!!!



Thursday, April 17, 2008

Music Ministry

Well, I am coming upon the 3rd week of singing as a part of our new church and I am LOVING it! I had forgotten how good I feel when I am worshipping Christ with so many other believers! I am really looking forward to getting our Journey groups started this summer! We are still in need of more musicians. Most of the ones we have now are only there to help get us established, but we are going to need members that will be with us most of the time and be able to rotate for playing on Sundays.

If you live in the Amelia/Powhatan Virginia area and are interested in becoming a part of our music ministry, do not hesitate to contact us!!!

Faith, Jesus, & Intelligent Design

DO you walk by FAITH!?! I have learned in my 39 years that it is something that is an absolute MUST if you are a Christian and want to walk in the light. I remember a time, not so long ago (twelve years or more) that I would freak out if I lost my job or didn't have enough money to pay a bill or various other things that I had no control over. I have learned that it is just NOT worth the stress since I truly have no control over what happens in my life. I only have control over the way I respond. As a Christian, I do my best to live the life that GOD has called me to live and I beleive that is what He expects of me. This is something that I share with others that are having difficutly in their walk with Christ. I do not think that God wants us to fret over the things in life that are out of our control, but He wants us to be open to Him and what He has in store for us.

I just heard about a new movie that Ben Stein has put out and it is coming to theatres tomorrow! It is called "Expelled" and it is about how the science community has 'expelled' certain indiciduals for believing in the possiblilty of Intelligent Design. Now, I am not usually a big movie enthusiasat, but I am really looking forward to watching this documentary. Some of the information that I have gotten off of the net about it has been pretty interesting. The trailer was quite funny.

It makes you think about how the world seems to be going in the exact direction that the Bible says that it will. And makes you wonder how ANYONE could be an atheist. To that point, I strongly recommend the book "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. He was an aetheist, who also was an award winning journalist with the Chicago Tribune. He was educated at Yale Law school and decided to investigate Jesus for himself. He felt certain that he would be able to bring tumbling down Christianity's claims about Jesus. . . however, he was quite surprised by what he discovered.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Rainy Monday

This is definitely a typical "Blue Monday". . . rainy, grey, depressing outside. But, I am determined not to let it get me down. It is still a wonderful day to be alive. I am blessed with a wonderful family and friends!

We attended our new church again this weekend & it is amazing that there were people there this Sunday, even though it was sleeting. We are joing the Music Ministry, Worship, and Small Groups teams. I am really excited about getting to be part of a music ministry again. I was very active in our old church, but when we went through a change of pastors. . .several things changed. It would have been difficult to make it to practice anyway, so it all works out. : ) We beleive that God put us out here in the country for a reason and now, I see that this area is going to be building up and we will be a pioneer in the new church. YEAH! I am looking forward to getting to know the people in our community and seeing how we can best serve them. There are so many here that I know are having a difficult time, I pray that God will provide a way for us to assist them in His work.

Tomorrow is the illustrious "April Fools Day" and I still have not come up with anything good to tease my dear hubby with. I would love to have any input on a good joke to play on my husband, that is funny and won't be mean! leave your comments and let me know what you think. He is really hard to "get" so I need something really u nique!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Photo Momma

Yes, that's me. I have been taking pictures of children at our local pre-school for the parents and they turned out GREAT! I hope that my hobby turns into a profession! I really enjoy working with the kids and making them smile. It's funny. . . some of the ones most people can't get to smile, I have been able to get to smile for me & my camera. I LOVE IT!

I took some really cute pictures of my child, too. . . and one of them is absolutely hilarious! The lighting wasn't that great, but I'm going to post it online soon anyway.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

FINALLY>>>>>>>

OK, I know it has been over a week since I last posted, but things have been a little wild around here. I have been applying to local businesses for a J-O-B. Yes, that's what I said. . . I sat down with my dear hubby and decided that I wanted to pay off our debt in the next couple of years, so I figured if I had some sort of definite income coming in, other than my home based businesses, then I could set it all towards our debt.

I have a couple of really good potential positions, one is actually doing what I LOVE! Photography! I won't know anything until the week of the 11th on that, but I am praying that whatever God has planned for me, that it will all happen before I run out of money!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Have you ever met someone like this?!?

We had my SIL staying with us until she ended up being hospitalized. She is Bi-Polar. She doesn't want to accept her diagnosis, therefore she chooses to "self-medicate". . . meaning, she takes it whenever she feels like it. Unfortunately, with her illness she NEEDS to stay on the meds on a regular basis. We took her in for a short period of time, because her roommate accused her of assault and swore out a warrant. I took her to the Magistrate to get processed and they released her on her own recognizance. Her brother & I were concerned that if she stayed with the roommate until the court date, that there may be other problems.

We have decided that we will NEVER do that again. We have tried for years to get people to understand that she needs weekly observation in order to ensure that she takes her meds on time and regularly. She also needs a counselor with whom she can confide in about her anger and deep emotional issues. Well, that all came to a head on Wednesday, 23rd. She apparently really showed herself.

My mother was home when it all happened and my MIL was here visiting and making us dinner (her way of thanking us for stepping in). . . apparently while my MIL was in the kitchen preparing dinner, my SIL came storming in our front door from her walk and my mom asked her how her walk was on such a beautiful day. . . her mom, my MIL, also said "Yeah, its a beautiful day for a walk & you must have walked 2 miles". . . well, that set her off and she started ranting and screaming at my MIL and cursing, getting up in her face. My mom was flabergasted. After about 3 minutes, the phone rang and it was one of my SIL friends & she completely changed her attitude. . . was calm, gentle, very polite & spoke with her for a couple of minutes. . .

THEN as soon as she hung up, she turned around and started back in on her mom. . . well that did it for my mom.

Thankfully, I had warned her about these outbursts that she would have with her mom and my mom was better prepared. . . if she thinks you are afraid of her, then she will really play on that. . .but my mom is a firecracker and she didn't put up with it. She flat out told her to sit down and shut up and that she was NOT going to listen to her talk to her own mother that way! my SIL tried to ignore my mom, but when you get my mom upset, there is NO WAY you can ignore her! She got her attention and my SIL sat down & shut up. My mom just told her how it was.

My husband came home and was able to talk with her calmly for 45 minutes. She CHOSE to act that way with her mom, but she knew better than to act that way toward her with my husband home. . . remember, "conscience decision"!?!

Now, she's in the hospital & has been TDO'd and I have no idea when she is getting out. She has called us a few times and rants about how she feels betrayed & tries to lay the blame on someone else other than herself. Having worked with the mentally ill in a group home setting as a "trainer", I am very familiar with what is REALLY part of their illness and what is a CONSCIENCE decision on their part. . . Her mean, hateful, beligerant attitude is simply a decision NOT "part of her illness". I have seen what the right medication can do and what counseling can do. . . but as long as she doesn't believe that she is Bi-Polar, then she will continue to go through these Manic episodes.

I can't stand how she treats people when she gets angry or ticked off at them OR when she doesn't get her way. She acts more like a 4 year old and not a 42 year old. . . NO, that's not true. . .my 4 year old doesn't act THAT bad!!!

Blah Blah Blah. . . .

Blah blah blah, yada yada yada, whah whah whah. . .

that is all that I seem to hear this weekend.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

REAL Opportunites E-Book

I was recently checking some statistics on the Bureau of Labor:

For every 100 people that start working at the age of 25, by the time they are 65:
29 are dead
63 depend on Social Security or charity to live
4 have enough money to retire fairly comfortable
ONLY 1 is WEALTHY!

So, basically 95% of the people 65 and over are either dead or dead broke.
Sadly, most are forced to work until they die! Financial Security in today's American workplace has begun to disappear. And the sad fact is that you will never get rich working for someone else and not knowing how to KEEP what you earn!

NOW. . .

Did you know that every 10 seconds in the United States, someone starts a home-based business? What? Yes, I said every 10 SECONDS!!!!

Several Hundred Thousand people walk away from their JOB working form someone else and walk into a much better way of life! They have greater flexibility of time, money, and life!

Did you also know that the home-based business industry generates over $427 billion a year?!?!

What do you do? Where do you begin? How much will cost? What business do you start? Well, I am working on an e-book that will help you to figure all that out. I personally work a couple businesses from home and enjoy a lucrative income. However, I have found that NOT EVERYONE wants to do the same businesses.

So, I have a list of people that I know personally and feel very comfortable referring others to. I also have done a lot of research for my e-book that shows you REAL, LEGITIMATE businesses that you can work from home doing.

I myself started my search for a way to work from home shortly after I had my son. Now, 3 1/2 years later, I am VERY HAPPY with my business. I have the flexibility to spend time with my family, friends, hobbies, AND 12 hours a week I volunteer at my son's pre-school!

I have met several young women that thought that they would never be able to make a decent income, since they did not have a college education. . . but the truth is, ANYONE can do the types of work I am talking about. If you have a phone and a computer. . . IT IS POSSIBLE!!!!

If you are interested in the E-book, please email me and I will email you as soon as it is completed! Shouldn't be much longer.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Photography!!!

I have such a wonderful husband! He bought me the new Nikon D40x SLR camera for Christmas along with a couple of lenses, and all kinds of accessories. I even have a class tomorrow morning on how to use some of the features that I am clueless about. . . he he he.

I am really pleased with the quality of photos that I have been able to produce with just the "auto" focus. I prefer the 200m lense, as I have been able to get some really great shots of the kids at my son's pre-school. I know how hard it is as a parent to get some really good pictures unless you carry your camera with you everywhere (which I do) so, I will be able to offer several of the parents prints of their kids that they never would have gotten otherwise.

I will post some of them this weekend so you can see what I mean. The quality is awesome and the clarity is unbelievable!

What do you do for a living?

Yes, that is what my 3 1/2 year old son asked me the other day. "Mommy, what do you do for a living?" Now, as many of you WAHMs know, that is a LOADED question! It's more like, "What DON'T you do?!?"

I mean, as a WAHM. . . I volunteer 12-14 hour a week at my son's pre-school to cover his tuition, I work my home based businesses, I have a HUGE photography hobby that is slowly turning into another home based business;

DAILY: I do laundry, cook breakfast & Dinner, (lunch is usually something simple like PB&J or grilled cheese) prepare snacks (granny smith apples & PB or orange slices & string cheese) straighten the never ending mess we call HOME, run errands, well. . . you get the picture.

So, I politely answered: "Well, honey, what do you think mommy does?" He said: "Ummmmm, well, you teach, ummm, you do.... um.... you work from home and go to school with me."

Hmmmnnn. . . out of the mouths of babes. I guess he has SOME sort of grasp on what I do. Ha Ha Ha..... at least I think.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Business Opportunities and Life?!?

I have been part of several different business opportunities and have had different results with each of them.

I have been scammed by a few and completely lost on HOW to do things with others.

No matter what opportunity you choose. . . You MUST have a good leader!!! If you think that you can sign up with just ANYONE in the business you are interested in AND be successful, then you are sadly mistaken. Don't get me wrong, you might get lucky and sign up under the right person, but more often than not, that doesn't happen.

Let me tell you a little story about when I started looking for ways to work from home in SUMMER of 2006:

FIRST: During that summer, I mistakenly signed up with a "travel company" that has GREAT benefits. . . but my "upline" could not show me HOW to be successful. I felt duped! A couple of thousand dollars later and over a year into it, I dropped it. Major LOSS!

SECOND: I signed up with an International health & Wellness company that I am VERY PLEASED with and continue to use their products myself. I have grown a nice team with this business and I am extremely supportive of my team members and all of their team members. Several have become VERY SUCCESSFUL! My upline is TREMENDOUSLY helpful and I can call them on the phone anytime that I need help. They understand what it is to really be a "TEAM"!

THIRD: I purchased a publication for the area in which I live, for local small business owners to advertise their businesses. It is a Full Color publication and is free to pick up. The advertising is VERY reasonable, but there is a lot of competition for advertising. I still do it though. : )

FOURTH: I signed up with a Weight Loss company and was very happy with the product. I still use it AND love it! But, had trouble marketing it myself. My upline is great and they are supportive, but I can't figure out how to market the stuff myself.

ANYWAY. . . My point is this, If you are serious about starting a business from home, then you really really really really, did I say really?!? need to do some research into finding out who is who in the company ranks and who REALLY helps their team members become successful. You want to find a leader that will work with you til you get the hang of things and is willing to walk you through the steps that it takes.

I love working from home and I love helping other people be able to do the same thing. It takes time and effort. It is not something that you can just "pay to get in and hope it works". Too many people have the mindset that if they pay for something, that it will work. . . but they forget that it TAKES work to make it work.

I've been blessed to work with and know some really wonderful leaders in several different industries. If you are interested in a specific company, feel free to email me and I will let you know if I know a good point of contact.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Wednesday, normally "wordless"





Seemed like the Tuesday just sort of flew by & I fell asleep without posting. But I wanted to get my Wordless Wednesday Picture out there. Hope you enjoy it!

Monday, January 7, 2008

PATHOLOGY REPORT

Well, the Doctor called today and said that the pathology report came back today and that there were NO abnormal cells in my uterus! Which, of course, means NO CANCER! GOD IS SO GOOD & MERCIFUL!!!! Yet, another "daily miracle". . . You know, it is amazing how much the body can go through and still be such an amazing piece of work. Only a creator like GOD could make such a wonderfully complicated system.


It's funny. . . I never cease to be amazed at all that I have been through over the last 11 years of my life and yet, God continues to take care of me. I so desperately want to do His will and I continue to pray about it. Since sometime around Christmas 2005, I have felt Him calling me to be a "speaker". I know that He has a message for me to get out there and I know that He will provide that venue. I have no idea how He plans on doing it, but I just know that He will. He has gotten me through so much and continues to do so. And, I have had others that know me say to me " You should write a book about your life". Now, don't get me wrong. . . many other people in this world have been through far greater and more horrible circumstances that I, but I remain devoted to Christ and He continues to uplift me. Even an old boss of mine had said to me at one point that He was going to have be start praying for Him since He saw how wonderfully my prayers were always answered. Funny thing is, I was praying for him and that God would show him what He wanted him to do with his life . . . and He heeded the call. Now he is in business for himself and has created a really cool tool that has already proven to be a real hit!

If you have a story to share, about your life and a recent miracle. . . PLEASE email it to me as I will be composing a list of special stories for an upcoming series I will be doing on one of my blogs! onemommyslife@gmail.com
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