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?
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